We had a fabulous time with our son as he played tour guide, showing us incredible sights in Colorado. It was a long weekend that went by fast. But while I was offline, Manuela at Gobblers by Masticadores published “Almost Fall-ing” and this morning, Dagmara at Spillwords Press published “Spider on a Hand.” I hadn’t planned to do a post today, but I chose to combine both to honor Dagmara and Manuela’s generosity.
Thanks again to Manuela for sharing my writing each month, and to Dagmara and her team for accepting my recent submission. It is always a great honor to have my writing featured on both of these literary sites, and to be in the company of many talented authors, some of whom I consider friends in this online community.
First, here are a few photos from Colorado, and we were thrilled to see autumn’s stunning presence:
Rocky Mountain National ParkBear Lake in Rocky Mountain National ParkBreckenridge, COBreckenridge, CO
Now, I offer you my poems:
Gobblers by Masticadores
A sample haiku:
crisp mornings join late summer afternoons to greet fallβs cozy prelude
Trust doesnβt come easily. She canβt be bought like dropping quarters in a gumball machine, and she doesnβt hand out trust as if distributing flyers for an open house. It takes time and discernment, the emotion that comes with falling in love, you just feel it. You know itβs been earned β the intuition, a tattoo on your heart. What happened then? Conversations sharing pure joy, utter anguish spilled like oil in the sea. Suddenly, sheβs a spider on a hand that gets brushed off…
To read the the full “Almost Fall-ing” post, please click here.
To read the full “Spider on a Hand” poem, please click here.
If you feel it in your heart to ‘like’ each post, and even have the time to leave a comment, I would greatly appreciate it.
As always, thanks for stopping by, and I’ll catch up with your posts today too. I’ve missed you all, but it was wonderful to see our son. These visits are gold when children live out of state. Please know your support on Spillwords and Gobblers means the world to me.
Have a wonderful week ahead. π§‘π p.s. more Colorado photos to come.
Author β King Copper: Our dogβs life in poetry Author β Coraβs Quest (a childrenβs book) Author β Ever So Gently: A Collection of Poetry Author β More than Coffee: Memories of Verse and Prose Author β Finding a Balance: A Collection of Poetry Author β New Day, New Dreams: A Collection of Poetry Co-Author β Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku Co-Author β Petals of Haiku: An Anthology Co-Author β This Is How We Grow Co-Author β Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships Bi-Monthly Contributor on Gobblers by Masticadores Spillwords Author of the Month May 2023 Spillwords Publication of the Month October 2024 Spillwords Publication of the Month June 2025
Happy July! I am excited to announce that my poem βI Am From!β was voted Publication of the Month for June at Spillwords Press!!! π
I am so excited to receive this award and recognition! Thank you to Dagmara K. and her team for providing a welcoming literary site for authors to share their emotions through words. It is truly an honor to be a part of the Spillwords Press community!
I offer my deepest gratitude to YOU for your ongoing support and vote, and for initially visiting Spillwords to read my poem, βhttps://spillwords.com/i-am-from/!βΒ I am also humbled that my version of George Ella Lyon’s “Where I’m From” resonated with so many. And I’m grateful to Lori and Vicki for providing the writing inspiration. Please visit their beautiful blogs if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet. They are amazingand talented women, whom I call friends in this warm community!
Reflections
“I Am From” is displayed on the sidebar at Spillwords.com for the month of July if youβd like to take a peek!
A little more mush, thanks again from the bottom of my heart! And I wish you a happy and peaceful month of July! β€οΈ
I am thrilled to share with you that my poem “I Am Fromβ has been nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press! This recognition is an honor, especially, to be in the company of many talented writers. A huge thanks to Dagmara, her team at Spillwords, and to you for your amazing support by visiting Spillwords and giving my poem a β€οΈ and/or leaving a comment. I appreciate you! π
Voting has begun and will conclude on Sunday, June 29th. I am asking for your support, but in order to vote, you’ll need to log in or register here: https://spillwords.com/vote/.
The winning publication will be prominently featured on the Spillwords.com sidebar throughout the entire month of July, gaining well-deserved recognition from our global audience. Below are the nominees:
I Am From
I am from my momβs emotions that had a mind of their own so wild at times emulating a summer storm I am from my dadβs humor where smiles bloomed but his temper too in my less patient moods
I am from flower petals I did not plant Momβs were nurtured β my thumbs werenβt green yet the petalsβ beauty is always seen I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown), vanilla, baking powder and soda, and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case, and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways
I am from the moon in her mystery The sun in his radiance The lake in its serenity
I am from the well-liked and the shunned the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders the redwoods standing tall I am from planned and spontaneity clarity and ambiguity
I am from the Big Bear cabin on the corner from laps and splashes in Orange County pools I am from βWhen you have children, youβll understandβ I am from two sanctuaries for finding God to discovering faith near mountains and sand
I am from me unique, quirky, strong, kind, a used-to-be people-pleaser the third of three daughters I am from knowledge still pouring in like a flood of surging waters I am from gratitude for every little blessing from those I love, from being loved I am.
(Inspired by the poem “Where Iβm From” by George Ella Lyon)
It’s never easy to ask for support, but I hope you’ll take the time to vote by June 29th, which you can do here. Thank you in advance, and I express my gratitude again to Dagmara and her amazing team at Spillwords for continuing to feature my work. Itβs a privilege to be a part of her wonderful literary community. β€οΈπ
When I opened my email this morning, I was surprised to find this exciting note from Dagmara at Spillwords Press (photo above courtesy of Spillwords):
Dear Writers,
We hope this message finds you well. We’re reaching out to share some exciting newsβyour outstanding pieces have garnered nominations in one or more categories for the 2025 Spillwords Press Awards.
Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating the winners throughout February.
Voting is officially scheduled from January 26th to January 31st on our voting page: https://spillwords.com/vote/.
We encourage you to share this link with your family, friends, and supporters, as their votes can make all the difference.
Please note, that registration and/or login are prerequisites for casting your votes.
The Author of the Year award winner will be prominently featured on the sidebar of Spillwords.com for the entire following month. Additionally, all winners will be showcased in a special publication on Spillwords.com.
Below, you’ll find the complete list of nominations:
SPILLWORDS PRESS AWARDS NOMINATIONS:
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Dawn Pisturino Ash Douglas Antonia Wang Lisa H. Owens Melissa Lemay Teodora Vamvu Ernie Stricsek Lou Storey Sanu Sharma Gabriella Balcom Joseph L.M. Sturm Michael McCarthy James Nelli
PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (POETIC)
This World is Yours by Michael L. Utley Tapestry of Dreams by Ginny M. Jones Haunt by Emma Wells Empty Lines by Smitha V In Your Face by Ximena Escobar Black Flies by David Estringel Song of Soul by Suman Pokhrel Isnβt It a Pity? by Daedalus Chaos Worn Slap Out by Joni Caggiano Sentimental Ebb by Aurora Kastanias Birth Dance by SR Inciardi Treats Only, Please! by Lauren Scott Ethereal Encounter in the Nightβs Embrace by Yasmin Hemmat A Squirrel’s Front Teeth Never Stop Growing by Barbara Harris Leonhard
PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (NON-POETIC)
Miriam and Her 13,149 Days by Janete Cabral The Grand Adventure by Jim Bartlett The Seagull by Patricia Furstenberg Precious Moments by Valli Henry-Boldini A Christmas Heckler by John Christopher Moccona With Two Sugars by Sarah Kelleher Dunker Church by Robert Walton One Life to Live by Lise Rowlandson Kaivopuisto by S. Anand Adrift by Julie London Tasseography by Dominic Rivron Murmurs by June Hunter New Beginnings by Lisa Rivers Kiesling The Night My Daughter Never Came Home by Diana Burns PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR (INTERNATIONAL)
I’m not only thrilled that my poem from Halloween last year, “Treats Only, Please!” is nominated for Publication of the Year for 2025 (after winning Publication of the Month for October 2024), but I’m honored to stand beside so many talented authors. There are several categories to vote in, so I hope you take the time to sign in and vote! Voting begins today, January 26th, and will end on January 31st.A Huge Thanks to Dagmara and her amazing team at Spillwords for continuing to share my work. It’s a privilege to be a part of her wonderful literary community. β€οΈπ
Now as promised from my previous post, I’m sharing my first group of book reviews that I gave 5 stars. Please note that the length of my reviews is irrelevant. All of these books are different but highly recommended, so my thoughts vary on each…
The one thing Pete Springer knew post high school graduation was that he wasnβt going to college. He worked several odd jobs, but then through his dadβs friend, Springer found himself working in a position that developed into a rewarding experience. He was doing something that mattered, which motivated him to consider college again, only this time with a goal in mind.
After reading the first few pages, it didnβt take me long to learn that Springer was a caring and dedicated elementary school teacher. The kind that all parents wish for their children. They Call Me Mom reads like a memoir of how becoming an educator impacted his life in a positive way, as well as the positive difference he made in his studentsβ lives. Readers are guided on a journey spanning over three decades of his career. Springer offers sage advice to new teachers beginning from setting up the classroom to the importance of getting to know the students. βThe obvious question is, how does one go about connecting with students? Well, it starts on the first day of school.β Working with parents and creating teamwork among staff and administrators is also paramount in obtaining trust.
Springerβs memories made me laugh, and some tugged at my heart. His personal goal was to be the best he could be for each classroom ranging from second grade to sixth grade. Some of Springerβs former students stay in contact with him too, which is telling in itself. And it wasnβt all about the curriculum β so much more goes into teaching than simply following a textbook. Through his anecdotes, he talks about the joys, challenges, and rewards of a profession that should be valued to the highest degree. Springerβs compassionate character evokes memories of my high school choir teacher, Mr. Perry, who encouraged me to step out of my singing comfort zone. Because of his support, I was able to realize my dream at the time.
I highly recommend They Call Me Mom as a tool for new teachers, and for current teachers to be reminded of the valuable reason they chose their career in the first place. Parents will also gain more insight, finding this book extremely useful. For those of us who donβt work in education, Springerβs book speaks to creating healthy relationships which is inspiring and can be applied to everyday life. I have a much deeper appreciation for teachers after reading this account of a fulfilling teaching career.
Vicki Atkinsonβs book is an honest and emotional memoir about living with her mom, Sue, who was plagued with mental health and addiction issues. Sueβs moods would shift from joyful to rage in no time, causing confusion and pain to anyone nearby. Vicki disclosed only the truth, no sugarcoating any situation, and even inserted humor at times. In the midst of chaos and after she moved out from her motherβs house, she remained concerned about her disabled sister, Lisa, who landed on the receiving end of their motherβs manipulation and abuse.
How Vicki met each challenging moment with resilience, compassion, and strength was absolutely amazing to discover. She uncovered the means for coping while also providing us a glimpse of the good side of Sueβ¦her fun, entertaining qualities, and empathetic heart that advocated for others. I found this perspective to be heartwarming and inspirational. Vicki became a licensed counselor, so Iβm sure living with her momβs unstable personality offered insight for her future to counsel others. This book truly demonstrates what it means to love and forgive, and to stay strong in turbulent times. Highly recommended!
When Balroop Singhβs husband unexpectedly passed away, she turned to writing poetry to provide a place for her grief to exist. Just One Goodbye is Singhβs invitation to join her on a journey that will make your heart ache. I canβt pretend to know how she feels because I havenβt experienced the loss of my husband. However, I can understand a love so strong, and a husband who became my best friend that even imagining a world without him is unimaginable.
Singh begins the collection with βA Journey through Griefβ in which she speaks of how the tears flowed when she wrote these poems, and how they flowed again when she re-read them to edit. After reading the first poem βJust One Goodbyeβ I knew her collection was going to be heart-tugging and emotionalβ¦
β¦I look at the door wishing it could open one more time I yearn for one more smile One more hug I promise Iβll let you go Just let me say goodbye
The love and bond shared between Singh and her husband was profound, so Singhβs grief is intense. When a loved one passes suddenly, especially a spouse, how does one make sense of such a heartbreaking moment? Sorrow takes the spotlight in the beginning, but as I turned the pages, I began to see a slight ray of hope. Singh begins to write about a future without her husband, expressing that such a feat is possible, though the grieving will never end. The shift in Singhβs writing from sorrow to hope is encouraging for all of us who will have to say βgood-byeβ to a loved one at some time in our lives.
I have always admired Singhβs beautiful poetry, and this collection was a continuation of her brilliant writing talent. Iβm only saddened that the subject matter was painful for her, but I hope that as time passes, grief will loosen its grip, and writing will continue to provide comfort. I highly recommend this powerful poetry collection.
Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas is a companion guide to her successful debut book, Re-Create and Celebrate, but this collection of conversational poems can easily be read alone. While immersing myself into her beautiful writing, I felt as though she and I were chatting over a cup of coffee in my home about the ups and downs life has delivered. In a world where tragedy appears to be never-ending, the inspiration and motivation found in each poem is warmly welcomed. On the other hand, Georgakas dips into vulnerability and authenticity that we all can relate to; no words are minced, a fine detail of her writing that I love. I suggest you keep this book nearby for easy access on your coffee table or nightstand. Many poems also speak to the healing magic of nature which resonates with me because of my love for hiking, camping, and backpacking.
Even though weβve heard it before, Georgakas reiterates: βBe who you are. Everyone else is taken.β And in βBe the Tree: We are pods in the tree of life: our stories will not go untold. From ashes we are to ashes we must go, as we take root, trusting with all our might.β
Celebrating Poetry inspires and touches souls, whether they feel whole or broken. Many poems resonate, remind, and enlighten, but I’m spotlighting one that really stands out:
The Insidious Mind
The mind is so insidious. We thrash our inner world to pieces, judging, critiquing, berating ourselves to a bloody pulp.
Itβs no wonder the world is full of hatred and ugliness when we canβt even treat ourselves kindly.
Self-doubt reflected becomes too painful to feel, so, we wear a mask of false bravado, hoping no one will see our fractured parts.
This inner war invading our world is the culprit of hiding our greatness, turning us inside out, free for the taking.
Bring it to light, remember this is the job of the mind and not who you are. Release these demons so you can be free.
Donβt let these words live rent free in your head, you deserve better than these lies and deception theyβll have you believe. Be your own best friend, evict them with no further notice, so you can get the show on the road and take your power back.
As a matter of fact, this poem should be read and processed by everyone. Then maybe the never-ending tragedy would finally reach its expiration date. An empowering and lovely poetry collection highly recommended.
Sesi Says Goodbye to Granny is a beautiful mother-son collaboration by Robbie and Michael Cheadle. Together they have written a delightful story about Sesi, an elephant calf, who is worried about the matriarch leaving the herd. Young Sesi questions that if her treasured Granny leaves, who will guide and take care of her family? In this charming tale, we learn about African Bush Elephants and are pleasantly entertained with exquisite images and artwork by Robbie Cheadle. I bought the paperback and was captivated by the vivid colors and stunning visuals with each turn of a page. My fascination with elephants began years ago, so it was interesting to learn more about the magnificent animals. Sesiβs adventure is a real treat for children; I can only imagine the curiosity and excitement a child would feel, but honestly, her story is for all ages because of the educational element. If you wonder about Granny and the future of the herd like Sesi does, then youβll need to purchase your copy, and I highly recommend that you do!
I know I’ve packed a lot into this one post, but with my family and work, time won’t allow me to post or blog every day. So, your takeaways today are to VOTE at Spillwords Press by simply clicking on the link above and signing in. If I am honored to receive your vote then I thank you in advance. Most of all, I encourage you to support the wonderful authors whose writing enriches all of our lives.
And now you have more books to read! You can click on the titles that will gently carry you over to Amazon to purchase your copy. I wouldn’t be a normal author if I didn’t include a plug for my book too, so here it is. π Click on the image below to purchase your copy of Cora’s Quest (a children’s book that will be enjoyed by kids from 2-92!) And remember that reviews are like hugs, so if you enjoy any books here or in general, please consider sharing a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. No rules apply: short or long, it doesn’t matter. Your time and support are appreciated by all Indie Authors. β€οΈ
Lastly, I am so grateful that you chose to visit me in your busy blogging schedule. I know it’s hard to keep up, so thank you! And I wish you a great day and week ahead!
Thanks to your generosity and for taking the time to vote, my poem “Treats only, Please!” won Publication of the Month for October on Spillwords Press!!! ππ
I am so excited to receive this award among 15 other wonderful nominees! Thank you to Dagmara K. and her team for providing a welcoming literary site for authors to share their emotions through words. Iβm honored to be a part of the Spillwords Press community!
I offer my deepest gratitude for your vote and ongoing support, and for visiting Spillwords to read my poem, βTreats only, Please!βI’m delighted that my light-hearted, entertaining take on Halloween resonated with so many! A poem that was inspired by the days when my children were young and had a blast dressing up in their cute costumes to trick-or-treat! I took a stroll down memory lane to find the pics below…
My angel and lion!Lion meets cheerleader!Harry Potter meets a vampire, and our Lucky Girl joins in the fun!Lucky Girl was given her wings in 2011. β€οΈ
My poem is displayed on the sidebar of the Series tab at Spillwords.com for the month of November, if you’d like to take a peek!
Have a wonderful day and weekend ahead, and thank you again!
As I shared on October 26th, my poem βTreats only, Please!β has been nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press! This recognition has been thrilling and unexpected. As you already know, I’m not into scary anything! This is why when I decided to write a Halloween poem, I reminisced to the days when my children were young and couldn’t wait to trick-or-treat. My thoughts were more in line with fun and entertaining. So, being nominated is a true honor, especially to be in the company of many amazing writers. Thank you again to Dagmara, her team at Spillwords, and to the readers who offer wonderful support!
If you haven’t yet, I humbly ask for your vote, and it’s not easy to ask. But it is suggested that we spread the news, so please forgive me for asking again. π€ If you choose to support me, simply visit Spillwords here: https://spillwords.com/vote/ and you will need to register and/or log in. Your support means the world to me ! β€οΈ
Last day to vote is tomorrow, October 30th!
Treats only, Please!
Creepy cackles from tall, looming trees startle their jumpy heartbeats as they walk. Shadows discreetly follow the echoes while they timidly proceed down the block.
Young voices repeat with conviction, βItβs just a night for entertainment.β Thereβs no need for goosebumps and fear as their eyes focus on the cracked pavement.
Undeniably sensing theyβre not alone, many follow in their hesitant footsteps, eager to reach doors and push doorbells but afraid of frightening special effects.
Broomstick witches in purple velvet capes, eerie fog rolling in with white-gown ghosts, superheroes from blockbuster movies, owls hooting from high in their posts.
Some faces look like long lost relatives, wrinkly and aged like dear old granny. Ignoring the screeches, they focus only on filling pillowcases with loads of candy!
You can read the poem on Spillwords here!β€οΈπ
I offer a Huge Thanks to you who have already voted for my poem. ππ
And as you depart today, I leave you with words to ponder…
Maybe
When you sit by the window, evading lifeβs demands, watching hummingbirds flit about, do you wonder if our existence is the only breathing form? Whoβs to assume weβre alone with stars millions of miles away glistening in the night? Maybe other beings wonder if they are simply a tiny atom or molecule floating in the larger picture. Maybe weβre just a raindrop in someone elseβs universe. (From Ever So Gently)
Thank you for stopping by, and have a wonderful day! Stay well, stay safe! π§‘ππ
I am thrilled to share that my light-hearted, fun poem for Halloween βTreats only, Please!β has been nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press! This recognition means the world to me, and it is an honor to be in the company of so many talented writers (including a few great blogging buddies). Thank you to Dagmara, her team at Spillwords, and to the readers who offer the most wonderful support of my writing. The email that landed in my inbox today is..
Dear writers,
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to every one of you! Your exceptional pieces have been nominated due to popular demand for October’s Publication of The Month.
We encourage you to share this link with your family, friends, and supporters, as their votes can make all the difference. Please note that voting will conclude on 10/30; soon after, we will reveal the well-deserved recipient of this prestigious title.
To vote, kindly register and/or log in to ensure your voice is heard.
The winning publication will be prominently featured on the Spillwords.com sidebar throughout the entire month of November, gaining well-deserved recognition from our global audience.
HERE ARE THE NOMINEES:
Good luck to all the nominees! Your contributions have enriched our platform, and we deeply appreciate your excellent collaboration and participation.
Creepy cackles from tall, looming trees startle their jumpy heartbeats as they walk. Shadows discreetly follow the echoes while they timidly proceed down the block.
Young voices repeat with conviction, βItβs just a night for entertainment.β Thereβs no need for goosebumps and fear as their eyes focus on the cracked pavement.
Undeniably sensing theyβre not alone, many follow in their hesitant footsteps, eager to reach doors and push doorbells but afraid of frightening special effects.
Broomstick witches in purple velvet capes, eerie fog rolling in with white-gown ghosts, superheroes from blockbuster movies, owls hooting from high in their posts.
Some faces look like long lost relatives, wrinkly and aged like dear old granny. Ignoring the screeches, they focus only on filling pillowcases with loads of candy!
I am thrilled that this fun take on Halloween received 142 β€οΈs and 17 comments (including my replies)! To those who flew over to Spillwords and hearted and/or commented on my poem, I offer my grandest Thank you!!!! β€οΈπβ€οΈ
So, I ask you to vote! Log in or create an account (I know, another account, another password, all I can do is ask). π
You can offer your wonderful support by casting your vote here, and again, voting will conclude on Wednesday, October 30th.
Dear Family and Friends, I am thrilled to share that my poem, “An Invitation” is published on Spillwords Press today as a Featured Post! Thank you to Dagmara and her team for accepting my submission. It is always a great honor to have my writing featured on this wonderful platform, and to be in the company of many talented authors.
An Invitation
Smooth granite invites contemplation and reflection. Please, take a seat, relax, watch the lakeβs ripples perform their water dance. Does the shimmering surface remind you of stars presenting a ballet in a brilliant night sky?
Note the tall pines swaying in the breeze, you can gently sway, too, if you feel the need. Let the depth of your soul bathe in the beauty...
You can read the full poem here, and please don’t leave without giving it a β€οΈ. You only need to log in if you’d like to leave a comment, and I’d love to read your thoughts. But either way,Iβd appreciate your support! π€
Thank you again to Dagmara K. and her team! I am truly grateful! β€οΈπ·
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 