Celebrating a Special 1st Anniversary!

On July 30, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry77 Comments

We’re all amazed at how fast time flies, and I continue to be…because it seems like yesterday when my book, Ever So Gently, was first published. This is my 4th book, and after one year has flown by, I’m celebrating with joy the 1st Anniversary of this poetry collection dear to my heart. Not to mention, the beautiful, soft cover painted by my son that paired perfectly with the title and the message within the pages. I want to thank everyone who has bought a copy! I feel so honored by the beautiful reviews I’ve received and all of them, 5-stars.
A Big Thanks to you all! 🙏🙏

I’m sharing a few amazing reviews by Scott, Denise, Selma, and Resa…

Lauren Scott will touch your soul…

Reading Ms. Scott’s poetry is like roaming the pages of a spiritual book and you can feel a connection. Upon picking up this book I first read “Ever So Gently” and felt an instant connection, as I’ve lived such moments myself during bushcrafting adventures, connected to nature and all of creation. As I continue to read, each poem is equally as deep and reveals not only the writers soul, but my own. ~ Scott Mitchell, Photographer and Poet

A beautiful collection…

“Ever So Gently” is a beautiful collection of free verse and symbolic poetry. It is broken into three sections that cover nature, life’s moments, and some author insights. I love nature and I’m drawn to vivid images, but the emotions and insights explored in our shared experiences were equally intriguing. There was a peace within these pages that allowed me to drift off into a poetic slumber when I was done reading. Although I enjoyed the entire collection, here are a few lines that captured my heart. “Fresh raindrops/gently landed/on their wilted spirit/as I witnessed them lifting…”—Wilted Spirits, “You stowed dreams in the clouds,/imaginings rose higher than the heavens…”—First Breath, “Their presence graced my universe beautifully like an endless ceiling of bright blue sky. Then they were gone.”—Friendships Gone, and “Its glow will grow ever so gently/into a bright beacon of hope/rising with the golden sun/bringing clarity to our vision.”—Ever So Gently. A collection that I will be enjoying again and can highly recommend. ~ D. L. Finn, Author of Sounds in the Silence

Reads like an Impressionist painting looks…

This book of gentle poetry reinforces love of family, nature and the mysteries of life. Written in a free style, the poems are organized into 3 sections: The Wisdom of Nature, The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos and The Loved Ones. Each section breaks from free style at its end and features syllabic poetry. This book is for lovers of poetry who look for words to savour, poems to read over and over and a book to treasure in their collection. Through her writing, Lauren Scott reveals a caring and gentle soul that lives up to the title of her book. ~ Resa McConaghy, Photographer and artist at https://graffitiluxandmurals.com.
For Resa’s full review on her blog, visit https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2023/08/20/ever-so-gently-by-lauren-scott/.

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. ~ Selma Martin, Author of In the Shadow of Rainbows

If you don’t own a copy of Ever So Gently yet, I hope you will soon. It’s never too late! But most of all, my wish is for you to find some poems that you can call your own – poems that resonate to the core. ❤️

I appreciate you joining me in this special celebration! 🎉💫

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💙🩵💚

To purchase your copy in paperback or e-book, click ‘Buy on Amazon’ or visit Barnes & Noble, and Kobo where Ever So Gently is also available.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, AND THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!
HUGS & HAPPY READING,
LAUREN 💜💜

A Fun Collaboration with Resa!

On July 26, 2024July 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Poetry177 Comments

Dear Friends,

After almost two months on a break, it’s good to be back because I’ve missed you all, and I hope I haven’t been forgotten. 🙂 Before the break, one of my friends, Resa, and I had decided to collaborate on a post. First of all, if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Resa, you can find her at https://artgowns.com/ & https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/.

We were talking one day about limericks (during my limerick phase) and she suggested adding some artwork with a few that I had written. Thus, the collaboration commenced! Resa is a costume designer of gorgeous gowns. She is a passionate photographer of outdoor ephemeral art. And her artistic talent is incredible, appealing to our emotions as seen in her sketches below.

Two limericks I sent to Resa were about my lovable canine, Copper, who is almost 14 years old. He doesn’t go fast or far anymore, and his hind legs are weakening. But he is the biggest sweetheart with amber eyes that see right into your soul. The other limerick was about blooms because of my love for nature. Then Resa suggested that I find inspiration from her sketches to write some poetic thoughts. This was challenging because of the writer’s block I’ve been up against. But in its own time, inspiration arrived, which turned into shadorma poetry both serious and soothing. Resa’s beautiful artwork inspired, along with our current political climate, and Nature herself.
So, I hope you enjoy our teamwork!

My responses to Resa’s blooms…

Nature’s Therapy

She lounges
in nature’s embrace
in a world
that rages
unsettling to the core
blooms provide comfort

Her country
spins and twists and turns
an outcome
uncharted
she finds a place of respite
reveling in silk

Blooming Comfort

Colors of
nature offer hope
golden, pink,
purple, red
evoking elation for
tomorrow’s sunrise

She sinks her
soul into their hues,
fragrances,
spring softness,
being a part of their world
a setting divine

A Big Thanks to Resa for collaborating with me,
and for sharing her artwork
that enriches our lives! ❤️🌺❤️

And Friends, Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you discovered a takeaway
to enhance your day. 💜💛❤️🩷

Stress, Sweltering, Stillness, and Smiles

On July 4, 2024July 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Blogging, Discussion

Dear Friends, it’s hard to believe that this blogging break has turned into a month already. I thought I’d be gone for a couple of weeks. But the truth is that a roofing project has turned into a noisy, costly, and stressful nightmare. And during this time, Copper (our lovable lab) got really sick with gastroenteritis. It’s never easy to watch our furry family members suffer. But he’s finally back to his normal chipper self, off of his bland chicken and rice meals, and onto his regular food. I haven’t felt like cooking, so I’ve cooked more for him than for us!

Then my husband came down with the flu, but luckily, he’s on the mend. And lastly, a few days ago, a heat wave entered into the equation and it’s been disgustingly hot. Most homes in our area don’t have air conditioning like us, but we do have a portable ac unit which helps. Sanctuary defined! Still, this hot spell is unprecedented to continue on until 11 pm next Wednesday. Yuck!

As to writing, I’ve written very little. My mind has been preoccupied, so I hope my muse will return soon. On a more positive note, a couple weeks ago, we went to my nephew’s wedding in the Santa Cruz mountains. We had a blast and it was a gorgeous setting in the company of majestic redwoods.

***My sleeping puppy (almost 14 years old)***

I have missed you all and will see you later in the month, hopefully. Fingers crossed “this too shall pass.” I am practicing on stillness in my mind because getting upset doesn’t help.

Lastly, for those of you in the U.S., I wish you a SAFE & COOL 4th of July!
Hugs to you all,
Lauren ❤️💙❤️

***My poetry collection will turn one year old***
***later this month, but if you don’t own a copy,***
***I hope you’ll add it*** ***to your home library.***
***You’ll find many takeaways about nature, love, and life!*** 💚🩵💚

Season 6 Episode 8: Lauren Scott on A Poet’s Voice with Rebecca Budd on Tea, Toast, & Trivia!

On May 21, 2024May 25, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry97 Comments

Season 6 Episode 8: Lauren Scott on A Poet’s Voice

Dear Family and Friends,

I invite you to visit Rebecca’s blog to listen to our conversation on poetry. You can also find our podcast on Spotify, Facebook, SoundCloud, Instagram, and Mastodon.

Thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy the podcast!

And another Huge Thank you to Rebecca and Don! ❤️

~ Lauren ❤️

“Burdens to Buoyancy” published on Gobblers & Masticadores!

On May 9, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry67 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I’m thrilled to share that my poem “Burdens to Buoyancy” is published on Gobblers & Masticadores today! Thank you to Manuela Timofte for believing in my work and providing the opportunity to be a monthly contributor to her literary site. I am in the company of so many talented writers. Thanks again, Manuela!

Burdens to Buoyancy

Stones of burdens can seem like pebbles 
barely tripping us up in our routines, 
but sometimes, they’re boulder massive, 
sliding us deeply into our heads 
when the need to escape 
from our own selves 
becomes vital for our sanity.

We pause in our footsteps, 
holding our breath, fighting tears 
pushing as fiercely as a category five…

The rest of the poem can be read here, and as always, a BIG THANKS to all of you for your wonderful support!

Thank you for visiting, and I wish you a lovely day!❤️
Photo by Ir Solyanaya on Pexels.com

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚

The Other Side

On May 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry89 Comments

The Other Side

One hundred and one years ago,
He breathed in air for the first time
What better day to gift him freedom

His spirit ascended watching over us
He painted the rainbow of love and hope
We felt his presence ever so near
With white and red, we made a toast

As the dust blew along the breeze
The song of sparrows echoed
Our eyes looked to the bright blue
his loving soul glides with the angels

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

Thank you for visiting, and I wish you a wonderful week!❤️

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚

Book Review: Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino

On May 3, 2024May 4, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry76 Comments

Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful and evocative collection of sixty-five poems – a collection that she lovingly dedicates to her daughter whose name is Ariel. The poems were written over a period of three decades touching on topics of love, family, children, death, nature, and the unique. Some rhyme and others are free in their styles from traditional sonnets that invited me to contemplate, to twisted limericks that made me laugh. I had many favorites, but I’m sharing snippets from a few, otherwise, this review would turn into a novel.

Many poems brought a sense of nostalgia. “November” evoked memories of when the season changed into golds, yellows, and reds, the air brought a chill, and my parents were still with us, enjoying family weekends at our cabin – everyone was young, and the future looked brighter than ever.

When November came,
We sat around the kitchen table after dark,
Telling chilling tales
Of ghosts and other phantoms of the night,
While wooden logs crackled and burned
On the old stone hearth,
And a cold wind wrapped its spectral arms
Around the ancient wooden cottage…

Dawn writes of her late father in “Rapping” which stirred emotions of my mother-in-law who departed from our world over thirty years ago. Our daughter was born the same year that Diane passed, and one evening from downstairs, we heard footsteps on the carpeted staircase when our little girl was sound asleep in her crib. No one else was in the house with us. So, was it Diane stealing a glance at her first precious grandchild? We imagined it was, and so we believed.

As a nature lover with a grateful heart for each new day “When the Morning Comes” hit home and really should be hung on refrigerators:

When the morning comes,
Sun will shine with a different light,
Earth will glow in a brand-new way,
Moon will dance to a gayer tune,
Clouds of pain will float away.
Broken hearts will beat again,
Empty eyes will see new life,
Throats will open up and sing,
Hands will break the chains of strife…

“I Hate Snakes” made me laugh out loud, but I can relate so well to the sentiments. Dawn’s vivid imagery summoned me along to explore with her in ‘the jungle’ and her frightening experience with snakes reminded me of my first encounter with a spider, which eventually turned into arachnophobia, causing a never-ending turbulent relationship with the creepy-crawlies.

I HATE SNAKES

I pushed open the creaky door to look inside
And froze in shock at what I saw:
Slithering, crawling, scaly snakes
Formed a moving carpet on the floor,
Entwining in an intimate embrace,
Lying together in a clump of shimmering bodies,
Moving slowly and surely in the rotten shadows.
We beat a hasty retreat
And never visited our ‘jungle’ again.
And that’s why, even today,
I HATE SNAKES!

Dawn’s collection of lovely, witty, and occasionally dark poetry, offers a verse and a sense of familiarity for everyone. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts!

Dawn’s website: http://www.dawnpisturino.org

And social media links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dawn.pisturino
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dawn-Pisturino-author/61557762414334
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dawnpisturino
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dawnpisturino/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-pisturino-a15498123/
Medium: http://www.medium.com/@dawnpisturino
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dawnpisturino/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WriterArizona
Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/user/Rare_Scare/
Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/arizonawriter

Thank you for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend ahead! ❤️

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚

An amazing review of Ever So Gently by Dawn Pisturino!

On April 28, 2024April 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry60 Comments

It’s time for another happy dance! I’m thrilled to read Dawn’s beautiful review of my book this morning. Below is a little peek…

Poetry Book Review: “Ever So Gently”

BY DAWN PISTURINO ON APRIL 28, 2024

Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott (2023). Available on Amazon.com at https://a.co/d/6VKTDPu.

Lauren Scott’s latest poetry collection reflects the inner life of the poet as she seeks to bring serenity and harmony into her world.

In “Messages from the Sea,” her verses paint a vivid portrait of nature, using keen observations and sensitive emotional reactions:

“listen intently
inhale, exhale, feel the calm
your soul will thank you”

Her signature poem, “Ever So Gently,” reminds us to leave our negative thoughts behind and enjoy the positive things around us:

“Remember, the breeze carries
burdens down rivers
and across oceans,
majestic trees sway with joy,
sheltering from shadows,
and the light shines even if only
a slight glimmer slips through”

Please visit Dawn’s post to read her full review, and if you haven’t met Dawn yet, spend some time at her site to immerse yourself in her evocative and lovely poetry.

Poetry Book Review: “Ever So Gently”

Thanks again, Dawn! I’m delighted with your wonderful review! But most importantly, I’m grateful that you enjoyed my poetry and found poems that touched you. ❤️

My latest collection of poetry, touching on nature, love, and the mysteries of life
that would make a great for any holiday! Click on the image for your copy. Thank you! 💚