Nature Succeeds Again!

On September 8, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Nature, Poetry60 Comments

On Labor Day, my husband and I wanted to escape the heat, so we drove into West Marin to pick up sandwiches at our special deli. Then we headed for Taylor Park to picnic among the Redwoods where the air would feel a little more welcoming. We savored those delicious sandwiches to the last bite, chatted about life, read for a bit, then we strolled through the park, enjoying the sights and sounds. I hope you’ll join me as I reminisce…

**Looking up to the majestic Redwoods**
**from our** **picnic table.**

**In the late 1800’s, this park was known as the resort**,
**“Camp Taylor.”**

**Don’t be fooled by the gorgeous fall colors.**
**Poison Oak is toxic to humans, causing a**
**very itchy rash.**

The old outdoor theatre. “Welcome, Everyone. Today
we’ll learn about the nighttime animals that wander
through the resort.”

And now I will leave you with this beautiful poem of mindfulness by Kaveri Patel:

Dear You,

You who always have
so many things to do
so many places to be
your mind spinning like
fan blades at high speed
each moment always a blur
because you’re never still.

I know you’re tired.
I also know it’s not your fault.
The constant brain-buzz is like
a swarm of bees threatening
to sting if you close your eyes.
You’ve forgotten something again.
You need to prepare for that or else.
You should have done that differently.

What if you closed your eyes?
Would the world fall
apart without you?
Or would your mind
become the open sky
flock of thoughts
flying across the sunrise
as you just watched and smiled.

Spending time in this tranquil park made us pause. We listened to birds chirping, children laughing, and the soothing babbles of the creek. I invite you to ponder these words of Kaveri Patel.
Will you allow yourself to simply watch and smile? I will certainly try…

Thanks for stopping by and stay well!
~Lauren ❤️

https://www.wisdominwaves.com/about.html
More information about Kaveri Patel.

Cause to Celebrate

On September 3, 2021September 3, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Poetry67 Comments

I stroll in the yard,
dry as an arid desert.
Drought drains most of life,
but they persevere, soaking
up occasional showers.

Follow their guidance,
no surrendering,
joy imparts effortlessly.
Even through difficulties
cause to celebrate sweeps in.

So much is happening in the world to feed anxiety. But there is also cause to feel the joy that nature offers and to learn from her messages. And the desire to celebrate always sweeps its way into our lives to help keep our minds balanced in order to move forward.
For my husband and I, today we celebrate our beautiful daughter’s 30th birthday. 💞
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and one filled with joy and Cause to Celebrate!

Lauren Scott (c) ❤️💜❤️

Ever So Gently

On August 13, 2021August 12, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Poetry34 Comments

Sometimes we get lost in our thoughts…
losing focus of stars shimmering above us,
the sky turning heavenly blue for our pleasure,
raindrops falling for our essential cleansing.
We tumble too deeply into the frontal lobe
allowing negative thoughts to awaken,
permitting them to throw a tantrum.

So we must remember the wind will carry
worries and doubts across rivers and oceans,
majestic trees will sway with joy, sheltering
from shadows, and light will continue to shine,
even if only a slight glimmer peeks through.
Its glow will grow ever so gently into a bright
beacon of hope rising with the golden sun
bringing the most beautiful clarity to our vision.

The View

On July 6, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Haiku, Poetry38 Comments

summer’s shades shine, I
smile, a banquet of beauty
blooming with brilliance

Photo: Our King Copper ❤️

All Isn’t What it Seems

On July 1, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Poetry39 Comments

When the sun dips behind tears
and hope goes underground,
all seems adrift – despair
soars high above the clouds,
obliterating any dreams
hovering in their softness.

Waves of misery crash down.
The burden feels too taxing
to lug around for long,
and yet, we choose to slog on –
heavy in mind, body, and spirit.

But in that dark corner of hope,
a dim light glistens in the shadows.
Those ominous shapes transform
into bright colors of optimism
where hope unveils its abilities and
the mindset slowly begins to shift.

Dare to Discover

On May 19, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Poetry, Writing36 Comments

Zoom became an integral part of everyday language, and

Yes, learning something new is exhilarating – the

X-factor of life – acquire knowledge at every chance, for the

Well-being of humanity is the health of our world. But the

Virus caused the need for this communication tool – an

Unexpected fast-spreading, deadly pandemic, forcing

Tears and heartache to ensue around every corner.

Staying well by dodging fevers occupied frantic minds, but

Relief finally arrived because of innovative medicine.

Quality of life slowly shifts into a sense of normalcy, as

Promises of large, joyful gatherings bring excitement.

Optimism feels attainable, overcoming those worst fears,

Nourishing hearts and souls that have been patient, as we

Marvel at the hustle and bustle on downtown streets –

Loving the sights of mask-less faces with big smiles, but,

Knowing the threat has not dissipated. We are openly

Just aware that moving forward unharmed remains possible.

I, for one, exhale with reassurance, but even so, I carry

Hope closely for those who continue to suffer, and

Gratitude rests in my heart every day for all blessings.

Fulfillment manifests from a support circle of those who

Effortlessly carry us through uncertainty. So, forging ahead,

Dare to discover something you have missed through the slog.

Celebrate the community who has your back, for this is our new

Beginning…

At last!

Lauren Scott (c) 2021 ❤️
Photo is from our backpacking trip
to Spider Lake in the Sierra.
A new day begins…

Which one means the most to you?

On May 8, 2021May 8, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Discussion44 Comments

To the naked eye,
this is just a bulletin board
filled with post-it notes.
A simple addition to a room,
but the simple things
can be most meaningful,
more profound,
more resonating
than anything luxurious.

Which one (ones) resonate with you?
Help you through the storm?
A means for relaxation?

Feel free to take a few off the board if you’re so inclined. 🙂

Happy Saturday! And Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all the wonderful moms out there, and to my mom and mother-in-law whom we miss so much.

Lauren Scott ❤️❤️❤️

Find Your Happy!

On May 2, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Discussion38 Comments

This past week has felt 21-days long! Last Sunday, our son moved out of the house embarking on a road trip across country. He left the nest not for college or his internship, but for his independence. The pandemic had delayed his original plans, but they are delayed no more. So, my hubby and I officially hold the title of empty nesters. Excitement swirls in this new chapter for all of us, but while he blazed through state lines heading east, I worried. My hubby worried. We busied ourselves doing things around the house, and of course, going to work, trying to focus on the job. Some of you may recall that I briefly wrote about this in my post from April 17th. Now it’s as real as ever.

While we are proud of him, we miss his presence – the conversations, the laughter, the hugs. We know Copper, our dog, misses his “brother” too, that his canine perception senses the change. The quiet in the house is also LOUD. So, this past week has been an adjustment.

But now that he has reached his finish line and holds the keys to his new apartment in his hands, WE ARE HAPPY! We wish that his chosen path could have been on the west side of the USA. But, he now lives closer to his sister who also lives on that side of the country, which makes us HAPPY! We are eager to make new memories in his home just as we’ve done with our daughter and son-in-law.

I have shed many tears during this exciting, bittersweet week. They fell out of joy for our son and the new adventures awaiting on the horizon. They gushed out of worry as he accelerated on those highways; I thought of other reckless drivers out there. And I have never felt such an affinity for my cell phone before as I anticipated his text messages to ping each evening, letting us know he is safe. It was in those moments when tears flowed out of relief. And if you’re wondering, my hubby shed a few, too.

So, this post is all about FINDING YOUR HAPPY!

Wherever it may be, it’s out there, loud and clear!!!!

Welcome it!

Embrace it!

And don’t let it go!

“Reasons for feeling Happy float around us every day, but it’s up to us to capture them and relish in the joy.”

Lauren Scott 🥰❤️

(When I think of happiness, flowers also come to mind. The California Poppies are gorgeous and abundant around here, but I don’t have a good photo to share. So, of course, I visited Google, where I also found the Happy Face. The Daisies are from our garden.) 😍

Were you born to shine in one special way?

On April 22, 2021 By BaydreamerIn Discussion54 Comments

What makes you really stand out?

Since I loved to sing ever since I was nine years old, I had always dreamed of singing professionally when I grew up. Performing solos in school and special concerts encouraged that dream right along. So, maybe belting out a tune or crooning through a ballad on stage was my way of shining. If we’re gifted with a talent, shouldn’t we share it with the world?

This musical topic was paramount in one of my past stories, “The Way It Was” so it may seem familiar to some of you who read that tale from the past. As much as singing was an integral part of my childhood and teen years, it was no longer my number-one interest in my adulthood.

A passion for writing gently slipped into that slot, becoming an essential part of my daily routine, whether I’m jotting down notes in a journal, penning a poem, typing away on my laptop for another short memoir, or creating a blog post for my long-standing blog. I always hope to inspire others who have read my writing. To give them something to take away – possibly to help ease the pain, or to be reminded that feeling gratitude calms the mind, or to inspire to take that challenge, loosening the grip of fear.

And lastly, now that I’ve recently exchanged pleasant greetings with “60”, a wife of 32 years, and mother of two incredible adult children, maybe, just maybe, my way of shining has always been to be the brightest version of myself for them.

I invite you to answer this question, too…