Tag: Goals

Living Ever So Gently

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Book Promotions, Poetry98 Comments

I’m thrilled to share the collaboration has begun with an amazing illustrator for my first children’s book!! The release date will be later this year, specifics TBD. This road is one I haven’t traveled before, so a learning curve is ever present. But the journey will be delightful as I watch my adorable character come to life in color on pages through beautiful illustrations. Not to mention, the important message included in the story for both children and adults. More information will follow throughout the year as progress moves forward, and I’m sporting a Big smile…

like this happy canine!

So, food for thought in haiku form…

visualize dreams
transform into intentions
rewards lie in wait

As I’ve mentioned in prior posts, the progress for my upcoming book, Ever So Gently, is slowly advancing. Life has interrupted at times, but the plan is to release it next month. For the cover, I wanted a minimalist design with soothing shades to complement the title and message I’m conveying. I may play around with the font and placing of the text, but below is a mock sample:

A snippet from the introduction:

“Ever So Gently expresses how I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart that is full of gratitude for the love in my life, for being loved. For the support of my family and friends through every stumble and every celebration. When I greet a new day, I am reminded to breathe and live gently. We live in a world riddled with chaos and tragedy, but beauty surrounds us if we open our eyes. I may not always succeed in gentle, but if I slip up, I will try again. A variety of emotions is felt throughout the collection because life can be joyful, but it can also be messy. As to the style of poetry, most are free verse, but since I enjoy trying different forms, I’ve included syllabic poetry as well.

Style notwithstanding, the purpose of compiling this collection is for you, the reader, to discover at least one, but hopefully, a few poems that will evoke a special memory or remind you that you are not alone living with the emotions in your heart. Perhaps you’ll get a good laugh or experience an aha moment. Most importantly, when you turn the last page, I hope you discover the reward of living Ever So Gently.“

Thank you for reading and for your wonderful support in the past! Stay tuned for more information on both books in future posts. May your weekend be filled with adventure and big smiles! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Canine photo by Marco Carrillo on Pexels.com

Ringing in 2023!!!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion

The holiday break has been wonderful spending time with family, and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, as well. As we’re about to ring in and clink to a new year, I’m sharing some wisdom from an older post…thoughts to ponder as we decide what changes to make for the next twelve months. Are we going to do things the same way and expect different, better outcomes? Or are we going to make necessary changes so that the outcomes reveal the hopes we hold?

I haven’t made resolutions, but I am in the middle of working on a new poetry collection that will be released in the spring. And a few more book ideas simmer on the horizon, too. There’s nothing like creative projects to keep our minds busy in that feel-good mode. So, I will welcome 2023 with open arms, excited for new possibilities. Below is that wisdom I mentioned…it’s all about finding and keeping a balance…

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE:

  • The most destructive habit………Worry
  • The greatest joy………………..Giving
  • The greatest loss….Loss of self-respect
  • The most satisfying work…..Helping Others
  • The ugliest personality trait…..Selfishness
  • The greatest “shot in the arm”…….Encouragement
  • The greatest problem to overcome……Fear
  • The most effective sleeping pill……..Peace of Mind
  • The most crippling failure disease……..Excuses
  • The most powerful force in life……….Love
  • The most dangerous act…..Gossip
  • The world’s most incredible computer….The Brain
  • The worst thing to be without…………Hope
  • The deadliest weapon………………………..The Tongue
  • The two most power-filled words………I Can!
  • The greatest asset………………….Faith
  • The most worthless emotion……….Self-pity
  • The most beautiful attire……………Smile
  • The most prized possession………………Integrity
  • The most powerful channel of communication…..Prayer
  • The most contagious spirit…………..Enthusiasm

LIFE ends when you stop DREAMING.

HOPE ends when you stop BELIEVING.

LOVE ends when you stop CARING.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
~ C.S. Lewis

Wishing you all a safe and fun celebration
and a very Happy New Year!

Comments are closed, but I look forward to seeing you all in 2023! I’ll return some time in January.

Sending New Year hugs,

Lauren ❤️🎉

© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
photo: pixabay

Happy October & New Goals!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry, Writing67 Comments

Happy October! I hope you are doing well! I had to step away for a couple of weeks so I could focus on my next book of poetry. I finished the structure and compiling poems, so now I’ll continue writing to add to the manuscript. So far, the total is 66, but once the editing begins, that number will change. However, it’s not about quantity. I’ll be adding and weeding out poems as the calendar pages turn. My goal is to publish next spring, and now that you know this, I am accountable. 🙂

I look forward to reading your posts again, and I am leaving you with a haiku that you may have seen before. But whether you’re reading it for the first time or second or even third, I hope you enjoy!
Autumn is a favorite season, so here you go…

Seasonal Blanket

autumn’s dawn colors
in warm hues of coziness
melodious crunch

© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved
🧡💛🧡

Spring Excitement!!!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Books, Poetry, Stories54 Comments

I’m excited to tell you that my next book will be out later next month!!! A compilation of poetry from all seasons of life and short memoirs reflecting back on the years as my 60th approaches very soon. 😉
Life’s canvas has changed colors with the passing of my parents and our children well into their adulting years. My first-born will be 30 this year! How did that happen so fast? And with my husband and I discussing our next chapter when retirement arrives, exciting, scary, and adventurous times shine ahead!

Below are a few poems in my book just to give you a glimpse…

Red Lipstick

With childlike fascination,
I leaned against the door frame
watching her apply a little
powder to her nose,
a touch of red to her lips.
No more, no less.
She was flawless.
Then our eyes locked,
sharing an unspoken connection.

Questions arise,
so I gently tucked
her wisdom
in a safe space
where I could
draw from it easily.

I’d love to share tales
of life she’s missing.
Perhaps, again someday.

Magic

I watch your car fade
into the sunrise
as distance broadens
between us.

Dreams desire
to be unhindered.
We crave the chase.

When you capture yours,
hold it like a new puppy,
wiggling with excitement.

You are in my heart.
Feel the joy emanating.

You know the rain
may linger…

Oh, but the magic
is knowing my love travels
wherever your dreams
may guide you.

Aglow

On the little country road
to the country town we go
where hands on the clock
tick slow, slow, slow –
leading to reflection
of memories that flow
where thoughts transport
to a time that stays aglow.

The Teacher

Its canary boldness
rises to the sun
alone, yet not lonely,
fearing nothing,
but wearing bravery
on each petal –
standing tall with
strength in lean
green attire, as if
soaking up the day’s
endless possibilities.

Belonging

Do you trust me? Will you
take my hand and let me
lead the way to a place
transcending the boundaries
of our reality? Let us get
lost in tranquility –
dancing to the majesty of 
the surroundings, feeling the
rhythm vibrate through our
bones. For as long as our
hearts desire, this is our
destination. Time is but
a memory. Its existence
leaves no trace on the path
where we tread.
There is only you, me,
and the intensity of our
belonging to each other.

15 Powerful Goal Achieving Quotes to Inspire You - Rick Conlow

In the last difficult year, while I’ve heard that others have lost their inspiration to create, mine flowed like a raging river! I envisioned this book: mapping out the format, choosing writing pieces to include, then finally putting words into action. A long time coming since my last book was published in 2015. Seems like a hundred years ago. So, with new spring blooms follows the completion of another creative goal. One more box checked off!

A Red Pen Is Checking Off Boxes Which Can Represent A Number.. Royalty Free Cliparts, Vectors, And Stock Illustration. Image 4771590.

KEEP YOUR VISION IN FOCUS AND PERSISTENCE EXERCISED!

I hope you continue to pursue your goals, checking off those boxes, as well. And if you are happy and willing to help promote my book, please let me know in the comments below.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND I WISH YOU AN ABUNDANCE OF POSSIBILITIES IN THE NEW SEASON TO COME.

~Lauren Scott (c) ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Photos: Google & my garden

Do you ever…

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Inspirational42 Comments

wish there were more hours in a day? Sometimes, it’s difficult to fit in all that we strive to accomplish in that set of time. Some days and weeks pass by where nothing has been completed because of lazy moods or wallowing in self-pity.

Self Pity Vs Staying Positive - So Bad Ass

Well, it’s important that we remember to…

make time to sit still…to think, to listen. Keep those dreams alive even when they fall to the wayside. Create new dreams, set new goals. When we keep the wheels turning in our head and work towards accomplishing a goal, there is little time for wallowing to become real estate in our minds. And working towards achievement implies always trying – standing tall when failure smacks us in the face.

People Who Live Without Dreams. Insights of the people who don't have… | by Vinod Sharma | Live Your Life On Purpose | Medium

Of course, we’re never too old to learn. So, keep reading, allowing your brain to be the sponge its meant to be. And where there is time to work, there must also be time to play – to release worries and let laughter and childlike wonder lead the way.

Fight Covid-19 with 30 minutes of laughter every day | Hindustan Times

So, simply said, take time to grow and embrace each new life chapter. But whatever you do, don’t waste that precious time!

No stars are unreachable
No matter their height
No hope is invisible
No matter your plight
No dreams are unattainable
No matter how great
No burden is unmanageable
No matter its weight!

7 key intrinsic motivational drivers you need to understand

Lauren Scott (c)
Photos: Google
💗💗💗

Accomplishments

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry53 Comments

This past Saturday was our son’s college graduation from UC Davis. He majored in Political Science and minored in Communications. We’re so proud of his accomplishments and can’t wait to see where his next adventure takes him. My husband and I are now proud parents of two UC Davis grads, and the college days have ended. 🙂

This leads me into sharing some wise quotes on chasing dreams and being true to yourself at the same time:

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always believe in yourself and always stretch yourself beyond your limits. Your life is worth a lot more than you think because you are capable of accomplishing more than you know. You have more potential than you think, but you will never know your full potential unless you keep challenging yourself and pushing beyond your own self imposed limits.” 
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Dreams become regrets when left in the mind, never planted in the soil of action.” 
~ Auliq-Ice

“The point of dreams was never to be the affordable option, it was the one everyone else saw as a mistake and every creative person saw as an opportunity.” 
~ Anastasia Bolinder

“Remember your dreams and fight for them. You must know what you want from life. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure.”
~ Paulo Coelho

SO, CHEERS TO REACHING FOR THE STARS AND TOUCHING THAT FINISH LINE. BUT…CHEERS TO ALSO TRYING YOUR HARDEST, MAYBE FAILING, THEN HAVING THE COURAGE AND PERSEVERANCE TO GET BACK UP AGAIN! 🎉🎉🎉

 

Wishes, New Days, & Popcorn!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry29 Comments

dandelion arctic

Visualize it: Close your eyes. Get in the zone, and focus solely on your wish – Nothing else!  Another idea is to make a Vision Board. Have you heard of these? Cut out photos from magazines that represent your wish. Or, if you’re super creative and skilled, you could draw, draw, draw! 

Believe it: Don’t let the face of doubt stare you down into a puddle of self-pity.
Don’t let the hand of negativity hold you down in the sinkhole of “I can’ts.”

Do it: Take action! If you think by sitting on your sofa – remote in one hand, popcorn in the other – is going to make your wish a reality…think again! 

Image result for making wishes come true

“Do the thing and you will have the power.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

(It’s as simple as that.) 

 

New Day, New Dreams

Today’s a new day
for that baby step
Don’t even look back
just take a deep breath

 Don’t listen to words
that may keep you still
Optimism is your friend
along with your will

 Keep your dreams in view
not allowing them to stray
With fear on the sidelines
You Can Be Brave

 Instead of your heart
wear strength on your sleeve
Stay focused with soul
and in Yourself, Believe!

So, did you make a wish?
If so, what are you going to do about it?

 

Lauren Scott © 2018
Photos: LScott/SabrinaFair
Image: I wish – Google
Poem from my book,
New Day, New Dreams

A New Year Already?

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Holidays, Poetry48 Comments

new year

Does time fly by at faster speeds each year? It sure seems like it. Are your thoughts similar? Well, now that we know a new year is just around the corner, have you made a list of resolutions?

A few days ago, I reminisced about this year and all its glories and sorrows. Resolutions, for me, are a thing of the past. However, I have completed some goals that were set in the beginning of this year (patting myself on the back). I like to create new goals rather than resolutions. So, this began the wheels turning and the goal list for 2018 has commenced!

Here is some wisdom from the author, Kirsten Sevig:

“I decided to measure success in happiness, progress, wisdom, accumulating rejection and failure, resilience and determination, pride in my work, confidence, and comparing only to myself instead of to others.” 

What great wisdom this is because how many measure success in dollar signs only? How many compare their accomplishments to others’ successes and easily beat themselves up for not achieving as much? I hope this wisdom enlightens your visions of the New Year! And even though we’ve read similar encouragement before, this affords us another chance to make our lives what we want them to be. 

Below is an old poem I wrote for New Year’s that I hope you enjoy again or for the first time.

There were…
High points to this year
Low points to bear
Tears to dry
from reasons to cry
Lessons to learn by
Adventures to try
Demons to fight
Wrongs to right
Resolutions completed
Some deleted
But looking back
we see impact
Another year of living
The gift of existing
Accelerate in high gear
No invite for fear
Pour the bubbles
Forget your troubles
Clink and Chime
Celebrate Big Time!

Lauren Scott ©

new year 2018

 

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION,
AND A 2018 THAT IS BETTER THAN THIS YEAR – MORE PROSPEROUS, BETTER HEALTH, AND MUCH HAPPIER, AND MORE LOVE-FILLED, TOO! 

~LAUREN 🎉🎊🎇🎆✨❤