I hope this month has been a great start to your new year! January has been a whirlwind of new projects, getting back into a routine after the holidays, and varied emotions. I have my share of worries but there is so much to be grateful for! I’ve also been busy working on two books: my second children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping, and a new collection of poems. My intention was to publish Carlie and Charlie last year, but then Copper received his angel wings, and you know the rest. So, I’m excited about this book that is inspired by my family’s camping adventures with Steph and Michael when they were little, and it will include an educational element, stressing the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors with discussion questions at the end. I plan to pitch Carlie and Charlie at the San Francisco Writers Conference in two weeks, so I’ve been racing with the clock, editing, editing, and editing!

On another note, I received an email from Spillwords this morning, and my poem “I Am From” is nominated for Publication of the Year! Asking for your support is never easy, so it feels even more uncomfortable since I’ve been absent, but being nominated from Spillwords is always an honor, so all I can do is ask. I am grateful to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my work and for this incredible opportunity!

This poem was inspired by “Where I’m From” written by George Ella Lyon…

I Am From

I am from my mom’s emotions
that had a mind of their own
so wild at times emulating a summer storm
I am from my dad’s humor
where smiles bloomed
but his temper too in my less patient moods

I am from flower petals I did not plant
Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green
yet the petals’ beauty is always seen
I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown),
vanilla, baking powder and soda,
and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case,
and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways

I am from the moon in her mystery
The sun in his radiance
The lake in its serenity

I am from the well-liked and the shunned
the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders
the redwoods standing tall
I am from planned and spontaneity
clarity and ambiguity

You can read the full poem here.

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I also offer a Huge Shout Out to my good friends who are amazing writers, Maggie Watson and Mike Utley, for being nominated for Author of the Year! Maggie’s poem “The Forest” is also in the running for Publication of the Year. I’m happy for Maggie and Mike and wish them the best of luck!!!

If you find the time to cast your vote, thank you!

Voting is officially scheduled from January 26th to January 30th at: https://spillwords.com/vote/.

Congratulations to all nominees, but as nominees, I feel that we are all winners! 🎉

Thanks for stopping by! Be well, Be safe! ❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Spillwords images: Credit to Spillwords

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; our dog’s life in poetry (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 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 fifth collection of poetry. Lauren’s muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life. 

The ultimate gift for dog lovers and pet parents in general.
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