One evening before dinner, we drove to a nearby redwood grove that has been renovated. We found new grated nature trails, an obstacle course, and a small rock climbing stump for children. Only a few people were there, and among the tall giants, we felt a cool respite. A slight breeze accompanied us as we walked for almost two miles on a winding trail, and hopped along the obstacle course keeping our balance and freeing our inner child. It was really fun, breathtakingly beautiful, and calming...
In Good Company
When we stroll among redwood trees, our steps slow down, we are in good company. There is no reason to rush and we won’t hesitate to hug them with open arms, because, why not? They deserve reverence for their generosity. In their company, fine fibers of peace flow through our hearts and souls, centering us. Any worries burdening our minds fall to the earth to be walked upon and buried. We listen as their leaves whisper in the breeze, Be filled with joy and do not fret, for there is no time for that nonsense.
These are photos from past lake camping & backpacking trips. Beauty at its best, don’t you agree? We plan to get back to the lake next summer, but we had to pass this year because our favorite campground is being renovated. Poetic thoughts spill out from things I see, emotions, events, family, and nature. Nature always inspires. So, won’t you join me at the lake? Have a seat, sip something cold, and simply ‘be.’
Nature’s TV
A moment to reflect lake glimmers in sunshine’s embrace ripples shimmy across surface dragonflies soar like mini gliders feathered friends paddle away after a brief “hello” muscles and mind feel gratitude no screen of any size only Nature’s TV
I hope you enjoyed your time at the lake. Thank you for joining me! Happy Friday, and I wish you a tranquil weekend. 💚
I recently spent a few hours at one of our county parks located in a cove off of San Pablo Bay. A beautiful day, but a little windy. Regardless, I enjoyed a deli lunch, a walk on the pier, the tranquil scenery, reading beautiful poetry by D.L. Finn, and of course, writing some haiku. Hope you enjoy the pics and poems:
a gaggle playing sunbathing and conversing year-long residents
sun comes out to play wind joins in summer respite hooded walk on pier
Observations
(a)
pickle ball on court tennis in shorter version healthy exercise
(b)
lost in the repose boats floating on bay look like dots in the distance
(c)
water entices let’s take a refreshing dip cold down to the bones
(d)
children dig in sand for shells, stones, and crustaceans treasures for their hearts
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An older photo courtesy of my son.
By the way, today is the last day to vote if you haven’t already. My poem “I Am From” is a nominee for Publication of the Month at Spillwords Press. Please click here to read the full poem from my last post.
So, if you have time, you may vote here. A Huge thanks to you who have already cast your vote. I’m honoredby your support. ❤️
Image courtesy of Spillwords
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Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a fabulous week ahead! Can’t believe July is just around the corner! 💖
It has been a wild, exciting ride with the launch of my new book and all the wonderful support I’ve been given. But in the midst of the excitement, my father-in-law has been on hospice for almost two weeks, and it’s been tough, to say the least. A surreal time, waiting for the inevitable. But his large support circle ensures that he is comfortable and loved, which is most important.
Before he started to decline, we already had our backpacking trip reserved in the Sierra Mountains, but with his encouragement, we are still going. Although, due to my foot issue, we decided that I shouldn’t push it. My foot has been cooperating, but I’d hate to overdo it and take five steps backwards. So, we’re camping. We’ll be relaxing by the lake, surrounded by ponderosa pines and nature’s warm embrace. And this is really what we need. My brother-in-law will ‘hold down the fort’ while we’re gone. He also told us to go. “Dad wants you to enjoy the adventure.” We will have our Spot X satellite device though to stay in touch. And obviously, if something changes before we plan to leave, we won’t go. Always ‘one day at a time.’
So, I’ll be offline next week and will return the following week of the 21st. The photo above is from one of our trips to our favorite Sierra lake, and the poem below is in my book and one I wrote while sitting on the shore in the company of the smooth water, and journal and pen (and hubby, of course.)
The Sun Knows
Evening advances. The shore wears nothing but a few rocks scattered on its sand. In their quiet space, a father and son hold fishing lines hoping their luck will lift. A lone sailboat glides by pausing for the unfolding. With hair the color of an egret, an older man leans against a stump.
Clouds understand why we wait. A fine yellow highlighter has delicately outlined their smooth edges. Occasionally, trout jump out of the still water, only a few ripples show their excitement.
Then suddenly the sky explodes in tangerines, salmons, canary yellows – brighter with every second. It’s as though a painter swished her brush back and forth on the immense backdrop, to the left, to the right, repeating with the grace of an orchestra leader. Can the sun slipping behind downy clouds be more spectacular?
The blog tour will continue when I return and I have to share two more beautiful reviews:
Reading Ms. Scott’s poetry is like roaming the pages of a spiritual book and you can feel a connection. Upon picking up this book I first read “Ever So Gently” and felt an instant connection, as I’ve lived such moments myself during bushcrafting adventures, connected to nature and all of creation. As I continue to read, each poem is equally as deep and reveals not only the writers soul, but my own. ~ Scott Mitchell – Lauren Scott will touch your soul.5 stars
What an endearing gathering of short poems, some written as Haiku and other syllabic poetry, but all comforting, calming, restorative. Presented in three sections, these verses pose the wonder of nature, the love of family, even the delight of a pet. An elegant medley. ~ Joy Neal Kidney – An endearing collection.5 stars
I am humbled and grateful for these lovely reviews, and I want to thank you all for the ‘book’ support, the visits, the comments, and the love. So, have a Fabulous week! Stay well and Be happy!
Yesterday was going to be a hot one, so hubby suggested we drive into Sausalito and visit this cute little beach. The weather was cooler by the bay, and the sky was the bluest it’s ever been. We walked around, enjoying the sights, and of course, our coffee. Then some thoughts came to mind and landed in the form of Shadorma poems…
Escaping hot temperatures we find a quiet beach sights offer tranquility breathing in salt air
Boats on the bay, stoic in their beauty a lifestyle inviting surrounded by calm water waiting to take sail
Sitting on the sand, toes buried we people watch, little boy giggles from water joy paddle boarders learn
Owning this moment of stillness together he and I new memory to create over and over
Cheers! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed. Have a lovely week ahead! 💦💙🩵☕️
We spotted him on the still water, appearing to be content resting on the surface smooth as satin, even posing for a few photos as I clicked away. Although I’d say he was a bit camera shy with his backside facing us! Even so, we thanked our quiet, and seemingly, curious friend, watching us intently, turning his neck now and then to get a better look. And while no feathered company was in sight, we didn’t think he was lonely, choosing to be in this stunningly beautiful place for a purpose without distractions. Perhaps he was standing guard, protecting his mate nearby. Or pondering where his journey might take him next. So, by respecting his privacy, we gently stepped away, hiking in the opposite direction. Later in the afternoon, following a dip in the lake, we sat back in our chairs, the calm water mesmerizing us into a wonderful repose. And there he was again, our new friend gliding by but pausing when he saw us – most likely with perfect intention to visit so that he could say goodbye before heading to his next destination. Isn’t it special, the friends we meet in unexpected places?
Thank you for stopping by to read this story about the wonders of nature, and by the way, I have ventured into the world of Instagram @baydreamerwrites.
The beginning…HighlightedSlipping, slipping, slipping…
Down by the lake, evening emerges with the fragrance of tranquility. The shore wears nothing but a few rocks scattered in its sand. A father and son hold fishing lines in their quiet space, hoping their luck will change. A lone sailboat glides by, pausing for the unfolding. An older man with hair the color of an egret leans against a stump. The clouds understand we wait with enthusiasm. To our naked eyes, their smooth edges have been highlighted as though the sun outlined each of their fluffy shapes with a fine yellow highlighter. Occasionally, trout jump out of the still water, unable to contain their excitement.
Then suddenly the sky displays an explosion of color: tangerine, salmon, canary yellow, brighter, and brighter with every second. We are transported to a dreamlike place where a painter gently swishes her brush back and forth on the immense backdrop, to the left and right, repeating with grace of an orchestra leader. Artwork in the sky. Can a presentation of the sun slipping behind the cottony clouds be so spectacular? The sun knows it is time for the moon to shine.
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author 