Tag: Lauren Scott

Finding Joy, if you take the time

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry35 Comments

SUNFLOWERS (5)

This is one of several sunflowers we have planted around the yard and the only one that is potted. Because these seeds are in a pot, they’re probably at their true height right now. Last night, we even saw a new bud! Can’t wait to see that inspiring bright yellow flower!

It’s the little things in life that bring true joy, isn’t it? If we stop what we’re doing, if we slow down instead of frantically moving about, the little things will stand out more so not to be missed. As you know from prior posts, I’ve never been into gardening, but something sparked my interest this year. I’ve learned to appreciate taking care of flowers and plants, and then watching them grow and bloom. A special kind of beauty. We have a regular routine, but if they look dry at any time in-between, it’s as though my heart breaks before getting out the hose and giving them their much needed drink of water.

So, to end the week, I’m sharing some sunflower joy, and to encourage you all (myself included) to continue enjoying the little things in your lives. They are what matter most. They are what bring true joy within. I’ll end with a few inspiring quotes…

“You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” 
~ Andy Warhol

“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things . . . the trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.”
~Barbara Pym

“I live to enjoy life by the littlest things, feeling the grass between my toes, breathing fresh air, watching the wind sway the trees, enjoying the company of loved ones, a deep conversation, getting lost in a good book, going for a walk in nature, watching my kids grow up. Just the feeling itself of being alive, the absolute amazing fact that we are here right now, breathing, thinking, doing.” 
~Marigold Wellington

HAPPY FRIDAY AND HAPPY WEEKEND AHEAD. GO OUT AND ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS, AND BE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY!

LOTS OF LOVE, LAUREN ❤🌼🌷🌻😊

 

Babies on Board

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos37 Comments

As I mentioned in my previous posts, Sweet & Cute Factor and Houseguests, we’ve had a finch mama and papa living in our gazebo for over a month and have been awaiting the arrival of their little chicks. At one time, we used a mirror to look inside the nest, and as you can see, it was exciting to find four eggs.

Yesterday, we saw two babies, so if there are two more, they’re not visual just yet. The little babies are so cute with their tiny heads popping up, and at one time, their little beaks were open. The second photo shows the (left) chick’s hair illuminated by the sunlight. It’s hard to see, but try to look closely.

Then while we watched the babies, Mama and Papa sat on nearby wires not far from the nest. Papa soon decided to join Mama, so together they sat, but keeping a close eye on us, too. We’ve been on the patio ever since they moved in, so they must not have felt threatened by us.

Anyway, it’s been wonderful entertainment to watch this cute little couple prepare for their babies to arrive, and now, to see the adorable little chicks. Someday soon, this amazing family will move on, but until then, we’ll continue to enjoy their company. ❤

Accomplishments

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry53 Comments

This past Saturday was our son’s college graduation from UC Davis. He majored in Political Science and minored in Communications. We’re so proud of his accomplishments and can’t wait to see where his next adventure takes him. My husband and I are now proud parents of two UC Davis grads, and the college days have ended. 🙂

This leads me into sharing some wise quotes on chasing dreams and being true to yourself at the same time:

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always believe in yourself and always stretch yourself beyond your limits. Your life is worth a lot more than you think because you are capable of accomplishing more than you know. You have more potential than you think, but you will never know your full potential unless you keep challenging yourself and pushing beyond your own self imposed limits.” 
~ Roy T. Bennett

“Dreams become regrets when left in the mind, never planted in the soil of action.” 
~ Auliq-Ice

“The point of dreams was never to be the affordable option, it was the one everyone else saw as a mistake and every creative person saw as an opportunity.” 
~ Anastasia Bolinder

“Remember your dreams and fight for them. You must know what you want from life. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure.”
~ Paulo Coelho

SO, CHEERS TO REACHING FOR THE STARS AND TOUCHING THAT FINISH LINE. BUT…CHEERS TO ALSO TRYING YOUR HARDEST, MAYBE FAILING, THEN HAVING THE COURAGE AND PERSEVERANCE TO GET BACK UP AGAIN! 🎉🎉🎉

 

Buttercream Frosting

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry35 Comments

When he looks at me, I still see the love
felt in the beginning. There was no doubt
our union would navigate its way to this
very moment. The breath of a gentle summer
breeze carried us this far over hills that seemed
too huge to bear. With fingers laced, we watched
stunning, good-night hues paint the evenings,
and warm, golden shades offer morning greetings.
Our connection, deeper than that first kiss in
December, remains solid and beautiful as a silver
rock kissed by the sun, sparkling on the shoreline.
This emotion toggling between the two of us feels
like the taste of buttercream frosting. Unbelievably
wonderful to savor endlessly. And so, our dance
continues, for it is written in the clouds, over the
horizon, within the glorious colors of the future.

Lauren Scott © 2018

A Charming Corner

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry37 Comments

The rockers, unselfish with their soothing rhythm,
join the sun’s rays in massaging into deep relaxation

It is only us who breathe in the simplicity of this place,
except for an occasional visit from stunning, fluttering wings

This moment, where a whispering breeze glides in-between us,
is where we talk and listen – but most of all, we take it all in

Lauren Scott © 2018

Houseguests

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Poetry40 Comments

finch nest on gazebo

Finding the perfect spot,
rent-free, it’s quite a
delight to watch their
construction take shape

They flit and flutter,
occasionally carrying
out a balancing act
on a wire even higher
than their home

He looks dashing in
his red-vested tux,
and she glows in her
mother-to-be way

With their private little
home, only tiny heads
can be seen – one, then
two, but soon there will
be a complete family

Lauren Scott © 2018

This post ties into the one prior, Sweet & Cute Factor, from yesterday (June 2nd). If you haven’t already seen it, please check it out. I think you’ll enjoy. In this photo is the finch nest that ‘our’ adorable little pair created on the gazebo, tucked in and too high for us to take a peek, though. 

And just a few moments ago, to our delight, the daddy eyed the bowl of water we placed on the bar. He sat on the back of the bar chair, contemplating his next move. Surprisingly, he hopped onto the side of the bowl, perched himself comfortably, and indulged in a cool sip. I’m sure it felt heavenly, since the temperature today is in the low nineties. Sadly, the photo I took didn’t turn out, so you’ll have to use your imaginations. 🙂

Hope you enjoyed this addition to the finch tale, and to be continued…

 

Sweet & Cute Factor

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos39 Comments

For the past week, we’ve had some unexpected guests, a mama and daddy finch. They’ve given us the pleasure of watching their home-building process inside our gazebo, and sometime soon, cute little baby chicks will complete their feathered family.

Yesterday’s entertainment came when daddy began playing on my car side mirror. Actually, it appeared that he was fighting for his territory. Little did he know that what he saw was his own reflection, and the third photo, you see a glimpse of his tail only. So, I grabbed my cell, zoomed in, and took these photos before he took flight. If you also look closely enough, you’ll see that I have some cleaning up to do. 🙂

It was fun to watch this little guy, as long as he didn’t hurt himself, which wasn’t the case. When it was time for me to leave and I was nearer with Copper in tow, he took flight without hesitation. I was happy to catch his wings all a flutter, though, before he went on his merry way. I’ll keep you posted with their growing family…

The last photo is the homemade carrot cake I baked for a dinner we went to last night with friends. It was a potluck, and all the food was delicious, not to mention, the company was great. Do you like carrot cake? It’s my ultimate favorite…always…forever and ever…
If only that ‘share’ button was literal; I’d offer you a taste. 🙂

Hope you enjoyed, and Happy Saturday! 🌻❤🌼

 

All Abloom

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos, Quotes43 Comments

Dear Friends,

I thought I’d share more color from our yard, but the last one is of
Copper from Saturday for his annual doctor’s appointment. He’s 
always so good, and they love him, not to mention, the cute factor he
adds to this collection. 🙂 The first photo are flowers given to me from
a friend when we met for lunch on Friday, a beautiful surprise. Anyway,
I’ve included more wonderful quotes. Can you choose a favorite?

“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”
~ Hans Christian Anderson

“Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things
towards you.”
~ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love, and fearlessness. 
If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”
~ Stevie Wonder

“Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.”
~ Gerard De Nerval

“Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.”
~ John Lennon

I hope you enjoyed this colorful post and the beautiful quotes, and I
wish you all a wonderful day and week ahead! 
~ Lauren ❤🌼🌻🌷🌹😊