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.