Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine features Ever So Gently!

On October 3, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews56 Comments

Dear Friends,

Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is always so kind and generous to support authors in promoting their books, and I’m thrilled that she featured my latest,
Ever So Gently.
If you haven’t met Sally, please visit her site. She is a pillar in this wonderful community. Here’s what Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is all about in Sally’s words:

“Smorgasbord Blog Magazine was the follow on to a physical newsletter that I published every month for two years, on subscription to listeners to my radio show.. I expanded the original format which was mainly health articles, to including book marketing, music, humour, lifestyle, cookery and food and short stories. My aim was to create a watering hole that provided a wide number of topics to chat about….This has now developed further to provide a platform for other authors to share their work. This year the blog celebrates twelve years, ten of them as Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.”

In this series authors were invited to share an excerpt of 500 words from any of their published books .

Submissions are now closed for this series but there will be another in early 2024.. My thanks to all who have participated.

Today I am sharing a poem by Lauren Scott…from her recent release Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems.

About the collection

In Ever So Gently, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.

Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.

Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.

Book trailer created by Robbie Cheadle with my photos.

One of the poems from the collection in honour of Lauren’s father-in-law:

She Listens

He cares for his father whose body tires,
pain raging at cyclone force
from one hundred years of living a lifetime.
Yes, one hundred years! We were thrilled
to celebrate this monumental milestone,
but our emotions undulate –
who wishes to watch a loved one suffer?

Another week of work comes to an end.
With glass of wine in hand, we exhale
on the patio. Then the sun says,
“Good night, my dear friends,” as he
descends, making room for the moon.

And when the moon appears, Oh, my!
She takes our breath away!
Bright and bold as if she senses
we could use light in our souls.
She pays attention,
but most importantly, she listens.
And though the stars act a bit bashful,
they eavesdrop, and we are fine that they do.

The moon and stars hear us,
just an ordinary couple enjoying
a Friday evening but with heavy hearts.
Their absolute attention, imagine this,
out of all eyes gazing at the brilliant sky –
we know the moon’s lustrous presence
is for us alone.

Then we rise from our seats and head into
the house, feeling relaxed from the wine’s
fluidity, and appreciative that our troubles
have been received.

©Lauren Scott

One of the reviews for the collection:

Balroop Singh 5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and relatable Reviewed in the United States

Scott’s poetry celebrates memories and moments in her latest collection – ‘Ever So Gently.’ Her connection with the surroundings blends into the wisdom of nature that unfolds through stunning imagery like: “hear the rustle of a skittering squirrel,” “petals of velvet invite raindrops to bask in their peach enchantment,” and “breeze carries burdens down rivers.”

From the birds that ‘flit and flutter’ to build their nest to the owl who proclaims his presence with his ‘high-pitched toots’ and the hummingbirds that flutter around the “bright pink petals” – all find a place of honor in this book to delight your moods. Lauren’s realism captivates and appeals to all the senses. Some of her poems express profound love that we cherish and yearn for – she tells you how valuable that love has been in her life.

From ‘The Peach Rose’ to ‘Firestorm’ and not to forget ‘I Was Adopted,’ her poetry slides most naturally on the wide canvas of creativity. However, poems that speak of love, of growing up and bonding are the ones that touched my heart. Who can ever forget ‘The Old Afghan,’ which is most relatable!

I haven’t read a more beautiful description of sunset – “The sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth…”
Some more examples of Scott’s brilliant style:
“And water hasnt caressed the hills
The earth, parched like Chile’s Atacama.”
“Silk-thread drizzles dusted rooftops and parched hills.”
“How he tenderly tiptoed through the syllables.”(I could feel the poignancy of the emotion)

A combination of free verse and syllabic poetry like haiku, tanka, etheree, shadorma etc. this is a lovely collection of poetry. Read it slowly to savor each emotion.

Head over to buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Lauren Scott

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Baydreamer – Facebook: Lauren Scott Author

About Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lab, Copper; they have two grown children.

She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and her latest book is a poetry collection, Ever So Gently, that was released in July 2023. Her poetry has been published on Spillwords Press, and she was voted author of the Month for May 2023. Lauren is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022) and This is How We Grow (2023).

She has recently finished her first children’s book and is working with her illustrator, planning to publish it in early 2024. Her writing inspiration comes from love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.

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

Thanks again, Sally, and thanks to you who have purchased my book
and who have written wonderful reviews. The happy dance continues
and my heart is full of gratitude. ❤️❤️

Smorgasbord Free Book Promotions 2023- Share an Excerpt from one of your published books – #Poetry – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott

Cindy at Unique Times Reviews Ever So Gently

On September 30, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Poetry64 Comments

Lately, my days are spent ‘over the moon’ because of the incredible reviews coming in for my book, Ever So Gently. Cindy at Unique Times shared her lovely review of my book, and once you read it, you’ll know why I love that moon!

Cindy is a wonderful friend in this community. She is generous, funny, kind, uplifting, and real. She also recently published her debut book,
Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality that can be purchased here.
“Through her transformational techniques and practices, which she has gained from decades of experience in the field of life coaching, she provides a teaching memoir and workbook containing the tools to build a blueprint to a life of fulfillment, inner peace and happiness.”
Check out the 5-star reviews on Amazon where you’ll also find mine, and if you don’t already have Cindy’s book sitting on your coffee table, get your copy now!

And now for Cindy’s awesome review of Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems:

Ever So Gently is A Collection of Poems by author, Lauren Scott, who walks us through her day with the first encounter of morning light “Ever So Gently” to start our day. I’m absolutely delighted to share her latest book with you and share some of my favorite poems from her wonderful new book.

If you haven’t met Lauren yet, you’re in for a treat. Lauren lights up our blogging world in the most supportive of ways with her comments and support of other writers. I am always inspired by how much she is able to do working, caring for her FIL, children, husband and writing reviews.

Her book is divided into 3 segments to set the tone and is an entree into all of the flavors of her writing which is beautiful, sometimes whimsical, inspiring, and always insightful.

~ The Wisdom of Nature takes you on a journey of her daily encounters with the great outdoors.

~ The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones represents all of characters in her life that are so endearing to her.

~ Lost In Thought is an inner journey of her insights, questions and joy through her observations.

Each transports you into her inner world of reflection that give her life meaning and richness.

In her first section you can feel her words float through the winds by her well articulated choice of words which beacon you to sit and take in the horizon or get up close and personal to the hummer and ponder questions as you bask in the moment.

She starts off with a poignant poem to give you a glimmer into her mornings with her beloved at her side to share it with. You can almost feel the respite of their lovely setting in their Marin home in a gentle tranquil setting with their dog, Copper, underfoot.

When we stroll among the redwood trees,
our steps slow down, we are in good company.
There is no reason to rush and we won’t hesitate
to hug them with open arms, because why not?
They deserve reverence for their generosity.
In their company, fine fibers of peace
flow through our hearts and souls,
centering us. Any worries burdening our minds
fall to the earth to be walked upon and buried.
We listen as the leaves whisper in the breeze,
Be filled with joy and do not fret,
for their is no time for that nonsense.

Her words are a journey much like the ones we are all on but unique to her personal insights, experience and family.

Lauren’s love of connection with nature and people ring through on every page paying homage to each one that has touched her heart in a most powerful and profound way. Her poems epitomize the sacred time with family and friends.

She knows loss and shares that in many of her poems but the one that shines through to me the most is the one about her mom who is near and dear to her heart.

Mom’s Plea

I remember our conversation….
the effort it took
to calm my emotions,
phone glued to my ear
like a natural extension.
Days later Mom asked Dad,
“When will this be over?”
He could be gentle or
travel the path of honesty.
I don’t know the words
he pulled from
a seventy-year love….
how he tenderly tiptoed
through the syllables,
since his heart
was shattering
into millions
of tiny fragments.
Her time was close.
Our awareness vigilant.
Each day,
another breath held
until the hands of time
would pause.
Then as quickly
as a gray sky opens
on a winter day,
she had ascended.
Memories of her
loving spirit
followed in the
years to come.
But not one day passes
without her gracing our
thoughts.
Not one day slips by
without her knowing
our lives are changed
forever.

She captures the essence of the moment with her poetic charm and style, leaving you able to ponder your thoughts.

This is Scott’s 4th book that impresses upon the reader just how special and sacred each day is.

In the lost in thought she explores a range of emotions which beg for answers and an invitation to explore your inner world. I loved her poem in this segment,

Maybe

When you sit by the window,
evading life’s demands
watching hummingbirds
flit about, do you wonder
if our existence is the only
breathing form?
Who’s to assume we’re alone
with stars millions of miles
away glistening in the night?
Maybe other beings wonder
if they are simply
a tiny atom or molecule
floating in the larger picture.
Maybe we’re just a raindrop
in someone else’s universe.

Each word is peppered with her love and memory of her parents, her soulmate, Matt, whom every moment is one of wonderment and joy, her children and the love they share. A delightful read with your morning Coffee or tea or sitting in your garden for an afternoon pick me up.
~Cindy at Unique Times

**If you don’t also have this collection sitting on**
**your coffee table** **, click on the image to purchase**. 💚

I can’t thank you enough, Cindy! Just knowing your takeaways from my book are rewarding, and then your amazing review is the icing on the cake. And thanks to everyone who has bought my book and shared their wonderful reviews! 🙏🏻

My wish for you after reading this poetry collection is that you’ll discover a few poems that evoke a special memory or act as a reminder that you are not alone in living with your emotions. Maybe you’ll get a good laugh or experience an ‘aha’ moment. Above all, when you turn the last page, may you discover the reward of living ever so gently. 🩵

Thank you so much for stopping by today! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Book review of In the Shadow of Rainbows by Selma Martin!

On September 26, 2023September 26, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry56 Comments

Dear Friends,

I introduced my wonderful friend, Selma Martin, in my prior post here, and spotlighted her debut poetry book. Today I am sharing my 5-star review. If you don’t have your copy in hand yet, I recommend you click on the link below to order yours!

And now for my review:

When I immersed myself into Selma Martin’s debut poetry book, I fell into a familiar place like I was relaxing on the sandy shore of the lake that my husband and I frequent each summer, absorbing the music and tranquility of nature. The essence of her poems drew me in, casting me under a spell, entranced by her lyrical words. I read this collection over a few evenings, savoring the experience like a sinfully delicious dessert, and rereading each poem. Selma’s lovely language portrays stunning imagery, beautifully expressing personal experiences. Shadows and rainbows find themselves sprinkled throughout, and the writing is superb with its soothing flow, cadence, and rhyme.

Selma’s special wish is for you to find your poem. A poem that resonates, the soft message flowing around in your heart and mind, embracing you like a welcomed hug. But as I read each beautiful piece then with each turn of a page, a sigh escaped, and I realized that finding one poem was impractical because there were so many that rang true with my experiences and emotions.

In “Extra” I am reminded of how precious it is to wake up to a new dawn:

To put the squanderer to rest
call forth the Sower of hope
and from within, bring out your best.

I revel in spending time outdoors, and Selma’s writing in “You Know Her” is brilliant:

Like clockwork, she steals over the horizon
and for a moment, hides between the blinds
Slowly she sluices me with her aura
And on my eyelashes, perches twined.

Her enchanting verses in “That Sea” captivate me:

Then you dwarf me with your magnificence
I smile, so fond of your temerity
But you gobble up my words the moment they’re spoken
and cunningly, you bid me close to wet my skirt.

“Nature’s Tender Doings” is absolutely delightful, and in “Poetry” – a most endearing poem, I am thoroughly entertained and charmed by the bees, squirrels, and birds. Changing subjects dramatically, I’d be lying if I said I never thought of death. With adult children and our 35th anniversary just around the corner, time passes quicker than I can flip the calendar page each month. But I don’t fear death; I’m just not ready for it, and Selma’s poem “When Death Comes” makes me pause…

When death comes
I don’t want to look back
lovelorn, empty, frightened
– Oh, no!
When death comes
I want to be led into eternity
curious, full of joy
knowing the world I leave
is better for the love I gave.

I definitely want the same, and I will remember this poignant reminder about love being the best gift of all.

The empowering and unified motivation in “Enough” gives me goosebumps:

Forget tall fences. You want to feel
the sun on your face, the touch
of the wind, the melody of their
spoken language, of which only the
smile you understand. Together we
can create a life that ebbs and flows
like the tide that never competes or
berates the other for its ways.

I could continue to enrich you with stunning samples of Selma’s exquisite poetry. But if I have to choose one poem that stirs emotions, it will be “Kindred” because this poem transports me back in time when my parents were alive, to the big family gatherings with them, my husband and children, and my sisters and their families. Moments filled with love, chatter, and laughter. Memories that slide into my mind now and then, warming my heart once again.

A verse from this touching poem:

For the rest of my days,
when December comes slip sliding
humble love memories I trace – decidedly December.
Daddy brought us white Christmases
to revel and boast,
and Mommy brought us Yuletide joy to last forever.

Truthfully, Selma’s entire collection is a gift that speaks to me in the most elegant and personal way. I highly recommend this beautiful collection for all poetry lovers who wish to be reminded of the miracles of life.

I hope you enjoyed my review!

Thanks so much for visiting today! ❤️❤️❤️

Introducing the lovely Selma Martin with her new book, In the Shadow of Rainbows!

On September 25, 2023September 24, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Poetry75 Comments

Dear Friends,

I would like to introduce you to my wonderful friend, Selma Martin, and spotlight her debut poetry book that was released in July, In the Shadow of Rainbows. If you haven’t met Selma, I suggest you visit her ‘corner on the web’ where she shares her brilliant poetry in all forms. You will be glad you did! So sit back, relax, get comfy, and enjoy the Q & A:

1. Tell me something about yourself/your life that readers wouldn’t know otherwise:

I think you will smile at this. But not too long ago, when the younger of my two sons was in high school, I was the lead singer in a school band. Yup, me! This is how it happened: besides offering extracurricular classes to its students on Saturdays, my son’s school offered to the kids’ parents. My husband, a history enthusiast, opted for history classes, and I, hoping to cover the same two hours at the school as him, chose to spend my time practicing in a music group. And get this, not just any group–a Samba group! Are you smiling yet? Seeing as I don’t play any instruments, I was bestowed the honor of lead singer… and you got it– yup, Portuguese language! Years prior, I took an off-campus extension course in Portuguese and felt an affinity with the language, so seeing that option in the list drew me in. We practiced hard– at my house, in studios during the week, and on Saturdays at the high school and performed at school events for two years in a row. It was so much fun–that feeling has remained with me as precious. Time well spent.

2. Tell me why you wrote In The Shadow of Rainbows:

I enjoy writing. And I attribute this to my late mother who encouraged me to write thank-you notes to friends and acquaintances for everything. We were not affluent, so these appreciation notes did plenty for us. As a young girl, my late mother got me my first pen pal from abroad, and I learned the real joy of sending, receiving, and waiting on precious letters to arrive. My mother was the only one who kept loyal to my hand-written letters when I left home. And whenever she found requests for submissions in old magazines (usually outdated), she always sent them my way. But I was never brave or confident or felt worthy enough to do any of that. After Mom died in 2014 and thereafter felt at a loss when no letters arrived for me, I felt prompted to seek a way to fill that void. I enrolled in an online writing community in 2017, started blogging and pen-paling (through my newsletters), and interacting with like-minded writers until eventually I arrived here, and writing a poetry book felt like the right thing to do. Because my mother found me worthy, and others have shown that they like my words, I dedicated my first book to the people investing their trust in me and holding my book. And to me, that translates to my dear mother looking down at me from heaven approvingly.

In ‘In The Shadow of Rainbows’ I include a page about what I want my poems to do: I want to contribute a verse; want to write poems of awareness; want my poetry to be a springboard to the sacred; want to delight you; and attempt to offer a form to heal. ‘Are you my mother?’ Each poem will ask. The poems are not autobiographical, and in the 60+ in this book, there’s only one poem ‘about’ MY mother. All the others are about someone else, and now that you know more about my intent in this collection, I invite readers to come find their poems.

3. Share one poem from the book and tell me what inspired it:

Slice of Life

Flanked between two wanings, I live you,
planting the light hours with loving acts,
for you, for us, for our ménage,
and when I meet the dusk, filled,
ready for our mingling at the table,
where we swap slices of lived moments
of the same day, hearts swell replete.

I chose one of the shortest poems in the collection to share with you. It’s strategically placed as the penultimate poem in the book, and I’m happy to elucidate on this poetry form that touched me.
In its true form, it’s a Kwansaba poem, an African American verse form of praise: a praise poem that celebrates family. The Kwansaba (Swahili kwan -first fruit/saba -principle) was created in 1995 by Eugene B Redmond, East St. Louis Poet Laureate and professor of English at Southern Illinois University-East St. Louis. The form was developed in honor of the celebration of Kwanzaa. The poetic form adopts the number 7 from Kwanzaa’s Nguzo Saba (7 principles) as well as embraces its roots in the South African tradition of the Praise Poem.

The 7 principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each day of the celebration focuses on one of the principles. Isn’t this just such a beautiful principle? I think it is, as all the principles take off at unity which starts at the family level. (ready for our mingling at the table).

I wrote it originally for a dVerse prompt in December 2021–then, I abbreviated some words to meet the exact count of sevens but changed it a bit for clarity to include in the book. It’s about family, and I hope you like it.

To preview Selma’s book and to purchase your very own copy, click below:

4. If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?

Just for you:
Stop waiting for Friday. For summer.
For someone to fall in love with you.
For luck. For permission.

Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it.

Stop looking for yourself in others.
In things.
In outside validation.
In trends. In drugs.

Everything you are is already within you. Trust!

Make the best of the moment you are in now, for this moment is the only one that matters.
Please make it so that WHEREVER you go, you ARE there. Fully present.

Believe that you are no mistake. Believe that you are the Miracle you’ve been waiting for.

Manifest goodness and let goodness be your guide.

Find your anchor and pivot. Trust the ambiguity of tomorrow and know that if you are everything you can be in every moment, the ambiguity of the future will not be as scary as it sounds.
Now go on and live your best life. Today.
***
© selmamartin

SELMA MARTIN’S BIO:

Selma Martin is a retired English teacher with 20 years of teaching children ESL. She believes in people’s goodness and in finding balance in simple living. She lives in Japan with her husband of thirty-three years. In 2018, Selma participated in a networking course whose final lesson was to publish a story on Amazon. After many failed attempts, she completed the course and self-published her short story, Wanted: Husband/Handyman, in 2019. Later, collaborating with peers from that course, she published Wanted: Husband/Handyman in an anthology, Once Upon A Story: A Short Fiction Anthology. Selma has published stories on Medium for many years, in MasticadoresUSA, The Poetorium At Starlight, Short Fiction Break, and Spillwords. After her first NaPoWriMo 2021, Selma writes poetry on her website, selmamartin.com, and in July 2023, published a debut poetry collection on Amazon.
You can find Selma, selmawrites, on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. But if you wish to engage and create a meaningful interaction with Selma: add value, nurture trust, and share engaging content from the ordinary perspective of someone navigating life in today’s high-paced culture, you may join her once-a-month pen pal newsletter. She goes slower and savors the gentle rhythm of life, much like her practice of snail mail, which she learned so many many moons ago.

You can connect with Selma on her blog, selmamartin.com and the other social media platforms below:

Blog Instagram Facebook

Thanks always for stopping by, and I hope you’ll immerse yourself in the tranquility of Selma’s lovely book!
Tomorrow, I will post my 5-star review, so I hope to see you then! ❤️

Ongoing 5-star love for Ever So Gently 🩵

On September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry77 Comments

Dear Friends,

More beautiful reviews have arrived for my latest book, Ever So Gently, and I couldn’t be happier! How can I not enjoy the view from Cloud 9 or dance like no one is watching! Or dance when anyone is watching! So, a Huge Thank you to my wonderful author friends, Smitha, Carol, and Abbie, for their lovely reviews. But most importantly, I feel gratitude in my heart because they truly enjoyed my new poetry collection. And now for the reviews:

I have longed to read this book of poems ever since I saw the cover and the book’s name, but mostly because I had read ‘More than Coffee’ by Lauren Scott and loved it.
I was surprised to learn that the cover of this book, which is a beautiful shade of blue-green, had been painted by the poet’s son. It perfectly goes with the book title and the theme of the poems in the book. It also represents the poet’s kind and loving nature, which comes across repeatedly in all her writing.
Lauren Scott’s poetry will help you find your bearings again if you’re in a quandary or feel lost. The poems are like a breath of fresh air. They will make you see things differently and appreciate things you have been taking for granted.
Ever so gently comes with a relevant message- ‘To be gentle’ at all times in your actions and responses to situations and to those around you. Lauren Scott does a lovely job of packaging this message with beautiful imagery that will touch the heart.
In Lauren’s words, “Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges.” She adds, “succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.”
Although the poems are autobiographical in nature, it is bound to strike a chord because Lauren Scott talks of experiences that all of us have experienced or will experience at some point in our lives- memories of childhood, growing up, finding love, death of parents, parenthood, sibling love, feelings of becoming an empty-nester, nature, love of and for a pet.
There are around seventy-five odd poems of varying structures in the book that take you on a journey of the poet’s life and experiences and will leave you thinking of your own.
The book is for everyone who wants to reboot and a great reminder to live better lives. I highly recommend this book.

~Smitha Vishwanath

I needed time to linger over and savor Lauren Scott’s poetry. This accessible collection of poems is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought all evoking a wide spectrum of observations and memories. This is definitely a collection to be read and reread for its uplifting and thought-provoking ideas.

In this world where there is so much violence it is refreshing to read about the beauty of Nature and everyday experiences, as simple as it may be to wanting a new sofa. She uses her poetry to remind us to start our day smiling and to appreciate our aging bodies.

Pay Attention!

Much of her poetry is about recording her observations:

Can the sun slipping behind downy clouds be more spectacular?

Lauren Scott shows that she is fearless in exposing her love, her joys, her sorrows and her dreams.

~ Carol Balawyder

After reading More Than Coffee, I wanted to read more by this author. Ever So Gently didn’t disappoint me.

I like the variety of subject matter in this collection. Some poems are about nature while others are about humans. Some are light while others cover more serious topics.

Because I’m an animal lover, my favorite was “I Was Adopted,” which is written from the point of view of the author’s Labrador. “Lost Conversation with Dad” reminded me of losing my own father. I could relate to “When Life Throws Us Curveballs” and “We Find an Escape” and like the way she ends the collection on a hopeful note with the title poem, “Ever So Gently.”

The editor’s introduction at the beginning and the author’s acknowledgements at the end add a nice touch. Although this collection is short, the poems are meant to be read more than once and savored.

~ Author Abbie Johnson Taylor

Gratitude fills my heart
Radiant, energetic
All aglow, and my feet
Tap to the beat of joy,
Inhaling excitement
That resumes because of
Unconditional support
Dazzling from friends
Ever So Gently!
~Lauren Scott 💜

My book is available on Amazon by clicking on the image. Thanks to you who have bought a copy! I hope you have enjoyed or are enjoying this personal collection. And if so, I hope you’ll consider leaving a review on Amazon – your thoughts can be elaborate or they can be short and sweet. I appreciate all!
I can’t thank Smitha, Carol, and Abbie enough, and everyone who has reviewed my book on Amazon and Goodreads!

Thanks always for stopping by! ❤️

Book Reviews: Poetry & Memoir…

On August 30, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Books52 Comments

It Ain’t Winning If Without You by Michelle Ayon Navajas

Michelle Ayon Navajas’ 7^th book, It Ain’t Winning If Without You, is a collection of beautiful poetry that is lovingly dedicated to her beloved father who has passed away. The poems are divided into three sections, most in her preferred form, freestyle, but many in various syllabic forms as well. Michelle pays tribute to her inspiring and hardworking muse that any author will find relatable. She writes about love for her father and love of the heart – its every edge, jagged and smooth. Then she pays tribute to those who read and love her work. A very endearing end to this collection.

This book is over 300 pages, so I took my time reading and rereading each poem. I nestled into my comfy sofa at the end of each evening and sunk into Michelle’s engaging words. Her poetry is written in the first person, very intimate, so it was effortless to slide into each phrase and feel the emotions enfold me in their deepest meaning. Her style of writing is accessible and conversational as though we’re sitting across from each other, sharing a cup of coffee or tea, and she’s divulging her personal feelings.

Since both of my parents have passed, Michelle’s poems about her father resonated. I know what the heart endures when a parent leaves our physical world. Her signature poem, “My Papa” truly tugs at the heart. But her love poems, well, the varied emotions are exquisitely expressed, and there were too many favorites to list, but a few are “Sixty-Five”, “Crimson Sky”, “What am I to You?”, and “Loneliness too.” A real beauty that exemplifies Michelle’s talent is:

The Moon

the moon envies my midnight soul
for it shines brightly as it ever had
now that your heart has been thawed
from being frozen for so long
without even knowing why
without even asking why
but one thing is sure my dear
your unfrozen heart has made my soul
euphoric and alive and ecstatic
that even the moon has been jealous of.

This lovely collection of poems is meant to be savored, to slowly dip into the deliciousness for supreme enjoyment. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts who love diving into poetry about the joys and sorrows of life, the struggles and celebrations of the heart, and poems on gratitude.

The Winding Road: A journey of Survival by Miriam Hurdle

The Winding Road by Miriam Hurdle is a detailed account of her journey after being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2008. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because of its ability to spread to vital organs if it’s not detected early. But this rare form of melanoma was discovered when Miriam was seen for a routine procedure. Imagine going in for a procedure that is conducted on a regular basis, then leaving with news that shockingly obscures the view you have of your future. When I began to read Miriam’s narrative, a version of the old adage came to mind, “We can’t truly understand unless we walk in the same shoes.”

And yet, Miriam’s story is relatable on the surface as my husband is a melanoma survivor. Even so, reading Miriam’s experience evoked fearful memories of the days to follow the diagnosis when his outcome was still undetermined.

Miriam tells her story like it was without mincing any discomfort. Following the diagnosis, she was given two treatment options to choose from, and it was a difficult choice to make. Then The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost appeared in her mind, specifically these lines:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by.

And that has made all the difference.

Miriam wrote, “I gazed at the road of unknown. I sought affirmation.”

I was so moved by this profound declaration.

I was also touched by the kindness of others that shined in various ways throughout her journey. This loving support afforded her the strength to keep believing, to continue pushing through the grueling treatment. The pain that Miriam endured was beyond unimaginable. But her persistence, faith, and strength were beyond commendable.

If you don’t believe in miracles, I implore you to read this moving book because I know without a doubt, you’ll have a change of heart.

I hope you enjoyed these interviews, and to read more of these wonderful authors, visit Michele here and Miriam here.

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

To purchase a copy of my new book, click on the image.
Thank you! ❤️

The blog tour for Ever So Gently continues with Selma Martin…

On August 26, 2023August 26, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews79 Comments

Dear Friends,

I know these promotional posts tend to get repetitive, and yet, it has been so exciting and humbling to receive such generous support from my fellow friends in this warm blogging community. I appreciate you who have followed along, liked, or even left a comment on the several tour stops. And before I move forward to share Selma’s post, I have a silly confession to make…a week ago, I was making changes on my blog and accidentally closed comments on all posts. I can’t believe I did this, but I mention this because if you tried to leave a comment on the early tour stops and weren’t able to, comments have been reopened. Not that you have the time to go back. We barely have time to go forward! 🙂 So, maybe it’s too late, but I wanted to let you know. Now for today, I am sharing my lovely friend’s promotional post, Selma Martin, which also includes her stunning 5-star review. For those of you who don’t know Selma, please visit her blog by clicking here to read her beautiful and amazing poetry.

Introducing You To My Author Friend, Lauren Scott

Hello, reader friends. How about that heat, huh? It’s coming to the end of the month and I have yet to find a pleasant day, temperature-wise. The only respite I get is in slow reading the many books I’ve purchased. Thank God for good books!

Today, I’m tearing at the seams and cannot wait to tell you and help shift your attention to something gentle that exists in the world today: A new book, Ever So Gently, by Lauren Scott, owner of the following website:

Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott ~ a thread of words from every stitch of life ~

The first time I mentioned Author Lauren Scott was back in May when I posted an Amazon review of the first book of hers I read, released in 2021. Here’s a refresher.

Because Even Second-hand Happiness Makes Us All Happy

And now, Author Lauren Scott has a new release: A collection of poems that will linger Ever So Gently in your soul.

There’s just so much I wish to tell you about Lauren, but first, an interview I conducted with her recently.

Tell me something about yourself/your life that readers wouldn’t know otherwise.

If you’ve read my memoir, More than Coffee, then you’ll know this fun fact…when I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to be a professional singer. I wanted to be just like Barbra Streisand.

Her voice lulled me to sleep on many nights in my youth. So, I performed concerts in my living room for my family, singing into my precious hairbrush microphone, and I sang in school choirs as I grew older. I won best vocalist in choir and first place in my senior talent show. I also performed a rock gospel song on a church choir tour, performing in several venues on the east coast. I sang the same song in front of an audience of 2000 people, and what an experience! I reveled in those exhilarating spotlight moments, and then my dream changed. And that’s okay because we can have more than one dream. But I am grateful for these amazing memories, and now writing has slid into that dream slot.

Tell me about ‘Ever So Gently’ and why you wrote it.

I’m thrilled to give you a little back story…I had organized this 90-poem collection into three parts: Nature, Love, and Life, and yet a book title still remained in hiding. And then one of my poems stood out titled, “Ever So Gently,” and it’s as though a lightbulb turned on. Everything clicked. Then I began to ponder how we live each day. It’s easy to live ‘gently’ when things happen according to our plans. But what if they don’t? What if heartache befalls us? Do we react ‘gently’ or do we press the panic button? I’ve done both, but I’m trying to focus on ‘gentle.’ And while in this mindset, I thought of the love my heart has felt, the tranquility and companionship of nature, and the good and not so good that life has tossed my way. So, I offer you the beginning of my introduction in the book…

“Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart, full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.”

CHECK OUT A CONVENIENT PREVIEW OF THE BOOK HERE:

Share one poem from the book and tell me what inspired it.

My husband and I have been empty nesters for two years now, and we’re proud of our daughter and son for chasing their dreams, for paving their own paths. But their dreams happened to be across the country. So, between all of us flying back and forth, texting, talking on the phone, and zooming, we stay in touch. But for me, it’s not the same. I miss them so much that sometimes it hurts. We only get one ride around the sun, and I’d prefer that my ride be closer in distance to them. Maybe someday it will. I hope so, but in the meantime, I wrote the poem below:

The Same Sky

I don’t know
if I should feel embarrassed
about having a moment
that lasted for a day,
and there is no point
in fighting the tears.
They are winners.

Would other parents
think differently?
Not that I care
because…

I loathe
the many miles between us
as though they have done me
wrong, becoming my enemy.

But the consolation is knowing
that when my eyes look upward,
when I exhale acceptance,
we share the same vivid blue sky.

The distance, simply geography.

If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?

Be you. It’s as simple as that, but it’s not always simple to discard the mask. Try not to free the negative voices in your head. Do what makes you happy because you only get one chance. This is it. Live gently, live kindly toward others, and be true to yourself. I believe happiness will follow.

Dear people, add this video to your options when deciding if you’re ready for a book that speaks “ever so gently” on your soul.

Lauren Scott’s Bio

Lauren Scott is a poet, an author of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and their lab, Copper; they have two grown children. She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her new collection of poetry, Ever So Gently, was published in July 2023. She is a published author at Spillwords Press and was voted Author of the Month for May 2023. She is also a contributing author in the anthology, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2021) and in the anthology, This is How We Grow, released July 2023. Lauren’s writing inspiration comes from her love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.

An exclusive from the Author–COMING SOON:

I have finished my first children’s book, and I’m working with my illustrator, aiming to release it at the end of the year or early 2024. This is an exciting new adventure.

For more updates, please click on Baydreamer’s Website above to inhabit the ever so gentle world of Lauren Scott.

Amazon Author Page

Social Media Links: – Facebook – Instagram

Thanks for reading. Tomorrow I will post my Amazon review here for you.

And now for Selma’s elegant and stunning review:

Read it slowly, and savor it long

Ever So Gently–A collection of poems by Lauren Scott, a book of 126 pages, is a beautiful collection to savor more than once. In a combination of poetry forms like free verse, haiku and tanka, etheree, shadorma, and others, the Author celebrates family memories and present moments and reflections on where she is in her life today. Read it slowly and feel the words cause your own memories to float to the surface.

The book is divided into three parts: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones; and Lost In Thought. In Part 2, there’s even a poem from the perspective of Copper, her Labrador—a clear indication of the different loves in the Author’s life. Undeniably you will find the words swell your heart with gratitude too.

I recommend Ever So Gently to anyone who knows how to tap into and make much of the happy moments in life. Because life is not always a bed of roses, yet beautiful things happen all the time. Any of the poems will have resonance. What, with language like these excerpts from the book:

“That this routine, though simple to some, would not be the same, would not provide the comforting experience if one of us was not present? I shudder to imagine such a scenario…” ~Toots and Circles\

“the soil exhaled and my lantana sang “Hallelujah!” ~ October’s Miracle\

“When I reminisce to these years, memories make me pause… to a time when I
witnessed their laughter and tears,” ~The Tiny Town\

“a little bit more. I’m sure she knows the amount of residence she claims in my heart.
Then again, it is quite difficult to quantify.” ~A Little Bit More\

“Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal.”
~The Blue Down Jacket\

“Life is like a package wrapped in festive paper.” ~Darker Than The Deepest Sea\

All the poems offered me a tender glimpse into Scott’s life. One calm evening to read through this poetry collection is all I needed to recognize how much I have in common with this Author. That she and her husband are empty nesters puts me right in her shoes. So the poem that will remain tucked safely in my happy place is the following:

“I find comfort in the clothes\ strewn on the floor\ soon to be dumped in the washer,\ wallet lying on the dresser,\ cell charging, bed comforter\ in shambles\because the messiness\ displays his presence.\ Now with air miles accumulated\ back in his time zone,\ the room shines in all its cleanliness,\ the neatness grating on my nerves,\ the silence, a cold shoulder.\ My hand pulls back the comforter,\ tousling, creating wrinkles\ in the navy fabric, then I pull\ some old shirts from the closet,\ tossing them on the floor.\ I can certainly pretend\ he’s just out with friends…”\\ The Mess, p.59

I hope you’re ready for just such a book, serene and enticing, that will speak ever so gently to your soul.
I cannot wait to read more poetry like this from this Author. 5-star from a satisfied customer.

A huge hug to Selma for her exquisite presence in this blog tour!

And I want to thank my wonderful friends for their exceptional support from the beginning:

Robbie kicked off the tour on August 2nd, and she also created the awesome book trailer using my photos.

Sally featured me on August 3rd for her ‘new book on the shelves’ post.

Balroop continued with the tour on August 7th, sharing my book and her stunning review.

Colleen conducted a fabulous interview on August 21st for her ‘Meet the Poet’ series.

Resa grabbed the reins on August 20th (after my wilderness break) creating an elegant interview and stunning review.

Diana read my book early, wrote a beautiful 5-star review, along with a beautiful testimonial for the back cover.

If you missed their posts, I invite you to check them out. And if you haven’t met Selma or any of these wonderful bloggers and writers, I encourage you to get to know them. Your blogging experience will be greatly enriched. 💜

Thanks for dropping by!
~ Lauren ❤️

Colleen at Word Craft Poetry presents Meet the Poet, Lauren Scott…

On August 23, 2023August 23, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry67 Comments

I was excited when Colleen at wordcraftpoetry.com invited me to be featured in her Meet the Poet series. This is part of the blog tour for my book, Ever So Gently. And if you’re following along, I greatly appreciate YOU!

She created the interview which gave me an opportunity to talk about poetry and to discuss Ever So Gently. What a wonderful way to meet new authors and to learn more about the writing process of the authors we already know and love. If you haven’t met Colleen, please visit her site and take your time perusing around. She is the queen of syllabic poetry!

Here’s what Colleen has to say about her wonderful series:

This is a way to get to know more about the poets and their work. Many of our poets have written both fiction and non-fiction and published and self-published their works.

Some of our poets are also artists, crafting their magic through watercolors or other artistic means along with the written word. There are even a few musicians in our poetic community!

At least once a month, I’ll be introducing you to the poets in our community! Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and meet the poet!

A preview of our interview:

(L) Hi Colleen. Thanks so much for your invitation. I’m really looking forward to our chat.

(C) Hi Lauren! I’m glad you stopped by! How long have you been writing syllabic poetry? What’s the first form of syllabic poetry you wrote?

(L) I’ve been writing syllabic poetry since I started my blog, baydreamerwrites.com, over eleven years ago. The first form I explored was haiku. I love the idea of painting a picture or evoking an emotion with so few words. Since then, I have taken the challenge by trying other forms such as Tanka, Etheree, Shadorma, Didactic Cinquain, Oddquain, and Double Ennead, which was created by you, Colleen.

(C) Thanks, Lauren. I’m glad you enjoyed writing the Double Ennead. I know you have published several poetry books, and a brand-new poetry book you’ve just published called Ever So Gently. Tell us about the book and why you wrote it.

To read the rest of our interview, please visit Colleen’s post here, or click on the blog link below!

I have to add that while conversing with Rebecca Budd on Colleen’s post, she invited me to be a guest in 2024 (her 6th year) on her Tea Toast & Trivia Podcast . I am honored and so excited for this opportunity.
Thanks to Colleen for opening this door and to Rebecca for opening it just a little bit wider.

And to purchase a copy of Ever So Gently, you can click here or on the image above. A huge Thanks to you who have read my book or who are currently reading the collection. I hope you find a poem or two that you can call your own, and by the turn of the last page, I hope you’ll discover the reward of living ever so gently.

Thanks always for stopping by to show your support, and Colleen, you rock! I loved doing this interview with you and am grateful for being featured in your Meet the Poet series.

~ Lauren ❤️❤️

To read the rest of our interview, please visit Colleen’s post here, or click on the blog link below!

And if you missed any part of the tour, check out my prior posts. Thank you!

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/08/21/meet-the-poet-lauren-scott/