Memories that drench your skin in a coal black night…
Memories that crumble you to the ground…
You can pack your boxes, fill up your gas tank or plug in the EV and drive across country,
but those vivid scenes and words that paint bruises on your heart will find your front porch.
They boast a built-in navigation system, so, it’s up to you – freedom of choice.
You can let go. Anything or anyone unworthy of your loyalty won’t nest in your mind.
The road will be yours – unending… surrounded by beauty, possibilities dancing, the sky opening around every curve
as Natasha Bedingfield sings “Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.”
Choose wisely. Do it for you…
because you are worthy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks so much for being here today. ❤️
We miss Copper this holiday season, but we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree, wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire. If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone who would find comfort in this special collection, please click on the link. Thank you. xo
How much mettle is needed to push against the bulk?
a defeated soul shivers from trickles of a chill
but the weight eventually eases
anguish doesn’t live in an endless state
breathing always finds its place
with reasoning
for reassessing
during and after the mess.
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Thanks for dropping in, and if you’re struggling during this holiday season, I hope you find comfort from my words. ❤️
We miss Copper this holiday season, but we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree, wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire. If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone who would find comfort in this special collection, please click on the link. Thank you. xo
It takes little effort to hide in the corner, darkness wraps its cloak, providing comfort, shielding weakness in eyes, no sweat needed for caving in, succumbing to silence – unchallenging…
but not the finest road to travel…
Fight your demons! Don’t choose ill-fitting armor – tighten all straps, button all buttons, snap all snaps. Fight those monsters head on! No skirting around flames, snub their glowing green eyes, look away to the other side, the side that roots for you.
Give grit freedom to fly! Strength isn’t buried – it soars with you each day, each night, in every minute and hour.
The POWER lies in your hands to flip the switch, to let your energy roar!!!
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Gearing up for Halloween with a dose of encouragement! 💚 Photo by James Bat Barrera on Pexels.com
Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡
Lauren Scott Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book) Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology Co-Author – This Is How We Grow Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
Blue sky whispers words of tranquility Each syllable falls like a leaf in autumn Open your hands to the wisdom, cold-shoulder the noise whirling around, causing a bottleneck of worry Let the sun’s rays seep into your soul flowing gently on its journey, pulling you from edges of despair Let the warmth calm the chill that strives to take possession
If your heart is broken, take time in picking up the pieces just tap into the strength deep inside – the jagged edges are dull to your skin, you’ve been cut before so now you’re tough, the sight of red doesn’t shock you into paralysis
Each fragment tells your story, and you matter The pieces in all their perfect imperfection will fit perfectly again
Remember to follow the blue keep your eyes looking upward because the blue holds hope, and moving forward is impossible without even a glimmer…
I am thrilled to be featured on Spillwords Press as part of their ‘Spotlight on Writers’ Series and my interview is live right now! Thanks so much to Dagmara and her team for offering this amazing opportunity. It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized and to have a platform such as Spillwords to showcase my poetry. I am truly honored and grateful! And now for a peek at the interview beginning with Question #1:
Where do you hail from?
I was born in Palo Alto located in Northern California. But since my parents shared an excitement for moving, when I was two years old, we relocated to Cypress in the southern part of the state. The neighborhood where I began kindergarten evokes memories of playing with tadpoles and a frog the size of a football that I named Sam. When I was eight years old, we moved to Anaheim with Disneyland in our backyard. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the rest of his cohorts became friends. I met a girl who lived around the block, and our friendship remains to this day. She and I spent most of our time in the magic kingdom when ticket books existed, and e-ticket rides were the best! Three years later, my parents packed up the house again, but this time, traveled across state lines to New Mexico. We lived in a beautiful brick house where wintertime brought snow for our brown and white springer spaniel to romp around in. But after four years, back to Southern California we headed. Moving frequently in my childhood was difficult – changing schools, leaving old friends, and making new friends. But my parents had their reasons, so I didn’t harbor any resentment toward them. Fullerton became my high school home, and the last one before I moved out on my own. Who knew that in the future, I’d find my way back to the northern part of the state with my husband and children.
If your interest is piqued and you’d like to read the full interview, click here and you will gently be carried over to Spillwords. Or you can simply click on the Spillwords image below. And if you would be so kind to give me a friendly ❤️ while you’re over there, you won’t need an account. But if you’d like to leave a comment, you will need to log in, and of course, I’d love to read your thoughts! Either way, if you cheer me on, I’ll greatly appreciate it! 🙏
Voted Author of the Month for May 2023
Thank you so much for stopping by, and please know that I appreciate you! 🙏🩷
A collection of poems that speaks of nature’s healing touch, howlove shapes our lives, and the mysteries of life. Click on the image to purchase your copy. Thank you! 💚
I am delighted to share that Spillwords Press has published my poem “Chilling Embrace” in their Featured Post section and is live today. It is a great honor to have my writing spotlighted on their site again, and to be in the company of so many talented authors.
Chilling Embrace
I have been embraced by the chilling presence of loneliness.
I have wondered where the niche designed for me exists in this world in which my breaths originate.
I have waited for the glow to emerge from behind the shadows...
I would love if you would hop on over to Spillwords and read the rest of the poem here. You don’t need to log in to give it a lovely ❤️, but you do need to if you’d like to leave a comment. And I do love comments, but either way, I would greatly appreciate your time and support. And just like another sunrise brings hope, your continued support brings new gratitude. 🙏🏻
Thank you again to Dagmara K. and her team for accepting my submission. I am thrilled and truly grateful!
“Chilling Embrace” is also in my latest collection of poetry…
My latest book – 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.💙🩵💙
Today I’m sharing my 5-star reviews for three wonderful, entertaining books. Hope you enjoy!
In the Tree’s Shadows by D.L. Finn
In the Tree’s Shadow by D. L. Finn is a captivating collection of short stories in a mix of genres, varying from 99 words to novella length. Finn takes the reader on a thrilling ride of paranormal, horror, sci-fi – even romance and fantasy. And her love of the outdoors is apparent as nature is woven into many tales. The worlds she creates are exceptional, showcasing authentic humans and dialogue. I even found the creatures and aliens to be convincing.
The Wow Factor began from the beginning and continued to the end. Some stories are moving and endearing, a few made me turn on more lights, while others made me stop and think. But they are all entertaining.
The collection begins with “End of the Road,” in which the main character is tired of living, but then the storyline shifts. A powerful introduction to Finn’s storytelling that had me intrigued. I enjoyed “A Reminder” since I’m also a nature enthusiast. “This Journey” speaks of a lost loved one, special memories, and how two people will reunite in another life. All dog lovers will be drawn to “The Bench.”
A few favorites that made me wish for daylight are “When the Lights Go Out,” “In that Moment,” and “The Day the Ground Moved.” “The Playdate” was beyond creepy. “In the Shadows” reminded me never to walk alone in the wilderness because the crackling of leaves could truly mean something sinister.
Whatever genre you’re in the mood for, this collection has a story for you. I don’t usually read horror, paranormal, or sci-fi, but I finished this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. You can savor it, though, and take your time, extending the thrilling ride. I’ll add that this is the first book I’ve read by D. L. Finn, and I know it won’t be the last. I truly enjoyed her writing and imagination. Highly recommended for all fiction readers!
Re-Create and Celebrate by Cindy Georgakas
Do you ever carry self-doubt around? Are you a people-pleaser? Are you still trying to figure out your life? If you answer yes to these questions, then Re-Create & Celebrate by Cindy Georgakas is the book for you. I’ve been following Cindy’s blog for a while now, and have grown to admire the caring, vibrant, woman she is. So, I couldn’t wait to read her debut book. I would be hard-pressed to believe that everyone has their life figured out to a tee, no need to ask questions or ponder mysteries. In some ways, I do, but in others, I’m still searching as I bet you are, too.
Georgakas shares her suggestions and knowledge drawn from her experience of being a life coach, and the language she uses is down to earth. She is not shy when it comes to showing her vulnerability. She is simply like you and me, trying to live life to its fullest. The book is organized into 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality, and she ends each chapter with a powerful haiku. Here is a sample…
stay grounded in self listen with all your senses open to insight
Georgakas nudges you into delving deep within your soul to discover your true essence, and then to unearth your true purpose. We all know how powerful negative thoughts can be, and how easily they can push us in the wrong direction. As Georgakas says, “…we can’t let the mind take over, since it is designed to overanalyze and judge everything we do.”
As I’m not in my thirties or forties anymore, this quote rang true, “Every age and stage offers new insights and opportunities to adapt and change; we have never been at this place in our lives before, so it’s important to pause and ask, “Who am I now, and what is my purpose?”
Another question to ponder is, “What life is worth living that is not worth questioning?” And this line stood out, “We have a choice to either paint rainbows or black clouds on our blank canvas.” Georgakas sprinkles many nuggets of wisdom from start to finish, so this compilation of encouragement is a great reminder that can be referred to over and over again.
Re-Create & Celebrate is an empowering book to reiterate how crucial self-love is, how to realize our goals and achieve them, and to enhance personal growth. Highly recommended for all who are still seeking those awaited answers!
Fairies, Myths, and Magic by Colleen M. Chesebro
This book is an enchanting collection of engaging prose and poetry about fairies, myths, and magic. Chesebro’s imagination and vivid imagery filled me with wonder as I turned each page. I felt like I had stepped into the scenes to interact with the delightful characters. Chesebro begins with a celebration of the inspiration of summer solstice, and then she introduces fairies with some fascinating facts.
The poems take on many forms, such as free verse and various styles of syllabic poetry. Regardless, Chesebro adds her special magic when she weaves words together. Below is a lovely example:
“Fairy Magic”
When browsing through memories swirling within your mind, Most people often find – Magic is the least understood of the fairytale arts. Fear not! Look deep into your soul – To remember a time When enchantment explained your world, First seen through the eyes of a child.
I had the pleasure of meeting two adorable pixies and laughing at their shenanigans, but I loved the heartwarming ending. I was introduced to a kind little fairy who yearns for his love to be reciprocated. Chesebro transported me to a shimmering pond for an enlightening experience – “the kind where magic resonates in the shriek of a hawk and in the howling yips from coyote pups that play on the sandy shore under a full moon.” Even the well-known plight of honeybees is woven into her magical stories. And I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Drac, the dragon, who experiences a transformation of heart.
A few favorites are “Just What the Doctor Ordered,” “A Fairy Love Spell,” “The Healer,” and “Halloween Havoc,” which left me with a hilarious, memorable image in my mind.
Throughout the book, I became delightfully swept up in the magic of spells, incantations, and potions. I suggest you carve out some time over a night or two and dive into the magic. You won’t be disappointed. Chesebro’s storytelling and poetic offerings will lift your spirits. Highly recommended!
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 