Book Reviews: Self-Help & Fantasy with a dash of Love & Inspiration!!

On February 19, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry131 Comments

I finally finished the last 5-star reviews of two incredible books. I hope you enjoy!

To purchase your copy, click on Buy on Amazon.

Whenever I immerse myself in a book by Diana Peach, I always fall deeply into the exciting worlds and believable characters. She is the author who converted me years ago into reading fantasy. Her beautiful prose parallels with diving into a C. S. Lewis classic. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver is an enchanting and spellbinding story full of remarkable imagination. I was easily drawn into the extraordinary imagery from the first chapter. One sample of Peach’s magical writing is, “The sky joined into a conspiracy with the wind and thickened with charcoal clouds that piled on each other’s back.”

Erith, the protagonist, resides between two worlds. She is half mortal human and half possessing charmed blood. Because of these qualities, she feels as if she doesn’t belong in either world. But the complication lies with her mother bestowing her the title of seasons’ weaver. Erith must weave her first tapestry ode to spring. However, self-doubt clings to her like static electricity, and she remains hesitant to use her magical powers. Not to mention, she faces a multitude of obstacles. A massive hindrance being the Winter King who takes revenge on the human race. He suppresses the season of spring because of human hunters who harmed the enchanted forest.

The reader joins Erith on her quest, meeting a variety of magical creatures, some better to avoid such as water demons in the night, while others that fascinate like galiwhigs. Many entertaining characters, both good and evil, play a significant role in her growth, and Peach even adds a touch of romance to entice.

Will Erith be able to push aside her self-doubt in order to prevent the demise of all humans? Will the four seasons remain everlasting? I encourage you to discover the answers by reading this tale that I highly recommend!

**To purchase your copy, click on image.**

Reading The Garden of Love by Manuela Timofte is like sitting by a waterfall, allowing its ballad to calm your mind. My initial thought after the first few pages was, I need this now. The U.S. is spinning out of control in a myriad of ways. The world is doing the same. So, reading Timofte’s book was like enjoying one spectacular exhale, releasing all stress.

In the foreword she writes, “In our real garden, we may prefer certain flowers and try to eradicate certain weeds, but the flowers and weeds inside us define us as people and the life we lead.” Her hope with this book is that “we find the flowers we like, and the lines that resonate with us, and that they give us color, fragrance, understanding, and lots of love.” I discovered the flowers, the lines, I saw the color, inhaled the fragrance, realized understanding, and felt the love.

Timofte reminds us that we are all diverse, not only physically, but also in thoughts, emotions, and experiences. And no matter what, “we are brought here on earth to learn the lessons of love…true happiness does not lie in a job, money, religion, or political placards. It was and is all the time within us.”

There is so much of what she writes that I know in mind and heart but let slip aside as I trudge through my own agenda. It takes little effort to forget about love, and that we can’t take money and possessions with us when we leave this beautiful planet. I, too, am reminded that while some of these make life more exciting and comfortable, the bottom line is to live life knowing that our stay here on earth is temporary, but to leave without regrets – a mission that can be difficult to implement. So, I encourage you to grab a copy and a cup of tea or your preferred beverage and allow yourself that one spectacular exhale as you turn the pages. Highly recommended!

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

I’m also sharing a poem for you to ponder when you leave here:

Your Link

The link you grasp may be small
But still, you will not fall
With the firmest grip, hold on tight
It’s not about fight or flight
Just seizing the chain is vital
No one is above you or entitled
Whether the link is large or small
Hold your head up high; stand tall!
We all matter, the bottom line
Our beliefs, emotions, goals in life
We all matter of equal degree
This is truth…not hyperbole!

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

***Click on the link to purchase your copy! Thank you!***

Thanks so much for your visit!
I hope you’re leaving with nothing less than self-love,
while eager to dive into compelling reading! ❤️

Unseen Hearts – Share the Love!

On February 14, 2025February 14, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry107 Comments

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! ❤️

Today sparks many thoughts, mostly happy and loving, but for me, there is more to this day than chocolate and roses. So, I’m combining two posts from the past, and if you remember these, I hope they resonate again…❤️

Valentine’s Day 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. But we need to keep in mind that 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. 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…

Unseen Hearts

Candy hearts say Be Mine
Red roses represent forever
Fancy dinners for two in love
A lifetime of together…

Ahh, the joy…
but my thoughts drift to the old man on Anderson Drive
who wears his gray hair long,
surrounded by treasures divine,
and sits outside his raggedy, faded blue tent
that balances on damaged poles,
an office of esteem used to house the chair
that wobbles beneath his body of bones

and I wonder about the young woman
on Lincoln Avenue
who burrows into a weathered, pea-green bag
on the old bus stop bench –
the scratched enclosure keeps her dry
when raindrops fall on cue,
buses pass by, heading to their next hub
by the curb lies an old shoe

and the poor mutt curled up beside his master,
ribs defined – who doesn’t know
why he only gets crumbs to lick up
from the unwashed hand,
but no leash keeps him bound –
he knows not of despair, but loyalty he comprehends

So, I browse over the valleys of my pondering and wonder,
do your thoughts also drift to defeated souls
where hopelessness betrays faith, where life has taken a toll?
Where is their place on this Valentine’s Day?

© Lauren Scott

And now for a mixture of love poems from the past…

In Technicolor

A distant memory
in technicolor…
I want to rip the page
from my mind’s
photo album
because my heart
was foolish
to fall for that man,
our skies different
our dreams astray,
but the heart’s pulse
beats to a tune
of its own choosing,
logic holds no leverage.
Though this man
wasn’t a cockroach,
I never wished
to stomp on him.
And so, I’m grateful,
for without that page
I wouldn’t have
stumbled
upon the path
that lead me
to my love at last.

If the Universe Would Share

I whisper to him,
“Do you see that blue
luminous star?
I choose it for you.”

If the universe would share,
I’d pull the gleaming beauty
from the constellations
and place it in the palm
of his hands.

We would sit upon
a slow-moving cloud
and dangle our legs
into freedom.

I’d touch my lips
to his, tenderly,
then hunger would
reel through our veins,
tumbling us into a
pleasant intoxication,

watching moonbeams
pierce our private night sky.

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.

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

***Click on the image to order your copy!*** 🙏

Do you feel the same as I do? Which poem resonates the most?
From my heart to yours, I wish you joy and love every day!
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

100 Things I Love & Are Grateful For!

On December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Life160 Comments

When I read Brian’s post at WritingfromtheheartofBrian where he shared a list of 100 things he loves, it really touched me. Brian’s posts and the essays he writes are always moving, humorous, and authentic. Please pay him a visit if you haven’t met him yet. Anyway, I picked up my loyal journal from where it rests on the coffee table, and began making a list. I seamlessly wove together things I love and things I’m thankful for. Perfect timing because here we are with Christmas just around the corner. The spirit of the season seeps into our hearts. For the sake of time, I tried to narrow my list down to 50, but I couldn’t. Now this says it all! And I went a few over! 🙂 These are in no particular order.

Family time.
Sharing life’s adventures with my best friend, my husband, for almost 36 years (37 since we met).

3. My dog, Copper. He’s 14 years old and doesn’t go fast and far anymore, but he’s doing well.
4. Good health – this is no laughing matter, as my dad used to say. I don’t think I grasped the profound meaning when I was young, but now I get it.
5. Baking – carrying on my mom’s tradition.
6. Singing – my passion since I was 9 years old.
7. Barbara Streisand – my vocal idol who I was fortunate to see in concert – the most magical evening!
8. Elvis Presley – I was only a teenager, but his voice was incredible and he was so handsome. 🙂 I was lucky to see him in concert with my family two years before he passed away so young.
9. Redwoods – I feel a sense of peace and reverence whenever I’m in their company.

10. My childhood cabin – memories of Yahtzee nights and Mom’s lasagna!
11. Chocolate chip cookies made from scratch right out of the oven!
12. Sunsets, especially at our favorite lake.

13. Writing! Poetry, Fiction, a children’s book – trying new genres for a challenge.
14. Reading – getting lost in poetry that resonates or in the pages of a compelling book!
15. Poetry of Mary Oliver – I feel deeply moved by her poems.
16. Beautiful gardens – the colors, the life, the connections, the honey bees!
17. Addictive Netflix shows – Virgin River, Schitz Creek, Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, & New Amsterdam.
18. Long phone chats with my daughter in TN.
19. Long phone chats with my son in CO.
20. Chardonnay on a Friday night after another work week has come to an end.
21. Going to the movies – the whole experience of relaxing in the recliner chairs and munching on popcorn.
22. Music – singing, dancing, listening, going to concerts.
23. A quiet drive on country roads.
24. Wine country in the spring and fall.
25. All animals, esp. dogs, and elephants – After I read two non-fiction books about elephants, I fell in love with the magnificent creatures.
26. Chocolate!

27. Hawaii.
28. Camping in a tent – I don’t mind roughing it and getting a little dirty.
29. Campfires in the wilderness.

30. The color blue like the clearest sky, a tropical ocean, and my husband’s eyes.
31. Musicals – The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber top the list.
32. Small, charming towns.
33. Reminiscing through old photo albums. The memories…
34. Moving furniture around in the house.
35. RomComs: Pretty Woman, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, The Proposal, When Harry Met Sally

36. A hot shower after tent camping for a week.
37. Air conditioning on a 100 degree summer day.
38. A fun day at the county fair. I have great memories of going as a family, checking out the art exhibits, the pig races and petting zoo, riding the ferris wheel, and eating fun fair food: gyros and chocolate mint ice cream.
39. Noisy holiday gatherings with children’s laughter that evoke wonderful family memories of when my parents were still with us.
40. Christmas decorations inside and outside.
41. Coffee with hubby no matter where we are.

42. Typing.
43. A great sense of humor 😂
44. Kind people.
45. Ethical politicians.
46. Tacos and a margarita.
47. Jeans and t-shirts.
48. Hokas – my saving grace to mitigate foot nerve pain.
49. Jewelry – Silver, gold, beaded, all kinds. Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets. I love to accessorize!
50. Blogging and the wonderful friends I’ve made!
51. My Apple watch – changing the photo & using for exercise. It’s simply fun.
52. The moon!
53. Visiting my daughter in TN.
54. Visiting my son in CO.
55. Technology when it works! LOL
56. My white Mazda CX-5.
57. Disneyland – Childhood memories of having Disneyland in my backyard. I love Disney!
58. Compassionate and trustworthy doctors – I am grateful for the care and treatment my family has received at Kaiser over the years.
59. Purses.
60. Backpacking with my husband! The tranquility, carrying all we need on our backs, the photos, the memories!

61. Hiking.
62. Holding a book in my hands. There’s something special about the feel of the cover and pages.
63. When Paxlovid kicked in during Covid, even though the metallic taste in my mouth was unpleasant for a week.
64. Organization.
65. Playing in the snow: sledding, snow shoeing, tobogganing, tubing.
66. A lush, green lawn.
67. Carrot cake. Did you know it counts as a vegetable? 🙂

***Made by my son for my birthday a few years ago.***

68. Sitting on our patio on a summer evening, watching the hummingbirds.
69. Stinson Beach.
70. Heat in the house on a cold winter’s morning.
71. A live Christmas tree adorned with ornaments the kids made and ornaments that were given to us.

72. A new roof that cost too much but that keeps us dry.
73. A house we call home.
74. The feeling of euphoria I had after giving birth to my daughter and son.
75. Walking hand in hand with my husband.
76. Paying someone a compliment.
77. Waking up early in the morning and enjoying quiet time to read, write, or blog.
78. Reveling in the joy when my husband gets home from an awesome motorcycle ride.
79. A simple walk around the neighborhood. Each time, it’s a different experience.
80. When my kids tell me they love me.
81. Receiving Christmas cards.
82. Getting together with friends.
83. Motorcycle rides with my husband.
84. Lucille Ball. The laughter never ends!
85. Enjoying a day at the beach.
86. Attempting a new creative endeavor and succeeding.
87. Reading the blogs I follow.
88. Listening to the rain from inside my cozy home.
89. How comfy my bed feels at night when I’m tired.
90. Any body of water.

91. The excitement of a new year’s possibilities.
92. Riding bikes in Lake Tahoe.
93. Weekend getaways.
94. Having something to look forward to.
95. When my children graduated from UC Davis.
96. Self-publishing a new book.
97. My poetry and stories getting published in literary magazines.
98. Opening all windows in the house on a beautiful spring day.
99. Emojis ❤️🥰🎉🤗🙏 What can I say? They’re fun! 😍
100. Bodega Bay.
101. Pain-free days and nights.
102. Samuel P. Taylor Park.
103. Point Reyes.
104. West Marin.
105. The Cheese Factory.

Could any of these land on your list? I’m sure some from Brian’s are the same for mine. And that’s okay. Like- minded individuals!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for taking the time, and for stopping by today!
I appreciate you all for visiting my little corner of blogland. ❤️

New Release! Click on the image if you’d like
to purchase a copy! ❤️🙏

Editor: Barbara Leonhard at MasticadoresUSA Features “Ever So Gently”

On November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Promotions, Book Reviews63 Comments

I have read that a book can be promoted for any amount of time, not only on the heels of its release. Editor Barbara Leonhard from MasticadoresUSA proves this fact because my poetry collection, Ever So Gently, was released 16 months ago. So, I am honored and thrilled that my book is still being read with positive reviews flowing in after all this time.

Barbara says, “Scott’s poems may enable readers to find answers to their soul’s longings.” To read her beautiful review, a wonderful testimonial from Diana at Myths of the Mirror, and to learn more about my poetry collection, please click on the link below. I hope to see you at Barbara’s place. ❤️

Featuring Lauren Scott’s Poetry Collection “Ever So Gently”

***If you haven’t read my book, I hope you’ll pick up a copy to discover what Barbara’s talking about…***
***and if you do, Thank you So much!*** 💙🩵💚

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Cora’s Quest, a children’s book, will be released in early December.
The release date will be announced soon. ❤️

Early Thanksgiving Thoughts and Wishes

On November 26, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Holidays, Photos110 Comments

With the holidays upon us, my memory can’t help but reel back a few decades. Our parents were still alive, all of their grandkids were young, and those big, noisy family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas were anticipated with excitement. Sure, giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time is rewarding and fun (in that order), but what I truly miss is ‘the noise, the laughter, the chaos, the loved ones’ (section 2 of my book, Ever So Gently). And I remember when our daughter and son were precious little bundles of joy. The elation my husband and I felt when our family became 3 then 4, and then complete. Don’t misunderstand though – returning to the past isn’t my wish, I’m simply reminiscing. These are thoughts from last year’s post.

And so, to those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you a blessed day, and to those who don’t, I wish you a blessed day! Below is a poem I give to you all! ❤️

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history a day we celebrate
blessings in our lives, for each breath we take
but some live in darkness with light, imaginary
living to survive is anything but sanctuary
I hold them in my heart, though trite to some ears
In moments of surrender, I give freedom to the tears

So, I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
where all should dance with glee
a piece of me that I impart
is my very grateful heart.

p.s. Cora’s Quest, a children’s book, is coming in December –
I’m working on final approvals.
p.s.s. I’m working on several book reviews, but because of tech issues,
I lost the word doc. Sigh. Maybe a miracle will bring it back.
Otherwise, I have to start over. These will come in December also,
but I had hoped by end of this month.
Sometimes, all we can do is go with the flow! 🥰

I appreciate you all,
Hugs, Lauren 🩷🍁❤️

***Photo courtesy of my daughter, Cheekwood Estate, Tennessee***

Truce

On November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry111 Comments

The vast space of emptiness
will never feel right
Communication sustains
but the heart feels short-lived relief
no room for logic
the heart carries a stubborn streak

Moments missed
Hours missed
Days missed
fleeting of time
The miles from here to there,
like a ball of yarn unraveling
over hills, through valleys
getting snagged on jagged edges
along the way

In a daze,
I’m slowly slipping
down a rabbit hole
about to surrender
the very best of my soul
where darkness cloaks
itself around me
Air, no longer reality

Sadness befalls the world outside
as sky-falling tears slam the earth
I’m tumbling with them in a frenzy
The first teardrop rolls down my face
leaving a chill in its wake
before disappearing beneath my jaw
My back slides down the wall
I’m drenched in sobs

Then reason meets my reflection
I challenge my emotions
because pain trails closely behind –
I’m inviting stress, and
I can’t handle one more ache
Does this make me selfish?

Humans are complicated
Emotions are complicated

Some days, the golden sphere
dazzles me into dancing
Some days, the shadowy sky
lures me into that daze
I can feel my heart breaking
I can feel each piece tear away
I won’t have strength
to sweep up the mess…

but this love is stronger than I ever thought I could feel
a love in my heart that will need to be the glue…
it is what it is ‘till it isn’t anymore
maybe someday…
until then, the vast space and I will need to reach a truce.

Adam Fenner Reviews “Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine”

On November 16, 2024November 16, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry63 Comments

I had just woken up and walked into the living room, grabbing my laptop on the way to catch up in the online world. And when I opened my blog, I was pleasantly surprised with a comment by Adam Fenner, letting me know that he chose my poem, “Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine” to analyze on his blog. What an honor and a nice surprise for this Saturday morning!

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 chosen 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?

Adam’s Analysis

In “Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine,” the speaker presents a raw exploration of the painful divide between violence and love, offering a blend of personal convictions, reflections on the state of the world, and hopeful imaginings for a better future. The poem starts by acknowledging the harsh realities of human suffering, particularly the emotional and physical toll of violence. The speaker knows firsthand how hearts can shatter and souls can be crushed, painting a stark picture of the damage caused by judgment, hate, and fear. This sense of disillusionment sets the stage for the speaker’s deeper reflections on what could be—a world grounded in empathy, understanding, and love.

The structure of the poem mirrors the speaker’s thought process, alternating between declarative statements of certainty (“I know” and “I believe”) and more speculative, hopeful musings (“I imagine”). This shift is significant because it allows the reader to see both the speaker’s grounded understanding of the world and their desire to move beyond the pain they see. The first part of the poem starts with what the speaker knows, followed by what they believe, which provides a glimmer of hope amidst the violence. For instance, the speaker believes that people should live the life they were intended to, free from hate and misunderstanding. This idea of living authentically is an invitation to reflect on the deeper, more compassionate life that could be if only humanity embraced empathy and acceptance…

To read Adam’s full excellent review of my poem, please click the link below:

Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine – Review

I hope to see you at Adam’s site, and as always,
your visit is appreciated!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! ❤️

Literary Revelations Journal features my poetry!

On October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry77 Comments

***Photo: credit to Literary Revelations Publishing House***

Dear Family and Friends!

I have more exciting news to share! I am grateful to Gabriela Marie Milton for the opportunity of being featured on her literary journal today – Literary Revelations! She has published two of my poems: “I Know This” and “Wild Emotions.” I am always in awe of her beautiful, evocative poetry and of the poetry she features of other talented writers. So, thank you, once again, Gabriela! I am on Cloud 9!! ❤️

Literary Revelations has published a myriad of beautiful books. The most recent are Full Moon Confessions by Tracey Anne and Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, in which the art on the cover is by award-winning painter Hikari. I am honored to be a part of this amazing anthology with over 160 poets.

For some reason, WordPress won’t allow me to add book images in the body of the post, so please visit Gabriela’s site here to peruse her wonderful books.

And now I offer you snippets of my poems:

I Know This

We do not live forever,
I know this,
just as sunlight and moonbeams
cannot shine simultaneously.
But sometimes I feel
he and I
will transcend the inevitable.
Imagining the opposite
is unimaginable…

Wild Emotions

No one listens, no one understands the version of me…
My spirit sinks to the bottom of the ocean floor.
My sky holds gray clouds with no sign of cerulean.
My body suffers heaviness as the hand of death.
My mind resides in a muddle of negativity
Like a dirge repeating loop after loop…
A shadowy corner in my room invites me for an extended stay.
Sun rays no longer peek through my curtains
Because even my sunken spirit has the sun feeling uncertain…

I hope you’ll visit Gabriela’s post to read the poems in their entirety. My heart would be full of gratitude! You can also click on the link below.

Thank you SO much for stopping by and for your continued support. Words can’t express how thankful I am for you! And I wish you a fabulous day, and a fun Halloween!🙏❤️