Spillwords Press 2026 Awards – Publication of the Year!

On February 2, 2026 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Awards, Poetry103 Comments

The Spillwords Press Awards 2026 honor exceptional work from 2025…
I am excited to share that my poem, “I Am From” was selected for the Publication of the Year Award (Poetic)! I am humbled and honored, and grateful to you who voted for me. Your support means more than you know. It is a continued privilege to have my work published at Spillwords Press, so I offer a huge thank you to Dagmara K. and her staff!

I Am From

I am from my mom’s emotions
that had a mind of their own
so wild at times emulating a summer storm
I am from my dad’s humor
where smiles bloomed
but his temper too in my less patient moods

I am from flower petals I did not plant
Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green
yet the petals’ beauty is always seen
I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown),
vanilla, baking powder and soda,
and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case,
and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways

I am from the moon in her mystery
The sun in his radiance
The lake in its serenity…

You can read the entire poem here at Spillwords…

I also want to Congratulate my friend, Eugi at amanpan.com, for being part of those who received Socialite of the Year (Honorary Award) for the Year 2025!!!

“Spilled Words is what we offer one and all. A website offering fresh, original and exclusive material by writers who espouse the philosophy that “Words Matter” and believe that imagination is the seed of accomplishment. We are passionate about the world we inhabit; Aware there are two sides to every story. Persistent in our pursuit of all points of view. A place to think, to laugh, to shed a tear. Where words are gifts that feed the soul; ignite a flame within the heart; excite the recesses of the brain; spark passions and concerns; inspire the conscious and subconscious.“

Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a fabulous February! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Spillwords image courtesy of Spillwords

Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper; our dog’s life in poetry (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA, and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and fifth collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***Click on the image to purchase your copy.*** 🤎

26 & 27

On October 7, 2025October 14, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry82 Comments

The much-loved patio welcomes
with its rustic warmth
and strands of string lights,
the bar stools invite us
to get comfortable for a visual feast
of rolling hills and redwoods.

His hand finds mine;
his words express that I’m most important,
in three months, glasses will clink
to celebrate 37 years –
the 26-year-old girl who met a
27-year-old guy. My words echo his,
but of course, our daughter and son
are the center of our life…

And the weather? Short sleeve
temperature, sublime, serene.
October brings
a summer night’s dream.
Silence flows in with its
special kind of conversation.

Fleeting minutes like these
aren’t taken for granted
because it’s not every day
our perfect dance partner
comes our way,
and although we grow older
and flaws become bolder,
our melody continues to play.

Light neighborhood chatter
drifts through the trees
with an occasional hummingbird
on its tail and a slight breeze.
The moon elegantly hangs
in her dazzling formal attire,
vying for our attention,
and she succeeds
because we are devoted fans.
Her glow mesmerizes –
our focus on her alone.
What a beautiful moment
to call our own.

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Thanks so much for stopping by,
and I wish you a wonderful week! 🧡🍁

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

***Click on the 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

Leaving on a jet plane…

On September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Vacations

Dear Friends,

Matt and I are flying out tomorrow to visit our son, so I’ll be offline until sometime next week. Visiting our daughter and son is by far the best vacation. I don’t like missing posts, but there are times like this that it’s unavoidable. Please know that I appreciate you and your wonderful support throughout my Copper journey, and blogging journey, in general. WordPress tells me it’s been 15 years! But that’ll be another post! 🙂 Anyway, stay safe, and keep your creativity flowing. I’ve turned off comments, but I’ll see you next week!

I thought it would be nice to leave you with a few calming visuals…

I hope you enjoyed. Inhale, exhale, and be well! ❤️

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***Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy!*** 🧡

One More Time…

On August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry76 Comments

It looks like Copper accompanied my son and daughter
on wonderful hikes in their respective states, CO and TN.

♥️🤎♥️🤎♥️

Dear Family and Friends,

The King Copper blog tour has come to an end. Maggie kicked it off with fireworks on August 4th, and Marsha created a grand finale yesterday on August 18th. I can’t express how thankful I am for those who helped spread the word about Copper. Many fell in love with him through the poems and photos shared. This feels like a warm hug. And the 5-star reviews that are flowing in are all touching my heart like the collection is touching the hearts of readers. Offering more gratitude is definitely justified to the wonderful blog tour train drivers:

Maggie at Ephemeral Encounters
Mike at Silent Pariah
Jacqui at https://worddreams.wordpress.com/
Ernie at dawgdaddyresponds
Sally at smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com
Dawn at dawnpisturino.wordpress.com
Marsha at alwayswrite.blog
Brian at writingfromtheheartofbrian hopped on the train unexpectedly,
which was a wonderful surprise!

I also want to repeat how much I loved
everyone’s personal touch in their posts.
How the poems affected them,
and how they felt other dog or pet parents
would appreciate the collection.

And to those who have bought the book or plan to,
and who have already posted reviews, Thanks so much!
A side note, selling my books isn’t about making money.
Believe me, I spend more than what comes in.
For me, my hope is to touch hearts
in whatever way that is fitting for each individual.
My books also become legacy for my family,
so compensation isn’t always the only reward.
Watch for it, here it comes…

One More Thank You

If repeated often
words can sound trite
though intentions are true
as stars shine bright.
A heart that grows full
from abundant kindness
unselfishness feels
like a heartfelt caress.
So don’t feel weary
from hearing a ‘thank you’
because the sentiments
like a sunrise are oh, so true!
~ LS

I appreciate your presence here and wish you the best day and week ever! ❤️

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A parking spot brings a smile!

On July 10, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Personal Stories88 Comments

Even though the sky was a stunning canvas of vibrancy yesterday morning, my mind was in a funk. Worries flooded each thought, and each worry got stuck like gum under a school desk. But I had to get on with the day – first stop was the post office. I was happy to see that street parking was ample. As I pulled up to the curb, I noticed the truck in front of me was about to leave, so I waited. When the truck pulled out, I pulled up, leaving room for parking behind me. I’ve done this a million times before, and sometimes finding a parking spot feels like winning the lottery. Plus, it’s nice to be able to park with lots of room rather than attempting to squeeze in between two cars. Why not make things easy for the next person?

After I finished inside, I headed for my car. As I sat with my foot on the break, hands on the wheel about to leave, a woman pulled up beside me, motioning for me to roll down my window, which I did. She said, “I just want to thank you for pulling up so that the lady behind me and I could pull in right behind you. There’s a lot of rudeness nowadays, so we found your gesture to be very kind.”

“Of course, I was happy to do that.” I replied, a bit surprised by her kind gesture for the same reason. Then we both went on our merry way. However, the funk that dominated my thoughts earlier had dissipated because I brought a smile to two women from a little bit of kindness. What could have been a frustrating undertaking for them was made a little easier – the gift of a parking space!

This moment yesterday may seem unimportant,
but my experience proves that not only does a simple act of kindness
brighten the recipient’s day, but it does the same for the ‘kindness provider.’

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.”
~ Kahlil Gibran

Thanks for visiting, have a fabulous day,
and Cheers to spreading more kindness!
The world would be a much better place!

❤️❤️❤️

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase
your copy through Amazon.💜

“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! ❤️💫🎉🥂

Book Reviews, Voting, and Islands!

On January 29, 2025January 29, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Nominations & Awards45 Comments

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m sharing two more 5-star reviews, and a couple more will come soon! If you missed my first batch of brilliant books (see below image), you can read my reviews in my prior post (click above).

Today’s reviews… If you like fiction and/or mystery and intrigue, you’ll love both of these books!

Tell Me A Story in 99 Words by Annette Rochelle Aben
https://annetterochelleaben.wordpress.com

I’m fascinated with the concept of telling a story in so few words, similar to writing poetry in the truncated Japanese form of haiku. So, I dove into Annette’s flash fiction and read her book in one evening! Each story is unique with an unexpected ending. Many stories made me smile. Several made me pause because of the gravity of the topic. Annette truly has the skill to tell a story in 99 words.

I appreciate each one for its message, but a few favorites are “A Bolder Gift,” “Bedfellows,” “Chocoholics,” “Daybreak,” “Eyes Forward,” “Risk My Lives,” “Indian Creek,” and “Last Request.” There is a tale in this wonderful collection for everyone. I highly recommend to all fiction readers who enjoy short stories packed with a lot of substance and imagination.

Bullets in the Briar by Kimber Silver
https://kimbersilver.com

I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Rhodes by Kimber Silver, her debut novel. So, when the sequel was released, Bullets in the Briar, I quickly paid a visit to Amazon to order my paperback copy. Another page-turner that I read in two days! I was quickly drawn into the familiar setting and genuine characters. In the beginning, it was nice to be reunited with the likable and sexy Sheriff Lincoln James and the strong Kinsley Rhodes. The sequel is just as compelling as the first introduction where I was transported to the fictitious town of Harlow, Kansas. Silver paints vivid scenes through her words, and the dialogue made me feel as though I was in the midst of the conversations. For the second go around, Kinsley’s relationship with the sheriff evolves, raising the bar for exciting and spicy. Adding to the sizzle are Gabby and Dean, a sub romance that is just as searing. Small-town politics, romance, humor, and mystery, what more could a reader want? Highly recommended!

Simply click on the book titles to purchase your copies! Happy Reading!

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And now a friendly reminder to vote at Spillwords. If you missed the details, please visit my prior post.

Click on the link below to cast your vote in several categories, and voting ends on January 31st.
A Huge Thanks to you who have voted for me!
It’s an honor to be nominated with many talented writers,
some I consider friends in this wonderful community.
So, no matter who takes the trophy, I believe we’re all winners!
Good luck to All the Nominees!

www.spillwords.com/vote

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I’ve been reading The Life Impossible by Matt Haig, a new favorite author after reading The Midnight Library. Some chapters are one page, and one in particular resonated. So, I’m closing this post with “Islands Don’t Exist” (copying exactly as it is written in the book):

I had been an island. And yet now, thanks to Christina and La Presencia,
I realised that there are no islands. If you go far enough down, everything
is connected. Ibiza and Lincoln are joined to the same earth. Our minds
swell into each other like a million currents at sea. We merge, we
converge. Everyone flows into everyone else without even realising. Even
cockroaches play their part. We aren’t just a person, we aren’t just a
gender, we aren’t just an age, we aren’t just a nationality, we aren’t even
just a species. The walls between us are imaginary. The thoughts we
have that are ours are gloriously unique but also gloriously in the same
continuing spectrum. Love, fear, grief, guilt, forgiveness. These are the
standards in the repertoire. These are the cover versions we get to play.
We think we are lonely because we are often blind to the connections.
But to be alive is to be a life. To be life. We are life. The same ever-
evolving life. We need each other. We are here for each other. The point
of life is life. All life. We need to look after each other. And when it
feels like we are truly, deeply alone, that is the moment when we most
need to do something in order to remember how we connect.
That is why we take the invite to Ibiza or send the email to the lonely
old maths teacher or share the ridiculous truth of ourselves. We can’t
just sit for ever in our lonely shells, making no sounds.
To swim in the ocean, we sometimes have to make a splash.

I’ll let you ruminate on these words by Matt Haig in this amazing book,
while also wishing you a lovely day. 🌺
And as always, I am grateful for your presence! ❤️

***Click on the image to purchase your copy!***
***Thank you so much!*** 🙏

Last post for 2024: Merry Christmas! 🎄⭐️❄️

On December 20, 2024December 22, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Holidays, Poetry69 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

This will be my last post for the year, then I’ll be going offline until January. It’s been a great 12 months with my health improving, many adventures throughout, and concluding with the publication of Cora’s Quest (even with the current snafu). I love spending time with all of you on your blogs, reading your beautiful poetry and stories, oohing and ahhing at your stunning photos, and traveling vicariously through your virtual itineraries. The support I receive for my writing and books is so appreciated, even I can’t find the words!

I searched high and low for my muse, but she has already departed on holiday vacation, so I didn’t write anything new for today. I’m sharing instead a poem that seems to circle back now and then. I hope you enjoy again, or for the first time. I included an audio as well for your listening pleasure. 🥰

***An older photo of Copper enjoying the warmth.***

A Christmas Soliloquy

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume.

Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.

Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams.

But can dreams still come true
When years become displeasing?
Amidst the tears and heartache,
Is there room for believing?

I have faith that joy weaves
Its way through the pain
Angels keep watch while Love
Is the magic that remains.

I don’t know your story
The details are yours alone
But I do wish you Happiness
That you may seize and truly own…

As we listen to the marching rhythm
Of the exultant Christmas drum
For these holidays upon us
And for the New Year to come.

© Lauren Scott

I also hope you’ll forgive another (subtle) plug for my book, Cora’s Quest…the good thing is it’s not a Christmas story, so children (and adults) can enjoy reading about Cora anytime of the year! The paperback is still out of stock (hopefully, not for much longer), but the e-book is available. So, you can wait for the paperback or you can purchase the e-book and read about Cora immediately.
If you choose to add my first children’s book to your home library, thank you in advance! 🙏

“I thought your message to children through Cora was outstanding, a lesson that even adults wrestle with. Get out of of our comfort zone because overcoming our fears is one of the most overpowering feelings in life.”
~ Pete Springer from petespringerauthor.wordpress.com

A Huge Thank You for visiting my cozy corner in WordPress, and I wish you all a peaceful holiday filled with nothing but joy. The holidays aren’t always happy for everyone though, so if you’re struggling in some way, I hope you have support to help you find even a tiny ray of light. I want nothing but harmony and magic to fill your days during this month of December and in each day to come.
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate as well!
I’ll respond to comments if you’re kind enough to leave one.
Sending virtual hugs! ❤️🎄🙏