The Hummingbird

On July 2, 2023July 2, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Stories83 Comments

Laura folds into the patio rocker, breathing in summer’s fragrance. The sun boldly hangs in the bright sky, but today marks the tenth anniversary of that day. Her heart feels heavy.

“I miss you, Mom, and the kids miss their grandma. I just long for another chat, a hug, even one more piece of unsolicited advice.”

She watches a hummingbird soar to the pink geranium hanging from the gazebo. Her mother loved these delightful creatures.

“Is that you, Mom?”

The little bird glides to Laura, hovering at eye level.

Rocking gently, Laura feels the comfort of her mom’s presence.

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

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo by Frank Cone on Pexels.com

I’ve had fun writing 99-word stories, and I hope you enjoyed this one, too. 🩷

A Blanket of Gold

On November 23, 2022November 26, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry, Writing57 Comments

I look across the backyard with a heavy sigh,
just a few weeks ago, the broom had done its
job, the garden gloves lie in the shed, caked
with flakes of dirt, exhausted from pulling
weeds that had the nerve to sprout abundantly,
as though they are admired as much as
the glorious lavender hydrangeas.

Now, crunchy yellow leaves inundate the grass,
as if Mother Nature gently laid down
a blanket of gold. The wardrobe changes of the
leaves, pirouetting to the ground, lead to the season
when Gratitude is placed on a pedestal,
paying homage more than any given day,
which leads us to the turkey brining
in a citrusy concoction. The carving knife
and gravy ladle eager to present their annual
performance. The formal dinnerware excited
to display its shiny patina. The gathering.

And on this special day, the sky and sun
will collaborate to create a bright blue backdrop,
no clouds invited to this celebration,
not even a breath of wind will drift through,
or one tiny raindrop will fall on this event,
just a high temperature cool enough
to welcome a sweater,
the kind of weather that would delight them both.

He would ask for a beverage before sitting down,
and then even after sinking into the soft sofa,
his hand would caress the glass for minutes.
He would pause before taking a sip.

Because before partaking in the festivities,
he, who lived through the second world war,
would slowly absorb
the noise,
the laughter,
the chaos,
the loved ones…

© Lauren Scott, baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you the feeling
of Gratitude in your hearts that will last a lifetime.
Sending wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving! 🧡🍁🍂

Love Carries On

On June 6, 2021June 5, 2021 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Personal Stories, Poetry38 Comments

Another dog, that’s what I needed back then when our
Black lab, Lucky Girl, on that gray November day
Crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Then Mom,
Doris to those who knew her well, gracefully entered her
Eternal home a few months later. I honestly
Felt empty inside – all enthusiasm drained,
Grasping for unreachable acceptance through the tears.
Handling the loss of our sweet furry family member
Involved revisiting those memories of the love she gave
Joyfully to her four adopted humans.
Keeping emotions intact, yet missing Mom – her voice,
Laughter, funny off-key singing, and mouth-watering cooking
Made greeting each sunrise challenging.
Naturally with active emotions, our family felt
Overwhelmed. Dad was devastated, losing his Gal of sixty-seven
Precious years that began in days of World War II. Mom was the
Queen. Another memory was her unequivocal love for dogs.
Riley was one of many canines she and Dad loved over the years.
So, amid these painful losses came Copper, our lab. The
Time was right, and I felt Mom’s otherworldly approval because
Underneath Copper’s quirkiness lies his loyalty, cuddliness, and
Vigilance in holding the guard dog role. He’ll be at our feet
When we call him, shake a paw when he sees our hand.
Xenial describes our friendly lab when anyone visits. Even at the not so
Youthful age of ten, Copper carries an abundance of
Zest for bounding through life, for loving his humans – reminding us that love carries on.

Lauren Scott ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

A Very Special Letter

On March 27, 2021 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Letters65 Comments

March 25, 2021

Dear Mom and Dad,

Guess what? Your baby girl turned 60! Can you believe it? 60 doesn’t feel different, but it sure has a more profound ring to it than 40 and 50 did. I suppose then it does feel different. It’s Thursday, and Matthew, Michael, and I took the day off. They surprised me with an adventure – a relaxing drive surrounded by lush rolling green hills, cows grazing, majestic redwoods, and the crashing waves and beauty of the Pacific. I loved sitting in the back of the Pilot, chauffeured, enjoying the gorgeous scenery. The weather couldn’t have been better – sun shining in all its glory and the sky blue as ever.

Lunch was enjoyed outdoors encircled by those redwoods. I splurged on a patty melt and thought of you, Dad. How you loved your patty melts and chocolate malts! Well, I skipped the malt and indulged in Chardonnay!

We stopped in Bodega Bay to browse a little, then we resumed on Highway 1 driving along the coast heading for home. A fabulous all-day adventure that continued into the evening with champagne and more surprises. Family and friends in TN. and So. Cal. celebrated via Facetime, phone calls, and text messages.

I’m sure you’re aware of the pandemic that has stricken the world for over a year now. Well, Matt and Michael wanted to throw a big party, but even though things have improved, a large gathering just wasn’t a good option this year. But for my second Covid birthday and this big milestone, my entire family and circle of friends made the day as special as perfection.

In the big picture, we’re all healthy and doing fine, so please don’t worry about us. I wish you had been here to join in the celebration, to enjoy some bubbly and that sinfully delicious carrot cake that a friend made for me – you know carrot cake’s my favorite and how it counts as a vegetable in my kitchen.

I just want you to know how much I miss you, how much we all miss you. And I knew you’d enjoy some snippets from my 60^th. Mom, it’s okay to let those tears fall, and Dad, I can see you smiling. I know you’re happy to hear your family is ok! I’ll end this now before it becomes a novel, and before I liberate those tears, too.

Love you so much, Lauren (your baby girl) xoxo