Nature’s Gifts, Book Fairs, & Detours!

On May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Poetry113 Comments

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day with my hubby and son, and daughter via phone from TN. They always make me feel so special and loved. We miss our moms too, and though they’ve been gone for many years, they live in our hearts and a day doesn’t pass by without thinking of them. 💕

My Copper book is finally in the works, survived the glitches, and fingers crossed, no more are waiting on the sidelines. I hope to publish this special book in mid June.

I’m also excited for a book fair that I’m participating in this Saturday. It’s for children’s books, so Cora’s Quest is the main focus and I’ll be doing a reading as well. I’m all prepared and ready to go but have a few more days to wait. Sigh.

“Never forget that anticipation is an important part of life. Work’s important, family’s important, but without excitement, you have nothing. You’re cheating yourself if you refuse to enjoy what’s coming.”
~ Nicholas Sparks, Three Weeks with My Brother

So with all this going on and our son visiting, I’ve fallen off my online routine and apologize for missing some blog posts. It seems there never is enough time, right? But while out for Mother’s Day, I took a few photos of the gorgeous scenery at this time of year (the flowers above included). I hope you enjoy!

Lastly, I’ll end with one of my older poems.
Food for thought as you leave my little corner of blogland.

A Detour

It doesn’t matter the position of sun or moon
or where my feet have landed…
whispers find me,
their tasks needing my attention
at that very moment.

Do whispers wiggle into your mind too
like an annoying song repeating on a loop?

I question if this busyness is urgent enough
to prevent us from breathing in

the fragrance of flowers or admiring
the pageantry of wildlife outside our windows…

Surely our minds,
piled high with clutter,

deserve a detour
for some sweet refuge.

From my poetry collection, Ever So Gently,
available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

My son read my book while on
a 7-month road trip from Maine
to California, visiting National Parks.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’ll try to catch up with reading blogs today.
May love and light wrap you in their warmth. ❤️

© 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. 💜

Birds, Blooms, Beauty, & Books!

On April 27, 2025April 27, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Books, Photos, Poetry105 Comments

Hubby and I are the proud landlords of a couple of feathered friends. They both worked hard to build a nest for their babies and chose our hanging ladder for the base. Needless to say, we are not moving the ladder until they relocate! Friday morning, I was lucky to get some photos while I quietly stepped outside. When I walked a little farther, they fled, landing on the power line, and watching me like a hawk, I’m sure.

aware while they work
a safe home of leaves and twigs
the honor is ours

That evening, we tried a new restaurant. A little wine bar in downtown that also serves Sonoran food. With an elegant, yet cozy ambience, the environment was inviting, and the food, delicious! We tried one of their burritos, ate half, so enjoyed two meals out of them. But first, we savored wine and good conversation before diving into dinner. A myriad of music genres in the background played a role in this wonderful dining experience. As we strolled back to our car, we passed a garden of stunning roses. I couldn’t help but stop to tap away on my cell for some pics.

springtime bling uplifts
abounding with vibrancy
rose beauty for you

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I hope you enjoyed my nature exhibit and poems. 🙂 Now, onto the books! 📚

Yesterday, Japan joined the US and made Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku a #1 Amazon Bestseller, too, and in Gabriela’s post today, she features two of my haiku…

feel the quietness
on the meandering trail
worries drift to earth

Please visit her post to read my other poem and for more information about this wonderful book. Congrats again to Editor, Gabriela Marie Milton, and to the other fabulous contributors! I’m honored to be a part of this beautiful anthology! And don’t forget to order your copy!

Kindle: https://shorturl.at/AEYoU

Paperback: https://shorturl.at/pWXIm

Yesterday, Japan joined the US and made Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku a #1 Amazon Bestseller, too – haiku by Lauren Scott

Lastly, my presence in the next week or two may be spotty as I’m drilling down on bringing my ‘Copper’ book to print. However, I’ve run into another glitch (gotta love those glitches that challenge us). But I’m persevering because this book means a lot to me. Of course, all books hold special meanings for their authors. 😁
Anyway, thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting my corner of blogland. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here enough to return. And I wish you peace, happiness, and lots of love! ❤️

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

Bay Beauty, Blooms, & Bunnies

On April 21, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Poetry104 Comments

It was just the two of us for Easter, and we were running on spontaneity, but the day turned out to be lovely in so many ways. It began with an hour bike ride in the morning around the neighborhood and back to our kids’ elementary school. We have a lot of hills near our house, so we head for the flats! Although, we attempted more hills in the midst of the flats, executing them perfectly! We’re a little out of shape because of knee and back issues, but cycling is good for both, so we’re taking baby steps. But yesterday was a work out and it felt great! And we love this cool bench that sends a vital message for children…

After the ride, we headed south, enjoying a scenic drive along the San Francisco Bay. A seafood lunch called us, so we accepted the invitation. Afterwards, we walked around town, and for Easter, it was surprising to see all the shops open and the town hopping! (no pun intended) Spring flowers smiled at us around each corner, the sun was shining, but the temp wasn’t hot, even a bit cool with the breeze at times. It was sweet to see little children dressed up in their adorable Easter outfits. We saw a cute little girl in the restaurant randomly wish a stranger a Happy Easter. She had the biggest smile on her face. Precious!
A beautiful day on the bay! And, we saw the Easter Bunny! How lucky, right? 😁

***View from our table on the patio for lunch***

***The fountain and sculpture in Tiburon’s Main Street plaza***
***is called “Coming About“.***
***It’s a kinetic sculpture with a nautical theme, featuring five abstract forms***
that move over an infinity-edged fountain. Tiburon in Spanish means
shark, so these fins are representative of the town.

And now for spring haiku:

warm temperatures
grace our days with smiling blooms
pass the tissue, please!

sending wishes
for a bright, ‘sunny side up’
cheerful day for you!

I wish you a great week ahead, and as always,
thank you so much for popping in to my little corner of blogland. ❤️

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

Cruising country roads…

On April 6, 2025April 6, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Photos, Poetry106 Comments

We needed the getaway a couple of weeks ago, so I’m sharing some highlights. Luckily, our destination wasn’t too far, and driving the back country roads at this time of year was truly magical with the rolling green hills dotted with black and white dairy cows, not to mention, the umbrella of blue sky and downy clouds.

The town was small but charming with just the right amount
of excellent restaurants and quaint, quirky shops.

Saturday morning, we walked through the old growth redwood grove,
and as you can imagine,
it was another enchanting experience.

***“Preserve the trees, for they are the finest art.”***

Then we were ready for some wine tasting, and the winery we chose gave us the best experience so far – Char Vale Vineyards and Winery. We lucked out with the weather on Friday and Saturday because Ms. Rain held the raindrops until Sunday. Her thoughtfulness allowed us some outdoor exploring on the main two days without messy conditions. Our palates enjoyed the elegant, fruity, and velvety notes, and the delicious adventure lasted about 2 1/2 hours, gracing us with a bright blue sky and cool but comfortable temps. We also had a good chat with the owners, a husband and wife team, who have been in the business for decades.
Our knowledge about making wine expanded on this day, but don’t quiz me!

Lastly, we reflected a lot about our beloved Copper.

April 3rd marked one month since his passing,
and one of my photos just happened to prompt a poem.
It’s still in draft mode, but I’m sharing anyway…

March to March

Reminiscent of Elton’s circle of life,
from March to March
he arrived with youthful spirit
and left with angel wings –
our family for thirteen years,
now glowing memories
in the spaces
and around each corner.
We celebrate his life –
those soul-searching eyes
that connected to us –
we were links in a golden chain,
now one link is missing,
our golden boy –
tears still follow
like a shadow –
the shadow he was,
but smiles gently find their place
because he is in our hearts,
because joy needs room to simmer.

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Thank you for popping in, and I hope you enjoyed the photos and poem.
Have a wonderful week ahead. ❤️

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

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

One week ago from today…

On March 10, 2025March 11, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry168 Comments

Copper crossed over the rainbow bridge, and I don’t know how we made it through from last Monday, a very sad and emotional day, to today. It’s been tough. Loss is Loss. He wasn’t just a dog, he was family, and for thirteen years he was in our lives. So, it takes more than a day or two, or even a week to move forward without a broken heart. Truth is, I don’t know how long it will take. But in between the tearful moments from missing him beyond words – from not being able to pet him, kiss him on the top of his soft head, feel his silky ears, or bury our faces in his fur, we find joy in the life we had with him, how he enriched our lives with his unconditional love. It’s serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March 2012 and left our earthly world in March 2025. All we can do is give ourselves grace (my daughter’s advice), and continue to take one day at a time.

I’ve been writing a lot, as my good friend, Resa from https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/, advised me to do. Her words, “Fall on your pen!” So I share this poem with you today; it’s still new with possible editing in the future, but it fits for today from my heart to yours:

Loss is Loss

Death comes in many forms
Death can be tragic
Death can be anticipated
Regardless, when a loved one passes
whether human or pet
loss is loss
hearts still break open
tears fall until
there are no more
stages of grief
call us and we answer
submitting to erratic emotions
to heaviness in heart and limbs
to wondering if the sun will rise again
and no matter what triggers the pain
we must offer ourselves grace…
to grieve as we should
to mourn as days unfold
Loss is loss shattering us
into tiny pieces of uncertainty
until the healing of time
brings those pieces back together.

Copper loved getting outdoors, whether
for a walk in the neighborhood, or on
the trail.

***Young Copper soon after adopting him.***

Thank you for ‘being there’ for me and my family, and I look forward to reading your wonderful posts again. And if you have a dog or cat, give them a hug for me. ❤️

Grief has no timeframe.

On March 7, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

Thank you for the comforting comments on my prior post about Copper’s passing. It’s been an emotional week. He was our family for 13 years, so his absence and everything triggers tears and sobs. But the wonderful memories are coming too. Right now, I feel wiped out. Wild emotions for four days can do that (today is day five). Not sure how long this will last, but we’re taking it one day at a time. Anyway, I’m sharing more photos of our beloved Copper Boy from over the years. We have a billion. I think this is therapy for me while living in a deep pit of grief, but someday, the pain will transform into those sweet, precious memories. Copper will always be in our hearts. I’m also turning off comments because I just don’t have the energy. I’m sorry for missing your posts, and I hope you understand, but I hope to be back on board soon. ❤️

On behalf of my family, thank you for all the love and hugs. ❤️

The Heart of our Dog!

On February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry119 Comments

Last Sunday we took Copper, our 14 1/2 year old puppy, to our favorite state park. The weather was cool but not freezing, just perfect for a walk among the redwoods. Copper loved walking around, taking in the new sights and smells. He can’t hear anymore, so we use hand signals to communicate with him, and we give him lots of hugs and kisses. I took some pics and sent them to our daughter and son who live in TN. and CO. Then I saw an IG post from my daughter that went straight to my heart. She wrote about living far away from ‘her dog’ and missing him so much. I’m going to share it, then I’m going to add a poem written from Copper’s POV. So, this post is a combination of tears and smiles. I hope you enjoy, and maybe you’ll relate too.

From my daughter:

“It’s weird having a dog or any pet be part of your life for a good amount of time but then you move away. Across the country. And rarely see them anymore. And when you do visit once or twice a year, you’re so excited to see them because you know them, but you wonder if they remember or recognize you. And they look older because you’re older. When we first adopted Copper, I was with him for 6 years and was hesitant on adopting another dog after Lucky Girl passed. And now, I’ve been away from him for that same amount of time that I was with him & it’s sad, bittersweet. He’s still got those same amber eyes you get lost in, but he’s a little grayer than he was the previous year. And you just know the inevitable. It’s weird being so far away & not “growing up” with him into adulthood. But when someone asks if I have a dog, I say yes even though it’s only through pictures my mom sends me. I love this boy so much.” ❤️
(This brought us to tears. We miss her enough, and then to read her feelings about living far from Copper just about did us in! Does this scenario sound familiar?)

And now, let’s wipe away those tears and find a smile:

What a Fun Day! (from Copper’s POV)

Thanks, Mom and Dad,
for taking me to the park!
I took in all the beauty
without one single bark!

Oh, the smells were awesome,
and the redwoods so tall!
I’m pretty tall myself
but I felt very small!

Lifting my leg was fun
around new territory,
I even inspired Mom
to tell my canine story!

We walked by the creek
hearing water flowing.
You said it was peaceful
without any wind blowing.

Then we found a table
where you ate your lunch
and I gulped down my food
with a crunch and a munch!

Naptime followed soon
when I plopped down on my bed,
with every muscle relaxed
I laid down my big head.

I know I’m older now;
I don’t move very fast,
but I’m glad we came here
because I really had a blast!

A note from Copper: I hope you liked this post that my mom and I put together! Can you relate? Do you have a dog or cat that melts your heart and whose eyes see right into your soul like mine do? If you do, let my mom know in the comments. And thanks for coming by today! I hope you don’t mind a slobbery kiss from me! ❤️🐶🐾

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Moods

On February 21, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry97 Comments

Moods that can’t seem to find
the light through the darkest shadows
can be lifted with blooms of bright yellow
like a smile sprinkling cheer
into a day washed out in beige.

© Lauren Scott

***Click on the link to purchase your copy! Thank you!***

If your mood needs a lift, I hope my words provide that light.
Thanks always for your visit,
and have a wonderful Friday and weekend! ❤️🌻