We pull the album from the shelf, its 12×18 glory weighing as much as a large sack of potatoes, the cover the shade of a redwood forest
one of nineteen just waiting to be reminisced through for another wave of nostalgia
We open to the first page then turn to the next and the page after… the eyes the smiles bring life to the moments captured power in love weighs more than any possession
it’s like holding a valued book in our hands but technology holds the wheel so, with its navigation we move into the future digital folders at our fingertips and the memories tag along
Just click on the image to purchase your copy, and if you enjoyed this collection, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews are like hugs. 💚
After more than three decades, my husband and I still recall and celebrate the events leading up to the “I do’s” that we said in Southern California on January 21, 1989. Today is one of those events…our first date 36 years ago. We were 26 & 27, and while some fine details have faded with the years…many stay rooted as little nuggets of ‘the start of us’. The amazing restaurant for dinner, Sycamore Inn, then driving up the mountain to The Lodge for dancing.
If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know I’m a romantic, and this night was pure magic. There was an aura of romance embracing us throughout the evening: over light conversation at the restaurant, on the slow drive up the mountain to the lodge, sipping delicious “Michelle’s Climactic Adventures.” Well, let’s face it, anything with Baileys Irish Cream is sinful and delectable! Then the dancing…we ‘rocked out’ when the beat demanded and held each other close (as if never to let go) when the tune slowed. We danced all night, taking a few breathers, stepping out onto the large balcony. The chill in the air felt good on our hot skin, and the view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains pulled us deeper into the enchantment.
December 5, 1987 turned out to be ‘our beginning’ because six months following, Matt drove me back to the lodge on a sunny June afternoon, and after riding the ski lift to the top of that mountain, he popped the question. Then six months after that romantic proposal, I walked down the aisle wearing satin and lace as he stood waiting for me, looking handsome as ever. And here we are nearing the end of 2023…grateful to still have each other and our two amazing children, who are now32 & 28 years old.
And of course, inspiration over the years found its niche:
Simple Existence
I stare at this page, milk white as the blanketed ground in winter’s staging.
Where are the syllables to create a mixture of magic?
I fear they have flown to faraway places, across desert dunes and boundless oceans and might not return so that I may tell him (again) how irreplaceable he is.
Instead, I’ll touch his lips with mine and steady myself in the arms of a man satisfied with my simple existence.
Love Note across a backdrop one star-studded evening a love note lingers
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.
Thanks for stopping by today, and let’s continue to celebrate the dates and events that remain joyful and significant in our personal stories! ~ Lauren ❤️
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). 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. So, I’ve shared this poem before that you’ll find in the same section of my book. But because these images have come to life once again, I’d like to share it one more time. I hope you don’t mind, and perhaps, you’ll relate to my nostalgic frame of mind…
First Breath
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.
The four boys ran for the rolling hills at the top of their street! They anticipated their next adventure after school and on the weekends when freedom was real. Kites stretched to touch the sky when it turned a brilliant blue. Four sets of hands built dams with rocks, sticks, and branches. A first cigarette drag under the big oak. The rain didn’t stop them; they headed for the tree fort! Two stories, carpeted, and eighteen feet up the trunk! Sledding down the grass on cardboard brought laughter. Imagination was their fearless leader – the way it was back then.
Stage IV lung cancer echoed in her mind – her kind doctor said last week with a heavy sigh. She smoked since her teens, enjoying each inhale, so this grave news wasn’t a surprise. But she was young, fifty-nine, with so much love to give. Yet, she was elated with the special news her son and daughter-in-law shared today. A grandma for the first time. How lovely. But with the chilly rainfall came her last breath, and the precious baby girl would arrive later when the leaves gently create a blanket of gold. There will be two lives to celebrate.
My latest collection of poetry – I prompt 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. Please click on the link to purchase your copy. Thank you to those who have bought a copy and who have shared wonderful reviews. My heart is full of gratitude.💙🩵💙
I look at the frail man lying in the hospice bed whose body is slowly giving up. My eyes close.
Is he my father? The pillar in my life?
It’s tough to accept because my father stands next to me in the 8×10 frame on the peak of San Gorgonio mountain, highest in Southern California.
At 65, he hiked up and down that mountain, 18 miles round trip. Sun hat, t-shirt, long pants, smile, heart full of adventure, this man, so full of life.
The end of his trail draws near. Grief will find its way, no doubt. and I will surrender, then I will shout to the universe in celebration of the incredible man he used to be.
Until that time, I look at his face, I bend down to kiss him on the forehead. I focus on his good eye, and I see my wonderful father who stood beside me on that mountain top.
I hope you’re doing well!I am nearing the finish line with my new poetry collection, Ever So Gently, to be released at the end of the month. But along with fine-tuning, I carve out quiet time to read. So, without further ado, I introduce two wonderful books by talented authors, Alex Craigie and Darlene Foster:
The Bubble Reputation by Alex Craigie – A social media eye-opener!
Connecting with friends and family, and posting about hobbies and travels is the allure of social media, right? While reading The Bubble Reputation by Alex CraigieI was reminded of the disturbing side. Social media is the ideal platform for mean-spirited people who intend to destroy others.
Emmie Hobson enjoys the exciting ride as a popular children’s book author and TV personality. She has a fabulous partner in life, Luke, who will support her to the end of time. Her relationship with her sister may be rocky, but she loves her parents dearly. What could go wrong? Her life seems picture-perfect. But Craigie introduces Ursula, a ruthless editor, who is searching for a juicy scoop. She zeroes in on Emmie to publicly mortify. The higher reader ratings are well worth the underhanded behavior. Emmie’s world is shaken, stirred, and turned upside down. The readers choose what they want to believe, whether the words speak the truth or whether they imply false information. And then social media is the ideal mode to spew the vitriol that spreads like wildfire.
I sympathized with Emmie and Luke, but Emmie’s relationship with her parents was heartwarming. Feeling a strong dislike for Ursula who caused Emmie’s life to crumble was effortless. I wished this story was pure fiction, but we all know these horrific situations headline the news, and some stories conclude with tragic outcomes. I was thoroughly engaged in Emmie’s dilemma, where I couldn’t put the book down. I had to find out how she would survive and come up for air.
The story is compelling from start to finish and enlightens the reader about the misuse of social media. You’ll have to read the book to find out if Emmie comes up for air! Highly recommended!
You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie by Darlene Foster – Touching stories about family and farm living.
Foster compiles a lovely collection of short stories inspired by her memories of growing up on a prairie farm in Canada. Family is the touchstone in each heartfelt story, and Foster’s writing flows so genuinely as if she’s narrating her memories to a group of friends relaxing around a crackling campfire. She admits in the introduction that she didn’t appreciate her life on the prairie as a young girl. “But over time, I realized that what I had as a child was special – the freedom, safety, fresh air, home-grown food, friendly neighbors…”
You Can Take the Girl from the Prairie reveals how hindsight is twenty-twenty.
I’ve always lived in the city, but as I’ve grown older, the solitude offered in a country setting is appealing. So, I looked forward to reading about Foster’s life on the farm. She pays high regard to her parents and grandparents and everyone she has met on her path. There is no doubt she possesses a grateful heart.
I enjoyed this entire collection, but a few heartwarming favorites spoke about Foster’s baby brother entering her world as though out of a fairytale. The love in her heart for her cowboy, heroic dad shines, and when she writes about a special teacher, I thought of a teacher from my high school years who instilled the same positive effect. Foster infuses humor in “Good Hands,” which made me laugh when I read about her dad chasing a cow that jumped off the back of a truck on the way to the vet. But one story that made me teary-eyed and tugged at my heart is “Losing Tim,” which gave me a personal glimpse into the author’s life.
Each memory pulled me in deeper, so I read this book in one sitting. Each story draws out various emotions known to the human heart. I highly recommend this beautiful collection to anyone interested in life on a farm, but who also enjoys touching family stories.
Thanks for stopping by, and Happy reading!
~ Lauren ❤️
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
She protects with arms of strength and adoring love, embodies splendor of many colors, bold for confidence, pastel for giving support
She is the butterfly on the breeze, flying with style, the hummingbird outside our window she graces our presence a lovely blessing
She will swim upstream with vigor if need be a sister, daughter, friend, lover, a caring spirit like no other an angel on earth
(My mom passed away 12 years ago and my mother-in-law at a very young age, three decades ago. But these two amazing women live in our hearts, and not a day goes by without thinking of them.) 💗
My bridal shower in 1988. Mom in red stripes and my mom-in-law in red flowers.
And thank you to my amazing daughter and son for making me feel so blessed! ❤️🙏🏻
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 