The end of a blog break with New Year’s musings!

On January 23, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry102 Comments

Dear Friends,

How are you??? I can’t believe a month has passed by since I began my blog break! The holidays were magical, and I read a lot! I had so many books lined up from my friends here in blogland, so I took the opportunity to dive in! One by one, I was enchanted by evocative poetry, hooked by compelling fiction and fantasy, and moved by an inspirational memoir. In my next post, I will share those wonderful books. I also wrote reviews and posted them on Amazon and Goodreads, which felt good to help my fellow authors. Anyway, the photo above was from watching (from the comfort of our sofa) the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day. And the poem that I’m sharing below was written in December prior to the fire devastation in Los Angeles that began early January.

December Musings

I didn’t need mistletoe
on New Year’s Eve
to touch my lips to his
nor an array of gifts
resting beneath
the Christmas tree
I have a roof that shelters
from winter’s rage
and cools from summer’s
hot embrace

The stars dance each evening
in the vast sky above
They shimmer and shine
for all eyes to see –
fathers and mothers
sons and daughters
aunts and uncles
sisters and brothers –
for you and for me.

A new year has arrived,
the calendar tells us so
I wish the holiday spirit
would continue through the seasons
Let it flow! Let it flow!

How lovely for children’s laughter
to be music filling our days
and love for All people
to be the purpose of our ways…

My words still ring true, but our hearts ache for those lives that have literally been turned upside down because of the fires. The devastation looks unreal, but to everyone affected, it’s a living hell. For lives lost, for homes burned to the ground. The victims remain in our hearts. We have donated, and I hope everyone helps in any way possible. ❤️

While watching the news and staying informed with heavy hearts, we also celebrated this week…Cheers to 36 years of ‘happily ever after’ for my husband and I – 37 years together! And to think a refrigerator linked our paths! 😊 Life has presented us with an abundance to celebrate, but also hurdles to jump when things happened out of our control. Matt and I would jump those hurdles all over again hand in hand. Happy 36th to us, and to many more anniversaries to come! ❤️🎉🥂

A random thought…I pass by a mural often, reminding myself that someday I should stop and get a picture. Well, that ‘someday’ came. I took this in such a hurry though that I forgot to get the artist’s name. But I love the joy of nature this artwork displays. Does this mural make you wish for spring? 🌻

And lastly, if you recall from last month, I was dealing with a big hiccup regarding my paperback of Cora’s Quest. It was ‘out of stock’ and ‘on hold’ with the company I published it through, and because this occurred during the holidays, it was beyond frustrating. Well, it’s fixed! The image pages needed to be upgraded to a premium color level at no additional cost to me, so it’s all good, even though the wait was infuriating. Cora’s Quest is back in business, available in paperback (recommended for the full magical experience) and in e-book version.

For those of you who ordered the paperback and had to wait, have you received your copies? Thank you for your patience! And to those of you who have read, loved Cora’s adventure, and shared your 5-star reviews, Thank You, Thank You!!! Please consider sharing a review if you loved the book. Reviews are like hugs to Indie Authors! If you haven’t read about Cora yet, her story isn’t just for little ones; all ages will appreciate the important message found in the midst of Cora’s lively forest.

***Click on the link to purchase your copy. xo***

“A wonderfully uplifting story of lessons learned and the power of love. I recommend it for children and adults of all ages!” Award-winning Jan Sikes

Thank you for taking the time to pop in, and I look forward to reading your posts again!

Happy New Year,
Lauren 💖

Gobblers by Masticadores publishes “Let Man Lay Down Rifles to be Ally”

On October 7, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Blogging, Gobblers by Masticadores, Poetry48 Comments

I’m pleased to announce that my poem “Let Man Lay Down Rifles to be Ally” is published on Gobblers by Masticadores today! I am very grateful to Manuela Timofte and her staff for publishing this special piece.
I hope you all enjoy!

Let Man Lay Down Rifles to be Ally

If only humans could absorb lessons
From the largest mammals walking the earth.
Their big hearts bursting with kind expressions,
A principle understanding golden worth.

If only humans would shed their black greed,
Knives and guns stealing an innocent life.
Torturing for the sale of ivory
Beneath a darkened sky, spine-chilling cries...

To read the rest of the poem, please click on the link below. And if you don’t already follow Gobblers, please do. You’ll discover amazing talent and thought-provoking writing. Thanks for stopping by!

Let Man Lay Down Rifles to be Ally

Website: baydreamerwrites.com
Author Of The Month, May 2023 Spillwords Press
Monthly Contributor, Gobbers-Masticadores Literary Website
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08NCRH4MK
Author Latest Release Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poems
Author, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose
Author, Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poems
Author, New Day, New Dreams: A Poetry Collection
Co-Author, Petals of Haiku
Co-Author, This is How We Grow
Co-Author, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Cora’s Quest, A children’s book, coming this fall!

***Click*** ***on the image***
***to purchase your copy.***
***Thank you***! 🧡

Let Man Lay Down Rifles to be Ally

On October 3, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry80 Comments

I was finally able to take some photos of these wonderful elephants that I pass by every day. They’re on the side of the building for Johnny Doughnuts. And I always think of my good friend, Resa, because she is the discoverer of fabulous murals that she shares on her blog, graffitiluxandmurals.com. After reading The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony and An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francois Malby-Anthony, I fell head over heals with these magnificent animals. But as we all know, poaching is rampant for elephants. I can’t even wrap my head around this horrific deed and the heartless humans behind it. Anyway, a poem began to brew and a sonnet began to form. The iambic pentameter isn’t perfect, but so be it. Thus, I offer you my ‘somewhat sonnet.’

Let Man Lay Down Rifles to be Ally

If only humans could absorb lessons
From the largest mammals walking the earth.
Their big hearts bursting with kind expressions,
A principle comprising golden worth.

If only humans would shed their black greed,
Knives and guns stealing an innocent life.
Torturing for the sale of ivory
Beneath a darkened sky, spine-chilling cries.

Allowing these creatures to play their part
Would aid ecosystems they occupy.
No bullets tearing through a gentle heart…
Let man lay down rifles to be ally.

But greed, a power tough to relinquish –
Is this a pipe dream best to extinguish?

(I end with a question to ponder, but a rhetorical question because good-hearted man will always fight the greedy heartless to protect these amazing mammals that are vital to the ecosystems they inhabit.)

Coffee, Colors, & Contemplation!

On April 8, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Coffee Date, Poetry109 Comments

Hubby and I tried out a new coffee place Saturday morning and it was very cool
(and delicious)!

I splurged on a blackberry peach scuffin
and chai latte, and hubby had good ‘ol coffee
and a breakfast sandwich. Yum!

After we finished eating, we enjoyed our drinks while walking around the charming old downtown. We both bought a new book to add to our towering TBRs (how could we pass up the bookstore?), and when I saw this mural, I thought of my dear friend, Resa, who goes on adventures, seeking amazing and emotive murals.
This one isn’t huge, but the colors, joy, and positivity caught my eye:

*I couldn’t see the name of the artist…*

*Too bad the shadow overshadowed this one!*

*Not the best photo, but a new bloom on our patio.*

I’m ending this beginning-of-the-week post with a poem that was inspired by all the rain we were getting. The sun will be in the spotlight this week though…

Your Best Interest

Steel gray clouds battle it out
with the golden orb,
moving slowly to the naked eye,
desiring to cleanse –
Mother Earth is on their side.

But the golden orb wishes
to slide into place
to shine for spirits to rise.

Tragedy and bloodshed fill screens
causing our souls to weep again.

Which one will prevail?
Which will you applaud for?
Cleansing or joy?
Isn’t it a toss-up?

And yet, emotions lie in our hearts.
We choose to let joy flow,
instead of falling to our knees,
because if there is a way to help,
we will lend a hand,
we will lend our hearts.

So, make the choice that befits your best interest.
Then you will see…

Thank you for visiting today, and I wish you a good week! ❤️

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

My latest collection of poetry.
If you don’t have your copy yet,
simply click on the image. Thank you! 💚

Night Owl by Resa McConaghy

On March 6, 2024March 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Blogging, Photography

Night Owl

Hi All,

I’m sharing a little bit about a dear friend of mine, Resa. She is an amazing photographer with a passion for taking pics of outdoor ephemeral art, and the artwork she finds is stunning and unique. Resa opens our eyes to this incredible corner of the art world, and our lives are enriched and better for her discoveries! Today she shares gorgeous owls, and I’ve always been fascinated by these beautiful birds. Check out her post!

Her site is “Graffit Lux and Murals”, dedicated to showcasing & documenting Graffiti Art and Murals in Toronto and Winnipeg. But she also features Street Art of other cities around the globe through travels of hers, and guest contributors. Taking these pics is a passion and a joy, and it shows in her blog posts. Each work of graffiti art or mural evokes thoughts in her, and these thoughts are reflected in the titles of her Posts.

I’ve closed comments because I’m directing you to Resa’s blog. Visit her and you’ll know what I’m talking about. 🥰

Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!
Sending out peace and love!
~Lauren ❤️

A collection of poems about nature, love, and the mysteries of life.
Click on the image to purchase your copy. Thank you! 💚

Dog Love Abounds!

On November 11, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Art, Books57 Comments

Resa at Graffiti Lux Art & More recently featured my 13-year-old chocolate lab mix, Copper, so I’m reblogging because if you’re a dog lover, you won’t want to miss her post! But not only is Copper Boy featured, so are John’s adorable Twiggy and Marina’s beautiful Hera!
But first, below is a little bit about Resa if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her:

I’m an amateur photographer who has a passion for taking pics of outdoor ephemeral art.

My name is Resa McConaghy, and my site, “Graffit Lux and Murals”, was originally dedicated to showcasing & documenting Graffiti Art and Murals in Toronto and Winnipeg. However, I now find I am featuring the Street Art of other cities around the globe through travels of mine, and guest contributors.

Taking these pics is a passion and a joy. Each work of graffiti art or mural evokes thoughts in me, and these thoughts are reflected in the titles of my Posts.Some of these pieces may already have been named by the artists. If I know the original name, I will name it so.

If I know the name of the artist, I will credit them under the photograph and/or in the body of the post. If you are an artist & have not been credited, you can reach me by email with your info. I will gladly update the post. If you’re here, it’s probably because you love this type of art as much as I do. I hope my pics do the pieces some justice.

I am thrilled that Resa loved my poem “Copper Boy” enough to include it. So, here’s what she has to say about Copper in which she gently inserts a plug for Ever So Gently:

And now to see those gorgeous dogs at Resa’s, click on the link below ⬇️.

Dog Love

Thanks again, Resa, for including Copper! He sends you lots of slobbery kisses! Good thing you keep those sponges handy ‘cuz he loves to give kisses, but in his senior years, he’s also a bit drooly! 😂🐶

Click on the image to
purchase your copy. 💚

I am touched by those who enjoyed my book
and who have written beautiful reviews. 🩵
And a friendly nudge… if you enjoyed my book,
please consider sharing a review on Amazon
and Goodreads. The best gift for authors! 🙏🏻

Thanks to you beautiful friends for visiting today,
and I wish you a fabulous weekend!
~Lauren ❤️❤️

Peace, Love, & Sunflowers!

On November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Photos47 Comments

My daughter took these photos in Tennessee
and these murals are too amazing not to share.
The artists are most likely local, so we do not take credit.
In fact, we applaud them not only for their talent,
but for the timely messages.
Don’t you agree the world needs a great deal more
of Peace, Love, and Sunflowers?

What a year this has been…so traumatic and devastating for many because of the loss they have endured, and for the rest of us, it has been a time where new normals could not be avoided – different ways of going about our everyday lives simply had to be implemented. For the west coast, fire season has come and gone, and gratefully, our first family of raindrops has arrived. Mother Earth smiles and sighs with relief.

Autumn officially presents herself and brings a cozy, warm complexion of spicy nutmegs, pumpkin oranges, burnt squash yellows, and pomegranate reds. Can we break away from the rat race even for a moment and remember to inhale, then exhale, s-l-o-w-l-y?
Do you think we can relax the pace and capture the magic around us that we would normally let pass by?

Maybe in that moment as the landscape shifts, we will feel gratitude for the gift of another day and the possibilities in a new year that are so close we can almost touch them ever so gently.

Love, Blessings, Happy Monday, & Stay well, Lauren 😊🧡🍁🍂🧡