The radio belted out “Joy to the World!” You were a teenage boy, but on this Christmas morning in ‘75, excitement buzzed! Your dad watched and listened, relaxed in his corner chair, but your mom played Santa, just as jolly! The first time we met. Do you remember?
You and your dad hiked Half Dome that year, then…the many trips we booked… those rocky inclines had my sleeves shaking! Hiking to Italy Pass, 12,000 feet at the top! We did it! Trekking through the Trinity Alps, Thousand Island Lake in the Sierra. And Mount Shasta! I kept you warm when the air was ice.
What a team we made, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful the world could be…
Then with the years your adolescence faded like my blue dye, but I stayed loyal. Why wouldn’t I? You are my brother, even still, all grown up with a family of your own.
Lucky is what I feel because ages ago, I thought I’d be buried beneath piles of clothes at the bottom of a bag to be given away. But mostly, I feel privileged for my significance. I recall her vividly. She left this world too young, too soon.
You see, when we hang out, your memories transport you to that morning when her laughter was music, her smile was sunlight, her energy as vibrant as “Joy to the World.” You travel to the special place in your mind when your mom was still in your life.
With every new miracle of life answers aren’t scripted in the stars, but I knew since your very first breath my life would become yours.
Through innocent eyes and curious touch each new discovery you shared, your smile grew bigger than the sun, your heart’s elation declared.
You stowed dreams in the clouds, imaginings rose higher than the heavens. Cuddling you in that first euphoric light made me fall in love with you in seconds.
Life has blossomed into delight and wonder in every part of its glowing greatness, and with each ounce of my being, my enduring love for you is ageless.
I hope you will…You can show your love by clicking on the heart to “like” the poem, or to leave a comment, you’ll need to create an account and log in. I offer my heartfelt thanks in advance if you choose one of these options. ❤️
Thank you so much to Dagmara K. and her team for this wonderful opportunity of becoming a part of Spillwords Press.
Perhaps he was a Western Screech Owl that I heard outside our bedroom window in the early darkness before the sun fashioned its glorious arrival. I cannot say with conviction, but it is certain he proclaimed his presence with his high-pitched toots.
And what I’d like to know…
was he aware that just before he sang his series of notes our alarm would, in a matter of minutes, sound off in its circle’s ringtone?
And did he realize at this time when most homes on the street have not awakened, we make our preferred dark roast from old faithful Mr. Coffee, then sit together in harmony for soft conversation?
That this routine, though understated for some, would not be the same,
would not provide the equivalent comforting experience if one of us was not present?
Today is an exciting day for couples to celebrate their love for each other. I also show my love not only for my husband, but for my family and friends who hold a special place in my heart. You see, today isn’t joyful for everyone. Some people grieve the passing of their spouse or partner. Some hearts hurt from a breakup. Some people have chosen to be single, so today may not hold a huge significance for them. Some live on the streets. Some live with daunting diagnoses. So, let’s be mindful of the different scenarios that play out on this day. If today is a joyful day for your heart, I implore you to take a moment to think of those who struggle in some manner…
Give Love
Candy hearts that say Be Mine Red roses bestowing forever Fancy dinners for two in love A special night to remember
But what about the lonely – The broken hearts and souls? What about the hopeless Where life has taken its toll?
On this day where hearts abound Give love where you find sorrow Let compassion be your guide to fashion a better tomorrow
And now for a mixture of love poems from the past…
Forever Love (an Acrostic)
Faint is how you make me feel and not Only when our lips connect, but when I Remember our first embrace and how my Emotions twirled inside of me; dizzy and Voiceless I was and those moments still exist Even though decades have come and gone Reflections of those first days are magical Learning the true meaning of bliss, an Out of the ordinary feeling, knowing you are my Valentine, lover and friend for the rest of our life and for Eternity~
Glue
I stumble over his broken pieces, their jagged edges reach for me. I want to be their healing glue.
His mind is weary, I understand the layers of his soul. I want to be his shoulder.
His heart aches trying to make sense of it all… but I won’t let him fall… I am his remedy.
The World is Broken
The world is broken, we are aware,
but being alive on this crisp autumn morning, what a blessing to behold
and he says,
“The good news for today is I love you, Your heart, Your mind, Your soul.”
The world may be broken,
but I am not.
I hope today will be joyful for you from my heart to yours. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️❤️
When our eyes meet, love still lingers... a love that has navigated its way to thisvery moment. The breath of a gentle summerbreeze carried us over hills seeminglytoo huge to bear. Stunning, good-night hues painted our evenings, and golden shades offered morning greetings. With fingers laced, our connection, now deeperthan that first kiss, and as sweet asthe taste of buttercream frosting. And so, our dancecontinues, for it is written in the clouds, over thehorizon, within the glorious shades of the future.
I am thrilled that my book, More than Coffee, released in fall of 2021, is still receiving beautiful reviews. Mark Bierman wrote a fabulous review in December as we headed into the holiday season. So, I’m delighted to shareas we move forward in this new yearfull of possibilities. But before I do, if you haven’t met Mark and experienced his compelling story telling and fantastic sense of humor, you haven’t been fully living! His book, Vanished, is a riveting novel, and here is the link to my review: https://baydreamerwrites.com/2022/04/18/book-review-vanished/.You can also find Mark at his blog: https://markbierman.wordpress.com/. And now I will share his commentary that made me do yet another happy dance…
It’s pretty green outside these days, every flake of the white stuff has melted back into H20. But no matter what Nature’s decided, we’ve been coasting into the Holiday Spirit here.
The tree’s up, it’s branches adorned with bulbs and baubles for the exclusive swatting pleasure of our two felines. Outside, soft white lights are strung across the lilac bush and a spotlight highlights the Nativity.
But I’m not here to discuss Christmas, well, unless you’re looking for the perfect gift for that book lover.
So, without further ado, let’s raise a glass and toast a great read!
What’s it about?
From the early woes of childhood and teen years, this collection of stories and poems paints a picture of young dreams and fears. But as adulthood sets in, these dreams and fears change. More than Coffee touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage, and parenting. In these memories, humor diffuses fear and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence. Through it all, whether in the wilderness near a sparkling lake or in the comfort of home, there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee. A poignant and reflective collection of verse and prose that is best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast.
My Thoughts:
The title gets it right. This book is about far more than coffee, more than a journal; it’s a love letter to Life. An exquisite and heartfelt testament to a life well lived.
Every anecdote and poem is a window to a different season that is relatable to anyone who’s been on this journey for more than a decade. The stories and poems are thoughtfully crafted and wonderfully penned. They complement each other nicely and capture the intense emotions of those moments and milestones.
I smiled at the tales about her bouts with arachnophobia, but not because I’d wish that on anyone. It reminds me of my own, ‘tour of duty’ in the defense against spiders when I had to “save” my youngest daughter. Then again, I feel the same way about snakes.
I highly recommend this book for those who savor each day!
Meet Lauren and grab your copy in time for Christmas!(or an upcoming birthday or Mother’s Day!)
Lauren writes poetry, memoir, and fiction short stories who lives in California with her husband of thirty-four years and their chocolate lab; they have two grown children. She has authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). Her latest book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose was published in 2021. And in 2022, she contributed four poems to the anthology: Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships. Lauren writes about family, experiencing loss, finding joy in the smallest things, and nature from her many backpacking and camping adventures.
Parallel to her passion for writing is her love for reading. Whether it is a gripping thriller or a heartwarming romance, she enjoys exploring different worlds and meeting diverse characters, drawing similarities to reality that translate into her own writing. Her writing projects are sometimes serious – drawn from painful subjects and raw emotions – or they spotlight her silly side – pulled from humorous moments captured in photographs.
Lauren is inspired to write from her love of nature and the marvelous wild world that surrounds her: the smell of the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chorus of birds singing. Recent backpacking trips with her husband along the California coast and Sierra Nevada mountains have stirred up thoughts to pen about love, lost friendship, family, and the possibility that anything can happen. Hikes along the Paper Mill Creek remind her that life is fragile. From trout hatchlings to swallowtail butterflies, Lauren marvels at how the world is interconnected and that every living thing matters. She hopes her readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in her poetry and stories – some detail that resonates with them beyond her words.
Christmas time is not only a season of Love, Giving, and Hope, it is a season of remembering…our minds return to the days when loved ones who have passed celebrated with us. And when I came across this old photo of our children from 1997, I couldn’t help the feeling of warm and fuzzy in my heart.
A season of noble fir fragrance, festive decorationsthat bring joy…
and cozy evenings with a flickering fire or dancing candlelight.
A season of traditional baking while adding a new sinfully, delicious recipe…
Toffee Bars:
1 c. salted butter, 1/2 c. sugar, 2 c. flour, 1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), 1/2 c. toffee chips
Directions: soften butter and mix with sugar and flour. Add toffee chips and nuts. Pat into a 9×13 ungreased pan. Be sure edges are straight. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. While hot, use a pastry brush to spread the glaze on: 1 c. powdered sugar, 3 T. milk, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Let cool and cut into squares. Enjoy!
And the king of the house (Copper) will not be forgotten, sporting his new holiday hoodie to keep warm in his older years, while he wonders what Santa will bring him this year…
many merry shapes frosted and sprinkled with love from my heart to yours
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This is my last post for the year, and I’ll be on Christmas break as of tomorrow. So I wish you all a holiday season filled with lots of love and sweetness! Thank you for your wonderful visits to read my thoughts in verse and prose. See you in the New Year! 🎄🎉🎉🎉🎄
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 