I am thrilled to announce the release of my new poetry collection, Ever So Gently! But first let me tell you the meaning behind the title…

I had organized this 90-poem collection into three parts: Nature, Love, and Life, and yet a book title still remained in hiding. And then one of my poems stood out titled, “Ever So Gently” and it’s as though a lightbulb turned on. Everything clicked. Then I began to ponder how we live each day. It’s easy to live ‘gently’ when things happen according to our plans. But what if they don’t? What if heartache befalls us? Do we react ‘gently’ or do we press the panic button? I’ve done both, but I’m trying to focus on ‘gentle.’ And while in this mindset, I thought of the love my heart has felt, the tranquility and companionship of nature, and the good and not so good that life has tossed my way. So, I offer you the beginning of my introduction in the book…

“Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings. The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip up, I will try again.“

Fun fact: My son offered to create a book cover for me, so I told him that I wanted an organic design unlike my prior book covers, and I wanted soothing, gentle colors: pastel blues, greens, a little white. Bodies of water came to mind, a freshwater lake, a gentle flowing river, or the calming of the sea. So, to my surprise, instead of using the computer, he painted the cover on canvas. I couldn’t be more ecstatic with the beautiful, gloss paperback cover.
Thank you, Michael!

AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK AND E-BOOK VERSIONS.

Book Blurb:

In Ever So Gently, Lauren Scott shares her strong link to nature, taking the reader on a tranquil walk through a redwood grove. You’ll find an invitation to sit quietly on a patio, captivated by the simple beauty of a hummingbird. She’ll entice you to revel on the shore of a freshwater lake, mesmerized by its stunning beauty.

Scott shares how love has shaped her life. From that first delicious kiss to celebrating decades of marriage through a love that deepens over time. How her heart melted when she became a mom, then ached when her children started their adult lives across country. And how her adorable canine companions found their way into her heart.

Scott underscores how life presents mysteries we struggle to solve. We can’t help but ponder the deeper meaning of a simple vision. She prompts you to reminisce and reflect on your past, present, and future. Through the ups and downs, what matters most is to love and live ever so gently.

I am so grateful to Robbie Cheadle for creating the incredible book trailer below with my photos. I get goosebumps each time I view and listen.
Thank you, Robbie!

And Thank You to Diana W. Peach for reading my book early and posting a beautiful 5-star review (below):

When I read Scott’s poetry, I know I’ll unearth thoughts and feelings deeply personal to her life, reflections that will undoubtedly resonate with mine. The experience of what it is to be human, the shared longings and losses, and the way love shapes our days is the thread that ties this collection together.

This book of about 90 poems is divided into three parts. The first is a peaceful exploration of nature; the second, Scott’s appreciation of the many forms of love in her life; and finally, a series of poems on a broader scope of thoughts. They’re all lovely and positive with an underlying theme of love and appreciation. This is a feel-good collection of both free-form and syllabic poetry that I’m delighted to recommend.

A few favorites: “The Hummingbird’s Quest” (from the section on nature). “The World is Broken,” “If the Universe would Share,” and “Mom’s Plea” (from the section on loved ones). “Maybe,” and “Other Worlds” (from the section on broader reflections). A romantic beauty:

The Giver

He pulls me
into myself so
I may see
qualities
he loved from the beginning
though his perception
runs deeper –
mine, a trace of clouds,
then he lifts
my heart and
soul to the starlit sky where
our dreams become us.

Another favorite of Diana’s:

The Hummingbird’s Quest

We hold our breath.
Its wings flutter at a possible
eighty times per second, so we’ve read.

It closes the distance between us,
and we know it eyes the dangling
rosy petals. But below those blossoms
lies the sleeping dog. He wouldn’t be
the least bit interested in the winged
creature, but the winged creature
doesn’t know this to be true.

And so, we watch our tiny friend
flit to within a few feet of the blooms,
then disappointment lands in our thoughts
as it retreats to the maple,
camouflaged to the naked eye.

If only it could be brave.
If only it knew there was no threat below
from the eighty-pound sleeping beast.
In fact, the beast quietly snores,
and we are confident
he is dreaming of squirrels. 

Robbie and Diana, along with these wonderful friends, are going to help promote my book in their special, creative ways:

Robbie Cheadle
Diana W. Peach
Balroop Singh
Cindy Georgakas
Colleen Chesebro
Yvette Prior
Selma Martin
Sally Cronin

So, stay tuned! 🎉🎉
And, of course, I hope “Ever So Gently“ finds itself gently resting on your coffee table or in your device. But another wish is that you discover the reward of living ever so gently. 💜

Thanks for stopping by and for your support.
And please feel free to share to help spread the word!

~ Lauren ❤️🙏🏻🎉

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