Hello, reader friends. How about that heat, huh? It’s coming to the end of the month
and I have yet to find a pleasant day, temperature-wise. The only respite I get is in
slow reading the many books I’ve purchased. Thank God for good books!
Today, I’m tearing at the seams and cannot wait to tell you and help shift your
attention to something gentle that exists in the world today:
A new book, Ever So Gently, by Lauren Scott, owner of
the following website.
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott ~ a thread of words from every stitch of life ~
The first time I mention Author Lauren Scott was back in May when I posted an
Amazon review of the first book of hers I read, released in 2021. Here’s a refresher.
And now, Author Lauren Scott has a new release: A collection of poems that will
linger Ever So Gently in your soul.
There’s just so much I wish to tell you about Lauren, but first, an interview
I conducted with her recently.
- Tell me something about yourself/your life that readers wouldn’t know otherwise.
If you’ve read my memoir, More than Coffee, then you’ll know this fun fact…when I was
9 years old, I knew I wanted to be a professional singer. I wanted to be just like Barbra
Streisand.
Her voice lulled me to sleep on many nights in my youth. So, I performed concerts in my
living room for my family, singing into my precious hairbrush microphone, and I sang in
school choirs as I grew older. I won best vocalist in choir and first place in my senior
talent show. I also performed a rock gospel song on a church choir tour, performing in
several venues on the east coast. I sang the same song in front of an audience of 2000
people, and what an experience! I reveled in those exhilarating spotlight moments, and
then my dream changed. And that’s okay because we can have more than one dream.
But I am grateful for these amazing memories, and now writing has slid into that dream
slot.
- Tell me about ‘Ever So Gently’ and why you wrote it.
I’m thrilled to give you a little back story…I had organized this 90-poem collection into
three parts: Nature, Love, and Life, and yet a book title still remained in hiding. And
then one of my poems stood out titled, “Ever So Gently,” and it’s as though a lightbulb
turned on. Everything clicked. Then I began to ponder how we live each day. It’s easy to
live ‘gently’ when things happen according to our plans. But what if they don’t? What if
heartache befalls us? Do we react ‘gently’ or do we press the panic button? I’ve done
both, but I’m trying to focus on ‘gentle.’ And while in this mindset, I thought of the love
my heart has felt, the tranquility and companionship of nature, and the good and not so
good that life has tossed my way. So, I offer you the beginning of my introduction in the
book…
“Ever So Gently expresses the gentle demeanor in which I welcome nature’s offerings.
The gentle way in which I should react to life’s challenges. The gentle grace in my heart,
full of gratitude for the love in my life. For the support of family and friends through
every stumble and celebration. When I witness another sunrise, I remember to breathe
and live gently. But succeeding in ‘gentle’ may not happen around the clock, so if I slip
up, I will try again.”
CHECK OUT A CONVENIENT PREVIEW OF THE BOOK HERE:
- Share one poem from the book and tell me what inspired it.
My husband and I have been empty nesters for two years now, and we’re proud of our
daughter and son for chasing their dreams, for paving their own paths. But their dreams
happened to be across the country. So, between all of us flying back and forth, texting,
talking on the phone, and zooming, we stay in touch. But for me, it’s not the same. I
miss them so much that sometimes it hurts. We only get one ride around the sun, and
I’d prefer that my ride be closer in distance to them. Maybe someday it will. I hope so,
but in the meantime, I wrote the poem below:
The Same Sky
I don’t know
if I should feel embarrassed
about having a moment
that lasted for a day,
and there is no point
in fighting the tears.
They are winners.
Would other parents
think differently?
Not that I care
because…
I loathe
the many miles between us
as though they have done me
wrong, becoming my enemy.
But the consolation is knowing
that when my eyes look upward,
when I exhale acceptance,
we share the same vivid blue sky.
The distance, simply geography.
- If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?
Be you. It’s as simple as that, but it’s not always simple to discard the mask. Try not to
free the negative voices in your head. Do what makes you happy because you only get
one chance. This is it. Live gently, live kindly toward others, and be true to yourself. I
believe happiness will follow.
Dear people, add this video to your options when deciding if you’re ready
for a book that speaks “ever so gently” on your soul.
Thank you, Robbie
- Lauren Scott’s Bio
Lauren Scott is a poet, an author of short stories, both fiction and reflections of her life.
She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matthew, and
their lab, Copper; they have two grown children. She has authored two collections of
poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015). In 2021, she released
her memoir, More than Coffee. Her new collection of poetry, Ever So Gently, was
published in July 2023. She is a published author at Spillwords Press and was voted
Author of the Month for May 2023. She is also a contributing author in the anthology,
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2021) and in the anthology, This is How We Grow,
released July 2023. Lauren’s writing inspiration comes from her love of family, spending
time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.
- An exclusive from the Author–COMING SOON:
I have finished my first children’s book, and I’m working with my illustrator,
aiming to release it at the end of the year or early 2024. This is an exciting
new adventure.
For more updates, please click on Baydreamer’s Website above to inhabit
the ever so gently world of Lauren Scott.
Amazon Author Page Social Media Links: - Facebook - Instagram
Thanks for reading. Tomorrow I will post my Amazon review here for you.
- Clasp The Hands and Know: A Poem by John Masefield - November 7, 2024
- Wordless Wednesday - November 6, 2024
- It’s A Tanka, Dear Watson - November 5, 2024
Great to know more about Lauren. Huge congratulations to her.
Glad you enjoyed the post, dear Jude. Congratulations to Lauren, indeed. 🫶🏽🎉🥂📚👏🏽
Thank you for your good wishes, Jude! 🙏🏻
Lovely questions and a beautiful interview, Selma.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this Maria. A great book. I’ll post my review here tomorrow…
I’ll make sure to check it out 🙂
Thanks for your lovely words, Maria. Selma conducted a wonderful interview. 💞
wonderful
Thanks, Beth. Lauren is an easy subject. Ever so gentle… glad you visited. Bless you.
You’re so sweet, Selma. I’m glad I chose that title. It really works for the purpose of the book. 🙂 xo
Great title. XoXo
Thanks, Beth! 🩷
Loved the interview!
Thank you. Happy to know.
Thanks so much, Chitrangada!
Dear Selma, this is such a lovely post. Thanks so much for featuring me. I am truly honored to be in the company of you, a gentle, beautiful soul. And I loved doing this interview and will have fun shining the spotlight on you next month. I saw your review and it’s stunning and amazing! What will life be like when I no longer have the view from Cloud 9? 🙂 I’m enjoying the moments, and you’re wonderful to make this blog/book tour even more meaningful and special.
Hugs and blessings, my friend xoxo
Hugs right back to you.
It’s my pleasure.
Incidentally I also posted on IG. But tried as I did couldn’t get the link to ‘say’ link or add one to it. Don’t know what’s going on. Anyway. Perhaps you can share the post and have better luck adding the link. I’ll try it again in the morning.
Bless you. Tomorrow I’ll publish my book review on my blog. Have a gorgeous Thursday. I bless you. Xoxo
I’m still a novice on IG, but I will try. 🙂 Hugs again, dear friend. xoxo
I’m all thumbs. A novice too but I got your back this time. Links work on Story not on Reels 🤷🏽♀️ (maybe) we will be ok…blessings
Great interview Selma!
Thanks for reading Selma’s wonderful interview, Belladonna. I loved doing this with her! 🩷
You’re welcome!
Belladonna, I’m so glad you think so. Trying to spotlight genteel writing for reaching an ‘ever so gentle’ perspective amidst the chaos all around. We need gentle. I know you agree. 😘 bless you my dear. Xoxo keep rocking.
Selma you are so right, we need gentle. Love the way you think.
Hi Selma, how wonderful to find Lauren featured here with her new book. I will be reading both yours and hers over the next few weeks. I am looking forward to it.
Hi Robbie, thanks for your kind words, and I hope you enjoy the collection! I truly appreciate the beautiful book trailer you created! 💞
Yeepie thanks, dear one. You’re amazing and I already know it. Blessings (screaming)
Selma, thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful interview with Lauren! I felt as if I was there, listening to your conversation, learning along the way. Your questions were incisive and I enjoyed hearing from Lauren, her life and work.
Lauren, bless those light-bulb moments, eh?!😀 Such a perfect title for the book and one that pointed you to which way to go -sometimes it is better not to rush ahead but wait for the ‘light’! I love your wise message in a bottle and how true, we need to get rid of the dark nagging voices in our heads and ‘Live gently, live kindly toward others, and be true to yourself.’ Finally, bless you and your wonderful poem – it is one that all empty-nesters will relate to. As you know my son went to uni four years ago and started his career last week so officially empty-nesters. For a couple of years, the pain was very physical and real. Now much better, just proud as heck and so happy. (Also, we are lucky he is just ‘up the road’ by a mere 200 miles!) x
Hi Annika, thanks for stopping by to read Selma’s wonderful interview. I loved doing this with her and appreciate her lovely support in participating in the blog tour for my new book. I haven’t seen you much around ‘blogland’ so it’s great to see you! 🙂 I appreciate your kind words, and I’m so happy you’re doing better as empty nesters and live close to your son. I know that pain. Our kids have been out for 4 and 2 years, so we’re better too, but those emotional moments for me come now and then out of the blue. Sigh. But our daughter and SIL may move back to our area next year, and our son, who has been on a nomad/remote work adventure since May beginning in Maine is heading west to land home for Christmas, then he’ll decide where he wants to settle again. It’s possible he’ll stay local. He’s now in South Dakota and on Mountain time which feels closer to us. LOL Anyway, long story, but we all may be close in distance soon. Fingers crossed! Like you said though, we’re just so happy and proud wherever they live as long as they are safe and happy. Thanks again! ❤️
What wonderful adventures for your son and I love the thought of ‘mountain time’! Fingers crossed for your daughter and SIL moving closer next year!
I have shared about five posts on my blog this summer but it’s been a busy one so not able to answer on so many as I would like! Visiting lots of family here and in Sweden, enjoying the delights of becoming great-aunt twice and a glorious time at my son’s graduation.
Yes, fingers crossed, Annika, and I get it. You’ve been busy but in a wonderful way. Congrats on your son’s graduation. A memorable milestone!
You’re sweet for giving me/us your attention and adding your lovely words here, Annette. May Blessings befall you. Always.
A lovely interview, her idea to focus on the gentle is such good advice.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for reading Selma’s wonderful interview. 💞
I think so too. The gentle matters! It’s what supports our souls. I’m so happy you like this, Diana. Glad you enjoyed the interview and knowing such a book exists. Later today I’ll post my Amazon review of Ever So Gently. I hope you return to read, my friend. Stay in the shade And enjoy what’s left of summer.
I finished reading Ever So Gently last night and loved it so much. Lauren is definitely a wonderful writer and really enjoyed this interview!
Oh, Pooja, that’s the reaction I hope to receive, so I am elated! I’d love to ‘hear’ your thoughts if you feel like sharing or decide to write a review. No pressure though. 🙂
Thanks again for visiting here! Hugs 🩷
I’m going to be sharing a review on my blog soon!
That’s very kind of you, Pooja. Thank you!
You’re so welcome, I genuinely loved the book so I’m happy to!
I’m grateful that you truly enjoyed my book, Pooja. ❤️
So much—like me! Yay 😁 so happy to know this.
Pooja I’m posting my book review here later. I hope you return to read it in support of Lauren. Glad you enjoyed the interview. Xoxo
My pleasure and will do!
I enjoyed the interview, Selma and Lauren! The video is lovely! <3
The video IS loveliness indeed. Wish I knew how to do that.
I’m grateful to you for reading and cheering Lauren on, dear Cheryl. Authors supporting Authors. This is the right way. I love it. I love YOU. Blessings. XoXo
Hi Cheryl, I really appreciate you showing your support by visiting the many posts on the book tour. I loved doing this interview with Selma, and I can’t take credit for the video. The photos are mine from my husband’s and my backpacking trips, but Robbie Cheadle created the video. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks again! 💞
Selma, your recognition of other poets is awe-inspiring and admirable. A beautiful video and poem; one I can relate to. 💞
Michele Lee 💗 thanks.
Lovely video, I agree. So glad you read/watched. 🏖️ stay in the shade.
Thank you, sensational Selma! 💗
Hi Michele, I agree! Selma is awesome! And thank you for your lovely words about my poem, and Robbie Cheadle created the video with my photos. I love it too and have no idea of how to create one. 🙂 Thanks to you both! 💖
Welcome! 🌻
Beautifully conducted interview
Thanks, Sadje. Happy you approve my sweet. Lauren calls us to see the gentle — and delivers gentility in her poetry collection. A great addition to life today. XoXo 🌈
Indeed it is. You’re most welcome
Thanks for reading Selma’s amazing post, Sadje. I am incredibly grateful for her support and all the support I’ve received for my book. xoxo
You’re always welcome Lauren
Love of your book review & interview. Very nice & beautiful written poems. Beautiful .
Thanks, Raj. You’re the greatest supporter. Bless you. Xoxo. Good night.
Thank you, Raj, for your kind words. Selma created such a beautiful post. ❤️
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