“When I’m Sixty-Four” & More!

On March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry139 Comments

There’s a lot happening in this post today, so I will start by thanking my friend, Dawn Pisturino, for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I haven’t seen awards for over a decade, from when I first joined this amazing community. I’m grateful that Dawn thought of me. I like to think that my blog does spread sunshine, although sometimes, life throws curve balls, which is why this month hasn’t been a good example. Anyway, thank you so much, Dawn! Time won’t allow me to follow through with this lovely award, but I am grateful for your kindness! 🙏

The nominee is given questions to answer, so please visit Dawn’s post to learn more about her and to see the other wonderful bloggers she nominated: https://dawnpisturino.wordpress.com/2025/03/22/sunshine-blogger-award/

Then yesterday I was surprised with another award! Should I play the lottery? 😃
My good friend, Ernie from The Dawghouse, recently created an awesome award called “Dawghouse Choice Pawsome Blog Award.” When I posted several times this month about our beloved dog, Copper, passing on March 3rd, Ernie was touched. So, please click on the following link to read his post that brought tears for me: https://dawgydaddyresponds.org/2025/03/24/dawghouse-choice/ Thank you, Ernie! Now I’m touched by your kindness! 🙏

If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dawn or Ernie, I encourage you to pay their sites a visit. They’re both amazing writers and have so much to offer to this warm blogging community. I’m honored to know them both. ❤️
https://dawnpisturino.wordpress.com/ & https://dawgydaddyresponds.org.

Copper’s passing took over my creativty this month, with the exception of my last two posts. Writing helped me move through the grief, and as a result, a book is taking shape. A collection of poetry not only about Copper when he was with us, the joy he brought us, but also about grieving. My wish is that my words will help others in a similar situation. All of my energy has been poured into this unexpected but therapeutic project. More info. to come as I make progress.

***A happy, young Copper years ago.*** 🧡

So, I missed writing about the new season that has arrived, Spring. Instead of a new poem, I’m sharing an oldie that expresses the transition between winter and spring. I hope you enjoy!

A Cup of Spring

Miss Spring sips her tea
as we anticipate her arrival.
She says, “Be patient, for
soon I will bring you
colors so pleasing and
new life, delightful.
But first, Mr. Winter must
finish acting out his scene.

Previously published in my memoir: More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose

And lastly, this is out of the norm for me, but since this month has been anything but normal, a song came to mind because it’s fitting for today:

Did you guess? Yes! Light 64 candles for yours truly! Here’s my version (not Beatles worthy), but worthy for my day:

Sixty-Four Candles on the Carrot Cake

Another year has buzzed by
like jets in the big blue.
I repeat, “Where does the time go?”
I know some of you
join me in wondering too.
Memories transport me
through the last twelve months
where I walked with smiles,
tears followed when due.
This body doesn’t feel old,
age is just a number,
but it yawns a bit,
and yet, gratitude rests in my heart
for more than complaints justify.
He’s older by one year
so we’re both climbing the ladder.
We still give each other cards
in spite of any gray hair
and nice to know there’s a perk
in one more year with Medicare!
I’m not afraid to say the numbers;
every laugh line has been well-earned.
I’m thankful for my roots,
for perseverance, and for my bones
that continue to hang in there!
So, light those candles,
extinguisher on the sidelines,
Cheers to another year of life,
my husband – best friend,
my daughter and son,
all of my family,
my friends,
despite hurdles on the path,
I have won, so bring on the fun!

My son made this delicious carrot cake (my fave)
a few years ago.

My husband’s birthday was last month and Copper ‘gave him a card’ and also landed in several photos. I will miss my Copper Boy as I celebrate another year of life. Love you, Copper! Life can be bittersweet. ❤️😢

Well, thank you for being here today, and for reading this long post!
Thank you for lending me support throughout my blogging journey.
Thank you for being you! Have a wonderful day! ❤️💫🎉🥂

One week ago from today…

On March 10, 2025March 11, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry168 Comments

Copper crossed over the rainbow bridge, and I don’t know how we made it through from last Monday, a very sad and emotional day, to today. It’s been tough. Loss is Loss. He wasn’t just a dog, he was family, and for thirteen years he was in our lives. So, it takes more than a day or two, or even a week to move forward without a broken heart. Truth is, I don’t know how long it will take. But in between the tearful moments from missing him beyond words – from not being able to pet him, kiss him on the top of his soft head, feel his silky ears, or bury our faces in his fur, we find joy in the life we had with him, how he enriched our lives with his unconditional love. It’s serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March 2012 and left our earthly world in March 2025. All we can do is give ourselves grace (my daughter’s advice), and continue to take one day at a time.

I’ve been writing a lot, as my good friend, Resa from https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/, advised me to do. Her words, “Fall on your pen!” So I share this poem with you today; it’s still new with possible editing in the future, but it fits for today from my heart to yours:

Loss is Loss

Death comes in many forms
Death can be tragic
Death can be anticipated
Regardless, when a loved one passes
whether human or pet
loss is loss
hearts still break open
tears fall until
there are no more
stages of grief
call us and we answer
submitting to erratic emotions
to heaviness in heart and limbs
to wondering if the sun will rise again
and no matter what triggers the pain
we must offer ourselves grace…
to grieve as we should
to mourn as days unfold
Loss is loss shattering us
into tiny pieces of uncertainty
until the healing of time
brings those pieces back together.

Copper loved getting outdoors, whether
for a walk in the neighborhood, or on
the trail.

***Young Copper soon after adopting him.***

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

Thank you for ‘being there’ for me and my family, and I look forward to reading your wonderful posts again. And if you have a dog or cat, give them a hug for me. ❤️

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! ❤️🐶🐾

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

© 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! 🙏

100 Things I Love & Are Grateful For!

On December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Life160 Comments

When I read Brian’s post at WritingfromtheheartofBrian where he shared a list of 100 things he loves, it really touched me. Brian’s posts and the essays he writes are always moving, humorous, and authentic. Please pay him a visit if you haven’t met him yet. Anyway, I picked up my loyal journal from where it rests on the coffee table, and began making a list. I seamlessly wove together things I love and things I’m thankful for. Perfect timing because here we are with Christmas just around the corner. The spirit of the season seeps into our hearts. For the sake of time, I tried to narrow my list down to 50, but I couldn’t. Now this says it all! And I went a few over! 🙂 These are in no particular order.

Family time.
Sharing life’s adventures with my best friend, my husband, for almost 36 years (37 since we met).

3. My dog, Copper. He’s 14 years old and doesn’t go fast and far anymore, but he’s doing well.
4. Good health – this is no laughing matter, as my dad used to say. I don’t think I grasped the profound meaning when I was young, but now I get it.
5. Baking – carrying on my mom’s tradition.
6. Singing – my passion since I was 9 years old.
7. Barbara Streisand – my vocal idol who I was fortunate to see in concert – the most magical evening!
8. Elvis Presley – I was only a teenager, but his voice was incredible and he was so handsome. 🙂 I was lucky to see him in concert with my family two years before he passed away so young.
9. Redwoods – I feel a sense of peace and reverence whenever I’m in their company.

10. My childhood cabin – memories of Yahtzee nights and Mom’s lasagna!
11. Chocolate chip cookies made from scratch right out of the oven!
12. Sunsets, especially at our favorite lake.

13. Writing! Poetry, Fiction, a children’s book – trying new genres for a challenge.
14. Reading – getting lost in poetry that resonates or in the pages of a compelling book!
15. Poetry of Mary Oliver – I feel deeply moved by her poems.
16. Beautiful gardens – the colors, the life, the connections, the honey bees!
17. Addictive Netflix shows – Virgin River, Schitz Creek, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, & New Amsterdam.
18. Long phone chats with my daughter in TN.
19. Long phone chats with my son in CO.
20. Chardonnay on a Friday night after another work week has come to an end.
21. Going to the movies – the whole experience of relaxing in the recliner chairs and munching on popcorn.
22. Music – singing, dancing, listening, going to concerts.
23. A quiet drive on country roads.
24. Wine country in the spring and fall.
25. All animals, esp. dogs, and elephants – After I read two non-fiction books about elephants, I fell in love with the magnificent creatures.
26. Chocolate!

27. Hawaii.
28. Camping in a tent – I don’t mind roughing it and getting a little dirty.
29. Campfires in the wilderness.

30. The color blue like the clearest sky, a tropical ocean, and my husband’s eyes.
31. Musicals – The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber top the list.
32. Small, charming towns.
33. Reminiscing through old photo albums. The memories…
34. Moving furniture around in the house.
35. RomComs: Pretty Woman, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, The Proposal, When Harry Met Sally

36. A hot shower after tent camping for a week.
37. Air conditioning on a 100 degree summer day.
38. A fun day at the county fair. I have great memories of going as a family, checking out the art exhibits, the pig races and petting zoo, riding the ferris wheel, and eating fun fair food: gyros and chocolate mint ice cream.
39. Noisy holiday gatherings with children’s laughter that evoke wonderful family memories of when my parents were still with us.
40. Christmas decorations inside and outside.
41. Coffee with hubby no matter where we are.

42. Typing.
43. A great sense of humor 😂
44. Kind people.
45. Ethical politicians.
46. Tacos and a margarita.
47. Jeans and t-shirts.
48. Hokas – my saving grace to mitigate foot nerve pain.
49. Jewelry – Silver, gold, beaded, all kinds. Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets. I love to accessorize!
50. Blogging and the wonderful friends I’ve made!
51. My Apple watch – changing the photo & using for exercise. It’s simply fun.
52. The moon!
53. Visiting my daughter in TN.
54. Visiting my son in CO.
55. Technology when it works! LOL
56. My white Mazda CX-5.
57. Disneyland – Childhood memories of having Disneyland in my backyard. I love Disney!
58. Compassionate and trustworthy doctors – I am grateful for the care and treatment my family has received at Kaiser over the years.
59. Purses.
60. Backpacking with my husband! The tranquility, carrying all we need on our backs, the photos, the memories!

61. Hiking.
62. Holding a book in my hands. There’s something special about the feel of the cover and pages.
63. When Paxlovid kicked in during Covid, even though the metallic taste in my mouth was unpleasant for a week.
64. Organization.
65. Playing in the snow: sledding, snow shoeing, tobogganing, tubing.
66. A lush, green lawn.
67. Carrot cake. Did you know it counts as a vegetable? 🙂

***Made by my son for my birthday a few years ago.***

68. Sitting on our patio on a summer evening, watching the hummingbirds.
69. Stinson Beach.
70. Heat in the house on a cold winter’s morning.
71. A live Christmas tree adorned with ornaments the kids made and ornaments that were given to us.

72. A new roof that cost too much but that keeps us dry.
73. A house we call home.
74. The feeling of euphoria I had after giving birth to my daughter and son.
75. Walking hand in hand with my husband.
76. Paying someone a compliment.
77. Waking up early in the morning and enjoying quiet time to read, write, or blog.
78. Reveling in the joy when my husband gets home from an awesome motorcycle ride.
79. A simple walk around the neighborhood. Each time, it’s a different experience.
80. When my kids tell me they love me.
81. Receiving Christmas cards.
82. Getting together with friends.
83. Motorcycle rides with my husband.
84. Lucille Ball. The laughter never ends!
85. Enjoying a day at the beach.
86. Attempting a new creative endeavor and succeeding.
87. Reading the blogs I follow.
88. Listening to the rain from inside my cozy home.
89. How comfy my bed feels at night when I’m tired.
90. Any body of water.

91. The excitement of a new year’s possibilities.
92. Riding bikes in Lake Tahoe.
93. Weekend getaways.
94. Having something to look forward to.
95. When my children graduated from UC Davis.
96. Self-publishing a new book.
97. My poetry and stories getting published in literary magazines.
98. Opening all windows in the house on a beautiful spring day.
99. Emojis ❤️🥰🎉🤗🙏 What can I say? They’re fun! 😍
100. Bodega Bay.
101. Pain-free days and nights.
102. Samuel P. Taylor Park.
103. Point Reyes.
104. West Marin.
105. The Cheese Factory.

Could any of these land on your list? I’m sure some from Brian’s are the same for mine. And that’s okay. Like- minded individuals!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for taking the time, and for stopping by today!
I appreciate you all for visiting my little corner of blogland. ❤️

New Release! Click on the image if you’d like
to purchase a copy! ❤️🙏

Resa kicks off the book launch for Cora’s Quest with an array of colors!!!

On December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books, Celebrations57 Comments

Resa rocks, enough said, and I’m sharing a bit about her 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 Post.

Resa has posted and reviewed my last two books, Ever So Gently and More than Coffee, and now she’s done it again for Cora’s Quest, my first children’s book illustrated by my nephew, Chris Mendez! She creates stunning masterpieces weaving art and books together seamlessly like needle and thread.

So, I invite you to visit Resa’s post and immerse yourself into the colorful palette of her amazing creativity!
Thank you again, Resa, for your invaluable support and friendship! You have enriched my life! ❤️🎉🙏

Cora’s Quest

A Huge Thanks to you who have bought Cora’s Quest, and I’ll share again
that in the last few days since Cora was released, it has reached…

Top New Release in Baby and Toddler Beginner Reader Books,
#1 New Release in Children’s Self-Esteem and Self-Respect,
and #1 New Release in Children’s Mammal Books!

I’ve never paid attention to Amazon’s Best Seller’s Rankings,
but I’ll admit this news is a great boost! 🎉👏🏼
Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate you so much! ❤️
And I hope Cora will find herself on your holiday shopping list. 🥰

Have a wonderful weekend ahead, and I hope to see you at Resa’s!

Lauren 💖

New Release! Click on the image to purchase
your copy! ❤️🙏

Early Thanksgiving Thoughts and Wishes

On November 26, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Holidays, Photos110 Comments

With the holidays upon us, my memory can’t help but reel back a few decades. Our parents were still alive, all of their grandkids were young, and those big, noisy family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas were anticipated with excitement. Sure, giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time is rewarding and fun (in that order), but what I truly miss is ‘the noise, the laughter, the chaos, the loved ones’ (section 2 of my book, Ever So Gently). And I remember when our daughter and son were precious little bundles of joy. The elation my husband and I felt when our family became 3 then 4, and then complete. Don’t misunderstand though – returning to the past isn’t my wish, I’m simply reminiscing. These are thoughts from last year’s post.

And so, to those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you a blessed day, and to those who don’t, I wish you a blessed day! Below is a poem I give to you all! ❤️

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history a day we celebrate
blessings in our lives, for each breath we take
but some live in darkness with light, imaginary
living to survive is anything but sanctuary
I hold them in my heart, though trite to some ears
In moments of surrender, I give freedom to the tears

So, I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
where all should dance with glee
a piece of me that I impart
is my very grateful heart.

p.s. Cora’s Quest, a children’s book, is coming in December –
I’m working on final approvals.
p.s.s. I’m working on several book reviews, but because of tech issues,
I lost the word doc. Sigh. Maybe a miracle will bring it back.
Otherwise, I have to start over. These will come in December also,
but I had hoped by end of this month.
Sometimes, all we can do is go with the flow! 🥰

I appreciate you all,
Hugs, Lauren 🩷🍁❤️

***Photo courtesy of my daughter, Cheekwood Estate, Tennessee***

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

On September 28, 2024September 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry65 Comments

I shared a poem about The Natchez Trace Parkway here after visiting our daughter and son-in-law a couple of weeks ago. So today, I’m sharing about the famous Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge located in Williamson County, Tennessee. I’m including one of the photos I took, along with a gorgeous photo found on the National Park Service website during autumn. I’d love to visit during this season, but we’re home now so maybe next year! Of course, inspiration stirred some poetic thoughts, but I was in the mood for a challenge. So, I wrote a septet for the first time, and I hope I wrote it correctly. I could only read it so many times before the words began to blur. So, go easy on me, please. 😁

Anyway, bridges are always special, holding some kind of significance, so we were literally in awe. I hope you enjoy!

***My photo with the grass in between summer and autumn.***

***An autumn view of the bridge from Birdsong Hollow. Photo NPS/Marc Muench©***

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

Arches curve with honor and elegance
as we gaze in awe beneath sun of gold
enticed by crimson autumn elements.
A phenomenal vision to behold,
motorcyclist’s freedom to unfold.
Praised for design and historic facets –
homelands of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez.

Note: The rhyme scheme of a septet poem: A 7-line poem that is also known as a Rhyme Royal. Traditionally, Rhyme Royals have the following rhyming sequence: ababbcc.