Tag: Gratefulness

Journal Entry 9/10/18

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry59 Comments

September 10, Monday

(hospital stay 9/7-9/9 Fri-Sun)

It’s evening when I usually pick up a good book, but my eyes are just too tired and my mind is too preoccupied to concentrate on anything. My body is also fatigued as though every ounce of energy has been zapped. Then when my head meets the pillow, my mind begins to wander again. Some thoughts lead into great memories of present or past. This is when I breathe deeply and thank God. And some start to tumble into a darker place where I have no desire to be. Those thoughts provoke wild emotions, and the last thing I need is puffy eyes in my morning reflection.

So, it takes mustering up a lot of strength to bat those dark thoughts away as if they’re pesky, blood-sucking mosquitoes. This is when I also breathe deeply – slowly inhaling, slowly exhaling, hoping to relax and fall into a deep slumber where thinking is finished for the night. And I pray to God that I’ll be okay. One thing I’ve been reminded of is just how fragile life can be, and I didn’t need reminding.

With this being said, and even through an occasional two-minute-melt-down, I’ll keep the faith as the waiting and testing continues. I won’t let optimism out of my sight. Taking one day at a time still rings true. And I am beyond grateful for the love and support of my awesome family and friends.

(I hope to catch up on blog-reading real soon. Stay safe and well. Lauren ❤)

 

 

Kindness and An Unfortunate Event

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry45 Comments

Image result for blind corners

Yesterday, shortly after leaving work, I was driving up a hill going around a blind corner, and the car coming towards me down the hill wasn’t paying attention, hitting my car on the left front. This was a first for me having never been in an accident. When I saw the car coming towards me, I thought he would move over just like all the crazy drivers in similar close calls. This time was different.

Well, no one was hurt, he admitted to being in the wrong, was nice and apologetic. We exchanged all the necessary information, but I was shaken up and could barely write. Ironically, he reacted in the same manner. 

While all this was taking place, a neighbor had witnessed the accident. And when the man who hit me left, the neighbor came out and shared that he has security cameras and will print out photos for me. How nice and timely is this! So, I have two photos for the claim that will come in handy. Then while I was on the phone calling for a tow truck (my car couldn’t be driven), he came out with a cold water, as it was hot in the 90’s. Needless to say, his kindness softened the inconvenient tone to my afternoon.

Then, while I was waiting for the tow truck, a young guy out front a few houses down asked if I was waiting for Triple A, and I said, “yes.” Well, he saw the truck going in the wrong direction. You see, the street I was on was off the beaten path. So, he offered to run down to the bottom of the street and flag the driver down. I asked, “Why would you do that?” His answer was, “Why not? There are kind people in the world.” Wow! Anyway, the truck found me. My poor car is currently in the shop awaiting surgery, and I pick up my rental car this morning.

My message is although the accident occurred, I’m thankful that neither of us were hurt, that the man at fault was compliant and insured, that there was the kind and helpful neighbor, then there was the guy who flagged down the tow truck driver. Kindness managed to shine through in the midst of this unfortunate event. The whole afternoon could’ve had a worse outcome, so I count my blessings. And lastly, please be careful driving around blind corners. 🙂

Image result for kindness makes a difference

Lauren Scott © 2018
Images from Google

Finding Joy, if you take the time

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry35 Comments

SUNFLOWERS (5)

This is one of several sunflowers we have planted around the yard and the only one that is potted. Because these seeds are in a pot, they’re probably at their true height right now. Last night, we even saw a new bud! Can’t wait to see that inspiring bright yellow flower!

It’s the little things in life that bring true joy, isn’t it? If we stop what we’re doing, if we slow down instead of frantically moving about, the little things will stand out more so not to be missed. As you know from prior posts, I’ve never been into gardening, but something sparked my interest this year. I’ve learned to appreciate taking care of flowers and plants, and then watching them grow and bloom. A special kind of beauty. We have a regular routine, but if they look dry at any time in-between, it’s as though my heart breaks before getting out the hose and giving them their much needed drink of water.

So, to end the week, I’m sharing some sunflower joy, and to encourage you all (myself included) to continue enjoying the little things in your lives. They are what matter most. They are what bring true joy within. I’ll end with a few inspiring quotes…

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” 
~ Andy Warhol

“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.”
~Barbara Pym

“I live to enjoy life by the littlest things, feeling the grass between my toes, breathing fresh air, watching the wind sway the trees, enjoying the company of loved ones, a deep conversation, getting lost in a good book, going for a walk in nature, watching my kids grow up. Just the feeling itself of being alive, the absolute amazing fact that we are here right now, breathing, thinking, doing.” 
~Marigold Wellington

HAPPY FRIDAY AND HAPPY WEEKEND AHEAD. GO OUT AND ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS, AND BE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY!

LOTS OF LOVE, LAUREN ❤🌼🌷🌻😊

 

Scene Change, Full House, and Balloons!

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry44 Comments

Sunny California is finally sunny again with warmer temps on their way. Our son flew home on Saturday, following the end of his political science internship in DC. He wanted to be home for my birthday (Sunday), and what better gift than to have both of my children home. My excitement to see him couldn’t be put into words. Then to have the four of us together again was awesome! And the awesomeness continues for the week before he returns to college for his final quarter. Yes, then graduation in June. More celebrating! 🎉
The picture below was taken on the speaker’s balcony of the capitol.

michael on the speaker's balcony of the capitol 2018

My heart was full from all the birthday wishes from family and friends, but this year, 
I wanted a celebration with just my husband and children. It was a great family day with lots of surprises and carrot cake (my fave) to top of the day. I made my wish, so we shall see. I’m also not shy about sharing my age. I’m simply grateful to be alive to celebrate each new year.

IMG_2581                   

 

IMG_2611
Thirty-nine again!

 

 

And with the seasons changing, I wrote a sequel to my previous poem and post,
A Cup of Spring. 

Image result for spring flowers

Scene Change

Mr. Winter bows as the
curtain gently falls
His mood is melancholy
yet, he understands
Miss Spring adjusts her
petals, poised with grace,
for the welcoming applause
Hats off to her glow and
the warmth she evokes

 

I hope you’re applauding Miss Spring’s arrival, too, and I’ll end with some wise
words that you’ve probably heard before…
“Life is full of give and take. Give thanks, and take nothing for granted.“ ❤ 🌻 🌼 ❤

Lauren Scott © 2018
Daffodil Photo: Google

 

Close Call

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Poetry22 Comments

We experienced a big rain storm last weekend, watched our neighbor’s tree fall (across from our house), as we happened to be outside at the time. So we watched and ran to the house, trying not to be its landing target. With all dramatics aside, it was very surreal, and if our neighbor hadn’t of come over to warn us at the time that she did, things may have turned out tragically different. The tree literally fell about 30 seconds later!

But prior to hearing the cracks in the falling tree, we lost power, which was off for over 24 hours. We didn’t complain though. Instead, we were grateful that no one was hurt and no property was damaged. As for the power being out Saturday evening, we ate by candlelight and lanterns, read, talked, and played board games. It was actually a nice evening of disconnect from technology and reconnect with family. This “excitement” offered a new perspective to be thankful for the comforts we do have, for timing being fortunately precise when it should be, and for those public works employees who show diligence in getting life back to normal.

I hope this post finds you all feeling good and happy as this new year begins to unfold.

Sending lots of love, Lauren ♥

Shelf Life & Simplicity

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Discussion, Inspirational, Photography17 Comments

I think we all strive for more than temporary happiness, but I’m guilty for eagerly anticipating the weekends. Those are two days in which I can live by my own schedule and do whatever I please. That being said, I’m extremely grateful for our jobs and
on a deeper level, we should embrace each day for the gift it is.
This quote by Vikrmn conveys several points, not all agreed upon, but the larger meaning for me is to focus more on concrete happiness and to allow oneself to dream big – the photo was another gorgeous sunset from last week.

Work picassa 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes an ordinary event is most meaningful. The photo below was taken when I visited my daughter at her work. We’re grateful she is now employed full time after graduation and she’s enjoying it. This was a simple day surrounded by beauty.

lauren 1 edited BESTMay your “today” be blessed and every day following, and may you live in the simplicity of what makes you happy. ♥

 “The bigger the dream, the better the story.” ~Richelle E. Goodrich

Lauren Scott © 2015

 

MEMORIAL DAY MEMORIES AND WISHES XO

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Holidays39 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I’ll be away this weekend spending
time with my Dad and Sisters,
so I’ll lose blogging momentum,
once again.
If I’m unable to catch up,
I hope your understanding continues
and I’ll see you next week.

Additionally, along with all
the bbqs, gatherings with family
and friends, I sincerley hope
we all remember what this
holiday is genuinely all about…

“OUR MILITARY GAVE UP THEIR TOMORROWS
SO WE COULD HAVE OURS”

It is the 
VETERAN,
 not the preacher,
 who has given us freedom of religion.

  
It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

   
It is
the VETERAN,
 not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

  It is
the VETERAN,
 not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag, 


 
It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag, 

 

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,

AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM~

“THESE ARE TRUE AMERICAN IDOLS“

BLESSINGS FOR A SAFE AND COMPASSIONATE

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND~

Lauren xo