Copper got his wings.

On March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Dedications, Tragedies145 Comments

We had prepared for ‘the dreaded day’ because of Copper’s age, 14 1/2, but nothing can fully prepare you or prevent your emotions from running wild when that day arrives out of the blue. Yesterday morning, Copper unexpectedly took a turn for the worse and received his angel wings. Matt, the kids, and I…we all sobbed off and on, and the tears will come until they’re all dried up. Our hearts are broken. So many reminders around the house…photos, his beds, chew bone, leash and collar, dog bowls, and dog food. When I saw his bowl of dog treats, I lost it.

But the silver lining is that we were so lucky to have had Copper in our family for almost 13 years. As time passes, the good memories will bring warmth and comfort to our souls. Right now, the grieving is raw. Honestly, I’m an emotional mess. We’ll miss his energy, his pleading for belly rubs, his slobbery kisses and cuddles and snuggles, his unconditional love. Those amber eyes. Sigh. He loved Dad, and his sister and brother more than words can express. But I was his mom, and he followed me everywhere, watching me like a hawk if I walked out of the room. I will miss my shadow. I’m wearing his dog tag as a necklace. I don’t care what people think. He was our family and we miss him so much.💔

Though yesterday was sad beyond words, there were many blessings in which Copper passed. His suffering began but it didn’t linger. The day was tranquil, the sky blue. And the timing, serendipitous – we adopted Copper and brought him into our hearts in March 2012, and he received his angel wings in March 2025.

We will always love you, Copper Boy! ❤️
Adopted March 27, 2012 – March 3, 2025 Received Angel Wings

I have a billion photos, but here a few of our beloved Copper Boy…

***Our 14 1/2 year old puppy – this photo is from my blog post last week.*** ❤️

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

Thank you so much for stopping by, and please forgive me if I don’t respond
to your comments right away. I don’t have the bandwidth for doing much,
but I thought you’d want to know about Copper. ❤️

The Heart of our Dog!

On February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 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! 🙏

Tantalizing Tautogram Trio!

On August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry92 Comments

For a fun Friday, I’m trying something new, and honestly, I’m not sure if my attempts are right! 🙂 I learned about Tautogram poetry on Luisa’s blog, Words and Music and Stories, and she suggested I give them a try. So I did…

The tautogram is best explained by its Greek root words of “tauto” meaning “the same” and “gramma” meaning “letter.” Basically, all words in the poem begin with the same letter.

Here we go! I inserted Friday inspiration and a little bit of Copper!

Discovery

Dare! Delve daily,
donning doses –
dazzling dreams
demonstrate determination.
Devotion drives decision –
dynamic discovery!

Beautiful

Born beautiful,
Believe,
boundlessly blessed,
brilliantly bringing balance
beyond body –
beloved, bubbly, being!

Copper

Cute canine creates
colossal connection –
coloring clouds,
calming chaos,
complimenting clan!

I hope you enjoyed these tautograms! They were fun and a bit challenging, but I’ll keep trying! 😂

By the way, I’ll be hanging out with hubby at our favorite lake in the Sierra Mountains next week, and beginning on Sunday, I’ll be off the grid. So, have a great weekend and a wonderful week ahead!
And I always appreciate your visits and feedback. Hugs, Lauren ❤️

“Beautiful and sensational poetry that
softens the heart” – Miriam Hurdle
***Available on Amazon***

A Fun Collaboration with Resa!

On July 26, 2024July 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Poetry177 Comments

Dear Friends,

After almost two months on a break, it’s good to be back because I’ve missed you all, and I hope I haven’t been forgotten. 🙂 Before the break, one of my friends, Resa, and I had decided to collaborate on a post. First of all, if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Resa, you can find her at https://artgowns.com/ & https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/.

We were talking one day about limericks (during my limerick phase) and she suggested adding some artwork with a few that I had written. Thus, the collaboration commenced! Resa is a costume designer of gorgeous gowns. She is a passionate photographer of outdoor ephemeral art. And her artistic talent is incredible, appealing to our emotions as seen in her sketches below.

Two limericks I sent to Resa were about my lovable canine, Copper, who is almost 14 years old. He doesn’t go fast or far anymore, and his hind legs are weakening. But he is the biggest sweetheart with amber eyes that see right into your soul. The other limerick was about blooms because of my love for nature. Then Resa suggested that I find inspiration from her sketches to write some poetic thoughts. This was challenging because of the writer’s block I’ve been up against. But in its own time, inspiration arrived, which turned into shadorma poetry both serious and soothing. Resa’s beautiful artwork inspired, along with our current political climate, and Nature herself.
So, I hope you enjoy our teamwork!

My responses to Resa’s blooms…

Nature’s Therapy

She lounges
in nature’s embrace
in a world
that rages
unsettling to the core
blooms provide comfort

Her country
spins and twists and turns
an outcome
uncharted
she finds a place of respite
reveling in silk

Blooming Comfort

Colors of
nature offer hope
golden, pink,
purple, red
evoking elation for
tomorrow’s sunrise

She sinks her
soul into their hues,
fragrances,
spring softness,
being a part of their world
a setting divine

A Big Thanks to Resa for collaborating with me,
and for sharing her artwork
that enriches our lives! ❤️🌺❤️

And Friends, Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you discovered a takeaway
to enhance your day. 💜💛❤️🩷

Stress, Sweltering, Stillness, and Smiles

On July 4, 2024July 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Blogging, Discussion

Dear Friends, it’s hard to believe that this blogging break has turned into a month already. I thought I’d be gone for a couple of weeks. But the truth is that a roofing project has turned into a noisy, costly, and stressful nightmare. And during this time, Copper (our lovable lab) got really sick with gastroenteritis. It’s never easy to watch our furry family members suffer. But he’s finally back to his normal chipper self, off of his bland chicken and rice meals, and onto his regular food. I haven’t felt like cooking, so I’ve cooked more for him than for us!

Then my husband came down with the flu, but luckily, he’s on the mend. And lastly, a few days ago, a heat wave entered into the equation and it’s been disgustingly hot. Most homes in our area don’t have air conditioning like us, but we do have a portable ac unit which helps. Sanctuary defined! Still, this hot spell is unprecedented to continue on until 11 pm next Wednesday. Yuck!

As to writing, I’ve written very little. My mind has been preoccupied, so I hope my muse will return soon. On a more positive note, a couple weeks ago, we went to my nephew’s wedding in the Santa Cruz mountains. We had a blast and it was a gorgeous setting in the company of majestic redwoods.

***My sleeping puppy (almost 14 years old)***

I have missed you all and will see you later in the month, hopefully. Fingers crossed “this too shall pass.” I am practicing on stillness in my mind because getting upset doesn’t help.

Lastly, for those of you in the U.S., I wish you a SAFE & COOL 4th of July!
Hugs to you all,
Lauren ❤️💙❤️

***My poetry collection will turn one year old***
***later this month, but if you don’t own a copy,***
***I hope you’ll add it*** ***to your home library.***
***You’ll find many takeaways about nature, love, and life!*** 💚🩵💚

Laid-back Limericks!

On April 13, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry85 Comments

April Showers

Raindrops fall on this Saturday
The sun hides behind clouds so gray
Stay cozy inside
Options are wide
Tomorrow, we’ll go out and play!

April showers arrive today
Inside our cozy home we’ll stay
We’ll read a book
Or even cook
No matter, we’ll not drift astray!

There once was a dog named Copper
Whose good looks were a showstopper
A hugger and kisser
Love he’ll deliver
But with love comes lots of slobber!

A copper-colored coat he dons
Looking handsome as a celebrity icon
A senior now
Gray on his brow
Even with pains, he carries on!

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My latest collection of poetry.
If you don’t have your copy yet,
simply click on the image. Thank you! 💚

I always appreciate your visits and comments!
Enjoy your weekend rain or shine,
and like our Copper Boy, Carry on! ❤️🌞

If we dig deep enough…

On November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Holidays95 Comments

As Thanksgiving Day inches closer, what are you grateful for? And don’t you agree that we should show gratitude all year round? And then reality stares us in the face each day on every news channel. My heart aches more and more. War. Homelessness. Hate. Mass shootings. It’s really very hard to keep the spirits from plummeting. So, where is the love, respect, and acceptance? Lives have been upended in the most horrific ways, and I’ve only scratched the surface. Still, if we dig deep, deep enough, we can find something to be grateful for…

It’s hard to believe that my father-in-law passed away three weeks ago. Time is mystifying, isn’t it? We miss him, but in various ways every day, we celebrate his 100 years and we will honor him next month for his Celebration of Life. We know he’s watching over us, feeling our love for him and knowing he’ll be in our hearts forever. ❤️

Now I’ve always looked forward to this time of year when the sun isn’t so aggressive and the temps are cooler. I still enjoy the quiet early mornings when Copper and I go for our walks, although at 13, he’s definitely slower. He’s ‘told’ me that around the block is about all he can do, and that’s completely fine. He gets to sniff and lift his leg, and that makes him a happy lab! We also get to watch the sunrise and listen to the silence. How glorious is that! And when a day or night’s sleep passes without pain, I am grateful. I’m jealous of Copper because he sleeps better than me! I know I sound like I’m 90, but I assure you I’m not. Even still, my body backtalks now and then, but it’s better than the alternative!

I yearn for the long, light evenings that summer brings, but hubby and I break out the candles for nightfall that arrives early. We allow the coziness to embrace us in its warmth. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…having a roof over our head is not to be taken lightly.

During this season, I am intoxicated by the aromas of pumpkin bread, pumpkin pies, pumpkin cookies, and I indulge in an occasional pumpkin latte. Hello, Pumpkin! And who doesn’t love the wardrobe changing of the leaves on the trees? Those rich, warm reds, golds, and yellows. And then let’s talk books! I’m thankful for my bookcase that is bursting at the seams! So many books! I don’t know what I’d do if paperbacks and hardcovers became obsolete. I love to hold a book in my hands, to feel the pages as I turn them and the smooth, beautiful, enticing covers.

This year, our son who lived in Virginia, embarked on a cross country road trip working remotely while visiting as many national parks as possible. His adventure began on May 1^st in Maine as he worked his way west to California staying in Airbnb’s, and he is now home with us for the holidays. We are grateful that he stayed safe during his travels of almost 18,000 miles and that we get to spend the holidays with him. To be with our son and daughter over the holidays is a gift in itself. Can’t wait to see our daughter and son-in-law! ❤️

My Gratitude list goes on and on – there is no conclusion. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?! Lastly, thank you for your continued support and friendship in this world of blogging. And a Big Thank You to those of you who have bought my book, Ever So Gently, and to those who have written fabulous reviews.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history
is this day we celebrate
the blessings in our lives,
for each breath we take.
I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
among the golden leaves,
and so I gladly share
at this table I take part,
my very grateful heart.

My family wishes you a very warm and loving Thanksgiving!
~Lauren 🧡🍁🍂

*Click on the image to purchase your copy.* 💚

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

Dog Love Abounds!

On November 11, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Books57 Comments

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 Copper in 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 ⬇️.

Dog Love

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 ❤️❤️