Stress, Sweltering, Stillness, and Smiles

On July 4, 2024July 6, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Blogging, Discussion

Dear Friends, it’s hard to believe that this blogging break has turned into a month already. I thought I’d be gone for a couple of weeks. But the truth is that a roofing project has turned into a noisy, costly, and stressful nightmare. And during this time, Copper (our lovable lab) got really sick with gastroenteritis. It’s never easy to watch our furry family members suffer. But he’s finally back to his normal chipper self, off of his bland chicken and rice meals, and onto his regular food. I haven’t felt like cooking, so I’ve cooked more for him than for us!

Then my husband came down with the flu, but luckily, he’s on the mend. And lastly, a few days ago, a heat wave entered into the equation and it’s been disgustingly hot. Most homes in our area don’t have air conditioning like us, but we do have a portable ac unit which helps. Sanctuary defined! Still, this hot spell is unprecedented to continue on until 11 pm next Wednesday. Yuck!

As to writing, I’ve written very little. My mind has been preoccupied, so I hope my muse will return soon. On a more positive note, a couple weeks ago, we went to my nephew’s wedding in the Santa Cruz mountains. We had a blast and it was a gorgeous setting in the company of majestic redwoods.

***My sleeping puppy (almost 14 years old)***

I have missed you all and will see you later in the month, hopefully. Fingers crossed “this too shall pass.” I am practicing on stillness in my mind because getting upset doesn’t help.

Lastly, for those of you in the U.S., I wish you a SAFE & COOL 4th of July!
Hugs to you all,
Lauren ❤️💙❤️

***My poetry collection will turn one year old***
***later this month, but if you don’t own a copy,***
***I hope you’ll add it*** ***to your home library.***
***You’ll find many takeaways about nature, love, and life!*** 💚🩵💚

Therapy

On July 12, 2021July 12, 2021 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry36 Comments

The day finishes. I grab
the dog bed and bone
and fill the bowl with
water. Drinks sparkle
in crystal clear glasses.
Dialogue begins over
life, the joys and reasons
for rising stress levels.
Cracks in the concrete
absorb emotions. On
the patio, no thoughts
are silenced.

Wow!!!

On December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Inspirational54 Comments

Dear Friends,

I haven’t felt like doing much blogging lately, so I’m sorry for missing so many lovely posts. But, as a follow-up to my recent blog post, health issues have been resolved, although some gray area needs explaining and clearing up. So we’re still waiting, but all is a bit brighter. Then just when we sighed with relief, another cause to worry arrived this week, but we’re not alone. It’s been a tough year, period! In so many ways!

Even though negative thoughts tend to stick like glue, when positive thoughts arrive, they are welcomed like a warm embrace. So, we carry that positivity with us everywhere we go because suggesting a mindset of the opposite would only create doom and gloom. And I can’t help but fall gracefully into the magic of the season even if Covid lurks in the shadows. I love the Christmas carols, the twinkling and colorful lights of joy, and this season of hope even in dark times.

Then, on my early morning walk with Copper today, the sunrise greeted me with a BIG smile. We just can’t have enough photos of sunrises and sunsets, can we? I looked to the sky and thought, “Wow! Another gorgeous sunrise! Another day to enjoy life and all the people and joys in it that make us so grateful.”

And in every dark moment, a hint of hope shines through…

I hope all of you are doing well in spite of this crazy, tragic, and stressful year. And if you’re feeling down, I hope the sunrises lift your spirits as you lean into people around who love you. And when the sun is hidden, I hope its warmth stays in your hearts, guiding you into each new day.

Sending virtual hugs, Lauren 💓💓💓🎄🎄🎄

The Right Attitude

On October 19, 2018October 18, 2018 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion47 Comments

No-fear-Image

One of my new dear friends, Debby, from https://dgkayewriter.com/, wrote this to me regarding my last health update and it stuck…

“We get what we focus on, so don’t make it fear!”
~DG Kaye

This message isn’t new, but it’s so easy to allow fear to slip into our thoughts. It affects not only our reactions to stressful times, but it also affects us physically, causing anxiety and even some unwanted aches and pains. So, this was a timely reminder for me, even though I’m not truly living in fear. However, I am inviting Optimism for a long stay, and if you’re dealing with stress in any form, will you join me in this attitude adjustment? I hope you will, and Thanks, Debby! 💕

hope