Ever So Gently – by Lauren Scott

On By ResaIn Outside the Box Book Reviews

“Ever So Gently” by Lauren Scott reads like an Impressionist painting looks.

Lavender, salmon, watermelon, pale green, turquoise, gold, corals, pink, lemon yellow and blue are all in the poet’s word palette.

Resa – Were the poems written in a sort of order, or did you write what you felt, quite randomly, and then organize them?

Lauren – I wrote them when I felt inspired, so no, they weren’t written in any order.

Resa – Did you create the 3 parts when you began, I mean did you know you were writing in 3 topic areas off the start, or did that evolve?

Lauren – Some poems are on my blog and some aren’t. So, I went through the most recent poems on and off my blog and chose the ones I wanted in a book. Then I categorized them, and during that process, the 3 topics evolved. 

 The commonality in each section is that the syllabic poems are at the end. 

In “The Wisdom of Nature” and “Lost in Thought” the order is random.

Resa – Ahh, in “The Wisdom of Nature” I love the poem “In Good Company”.  In it you write:

Resa – You hug redwood trees, and thank them with reverence. More, they impart peace, a wisdom and joy unto you.

Lauren –  When we moved to the bay area in California, I was introduced to a state park only 20 minutes from our house.  You enter the park, and though it’s not far away in distance, you literally feel like you’ve entered a magical wonderland. Redwoods surround you for a day visit, a picnic in the park, or for a fun camping adventure. You stroll along the creek, captivated by their majestic presence. We’ve been to this park a million times, but each time feels like the first.

Ever since I stepped foot in this park, I’ve been in awe of redwoods. It’s incredible how they can grow to be over 300 feet tall, being the tallest in the world. And they can live to be 1,000 years old. That’s just incredible. When I look at them I feel a sense of safety, wisdom, communication, and yet, renewed energy.

Resa – Have you hugged other types of trees? Do different trees each transmit their unique essence to your spirit?

Lauren – I would say yes. When we’ve backpacked, other trees surround us and they’re beautiful, but I don’t feel the same enchantment. So, I can’t really comment about other trees like I can about redwoods.

Lauren – In “The Noise, The Laughter, The Chaos, The Loved Ones” I began with “The World is Broken” because it’s personally a special poem to me. Then I continued with my husband – before and when we met, and as we were married longer. Then the kids, parents, in-laws, sisters, pets…Love in every facet of life. 

From: “The Blue Down Jacket”

Resa – Is the jacket an actual jacket, or a personified metaphor? If real, is it still with you, bringing memories of his mother?

Lauren – Yes, the jacket is real and we still have it. In fact, it will accompany us on our camping trip next week. It’s still loyal (smile), and reminds us of Matt’s mom who died at the age of 59. Way too young. She died the same year our daughter (first child was born).

Lauren – She knew I was pregnant, so the bright side is that she knew she’d be a grandma for the first time. But our daughter and grandma never got to meet. This has always been profound in Steph’s heart. Nor did she meet Michael. Very sad. She would’ve been such a doting grandma. The poem “Diane” is about her.

From “Diane”

Many poems include the family dog, Copper. I adore reading about him, and all the love.  Every time  I read  these  lines  from  the  poem  “Copper”,  I break  into a massive chuckle.

Resa – Were there dogs in your life before Copper? When you were a kid?

Lauren – When I was young, we had Duffy, a black cocker spaniel mix who lived to be 16.  Some time after he died, we got Jasper, a springer spaniel. He was my first dog to grow up with. He lived to be 14 and died when Matt and I started dating. I cried for that entire weekend and Matt still married me! 🙂 We’re inching towards our 35th anniv.

But before Copper, our family had Lucky Girl, a black lab mix. She was our children’s first dog. There’s a poem in the book about her. 

Lauren says to be kind to animals, and adopt a mutt or a rescue!

Resa – I felt Parts 1 & 2 were descriptions/paintings of many people, emotions, places, loves, nature, moments and more. In part 3, I see a dive into your inner self. You ask questions, solve problems, give advice and extend hope.

What do you say to my observation? Was this your intent?

Lauren – You have described the sections perfectly. So, yes, part 3, that was absolutely my intention. Many thoughts or scenarios to ponder. A few weren’t so uplifting, but that’s life. Life isn’t always a sunflower field. 🙂 But hope always waits in the shadows, ready to flow in when ‘she’ feels it’s necessary.

Resa – The poem “Ever So Gently” is a perfect summary to this.

Lauren – I’m glad you feel that way about “Ever So Gently”, and before I had a book title, when I came across that poem, it just clicked.

Resa – Lauren, I was thinking of putting the poem “Ever So Gently” at the end of the post. I’ve changed my mind. If ever there was a spoiler for a book of poetry, “Ever So Gently” is it!

I read the poems in order, but not at first. Deciding to try a different approach, I dove into the book like it was a box of chocolates. I read whatever poem in any order, as the fancy lead. Yet, as delicious as it all was; it’s more than confection.

It’s like collecting beautiful fabrics and trims. Poems were read, materials collected and a pattern designed. When the poems were over, they had draped a rich, beautifully adorned gown over my spirit.

Visit Lauren On Her Blog – Baydreamer

Cover Art by Michael- Lauren’s son

Click on the cover of “Ever So Gently” to buy it on Amazon. Click on the cover of “More Than Coffee” to but it on KOBO. Both venues carry both books, as well as Lauren’s other 2 books: “Finding a Balance” – “New Day New Dreams”

Photo details of Impressionist paintings by Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926) and Helen McNicoll (Canadian, 1879-1915) © by Resa – July 19, 2023 – Exterior Art Gallery of Ontario

206 thoughts on “Ever So Gently – by Lauren Scott”

  1. Oh, Resa, I love this so much! The way you incorporated the gorgeous paintings, poem verses, and questions and answers are so elegantly woven together. And how you viewed reading the book, what could be better than a box of chocolates?! And then you gently entwined the exquisite gown analogy:

    “I read the poems in order, but not at first. Deciding to try a different approach, I dove into the book like it was a box of chocolates. I read whatever poem in any order, as the fancy lead. Yet, as delicious as it all was; it’s more than confection.

    It’s like collecting beautiful fabrics and trims. Poems were read, materials collected and a pattern designed. When the poems were over, they had draped a rich, beautifully adorned gown over my spirit.”

    Your gentle post runs parallel with my book’s purpose. I don’t think I can thank you enough, but I’ll thank you again and probably many times over. And I’m so grateful my collection had such a lovely affect on you. Sending hugs! xoxoxo

    1. Dear Lauren,
      Your poetry is dear to me. Your obvious inner power of family love, nature & animals is a joy to read. Yet, it doesn’t end there. You take all of that and put it into proportion with the exterior energies of life.
      No matter what, you keep the richness of the beautiful tapestry that is you, and wrap us all within it.
      Thank you for this fabulous experience!
      Resa xoxoxo

      1. Aww, thanks, Teagan, and I can’t imagine not expressing gratitude for Resa’s extraordinary, gentle presentation for Ever So Gently. I will be over the moon for a long time. Hugs to you again, too. ❤️🙏🏻❤️

  2. A beautiful interview! I loved the conversation about poetry, intention, emotion, trees, family, and the wander through life. And dogs, of course. The images were perfect choices to compliment the glimpses into Lauren’s poems. I’m a tree-hugger too, and I loved the way you described your communion with the redwoods. And the memories of your mom were so poignant. The love came through as if I could hold it in my hands. Lovely, ladies. What a wonderful way to start my morning. ❤

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Diana! I’m glad you loved our conversation. Resa is so creative with her reviews, and so generous with the time they take. I love her ‘box of chocolates’ approach and then tying it in to the draping of a rich, adorned gown. I’m so glad you enjoyed my book too and loved the excerpts Resa shared. Hugs to you both! ❤️

    2. Diana!
      What fun this review was to do. Lauren shares her positive energy with us in these wonderful poems.
      I’m happy you said that about the images. Lauren’s poetry is quietly impressionable, so Impressionist Art is en rapport.
      I’m thrilled I am part of the start of a wonderful morning. ❦❦❦

    2. Dear Holly Meece,
      Lovely is a fab word for this book, as love is the first part of it.
      Lauren should be pleased with herself. I know many are, or will be pleased with her book.
      xo❤️xo

      1. Dear Meece, Lauren’s book is beautiful, thank you for the Amazing interview and reminding us about this gorgeous and poignant book of poetry by Lauren. I look forward to adding it to my collection 😍🐭🐭😍

              2. Hi Holly and Resa, thanks for highlighting my son’s artwork for the cover. I’m so thankful for his help. I thought he’d create the cover digitally, but instead, he painted it on canvas. A wonderful surprise. He helped with the tedious formatting too, and all while he’s on a nomad/remote working adventure driving from east coast to west coast. He left his apt. in Virginia, drove to Maine and began his adventure in May and is now in South Dakota and will be home for Christmas. I can’t wait. I miss my children so much, but I’m so proud of them as they continue to ‘adult’ and do it well. Sorry for the long comment. My emotions got the best of me. ❤️

                1. It’s a wonderful cover, Lauren. Your son felt and saw your poems perfectly.
                  The long comment ….. you miss your children … the beauty of these emotions are all in your poems. It’s what makes “Ever So Gently” what it is.
                  I’m sure many feel the way you do, but can’t express their feelings the way you have. I hope they find their way to this book.
                  They could then hold it up and say …. This is what I mean! ❤️

                  1. Wow! You just know what to say, Resa! So wonderful of you. It’s funny, in the beginning, we weren’t sure if the cover would be too plain. My other books have nature covers from photos. But I wanted something different, and it turns out that it worked perfectly once I had the title and knew the direction I was leaning into. So, thanks again! 🙂 Hugs xoxoxo

  5. Sorceress,
    You are a beautiful soul and every time I read a book review by you, I am transported. When you read, you dive right in. When you write about what you read, you are as poetic as the author you are highlighting. I am in awe of you.

    2. Thunder dear,
      Yes, I dove into this book… like a box of chocolates at first.
      Me…poetic as the author… Well, then the author has brought it out of me.
      Lauren has shared an uplifting view of life.
      Like you, she has a full and strong heart. xoxoxo

      1. I know you did.
        You have a natural poetic way with your writing (I’ve seen your comments to Holly and they are delicious). You have so much insight.
        You are a love to say that. xoxoxo

    2. Thank you Dave!
      This is a redwood of a comment.
      Okay, that’ll be redwoods all round !
      Redwoods on the house!
      I’ll have mine on the rocks.

    2. Thank you, Balroop! Magical and charm are perfect, because Lauren’s poetry is magical and charming.
      It was a joy to do this “outside the box review”, and I am thrilled that you read it!

  8. Oh, Resa dahling, this was a very special interview with Lauren, a very dear friend and poet to me too! I enjoyed so much your creative way and the beautiful dialogue between you. Thank you both girls!
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Oh, Marina, between your words and Resa’s and her elegant, gorgeous post, my day is perfect!! I couldn’t wait for today, so the anticipation was killing me. 🙂 And I am in awe, not only from her creativity, but from what my poetry felt to her. Thanks to you both So much!!! 💖💖💖💖

    2. Dahling Marina,
      Welcome!
      Lauren’s book of poetry is special. It required a unique review, an “outside the box” review.
      It’s a wonderful thing just to chit chat, throw in a question, say what’s on our minds.
      The joys of creativity are upon us! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo 🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽

      1. Ah, dahling, you always think “outside the box” and your creativity is amazing. As I was saying to Lauren, it was a joy reading! Thank you both!
        ❤️💗❤️💗❤️ xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    2. Thank you, Jan!
      “Forest Bathing”… I love this term!
      Tomorrow I shall be cement and steel bathing. I’ll take Lauren’s redwoods with me in heart.

  14. Resa – your interview with Lauren was brilliant. Her poetic voice came through beautifully with your insightful questions. The conversation flowed effortlessly and I felt emotionally engaged with Lauren’s profound journey. Your preparation and attention to detail were evident throughout the interview. Congratulations to you both. I will come back to revisit this post. Heartwarming!!!

    1. Rebecca!
      You always have great comments.
      Yes, the conversational approach can be revealing.
      Life truly is a journey, Rebecca. It’s a fabulous thing that people share that journey through their writing or any other art, or love of the arts.
      I feel we’ve travelled many miles since we met.
      Heartwarming….yes! Hugs!

  17. I am in the midst of reading Ever So Gently and find that I read two or three poems at a time so as to absorb them and take them with me as I start my day. Resa, you have such a beautiful, gentle manner of presenting Lauren’s poetry. Your interview shone more light on Lauren. Lauren, loved to hear the stories behind your poems, especially the poem about your dear mother-in-law, Diane which resonated with me as my sister, Diana, died at the age of 64.
    Resa, I love that you compared selecting a poem as diving into a box of chocolates.
    I believe that I have a craving for a chocolate! ❤

    1. Thank you, Carol! It’s been great doing this post. Lauren’s poems gave me wing spreading inspiration.
      Ahh, the box of chocolates. Once one starts, it’s hard to stop.
      Enjoy, and if you are doing a review, I’ll definitely read it.
      Cheers!

    2. Aww, Carol, I’m touched by your words, and how you’re absorbing my poems and taking them with you to start your day. What author wouldn’t revel in your words? I appreciate your ongoing support. And I’m glad you enjoyed the stories behind the poems, but I’m sorry to hear about your sister passing so young too. It’s so hard to imagine our loved ones being robbed of so much life. At least, that’s how we feel about Diane, especially since she didn’t get the chance to meet our children.
      I also love Resa’s idea of reading my book like slowly enjoying a box of chocolates. I hope you get some chocolate today! Thanks again for your lovely words. ❤️❤️

      1. Lauren, if you ever think of making a revised edition of Ever So Gently you might want to include what you said in the interview about the inspiration behind the poems. ❤

        1. I had a few glitches with formatting at the end, Carol, so I was just happy to sprint across the finish line. So, I doubt I’ll do a revised edition, but thank you for that suggestion and vote of encouragement. I should’ve thought of that in the beginning. Anyway, I appreciate it, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. ❤️🤗

  18. What a delight this review is, with you and Lauren just having a conversation about the book and how it came to be what it is, illustrated with illustrative lines from the poems themselves. In addition, this has to be the most aesthetically pleasing book review experience (and I use the word “experience” purposely) I’ve ever had. I’m reminded that writers, particularly poets, have always found connections between writing and painting.

    1. Thanks for your wonderful words, Liz! Resa does such an amazing job at creating unique and stunning reviews for each individual book and genre. I’m still in awe and will be for a long time. I can’t fathom a finer complement than the correlation she portrays between paintings and my poetry. And then comparing her reading each poem to choosing a piece of chocolate, brilliant! I think of Sees and a craving has begun. 🩷

    2. Thank you muchly, Liz!
      Experience is the perfect word. I am so busy with drawing, sewing and all of my many non computer activities, that when I read a book; it is an experience.
      I like to share that experience.
      So, I came up with “Outside the Box Reviews”.
      Definitely the arts all inspire and intermingle.
      Paintings inspiring poetry, poetry inspiring music, music inspiring dance, dance inspiring sculpture, – and any mix’n’match thereof and therein.
      I really like your comment, Liz, thank you!

  19. A book of impressionist poetry must be captivating. After reading some of Lauren’s poems, I’m convinced that you are absolutely right! Your recommendation is worth it, dear Resa. Thank you for the introduction and interview.🤗🌹

    2. You are welcome, Alaedin!
      LOVE the term “Impressionist Poetry”.
      That is exactly what free style poetry that expresses these rich emotions is.
      You have coined a term. I will use it whenever appropriate. 🤗🌹🤗🌹

  21. Well, of course, I’m loving this women supporting women post and comments section! Bring on the positive, bring on the poetry, bring on the love! Well done with this feature of Lauren’s book, Resa 💗 And BIG congrats to Lauren!

    1. Yay! Thanks Christy!
      We are a supportive community.
      You will notice some men pals, too!
      It was a satisfying post to make, after the great read I had! xxx

  22. Resa, your reviews are always a creative endeavor. This was a lovely interview with you and Lauren, and nice to learn about what inspires Lauren to write her gorgeous poetry. A stellar review and interview. Hugs xox ❤

  23. It’s such a delight to have met you, Resa, through Lauren’s blog about your interview with her and review of her book. I enjoy this artistic presentation of the post. I love the way you used her book cover as the frame of your quotes and info. Your selection of paintings to connect with the poems/interview are seamless. Your questions brought out the essence of Lauren’s poems.
    Congratulations to you, Lauren, on this exquisite and unusual interview and review.

    1. Hi Miriam, thanks for dropping by Resa’s site. She is so special and has a photographer’s eye and is a fabulous seamstress. I hope you’ll follow her to see more of her incredible creativity. This post and her words describing how she felt about my poetry is sublime, to say the least. I agree with you about the paintings and also love how she framed the poem excerpts with my book cover. Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you’ll get the chance to read my book. 😉 Hugs to you and Resa! 💖💖

      1. I agree with you, Lauren! The presentation of the post for the interview and review is like a painting in a painting. Beautiful! Yes, I followed her and look forward to read more of her posts.
        I’ll be in touch with you through email. ❤ 🙂

    2. Thank you, Miriam!
      I enjoyed the poetry, and so was inspired to make a special Review/post.
      I’m not a writer per se, and don’t really understand how to do a proper review. My outside the box reviews will have to do.

      This is a wonderful comment, and I am honoured by your words.
      Lauren deserves many accolades for her rich Impressionist Poetry!
      Again, many thanks!

      1. I appreciate art, Resa. I don’t have access to street art too much so I don’t have a collection of photos. I draw and do watercolor painting.

        I have too many interests. As I said it once that it would take several parallel lives for me to fully enjoy each interest. For now, I just do a little bit of each. Painting takes time and focus, so it’s easy to say, do it when I have time.

      2. I believe you are a writer, Resa, even though that form of art is not your sole focus. How you weave your words to epitomize the full essence of my poetry or any poets who you feature takes talent and an intuitive heart that understands the poet’s messages. My poetry has never been described as Impressionist Poetry, so I also feel honored. And your out of box reviews are extraordinary and your signature style. I loved your review for More than Coffee, and I love this review even more. Anyway, here it comes….thank you again, too! 🤗🥰❤️🌷

        1. Lauren, thank you back at ya!
          It’s great to have a signature style, sweet that you said that.
          I think Impressionist Poetry should be an actual term.
          Lol! Save a few for Copper. I’ll shower some of your love on my pussy cats!
          xoxoxoxo
          Nothing like a good ol’ fashioned love fest!

  24. Aww, Resa–beautiful, just beautiful interview and you’re so right, Lauren’s poems are read like an Impressionist painting–what genius observation. Thank you. I really enjoyed this. Blessings.

    1. Thank you, and blessings back to you!
      I’m now using the term…”Impressionist Poetry” to describe free verse that is gentle of heart.
      Lauren inspires.

      1. Resa, I’m not sure what to do with all your kindness and praise. 🙂 I love that you coined ‘Impressionist Poetry’ and I’m honored to be the poet who inspired you. Sending hugs of gratitude your way! ❤️❤️❤️

    2. Thanks for reading Resa’s awesome interview and stunning review, Selma. I’m reveling in her ‘Impressionist Poetry’ description. This is a first, and what a first it is! 🙂 I appreciate your wonderful support also! xo

  25. This was such an interesting interview and Diane is such a touching poem, it’s interesting to know what inspired it. It’s so sad she never got to meet her granddaughter. But she’ll always be with them in spirit.
    Great job with the interview!

    1. Thank you! It’s a fabulous book, Impressionist Poetry at it’s finest.
      Diane is a very touching poem. Thank you for this lovely comment!

    2. Thanks for dropping in to read Resa’s full, stunning post and review, Pooja. Diane passed so young and so long ago, and yet my father-in-law suffers and lingers past 100 on hospice. Life is surreal, to say the least. It was sad she didn’t get to meet Steph or Michael, but they feel like they know her from listening to us talk about her often. Thanks again for your support. ❤️

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