Tag: Covid

Dare to Discover

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Poetry, Writing36 Comments

Zoom became an integral part of everyday language, and

Yes, learning something new is exhilarating – the

X-factor of life – acquire knowledge at every chance, for the

Well-being of humanity is the health of our world. But the

Virus caused the need for this communication tool – an

Unexpected fast-spreading, deadly pandemic, forcing

Tears and heartache to ensue around every corner.

Staying well by dodging fevers occupied frantic minds, but

Relief finally arrived because of innovative medicine.

Quality of life slowly shifts into a sense of normalcy, as

Promises of large, joyful gatherings bring excitement.

Optimism feels attainable, overcoming those worst fears,

Nourishing hearts and souls that have been patient, as we

Marvel at the hustle and bustle on downtown streets –

Loving the sights of mask-less faces with big smiles, but,

Knowing the threat has not dissipated. We are openly

Just aware that moving forward unharmed remains possible.

I, for one, exhale with reassurance, but even so, I carry

Hope closely for those who continue to suffer, and

Gratitude rests in my heart every day for all blessings.

Fulfillment manifests from a support circle of those who

Effortlessly carry us through uncertainty. So, forging ahead,

Dare to discover something you have missed through the slog.

Celebrate the community who has your back, for this is our new

Beginning…

At last!

Lauren Scott (c) 2021 ❤️
Photo is from our backpacking trip
to Spider Lake in the Sierra.
A new day begins…

Expectations

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Celebrations, Discussion60 Comments
After a rainy, yet cozy Christmas Day, the day after was clear and gorgeous – Nicasio Lake.

Oh, What do you see
As clear as can be?
Hope on the horizon –
A glimmer of possibility!

When you hear the word “expectation” what thoughts come to mind? I immediately recall the many times my expectations of others were unreasonably too high, thus, leaving me extremely disappointed. A lesson learned…

On the other hand, expecting something to occur or to change can also be a form of positive thinking. Here’s how the wheels in my brain have been working lately: after such a tumultuous 2020 that so many are eager to view only from the rearview mirror, I expect the new year that is literally just around the corner, to outshine this current year without question or doubt. A vaccine is already accessible to some and will be available to the rest of us, hopefully, in the first quarter of the new year.

Am I too optimistic? Maybe so…we may have a few more months to mask up and social distance before normalcy arrives again. But I want to believe that we will be able to walk down the street someday soon and see others smile and not just through their eyes. We won’t be so paranoid about dodging droplets and touching surfaces.

So, I choose to be optimistic as we clink our glasses at midnight on December 31st and to expect good things to come after all the stress, loss, and pain. After all, what have we got to lose? When positive thoughts abound, our hearts and minds remain calm, and calm is certainly a place where we should hunker down.

What about you? Will you join me? 💗🥂✨🌟💗


Lauren Scott (c) 2020 💖
New Year Photo: Google

A Christmas Soliloquy

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Poetry28 Comments

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume

Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.

Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams

But can dreams still come true
After this year, so displeasing?
Amidst the tears and heartache,
Is there room for believing?

I have faith that joy weaves
Its way through the pain
Angels keep watch while Love
Is the magic that remains

I don’t know your story
The details are yours alone
But I do wish you Happiness
That you may seize and truly own…

As we listen to the marching rhythm
Of the exultant Christmas drum
For these holidays upon us
And for the New Year to come.

Lauren Scott (c) 2020 💓🎄

All Good Things

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Life54 Comments

In these unsettling times, it’s important to find joy in each day,
even if digging a little deeper is necessary. Anxiety, fear, and sadness
have certainly been fueled this year, which is reason enough to find things in life that make us happy. Throw in a dash of fun and a sprinkle of silly – bring on the smiles and laughter! It’s important for our mental and physical well being to find a balance so that all of our energy and focus isn’t directed only to the negative. I’m sure you’ve heard of a gratitude journal, so let’s count this post as one of my long journal entries, but first the visuals:

I’m grateful for another drive through the majestic redwoods and then onto Bolinas Ridge where the view of Stinson Beach was stunning – no fog or wind, just a glorious June day. I find joy in receiving fun gifts like the musical note earrings my daughter gave me because of our shared passion for music, and then the socks from her that tell me “I’m gorgeous, don’t change.” Wearing this kind of encouragement throughout the day is definitely a mood-booster.

I’m thankful for how I followed in Mom’s footsteps as my family indulges in sweet decadence once in a while, as well as baking for gifts. The plate of cookies are oatmeal chocolate chip, so don’t be shy! The cake was for a birthday: lemon with raspberry filling and buttercream frosting (all homemade). I also look forward to our relaxing patio time where we can talk about the day, make plans for tomorrow, and clink our glasses to celebrate being healthy and employed in these Covid times.

And then there are books! Can’t live without the exciting and adventurous worlds they draw me into. My son gave me “Little Fires Everywhere” not knowing anything about it. It turned out to be an engrossing and riveting read, and the mini series starring Reese Weatherperson and Kerry Washington was just as captivating. I found “Nineteen Minutes” listed on one of Stephen King’s book recommendations and am half-way through it. Can’t put it down either, but I must so that I can write this post! I highly recommend both books.

You see Copper lying on the bed…he was also enjoying “Little Fires Everywhere.” He is diligent in practicing how to relax and has become very good at it. 🙂 The love and joy this big puppy gives us is priceless. Oh, and look at Mini! As a child, I lived in Anaheim with Disneyland in my backyard. So, Mickey and Mini will always have a special place in my heart.

Nature provides serenity. It calms and emboldens us to look deeply within ourselves. It is a teacher of simplistic living, especially while backpacking. The sunset was taken at one of our favorite campgrounds, Look Lake – a gorgeous body of water in the Sierra without the crowds. The other photo is of Spider Lake that is a higher elevation, and I’m happy to report not one spider was found! Both destinations were perfect to take in the beauty around us, to spend time together, and to simply be. No technology, just a tent, a couple of chairs, and a picnic table. This is what we love to do, and we hope to venture onto the trails as long as our bodies will allow.

I hope you enjoyed these samples of some things in life that bring me joy – the list is never-ending. What do you lean towards in these times of uncertainty? What brings you calm? What turns your frown upside down? What makes you chuckle? Do you find that some of these photos bring you joy, too?

Wishing you a wonderful Friday and much joy in your days ahead,
Lauren 💗🎉💗🎉