Tag: Children

The Heart of our Dog!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry119 Comments

Last Sunday we took Copper, our 14 1/2 year old puppy, to our favorite state park. The weather was cool but not freezing, just perfect for a walk among the redwoods. Copper loved walking around, taking in the new sights and smells. He can’t hear anymore, so we use hand signals to communicate with him, and we give him lots of hugs and kisses. I took some pics and sent them to our daughter and son who live in TN. and CO. Then I saw an IG post from my daughter that went straight to my heart. She wrote about living far away from ‘her dog’ and missing him so much. I’m going to share it, then I’m going to add a poem written from Copper’s POV. So, this post is a combination of tears and smiles. I hope you enjoy, and maybe you’ll relate too.

From my daughter:

“It’s weird having a dog or any pet be part of your life for a good amount of time but then you move away. Across the country. And rarely see them anymore. And when you do visit once or twice a year, you’re so excited to see them because you know them, but you wonder if they remember or recognize you. And they look older because you’re older. When we first adopted Copper, I was with him for 6 years and was hesitant on adopting another dog after Lucky Girl passed. And now, I’ve been away from him for that same amount of time that I was with him & it’s sad, bittersweet. He’s still got those same amber eyes you get lost in, but he’s a little grayer than he was the previous year. And you just know the inevitable. It’s weird being so far away & not “growing up” with him into adulthood. But when someone asks if I have a dog, I say yes even though it’s only through pictures my mom sends me. I love this boy so much.” ❤️
(This brought us to tears. We miss her enough, and then to read her feelings about living far from Copper just about did us in! Does this scenario sound familiar?)

And now, let’s wipe away those tears and find a smile:

What a Fun Day! (from Copper’s POV)

Thanks, Mom and Dad,
for taking me to the park!
I took in all the beauty
without one single bark!

Oh, the smells were awesome,
and the redwoods so tall!
I’m pretty tall myself
but I felt very small!

Lifting my leg was fun
around new territory,
I even inspired Mom
to tell my canine story!

We walked by the creek
hearing water flowing.
You said it was peaceful
without any wind blowing.

Then we found a table
where you ate your lunch
and I gulped down my food
with a crunch and a munch!

Naptime followed soon
when I plopped down on my bed,
with every muscle relaxed
I laid down my big head.

I know I’m older now;
I don’t move very fast,
but I’m glad we came here
because I really had a blast!

© Lauren Scott

A note from Copper: I hope you liked this post that my mom and I put together! Can you relate? Do you have a dog or cat that melts your heart and whose eyes see right into your soul like mine do? If you do, let my mom know in the comments. And thanks for coming by today! I hope you don’t mind a slobbery kiss from me! ❤️🐶🐾

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to purchase your copy.
Thank you! 🙏

Where are the Children?

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry117 Comments

I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, reminiscing to when I was a little girl – how I stayed entertained in the sixties. This is when the memory box in my brain comes in handy…

My friends and I used to play school outside on the sidewalk in front of our corner house with three birch trees standing proud on the lush lawn. A big chalkboard took up a fair amount of sidewalk and they elected me to be the teacher. And when school became boring and brains tired out, we’d make a splash in my kidney-shaped pool pretending to be mermaids. How fun it was to dive deep and touch the drain or jump off of the diving board! Then we’d dry off on the grass while playing ‘Operation’ and eating tangerines from our tree. Nothing like trying to manage those surgical tweezers with sticky fingers to avoid the buzz!

When my son and daughter were little, they had a blast playing hide and seek with other kids on our quiet block. They loved riding their cool bikes and scooters. My husband and I also took them roller skating where we all tried our best to ‘roller dance’ to the upbeat tunes. Fun times had by children and parents!

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Innovation is meant to bring convenience for the human race. I appreciate convenience, but with the good also comes the bad. Unfortunately, there’s an abundance of negative aspects to technology, such as with social media – not only for youth, but also for adults.

So, I miss the old times. When I wanted to talk to loved ones or friends, I picked up the phone and dialed. Remember rotary dialing? Then came push buttons. And what about those cords that coiled up like angry snakes? When cordless phones were invented, they brought freedom. I could walk and talk on the phone without worrying about the annoying cord dictating my whereabouts!

Photo by Nic Wood on Pexels.com

Families gathered at dining tables and chatted about their days, sharing highs and lows. My family participated in this routine every night for dinner when the kids were young. Even as they grew older (when their extra curricular schedules allowed) the tradition continued because Matt and I wanted them to feel like they could talk to us about anything. I’m thankful that communication has never been an issue with the four of us. In fact, many times we’re talking over each other because we all have something to say!

In those simpler times, friends used to hang out, talking and laughing. They didn’t congregate on sofas or around tables with heads down and eyes glued to screens, fingers tapping away. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok didn’t steal their loyalty. They actually paid attention to each other.

Children’s laughter used to echo down the street, swirling around the trees. Well, that laughter no longer flows in through the windows of my home like a joyful melody.

Where are the children? Are they tucked inside their homes, scrolling on social media? Could be.

This being said, I enjoy the screen as much as anyone. I’m sure you can assume that while I work on this post, a screen stares back at me. However, I think those simpler times were the best of times. Living without the option to blog and form the wonderful connections with you all would be missed, but I could easily live without social media. I’m grateful that my daughter and son didn’t grow up with cell phones until later in high school. Even those were flip phones, offering zero access to the internet. Besides phone calls, good old fashioned letter writing was the glue for staying connected. I still love sending cards and an occasional letter via snail mail.

I can only imagine how difficult it is to find that magical balance of letting your kids enjoy technology in their generation while also maintaining some semblance of control for their safety.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com – finding that perfect balance

Do you find technology challenging while raising your children?
Do you remember the old days?
Do you miss them?

Below is a poem from my book, Ever So Gently, which ties into this topic:

Giggles

I can still elicit memories
of when our block teemed
with giggles
echoing in the distance,
the tapping of shoes on asphalt.
Remember hide and seek?
They’d take cover
behind bushes,
parked cars, corner fences.
But where are they now?
Where have all the children gone?
Giggles and footsteps
are silent, and yet,
not one for sale sign
sits in a front yard.
Perhaps, sneaky screens
stole that amusement,
those precious moments
spent outdoors
under the clear sky,
even in rain’s gentlest
sprinkling,
but weather, irrelevant,
the friendships mattered.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Cora’s Quest, a children’s book, coming in December!

Thanks for dropping in today!
Hugs,
Lauren ❤️

Dreams and Bucket Lists!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Musings, Poetry74 Comments
A painting of our little, cozy cabin

Backpacking never entered my mind. When I was a young girl, summers and winters were spent at our cabin in Big Bear, CA. It wasn’t fancy, but cute and cozy nestled among sugar pines on a huge, corner lot. In the summer, we spent time swimming in the lake, but right in our backyard we played badminton, watching those birdies fly over the net. When snow blanketed the ground, we pulled the toboggan out and slid down the hills. Squeals of joy whirled around the trees!

I didn’t learn about pitching a tent until Matt and I met and married in our late twenties (almost 36 years ago). He had already embarked on several backpacking adventures. But the idea never appealed to me, and yet, after he started taking me camping, my love for the outdoors blossomed. I didn’t mind getting dirty or sleeping in a tent. One of my rules, though, was ensuring the tent stayed zipped up so that bugs of all species (especially, spiders) remained outside where they belonged. And of course, Matt didn’t want to sleep with bugs either!

When our daughter and son each turned one year old, they became our little campers. Was it easy? Not in the least with packing a highchair, port-o-crib, diapers, etc., but looking back at those precious photos makes the hassle worthwhile. Their imaginations ran wild as they played around the campsites, and it was special to witness. Matt felt they were old enough to backpack when our daughter was seven and our son was four. At the very mention of the idea to them, their excitement bounced off the walls! They were eager to get a pack on their back and hike on the trail like daddy!

“Young Campers”

They amble through the African savannah,
eyes alert, keeping watch for big animals
seeking out their next meal.
But their excitement soars
because they want to see the
beautiful creatures.
Suddenly, a thunder-booming growl
echoes throughout the grassland!
Their feet become blocks of cement,
stopping in their tracks,
as fear creeps up their necks!
Terror escalates as they hold their breath!
Legs shake like trees from an
angry gust of wind.
Any sound could be the end!

Then Mom yells, “Lunch is ready!”
Fear subsides, and their adventure halts.

Until tomorrow …
when their imaginations come alive again.

(From my book, Ever So Gently)

So, the tradition began and continued for several years, taking them to the Sierra mountains, and locally, Point Reyes National Seashore. During these times when my family was away, I’d get together with some girlfriends for a ‘girl’ weekend. It was a win-win! Now as adults, they thank their dad for showing them the beauty of the wilderness and for those wonderful memories.

Then one morning in my mid-fifties, I woke up with an epiphany! I was ready to backpack! I wanted to write stories from my own experiences. I loved listening to Matt’s tales with the kids, but the desire escalated to get a pack on my back. Matt was elated that his wife would join him on the trail! We soon headed for the Sierra Mountains, several years in a row. Up and down hills, carrying that pack, wearing the sunhat, using walking sticks when needed. There was always a lake to fall into once we had discarded the pack and set up our wilderness home. And there is something surreal and profound about carrying all you need on your back. What an experience! The shimmering lakes, trails, nature surrounding us with her critters and sounds, vivid sunsets, and oh, the memories made!

Our first trip to Shealor Lake – one of my favorite photos!
Heading to Spider Lake, 5 miles up hill,
and no spiders were seen on this trip.
Matt in the moment with all the gear!
One of many miracles we witnessed!

After reading the book, Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, and then watching the movie starring Reese Witherspoon, a dream of hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail wiggled its way into my mind. This dream has been diligent in holding its place until I make it a reality. We haven’t hiked the PCT, yet, because returning to our favorite lake each year seemed to have had a magnetic effect. But now in our early sixties, the dream still wiggles! Are we too old? From what I’ve read, people of all ages hike in general, let alone, hike the PCT, so we’re not old at all. But in spring of last year, my health took a turn…

I wasn’t able to walk two houses down our block without pain. It’s been a challenging year, but the reader’s digest version is that I’m doing much better! Since the spring, I’ve been able to hike again pain-free. Thus, my recovery and learning how to manage an incurable but treatable diagnosis has woken up my dream from a long repose. One caveat from my doctor is that bearing weight on my back as in wearing a backpack isn’t advisable. However, to remedy this, Matt would carry more, but we’d both really pare down to go lighter than in past years. And a side-note…I don’t care about the distance I hike on the PCT, whether it’s one, two, or twenty miles – I just want to be able to say, “I hiked the PCT!” Consequently, we’re gearing up for 2026! I only pray that good health sustains for both of us to bring this dream to fruition.

From the web. It’s good to keep a visual for perspective
and motivation.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
~ Henry David Thoreau

Have you backpacked? What’s on your bucket list?

CHEERS TO DREAMS, BUCKET LISTS, AND TO GETTING ON THE TRAIL! 🥾❤️😁

Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites ©2024 – All rights reserved.

Website: baydreamerwrites.com
Author Of The Month, May 2023 Spillwords Press
Monthly Contributor, Gobbers-Masticadores Literary Website
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08NCRH4MK
Author Latest Release Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems
Author, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose
Author, Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poems
Author, New Day, New Dreams: A Poetry Collection
Co-Author, Petals of Haiku
Co-Author, This is How We Grow
Co-Author, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Cora’s Quest, A children’s book, coming this fall!

Click on the image
to purchase your copy. 
Thank you! 🧡

Reconnected is live on Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Gobblers by Masticadores, Poetry50 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am pleased to announce that my poem, “Reconnected” is published on Gobblers by Masticadores! A huge Thank you to Manuela Timofte for believing in me enough to share my work each month. I am truly grateful! 🙏🩷

A snippet of the poem…

He had just entered the world
his body tiny and delicate
a bundle needing to be loved
His skin darker than theirs
but this made no difference
Joy danced in their hearts
when he became family

but with each passing birthday
the skin color confused him…

This poem is my sister and brother-in-law’s story. They were married 52 years ago, and when they wanted to start their family, they found out that they couldn’t have children. So, they adopted their two boys. This is the story of their first son, my nephew. It is a story of unconditional love and wanting to provide a loving, safe home for a precious baby who needed one. I would be thrilled if you visited Gobblers to show your love on their site and to read the full poem. You can find the poem here.

Reconnected

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Thank you for visiting and for your wonderful support,
Lauren ❤️

Everything looked the Same

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry72 Comments

It was just another day at the county fair.
Everything looked the same.  
Vendors gathered in their dedicated spots.
The music venue sat under the white canopy
by the pond that never changes location.

Henna ink has lightened – the faded hummingbird
no longer reminds me of Mom, the wolf, incognito,
but the memory shines like the glimmering pond…

Chatter and laughter echo around the zooming roller coasters,
high-flying swings, and games that will eagerly take your dollar bills.
Feathered spectators compete in the distance, but their melodies
as faint as clouds drifting in the sky. Soft tacos satisfy our palates
under a waterfall of sunshine as we observe parents walking by
with their children wearing cotton candy smiles.
Nothing brings more joy than cheering on the trio of piglets
racing around the track. Their curly tails in view past the finish line!

What a delightful visual the lively grounds present from the revolving
Ferris Wheel. I grab my cell for photos of him with the crowd’s energy
buzzing in the background. He entertains me with these photo ops,
knowing how much I love documenting precious moments.  
The ride pauses with our bucket at the top while others climb in below
for their trip around the moon – our fingertips almost touch the vast blue.
I am surprised by the vacancy of butterflies in my stomach.

It was just another day at the county fair.
Everything looked the same, except…
this day was time spent with my adult son –
he would soon embark on a cross-country adventure.
So, a Sunday of togetherness while enjoying
the county fair landscape proved to be anything
but the same, and was indeed different in the very best way –
worth more than any materialistic possession I could ever own.  

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Thank you for stopping by! ❤️

Lively Limericks for Mother’s Day! 🌷

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry74 Comments
A pink rose for our moms whom we miss so much.

It’s that ‘limerick’ time again, and I had fun writing this collection for the day created especially for moms! I hope you find them delightful, but a couple are less delightful and more factual. Enjoy!

Unselfish

She is a classy, lovely mother
Who puts herself last behind others
Their care comes first
Health, hunger, or thirst
They love her – daughter and brother.

Summer

How special to become a mother
Devoted but not to smother
To love and raise
Till the end of her days
Mothers are the essence of summer!

Special Day

The special day comes every year
But not all hold their mothers dear
Words that criticize
Make tears leak from eyes
Sad those hearts didn’t hold their babes near

Smiles and Giggles

What a miracle to be a mom
Caring for babes with a heart of calm
Relish in their smiles
And giggles heard for miles
Music to a mother’s ear, a balm.

Not Fragile

Mothers are an exceptional class
Their work ethic no one can surpass
Cooking and cleaning
Diapering and weaning
They are strong, not fragile like glass!

Warrior Soul

Caring for her children is her role
Keeping them safe and happy is her goal
A multitasker
Sought after
Her skills are plenty, a warrior soul!

DNA

DNA does not a mother make
DNA may produce a mother fake
Who only thinks of herself
Baby’s needs on the shelf
Baby’s life unimportant and at stake.

Flair

A mother’s talents are exhaustible
But clearly, they are not implausible
Many balls in the air
She juggles with flair
Her demeanor is surely laudable!

Golden Worth

A mother’s love comes from her heart
That blooms and glows right from the start
Cradling at birth
A golden worth
She’ll give her All to do her part!

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.

Do you have a favorite or two? 😁
Happy Mother’s Day Weekend to all the loving and unselfish moms who have hearts of gold, and to the moms who have left our world, but who live in our hearts. I’m thinking of my mom and mother-in-law, Doris and Diane. 🩷🌷

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Thank you for visiting, and I wish you a sunshiny weekend!❤️

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! 💚

My Sister’s Home

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry97 Comments

I walk through the front door,
and with each step,
a memory embraces me
like a warm hug of sweet nostalgia,
chatter and laughter echo in my mind
leading me to the framed photos
on the ivory walls that come to life –
savory and sweet aromas whirled
from kitchen to living room enticing palates,
the television stayed on for background noise
(when back then, streaming
brought only thoughts of calm, flowing water)
the vision of mom’s lovely smile,
the music of dad’s chuckle,
what I would give
for another moment to be with them –
the enchantment
of seven grandchildren running around
wearing huge smiles,
their giggles following their footsteps –
before the lawn was laid
and array of blooms were planted
and the concrete basketball court was poured,
nothing but earth in the backyard –
she’d relax on the chaise beside the new pool
a million laps later,
the turquoise still glimmers –
fond memories of those chapters
stay cozy in the walls
in the cracks and crevices
over the passing of time
among the fleeting minutes…
I step through the door, and it feels like home.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

A collection of poems about nature,
love, and the mysteries of life.
Click on the image to purchase your copy.
Thank you! 💚

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful week ahead! ❤️

Reconnected

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry68 Comments

He had just entered the world
his body tiny and delicate
a bundle needing to be loved
His skin darker than theirs
but this made no difference
Joy danced in their hearts
when he became family

but with each passing birthday
the skin color confused him,
badgering his emotions
like poison flowing
through his veins
causing him to act out
in unforeseen ways

their circle was broken
when he walked out the door

leaves on the trees
changed their wardrobe,
falling over and over and over again
his silence shattered their world

until he walked through the door
realization in his heart
realization in his soul
embracing them for the love,
for the home they gave him

skin color irrelevant
they were family
reconnected

https://on.soundcloud.com/ZBwz5
https://on.soundcloud.com/ZBwz5

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Just click on the image to purchase your copy,
and if you enjoyed this collection,
please consider sharing a review
on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Reviews are like hugs. 💚