A Gallery of Art & Words

A few weeks ago, Matt and I were enjoying a lunch at a great Mexican restaurant, Flores, and this beautiful piece of art caught my eye. The artist’s name is in the lower right hand corner. I immediately thought of my good friend, Resa, at graffitiluxandmurals.com because she has an eye for stunning street art that she shares on her blog. I had to get some photos, so I pulled out my cell and took a few. Then I sent them to Resa, and she was thrilled to include them in a post last week. Since I was on a blogging break, I’m sharing her fabulous post today where she not only spotlights this gorgeous painting, but many other faces that will take your breath away.

Please click on over to Resa’s blog for more! She is an amazing seamstress, photographer, artist, and friend who raises the bar when it comes to supporting others. 💖

In addition to Resa’s blog post, if you saw mine from Monday, you’ll know that my haiku “The Reveal” was published on Gobblers by Masticadores. Well, Resa left a comment on Gobblers, and here’s one of her lines: “This Haiku is so pretty, I want it to be a longer poem.” Not only did she inspire me, but she challenged me too. I met the challenge head on, doing my best to create a series of six haiku – #1 is the original.

(1) The Reveal

in the night abyss
shimmering with white diamonds
hope winks with promise

(2)

optimism shines
through each gem pushing aside
sierra-sized ang
st

(3)

mystery flows from
one star to the next for our
steady pondering

(4)

wonder breathes beneath
darkness in its cluster of
bright luminaries

(5)

glimmers emit warmth
fulfilling souls longing for
pure enlightenment

(6)

peace sinks into hearts
entwined with a promise from
one momentous wink

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

All available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Click on sidebar image for more info, and to
purchase for your holiday shopping! Thank you! ❤️

© 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.

Every day should be…

World Kindness Day!

Okay, so I’m one day late. But don’t you agree that every day should be a day for kindness?
Nowadays, kindness is needed more than ever, so spread some today and tomorrow and the day after…

Pay someone a complement. Their story isn’t known – it could be one of sorrow where one simple friendly gesture could bring a smile, and we know how smiles make us feel. 😁

Let’s stick together! Be kind! Be respectful! Be human!

Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine

I know hearts can shatter if beaten down,
and souls can be crushed if pounded,
and those judging others
appear to be close-minded.
I believe people should live
the life they were intended.

I believe differences afford knowledge.
Why is violence the chosen solution
for those who loathe a culture or religion?

I imagine everyone opening their
hearts and minds…
Can you envision this landscape,
like spring blooming every day,
budding across borders and state lines?
A glorious bridge connecting us all…
if only.

I know the ideals of respecting
and accepting will stay models
to be repeated until the narratives
mend, and I hope they do,
because no one deserves to exist
beneath a cloud of pretense.
I believe all people should
have the freedom to live
within the arms of truth.

I can imagine how invisible scars
create hell for the heart.

I believe Love should remain
the center of all humankind,
but since hate continues to linger
on the streets,
here’s a question to ponder…
what should we do differently?

© Lauren Scott
From Ever So Gently

What better flower to bring smiles!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sending virtual hugs, Lauren ❤️🤗

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
Top two photos from the web.
Cora’s Quest, a children’s book, coming in December!





Three Nights in a Van – Part 3 An Invitation

Dear Family and Friends,

For those of you who have followed me since Part 1, thank you! I thought today’s Part 3 would make a good Friday post. On a morning hike, I became inspired to write, and once we returned to camp, I had to jot down my thoughts fast before they drifted away. So, if you missed Part 1, which will provide the full context of this series, you can check it out here, and for Part 2 click here.
I hope you enjoy! ❤️

An Invitation

Smooth granite invites contemplation and reflection.
Please, take a seat, relax, watch the lake’s ripples
perform their water dance. Does the shimmering surface
remind you of stars presenting a ballet in a brilliant night sky?

Note the tall pines swaying in the breeze,
you can gently sway, too, if you feel the need.

Let the depth of your soul bathe in the beauty.

Permit calm into your core
slowing the anxiety in your weary bones.
No worries weigh heavy on your mind.
Simply absorb nature’s tranquility, enhancing your mindset,
and sensing your body slipping into a state of bliss.

The sun touches the stone like the caress of an adored lover.
Feel the warmth seeping into your skin and open your eyes
to the wonder around you,
to the tail-free lizard heading somewhere fast alone.

When you feel like you can’t keep up
with a world spinning out of control,

When joy has been suffocated
by tragedies incomprehensible,
and you fear it won’t breathe sweet air again,

When hope has been emptied to the last drop
and you fear it won’t be replenished,

Consider yourself truly blessed with this precious moment,
transporting you to a safe place of escape.

© Lauren Scott

Lizzy the lizard.
Clay, the camper van.
Our escape.

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

Perfect for summer blue skies or for when
the leaves change their wardrobe in the fall.

In this collection, 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.
💚🩵

Angles of Wisdom

Angles of Wisdom

My eyes look up to the tallest trees
on our precious planet
and I am drawn into stillness
like a hypnotist’s magic

Fine slivers of blue calm many thoughts
becoming thieves,
stealing pockets of peace
that wish to bring essential balance

Soft clusters of green gently dance in a breeze
while nature’s wildlife
build their homes and playgrounds

Sparrows and blackbirds croon for their mates
I ruminate on how these majestic giants
take care of each other, unconditionally
We should emulate without deliberation

My eyes look up and I am reminded
of their age ancient as dinosaurs
that roamed the land

Angles of wisdom permeate my space
My eyes slowly close
I breathe in and savor this moment
that is mine to own.

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
Poem & Photo.

Thank you for visiting, and I wish you a day of peace.❤️

Birthdays, Beaches, Blessings, and Beginnings

I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the days building up to my recent 59th birthday (repeated a few times). 🙂 The quiet moments of contemplation were due to my health being challenged in the last year, but I’m not going to put you to sleep with pain-talk. You see, every new day is a precious gift, and birthdays are a chance to celebrate another year of life, so what better reason do we need?

There is no better reason, but I admit to feeling less than celebratory because of these changes my poor body has endured. These two health conditions are here to stay. I can’t bid them farewell, so I’m coming to terms with them, albeit a slow process. And even though things could be worse, it doesn’t negate what I’m experiencing – essentially, a new chapter in my book. Thus, my excitement to blow out the candles this go around felt contained instead of free. Are my feelings justified? Living with pain can be a downer. And I know that I’m at an age when health can change.

And yet, without a support circle to help keep my chin up, it would be much harder to focus on the good. And ‘the good’ is what keeps me moving forward! And moving forward is the best direction! I know there will be hiccups and hurdles but taking life ‘one day at a time’ never sounded so wise.

I chose to get an epidural which gave me the heebie-jeebies, but it finally kicked in, so I’m feeling better. Not 100%, but better enough to do some walking and smiling on my special day. The celebration spanned over four days of sipping Chardonnay, indulging in delicious food, and receiving wonderful gifts. I reveled in the joy of blowing out the candles on the carrot cake (my favorite)! Part of the fun was when my hubby, son, and I strolled around a local, charming beach town. My daughter and son-in-law celebrated from Tennessee! She and I recently had one of our iconic phone chats where even we broke our own record – we talked for 5 hours! It was awesome!
Anyway, back to the beach, I was grateful for this pain-free day.
It felt good to ‘feel good.’ 🙏

It was lovely to see a touch of spring.
Flowers from hubby.
YUM!!!

We enjoyed a sinfully delicious dinner that night, and afterwards, we took a drive that lead us to a beautiful spot for taking in the lights and the stunning moon. My hubby gets credit for the last shot.

And now a slight detour, if you missed my previous post about my interview on Spillwords Press, and you’d like to check it out, the link is: https://spillwords.com/spotlight-on-writers-lauren-scott/. It was an honor to be chosen to participate in their series: Spotlight on Writers. Feel free to give it a ❤️ or to leave a comment. I’d be grateful if you would! 🤗🙏

Hope Stays Strong

bloodshed abundant
unfathomable for hearts
we all bow our heads

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo: Abutilon in our backyard.

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! 🙏🏻

The question still lingers…

I shared this poem from my book, Ever So Gently, a while ago, but I feel compelled to post it again because of its relevance. The question still lingers…

Things I Know, Believe, and Imagine

I know hearts can shatter if beaten down,
and souls can be crushed if pounded,
and those judging others
appear to be close-minded.
I believe people should live
the life they were intended.

I believe differences afford knowledge.
Why is violence the solution
for those who loathe a culture or religion?

I imagine everyone opening their
hearts and minds…
Can you envision this landscape,
like spring blooming every day,
budding across borders and state lines?
A glorious bridge connecting us all…
if only.

I know the ideals of respecting
and accepting will stay models
to be repeated until the narratives
mend, and I hope they do,
because no one deserves to exist
beneath a cloud of pretense.
I believe all people should
have the freedom to live
within the arms of truth
.

I can imagine how invisible scars
create hell for the heart.

I believe Love should remain
the center of all humankind,
but since hate continues to linger
on the streets,
here’s a question to ponder…


what should we do differently?

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

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! 🙏🏻

Threads of Peace…

‘Tiny threads of peace weave into the marrow of our souls’ from “A Fine Discovery” in Ever So Gently.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Photo: LScott, Loon Lake, CA

My latest release – to purchase your copy,
click on the image. Thank you!
💙