It’s going to be a beautiful Saturday. Hubby and I woke up around 6:30 am. He made the coffee, and since we’re going to an apple fair today, I wanted to check my blog and social media before we left. The coffee bean aroma swirled from the kitchen into the living room. So, I poured me a cup, then sat down and said “good morning” to my laptop. I saw that Brian left me a ping back awaiting my approval. He is a wonderful writer – entertaining, humorous, but also thought-provoking. Each week, he shares three blessings, and he does this because the world can be crazy at times…and in today’s post, he mentions my book, King Copper. Of course this made my day, but his blessings are great reminders to focus on the positive as the ‘noise’ rumbles around us. Simply click on the link below to be gently transported to his insightful blog. If you don’t know Brian, take your time. You’ll discover tidbits that won’t disappoint. Thanks again, Brian! I appreciate your support! 🙏
Thanks for visiting, and to those who are following the blog tour for my book, it will continue tomorrow. I am so grateful for my friends who are making this tour shine! And Brian’s post is a nice surprise that added to the gratitude! Comments are turned off, so please head over to Brian’s! Have a wonderful weekend, and count your blessings. Hugs! ❤️🤎🐾
Today is the day! I’m excited in a bittersweet way to announce the release of my poetry collection, King Copper – a tribute to my family’s friendly, lovable chocolate lab mix who crossed over the rainbow bridge on March 3rd. I had already written several fun and happy poems about Copper when he was with us. But when he left our world, I began writing through the heartbreak, providing a destination for grief in the form of poetry. I’ve also included color photos to bring life to the poems.
But today isn’t about feeling sad, bittersweet, yes, but this day is for my family and I to celebrate Copper through this special book. We can ‘see’ him frolicking with his friends in a magical place where pain doesn’t exist, only lush green meadows, redwoods, cheerful sunflowers, smiling daisies, ladybugs, and butterflies. It’s about believing…
My son with a young Copper
My daughter with a young Copper
I wasn’t going to do a formal blog tour, but I couldn’t believe the outpouring of support.Several friends offered to help spread the word about King Copper. So,the blog tour began with my good friends, Maggie at Ephemeral Encounters on Monday, and Mike at Silent Pariah continuing yesterday. More good friends will continue the tour as follows:
I hope you’ll follow the tour to get to know these amazing writers and to learn more about the book. Each post will offer something new…
A little back story of how my family became Copper’s humans:
When I knelt down to Copper’s level, my heart melted. His amber, soul-searching eyes told me all I needed to know.
I recalled sitting at the table, perusing a Labrador rescue website. A lab sporting a copper-colored coat stood out like a citrine crystal in a bowl of black diamonds. I had to meet the handsome fellow.
So, on a late winter March day in 2012, my family drove to Oakland to meet Copper. A woman was fostering him in her small apartment. He had a gentle demeanor, and after a walk around the block and some play time, I was ready to take him home. My son and I were excited to welcome Copper into our lives. But my husband and daughter were hesitant to adopt another dog so soon. Would we be replacing Lucky Girl, our black lab mix, who passed just four months earlier?
Despite telling the woman we needed time to make a decision, only three days later, we found ourselves signing the adoption papers. Copper effortlessly jumped into the back of our car for a ride to his new home. We heard that the best way to get past the grief of losing a pet is to get a new one, and that’s what we did. Lucky Girl would always be in our hearts. But after many conversations, we felt the timing was right. I, especially, couldn’t shake the feeling that Copper was meant to be our next canine friend.
From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned to trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls.
Some samples of poetry:
A Special Connection(an excerpt)
Every canine that has joined my family owns a part of my heart, but when Copper trotted into our lives, something different, something special clicked inside of me.
Warmth radiates from his amber eyes that see into my soul. Cliche, yes, but it is through those eyes that we are linked. How can an impression be described?
He is my third child, a copper-coated lovable boy…
March to March (an excerpt)
From March to March he arrived with youthful spirit and left with angel wings – thirteen years in the spaces now glowing memories around each corner. We celebrate his life – those soul-searching eyes that connected to us – we were links in a golden chain and now one link is missing…
Copper when he first ‘came home’ at 18 months
I hope that if you read this special book, you will laugh out loud. I want a smile to form, crinkling your eyes at the corners. And I even want the heartache to be felt because it was intense when I wrote the grief poems. Every emotion plays a role in reaching the point of acceptance. Every stage of grief is necessary. But I also hope you feel comfort if you’ve lost your beloved furry family member because Copper and all those who keep him company live in our hearts. It’s choosing to believe so we can find a way to move forward without our loved ones, humans or pets.
The paperback and e-book versions are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and e-book only on Kobo. Click on the ‘buy’ button above for the image below for your copy from Amazon.
So, thank you for being here. I appreciate you, and I’m sorry if I’ve missed your posts. It’s been a head-spinning week (in a wonderful way) with the blog tour, so I hope you understand. And I want to thank again all of my friends who are sharing about King Copper. I am so grateful for your friendship and support. I wish you all a wonderful day, and if you are a dog parent, give your pup a hug for me. ❤️🤎🎉
Copper was his given name when we brought him home, so we kept it because it fit with his rich, copper coat. 🤎🧡
I’m thrilled that my dear friend, Maggie, is kicking off the blog tour for King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry. I’m turning off comments, so I hope you’ll visit her to read more about this sentimental book. Just click on the link below. The official release date is Wednesday, August 6th, but you can pre-order now in paperback and e-book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and at Kobo for e-book only. Thanks again, Maggie! I appreciate you, my friend! ❤️
I woke up this morning to a message from Carol Anne that her review for Cora’s Quest is live. What a surprise and an exciting way to begin my Sunday. Her review is amazing and so in depth that has me over the moon (again)! Please click on the link below to read the full review. Carol Anne is a fabulous writer at Therapy Bits, so I hope you take the time to get to know her if you haven’t already had the pleasure. I am thrilled with the positive feedback I’ve received about Cora’s Quest, especially since this story about a sweet fawn was my first children’s book. 🙏
And now a little heads up about King Copper: a blog tour is rapidly unfolding, and I am so grateful to my friends who have offered to host my new special poetry collection. Below is a rough schedule subject to changes. So, I’ll reblog their posts with my comments turned off (hopefully, I’ll remember to do this), so that you’ll softly be nudged to visit their blogs.
I apologize in advance if these repeated blog posts become redundant, but unfortunately, marketing our own books is the nature of the game for Indie Authors. However, each blog post will include different poems to (hopefully) hold your interest. 🥰
Anyway, thank you for your support and time spent here in my world. And if you read about Cora and/or Copper, I hope you take away Cora’s vital message about ‘discovering your courage’, and that you find comfort reading about Copper if you’re a dog or furry pet parent. I wish you a wonderful week ahead. ❤️
I’m over the moon that Barbara Leonhard, Editor of Masticadores USA, shares her 5-star review of Cora’s Quest on her blog, https://extraordinarysunshineweaver.blog/, where she presents her poetry and written works of fellow authors, along with book reviews. Thanks so much, Barbara!
A snippet from her review:
Lauren Scott’s latest book, Cora’s Quest, is an endearing short story about how a fawn’s temporary separation from her parents teaches her how to manage fear. Lauren Scott’s tale reinforces the important role a family plays as a protector and a child’s ability to endure a difficult challenge…
To read the full review and Barbara’s thoughts that preface Cora’s story, please click on the link below that will gently carry you to her blog. I hope you’ll be generous enough to ‘like’ the post and maybe leave a comment too. We both would love to read your thoughts. 🙏 She also has a lot to offer, so I hope you’ll take some time to peruse around her site.
This week has been busier than expected, so I’m behind on reading blogs. But I’ll have more time this morning and later this afternoon. As always, I appreciate your presence here and wish you a fabulous day! ❤️
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
Please know there is no bragging in this post. I’m simply sharing my first-time experience and excitement participating in a book fair...
It turned out that I had a fabulous time at the Ukiah Children’s Book Fair on Saturday held at The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas! Cora’s Quest was in the spotlight! I did my first children’s book reading which went smoothly. I’m also thrilled that I sold 12 books! So exciting, I have to admit! 🎉
The event was well organized, so I offer a huge Thank You to all involved in making this fair a success. If I had to choose a word for this day, it would be ‘Kindness.’ Everyone was so nice! The authors received a goodie bag upon arrival and were asked to sign a poster board. Such a kind and welcoming gesture!
This book fair was a great opportunity to meet new authors and exchange business cards. It was also fun to carpool with Teri Drobnick and catch up. She and I met at the SF Writers Conference. Her charming book is Moving Day which I highly recommend.Inspired by the real-life story of moving a 139-year-old, 133-ton Victorian house six blocks, this picture book from a house’s perspective is a charming twist on a common childhood experience.
Click on the image to purchase from Amazon.
Some photos are courtesy of The Ukiah Book Fair and some are mine.
Jin Jang – Event Coordinator
From Ukiah’s Facebook post:
The Earth Store Hall came to life as the community came out to meet authors, celebrate books, reading, community and culture! Not only did the event feature dragon & lion dances but also taiko drumming, fan dances and a performance from Ballet Folklorico! There were exclusive food and drink options from Jyun Kang Restaurant and so much more.
For my first book fair, this was an awesome experience! Calm nerves, a relaxing and fun environment, and an opportunity to network, along with promoting Cora’s Quest. I’ve been nudged by Teri and a few other authors to join SCBWI, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and I finally took that leap yesterday. Ironically, I have about 4 children’s book ideas brewing! Not sure if they’re good, but I can’t wait to move forward once my Copper book has been released. And I can’t wait for the next book fair!
On a sidenote, I made a To-do list (all about writing projects) and it’s about 20 items long. So, at 2:30 am I woke up thinking about everything on that list! But I dozed off and on until the alarm went off, and during that dozing, a poem swirled around and around like clothes in a washer! Can you relate?
Dear Brain,
I know you want to think Because much needs to be done But now isn’t the time For you, me, or anyone.
The sky is sleepy dark Not a sound stirs outside Humans are slumbering And so must I!
I beg you to flip your switch To the preferred off from on I promise you’ll get your chance At the break of dawn
When the sun rises over hills Wearing tangerine and pink Then you can flip the switch again And think, think, think!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoyed this update, and as always, I appreciate you stopping by! Have a wonderful day! ❤️
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.And a friendly nudge to share a review online if you loved Cora’s Quest. Thanks so much! 💜
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. ❤️
I was thrilled to find another fabulous review for Cora’s Quest this morning from my good friend, Beth at https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com/. She includes the subtle significance of Cora’s story that is not only for children, but adults would find it important too. A huge thanks to Beth! I’m celebrating and happy dancing once again! 🎉💃
An excerpt:
On her journey, Cora learns that along with the joys come challenges, as she begins to navigate the world around her, remembering the lessons her family has taught her, and gaining confidence along the way, finding a final happy resolution. What a wonderful book to read to your child and what great discussions could follow.
To read her full excellent review, click on the link below, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Beth yet, you’re in for a treat. Below is a peek into who she is:
Hello, I am the mother of grown daughters, with grandchildren galore, an enthusiastic dater, a lover of the arts, a teacher, a cupcake maker, a Twister and Trivia champ, and most of all, a keen observer of life. I enjoy being a part of the twists and turns that occur while wandering through everyday events. Many of these happenstances leave me asking, “Why?” While I have been told, more than once, that the reason things have or haven’t happened in my life is because I had no glasses on, rest assured that even if I did have my glasses on, the answers would quite often be unclear. This site is simply an observation, and while blurry at times, an honest attempt to make some sense of it all. Enjoy the ride – Beth
Please pop into Beth’s world to read her fabulous review:
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has supported me by purchasing a copy of Cora’s Quest and who has shared their lovely review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. I am grateful beyond words! ❤️🙏
Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day! 💝
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 