Tag: Nature

Swept Up

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry66 Comments



The arms
of redwoods
embrace us –
our breath still,
we’re awestruck,
swept up
by the miracle
of it all.

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Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com

Author and poet, Lauren Scott, is a recent Pushcart Prize Nominee who enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their daughter and son live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, this family of four remains close. Lauren has published four collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), Ever So Gently (2023), and King Copper (2025). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee. Her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was published in 2024. Lauren has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a recent recipient of the Publication of the Year (Poetic) Award. Lauren is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is showcased on LatinosUSA and Gobblers and Masticadores. She is currently working on her second children’s book and another collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life. 

To purchase your copy, please click on the image. ❤️

D. G. Kaye gives Ever So Gently 5 stars!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Book Reviews, Poetry61 Comments

What a nice surprise to find this lovely review this morning! Debby, thanks again, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my poetry collection and found many of the poems resonating. For those of you who haven’t met Debby, she has written several books that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and grab a tissue. So I encourage you to peruse around her cozy and beautiful site. In her most recent book, Debby writes about her journey through loss. I have read many of her books and loved them, and I will start this beautiful and emotional book soon.

The beginning of Debby’s 5 Star Review for Ever So Gently:

Lauren writes beautiful and heartfelt poetry. In this book she divides the book up into sections of various types of poetry – The Wisdom of Nature, – The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones, and, – Lost in Thought. A lovely mix of story poems from nature to reflections on moment’s in life – reminiscing of poignant and tender moments, firsts, becoming a mom, reflections on life, losses, and her love for her family and pets. The imagery Scott portrays from her words are moving and many so relevant to today’s world…

To read Debby’s full review and find out which poems stood out for her, click over to her blog post from the link below:

Sunday Book Review – Ever So Gently by Lauren Scott – #poetry

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Thank you for popping in today, and have a wonderful week ahead! 💖

We miss Copper this holiday season, but
we’ll find comfort in the photos of him by the tree,
wearing a Santa hat, or snoozing by the fire.
If you’d like to order a copy, or know someone
who would find comfort in this special collection,
please click on the link. Thank you. xo

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their adult son and daughter live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, the family of four remains close. Lauren has published four poetry collections, a memoir, and her first children’s book. Her latest poetry collection is a tribute to her family’s Chocolate Labrador who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in spring 2025. Lauren is a recent Pushcart Nominee and has been a guest on several podcasts. Her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is also shared on Gobblers and Masticadores. Her muse discovers inspiration from her family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

Nightfall Symphony

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry65 Comments

Friday evening provided inspiration for this haibun…

Heading north, airplanes soar in the clear blue, spotlighted by final sun-rays. The golden orb slowly turns in for repose. The sky transforms into a velvet cloak with a few winking stars. Temperatures fall for relief. A covert presence performs a chirping chorus, echoing through firs and oaks – nightly courtship calls. A welcomed soundtrack, soothing like ocean waves for inland people.

soaking in stillness
listening to nature’s song
crickets serenade

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
I couldn’t get a good photo, so let your
imaginations do the work! Happy weekend! ❤️🤗

Click on my son’s image to order your copy! 🧡


Lauren Scott
Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

26 & 27

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry82 Comments

The much-loved patio welcomes
with its rustic warmth
and strands of string lights,
the bar stools invite us
to get comfortable for a visual feast
of rolling hills and redwoods.

His hand finds mine;
his words express that I’m most important,
in three months, glasses will clink
to celebrate 37 years –
the 26-year-old girl who met a
27-year-old guy. My words echo his,
but of course, our daughter and son
are the center of our life…

And the weather? Short sleeve
temperature, sublime, serene.
October brings
a summer night’s dream.
Silence flows in with its
special kind of conversation.

Fleeting minutes like these
aren’t taken for granted
because it’s not every day
our perfect dance partner
comes our way,
and although we grow older
and flaws become bolder,
our melody continues to play.

Light neighborhood chatter
drifts through the trees
with an occasional hummingbird
on its tail and a slight breeze.
The moon elegantly hangs
in her dazzling formal attire,
vying for our attention,
and she succeeds
because we are devoted fans.
Her glow mesmerizes –
our focus on her alone.
What a beautiful moment
to call our own.

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Thanks so much for stopping by,
and I wish you a wonderful week! 🧡🍁

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Lauren Scott

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

Spreading Exciting News for Friends & A Special Ode ❤️

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Awards, Poetry60 Comments
Photo by AS Photography on Pexels.com

I’m happy to share the great news that my good friends Maggie, Mike, Dawn, and Robbie have been nominated for 2026 Best of the Net. Also, Robbie’s son, Michael, who’s following in his mom’s footsteps.
Editor Michelle Navajas of Hotel by Masticadores found their work to be worthy of this high honor, and I couldn’t agree more with Michelle. So, please join me in Congratulating not only these talented authors, but all of the nominees! You can read about these amazing authors and their writing by clicking on the link below. 🎉

Hotel By Masticadores Proudly Announces Its Nominees for the 2026 Best of the Net

And I’ll leave you with another peek into Colorado beauty
that inspired a poem…

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail that loops around Bear Lake
Trail of Aspens with the Rocky Mountains in the distance

Dear Nature,

You cast your spell
and all sense of reality
magically slips away
into the ether.
Your shimmering lakes
entice with their serenity.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.
Your trails lead to places
only presented
in our imaginations.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.
Your mountains humble
in their magnificence.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.
Your aspens captivate,
donning their golden apparel.
We inhale peace,
exhale burdens.
Thank you for your beauty,
for your gifts of tranquility…
priceless gems to be cared for,
never to be taken for granted.

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Thank you for your presence! I hope you enjoyed the pics and poem, and please visit Michelle’s post to Congratulate the nominees! Have a wonderful day! ❤️

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Lauren Scott

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

Almost ‘Fall-ing’ – a haiku trio

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry95 Comments

When I think of the new season upon us, I envision warm reds, oranges, and yellows, and vibrant shades of pink. I can smell cinnamon baking in the oven, and imagine sipping a pumpkin spice latte for a morning treat and hot apple cider as an evening winds down. Maybe an occasional indulgence in a delicious apple crisp, and of course, some cozying up under soft blankets.
This is my favorite season, so won’t you join me as we enjoy a little fall-ing? 🍂🍎🍁

These photos are from years past, as summer is stubborn and won’t let the trees transform just yet, but I’m ready for the change now…

1.

crisp mornings join late
summer afternoons to greet
fall’s cozy prelude

2.

leaves change into their
raspberry autumn wardrobe
attire for the dance

3.

new season creates
inundation in its wake
melodious crunch

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

Do you have a favorite? 1, 2, or 3? Or maybe all three? 😁
Thanks for swinging by, and I wish you a peaceful Sunday. 🩷

Click on my daughter’s image to order your copy! 🧡

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Author – King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
Author – Cora’s Quest (a children’s book)
Author – Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry
Author – More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose
Author – Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry
Author – New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry
Co-Author – Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku
Co-Author – Petals of Haiku: An Anthology
Co-Author – This Is How We Grow
Co-Author – Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships
Bi-Monthly Contributor at Gobblers by Masticadores
Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023
Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024
Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025

Nature’s TV – Friday’s Poetry

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Poetry98 Comments

These are photos from past lake camping & backpacking trips. Beauty at its best, don’t you agree? We plan to get back to the lake next summer, but we had to pass this year because our favorite campground is being renovated. Poetic thoughts spill out from things I see, emotions, events, family, and nature. Nature always inspires.
So, won’t you join me at the lake? Have a seat, sip something cold, and simply ‘be.’

Nature’s TV

A moment to reflect
lake glimmers
in sunshine’s embrace
ripples shimmy across surface
dragonflies soar like mini gliders
feathered friends paddle away
after a brief “hello”
muscles and mind feel gratitude
no screen of any size
only Nature’s TV

I hope you enjoyed your time at the lake. Thank you for joining me!
Happy Friday, and I wish you a tranquil weekend. 💚

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to order your copy! 🧡

Layers – haiku

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry95 Comments

(a)

we gaze in wonder
textures and hues entertain
in nature’s artwork

(b)

emotions layered
piled on top of each other
leapfrogging through heart

(c)

devoid of blossoms
beauty in its own manner
eyes appreciate

On a bike ride over the weekend, I had to take a photo of this beautiful cactus. I hope you enjoy my Monday haiku musings. Wishing you a fab week ahead, and thanks for stopping by. ♥️

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

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase your
copy through Amazon.💜