Resa at Graffiti Lux Art & More recently featured my 13-year-old chocolate lab mix, Copper, so I’m reblogging because if you’re a dog lover, you won’t want to miss her post! But not only is Copper Boy featured, so are John’s adorable Twiggy and Marina’s beautiful Hera! But first, below is a little bit about Resa if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her:
I’m an amateur photographer who has a passion for taking pics of outdoor ephemeral art.
My name is Resa McConaghy, and my site, “Graffit Lux and Murals”, was originally dedicated to showcasing & documenting Graffiti Art and Murals in Toronto and Winnipeg. However, I now find I am featuring the Street Art of other cities around the globe through travels of mine, and guest contributors.
Taking these pics is a passion and a joy. Each work of graffiti art or mural evokes thoughts in me, and these thoughts are reflected in the titles of my Posts.Some of these pieces may already have been named by the artists. If I know the original name, I will name it so.
If I know the name of the artist, I will credit them under the photograph and/or in the body of the post. If you are an artist & have not been credited, you can reach me by email with your info. I will gladly update the post. If you’re here, it’s probably because you love this type of art as much as I do. I hope my pics do the pieces some justice.
I am thrilled that Resa loved my poem “Copper Boy” enough to include it.So, here’s what she has to say about Copperin which she gently inserts a plug for Ever So Gently:
And now to see those gorgeous dogs at Resa’s, click on the link below ⬇️.
Thanks again, Resa, for including Copper! He sends you lots of slobbery kisses! Good thing you keep those sponges handy ‘cuz he loves to give kisses, but in his senior years, he’s also a bit drooly! 😂🐶
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 to you beautiful friends for visiting today, and I wish you a fabulous weekend! ~Lauren ❤️❤️
I’m late in reblogging several posts, so I’m slowly catching up, and today I’m sharing Carol Anne’s lovely review of my poetry collection and latest release, Ever So Gently. What more could an Indie Author ask for? I am grateful that my poems could provide the balm she needed. Thanks again, Carol Anne! ❤️ And I encourage you to visit her site, therapybits.com. She wrote that you’ll find real and raw emotions in my poetry collection, but you’ll discover the same in her posts.
A little bit about Carol Anne:
My name is Carol anne. I am part of a did system. Did stands for dissociative identity disorder. I also have PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder. I was diagnosed with did in December 2010. I have been blind since birth. I am 35 years old. This is a blog about my life, it will mainly focus on therapy and the process of going through psychotherapy, but I will also post some stuff about my life. I am in college studying IT. It has its challenges but overall I love it.
To read Carol Anne’s review, simply click on the link below. ⬇️
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 wish you a wonderful Friday and weekend ahead. ~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…
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 Iknow a sad tone has been prevalent in my last few posts. But this is life right now for my family, and yet as the poem says, we will smile for our tomorrows. I wish the same for you. ~ Lauren ❤️
Whenever we’d say goodbye, he’d say, “Until that time…”
The call came at 2:16 am in the wee hours of Halloween. Our beloved dad and father-in-law took his last breath at 2:05. After being on hospice for three months, his body slowly declining, the suffering lingered.
Until that time when it was the right time for him…when his soul ascended to join the other spirits of Allhallows Eve.
He lived to be 100 years old! And he was a great man with a gentle heart. As much as the tears will come, we are comforted knowing that he is at peace and no longer in need of morphine. There is a whole host of family where he’s headed now, so he will be welcomed with open arms and reunited with loved ones who have been missed.
So, we are going to allow the feelings of sadness and grief to be felt. We will find comfort in precious memories. But most importantly, we will honor and celebrate this wonderful man who lived for over a century.
Our daughter and son visiting Grandpa in March of 2019.
I remember a poem that is written by my lovely friend, Selma Martin. It’s one of many that stood out from her beautiful poetry book, In the Shadow of Rainbows. After reading her words again, out loud for my husband to hear, we both agreed that this poem is perfect for his dad:
When Death Comes
When death comes I don’t want to look back lovelorn, empty, frightened – Oh, no! When death comes I want to be led into eternity curious, full of joy knowing the world I leave is better for the love I gave.
These words are my father-in-law. He was loving, nonjudgemental, a social butterfly, and his heart was full of joy! His life was not devoid of heartache and loss, but he always moved forward in the direction the silver lining guided him.
Thank you, Selma, for this profound poem that resonates with our family at this time. 🙏🏻
Thank you, Dad, for the love you gave. We were fortunate to have you as our father. You will always be in our hearts. ❤️
Until that time…when we will meet again…we love you! ❤️
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 stopping by today, and I hope you enjoyed this bit of romance. ~ Lauren ❤️
My husband and I lost the month of September due to our first bout with Covid. A mild case, thankfully, but one that lingered. Additionally, I lost reading momentum, but I’m finally, finally catching up. In the evenings when the sun has bid farewell and the sky begins to darken, I let myself relax while diving into another world whether it be a fictional setting or soothing poetry. When it comes to writing reviews, sometimes I fall behind, but I’m trying to write them soon after I finish a book. We’ll see if I stick to this system. 😁 Anyway, I’m sharing my latest 5-star reviews for some fabulous books, and maybe you’ll be enticed enough to leave with a few. If you click on the book covers, you’ll be transported to Amazon for purchasing your copy or copies. And now for the reviews…
The Shadows We Breathe – An anthology edited by Sarah Brentyn
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology of short stories written on the overall theme of power. How is it used? Who triumphs and who suffers? This book is compiled with the excellent writing of eight women and is divided into three parts: Flash fiction (500 words), Micro (50 words), and Microbursts (10 words).
The introduction prefaces the intrigue: “Shades of darkness live within – it is the nature of being human. Our uncertainties, mistakes, anxieties, regrets…These are the shadows we breathe.”
Even though the stories are short, they are not flimsy in entertainment. They are well written, powerful, and deep, evoking a myriad of emotions. Some slide into a darker category where the authors skillfully create worlds we only dare to imagine. Each story is compelling and unique, so I am unable to choose a favorite. However, this book is for all fiction enthusiasts who are brave enough to meet the shadows head-on.
Deep in the Forest where Poetry Blooms by D.L. Finn
Deep in the Forest Where Poetry Blooms by D. L. Finn is a gorgeous poetry collection that takes you on a magical journey of exploration through the forest and landscapes of life. The poems are written in free verse, but you’ll also find syllabic poetry such as limerick, tanka, and haiku. If you are a fan of flora and fauna, you will surely enjoy this ode to Mother Nature. So many poems resonate with me, and I read them slowly to relish in their stunning imagery and depth.
The book is divided into two parts where Finn invites you to take a stroll with her through the seasons of the forest as we observe ‘Green new growth and Dawn’s blush (that) filters through pines’ while delighting in ‘icy winter day/yelling in glee on a sled/inner child peeks out.’ Following the everchanging seasons, you’re guided into the enchantment of the forest where ‘Forest fairies celebrate.’ While reading “My Magic” I felt a sense of commonality as though this poem was written for me. Every day, violence dominates the news, so I can’t help but feel like ‘my world (is) gray and heavy.’ This poem begins with a spirit that feels defeated, and then a most uplifting realization arrives at the end.
Once you leave the magical forest, you are transported to the tropics where Finn expresses how this setting can be healing as ‘the tide washes over my skin/pulling life toward/I sink into the wet sand/And become part of the cycle.’ I was impressed to learn that she wrote underwater poetry while snorkeling! A lovely example is ‘sea soiree/mingling with the fish/bring plus one.’
Finn digs deeper into personal emotions in the second part, sharing great advice in “Consequences” and reminding you of the enduring presence of hope in “Life’s Song.” Since my husband and I have traveled many country and mountain roads on his adventure bike, her mountain musings from the back of a Harley evoke breathtaking memories, as well as stirring up excitement for more exhilarating rides to come. One of my favorites:
Distance
It took miles Flying through the pollen-laden air To get present within the moment. My mind racing Through each passing corner. Then I slowly noticed Emerald highlights the horizon. Orange blooms within my reach, Blue skies embrace me. Nature’s hues lightened the day As my worries drifted away. We pressed forward into the unknown, Distance became my harmony.
This collection concludes with a selection of Haibun, which is a new form to me. In “Magic Pages” Finn expresses how important her Kindle is: ‘I can barely contain my joy with so many words…’ And yet, you’ll be immersed into worlds of fantasy, you’ll feel love and grief, learn the truth, and of course, you’ll experience the magic and beauty of nature. Finn’s poems are relatable and elegantly written. A poetry collection that is good for the soul.
Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me by Abbie Johnson Taylor
Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me is the first book by Abbie Johnson Taylor that I have read, and I was thoroughly impressed with her writing. Taylor tells the story about a close-knit family – mom, dad, older and younger daughter, and the mom’s mother who is in a facility suffering with dementia. The grandmother who recalls events from years ago but whose short-term memory fails, shares a secret from the past with the older daughter without realizing it could tear the family apart. I felt compassion for the grandma because one of my family members passed away from dementia.
The chapters are written from the perspective of the family members: Daryl, Marti, Natalie, and Sarah, along with compelling supporting characters, and the story smoothly progresses from beginning to end. Taylor prompts the reader to question how this unsettling news would be received and handled in his or her own family. The story is engaging and well-written with surprising twists and turns. I found the characters to be authentic for their roles and ages, and the dialogue to be natural.
The reader will experience a variety of emotions as the plot unfolds, and there is a lesson to be learned after the turning of the last page. This book is for all fiction fans and for those who enjoy stories with a powerful message. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Broken Rhodes by Kimber Silver
I honestly can’t believe Broken Rhodes is Kimber Silver’s debut novel. It is so well-written and captivating from start to finish. I didn’t want to put this book down. It took me a few nights to reach the last page, but I could’ve finished in one if life hadn’t interrupted. Below is a glimpse into Chapter One that had me hooked:
“The morning sun peeked over his shoulder to light the way as he stepped farther into the house, but it did nothing to scatter the shadow that darkened this reconnaissance.” Silver created authentic dialogue, entertaining banter, and vivid imagery transporting the reader to Harlow, Kansas. The story offers suspense as a murder is under investigation, but it also includes family drama, and a love story that takes some nudging to get off the ground.
Kinsley, the main female character doesn’t need a knight in shining armor to save her, but she inherits this tough shield from her mysterious past. Once I learned the reason for the toughness, it was easy for me to empathize with her. I always enjoy reading books starring an empowering female lead. And the male lead, Lincoln, is the handsome cowboy sheriff, but a real gentleman. Both characters are likable from the beginning. The supporting characters are just as believable, and a few you’d love to meet for coffee, but several who you could easily loathe and even fear.
Broken Rhodes is a gripping and compelling story, so I’m keeping my eyes open for Silver’s next book. And if you enjoy a good whodunit with a dash of romance, you’ll love this book.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you don’t leave empty-handed! 🤗 *Side note: the order in which I share the reviews, as well as the length of each one, is irrelevant to my ratings. All of these books received 5-stars and are highly recommended.
My hubby and I recently visited our favorite park to hang out with the redwoods. As always, a poem was to be born, but this time, two…I’m sharing a few photos along with the poems that I hope you enjoy and maybe even relate to. Does one speak to you more deeply than the other? I’d love to hear your thoughts…
Magic
We needed magic today, an elixir for our spirits, so our favorite park sent gentle whispers on the autumn breeze as we listened with intent. Just a short drive on long stretches and some winding like an S. We slowly enter into this sanctuary, another universe.
The enchantment of redwoods whirls around us, a balm for our hearts and minds.
We stroll along the glistening creek, observing the brilliant blue from sun’s reflection.
The majesty of the tall giants embraces us – a moment, a place, an experience good for the soul.
Their Gift
Do the redwoods feel sorrow and elation?
Can they sense the heaviness in our hearts as we wander through the grove?
We may never know the answer, but being in their presence deters thoughts that shouldn’t be let loose.
Their majestic aura, a protective embrace, welcomed as we inhale their delicate fragrance of earthy undertones.
I feel the beat of my heart slowing – a calm flowing through my veins. He experiences the same.
Fingers entwined, we stroll among the tall giants, a family connected through deep roots, and we offer our sincerest gratitude for their selfless gift.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 