Tag: Here and Now

Saturday’s Page

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry72 Comments


A lone bird sings
a song of orange.
The day is gray.
June stays true
with her gloom.
His body next to mine.
Home.
Move forward,
I remind myself.
If I think in reverse,
parts will shut down.
If I think tomorrow,
today will feel unloved.
Coffee calls.
A cool breeze lifts off
like a Cessna.
Bikes on the patio
await our ride.
Not another day
as this one
dreamily written
like a love sonnet.
I hear him wake.
He walks down the hall.
Our story continues.

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

I know I’m not around as much, but I miss you all. And I hope life is treating you well. Can you believe June is already here? I’m checking tasks off my list and have submitted several pieces of work, along with my children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping. But the wait will carry me into the fall. Fingers crossed with no expectations. And if I can muster up the energy, I’ll do some simultaneous submissions so not to put all my eggs in one basket. Anyway, I’m writing a lot, and now working on another poetry collection for submission. I hope your goals are getting the attention they deserve too. Take care, be safe, and thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com
Photo by Petr Ganaj on Pexels.com

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 (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 at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers Chapter of the California Writers Club, and her poem “Wings” was named Honorable Mention in their 2026 Smalls Too Poetry Contest. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life. 

Toots and Circles

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry71 Comments

Perhaps he was a Western Screech Owl
that I heard outside our bedroom window
in the early darkness before the sun
fashioned its glorious arrival.
I cannot say with conviction,
but it is certain he proclaimed his presence
with his high-pitched toots.

And what I’d like to know…

was he aware that just before
he sang his series of notes
our alarm would,
in a matter of minutes,
sound off in its circle’s ringtone?

And did he realize at this time
when most homes on the street
have not awakened,
we make our preferred dark roast
from old faithful Mr. Coffee,
then sit together in harmony
for soft conversation?

That this routine, though understated
for some, would not be the same,

would not provide the equivalent comforting
experience if one of us was not present?

I shudder to imagine such a scenario…

because this early morning moment commenced

with the toot of our neighboring friend in nature

is happening now,

and now is where I desire to be.

© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com

Rolling Waves

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry41 Comments

north of bodega bay by Matthew 2018

Looking into the future
it is a vast horizon –
one of hesitation
and reservation
yet, also
one of beauty
and excitement
It is an ocean
of varied emotions
like the rolling waves
with their uncertainty
as they commingle
with the mystery
among them –
and others 
causing me
to catch my breath
while watching
the presentation 
of a spectacular sunset
Whether joyful
or distressed,
the future requires
careful navigation
so that this moment,
this very moment
doesn’t escape
without being noticed

Lauren Scott © 2018
Photo: Taken by my husband,
north of Bodega Bay
on a motorcycle ride

Crystal Ball

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry38 Comments

 

crystal ball

Imagine the future visible through a magic globe,
what is it you would wish to know?

Would peace of mind follow the facts
or would your mind be less relaxed?

Long awaited answers would fill in the blanks;
no more wondering, but would you give thanks?

Learning the future and after all is said
could strip your days of joy, filling you with dread

So living in the here and now might just be the best
instead of venturing into this mysterious quest

Lauren Scott © 2015
Google image

I don’t think I’m the only one whose mind wanders into the future,
especially in the beginning of a new year,
so this is just something fun (or not) to think about.
But for now, I’ll just take each day as it comes
and enjoy the anticipation!

🙂

All Over Again

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry33 Comments

Redwoods edited for blog 2013

I thought we had bid farewell
instead, while sweeping
under one of our rugs
its existence glowed
like an October prank
My sanity experienced
an immediate tug

The spirits of my shoulders
dropped with great speed
and the weight of their tears
caused my heart to sink
into a dark abyss
with rejuvenated fears

I remember being thrilled
with its absence
dancing through my days
now I look at my reflection
in the mirror and see traces
of a familiar, emotional maze

The need to blame
is so very strong
I know it’s not right
but I long for someone
to offer their hand,
catch my pleading words
as they roll from my lips
and for a face with kind eyes
to tell me this is just
a vivid nightmare,
not a rewritten script

Repeatedly, I reach for strength,
at times, feeling my fingers slipping
As I kneel, with folded hands,
my heart begs for another error
I silently pray for this presence
to stop haunting our days
and for a beautiful soul to be spared

Lauren Scott © 2013
♥

The Here and Now

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion40 Comments

living in the here and now

I won’t be sharing a poem in this post, something a little different for me. Instead, I felt like sharing some thoughts. I hope you enjoy and feel free to chime in, too! ♥

It’s so easy to let our minds wander into the future, worrying about what could happen. It’s not difficult, at all, to let anticipation of something negative impact our daily thinking. Anything is easy, as long as it’s the antonym of optimism. Would you rather think the worst to prevent disappointment, instead of thinking positively and probably having a good day?

I confess. I’ve had these moments. Then there comes a time when we have a choice to make. We can wear a frown, stay miserable, ruining not only our day, but days for those around us. Or we can turn the frown upside down, hope for the best and have a little faith that all will work out.

Yes, very cliche. I’ve experienced, though, truth in these words. If I carry a positive attitude throughout my daily routine, I find that things do work out in the end. Have I been disappointed? Of course I have. In fact, our family is still in the midst of catching a curve ball thrown to us last fall. I’d love to throw it back! Instead, we’re trying to dodge it to the best of our ability.

Last year, after researching what we’re dealing with, on the internet one night, I cried so hard I created a twitch in my right cheek. It lasted for about a week. Boy, did I really work those face muscles! Crying is not a weakness, but a cleansing of the soul. However, too much of it can cause havoc! Needless to say, worrying about something that hasn’t happened, that could happen, probably will, but we’re really not sure, is just not worth any more hairs to highlight!

So I’m learning to live in the HERE AND NOW even more than I did before. We have today. We have today only. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring or ten years from now, but we can be happy this very moment and carry a lighter load. We can make the best of the gift of life for us, individually, for our loved ones and for our friends. 

Someone very special once said, “It’s all about the Here and Now. I’m living my life for today.”

So I encourage you to Make Each Moment Matter, Each Day Count and Together, Lets Live In the Here and Now!

With love and smiles,
Lauren

FINAL EDIT