2025 Last post: Christmas, Poetry, and Feline Fun!

On December 23, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry87 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I have a few things to share with you…

For the last month, our neighbor’s adorable cat has been cozying up on our patio chair or feeling on top of the world sitting at the bar! We’ve never met this little guy, but now we know his name is Zephyr, and he is so friendly. Our family believes that his visits have a deeper, serendipitous meaning, which resulted in a poem, and I was lucky to take a few photos of our new friend…

A Perception of Intervention

His collar reads Zephyr
friendly as can be
purrs when we pet him
eyes close to dream.
He lives down the street
roams outside each day
finding our cozy chair
to nap afternoons away.
Copper knows we miss him
so he sent a feline friend
in gray coat and green-yellow eyes
to bring comfort, to mend.

Secondly, Manuela Timofte has stepped down from her Editor position at Gobblers by Masticadores, and she will be missed. I felt honored when she featured my work. Changes are always in the air though, so Gobblers has moved to LatinosUSA, a larger website with six editors: Barbara Leonhard, J. Ré Crivello, Nolcha Fox, Michelle Ayón Navajas, Francisco Bravo, and Robbie Cheadle. I decided to submit a Christmas poem to Juan, and I was thrilled when he accepted my submission, which is live today:

A Christmas Soliloquy

The noble fir smells heavenly
Pervading throughout the room
Lights twinkle in red and green
Adding to its festive costume.
Stockings embellish the mantel
Eager to be filled with treats
Garland graces letters in gold
Spelling out P.E.A.C.E.
Dangling to model icicles,
White lights sparkle on eaves
Ornaments shimmer on branches
All this, the stuff of dreams.
But can dreams come true
When years become displeasing?

To read the full poem, I would love if you visited Juan at LatinosUSA by clicking on the link below. Thank you again, Juan, for publishing my poem. 🙏

A Christmas Soliloquy by Lauren Scott

Lastly, in case you have last minute holiday shopping to do:

King Copper: A special poetry collection about our Chocolate Labrador, Copper, who received his angel wings on March 3rd. The ultimate gift for dog lovers or anyone who considers their pets family.
Cora’s Quest: A children’s story about getting lost but discovering that courage lies inside each one of us just waiting to shine. A message for all ages.
Ever So Gently: Poetry that speaks of love on a broad spectrum, nature’s gifts, and the mysteries of life, and encourages us to live life ‘ever so gently.’
More than Coffee: A poignant and reflective collection of verse and prose that touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, and marriage and parenting, and is best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast.

All of my books are available on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, and Bookshop.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks for spending your precious time here, and I wish you a wonderful holiday!
Stay safe, be well, and I’ll see you in January 2026! ❤️🎄💫🥳

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
Author and poet, Lauren Scott, enjoys small-town living in the Bay Area with her husband, Matt, of thirty-seven years. Their adult son and daughter live out of state, and with frequent visits and technology, the family of four remains close. Lauren has published four poetry collections, a memoir, and her first children’s book. Her latest poetry collection is a tribute to her family’s Chocolate Labrador who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in spring 2025. Lauren is a recent Pushcart Nominee and has been a guest on several podcasts. Her writing is featured on Spillwords Press where she was voted Author of the Month and garnered Publication of the Month awards. She is a contributing author in several anthologies, and her work is also shared on Gobblers and Masticadores. Her muse discovers inspiration from her family, spending time outdoors, reveling in simple things, and marveling at the mysteries of life.

***A younger me wishing you an abundance***
***of Love, Joy, and Peace!*** ❤️

Marsha Ingrao at Story Chat Digest publishes my poem “Sepia”

On August 26, 2025August 26, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

I’m thrilled to have my poem “Sepia” published on Marsha Ingrao’s site, Always Write, for her Story Chat Digest! Marsha is so generous to publish the work of fellow authors for the readers to analyze, both poetry and stories. Her blog is informational and entertaining. By the way, submissions can not be published anywhere in the past. So my poem is brand new. I’m also honored to celebrate beside my dear friend, Maggie Watson, and Doug Jacquier, who I’m happy to meet through Marsha – another benefit, meeting like-minded bloggers.
Thanks so much, Marsha! ❤️

Sepia

by  Lauren Scott

I walk around the neighborhood at a good clip.
Blood flows in every vein like a river to an ocean.
Familiarity around each corner feels like a needed hug.
My legs love the stretch of the stride.
Pausing for a moment, I close my eyes, breathing in fragrances…
tall pines, jasmine, and how lucky to have the sun's company.
Its warmth is welcomed.
When his presence is gentle, it’s a summer I remember.

A canine friend trots beside me, but only in my mind’s album
since time has faded like a few friendships.
The more calendar pages I flip, full of ink and pencil,
the more memories turn into sepia...

Comments are turned off, so please visit Marsha's beautiful site to read the rest of my poem, and Maggie and Doug's, and share your thoughts! And while you're there, I hope you take some time to peruse around. 💖

Story Chat Digest: August Poetry

***Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com***

Thank you for popping in when I know you have a million blogs to visit. I appreciate you! ❤️

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***Click on the image to order your copy!*** 🧡

“I Am From” is nominated for Publication of the Month at Spillwords Press!

On June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Nominations & Awards, Poetry108 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to share with you that my poem “I Am From” 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 ❤️ and/or leaving a comment. I appreciate you! 💝

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 mom’s emotions
that had a mind of their own
so wild at times emulating a summer storm
I am from my dad’s humor
where smiles bloomed
but his temper too in my less patient moods

I am from flower petals I did not plant
Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green
yet the petals’ 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 “When you have children, you’ll understand”
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 I’m 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. It’s a privilege to be a part of her wonderful literary community. ❤️🙏

***Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com***

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
All Spillwords photos and nominee list
courtesy of Spillwords Press.

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
but click on the image to purchase
your copy through Amazon.💜

Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku by Literary Revelations Publishing House

On March 22, 2025 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Book Promotions, Poetry86 Comments

I am honored and grateful to be included in Gabriela Marie Milton’s upcoming anthology of haiku! This is the second anthology I’ve been part of following the beautiful Petals of Haiku released in May 2024.
Thank you again, Gabriela and Literary Revelations for believing in my work. 🙏

From Gabriela’s blog post:

@LR_Publisher, just sent out letters of acceptance (or rejection) for our upcoming book Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku. Congratulations to everyone who was accepted. Please help me spread the news. Soon, we will send you the whole design of the cover – as you know, the art on the cover belongs to Japanese artist Hikari and the fine art photography included in the book to Japanese artist Naoki Kimura. Over 240 authors were included.

All photos courtesy of Literary Revelations Publishing House.

For more information and gorgeous photography by Naoki Kimura, and to read beautiful and evocative poetry by Gabriela and other poets she features, please visit her site by clicking the link below.

My outstanding contributors, Literary Revelations sent out letters of acceptance (or rejection) for our upcoming book Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku.

And Congratulations to the amazing authors whose work will be showcased in this gorgeous anthology!

Thank you for visiting, and have a wonderful weekend! 💞

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Click on the image to purchase your copy.
Thank you! 🙏

If you enjoyed Cora’s Quest, please consider sharing
a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Book reviews are like hugs for Indie Authors. 🤗

“Treats only, Please!” is nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press!

On October 26, 2024October 28, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry82 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to share that my light-hearted, fun poem for Halloween “Treats only, Please!” 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.

You have the power to decide the winner by casting your vote here: 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 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.

Warm regards,

Editing Team | Editing Department
editor@spillwords.com

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,
“It’s just a night for entertainment.”
There’s no need for goosebumps and fear
as their eyes focus on the cracked pavement.

Undeniably sensing they’re 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 ❤️s 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!!!!
❤️🙏❤️

So, I ask you to vote! Log in or create an account (I know, another account, another password, all I can do is ask). 😃

You can offer your wonderful support by casting your vote here,
and again, voting will conclude on Wednesday, October 30th.

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Thank you for your support that I don’t take lightly. I appreciate you so much!
Hugs, Lauren 💖🙏🤗👻

Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels.com

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
Spillwords images and email courtesy of Spillwords Press.

New Release: Petals of Haiku – An Anthology!

On June 2, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Anthologies, Book Promotions, Poetry93 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am honored to be a part of this beautiful anthology created, compiled, and edited by Gabriela Marie Milton at Literary Revelations! Over 150 poets with four haiku each are included in Petals of Haiku which is a Top New Release on Amazon, and my copy has arrived! I’ve already immersed myself into the lovely and delicate poetry – truly a beautiful collection!

I sprinkled some pink blooms throughout the post for this joyful occasion, and I recorded two of my haiku for your listening pleasure.

A few words from Gabriela about the Anthology:

Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry like never before. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.

The art on the cover by award-winning painter Hikari sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo by award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection.”

To order your copy!

If you’re not familiar with Gabriela’s blog, I’m including some facts to entice you because each time you visit Literary Revelations, it is easy to lose yourself in the beauty through the written word…

We publish most poetry genres: epic, lyric, narrative, or prose poetry. We expect work that dazzles the intellect, and delights the soul; work that makes feelings blossom into symphonies of love, beauty, and sorrow. Interpret the silence. Find the place where love was born, and tears are entombed. Be the voice of prophets. Be the soft whisper of Sakura. Dream, create, suggest. Avoid cliches. Avoid the banal and the explicit, even if both have become trendy. Remember “To define is to kill. To suggest is to create.” (Stéphane Mallarmé). We also publish fiction such as mystery, romance, fantasy, and other types.

Congratulations to Gabriela and to all authors in Petals of Haiku, and thank you, Gabriela, for this amazing opportunity! ❤️

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you’ve ordered your copy!
Have a lovely week ahead! ❤️

“Resilience is Her Saving Grace” – Nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press!

On May 26, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Nominations & Awards98 Comments

Dear Family and Friends,

I am excited to share that my story “Resilience is Her Saving Grace” has been nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press. In the past, I’ve only submitted poetry, but I stepped out of the box and submitted this fiction short story that is reality for many, so I am thrilled with this nomination! This recognition means the world to me, and it is an honor to be in the company of so many amazing writers. 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 last night was…

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 May’s Publication of The Month.

You have the power to decide the winner by casting your vote here: 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 voting will conclude on 5/29; 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 June, gaining well-deserved recognition from our global audience.

HERE ARE THE NOMINEES:

The Antiquarian by Steven Elvy
Crescendo by Alan David Gould
Resilience is Her Saving Grace by Lauren Scott
The Road Less Travelled by Vidya Venkataramanan
A Squirrel’s Front Teeth Never Stop Growing by Barbara Harris Leonhard
Sun Over Cadaqués by Kate Aranda Nye
The Dark Night of the Soul by Michael Balner
There Are Angels on Earth by Simona Prilogan
Passages – Last Sailing by Gerry Stefanson
(My) Night-Long Lament by Michelle Ayon Navajas
From The Land of Olives by Nada M. Sobhi
Turning Tables by Nova Loverro
In Memory of Harold Bloom by Jake Sheff
French Fry Etiquette by Judge Burdon

To all the nominees, good luck! Your contributions have enriched our platform, and we deeply appreciate your excellent collaboration and participation.

Warm regards,

Editing Team | Editing Department
editor@spillwords.com

Resilience is Her Saving Grace

The tempest held its vigil on the horizon but continued to fool her. Devotion in his eyes mesmerized her whole being, awakened every pulse in her body. Eyes that spoke the language of love where their future glowed like an apricot dawn. She bestowed her heart permission to be swept into his pools of blue…

And yet, every day she anticipates the sting from his hand – the palm or back, makes no difference. The sting smarts like hell, but her heart secures the brunt of the damage. The slaps begin early each morning if she doesn’t move fast enough to appease his caffeine demands. And it’s ironic that he chose ‘chalet’ for his cell alarm because the calming tone contrasts to his horrific demeanor. After he walks through the front door following a day’s work, if she so much as smiles unknowingly to his disliking, his hand finds her cheek, and she feels the strike of skin even before impact. 5 p.m. on the mantel clock makes her heart pound as though trying to make a getaway.

The house that once was a home mirrors a prison. Cameras keep their eyes on her as he watches from his downtown office. Claustrophobia slithers down her spine. She struggles to quell the panic attacks. And her cell is meant only to reach him or to answer his calls. He tracks her like a wild animal. The ring on her finger stole all contact from the outside world – lost like a loved one’s passing. Grieving has no end, but she doesn’t dare misbehave because the pain is relentless.

She recalls the beautiful moments when his hands would send tingles from her neck down the map of her body. What did I do wrong? consumed her every thought when he transformed from loving husband to beast. Thoughts that became so tangled, she couldn’t ruminate until the truth stared her in the face. Her cheeks grew hot like asphalt in August from the realization that the monster had always existed.

Before the perfect couple whispered those two celebrated words on that breezy afternoon, signifying “You are my forever person,” he wore charm impeccably like a well-pressed dress shirt – his kisses intoxicating as jasmine, gentle like summer rain – respect enfolded in each embrace. Then donning satin and lace, the solitaire sparkled like her heart and soul, but true personas can take cover behind convincing eyes and smiles.

How could she have missed the signs? She ponders over and over.

Time – revelations, decisions, and strategies always take time. Her defense, submission, though she loathes appearing weak, and the agony tests her strength. But the path will wend its way, leading her to a door for a fresh start, caressing her bruised face and her body, his punching bag.

Gazing out the window, she watches courage whirl among the cottony clouds. Around the corner, freedom waits with intensity, as though motioning for her to come closer, excited for her new, safe beginning. She witnesses a glimpse of hope in the pink daisy pushing through the crack in the sidewalk.

But biding her time means life, and staying alive is her objective. She must bleed toughly. Resilience is her saving grace and not meant to be scattered on the floor, anymore.
She must be smart to be free.

If you’d like, you can visit the original post of “Resilience is Her Saving Grace” on Spillwords by clicking here.

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Thank you for stopping by! Voting will conclude on Wednesday, May 29th, so I would greatly appreciate your vote here: https://spillwords.com/vote/ If you don’t have an account, registering is required, and I know one more account and password is a lot to ask of you, but please know that I appreciate your time! And if you already have an account, simply log in and click on the circle next to my story. 💞🙏

I appreciate you and your wonderful support!
Hugs,
Lauren ❤️

Spillwords Press Author of the Month for May!!

On June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry124 Comments

Thanks to your generosity and time, I was voted Author of the Month for May on Spillwords Press!!!

I’m excited to receive this honor among so many amazing writers! Thank you to Dagmara K. and her team for providing this literary site for authors to share their emotions through words. I’m thrilled to be a part of this community!