I’m delighted to be featured on Sally’s blog today where she shares her truly lovely review of my poetry collection, Ever So Gently. Here’s a sneak peek of the review:
What a delightful, thought provoking and emotive collection of poetry from Lauren Scott.
I savoured each of the three segments of the book. I was engaged from the first poem to the last as the author shared her reflections on nature, her love of family through early days, love and loss, and her thoughts on life, the people around us, the world and the universe.
In the ‘Wisdom of Nature’ Scott captures the essence of the natural world around us, the majesty of the redwood and the colours of autumn. Feathered visitors with tributes such as in ‘The Humming Bird’s Quest’ and ‘Feathered Friends’. There is also recognition of how the tragedy of wildfires can devastate lives leaving nothing but ashes.
To continue reading the review, click on the link below that will take you to Sally’s wonderful blog. Thanks again, Sally! 🩷
I know these promotional posts tend to get repetitive, and yet, it has been so exciting and humbling to receive such generous support from my fellow friends in this warm blogging community. I appreciate you who have followed along, liked, or even left a comment on the several tour stops. And before I move forward to share Selma’s post, I have a silly confession to make…a week ago, I was making changes on my blog and accidentally closed comments on all posts. I can’t believe I did this, but I mention this because if you tried to leave a comment on the early tour stops and weren’t able to, comments have been reopened. Not that you have the time to go back. We barely have time to go forward! 🙂 So, maybe it’s too late, but I wanted to let you know. Now for today, I am sharing my lovely friend’s promotional post, Selma Martin, which also includes her stunning 5-star review. For those of you who don’t know Selma, please visit her blog by clicking here to read her beautiful and amazing poetry.
Introducing You To My Author Friend, Lauren Scott
Hello, reader friends. How about that heat, huh? It’s coming to the end of the month and I have yet to find a pleasant day, temperature-wise. The only respite I get is in slow reading the many books I’ve purchased. Thank God for good books!
Today, I’m tearing at the seams and cannot wait to tell you and help shift your attention to something gentle that exists in the world today: A new book, Ever So Gently, by Lauren Scott, owner of the following website:
The first time I mentioned Author Lauren Scott was back in May when I posted an Amazon review of the first book of hers I read, released in 2021. Here’s a refresher.
And now, Author Lauren Scott has a new release: A collection of poems that will linger Ever So Gently in your soul.
There’s just so much I wish to tell you about Lauren, but first, an interview I conducted with her recently.
Tell me something about yourself/your life that readers wouldn’t know otherwise.
If you’ve read my memoir, More than Coffee, then you’ll know this fun fact…when I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to be a professional singer. I wanted to be just like Barbra Streisand.
Her voice lulled me to sleep on many nights in my youth. So, I performed concerts in my living room for my family, singing into my precious hairbrush microphone, and I sang in school choirs as I grew older. I won best vocalist in choir and first place in my senior talent show. I also performed a rock gospel song on a church choir tour, performing in several venues on the east coast. I sang the same song in front of an audience of 2000 people, and what an experience! I reveled in those exhilarating spotlight moments, and then my dream changed. And that’s okay because we can have more than one dream. But I am grateful for these amazing memories, and now writing has slid into that dream slot.
Tell me about ‘Ever So Gently’ and why you wrote it.
I’m thrilled to give you a little back story…I had organized this 90-poem collection into three parts: Nature, Love, and Life, and yet a book title still remained in hiding. And then one of my poems stood out titled, “Ever So Gently,” and it’s as though a lightbulb turned on. Everything clicked. Then I began to ponder how we live each day. It’s easy to live ‘gently’ when things happen according to our plans. But what if they don’t? What if heartache befalls us? Do we react ‘gently’ or do we press the panic button? I’ve done both, but I’m trying to focus on ‘gentle.’ And while in this mindset, I thought of the love my heart has felt, the tranquility and companionship of nature, and the good and not so good that life has tossed my way. So, I offer you the beginning of my introduction in the book…
“Ever So Gentlyexpresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart, full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.”
CHECK OUT A CONVENIENT PREVIEW OF THE BOOK HERE:
Share one poem from the book and tell me what inspired it.
My husband and I have been empty nesters for two years now, and we’re proud of our daughter and son for chasing their dreams, for paving their own paths. But their dreams happened to be across the country. So, between all of us flying back and forth, texting, talking on the phone, and zooming, we stay in touch. But for me, it’s not the same. I miss them so much that sometimes it hurts. We only get one ride around the sun, and I’d prefer that my ride be closer in distance to them. Maybe someday it will. I hope so, but in the meantime, I wrote the poem below:
The Same Sky
I don’t know if I should feel embarrassed about having a moment that lasted for a day, and there is no point in fighting the tears. They are winners.
Would other parents think differently? Not that I care because…
I loathe the many miles between us as though they have done me wrong, becoming my enemy.
But the consolation is knowing that when my eyes look upward, when I exhale acceptance, we share the same vivid blue sky.
The distance, simply geography.
If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?
Be you. It’s as simple as that, but it’s not always simple to discard the mask. Try not to free the negative voices in your head. Do what makes you happy because you only get one chance. This is it. Live gently, live kindly toward others, and be true to yourself. I believe happiness will follow.
Dear people, add this video to your options when deciding if you’re ready for a book that speaks “ever so gently” on your soul.
Lauren Scott’s Bio
Lauren Scott is a poet, an author 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. Her new collection of poetry, Ever So Gently, was published in July 2023. She is a published author at Spillwords Press and was voted Author of the Month for May 2023. She is also a contributing author in the anthology, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2021) and in the anthology, This is How We Grow, released July 2023. Lauren’s writing inspiration comes from her love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.
An exclusive from the Author–COMING SOON:
I have finished my first children’s book, and I’m working with my illustrator,aiming to release it at the end of the year or early 2024. This is an excitingnew adventure.
For more updates, please click on Baydreamer’s Website above to inhabit the ever so gentle world of Lauren Scott.
Thanks for reading. Tomorrow I will post my Amazon review here for you.
And now for Selma’s elegant and stunning review:
Read it slowly, and savor it long
Ever So Gently–A collection of poems by Lauren Scott, a book of 126 pages, is a beautiful collection to savor more than once. In a combination of poetry forms like free verse, haiku and tanka, etheree, shadorma, and others, the Author celebrates family memories and present moments and reflections on where she is in her life today. Read it slowly and feel the words cause your own memories to float to the surface.
The book is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost In Thought. In Part 2, there’s even a poem from the perspective of Copper, her Labrador—a clear indication of the different loves in the Author’s life. Undeniably you will find the words swell your heart with gratitude too.
I recommend Ever So Gently to anyone who knows how to tap into and make much of the happy moments in life. Because life is not always a bed of roses, yet beautiful things happen all the time. Any of the poems will have resonance. What, with language like these excerpts from the book:
“That this routine, though simple to some, would not be the same, would not provide the comforting experience if one of us was not present? I shudder to imagine such a scenario…” ~Toots and Circles\
“the soil exhaled and my lantana sang “Hallelujah!” ~ October’s Miracle\
“When I reminisce to these years, memories make me pause… to a time when I witnessed their laughter and tears,” ~The Tiny Town\
“a little bit more. I’m sure she knows the amount of residence she claims in my heart. Then again, it is quite difficult to quantify.” ~A Little Bit More\
“Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal.” ~The Blue Down Jacket\
“Life is like a package wrapped in festive paper.” ~Darker Than The Deepest Sea\
All the poems offered me a tender glimpse into Scott’s life. One calm evening to read through this poetry collection is all I needed to recognize how much I have in common with this Author. That she and her husband are empty nesters puts me right in her shoes. So the poem that will remain tucked safely in my happy place is the following:
“I find comfort in the clothes\ strewn on the floor\ soon to be dumped in the washer,\ wallet lying on the dresser,\ cell charging, bed comforter\ in shambles\because the messiness\ displays his presence.\ Now with air miles accumulated\ back in his time zone,\ the room shines in all its cleanliness,\ the neatness grating on my nerves,\ the silence, a cold shoulder.\ My hand pulls back the comforter,\ tousling, creating wrinkles\ in the navy fabric, then I pull\ some old shirts from the closet,\ tossing them on the floor.\ I can certainly pretend\ he’s just out with friends…”\\ The Mess, p.59
I hope you’re ready for just such a book, serene and enticing, that will speak ever so gently to your soul. I cannot wait to read more poetry like this from this Author. 5-star from a satisfied customer.
A huge hug to Selma for her exquisite presence in this blog tour!
And I want to thank my wonderful friends for their exceptional support from the beginning:
Robbie kicked off the tour on August 2nd, and she also created the awesome book trailer using my photos.
Sally featured me on August 3rd for her ‘new book on the shelves’ post.
Balroop continued with the tour on August 7th, sharing my book and her stunning review.
Colleen conducted a fabulous interview on August 21st for her ‘Meet the Poet’ series.
Resa grabbed the reins on August 20th (after my wilderness break) creating an elegant interview and stunning review.
Diana read my book early, wrote a beautiful 5-star review, along with a beautiful testimonial for the back cover.
If you missed their posts, I invite you to check them out. And if you haven’t met Selma or any of these wonderful bloggers and writers, I encourage you to get to know them. Your blogging experience will be greatly enriched. 💜
I was excited when Colleen at wordcraftpoetry.com invited me to be featured in her Meet the Poet series. This is part of the blog tour for my book, Ever So Gently. And if you’re following along, I greatly appreciate YOU!
She created the interview which gave me an opportunity to talk about poetry and to discuss Ever So Gently. What a wonderful way to meet new authors and to learn more about the writing process of the authors we already know and love. If you haven’t met Colleen, please visit her site and take your time perusing around. She is the queen of syllabic poetry!
Here’s what Colleen has to say about her wonderful series:
This is a way to get to know more about the poets and their work. Many of our poets have written both fiction and non-fiction and published and self-published their works.
Some of our poets are also artists, crafting their magic through watercolors or other artistic means along with the written word. There are even a few musicians in our poetic community!
At least once a month, I’ll be introducing you to the poets in our community! Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and meet the poet!
A preview of our interview:
(L) Hi Colleen. Thanks so much for your invitation. I’m really looking forward to our chat.
(C) Hi Lauren! I’m glad you stopped by! How long have you been writing syllabic poetry? What’s the first form of syllabic poetry you wrote?
(L) I’ve been writing syllabic poetry since I started my blog, baydreamerwrites.com, over eleven years ago. The first form I explored was haiku. I love the idea of painting a picture or evoking an emotion with so few words. Since then, I have taken the challenge by trying other forms such as Tanka, Etheree, Shadorma, Didactic Cinquain, Oddquain, and Double Ennead, which was created by you, Colleen.
(C) Thanks, Lauren. I’m glad you enjoyed writing the Double Ennead. I know you have published several poetry books, and a brand-new poetry book you’ve just published called Ever So Gently. Tell us about the book and why you wrote it.
To read the rest of our interview, please visit Colleen’s posthere, or click on the blog link below!
I have to add that while conversing with Rebecca Budd on Colleen’s post, she invited me to be a guest in 2024 (her 6th year) on her Tea Toast & Trivia Podcast . I am honored and so excited for this opportunity. Thanks to Colleen for opening this door and to Rebecca for opening it just a little bit wider.
And to purchase a copy of Ever So Gently, you can clickhere or on the image above. A huge Thanks to you who have read my book or who are currently reading the collection. I hope you find a poem or two that you can call your own, and by the turn of the last page, I hope you’ll discover the reward of living ever so gently.
Thanks always for stopping by to show your support, and Colleen, you rock! I loved doing this interview with you and am grateful for being featured in your Meet the Poet series.
~ Lauren ❤️❤️
To read the rest of our interview, please visit Colleen’s posthere, or click on the blog link below!
And if you missed any part of the tour, check out my prior posts. Thank you!
Today, I am more than excited to be featured on Resa’s blog. If you know Resa, you’ll understand how her words about my poetry collection fit exquisitely. Here’s a glimpse of what she felt:
“I read the poems in order, but not at first. Deciding to try a different approach, I dove into the book like it was a box of chocolates. I read whatever poem in any order, as the fancy lead. Yet, as delicious as it all was; it’s more than confection.
It’s like collecting beautiful fabrics and trims. Poems were read, materials collected and a pattern designed. When the poems were over, they had draped a rich, beautifully adorned gown over my spirit.”
To read the full interview with her gorgeous images and creativity, please visit her post.
I am delighted to be featured on Balroop Singh’s blog today, Emotional Shadows, as the blog tour continues for my latest release, Ever So Gently. Balroop shares her stunning review that has me over the moon! Please visit her blog if you haven’t already met Balroop. She is a fabulous poet!
And I’m sharing the book trailer again below that Robbie Cheadle created with my photos:
Balroop’s 5-Star review:
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.
Thank you again, Balroop! ❤️
My book is available in paperback and e-book versions.
If you’ve already bought a copy, Thank you! And if you’re currently reading my collection, I hope you’re enjoying it and discovering the reward of living ever so gently. And just a gentle reminder that book reviews are like hugs to Indie Authors, so your ‘hug’ would be greatly appreciated. 🙏🏻
Thank you for stopping by and for your support! Visit Balroop’s posthere.
I’m delighted to be featured on Sally’s Smorgasbord blog! She shares new books on the shelves and is always so generous and willing to help other authors. Please check out her blog to read the full post. Thanks so much, Sally! 💖
I also want to thank everyone who has already bought a copy, and I truly hope you enjoy the collection. Yesterday, another review was posted to Amazon and Goodreads, and let’s just say, “I’m over the moon!” Stay tuned for the next post on the blog tour that will be on Monday, August 7th. You may get tired of seeing these posts, the joys of a book launch, but I appreciate you stopping by and reading. ❤️
I am excited to be featured today on Robbie Cheadle’s blog, Robbie’s Inspiration. She is helping with the promotion for my new book, while also sharing her beautiful review of my prior book, More than Coffee. Please visit her site to read more! Thanks again, Robbie! ❤️
I am thrilled to announce the release of my new poetry collection, Ever So Gently! But first let me tell you the meaning behind the title…
I had organized this 90-poem collection into three parts: Nature, Love, and Life, and yet a book title still remained in hiding. And then one of my poems stood out titled, “Ever So Gently” and it’s as though a lightbulb turned on. Everything clicked. Then I began to ponder how we live each day. It’s easy to live ‘gently’ when things happen according to our plans. But what if they don’t? What if heartache befalls us? Do we react ‘gently’ or do we press the panic button? I’ve done both, but I’m trying to focus on ‘gentle.’ And while in this mindset, I thought of the love my heart has felt, the tranquility and companionship of nature, and the good and not so good that life has tossed my way. So, I offer you the beginning of my introduction in the book…
“Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.“
Fun fact: My son offered to create a book cover for me, so I told him that I wanted an organic design unlike my prior book covers, and I wanted soothing, gentle colors: pastel blues, greens, a little white. Bodies of water came to mind, a freshwater lake, a gentle flowing river, or the calming of the sea. So, to my surprise, instead of using the computer, he painted the cover on canvas. I couldn’t be more ecstatic with the beautiful, gloss paperback cover. Thank you, Michael!
AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK AND E-BOOK VERSIONS.
Book Blurb:
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.
I am so grateful to Robbie Cheadle for creating the incredible book trailer below with my photos. I get goosebumps each time I view and listen. Thank you, Robbie!
And Thank You to Diana W. Peach for reading my book early and posting a beautiful 5-star review (below):
When I read Scott’s poetry, I know I’ll unearth thoughts and feelings deeply personal to her life, reflections that will undoubtedly resonate with mine. The experience of what it is to be human, the shared longings and losses, and the way love shapes our days is the thread that ties this collection together.
This book of about 90 poems is divided into three parts. The first is a peaceful exploration of nature; the second, Scott’s appreciation of the many forms of love in her life; and finally, a series of poems on a broader scope of thoughts. They’re all lovely and positive with an underlying theme of love and appreciation. This is a feel-good collection of both free-form and syllabic poetry that I’m delighted to recommend.
A few favorites: “The Hummingbird’s Quest” (from the section on nature). “The World is Broken,” “If the Universe would Share,” and “Mom’s Plea” (from the section on loved ones). “Maybe,” and “Other Worlds” (from the section on broader reflections). A romantic beauty:
The Giver
He pulls me into myself so I may see qualities he loved from the beginning though his perception runs deeper – mine, a trace of clouds, then he lifts my heart and soul to the starlit sky where our dreams become us.
Another favorite of Diana’s:
The Hummingbird’s Quest
We hold our breath. Its wings flutter at a possible eighty times per second, so we’ve read.
It closes the distance between us, and we know it eyes the dangling rosy petals. But below those blossoms lies the sleeping dog. He wouldn’t be the least bit interested in the winged creature, but the winged creature doesn’t know this to be true.
And so, we watch our tiny friend flit to within a few feet of the blooms, then disappointment lands in our thoughts as it retreats to the maple, camouflaged to the naked eye.
If only it could be brave. If only it knew there was no threat below from the eighty-pound sleeping beast. In fact, the beast quietly snores, and we are confident he is dreaming of squirrels.
Robbie and Diana, along with these wonderful friends, are going to help promote my bookin their special, creative ways:
So, stay tuned! 🎉🎉 And, of course, I hope “Ever So Gently“finds itself gently resting on your coffee table or in your device. But another wish is that you discover the reward of living ever so gently. 💜
Thanks for stopping by and for your support. And please feel free to share to help spread the word!
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 