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.
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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 friendwho 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 angst
(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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope peace found you through this haiku series, and thanks again, Resa, for using the mural I sent you, andfor your continued kindness!Thanks to all of you for stopping by,and I wish you a magical December. 💖
All available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Click on sidebar imagefor more info, and to purchase for your holiday shopping!Thank you! ❤️
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?
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.
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. 💚🩵
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.
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! 🤗🙏
So, Cheers to celebrating life, one day at a time, and to relishing in the blessings and beautiful beginnings that birthdays offer! 🎉🙏
Thanks SO much for stopping by, and I truly wish you all good health. ~Lauren 💝
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! 🙏🏻
Thank you for visiting today, and here’s hoping that hope stays strong and love and peace prevail. ~Lauren ❤️❤️
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?
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 so much for visiting today, and I hope the answer presents itself very soon. I also wish you a peaceful day and more peace for your tomorrows…
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 