Sunlight paints patterns across leaves and debris. Redwoods stand tall in a forest of dreams, a place for peace where water flows to the Pacific and birds sing on center stage, but children’s laughter joins their melody. A dog’s bark reminds me of our beloved lab. Kids on bikes bring visions of our son and daughter back then pedaling away on their two-wheelers, no electric switch, just good fun and exercise. Standing in a moment of tranquility, I listen… and then we enjoy charcuterie delight with sips of red and white – an afternoon of poetry.
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Redwoods seem to star in many of my poems, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing about them. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful Wednesday! ❤️
Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in eight anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection, a short story collection, and an early chapter book for children.
I’m currently reading a beautiful book of syllabic poetry, Seasons and Crystals, by Balroop Singh. I’ve written syllabic poetry, but it’s not my go-to form like free verse. And yet, reading her poetry and the various forms inspired me. I thought about life in general, about the past events in our family, and about nature’s beauty right in front of us. So, the other evening, Hubby and I were enjoying our patio time and the weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold or windy. A cactus sits on our table that our daughter bought years ago. My husband gave it a drink, and I loved the water droplets on the tepals. So, I wrote some poetry in the form of American cinquain which consists of 5 lines and a syllable count on each line of 2-4-6-8-2. This form is also known as the Crapsey cinquain and was invented by American poet, Adelaide Crapsey.
Evening on the Patio
Pleasure, simple and free, birds sing from tree tops in the distance under vast blue sky – senses
Splendor
Beauty comes in many forms, colors, and textures – painful to fingertips or soft to touch
Living
Lovely life around us can be prickly at times but keep eyes open for when hope glistens
Layers
Secrets lie in layers – will they be publicized? time is the ultimate answer – patience
Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.
A huge thanks to you who left caring comments on my prior post, which after a night of restless sleep (tossed salad), I decided to delete. One friend said that my words helped her, which made me feel good. And your kindness helped me. So, I think it’s time to push aside the sadness, if only for a minute.
To welcome this new month of September that brings its own season, I’m sharing some photos that I took from China Camp, along with a few haiku…
naked ladies dance in the summer ocean breeze with soft, blushing cheeks
the laughter you’ve heard the tears fallen on your chest the stories you keep
your vastness holds dreams released to your custody until my return
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I hope you enjoyed the pics and poems. Life goes on, and I’m reminded just how fast time seems to fly. My gratitude also goes to you who continue to visit even though I’ve been more absent than present this year. Anyway, I wish you all a Super September. And I promise to visit you during the week! Your time spent here is always appreciated! ❤️
Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.
I returned earlier than I mentioned, but I thought you’d enjoy some lake love. 💙
There’s nothing like escaping to the mountains for tranquility and perspective. Nature unconditionally offers her healing ways, so we embraced them. Last month, life threw us some challenges that we’re moving through with as much grace as possible, but it was good to getaway and spend some time in the Sierra Mountains. We biked around the renovated campground on newly paved roads (pedal bikes and so much fun!). We hiked on the backcountry trail – the same trail that took us to the enchanting Spider Lake for backpacking in 2019. Loon Lake shown in these photos is gorgeous, a mini Lake Tahoe without the tourists. And it’s been our ‘cabin’ for the last 15 years. Stepping into the cold water is a bit shocking, but once you’re immersed, it feels so good and refreshing that you never want to get out. It’s magical. We reveled in each sunset, and I can’t get enough pics! Our last night’s sunset was one of the most spectacular, oranges and pinks brushed across the sky. And of course, we simply relaxed in camp – reading, talking, listening. Our time here was awesome. It was peaceful. It was reflective. It was needed. So, I hope the slide show brings peace to you:
A getaway in the woods may help us forget, but reality tags along – so we lug around sadness while embracing serenity, and somehow, they harmonize.
I hope you’re doing well, and maybe one of our photos spoke to you, or maybe a few. Next week, I’ll share reviews for some wonderful books! Take good care and stay healthy! 💕
Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.
A picture book that offers a message for all ages.
Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.
I’ve been absent more than present here, but even so, Sally’s generosity shines when she emails me to let me know about her summer book fair and that my poetry collection, King Copper, will be amongst the highlighted books. This is thrilling because if Copper touches another heart through my tribute to him then my heart is touched as well. But I’m also honored to be among such talented authors as Balroop Singh, author of Fusion, and Nicole Sara, author of The Blues and the Beautiful. So, thanks again, Sally, for your support! And the review by Thomas is wonderful which I’m sharing below. Thomas has a big heart for dogs too, and I loved his book: The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger.
Thomas Wikman
5 out of 5 stars The Life of a Dog named Copper
Copper, a rescue Chocolate Lab was picked up from a foster home in March of 2012 by a loving family and in return they received 13 years of unconditional love from Copper, who turned out to be a quite remarkable dog. This touching and beautiful book recounts his life in the form of poetry. What better way to tell the life of a dog, than through poetry. Some of the poems are from Copper’s perspective and some of them are from the author’s perspective. Some of the poems are fun, some speak of love, and some speak of grief. I think that everyone who’s ever owned dogs will recognize themselves in this book. I certainly did.
Dogs have personalities, they can express themselves, they are innocent, they are fun, they are loving, they can sense your mood and feelings, and they want to comfort you when you are sad. They love you and they can do amazing things, and they are part of the family. All of this is beautifully expressed in this book. This is a heartwarming book that will leave no heart untouched.
There are also a lot of great color photos in the book. I thought it was fun to look at the various photos of Copper and the people he interacted with. There is also explanatory background information. The book is well written and well laid out and the author is obviously a great poet. I highly recommend this book to all dog lovers. Actually, I recommend it to everyone.
I’m so grateful to Sally and Thomas!
I invite you all to click over to check out Sally’s fabulous book fair! Happy reading!
I hope you are enjoying your summer! We are traveling to the east coast next month to visit our son, daughter & son-in-law, and then a week later, we’ll enjoy respite by our favorite lake. I might even write some poetry! 🙂 I’m still nose-deep in several writing projects.
Anyway, thanks for popping in, and I hope joy embraces you in whatever you do! ❤️
Lauren Scott is a Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts and her work has appeared in seven anthologies. Her poetry and prose has also been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations where she has received several honors. Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, and she is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.
I shared this poem before but made a few revisions and recorded again. There’s so much going on around us to stir up anxiety, but we’re also surrounded by beauty that makes us pause, feeling a sense of awe. So, try releasing the chaos that worries you and accept my invitation to get out in nature and enjoy the moment.
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 thoughts becoming thieves, stealing pockets of peace.
Soft clusters of green gently dance in a breeze while nature’s wildlife build their 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 – eyes slowly close. I breathe in and savor this moment that is mine to own.
Lauren Scott is a 2025 Pushcart Prize nominee who enjoys small-town living in California’s Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Although their daughter and son live out of state, frequent visits and modern technology keep their family of four close. Lauren is the author of four poetry collections, a memoir in verse and prose, and a children’s picture book. She has been a guest on several podcasts, and her writing has been featured by Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she received Publication of the Year (Poetic, 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023), and Publication of the Month (June 2025 and October 2024). A member of the Redwood Writers chapter and Marin chapter of the California Writers Club, Lauren received an Honorable Mention for her poem “Wings” in the 2026 Smalls Too Poetry Contest. Her work also appears in six anthologies. Lauren is currently working on a new poetry collection and an early chapter book for children.
Poetry that invites reflection on the past, present, and future – and reminds us to love and live ever so gently.
A lone bird sings a song of orange. The day is gray. June stays true with her gloom. His body next to mine. Home. Move forward, I remind myself. If I think in reverse, parts will shut down. If I think tomorrow, today will feel unloved. Coffee calls. A cool breeze lifts off like a Cessna. Bikes on the patio await our ride. Not another day as this one dreamily written like a love sonnet. I hear him wake. He walks down the hall. Our story continues.
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I know I’m not around as much, but I miss you all. And I hope life is treating you well. Can you believe June is already here? I’m checking tasks off my list and have submitted several pieces of work, along with my children’s book, Carlie and Charlie Go Camping. But the wait will carry me into the fall. Fingers crossed with no expectations. And if I can muster up the energy, I’ll do some simultaneous submissions so not to put all my eggs in one basket. Anyway, I’m writing a lot, and now working on another poetry collection for submission. I hope your goals are getting the attention they deserve too. Take care, be safe, and thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️
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 at Spillwords Press and Literary Revelations. At Spillwords Press, she was awarded Publication of the Year (Poetic 2026), Author of the Month (May 2023) and Publication of the Month (June 2025, October 2024). Lauren is a member of the Redwood Writers Chapter of the California Writers Club, and her poem “Wings” was named Honorable Mention in their 2026 Smalls Too Poetry Contest. Lauren’s work is published in several anthologies. Her muse discovers inspiration from family, spending time outdoors, and marveling at the mysteries of life.
