Refresh Button (revised)

I posted this in 2018, so this is a revised version…

As summer bids farewell for another year, Autumn prepares for her entrance, and doesn’t she look lovely! With season changes, I’m often compelled to reorganize and do some fall cleaning. To begin with, I rearrange the furniture in our living room, something that has become an annual activity and a way of inviting new perspectives wherever we choose to sit. Who would think moving furniture around would be so gratifying?

Now we have the chance to watch the sunrise through the big window while sipping our tea or coffee. Or we have a better view of a roaring fire when winter drops in for an extended stay and hot chocolate is on its way, but perhaps, that glass of wine calls when the clock strikes five. Regardless of the beverage at hand, the sofa configuration is more fitting to sit closer to someone we love for a treasured, intimate conversation.

Whatever the benefit, this season change offers a newness, a revitalizing start as we near the ending of 2022. The coziness, the warm hues and spicy aromas. The kitchen curls its finger when outside temperatures drop and the evenings become darker earlier. I’m lured into the room where I mix up pumpkin bread, one of my holiday baking traditions that everyone loves. But last year, I found a pumpkin cookie recipe (image of cookies above) that is to die for! I’m including recipes for both in case your mouth is watering for their sweet and spicy deliciousness.

Pumpkin Bread (my mom’s recipe)

Preheat oven to 325° F and grease and flour a loaf pan. Mix together 1 1/2 sticks of butter (salted), 1 15 oz. can pumpkin, 2 cups white sugar. Add 2 eggs then dry ingredients: 2 c. flour, 1 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. baking powder, 1 t. cloves, 1 t. cinnamon, 1 t. nutmeg. Other options are to add 1/2 cup of raisins and/or nuts. Walnuts are good in this recipe. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 65-75 minutes depending on your oven. Test with a toothpick. Cool on rack in pan for 10 minutes, then flip bread onto rack and cool completely. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookies (I found online)


1 cup salted butter softened, 2 cups white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 2 cups solid pack pumpkin, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 3/4 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Glaze: 3 cups powdered sugar, 4-8 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars until well creamed. Beat in eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheets. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. Do not over bake. Let cool completely. To make the glaze, stir together the powdered sugar and enough milk to make a runny, but still spreadable consistency. Spread each cooled cookie with glaze. Enjoy!

So you see, this simple switch is like clicking on the refresh button on life. Even a small change can add a pinch of extra spice to this time of year.
An older photo of Copper, our regal lab. 🧡

May this season of Autumn bring a refreshing newness to your life, as well. ❤️

A Blooming Conundrum

sunlight fashions smiles
lifting faces to the blue
they sense springtime has
sidled up next to autumn
craving notoriety

rainfall quenches thirst
nourishment long awaited
wilted leaves revive

bright petals unfold
shivering with elation
winter watches with
concern as the months of spring
have seemingly reappeared

Lauren Scott (c) 2021
Photos from our yard with
thoughts from November.





Spring Excitement!!!

I’m excited to tell you that my next book will be out later next month!!! A compilation of poetry from all seasons of life and short memoirs reflecting back on the years as my 60th approaches very soon. 😉
Life’s canvas has changed colors with the passing of my parents and our children well into their adulting years. My first-born will be 30 this year! How did that happen so fast? And with my husband and I discussing our next chapter when retirement arrives, exciting, scary, and adventurous times shine ahead!

Below are a few poems in my book just to give you a glimpse…

Red Lipstick

With childlike fascination,
I leaned against the door frame
watching her apply a little
powder to her nose,
a touch of red to her lips.

No more, no less.
She was flawless.
Then our eyes locked,
sharing an unspoken connection.

Questions arise,
so I gently tucked
her wisdom
in a safe space
where I could
draw from it easily.

I’d love to share tales
of life she’s missing.
Perhaps, again someday.

Magic

I watch your car fade
into the sunrise
as distance broadens
between us.

Dreams desire
to be unhindered.
We crave the chase.

When you capture yours,
hold it like a new puppy,
wiggling with excitement.

You are in my heart.
Feel the joy emanating.

You know the rain
may linger…

Oh, but the magic
is knowing my love travels
wherever your dreams
may guide you.

Aglow

On the little country road
to the country town we go
where hands on the clock
tick slow, slow, slow –
leading to reflection
of memories that flow
where thoughts transport
to a time that stays aglow.

The Teacher

Its canary boldness
rises to the sun
alone, yet not lonely,
fearing nothing,
but wearing bravery
on each petal –
standing tall with
strength in lean
green attire, as if
soaking up the day’s
endless possibilities.

Belonging

Do you trust me? Will you
take my hand and let me
lead the way to a place
transcending the boundaries
of our reality? Let us get
lost in tranquility –
dancing to the majesty of 
the surroundings, feeling the
rhythm vibrate through our
bones. For as long as our
hearts desire, this is our
destination. Time is but
a memory. Its existence
leaves no trace on the path
where we tread.
There is only you, me,
and the intensity of our
belonging to each other.

15 Powerful Goal Achieving Quotes to Inspire You - Rick Conlow

In the last difficult year, while I’ve heard that others have lost their inspiration to create, mine flowed like a raging river! I envisioned this book: mapping out the format, choosing writing pieces to include, then finally putting words into action. A long time coming since my last book was published in 2015. Seems like a hundred years ago. So, with new spring blooms follows the completion of another creative goal. One more box checked off!

A Red Pen Is Checking Off Boxes Which Can Represent A Number.. Royalty Free  Cliparts, Vectors, And Stock Illustration. Image 4771590.

KEEP YOUR VISION IN FOCUS AND PERSISTENCE EXERCISED!

I hope you continue to pursue your goals, checking off those boxes, as well. And if you are happy and willing to help promote my book, please let me know in the comments below.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND I WISH YOU AN ABUNDANCE OF POSSIBILITIES IN THE NEW SEASON TO COME.

~Lauren Scott (c) ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Photos: Google & my garden

Ms. Autumn Speaks Her Mind

I am aware that Mr. Raging Fire stole my thunder, and honestly, it boils my insides, but certainly not selfishly. I reminisce on the good times when the people expressed their love as I made my entrance. How I gracefully entered into their lives wearing pomegranate reds, cinnamon browns, and squash yellows. The energy buzzed like a walk on the red carpet – a highly anticipated moment. My sweet fragrance beautified a stroll around the neighborhood. My cool touch refreshed, replacing summer’s harsh existence.

I worked with patience and diligence, brush and paint in hand to create my vibrant landscape. Lovely memories as vivid as the colors of my wardrobe…
memories of yesteryear before Mr. Raging Fire barged in, interrupting the balance of the nature of seasons.

Now, a sense of dread has crushed that sought-after anticipation of my arrival. And yet, defeat has not prevailed. This new reality only means my effort must toughen up…paint and brush lie in wait at my fingertips. The artist deep within will continue to create for my lovely and loving people who appreciate the very essence of me.

Lauren Scott (c) 2020

Refresh Button

copper in the fall

As summer bids farewell for yet another year, Autumn prepares for her entrance, and doesn’t she look lovely! With season changes, I’m often compelled to reorganize and do some fall cleaning. So, to begin with, I rearranged the furniture in our living room, something that has become an annual tradition and a way of inviting new perspectives wherever we choose to sit…

Maybe now we have the chance to watch the sunrise out of the big window while sipping our cuppa tea or coffee. Or we have a better view of a roaring fire when winter drops in for an extended stay and hot chocolate is on its way. Or the opportunity is more fitting to sit closer to someone we love for a treasured, intimate conversation.

Whatever the benefit, there is something about this change that offers a newness, a revitalizing start as we near the ending of 2018. I also love the coziness of this season – the warm hues, and the spicy aromas in the kitchen. I’ve already bought ingredients to begin pumpkin bread baking – one of my holiday baking traditions that everyone loves. So you see, this simple switch is like clicking on the refresh button on life. Even a small change can add a pinch of extra spice to this time of year.

May this season of Autumn bring a refreshing newness to your life, as well.
P.S. Copper sends his autumn wishes, too, (with lots of kisses).
This photo was taken by my daughter. ❤🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁❤

Moving Forward

Dear Friends,

This is a follow-up to my last post…thank you for your love, prayers, positive thoughts, and support. I’m feeling much better, but healing on the inside is still needed. So, I’m in the process of scheduling a procedure that will provide answers.

In the meantime, it’s great to have my energy back; it’s no fun staying in bed not being able to contribute to the daily routine. My outlook is optimistic, but I’m also realistic. I don’t do well living in gray area, so we shall see…

On a lighter note, I love the cooler weather, and the season of Fall is one of my favorites…the colors, the smells, the foods, and the change of wardrobe. 🙂 And for the new season upon us, I’m including a fun haiku, and of course, Copper. My daughter took this photo a few years back, and it remains a favorite.

Copper in Autumn by Steph 2016

pumpkins on the porch
sandles in hybernation
hello socks and boots!

Wishing you all a Wonderful Wednesday. ❤❤❤

 

Scene Change, Full House, and Balloons!

Sunny California is finally sunny again with warmer temps on their way. Our son flew home on Saturday, following the end of his political science internship in DC. He wanted to be home for my birthday (Sunday), and what better gift than to have both of my children home. My excitement to see him couldn’t be put into words. Then to have the four of us together again was awesome! And the awesomeness continues for the week before he returns to college for his final quarter. Yes, then graduation in June. More celebrating! 🎉
The picture below was taken on the speaker’s balcony of the capitol.

michael on the speaker's balcony of the capitol 2018

My heart was full from all the birthday wishes from family and friends, but this year, 
I wanted a celebration with just my husband and children. It was a great family day with lots of surprises and carrot cake (my fave) to top of the day. I made my wish, so we shall see. I’m also not shy about sharing my age. I’m simply grateful to be alive to celebrate each new year.

IMG_2581                   

 

IMG_2611
Thirty-nine again!

 

 

And with the seasons changing, I wrote a sequel to my previous poem and post,
A Cup of Spring. 

Image result for spring flowers

Scene Change

Mr. Winter bows as the
curtain gently falls
His mood is melancholy
yet, he understands

Miss Spring adjusts her
petals, poised with grace,
for the welcoming applause
Hats off to her glow and
the warmth she evokes

 

I hope you’re applauding Miss Spring’s arrival, too, and I’ll end with some wise
words that you’ve probably heard before…

Life is full of give and take. Give thanks, and take nothing for granted. ❤ 🌻 🌼 ❤

Lauren Scott © 2018
Daffodil Photo: Google