I hold my breath 2 seconds, maybe 3 electric jolt fleeting it came it went but my thoughts… trapped in the grip of those seconds.
Have you ever had a heart to heart with your mind?
Who wins in the end?
Have you ever dipped into contemplation about all the ‘whys’ floating in the ether, looking for a companion to make them complete like two intended lovers?
Next time the sun sets for another night’s repose, let your eyes turn to the blanket of stars, twinkling in their elegance.
Are they privy to some vital piece of knowledge that has not been proffered to us?
It seems those seconds necessitated another heart to heart.
Ever since my father-in-law’s passing on October 31st, my husband has been sorting through his dad’s belongings. A job only he can do to know what should be kept. His dad was very organized, not only with important documents, but also with precious keepsakes. One item that my hubby found was a recipe card written by his mom, Mable, in the mid 50s to her son, Wil, who she called Billy. A card that offered sage advice for living a good life.
In case the card is hard to read:
First thing in A.M. drink 1 pint which is two cups of hot water every morning. It is more necessary than washing your face. Later drink a glass of fruit juice. Eat something ‘alive’ not cooked each day. Celery or apples, or oranges, or grapes. Eat them while they are on the market and in good shape. “Life makes life”, eat them fresh and alive, all the fruits that you can. “Cooked or canned are dead and cannot make you a live body.” Cut the sandwiches out if at all possible. A couple of bananas and a pound of grapes with an apple or orange will hold you for a long time. Drink more and more water! The body needs it just as much if not more than too much food. Don’t forget your twisting exercises and the ‘Stand at Attention’ exercise to strengthen your muscles. You don’t want to be a hnch back at 40, so stand straight and tall. Get on the bars and swing every chance you get. How is golf? Better get going before Phil (his brother) writes for his clubs! “Make hay while the sun shines!” Please carry this card where you will read it once at least – once a day – until you do what it says to do! Happy Days to you, MEMS (her loving acronym).
Mable at 85 with her sons (my FIL on the right).
Wil carried this advice from his mother each day, and he knew that she didn’t write the card to preach. But she was a woman born in 1889, and her intellect was beyond her years. She was intelligent, independent, believed in Astrology, an independent health care worker who believed in taking care of our bodies and minds. She advocated for eating right and nurturing mental health. She may have been delicate and petite, but she was strong in character and mind. She lived to be 90!
We found special letters Mable wrote to Billy, along with this special card. And we know there will be more to come. Treasures to keep those wonderful memories company. My hubby was lucky to know all of his grandparents, except for his dad’s dad who passed away when his dad was very young. I only knew my dad’s mom, and even then, I was young when she passed, so my memories are vague. We’re grateful that our daughter and son had the chance to spend time with their grandparents, except again, with my hubby’s mom who passed away before they were born.
Conversations with our parents who have lived, experienced, and endured so much brought knowledge and a breadth of understanding.
I’ll end with her profound words again, “Life makes life – cooked or canned are dead and cannot make you a live body.”
As we enter into the holiday season where treats are abundant, remember Mable’s words. Wil used to also say, “Everything in moderation and always keep moving.” She lived to be 90, and He lived to be 100, so there must be truth to these words!
I am thrilled to share another glowing review for my book, Ever So Gently, from Kaye Lynne Booth at writingtoberead.com. But first, here’s a little bit about Kaye:
She has been writing content on Writing to be Read since 2010, including book reviews, author interviews and reflections on writing. Her first novel, Delilah, was published by Dusty Saddles Publishing in 2016. (Recently re-released as a part of her Women in the West Adventure Series.)
To learn more about Kaye and to read her entire blog post, please click on the link below that follows her wonderful review:
Kaye’s Review:
For me, poetry is best enjoyed in print, where I can hold the book in my hands and leaf through the pages, taking in each poem in small doses, and revisting those poems which have sparked further thought in my mind. So, I was tickled to receive a print copy of Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry from author Lauren Scott. In this delightful collection, we hear the author’s confident approach to life, feel her inner appreciation of the natural world around her, and gain insight into value of connection with the people she loves and cares about.
Poetry is so personal, offering a window into the author’s soul, and EverSoGently does this beautifully. Many of the poems contained within resonated with me on a personal level. As a both nature and animal lover, the vivid images of the cautiously flitting hummingbird, a garden renewed, and beloved pets helped me to feel the moments described within each, as if witnessing or experiencing them.
Messages from the Sea
listen intently inhale, exhale, feel the calm your soul will thank you
secrets ride the waves ebbing, flowing in turquoise we are not privy
whispers in the surf ambiguous to discern relish in their song
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For Lauren Scott, nature is soothing, healing. I can relate with that as nature is also where I go for solace.
Chilling Embrace
I have been embraced by the chilling presence of loneliness. I have wondered where the niche designed for me exists in this world in which my breaths originate. I have waited for the glow to emerge behind the shadows. But when I take that soft step into the splendor of nature, listen to the trees whisper their sagacity, feel the flowing rivers move my pain, creating vast distance between it and me, I have been revived by the compassion that nature offers so unselfishly.
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But my very favorites were the poems in which she expressed her love of the written word, a love that I share, so can relate well with.
Books
Stories, poetry Compelling, transporting, entertaining Turning pages is exciting Paperbacks
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But my true favorite is the poem that shares the title the book is so aptly named for. In it I see clearly the author’s positive, grounded attitude toward life. A wonderful outlook, to be sure.
Ever So Gently
Sometimes we get lost in our thoughts… losing focus of the stars lighting up the night sky. We tumble too deeply into the frontal lobe, allowing negative thoughts to awaken, to throw a tantrum.
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.
Its glow will grow ever so gently into a bright beacon of hope rising with the golden sun bringing clarity to our vision.
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With her uplifting poetic verse Lauren Scott basks in the earth’s beauty, cherishes loved ones, ponders life’s mysteries. Highly recommended. I give Ever So Gently five quills.
Thanks again to Kaye for this beautiful review! I am delighted that she enjoyed my poetry collection because that is the ultimate wish…for the reader to find poems that resonate “as if witnessing or experiencing them” – Kaye’s words. My heart is full! And thanks to you who chose to visit my corner of blogville in the midst of your busy day. ❤️
I’m late in reblogging several posts, so I’m slowly catching up, and today I’m sharing Carol Anne’s lovely review of my poetry collection and latest release, Ever So Gently. What more could an Indie Author ask for? I am grateful that my poems could provide the balm she needed. Thanks again, Carol Anne! ❤️ And I encourage you to visit her site, therapybits.com. She wrote that you’ll find real and raw emotions in my poetry collection, but you’ll discover the same in her posts.
A little bit about Carol Anne:
My name is Carol anne. I am part of a did system. Did stands for dissociative identity disorder. I also have PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder. I was diagnosed with did in December 2010. I have been blind since birth. I am 35 years old. This is a blog about my life, it will mainly focus on therapy and the process of going through psychotherapy, but I will also post some stuff about my life. I am in college studying IT. It has its challenges but overall I love it.
To read Carol Anne’s review, simply click on the link below. ⬇️
I am touched by those who enjoyed my book and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵 And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻
Thanks so much for visiting today, and I wish you a wonderful Friday and weekend ahead. ~Lauren 🧡🍁
I shared this poem from my book, Ever So Gently, a while ago, but I feel compelled to post it again because of its relevance. The question still lingers…
Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine
I know hearts can shatter if beaten down, and souls can be crushed if pounded, and those judging others appear to be close-minded. I believe people should live the life they were intended.
I believe differences afford knowledge. Why is violence the solution for those who loathe a culture or religion?
I imagine everyone opening their hearts and minds… Can you envision this landscape, like spring blooming every day, budding across borders and state lines? A glorious bridge connecting us all… if only.
I know the ideals of respecting and accepting will stay models to be repeated until the narratives mend, and I hope they do, because no one deserves to exist beneath a cloud of pretense. I believe all people should have the freedom to live within the arms of truth.
I can imagine how invisible scars create hell for the heart.
I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the streets, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?
I am touched by those who enjoyed my book and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵 And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻
Thanks so much for visiting today, and I hope the answer presents itself very soon. I also wish you a peaceful day and more peace for your tomorrows…
I’ve written and shared several poems during my father-in-law’s decline on hospice, and then for his passing on Halloween. My last post was a tribute to all our parents who are now together for their eternal adventure. But Wil would say, “It’s time to move on and life your life!” Actually, my parents and my mother-in-law would say the same thing with gusto! So, while we’re in the midst of grieving, taking care of business, and planning Wil’s Celebration of Life, I’m moving forward regarding blog posts, but I truly appreciate all of the kind words and condolences my family has received. 🙏🏻❤️
And now I’ve fallen behind on some reblogs, the first from Barbara at Book Club Mom when she featured my latest book, Ever So Gently. She is a wonderful support to Indie Authors with her Author Update posts. So, thanks again, Barbara! To read the entire post and learn more about my book, click on the link below that will take you to Barbara’s site. Please take time to peruse her blog where she shares the books she reads along with her wonderful reviews. And yes, I’ll most likely share more about Ever So Gently, but that’s life for a self-published author. It’s not easy to promote one’s work, but it has to be done. So, I hope you all understand. 💚
I am touched by those who enjoyed my book and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵 And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻
And since the holidays are literally around the corner, if you or someone you know would enjoy a book of poetry, Ever So Gently, just may be the right choice! 🤗
“Even though this was an autumn evening, I snuggled in front of my fireplace, let the flames warm my face, and let Scott’s words warm my heart. By looking at the content, I knew gems were waiting to be found. This collection is divided into three parts. The first part touches on nature, the second part on relationships and loved ones, and the third part on thoughts in life.“ ~ Miriam Hurdle, https://theshowersofblessings.com
Thanks so much for visiting today, and I wish you a gentle start to your week. ~ Lauren ❤️
I am touched by those who enjoyed my book and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵 And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻
Thanks so much for visiting today, and Iknow a sad tone has been prevalent in my last few posts. But this is life right now for my family, and yet as the poem says, we will smile for our tomorrows. I wish the same for you. ~ Lauren ❤️
While I was away from blogging, three more 5-star reviews gently flowed in for my book, Ever So Gently. These beautiful reviews added light to the initial reason for my break. And the true reward is learning how my poems resonate with others. So for me, the stars align. ⭐️ Thank you again to Colleen,Robbie, and Miriam. I appreciate you all! ❤️🙏🏻
Another tidbit to share is that my son was recently visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, relaxing by Bear Lake at 9,500 feet elevation after a good hike while reading my book. You may remember that he painted the cover for me on canvas and also helped in the tedious formatting process. But he hadn’t read the poems. And my family is honest, so if there’s something they don’t like, they’ll tell me without hesitation (lovingly, of course). 🙂 Well, he absolutely loved the nature poems, and is currently reading the rest of the book. Fingers crossed, he feels the same way about part 2 and 3. Anyway, I love this photo he sent meand am grateful that my 28-year-old son is taking the time to read ‘his mom’s’ book. ❤️
And now for the wonderful reviews…
From Robbie:
Ever So Gently: A collection of poems is a beautiful memoir of the poet’s life and experiences, mellowed by experience and understanding, and told through carefully selected words. The poems are a mixture of freestyle and syllabic and share some vivid and delightful imagery that celebrates important moments in the poet’s life.
For me, the emphasis with this collection is on the softening of the poet’s attitude towards, and views, on life gained through experience and living. This message, reflected in the title “Ever So Gently” and the beautiful and peaceful cover, is wonderful and absorbing. Its subtle repetition throughout this book is like slipping into a warm bubble bath. It evokes the same delightful sense of peace and calm. My words must not be misunderstood to mean that none of the poems demonstrate moments of anguish and angst, as that is not the case. Those moments, that are so catastrophic and devastating to the poet at the time of occurrence are there, but their harshness is lessened through acceptance and understanding gained over the passage of time.
A few verses that I particularly enjoyed:
“A lone sailboat glides by pausing for the unfolding. With hair the color of an egret, an older man leans against a stump.” From The Sun Knows
“raindrops vacillate layers hold their own secrets delicate delight” From The Peach Rose
“Each purl stitch was interwoven with love from her gentle touch. She, the teacher, me, the student, as our bodies sank into the sofa checkered in a 70’s palette. From The Old Afghan
The two poems that I related to the most were The Mess and Young Campers, both about the poets children. This book is a celebration of life, the good and the less good.
From Colleen:
“Ever So Gently” asks us to accompany the author on a profound journey into the human condition seen through her own experiences. Scott has a way of making the mundane things in life a positive poetic event. That upbeat theme lasts throughout the book.
She split the book into three sections: The Wisdom of Nature; The Noise, the Laughter, the Chaos, the Loved Ones; and Lost in Thought. The author explores nature and how she relates to those quiet times when nature calls her name. The next section deals with the love in her life. The last section deals with the author’s deeper nature as she explores her feelings in greater detail.
I was surprised to see an excellent collection of haiku and other forms of syllabic poetry in the book. It was easy to connect with the variety of poems and themes. I enjoyed all of them!
I had two favorite poems. One was called “The Sign” and the other, “Ever So Gently.” Both poems are contemplative in nature, but filled with hope for the good things in life to enrich our lives.
From Miriam:
Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems by Lauren Scott is a cozy and delightful read. I love the pastel color scheme of the cover. It conveys a soft feeling like the fluffy feathers caressing my skin. Her son Michael painted the cover on canvas. The title and the cover join in a beautiful harmony.
Even though this was an autumn evening, I snuggled in front of my fireplace, let the flames warm my face, and let Scott’s words warm my heart. By looking at the content, I knew gems were waiting to be found. This collection is divided into three parts. The first part touches on nature, the second part on relationships and loved ones, and the third part on thoughts in life.
Scott painted nature with her soft strokes. “Cottony clouds drift by. We want to move into them, feel their softness enfold us.” “Tiny threads of peace weave into the marrow of our souls mending any fretting that stirred.” “I wonder if pine needles wiggle in delight until they float to the earth…” The vivid imagery invited my presence in her natural world with the hummingbird, the sunflower, the peach rose, the lantana, the rocks, and the shiny shells.
Scott shared her joyous moments of meeting her husband and their newfound love. “Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness.” She missed her son and daughter, who were grown and gone. She would leave her son’s room messy to remind her of his presence. The days when the children were little were greatly missed. She reminisced about the younger days when her parents moved from place to place and she missed old friends. The old Afghan reminded her of the memory and wisdom of her mom. One Sunday afternoon, she had the last conversation with her dad. “His voice offers no response, silent for eternity, his body, a shell.” Scott’s memorable moments reminded me of my own with my husband, my daughter, and my parents.
The poem “Things I Know, Believe and Imagine” posted a valuable question. “I believe Love should remain the center of all humankind, but since hate continues to linger on the street, here’s a question to ponder… what should we do differently?” A Two-Wheel Getaway told a cheerful story of meeting biking strangers who became instant friends. The star poem Ever So Gently conveyed the message of hope.
“Its [star’s] glow will grow ever so gently Into a bright beacon of hope Rising with the golden sun Bringing clarity to our vision.”
Thank you for visiting today, and I hope these touching reviews entice you into reading my collection.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 