I have read that a book can be promoted for any amount of time, not only on the heels of its release. Editor Barbara Leonhard from MasticadoresUSA proves this fact because my poetry collection, Ever So Gently, was released 16 months ago. So, I am honored and thrilled that my book is still being read with positive reviews flowing in after all this time.
Barbara says, “Scott’s poems may enable readers to find answers to their soul’s longings.” To read her beautiful review, a wonderful testimonial from Diana at Myths of the Mirror, and to learn more about my poetry collection, please click on the link below. I hope to see you at Barbara’s place. ❤️
Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful and evocative collection of sixty-five poems – a collection that she lovingly dedicates to her daughter whose name is Ariel. The poems were written over a period of three decades touching on topics of love, family, children, death, nature, and the unique. Some rhyme and others are free in their styles from traditional sonnets that invited me to contemplate, to twisted limericks that made me laugh. I had many favorites, but I’m sharing snippets from a few, otherwise, this review would turn into a novel.
Many poems brought a sense of nostalgia. “November” evoked memories of when the season changed into golds, yellows, and reds, the air brought a chill, and my parents were still with us, enjoying family weekends at our cabin – everyone was young, and the future looked brighter than ever.
When November came, We sat around the kitchen table after dark, Telling chilling tales Of ghosts and other phantoms of the night, While wooden logs crackled and burned On the old stone hearth, And a cold wind wrapped its spectral arms Around the ancient wooden cottage…
Dawn writes of her late father in “Rapping” which stirred emotions of my mother-in-law who departed from our world over thirty years ago. Our daughter was born the same year that Diane passed, and one evening from downstairs, we heard footsteps on the carpeted staircase when our little girl was sound asleep in her crib. No one else was in the house with us. So, was it Diane stealing a glance at her first precious grandchild? We imagined it was, and so we believed.
As a nature lover with a grateful heart for each new day “When the Morning Comes” hit home and really should be hung on refrigerators:
When the morning comes, Sun will shine with a different light, Earth will glow in a brand-new way, Moon will dance to a gayer tune, Clouds of pain will float away. Broken hearts will beat again, Empty eyes will see new life, Throats will open up and sing, Hands will break the chains of strife…
“I Hate Snakes” made me laugh out loud, but I can relate so well to the sentiments. Dawn’s vivid imagery summoned me along to explore with her in ‘the jungle’ and her frightening experience with snakes reminded me of my first encounter with a spider, which eventually turned into arachnophobia, causing a never-ending turbulent relationship with the creepy-crawlies.
I HATE SNAKES
I pushed open the creaky door to look inside And froze in shock at what I saw: Slithering, crawling, scaly snakes Formed a moving carpet on the floor, Entwining in an intimate embrace, Lying together in a clump of shimmering bodies, Moving slowly and surely in the rotten shadows. We beat a hasty retreat And never visited our ‘jungle’ again. And that’s why, even today, I HATE SNAKES!
Dawn’s collection of lovely, witty, and occasionally dark poetry, offers a verse and a sense of familiarity for everyone. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts!
Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend ahead! ❤️
My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚
I am thrilled to share another glowing review for my book, Ever So Gently, from Kaye Lynne Booth at writingtoberead.com. But first, here’s a little bit about Kaye:
She has been writing content on Writing to be Read since 2010, including book reviews, author interviews and reflections on writing. Her first novel, Delilah, was published by Dusty Saddles Publishing in 2016. (Recently re-released as a part of her Women in the West Adventure Series.)
To learn more about Kaye and to read her entire blog post, please click on the link below that follows her wonderful review:
Kaye’s Review:
For me, poetry is best enjoyed in print, where I can hold the book in my hands and leaf through the pages, taking in each poem in small doses, and revisting those poems which have sparked further thought in my mind. So, I was tickled to receive a print copy of Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry from author Lauren Scott. In this delightful collection, we hear the author’s confident approach to life, feel her inner appreciation of the natural world around her, and gain insight into value of connection with the people she loves and cares about.
Poetry is so personal, offering a window into the author’s soul, and EverSoGently does this beautifully. Many of the poems contained within resonated with me on a personal level. As a both nature and animal lover, the vivid images of the cautiously flitting hummingbird, a garden renewed, and beloved pets helped me to feel the moments described within each, as if witnessing or experiencing them.
Messages from the Sea
listen intently inhale, exhale, feel the calm your soul will thank you
secrets ride the waves ebbing, flowing in turquoise we are not privy
whispers in the surf ambiguous to discern relish in their song
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For Lauren Scott, nature is soothing, healing. I can relate with that as nature is also where I go for solace.
Chilling Embrace
I have been embraced by the chilling presence of loneliness. I have wondered where the niche designed for me exists in this world in which my breaths originate. I have waited for the glow to emerge behind the shadows. But when I take that soft step into the splendor of nature, listen to the trees whisper their sagacity, feel the flowing rivers move my pain, creating vast distance between it and me, I have been revived by the compassion that nature offers so unselfishly.
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But my very favorites were the poems in which she expressed her love of the written word, a love that I share, so can relate well with.
Books
Stories, poetry Compelling, transporting, entertaining Turning pages is exciting Paperbacks
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But my true favorite is the poem that shares the title the book is so aptly named for. In it I see clearly the author’s positive, grounded attitude toward life. A wonderful outlook, to be sure.
Ever So Gently
Sometimes we get lost in our thoughts… losing focus of the stars lighting up the night sky. We tumble too deeply into the frontal lobe, allowing negative thoughts to awaken, to throw a tantrum.
Remember, the breeze carries burdens down rivers and across oceans, majestic trees sway with joy, sheltering from shadows, and the light shines even if only a slight glimmer slips through.
Its glow will grow ever so gently into a bright beacon of hope rising with the golden sun bringing clarity to our vision.
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With her uplifting poetic verse Lauren Scott basks in the earth’s beauty, cherishes loved ones, ponders life’s mysteries. Highly recommended. I give Ever So Gently five quills.
Thanks again to Kaye for this beautiful review! I am delighted that she enjoyed my poetry collection because that is the ultimate wish…for the reader to find poems that resonate “as if witnessing or experiencing them” – Kaye’s words. My heart is full! And thanks to you who chose to visit my corner of blogville in the midst of your busy day. ❤️
While I was away from blogging, three more 5-star reviews gently flowed in for my book, Ever So Gently. These beautiful reviews added light to the initial reason for my break. And the true reward is learning how my poems resonate with others. So for me, the stars align. ⭐️ Thank you again to Colleen,Robbie, and Miriam. I appreciate you all! ❤️🙏🏻
Another tidbit to share is that my son was recently visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, relaxing by Bear Lake at 9,500 feet elevation after a good hike while reading my book. You may remember that he painted the cover for me on canvas and also helped in the tedious formatting process. But he hadn’t read the poems. And my family is honest, so if there’s something they don’t like, they’ll tell me without hesitation (lovingly, of course). 🙂 Well, he absolutely loved the nature poems, and is currently reading the rest of the book. Fingers crossed, he feels the same way about part 2 and 3. Anyway, I love this photo he sent meand am grateful that my 28-year-old son is taking the time to read ‘his mom’s’ book. ❤️
And now for the wonderful reviews…
From Robbie:
Ever So Gently: A collection of poems is a beautiful memoir of the poet’s life and experiences, mellowed by experience and understanding, and told through carefully selected words. The poems are a mixture of freestyle and syllabic and share some vivid and delightful imagery that celebrates important moments in the poet’s life.
For me, the emphasis with this collection is on the softening of the poet’s attitude towards, and views, on life gained through experience and living. This message, reflected in the title “Ever So Gently” and the beautiful and peaceful cover, is wonderful and absorbing. Its subtle repetition throughout this book is like slipping into a warm bubble bath. It evokes the same delightful sense of peace and calm. My words must not be misunderstood to mean that none of the poems demonstrate moments of anguish and angst, as that is not the case. Those moments, that are so catastrophic and devastating to the poet at the time of occurrence are there, but their harshness is lessened through acceptance and understanding gained over the passage of time.
A few verses that I particularly enjoyed:
“A lone sailboat glides by pausing for the unfolding. With hair the color of an egret, an older man leans against a stump.” From The Sun Knows
“raindrops vacillate layers hold their own secrets delicate delight” From The Peach Rose
“Each purl stitch was interwoven with love from her gentle touch. She, the teacher, me, the student, as our bodies sank into the sofa checkered in a 70’s palette. From The Old Afghan
The two poems that I related to the most were The Mess and Young Campers, both about the poets children. This book is a celebration of life, the good and the less good.
From Colleen:
“Ever So Gently” asks us to accompany the author on a profound journey into the human condition seen through her own experiences. Scott has a way of making the mundane things in life a positive poetic event. That upbeat theme lasts throughout the book.
She split the book into three sections: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, the Chaos, the Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought. The author explores nature and how she relates to those quiet times when nature calls her name. The next section deals with the love in her life. The last section deals with the author’s deeper nature as she explores her feelings in greater detail.
I was surprised to see an excellent collection of haiku and other forms of syllabic poetry in the book. It was easy to connect with the variety of poems and themes. I enjoyed all of them!
I had two favorite poems. One was called “The Sign” and the other, “Ever So Gently.” Both poems are contemplative in nature, but filled with hope for the good things in life to enrich our lives.
From Miriam:
Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott is a cozy and delightful read. I love the pastel color scheme of the cover. It conveys a soft feeling like the fluffy feathers caressing my skin. Her son Michael painted the cover on canvas. The title and the cover join in a beautiful harmony.
Even though this was an autumn evening, I snuggled in front of my fireplace, let the flames warm my face, and let Scott’s words warm my heart. By looking at the content, I knew gems were waiting to be found. This collection is divided into three parts. The first part touches on nature, the second part on relationships and loved ones, and the third part on thoughts in life.
Scott painted nature with her soft strokes. “Cottony clouds drift by. We want to move into them, feel their softness enfold us.” “Tiny threads of peace weave into the marrow of our souls mending any fretting that stirred.” “I wonder if pine needles wiggle in delight until they float to the earth…” The vivid imagery invited my presence in her natural world with the hummingbird, the sunflower, the peach rose, the lantana, the rocks, and the shiny shells.
Scott shared her joyous moments of meeting her husband and their newfound love. “Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness.” She missed her son and daughter, who were grown and gone. She would leave her son’s room messy to remind her of his presence. The days when the children were little were greatly missed. She reminisced about the younger days when her parents moved from place to place and she missed old friends. The old Afghan reminded her of the memory and wisdom of her mom. One Sunday afternoon, she had the last conversation with her dad. “His voice offers no response, silent for eternity, his body, a shell.” Scott’s memorable moments reminded me of my own with my husband, my daughter, and my parents.
The poem “Things I Know, Believe and Imagine” posted a valuable question. “I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the street, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?” A Two-Wheel Getaway told a cheerful story of meeting biking strangers who became instant friends. The star poem Ever So Gently conveyed the message of hope.
“Its [star’s] glow will grow ever so gently Into a bright beacon of hope Rising with the golden sun Bringing clarity to our vision.”
Thank you for visiting today, and I hope these touching reviews entice you into reading my collection.
I am delighted to feature Balroop Singh’s latest release, Fusion: Poems of Life. This beautiful collection of poetry is about enduring the struggles, reveling in the joys, and knowing that one can’t exist without the other. If you haven’t met Balroop, I suggest you visit her beautiful site, Emotional Shadows.
To purchase, please click on image.
BOOK BLURB:
Fusion is the elixir of life. We seek it in every aspect of the cosmos. The magic of fusion manifests itself in the colors of dawn and dusk, in the melodies of nature, in the singing of birds, in the miniscule moments of joy, inspiring us to live in harmony with each other despite the edges that threaten to swallow us.
The poems in this collection are an amalgamation of harmonies and edges that bind us firmly. We have to wade into murky waters to measure the depth. We have to risk the heights to know our worth. Slippery snow makes us learn how to create footholds. Some songs of life dilute in the hourglass of time to erase the shadows – dark or light, all the colors play an equal role to create a fusion.
MY REVIEW:
Fusion by Balroop Singh is truly medicine for the soul. I’ve read several books by this author, and she never disappoints with her excellent writing. This book is a lovely poetry collection consisting of over eighty poems broken into three parts: Harmonies, Visceral Vibes, and Edges. I enjoyed reading the poems over a few evenings. Singh implores us to embrace the harmonies in spite of the edges that attempt to knock us down. These edges can build up clutter in our minds, but she expresses how harmonies provide the magic to soften them. I suggest you read slowly to absorb her profound messages, stunning imagery, and creativity that stirs up an array of emotions. I have too many favorite poems to list, so I’ll highlight a few…
The first poem, “Colors of Life” is a great beginning because of the inspiration it offers: “Ashen and gray may jolt us/but life keeps its smile/if we let the clouds pass/And revel in starry delight.”
While reading “Hugs” I am reminded how special an embrace is, and how this simple, yet comforting gesture was stolen from us during the lockdown of the pandemic. Who would’ve imagined?
Singh’s adoration for nature resonates as I love spending time in the outdoors, especially in the mountains with only a tent to call home. These lines from “Together” evoke memories of the tranquil and adventurous times on the trail with my husband: “A power that we discovered/In the mountains/A power that enchanted us/Lost in the wilderness/But blessed to be together.” And I could almost hear ‘the pine tree twig nudge the other’ in “Unknown Ties.”
In this fast-paced world filled with chaos, the whimsical imaginings in “Bliss of Solitude” bring a smile: “To fly on the silvery clouds to touch the horizon/To soak in the glory of gossamer rain drops/To sing with the wondrous wind that frees my spirit.”
Her words paint pictures that are simply exquisite, such as in verses from “Just Pause.”
I stepped out on my patio I was amazed To see that the sun had descended On earth!
It happened to get stuck In the pine tree That turned golden, Wrapped in bright yellow.
I will remember this gorgeous image when I observe the miracle of another sunset.
Singh prompts us in “When” with profound questions that we’ve all contemplated: “When will the sun paint the sky with colors of kindness?”
Even though Singh’s poetry is personal, many of the poems ring true with my experiences and ideas. I highly recommend this lovely collection for those who enjoy beautiful poetry, and who might also need medicine for the soul. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MEET THE AUTHOR:
A former teacher and an educator, a passionate reader, a published writer, I have always lived through my heart. My students have been my true inspiration and I have learnt many lessons of life while teaching them and interacting with them through discussions. Youngsters are like a breath of fresh air and you can speak your mind and heart spontaneously in their company. Their idealism and innocence always gave a new hope to me, strengthening my belief that our future is in safe hands.
I am a great nature lover, I love to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure me with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. I can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through my garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on me. Like the busy modern people, competing with each other at a breathtaking speed, I have also spent the best part of my life in pursuing all those chores and am so glad to have all the time for myself now.
I have all those blessings that a person can crave for. Happily married for 40+ years, I have four lovely grandchildren. I love to travel, read good books and poetry. My friends have always called me optimistic though I have my share of murky times. I draw my inspiration from people, which has become a habit now, may be because I have spent a lot of time in the company of students and parents whose observations helped my imaginative aspect. A published poet and author, I’ve written six poetry books and three non-fiction – self-help books. Visit my Amazon author page: goo.gl/X1NEFf
This blog is all about people, their emotions, how emotions mould personalities and what is our role in all this.I am here to share my thoughts and experiences in my pursuit of happiness.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’ll leave with a copyof Fusion: Poems of Life!
Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is always so kind and generous to support authors in promoting their books, and I’m thrilled that she featured my latest, Ever So Gently. If you haven’t met Sally, please visit her site. She is a pillar in this wonderful community. Here’s what Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is all aboutin Sally’s words:
“Smorgasbord Blog Magazine was the follow on to a physical newsletter that I published every month for two years, on subscription to listeners to my radio show.. I expanded the original format which was mainly health articles, to including book marketing, music, humour, lifestyle, cookery and food and short stories. My aim was to create a watering hole that provided a wide number of topics to chat about….This has now developed further to provide a platform for other authors to share their work. This year the blog celebrates twelve years, ten of them as Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.”
In this series authors were invited to share an excerpt of 500 words from any of their published books .
Submissions are now closed for this series but there will be another in early 2024.. My thanks to all who have participated.
Today I am sharing a poem by Lauren Scott…from her recent releaseEver So Gently: A Collection of Poems.
About the collection
In Ever So Gently, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.
Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.
Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.
Book trailer created by Robbie Cheadle with my photos.
One of the poems from the collection in honour of Lauren’s father-in-law:
She Listens
He cares for his father whose body tires, pain raging at cyclone force from one hundred years of living a lifetime. Yes, one hundred years! We were thrilled to celebrate this monumental milestone, but our emotions undulate – who wishes to watch a loved one suffer?
Another week of work comes to an end. With glass of wine in hand, we exhale on the patio. Then the sun says, “Good night, my dear friends,” as he descends, making room for the moon.
And when the moon appears, Oh, my! She takes our breath away! Bright and bold as if she senses we could use light in our souls. She pays attention, but most importantly, she listens. And though the stars act a bit bashful, they eavesdrop, and we are fine that they do.
The moon and stars hear us, just an ordinary couple enjoying a Friday evening but with heavy hearts. Their absolute attention, imagine this, out of all eyes gazing at the brilliant sky – we know the moon’s lustrous presence is for us alone.
Then we rise from our seats and head into the house, feeling relaxed from the wine’s fluidity, and appreciative that our troubles have been received.
Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”
From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.
From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!
I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…” Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style: “And water hasnt caressed the hills The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.” “Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.” “How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)
A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion.
Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lab, Copper; they have two grown children.
She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and her latest book is a poetry collection, Ever So Gently, that was released in July 2023. Her poetry has been published on Spillwords Press, and she was voted author of the Month for May 2023. Lauren is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022) and This is How We Grow (2023).
She has recently finished her first children’s book and is working with her illustrator, planning to publish it in early 2024. Her writing inspiration comes from love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.
Thanks again, Sally, and thanks to you who have purchased my book and who have written wonderful reviews. The happy dance continues and my heart is full of gratitude. ❤️❤️
Lately, my days are spent ‘over the moon’ because of the incredible reviews coming in for my book, Ever So Gently. Cindy at Unique Times shared her lovely review of my book, and once you read it, you’ll know whyI love that moon!
Cindy is a wonderful friend in this community. She is generous, funny, kind, uplifting, and real. She also recently published her debut book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Realitythat can be purchased here. “Through her transformational techniques and practices, which she has gained from decades of experience in the field of life coaching, she provides a teaching memoir and workbook containing the tools to build a blueprint to a life of fulfillment, inner peace and happiness.” Check out the 5-star reviews on Amazon where you’ll also find mine, and if you don’t already have Cindy’s book sitting on your coffee table, get your copy now!
And now for Cindy’s awesome review of Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems:
Ever So Gently is A Collection of Poems by author, Lauren Scott, who walks us through her day with the first encounter of morning light “Ever So Gently” to start our day. I’m absolutely delighted to share her latest book with you and share some of my favorite poems from her wonderful new book.
If you haven’t met Lauren yet, you’re in for a treat. Lauren lights up our blogging world in the most supportive of ways with her comments and support of other writers. I am always inspired by how much she is able to do working, caring for her FIL, children, husband and writing reviews.
Her book is divided into 3 segments to set the tone and is an entree into all of the flavors of her writing which is beautiful, sometimes whimsical, inspiring, and always insightful.
~ The Wisdom of Nature takes you on a journey of her daily encounters with the great outdoors.
~ The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones represents all of characters in her life that are so endearing to her.
~ Lost In Thought is an inner journey of her insights, questions and joy through her observations.
Each transports you into her inner world of reflection that give her life meaning and richness.
In her first section you can feel her words float through the winds by her well articulated choice of words which beacon you to sit and take in the horizon or get up close and personal to the hummer and ponder questions as you bask in the moment.
She starts off with a poignant poem to give you a glimmer into her mornings with her beloved at her side to share it with. You can almost feel the respite of their lovely setting in their Marin home in a gentle tranquil setting with their dog, Copper, underfoot.
When we stroll among the redwood trees, our steps slow down, we are in good company. There is no reason to rush and we won’t hesitate to hug them with open arms, because why not? They deserve reverence for their generosity. In their company, fine fibers of peace flow through our hearts and souls, centering us. Any worries burdening our minds fall to the earth to be walked upon and buried. We listen as the leaves whisper in the breeze, Be filled with joy and do not fret, for their is no time for that nonsense.
Her words are a journey much like the ones we are all on but unique to her personal insights, experience and family.
Lauren’s love of connection with nature and people ring through on every page paying homage to each one that has touched her heart in a most powerful and profound way. Her poems epitomize the sacred time with family and friends.
She knows loss and shares that in many of her poems but the one that shines through to me the most is the one about her mom who is near and dear to her heart.
Mom’s Plea
I remember our conversation…. the effort it took to calm my emotions, phone glued to my ear like a natural extension. Days later Mom asked Dad, “When will this be over?” He could be gentle or travel the path of honesty. I don’t know the words he pulled from a seventy-year love…. how he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables, since his heart was shattering into millions of tiny fragments. Her time was close. Our awareness vigilant. Each day, another breath held until the hands of time would pause. Then as quickly as a gray sky opens on a winter day, she had ascended. Memories of her loving spirit followed in the years to come. But not one day passes withouther gracing our thoughts. Not one day slips by without her knowing our lives are changed forever.
She captures the essence of the moment with her poetic charm and style, leaving you able to ponder your thoughts.
This is Scott’s 4th book that impresses upon the reader just how special and sacred each day is.
In the lost in thought she explores a range of emotions which beg for answers and an invitation to explore your inner world. I loved her poem in this segment,
Maybe
When you sit by the window, evading life’s demands watching hummingbirds flit about, do you wonder if our existence is the only breathing form? Who’s to assume we’re alone with stars millions of miles away glistening in the night? Maybe other beings wonder if they are simply a tiny atom or molecule floating in the larger picture. Maybe we’re just a raindrop in someone else’s universe.
Each word is peppered with her love and memory of her parents, her soulmate, Matt, whom every moment is one of wonderment and joy, her children and the love they share. A delightful read with your morning Coffee or tea or sitting in your garden for an afternoon pick me up. ~Cindy at Unique Times
If you don’t also have this collection sitting on your coffee table, click on the image to purchase. 💚
I can’t thank you enough, Cindy! Just knowing your takeaways from my book are rewarding, and then your amazing review is the icing on the cake. And thanks to everyone who has bought my book and shared their wonderful reviews! 🙏🏻
My wish for you after reading this poetry collection is that you’ll discover a few poems that evoke a special memory or act as a reminder that you are not alone in living with your emotions. Maybe you’ll get a good laugh or experience an ‘aha’ moment. Above all, when you turn the last page, may you discover the reward of living ever so gently. 🩵
I would like to introduce you to my wonderful friend, Selma Martin, and spotlight her debut poetry book that was released in July, In the Shadow of Rainbows. If you haven’t met Selma, I suggest you visit her ‘corner on the web’ where she shares her brilliant poetry in all forms. You will be glad you did! So sit back, relax, get comfy, and enjoy the Q & A:
1. Tell me something about yourself/your life that readers wouldn’t know otherwise:
I think you will smile at this. But not too long ago, when the younger of my two sons was in high school, I was the lead singer in a school band. Yup, me! This is how it happened: besides offering extracurricular classes to its students on Saturdays, my son’s school offered to the kids’ parents. My husband, a history enthusiast, opted for history classes, and I, hoping to cover the same two hours at the school as him, chose to spend my time practicing in a music group. And get this, not just any group–a Samba group! Are you smiling yet? Seeing as I don’t play any instruments, I was bestowed the honor of lead singer… and you got it– yup, Portuguese language! Years prior, I took an off-campus extension course in Portuguese and felt an affinity with the language, so seeing that option in the list drew me in. We practiced hard– at my house, in studios during the week, and on Saturdays at the high school and performed at school events for two years in a row. It was so much fun–that feeling has remained with me as precious. Time well spent.
2. Tell me why you wrote In The Shadow of Rainbows:
I enjoy writing. And I attribute this to my late mother who encouraged me to write thank-you notes to friends and acquaintances for everything. We were not affluent, so these appreciation notes did plenty for us. As a young girl, my late mother got me my first pen pal from abroad, and I learned the real joy of sending, receiving, and waiting on precious letters to arrive. My mother was the only one who kept loyal to my hand-written letters when I left home. And whenever she found requests for submissions in old magazines (usually outdated), she always sent them my way. But I was never brave or confident or felt worthy enough to do any of that. After Mom died in 2014 and thereafter felt at a loss when no letters arrived for me, I felt prompted to seek a way to fill that void. I enrolled in an online writing community in 2017, started blogging and pen-paling (through my newsletters), and interacting with like-minded writers until eventually I arrived here, and writing a poetry book felt like the right thing to do. Because my mother found me worthy, and others have shown that they like my words, I dedicated my first book to the people investing their trust in me and holding my book. And to me, that translates to my dear mother looking down at me from heaven approvingly.
In ‘In The Shadow of Rainbows’ I include a page about what I want my poems to do: I want to contribute a verse; want to write poems of awareness; want my poetry to be a springboard to the sacred; want to delight you; and attempt to offer a form to heal. ‘Are you my mother?’ Each poem will ask. The poems are not autobiographical, and in the 60+ in this book, there’s only one poem ‘about’ MY mother. All the others are about someone else, and now that you know more about my intent in this collection, I invite readers to come find their poems.
3. Share one poem from the book and tell me what inspired it:
Slice of Life
Flanked between two wanings, I live you, planting the light hours with loving acts, for you, for us, for our ménage, and when I meet the dusk, filled, ready for our mingling at the table, where we swap slices of lived moments of the same day, hearts swell replete.
I chose one of the shortest poems in the collection to share with you. It’s strategically placed as the penultimate poem in the book, and I’m happy to elucidate on this poetry form that touched me. In its true form, it’s a Kwansaba poem, an African American verse form of praise: a praise poem that celebrates family. The Kwansaba (Swahili kwan -first fruit/saba -principle) was created in 1995 by Eugene B Redmond, East St. Louis Poet Laureate and professor of English at Southern Illinois University-East St. Louis. The form was developed in honor of the celebration of Kwanzaa. The poetic form adopts the number 7 from Kwanzaa’s Nguzo Saba (7 principles) as well as embraces its roots in the South African tradition of the Praise Poem. The 7 principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each day of the celebration focuses on one of the principles. Isn’t this just such a beautiful principle? I think it is, as all the principles take off at unity which starts at the family level. (ready for our mingling at the table).
I wrote it originally for a dVerse prompt in December 2021–then, I abbreviated some words to meet the exact count of sevens but changed it a bit for clarity to include in the book. It’s about family, and I hope you like it.
To preview Selma’s book and to purchase your very own copy, click below:
4. If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?
Just for you: Stop waiting for Friday. For summer. For someone to fall in love with you. For luck. For permission.
Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it.
Stop looking for yourself in others. In things. In outside validation. In trends. In drugs.
Everything you are is already within you. Trust!
Make the best of the moment you are in now, for this moment is the only one that matters. Please make it so that WHEREVER you go, you ARE there. Fully present.
Believe that you are no mistake. Believe that you are the Miracle you’ve been waiting for.
Selma Martin is a retired English teacher with 20 years of teaching children ESL. She believes in people’s goodness and in finding balance in simple living. She lives in Japan with her husband of thirty-three years. In 2018, Selma participated in a networking course whose final lesson was to publish a story on Amazon. After many failed attempts, she completed the course and self-published her short story, Wanted: Husband/Handyman, in 2019. Later, collaborating with peers from that course, she published Wanted: Husband/Handyman in an anthology, Once Upon A Story: A Short Fiction Anthology. Selma has published stories on Medium for many years, in MasticadoresUSA, The Poetorium At Starlight, Short Fiction Break, and Spillwords. After her first NaPoWriMo 2021, Selma writes poetry on her website, selmamartin.com, and in July 2023, published a debut poetry collection on Amazon. You can find Selma, selmawrites, on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. But if you wish to engage and create a meaningful interaction with Selma: add value, nurture trust, and share engaging content from the ordinary perspective of someone navigating life in today’s high-paced culture, you may join her once-a-month pen pal newsletter. She goes slower and savors the gentle rhythm of life, much like her practice of snail mail, which she learned so many many moons ago.
You can connect with Selma on her blog, selmamartin.com and the other social media platforms below:
Thanks always for stopping by, and I hope you’ll immerse yourself in the tranquility of Selma’s lovely book! Tomorrow, I will post my 5-star review, so I hope to see you then! ❤️
