Sweet November

A tall cedar pitches its pods
onto the smooth driveway,
footsteps crunch on fallen foliage

a broom sweeps, piles grow
for hoisting into the bin

but the tall cedar pitches again
oh, this lovely season!

the air turns crisp for layering,
wiping sweat away
from summerโ€™s fever,
raindrops soothe flaccid petals

early evenings surrender
to nightfall,
but set out the candles!
Play Sinatra on vinyl
and sink into coziness
โ€ฆ

Will you remember
this sweet November?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ยฉ Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
I shared this poem two years ago, so if you read it then,
I hope it brings cozy and comfort a second time around.

Happy November, and thanks for visiting! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ

Click on my daughterโ€™s image to order your copy! ๐Ÿงก

Lauren Scott
Author โ€“ King Copper: Our dogโ€™s life in poetry
Author โ€“ Coraโ€™s Quest (a childrenโ€™s book)
Author โ€“ Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author โ€“ Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author โ€“ Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author โ€“ Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author โ€“ This Is How We Grow
Co-Author โ€“ 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

Cozy Vibes

Stunning Aspens in Colorado

Sidewalks no longer sizzle
beneath summerโ€™s intense embrace –
a sign anticipated by the leaves
with an abundance of grace.

Each year around this time,
theyโ€™re excited for the change,
like a model walks the runway,
new colors rearrange.

Shades of cranberries and squash
warmly enter stage left –
pinks and purples gladly accept
their much-needed rest.

A season that captivates when
cinnamon swirls in the air,
candles dance on mantels,
October declares, โ€œBeware!โ€

Mother Nature encourages
soft sweaters and snuggling –
lights blink and wink on eaves
ambience for cuddling.

Pumpkin flavors entertain palates
in recipes galore
while on the thirty-first
carved faces frighten with gore!

So, whatever your fancy
in the midst of football and hayrides,
enjoy the fun festivities
and the blustery, cozy vibes!

Autumn sunrise on Bear Lake
in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Fall and Thank you for taking the time to stop by!
I appreciate you!
๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ๐Ÿงก

ยฉ Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

Click on my daughterโ€™s image to order your copy! ๐Ÿงก

Lauren Scott

Author โ€“ King Copper: Our dogโ€™s life in poetry
Author โ€“ Coraโ€™s Quest (a childrenโ€™s book)
Author โ€“ Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author โ€“ Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author โ€“ Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author โ€“ Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author โ€“ This Is How We Grow
Co-Author โ€“ 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

Almost ‘Fall-ing’ – a haiku trio

When I think of the new season upon us, I envision warm reds, oranges, and yellows, and vibrant shades of pink. I can smell cinnamon baking in the oven, and imagine sipping a pumpkin spice latte for a morning treat and hot apple cider as an evening winds down. Maybe an occasional indulgence in a delicious apple crisp, and of course, some cozying up under soft blankets.
This is my favorite season, so won’t you join me as we enjoy a little fall-ing? ๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ

These photos are from years past, as summer is stubborn and won’t let the trees transform just yet, but I’m ready for the change now…

1.

crisp mornings join late
summer afternoons to greet
fall’s cozy prelude

2.

leaves change into their
raspberry autumn wardrobe
attire for the dance

3.

new season creates
inundation in its wake
melodious crunch

Click on my daughterโ€™s image to order your copy! ๐Ÿงก

ยฉ Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.


Author โ€“ King Copper: Our dogโ€™s life in poetry
Author โ€“ Coraโ€™s Quest (a childrenโ€™s book)
Author โ€“ Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author โ€“ Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author โ€“ New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author โ€“ Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author โ€“ Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author โ€“ This Is How We Grow
Co-Author โ€“ Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor at Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

Anticipating Ms. Autumn

Happy September! I welcome the new season upon us in a few weeks with wide open arms! This summer has been stressful, and much too hot for too many consecutive days. So, cooler temps, come our way!
And on that note, Ms. Autumn has something to say…

I am not bashful. In fact, I tell it like it is, and I am thrilled that my cue for moving into your lives is coming up around the corner! In quiet moments, I reminisce on the good times when you express your oohs and aahs as I make my entrance. How I gracefully arrive donning pomegranate reds, cinnamon browns, and citrine yellows. Energy buzzes like a walk on the red carpet โ€“ a highly anticipated moment, so I have heard.

My sweet fragrance beautifies a stroll around the neighborhood. My cool touch refreshes, replacing summerโ€™s harsh existence. And I am aware that Mr. Summerโ€™s mood this year has been exceptionally unsympathetic toward you, my humans whom I adore!

Now regarding my work, I labor with patience and diligence โ€“ brush in hand and paint by my side to create a vibrant landscape. Lovely memories as vivid as the colors of my wardrobeโ€ฆ
memories of yesteryear before Mr. Raging Fire barged in, disrupting the balance of the nature of seasons.

Now, each year, a sense of dread crushes that sought-after anticipation of my arrival. And yet, defeat has not prevailed. This new reality only advises that my effort must toughen upโ€ฆpaint and brush lie in wait at my fingertips. The artist deep within will continue to create for you who appreciate the very essence of me.

An Autumn to Remember

Stage IV lung cancer echoed in her mind โ€“ her kind doctor said last week with a heavy sigh. She smoked since her teens, enjoying each inhale, so this grave news wasnโ€™t a surprise. But she was young, fifty-nine, with so much love to give. Yet, she was elated with the special news her son and daughter-in-law shared today. A grandma for the first time. How lovely. But with the chilly rainfall came her last breath, and the precious baby girl would arrive later when the leaves gently create a blanket of gold. There will be two lives to celebrate.

ยฉ Lauren Scott

My latest collection of poetry โ€“
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.
 
๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿฉต๐Ÿ’™

Thank you for visiting today!
~Lauren โค๏ธโค๏ธ

ยฉ Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo: our yard a few seasons ago

Refresh Button (revised)

I posted this in 2018, so this is a revised version…

As summer bids farewell for another year, Autumn prepares for her entrance, and doesnโ€™t she look lovely! With season changes, Iโ€™m often compelled to reorganize and do some fall cleaning. To begin with, I rearrange the furniture in our living room, something that has become an annual activity and a way of inviting new perspectives wherever we choose to sit. Who would think moving furniture around would be so gratifying?

Now we have the chance to watch the sunrise through the big window while sipping our tea or coffee. Or we have a better view of a roaring fire when winter drops in for an extended stay and hot chocolate is on its way, but perhaps, that glass of wine calls when the clock strikes five. Regardless of the beverage at hand, the sofa configuration is more fitting to sit closer to someone we love for a treasured, intimate conversation.

Whatever the benefit, this season change offers a newness, a revitalizing start as we near the ending of 2022. The coziness, the warm hues and spicy aromas. The kitchen curls its finger when outside temperatures drop and the evenings become darker earlier. I’m lured into the room where I mix up pumpkin bread, one of my holiday baking traditions that everyone loves. But last year, I found a pumpkin cookie recipe (image of cookies above) that is to die for! Iโ€™m including recipes for both in case your mouth is watering for their sweet and spicy deliciousness.

Pumpkin Bread (my mom’s recipe)

Preheat oven to 325ยฐ F and grease and flour a loaf pan. Mix together 1 1/2 sticks of butter (salted), 1 15 oz. can pumpkin, 2 cups white sugar. Add 2 eggs then dry ingredients: 2 c. flour, 1 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. baking powder, 1 t. cloves, 1 t. cinnamon, 1 t. nutmeg. Other options are to add 1/2 cup of raisins and/or nuts. Walnuts are good in this recipe. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 65-75 minutes depending on your oven. Test with a toothpick. Cool on rack in pan for 10 minutes, then flip bread onto rack and cool completely. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookies (I found online)


1ย cupย salted butterย softened, 2ย cupsย white sugar, 3/4ย cupย brown sugar, 2ย eggs, 2ย cupsย solid pack pumpkin, 1ย tspย vanilla, 4 3/4ย cupsย flour, 2ย tspย baking powder, 2ย tspย baking soda, 1 1/2ย tspย cinnamon

For the Glaze: 3ย cupsย powdered sugar, 4-8ย tablespoonsย milk

Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars until well creamed. Beat in eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheets. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Do not over bake. Let cool completely. To make the glaze, stir together the powdered sugar and enough milk to make a runny, but still spreadable consistency. Spread each cooled cookie with glaze. Enjoy!

So you see, this simple switch is like clicking on the refresh button on life. Even a small change can add a pinch of extra spice to this time of year.
An older photo of Copper, our regal lab. ๐Ÿงก

May this season ofย Autumnย bring a refreshing newness to your life, as well. โค๏ธ

Moving Forward

Dear Friends,

This is a follow-up to my last post…thank you for your love, prayers, positive thoughts, and support. I’m feeling much better, but healing on the inside is still needed. So, I’m in the process of scheduling a procedure that will provide answers.

In the meantime, it’s great to have my energy back; it’s no fun staying in bed not being able to contribute to the daily routine. My outlook is optimistic, but I’m also realistic. I don’t do well living in gray area, so we shall see…

On a lighter note, I love the cooler weather, and the season of Fall is one of my favorites…the colors, the smells, the foods, and the change of wardrobe. ๐Ÿ™‚ And for the new season upon us, I’m including a fun haiku, and of course, Copper. My daughter took this photo a few years back, and it remains a favorite.

Copper in Autumn by Steph 2016

pumpkins on the porch
sandles in hybernation
hello socks and boots!

Wishing you all a Wonderful Wednesday. โคโคโค

 

CELEBRATING!

fall

Hello Friends,

WordPress tells me that it’s my 6th anniversary, but I seem to be one year off. Anyway, I’ll take it if it’s cause for celebration. ๐Ÿ™‚ This blogging journey has been wonderful in so many ways, mostly because I’ve met all of you! I know I’ve taken some breaks, and I also haven’t blogged in the last few weeks because this class I’m taking demands a LOT of homework. I’m trying to find some type of balance, but I guess I’m just moving around here slowly.ย I’m done with this week’s h/w though, which is due tomorrow by noon, so I’m going to dive into my inundated email this morning and read some blogs I’ve unintentionally ignored. โ™ฅ

I’ll end with, not only a fun haiku for the new autumn season (ironically, we’re having 100 degree weather), but with also another BIG “Thank You” for all your likes and comments, but most importantly, your friendship, love, and support. โ™ฅ

pumpkins on the porch
sandles in hybernation
hello socks and boots

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND PEACEFUL SUNDAY! SENDING LOTS OF LOVE, LAUREN โ™ฅ