Resa at Graffiti Lux Art & More recently featured my 13-year-old chocolate lab mix, Copper, so I’m reblogging because if you’re a dog lover, you won’t want to miss her post! But not only is Copper Boy featured, so are John’s adorable Twiggy and Marina’s beautiful Hera! But first, below is a little bit about Resa if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her:
I’m an amateur photographer who has a passion for taking pics of outdoor ephemeral art.
My name is Resa McConaghy, and my site, “Graffit Lux and Murals”, was originally dedicated to showcasing & documenting Graffiti Art and Murals in Toronto and Winnipeg. However, I now find I am featuring the Street Art of other cities around the globe through travels of mine, and guest contributors.
Taking these pics is a passion and a joy. Each work of graffiti art or mural evokes thoughts in me, and these thoughts are reflected in the titles of my Posts.Some of these pieces may already have been named by the artists. If I know the original name, I will name it so.
If I know the name of the artist, I will credit them under the photograph and/or in the body of the post. If you are an artist & have not been credited, you can reach me by email with your info. I will gladly update the post. If you’re here, it’s probably because you love this type of art as much as I do. I hope my pics do the pieces some justice.
I am thrilled that Resa loved my poem “Copper Boy” enough to include it.So, here’s what she has to say about Copperin which she gently inserts a plug for Ever So Gently:
And now to see those gorgeous dogs at Resa’s, click on the link below ⬇️.
Thanks again, Resa, for including Copper! He sends you lots of slobbery kisses! Good thing you keep those sponges handy ‘cuz he loves to give kisses, but in his senior years, he’s also a bit drooly! 😂🐶
I am touched by those who enjoyed my book and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵 And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻
Thanks to you beautiful friends for visiting today, and I wish you a fabulous weekend! ~Lauren ❤️❤️
I’ve written and shared several poems during my father-in-law’s decline on hospice, and then for his passing on Halloween. My last post was a tribute to all our parents who are now together for their eternal adventure. But Wil would say, “It’s time to move on and life your life!” Actually, my parents and my mother-in-law would say the same thing with gusto! So, while we’re in the midst of grieving, taking care of business, and planning Wil’s Celebration of Life, I’m moving forward regarding blog posts, but I truly appreciate all of the kind words and condolences my family has received. 🙏🏻❤️
And now I’ve fallen behind on some reblogs, the first from Barbara at Book Club Mom when she featured my latest book, Ever So Gently. She is a wonderful support to Indie Authors with her Author Update posts. So, thanks again, Barbara! To read the entire post and learn more about my book, click on the link below that will take you to Barbara’s site. Please take time to peruse her blog where she shares the books she reads along with her wonderful reviews. And yes, I’ll most likely share more about Ever So Gently, but that’s life for a self-published author. It’s not easy to promote one’s work, but it has to be done. So, I hope you all understand. 💚
I am touched by those who enjoyed my book and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵 And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻
And since the holidays are literally around the corner, if you or someone you know would enjoy a book of poetry, Ever So Gently, just may be the right choice! 🤗
“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.“ ~ Miriam Hurdle, https://theshowersofblessings.com
Thanks so much for visiting today, and I wish you a gentle start to your week. ~ Lauren ❤️
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.
My latest collection of poetry – I prompt 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. Please click on the link to purchase your copy. Thank you to those who have bought a copy and who have shared wonderful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude.💙🩵💙
Thank you for visiting today. Have a wonderful day and week ahead! ❤️
Happy Friday! Hubby and I are finally feeling human again after being down with our first spell of Covid. The last few weeks reminded me of a poem from my recent book. And even though I’ve shared it before, I feel it’s a good reminder for all of us. I hope you feel the same…
Life is like a package wrapped in festive paper. The matching ribbons fascinate in their delicate, entwined company, fingers gently unravel, heartbeats increase from excitement. We lift the lid, peek inside, letting our inner child frolic to the forefront of our minds.
But unlike recyclable paper, the gift of life cannot be tossed back into the universe. There is no spare awaiting on the sidelines, and we should be mindful that the contents require tenderness with instructions solely for each one of us individually, because as visible as a ruby rose in a garden of white daisies…
we are beautifully unique.
Once we follow these with gratitude and vivacity, the purpose of our gift will reveal itself as naturally as moonlight on a night darker than the deepest sea.
My latest collection of poetry – I prompt 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. Please click on the link to purchase your copy. Thank you to those who have bought a copy and who have shared wonderful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude.💙🩵💙
And thank you for visiting today. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤️
Pink lines dictate rules for the near future with Ominous news initially because of the unknown. Scattered thoughts from this positive result of what will unfold – Initiation after three and a half years of Taking care of self and counting six feet from others. Isolating from humans, but not from the warmth of nature. Variant, new, old, irrelevant – time to buckle down while Eager to enter into civilization once again.
A first time for everything, I suppose, and this is a first for hubby and me. It’s probably just as well we get Covid at the same time. But the worst part is over, fever and major fatigue. Now only mild symptoms that we have to plough through until we test negative. The sun is shining. The sky is bright and blue and lovely. We have our patio and backyard to visit nature and breathe in some fresh air. I think we’re both feeling a bit underwater from tasks needing our attention. But with low energy, we can’t push ourselves. We can only do so much before resting again. It is what it is. We just want to get better so we can enter society again, and we will. Patience.Rest. Patience. Rest.
Anyway, thank you for stopping by and stay well! This is the second lost weekend for us, so enjoy yours! Go outdoors and mingle with Nature! 🩷
My latest collection of poetry – please click on the link to purchase your copy. Thank you to those who have bought a copy and who have shared wonderful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude. 💙
I was pleasantly surprised to receive another glowing review for More than Coffee. This book was released in fall of 2021, so for these amazing reviews to still be flowing in truly warms my heart. Cheryl Orteglia from Living in the Gap wrote a stunner!
This is an extraordinary book and one that I could not put down. Scott captures the reader with her love for coffee, endearing tales, and the courage to live life to the fullest. Her exceptional writing resonates deeply with my own values, history, and love of storytelling. It is a charming book of prose and poems that will warm your heart and lift your soul. Scott highlights the beauty of marriage, friendship, and the love of family so beautifully, from the first story to the last poem, I felt as if I belonged in the pages of this delightful book.
Scott explores all the facets of life, including love and sadness, gratitude and loss, humor and joy. She takes me on a familiar journey of a complicated life, including encounters with aggressive spiders, sacred heirlooms, grief, and long-distance relationships with grown children.
I admire how Scott and her husband are exploring new activities as their nest empties and their courage soars. I especially related to the long hikes and the magical encounters with the wilderness, waterfalls, and a canopy of stars.
I have Scott’s book by my bedside, within reach, so I can enjoy again and again her incredible knack for drawing one into a story, her arresting poetry, and the potency of a well-told story. Don’t miss this opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee, an old friend and explore the deeper meaning of this one precious life.
I highly recommend More Than Coffee with a five-star review for those of you who love memoirs, mystique, and family love.
Thank you SO much, Cheryl!I’m over the moon again by your most beautiful review, and I’m so grateful you felt as if you belonged in the pages. This line just gets to me in a warm way. ❤️
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Cheryl, please pay her avisit. She writes engaging posts about real-life stuff! And her sense of humor will have you doubled over! When you read her stories, you’ll find yourself nodding because her tales are so relatable!
If you wrote a review for my book, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! And if you read it and loved it, I hope you’ll consider writing one. I’ve heard through sources here in the land of blogging that reviews are like hugs to Indie authors. Fyi, I love hugs! 🙂
Thanks so much for dropping in, and I wish you an amazing weekend!
~Lauren ❤️
“The majestic trees and vast sky invite you to keep looking up.”
I’m inches away from the finish line for my book. It’s a s-l-o-w process because this poetry collection is larger, which calls for more editing and formatting.Anyway, I still managed to get some good, relaxing reading in, and I thoroughly enjoyed the following books. I hope you enjoy my reviews:
Small Wonders by Kaye Lynne Booth
Small Wonders by Kaye Lynne Booth is a collection of engaging poetry that highlights various phases of her life. Even though the poems are individual to her experiences, I felt a connection with many. The book begins with “Two Little Faerie Princesses” inspired by Booth’s two granddaughters. What a lovely start to this collection.
Her nature poems resonate because I enjoy spending time in the wilderness. “The Mighty River” is stunning, and I could almost hear the water rushing and roaring.“Early Morning” transports me with my husband to the Sierra Nevada Mountains on one of our backpacking trips:
Early Morning
Birds chitter in the trees, interrupting the quiet solitude. The sun edges its way over the horizon in pastel hues, Replacing the early morning chill with the warmth of its soft rays. The wind whispers an early morning greeting through the pines. Golden blades of grass shush in the breeze, bending low to the ground, Then rising and stretching to greet the sun once again. Dewy moisture slowly dissipates as I breathe in the scent of fresh pine. Eyes, barely open, witness the birth of yet another day.
A few more favorites are “There was a Time” that touches on the reality of aging but mixed with a little humor. “To the Slow Motorist” reminds me of how often I get stuck behind a driver who isn’t even going the speed limit. Another delightful poem is “My Muse,” where all writers will nod in understanding. I have stood on the same perplexing corner Booth writes about in “At the Crossroads” and “False Smile” reiterates that everyone has a story.
This charming and touching collection is beautiful and appeals to all senses and emotions. There is poetry in this book for everyone. Highly recommended with 5 glowing stars!
Coming Home by Smitha Vishwanath
ComingHome by Smitha Vishwanath is her debut novel, but it certainly doesn’t read like one. Her storytelling and language flow seamlessly, and the protagonist, Shanaya, is an authentic character with strengths and weaknesses like you and me. We’ve all experienced loss, but when a loss is sudden, shock augments the already wild emotions. Shanaya is devastated by the unexpected death of her mother. Even after two years, she still has trouble moving forward. During this time, she wants to care for her father, but he has different plans, which adds more worry for Shanaya. Both father and daughter struggle to find their way in this new life without the woman they love very much.
At twenty-six years old, Shanaya believes she has her life figured out, yet she has no idea what is in store for her. Romance lies on the horizon, but her journey entails much more nuance. She finds herself on a soul-searching path while trying to move through the heartache. Vishwanath inserts details about marriage – both arranged and derived from love, and she explores relationships with parents, siblings, and friends. Shanaya’s journey transports her to various destinations, and I enjoyed traveling with her as she moved from Dubai to Bangalore to Karela where her life began to shift in an exciting direction. Having never been to this part of the world, I was given a terrific sneak peek through Vishwanath’s vivid descriptions of the landscape.
I always enjoy learning about other cultures, and I became engrossed when Shanaya visited the Ashram for two weeks. This was a spiritual retreat where she practiced yoga and meditation. Lessons were learned, and wisdom was acknowledged by friends she made.
Coming Home is an engaging story of self-discovery, learning about relationships, and truly finding home at last where home isn’t just a place. It’s a comforting realization. Highly recommended for all who enjoy a story with substance and an uplifting ending. Another 5-star rating!
Fifteen First Times by D. G. Kaye
I’ve always enjoyed D.G. Kaye’s conversational writing style. This book is no exception to her honest and entertaining narrative. She has compiled a collection of ‘firsts’ from her teen years relatable to all readers. I felt so at ease that I read this collection in one sitting, feeling like we were comfortably chatting over a glass of wine. These memories invited me to stroll down memory lane, recalling crazy crash diets, first kiss, first boyfriend, and first broken heart that felt like it would never mend. Her amusing fascination with shoes made me chuckle; how she managed those heels is beyond me. I laughed out loud when I read about the first hair dye episode. Her first car was a Ford Mustang given by her wonderful father, and while my first car wasn’t, her story evoked memories of when I bought a blue Mustang a few years later with equal excitement.
Kaye’s anecdotes are witty, engaging, and poignant. She has no trouble sharing her vulnerability. Low self-esteem plagued her in those years, but with her outgoing personality and wild sense of fashion, she rose above it, growing into the confident woman she is today. Being a teenager isn’t easy. Those years are about finding ourselves, figuring out who we are, and Kaye succeeded with spirit!
Kaye ends the collection with an emotive tribute to her late husband, her only true love. My heart still aches for her loss. She writes in her dedication, “To those who’ve been there, done that, and learned from. And for those who’ve yet to venture out and overcome.” She couldn’t have expressed the purpose of this delightful book any better. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming memoir and a stroll down memory lane. One more 5-star rating!
Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you’ll find the time, too, for some good reading, whether you enjoy poetry, engaging fiction, or a memoir that will transport you back in time.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 