What a nice surprise to find this lovely review this morning! Debby, thanks again, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my poetry collection and found many of the poems resonating.For those of you who haven’t met Debby, she has written several books that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and grab a tissue. So I encourage you to peruse around her cozy and beautiful site. In her most recent book, Debby writes about her journey through loss. I have read many of her books and loved them, and I will start this beautiful and emotional book soon.
The beginning of Debby’s 5 Star Review for Ever So Gently:
Lauren writes beautiful and heartfelt poetry. In this book she divides the book up into sections of various types of poetry – The Wisdom of Nature, – The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones, and, – Lost in Thought. A lovely mix of story poems from nature to reflections on moment’s in life – reminiscing of poignant and tender moments, firsts, becoming a mom, reflections on life, losses, and her love for her family and pets. The imagery Scott portrays from her words are moving and many so relevant to today’s world…
To read Debby’s full review and find out which poems stood out for her, click over to her blog post from the link below:
Thank you for popping in today, and have a wonderful week ahead! 💖
We miss Copper this holiday season, but we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree, wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire. If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone who would find comfort in this special collection, please click on the link. Thank you. xo
From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned he could trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls. (Part of the Preface)
Available on Amazon (click on the image above to purchase from Amazon) Click on the links below for B&N and Kobo: Barnes & Noble, e-book only on Kobo, or if you’re local, you can find a copy at Copperfield’s Books on 4th Street in San Rafael.
On the same shelf with Mary Oliver!
He Carries On
A copper-colored coat he dons Looking handsome as a celebrity icon A senior now Gray on his brow Even with pains, he carries on.
My Shadow
Feeling empty in my bones walking from room to room, where is my shadow?
I hope you’ll let Copper touch your heart like he’s touched so many already. Or perhaps, you have a friend or family member who would find comfort in reading my book. A Huge Thanks to You who have read this special poetry collection and left beautiful, heartfelt reviews. ❤️🤎🧡
Copper crossed over the rainbow bridge, and I don’t know how we made it through from last Monday, a very sad and emotional day, to today. It’s been tough. Loss is Loss. He wasn’t just a dog, he was family, and for thirteen years he was in our lives. So, it takes more than a day or two, or even a week to move forward without a broken heart. Truth is, I don’t know how long it will take. But in between the tearful moments from missing him beyond words – from not being able to pet him, kiss him on the top of his soft head, feel his silky ears, or bury our faces in his fur, we find joy in the life we had with him, how he enriched our lives with his unconditional love. It’s serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March 2012 and left our earthly world in March 2025. All we can do is give ourselves grace (my daughter’s advice), and continue to take one day at a time.
I’ve been writing a lot, as my good friend, Resa from https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/, advised me to do. Her words, “Fall on your pen!” So I share this poem with you today; it’s still new with possible editing in the future, but it fits for today from my heart to yours:
Loss is Loss
Death comes in many forms Death can be tragic Death can be anticipated Regardless, when a loved one passes whether human or pet loss is loss hearts still break open tears fall until there are no more stages of grief call us and we answer submitting to erratic emotions to heaviness in heart and limbs to wondering if the sun will rise again and no matter what triggers the pain we must offer ourselves grace… to grieve as we should to mourn as days unfold Loss is loss shattering us into tiny pieces of uncertainty until the healing of time brings those pieces back together.
Thank you for ‘being there’ for me and my family, and I look forward to reading your wonderful posts again. And if you have a dog or cat, give them a hug for me. ❤️
The conversation turned heavy discussing God’s existence, then noticing the time, my husband opened the door to retrieve our dinner, Grub Hub, don’t judge, a Friday convenience! Then a moth slipped in quietly, adroitly, wearing lime green and milky white. It landed on a nearby chair, and my husband spoke, “Is it you, Mom? It’s been 33 years, and we still miss you so much.” The moth lifted from the cloth rising up into the air, gliding out the door from which it came. It was Diane. We believe. Her entrance was timely, so perhaps, a reminder. We gave tears freedom. We know they’ll revisit because the many used up calendars over the years are irrelevant. His world was shattered too soon, but the events of that day are as vivid as yesterday’s sunset. Funny, how a little moth on its own special journey lifted our spirits that evening.
As I began reading Leora’s Letters, the story of The Wilson Family by Joy Neal Kidney, it didn’t take me long to feel moved by the love, faith, and perseverance in this remarkable family. The tale begins with Leora and Clabe who were farmers in Perry, Iowa during WWII, but their story unfolded when one by one, their five sons enlisted, wanting to serve their country. During this period, the family stayed in touch by old fashioned letter writing initiated by Leora, and I felt honored to read the letters that were evidence of their solid family connection. But the intense silence was palpable during the times when Leora and Clabe waited for their sons to reply. I can only imagine the emotional turmoil.
The letters also reminded me of my parents’ story that commenced during WWII. They were engaged in 1942, then my dad was sent overseas. Handwritten letters were the glue that kept them connected for three years before Dad was honorably discharged in 1945. They were married soon after he arrived home. Theirs was a love that was everlasting, and February 24, 2012 would have been their sixty-seventh anniversary, but mom passed away on February 2nd. However, if not for the letters floating back and forth, their story may not have been written. So, there is something exceptional to be noted about old fashioned letter writing, but unfortunately, this intimate gesture has faded with conveniences of technology.
Leora’s Letters may be a personal diary of The Wilson’s, but it also serves as history, reminding us that those who sacrificed their lives in war should not be forgotten. I knew the premise before I started the book, but I wasn’t aware of the details. As I continued from one chapter to the next, I sensed a dreadful anticipation. As a parent, I can’t fathom how Leora and Clabe felt, not knowing the whereabouts or wellbeing of their sons. I became teary-eyed as the story progressed, and at one point, I considered putting the book down for good. The heartache was overwhelming. Though the sorrow never subsided, I’m glad that I made it to the end.
Joy is the daughter of Doris Wilson Neal and the oldest granddaughter of Leora and Clabe’s. She is the keeper of her family’s history, so through intensive research, she beautifully crafted this book with the help of Robin Grunder. I commend Joy and Robin for such a well written and moving account. And I am still moved by Leora’s strength and courage to greet each new day for decades later despite the magnitude of loss she endured. I highly recommend this book because it profoundly touches on love, family, resilience, faith, loss, and the desire to move forward.
I pulled this information from Joy’s blog, and I encourage you to visit her, allowing yourself to be swept up into the rich history that she shares.
Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II tells the story of the five Wilson brothers who are remembered on the Dallas County Freedom Rock® at Minburn, Iowa. Leora was their mother–Joy’s delightful grandmother.
Navymen Donald and Delbert Wilson. Pilots Dale, Danny, and Junior Wilson.
Joy the photobomber, so this was the day of the dedication, October 2019.
Joy has written many books on her family history, and they are available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook. Leora’s Dexter Stories and Leora’s Early Years are also in audio form, with “virtual voice.” I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
As always, thank you for stopping by, and I hope you’ll click on the image above to receive your copy of this most touching book. And please visit Joy if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, yet. ❤️
Whenever we’d say goodbye, he’d say, “Until that time…”
The call came at 2:16 am in the wee hours of Halloween. Our beloved dad and father-in-law took his last breath at 2:05. After being on hospice for three months, his body slowly declining, the suffering lingered.
Until that time when it was the right time for him…when his soul ascended to join the other spirits of Allhallows Eve.
He lived to be 100 years old! And he was a great man with a gentle heart. As much as the tears will come, we are comforted knowing that he is at peace and no longer in need of morphine. There is a whole host of family where he’s headed now, so he will be welcomed with open arms and reunited with loved ones who have been missed.
So, we are going to allow the feelings of sadness and grief to be felt. We will find comfort in precious memories. But most importantly, we will honor and celebrate this wonderful man who lived for over a century.
Our daughter and son visiting Grandpa in March of 2019.
I remember a poem that is written by my lovely friend, Selma Martin. It’s one of many that stood out from her beautiful poetry book, In the Shadow of Rainbows. After reading her words again, out loud for my husband to hear, we both agreed that this poem is perfect for his dad:
When Death Comes
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.
These words are my father-in-law. He was loving, nonjudgemental, a social butterfly, and his heart was full of joy! His life was not devoid of heartache and loss, but he always moved forward in the direction the silver lining guided him.
Thank you, Selma, for this profound poem that resonates with our family at this time. 🙏🏻
Thank you, Dad, for the love you gave. We were fortunate to have you as our father. You will always be in our hearts. ❤️
Until that time…when we will meet again…we love you! ❤️
It Ain’t Winning If Without You by Michelle Ayon Navajas
Michelle Ayon Navajas’ 7th 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! ❤️
While I work on my upcoming poetry collection entitled,Ever So Gently, I am delighted to still watch beautiful reviews for More than Coffee continue to trickle in. As I mention in the preface, “Whatever roast I sip, it’s the people, places, experiences, and memories that matter most to me-coffee just happens to be a bonus.” And this is exactly what compiling these memories was all about in the first place. Of course, you can sip any drink you enjoy while (I hope) relishing my stories and poems. But I’ll add that the cover of the book is a photo that was taken at Spider Lake in The Sierra, a favorite backpacking spot of mine and my husband’s. And there’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee in the mountains in the early morning hours when the sun is just waking up.
A big thanks to Michele, Debby, Darlene, and Alex (Trish) who are fabulous writers in our amazing online community! ❤️
Reading the poems and stories found in More than Coffee, by Lauren Scott, felt like being served a combination of delicious home-cooked food, with hot coffee of course, engaging in conversation with a friend, and strolling through family photo albums. If you are in the mood for a wholesome read about family, written by a writer who comes across as grateful, sentimental, and compassionate, then I recommend Scott’s charming memories in verse and prose.
A beautiful book of short slices of poignant moments of life in the author’s life, enhanced with poetic snapshots of life.
Scott invites us into her gratitude, loving memories and pieces of time that were stepping stones to her growth in life and relationships. I could relate to her stories, even though they were her stories. How legend Barbra Streisand was her idol and spurred on her love for music and singing into her hair brush microphone, how in a moment she knew her husband would become the love of her life and how time played out until their meeting was ripe.
Memories in verse and prose of personal times and achievements in romance, love growth, like when the nest became empty, love and loss with her father in law, pushing limits to go backpacking in later years. Written in a personal telling as though the author opened up her heart and shared memories, inviting us into her slices of life that many of us will find relatable in our own lives. This book is a love letter of gratitude of a life well lived and felt.
I enjoy the natural, easy-to-relate-to, style of Lauren Scott’s writing. In the preface, she mentions that – “Whatever roast I sip, it’s the people, places, experiences, and memories that matter most to me-coffee just happens to be a bonus.” I’m sure I will be forgiven for relaxing with a cup of tea as I relaxed and devoured her collection of short vignettes and poems inspired by her life, past and present. Some of my favourite pieces include “Silver Heirlooms”; memories of parents no longer with us. “Red Lipstick” which made me recall watching my own mother put on her make-up. “Belong” is a perfect poem for couples in love; perfect for Valentine’s Day. “97 Years” is a wonderful legacy of a man of substance and made me think of my dear mom and how she had to deal with the loneliness of the pandemic. “The Phone Call” reminded me of my daughter and our lengthy phone calls discussing everything and bringing us closer in spite of an ocean between us. There is something for everyone in this well-written collection which is definitely more than coffee.
By Alex Craigie
This collection of poetry and short stories is described by Lauren Scott as ‘memories in verse and prose’. She has captured the mood and experiences so well, they resonated and reminded me of my own. The author writes about simple, everyday moments. In The Right Time her poem about letting go of things contains a familiar note of caution – “some things do need to be held onto. To let go of everything/would be like watching a balloon/ escaping into the big blue sky/ slowly fading away.” These short pieces delight, comfort, amuse, and paint grief and longing as effectively as a full-length novel. Laughing Spiders made me chuckle with recognition (as an arachnophobe) whereas The Phone Call is a poignant piece about empty nesters. 1989 tells of falling in love but carries a warning: “Don’t ever think you can change someone. Accept them for who they are or move on.” This advice could save many a relationship! The selection is personal but the truths captured within them speak to everyone. There are references to family life and the grief of losing parents, but also to well-observed moments including backpacking and camping trips, singing in concert halls and falling in love. Two of my favourite pieces are Simple Existence and The Gift – both are syllabic poems and the writing is exquisite. These are poems that made me stop and take stock. They gave me goosebumps.
Below are two favorites mentioned in these reviews:
The Gift
Tranquility embraces – the sun’s exit advances. Listening to whispers among the trees, our time here is a gift, and when we depart, the gift will belong to someone else.
Belonging
Do you trust me? Will you take my hand and let me lead the way to a place transcending boundaries of our reality? Let us get lost in tranquility – dancing to the majesty of the surroundings, feeling rhythm vibrate through our bones. For as long as our hearts desire, this is our destination. Time is but a memory. Its existence leaves no trace on the path where we tread. There is only you, me, and the intensity of our belonging to each other.
And another favorite of other’s for this new season of spring. One daffodil in the sunshine provided inspiration…
The Teacher
Its canary boldness rises up to the sun alone, yet not lonely, hearing nothing, but wearing bravery on each petal – standing tall with spirit in lean green attire, as if soaking up the day’s endless possibilities.
I am grateful for these lovely reviews and for all that my book has received. And Thank You in advance to those who may decide to sink into my memories in the future. And as I’ve read here in the land of blogging, reviews are like hugs, so if you enjoy my book, well, I won’t ask...🤗
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 