Early Thanksgiving Thoughts and Wishes

On November 26, 2024 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Holidays, Photos110 Comments

With the holidays upon us, my memory can’t help but reel back a few decades. Our parents were still alive, all of their grandkids were young, and those big, noisy family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas were anticipated with excitement. Sure, giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time is rewarding and fun (in that order), but what I truly miss is ‘the noise, the laughter, the chaos, the loved ones’ (section 2 of my book, Ever So Gently). And I remember when our daughter and son were precious little bundles of joy. The elation my husband and I felt when our family became 3 then 4, and then complete. Don’t misunderstand though – returning to the past isn’t my wish, I’m simply reminiscing. These are thoughts from last year’s post.

And so, to those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you a blessed day, and to those who don’t, I wish you a blessed day! Below is a poem I give to you all! ❤️

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history a day we celebrate
blessings in our lives, for each breath we take
but some live in darkness with light, imaginary
living to survive is anything but sanctuary
I hold them in my heart, though trite to some ears
In moments of surrender, I give freedom to the tears

So, I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
where all should dance with glee
a piece of me that I impart
is my very grateful heart.

p.s. Cora’s Quest, a children’s book, is coming in December –
I’m working on final approvals.
p.s.s. I’m working on several book reviews, but because of tech issues,
I lost the word doc. Sigh. Maybe a miracle will bring it back.
Otherwise, I have to start over. These will come in December also,
but I had hoped by end of this month.
Sometimes, all we can do is go with the flow! 🥰

I appreciate you all,
Hugs, Lauren 🩷🍁❤️

***Photo courtesy of my daughter, Cheekwood Estate, Tennessee***

If we dig deep enough…

On November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Holidays95 Comments

As Thanksgiving Day inches closer, what are you grateful for? And don’t you agree that we should show gratitude all year round? And then reality stares us in the face each day on every news channel. My heart aches more and more. War. Homelessness. Hate. Mass shootings. It’s really very hard to keep the spirits from plummeting. So, where is the love, respect, and acceptance? Lives have been upended in the most horrific ways, and I’ve only scratched the surface. Still, if we dig deep, deep enough, we can find something to be grateful for…

It’s hard to believe that my father-in-law passed away three weeks ago. Time is mystifying, isn’t it? We miss him, but in various ways every day, we celebrate his 100 years and we will honor him next month for his Celebration of Life. We know he’s watching over us, feeling our love for him and knowing he’ll be in our hearts forever. ❤️

Now I’ve always looked forward to this time of year when the sun isn’t so aggressive and the temps are cooler. I still enjoy the quiet early mornings when Copper and I go for our walks, although at 13, he’s definitely slower. He’s ‘told’ me that around the block is about all he can do, and that’s completely fine. He gets to sniff and lift his leg, and that makes him a happy lab! We also get to watch the sunrise and listen to the silence. How glorious is that! And when a day or night’s sleep passes without pain, I am grateful. I’m jealous of Copper because he sleeps better than me! I know I sound like I’m 90, but I assure you I’m not. Even still, my body backtalks now and then, but it’s better than the alternative!

I yearn for the long, light evenings that summer brings, but hubby and I break out the candles for nightfall that arrives early. We allow the coziness to embrace us in its warmth. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…having a roof over our head is not to be taken lightly.

During this season, I am intoxicated by the aromas of pumpkin bread, pumpkin pies, pumpkin cookies, and I indulge in an occasional pumpkin latte. Hello, Pumpkin! And who doesn’t love the wardrobe changing of the leaves on the trees? Those rich, warm reds, golds, and yellows. And then let’s talk books! I’m thankful for my bookcase that is bursting at the seams! So many books! I don’t know what I’d do if paperbacks and hardcovers became obsolete. I love to hold a book in my hands, to feel the pages as I turn them and the smooth, beautiful, enticing covers.

This year, our son who lived in Virginia, embarked on a cross country road trip working remotely while visiting as many national parks as possible. His adventure began on May 1^st in Maine as he worked his way west to California staying in Airbnb’s, and he is now home with us for the holidays. We are grateful that he stayed safe during his travels of almost 18,000 miles and that we get to spend the holidays with him. To be with our son and daughter over the holidays is a gift in itself. Can’t wait to see our daughter and son-in-law! ❤️

My Gratitude list goes on and on – there is no conclusion. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?! Lastly, thank you for your continued support and friendship in this world of blogging. And a Big Thank You to those of you who have bought my book, Ever So Gently, and to those who have written fabulous reviews.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history
is this day we celebrate
the blessings in our lives,
for each breath we take.
I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
among the golden leaves,
and so I gladly share
at this table I take part,
my very grateful heart.

My family wishes you a very warm and loving Thanksgiving!
~Lauren 🧡🍁🍂

*Click on the image to purchase your copy.* 💚

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

Merry Wishes with a Sprinkle of Sugar!

On December 18, 2022December 18, 2022 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Writing62 Comments

Christmas time is not only a season of Love, Giving, and Hope, it is a season of remembering…our minds return to the days when loved ones who have passed celebrated with us. And when I came across this old photo of our children from 1997, I couldn’t help the feeling of warm and fuzzy in my heart.

A season of noble fir fragrance, festive decorations that bring joy…

and cozy evenings with a flickering fire or dancing candlelight.

A season of traditional baking while adding a new sinfully, delicious recipe…

Toffee Bars:

1 c. salted butter, 1/2 c. sugar, 2 c. flour, 1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), 1/2 c. toffee chips

Directions: soften butter and mix with sugar and flour. Add toffee chips and nuts. Pat into a 9×13 ungreased pan. Be sure edges are straight. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. While hot, use a pastry brush to spread the glaze on: 1 c. powdered sugar, 3 T. milk, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Let cool and cut into squares. Enjoy!

And the king of the house (Copper) will not be forgotten, sporting his new holiday hoodie to keep warm in his older years, while he wonders what Santa will bring him this year…

many merry shapes
frosted and sprinkled with love
from my heart to yours

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

This is my last post for the year, and I’ll be on Christmas break
as of tomorrow. So I wish you all a holiday season
filled with lots of love and sweetness!
Thank you for your wonderful visits to read my thoughts in verse and prose.
See you in the New Year! 🎄🎉🎉🎉🎄

A Christmas Soliloquy

On December 21, 2020 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry28 Comments

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 still come true
After this year, so displeasing?
Amidst the tears and heartache,
Is there room for believing?

I have faith that joy weaves
Its way through the pain
Angels keep watch while Love
Is the magic that remains

I don’t know your story
The details are yours alone
But I do wish you Happiness
That you may seize and truly own…

As we listen to the marching rhythm
Of the exultant Christmas drum
For these holidays upon us
And for the New Year to come.

A Trio of Sorts

On July 27, 2018July 27, 2018 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry49 Comments

An icy gust shadowed him
around the corner,
grazing his earlobe and
sending chills across the way
His Italian wool threads
exuded perfection
even as he slid into leather –
heading for someplace
he labeled important

Then birdsong matched
her mood and with her cell
on speaker,
passersby became privileged
Her long coat sufficed,
but she tightened the belt
as the gust wrapped itself
around her like a python
When the hailed driver
met the curb,
she smugly skimmed
over the back seat
until satisfaction found her –
phone chat uninterrupted

And across the way,
huddled against the
weathered building,
he imagined a handful
of warmth
yielded from his worn beanie
and threadbare coat –
layers of blankets
occupied his dreams
No complaints fell
from his chattering teeth
Instead, his eyes were alert
and his mind formulated wishes

Lauren Scott © 2018
(re-write)

A Valentine’s Day Wish

On February 14, 2018February 14, 2018 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry38 Comments

valentines-day tree

Candy hearts that say Be Mine
Red roses that mean forever
Fancy dinners for two in love
A night to spend together

But what about the lonely –
The broken hearts and souls?
What about the hopeless
Where life has taken its toll?

For even couples can show kindness
To those who feel unloved
Their lives are full of desolation
They long for a simple, friendly hug

So on this day where hearts abound
Give love where you find sadness
Then all of us can celebrate with
Rich emotions of gladness

Lauren Scott © 2018
Photo from Google
Happy Valentine’s Day to my Husband –
the love of my life, to my children, and
to all of my family. And I’m sending out
virtual love and hugs to You for a very
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤

Wishes, New Days, & Popcorn!

On January 12, 2018January 12, 2018 By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Poetry29 Comments

dandelion arctic

Visualize it: Close your eyes. Get in the zone, and focus solely on your wish – Nothing else! Another idea is to make a Vision Board. Have you heard of these? Cut out photos from magazines that represent your wish. Or, if you’re super creative and skilled, you could draw, draw, draw!

Believe it: Don’t let the face of doubt stare you down into a puddle of self-pity.
Don’t let the hand of negativity hold you down in the sinkhole of “I can’ts.”

Do it: Take action! If you think by sitting on your sofa – remote in one hand, popcorn in the other – is going to make your wish a reality…think again!

Image result for making wishes come true