MORE THAN COFFEE: Book by Lauren Scott & Priorhouse Interview

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Hello Readers.

Today’s Interview features author Lauren Scott  

Starting note –  this is the final Priorhouse Interview for Spring 2023. The spring series included Restless Jo (here), Liz Gauffreau (here), Dan Antion (here), Linda Schaub (here), Sherri Matthews (here), Dan Fenner (here), Miriam Hurdle (here), and today’s post with Lauren.    The Interviews will resume again later this year.  Some interviews will help promote the Book, This is How We Grow, with stories and poems for Perspective Taking (available on Amazon and Kindle)

  • One of the main reasons for this interview is to share about Lauren Scott’s book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose.
  • My review of the book is on Good Reads (here) and the book is briefly explored in this post.  
  • Also, if you drink coffee and/or tea, you might enjoy our brief chat about different types of mugs.

PRIOR: Lauren, thank you so much for making the time for this interview. Can you share a little about yourself?

LAUREN: Since my teen years, I’ve always had journals to jot down my random thoughts or emotions, but I began sharing on my blog, baydreamerwrites.com, over a decade ago. Writing poetry has been a joyful experience but also cathartic during difficult times. I also enjoy writing memoir and have dabbled in fiction short stories. Recently, I developed an interest in attempting children’s stories, when inspiration came at full speed, so I have completed two children’s books that have not yet been published. But I have finished the manuscript for one of them, so I have passed it along to my illustrator, and I’m excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to see the finished book.

My husband, Matt, and I have been married for thirty-four years, together for thirty-five years.

We have two grown children

And we have a cuddly Labrador, Copper.

PRIOR: Copper seems like a great dog. I enjoyed the post about Copper: “A Labrador writes a poem…”  

LAUREN: I have authored two collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013) and Finding a Balance (2015), and my latest book, More than Coffee: Memories in Verse and Prose was published in 2021.  My poetry has been included in several anthologies, and I am a published author at Spillwords.com. Currently, another poetry collection is in progress that will hopefully be released in June 2023.

PRIOR: Best wishes with that book release.

LAUREN: Thanks,Yvette. Recent backpacking trips with my husband, along the California coast and Sierra Nevada mountains, have stirred up thoughts to pen about fear, loss of friendship, overcoming challenges, nature, of course, and the possibility that anything can happen.

©Lauren Scott
©Lauren Scott

These wilderness adventures provided a myriad of writing inspiration for the book More than Coffee, as well as for my upcoming book.

Speaking of my upcoming book, the title is Ever So Gently, and will be a larger compilation of poetry, mostly freeverse, but with a modicum of syllabic poems in forms such as Haiku, Tanka, Shadorma, Oddquain, and Etheree. There are three different themes that will be woven from the first page to the last: my love of nature; Love in a romantic form, a deep love after 35 years together, and love for family; and lastly, poems about the many pieces in the puzzle of life, along with the beautiful brush strokes of life’s painting that begins as a blank canvas…joy discovered in many facets, dealing with loss and heartache, the effects of climate change, and a hint of personification.

My writing projects are sometimes serious – drawn from painful subjects and raw emotions – or they spotlight my silly side – pulled from humorous moments.

As you can discern, I am inspired to write about family, love, loss, and nature – the marvelous wild world, the smell of the woods, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chorus of birds singing.

PRIOR: That is another thing your writing brings to the world – you let us feel nature with you.

LAUREN: Nature has so much to offer if we simply open our eyes. Hikes along a local creek remind me that life is fragile. From seeing trout hatchlings to swallowtail butterflies, I marvel at how the world is interconnected and every living thing matters.

©Lauren Scott

Yvette, my honest wish is that my readers will find a little nugget of delight, comfort, or understanding in my poetry and stories – I hope every reader will find some detail that resonates with them beyond my words.

PRIOR: Well that is what I took away from More than Coffee when I read it – I felt the “little delights and comforts”. That book is what led to this interview. I bought a softcover copy from Amazon and enjoyed reading a few selections each day for an entire month. I found that your very personal selections were also universal and written in a way that lets us experience many of the memories and reflections with you.

From the back cover of the book:

 “More than Coffee is a memoir that paints a picture of young dreams and fears through short stories and poetry. But in adulthood, these dreams and fears transform. This collection touches on love and loss, nature and endurance, marriage and parenting. Humor diffuses fear, and taking risks proves to be a powerful method in boosting self-confidence. Through it all, whether in the wilderness near a sparkling lake or in the comfort of home, there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee. This book is a reflective collection of verse and prose best enjoyed sipping your favorite coffee roast, or your preferred beverage.”

PRIOR: It really is a great book to go in and out of. While the Kindle e-version might be ideal for some folks –  other readers might want to consider the soft cover of More than Coffee because the experience of reading will be different. It makes a great coffee table book.  Here are the links:

I liked all the entries in More than Coffee and one that stood out was the short poem called Wealth:

Wealth

It’s a postage-stamp dwelling
with a few chips and dents,
but within the walls lie
giggles and imaginations.
Love enfolds itself
into every crevice…
a wealth much greater.

©Lauren Scott

LAUREN: That poem has a personal connection, so I’m glad you liked it too.

PRIOR: I also liked the selection 1989.

LAUREN: 1989 is one of my favorites, a story that tells the funny tale of how I met my husband, and how I’m so grateful now, that after 34 years of being happily married to each other, 35 years together, he is my best friend and I am his. We complement each other. Communication is key in any relationship, so it has been a constant in ours. We talk about everything and have held each other up in times of sorrow. Our life has also given us much to celebrate, and he is the subject of many of my poems.

Another favorite is the story, The Way It Was, which is about my childhood dream as a nine-year-old. I wanted to sing professionally and that dream wound its way into high school where I shared how an amazing teacher encouraged me to step out of the box I had trapped myself in regarding the types of songs I sang. I learned something new and great about myself. Moments in the spotlight were not only fun, they were beyond thrilling.

However, that story, The Way It Was, also touches on the transformation of dreams and that it is okay to have more than one dream. We are in control of our own choices, so if we decide to slide into a new lane, it’s alright. Dreams are allowed to change shapes as we grow, without regrets, but with many special memories. Gratitude is also key in this story.

PRIOR: That might be one of my favorite quotes from you:

“Dreams are allowed to change shapes as we grow, without regrets…”

It is wise – encouraging – and something many of us need to embrace.  I also like your resilient outlook and I think the wellness messages layered in your book can edify and model wellness ideas.

LAUREN:  I love that you have discovered the many layers of messages in my memories. More than Coffee isn’t just about sharing my experiences or even drinking coffee. It’s about the subtle life messages that I’ve sprinkled throughout the book, hoping they’ll enlighten or resonate with my readers, and this book spotlights the people and places that have enriched my life.

PRIOR: Speaking of coffee in the title of your book, what is your favorite brand of coffee?

LAUREN: My favorite coffee is Peet’s dark roast blend called Major Dickenson’s. Peet’s is a popular local coffee shop downtown, a five-minute drive, or a lovely twenty-minute walk.

PRIOR: Do you have a favorite mug?

LAUREN: As to a favorite mug, you wouldn’t think this would be difficult to answer, but I love mugs! I collect them like kids used to collect baseball cards. I can’t choose just one, so I’ll name a few: my daughter and I used to watch “Friends” so I love the “Friends” mug she gave me. My son gave me a pretty blue mug with Rise and Shine on the front, another favorite.

©Lauren Scott

Both of these mugs are big enough so that I can use my milk frother for a foamy touch similar to a latte. And then I have several matching sets that my husband and I have bought on trips we’ve taken – all sentimental.

©Lauren Scott

LAUREN: I have to say that every mug that sits on the shelf in the cupboard holds some kind of significance.

PRIOR: Oh how fun that you enjoy a variety of cups/mugs.  I do not collect coffee mugs, but sometimes my husband will tease me when I go shopping and he will say, “No more mugs…” ha  – and he might say, “no more bags, pillows, or places to sit” – 🙂

LAUREN: I know what you mean…my husband will say the same about no more mugs!

PRIOR: Well we both know that the mug we use depends on the beverage. Black coffee? Any small mug will do. And for tea? Depends on the kind of tea I am using. I used to make loose leaf tea but I have found what I like in bags. I know some folks will cringe to read that (like maybe Janet–  ha – and FYI – here is her interesting post about Irish Breakfast Tea).

LAUREN: One kind of hot tea that I enjoy is Yogi Mango Ginger. Once in a while on a winter evening, a hot cup of tea hits the spot and both of those flavors are favorites. When winter arrives, an occasional hot chocolate hits the spot. Who would’ve thought marshmallows could be so entertaining! Hot chocolate used to be more of a staple years ago when our children were little. Now though, the kids and my husband and I don’t eat marshmallows (after learning the ingredients, reading labels of the foods we eat began years ago) 🙂 .  Iced tea is my go-to drink when the sun bears down with all its might in the summer months. 

PRIOR: I am glad you mentioned the seasons because I actually drink less coffee/tea in summer months. Do you have a favorite season?

LAUREN: I love the renewal of spring, the colorful blooms poking up through the soil, inviting inspiration and hope. Warm tones of autumn and cooler temperatures bring a sense of relief following the heat of summer. But there is something also relaxing about sitting on our patio on a calm summer evening, feeling a balmy breeze pirouette around us. I also love the coziness that winter brings. We enjoy fires crackling in the fireplace, lighting candles and reveling in their soothing ambience, and feeling grateful that we are tucked inside our cozy home when the rain falls in droves, the wind blows aggressively, while the temperature plummets.

It’s really hard to narrow down all the wonderful past memories into one favorite season. Many seasons brought joy and some brought buckets of tears. The summer and fall months from 2017 to last year when my husband began taking me backpacking will always be special. By this time, I was in my mid-fifties, had some reservations, but I also felt determined, wanting to get that pack on my back and my boots on the trail. I write about my journey in one of the stories, “Ascent.” I express my joy of accomplishment while also grieving the passing of my father. At this time, both of my parents had passed. A chapter in my life I had to slowly process.

All the summers of taking our young children camping and showing them the beauty of the great outdoors, another favorite “season.”

My favorite season, though, isn’t about weather, but rather, about family in a more simple, yet profound manner. My husband and I entered into the empty nest “season” two years ago. Our daughter and son both now live across the country. They are chasing their dreams and we are proud of them. And as much as we talk, text, and visit as often as possible, it’s not enough “in person” time for me. So, my favorite season of all is when our grown children are home to visit and we are all together.

PRIOR: I enjoyed what you shared about seasons. The weather seasons – and then the seasonal changes we experience with family and life’s milestones. It was so well said and it has been a highlight of this interview for me.

LAUREN: It has been fun to share today. Thanks again, Yvette, for this wonderful opportunity to talk about my book, and I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed it.

PRIOR: I enjoyed it for an entire month and I look forward to your release of Ever So Gently. Another highlight of this interview was the brief chat about mugs and coffee/tea. 



Questions for readers:

Thanks for joining us today for the last of the spring 2023 interviews. To see all of the Priorhouse Interviews  – go here. 

REMINDER: The #Dickenschallenge runs until June 9th… Inviting you to read ONE novella (or more novellas) and then chat with us in June (info here) (hosts are Trent, Marsha, and Yvette)

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131 thoughts on “MORE THAN COFFEE: Book by Lauren Scott & Priorhouse Interview”

  1. This is a delightful interview, Yvette and Lauren! 35 years is a very long time. Good to see all the photos of nature. I know what you meant by saying no more mugs, or your husband saying it. I have a collection of mugs from our travels. Some are only good for decorations because they’re fancy with gold trims. I didn’t want to bring them when we moved. It was my husband who was sentimental about the memories.
    Congratulations on your many upcoming books, Lauren.

    Great series of interviews, Yvette. I took six months off, so I missed all the posts except Sherri’s. I’ll catch up to read some of them.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks for reading Yvette’s great interview, Miriam. I’m glad you enjoyed. It was lots of fun, and I’m happy you can relate to the mugs. I don’t need anymore, but I know more will find their place in the cupboard. 🙂 Thanks also for your good wishes with my upcoming books. Greatly appreciated! Yvette creates wonderful interviews and I’m honored to be a part of the series. 💖

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Miriam, I am glad you were able to take time off – and I did not realize it was six months – that is pretty awesome too (and please don’t feel like you have to read all the interviews – but I am sure glad you made it for this one)
      I have seen the mugs with the gold (or silver) trim and they can be quite fancy – and your comment reminded me that when we move it is a great time to part ways with certain things.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We started getting ready to sell our house back in August last year. The agents wanted us to empty our home of 31 years. They had never lived in any house for 31 years. One agent said we have to keep the momentum. We were so stressed out. From August on, there was nothing else on my mind let alone the inspiration for writing. It has been more than six months since I kind of disappeared. I’m glad to be back. We don’t have to do too much for the next two projects, just watch things going.

        We parted many many things for sure. Now I only keep enough clothes for the closet and drawers. That’s an example.

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  2. Another great interview to start my day. Thanks for introducing me to Lauren, Yvette. She sounds like she has her life sorted and is in a good place. Just back from seeing my youngsters in the UK, the bit about family resonates with me.. Definitely time to put the kettle on over here!

    Liked by 2 people

        1. And Jo, when I was finding my “como se llama” coffee mug image for this post, I found this super fun image of your daughter with the teacup hat! that sure fits this post and is a one of a kind hat

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    3. Hi Restless Jo, I can hear the kettle whistling….
      and thank you for joining us for Lauren’s interview and she does seem to be in a comfortable place with her empty nest mode. Glad your trip back to the UK was enjoyable… sounds like a great Easter visit

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Sweet interview with Lauren! I too love Yogi Mango Ginger tea, and I love Lauren’s poetry. Well done, Yvette 💖

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Paula, I have not yet tried the Mango Ginger tea from Yogi, but my brother-n-law buys that brand and I have tried some of their other varieties – and now I will now add it to my list to try… so thanks to both you and Lauren for that
      and we appreciate you checking out this interview 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi Vj, that is such a fun part of these interviews – the possibility for connecting and networking.
      I hope you are having a nice week so far 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Hi Yvette,
    Thanks again for this fun interview to talk about More than Coffee and all that my book encompasses. And I love your review and these lines: “The entries in More than Coffee let us feel nature, relationships, life reflections, and universal experiences from the author’s life – that were all written in ways we can easily relate with her. This book also would make a great gift because of the universal appeal – and the author’s wellness and uplifting energy that is layered in her writing.” My heart is happy! I just have to say I appreciate this opportunity that really felt like we were sitting together, sipping coffee or tea, chatting and laughing up a storm. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lauren, the pleasure was mine and as noted, I ended up enjoying your book for a month – in small savoring amounts and that is why I really suggest folks get the paperback copy of this book – because it would make a great coffee table book – and that has nothing to do with the title having coffee in it. ha.
      And recently I realized a wonderful part of being an author – it is the intrinsic meaning and joy that comes from sharing our work. I know people put together books for many reasons – and the aspect I saw while doing this interview with you – is how some books – like More than Coffee – are these kind of “time capsules” – with our essence and memories and ideas packaged up to share with the world – and that sharing is in ways we might not ever fully see – but we put the book out there – then do our share to promo and all – but we might not ever see how people receive or interact with it.

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      1. Hi Yvette, I love how you stress getting the paperback would make for a better experience in reading More than Coffee. I order paperbacks if they’re an option only because I love the feel of the book in my hands and the turning of the pages. Not to mention, in addition to mugs, I collect books! LOL My bookcase is bursting at the seams, so I know at some time, I’ll have to rotate some books out if I want to add to the gathering of stories and poetry sitting on the shelves. If an e-book is the only option, then I’ll buy it, but reading from another screen isn’t my favorite thing to do (as I work off a screen right now 🙂 ).
        And what you wrote about my book and many that are like time capsules is so well said and appreciated. That’s it, we put our books out there, but unless someone shares their review, we don’t know their reaction. But that’s another thing in life we have to let go, I suppose.
        I didn’t write reviews in the beginning either. Only after I had blogged for a few years and sunk into the groove, so to speak, did I begin writing them. It can feel a bit intimidating at first, but once you begin and learn to write from the heart, knowing that you don’t have to write a thesis, the process begins to flow. Thanks again! 🥰

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Hi! I also appreciate that your book was reasonably priced for the paperback
          Some authors overprice the print edition and I know they deserve to make money – but I sure do like a fair price for a book!
          ☀️☀️📚📚
          And I think you and I have chatted about writing reviews a little before – and i so agree that what keeps folks away is the feeling of not wanting to write a thesis (or not able to) or they do not realize a simple review can also mean a lot – something as simple as “four stars and I really enjoyed the surprise ending” could suffice –
          But then again / everyone is different / a while back a blogger was compassing about not liking it when someone left a “good post” comment !
          And I d say they are missing out on appreciating diversity in readers!
          Anyhow – – I am glad you liked my review and so glad that we did this interview in April

          Liked by 1 person

        2. I’ve seen some higher priced books too, and I think it’s a bit much. Self-published authors don’t make money. That’s not why I self-publish. I want my books in print for my family, to create a little creative legacy, and to share with others so that they might find something they relate to, etc. Exactly what I said in the interview. It’s not a money-maker. 🙂 And I agree with what you said about writing reviews. Sometimes, I’m tempted to ask people when I know they’ve read my book, but I’m not going to ask. I feel funny about doing that. I’m still doing a happy dance from your interview. 💖

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        3. Hi – some authors do make a little money with their books – but I am sure it varies
          and I have asked folks for reviews and they say yes but they don’t do it – sigh
          like my MIL and her husband loved Avian Friends and I asked them to leave reviews but
          they didnt – same thing with cousin Nancy – I saved the note she gave me though – and so at the end
          of the day – I do feel the joy of knowing they enjoyed a book even without the leaving a reviews

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Great interview, Yvette! It’s also fun to discover someone else that collects mugs. I call them mugs, or beakers, and have a mismatched collection that I use the most. Right now I’m using my North American Indian red one for my morning tea. I bought at a Pow-Wow I attended. I don’t have a favorite I just use them seasonally, or by how I feel.
    I’m a black tea drinker with milk/cream and sugar. I only drink coffee when out. I say I’m a social coffee drinker. 😃☕

    Thank you for this introduction to Lauren. I love poetry so will be checking out her work.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi – it is so fun learning more about what people drink and the “social coffee drinker” brought a smile. hahah – like those who only smoke once in a while when out socially (I guess)
      and the black tea sounds classic and I have two different black tea brands that make my life better. mmmmm – tea
      and the mug from the pow wow sounds like a good purchase – and I imagine it was handmade???

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Another fun interview Yvette I love how you go off on a tangent today’s is cups/mugs of which I have a few(cough) I rarely drink coffee not because I don’t like it but because I prefer other drinks…tea I only drink Oolong that has been hand-rolled or Camomile…I am lucky that there are so many choices of leafed tea here…Lauren seems happy with her lot in life and her plans for future books are going well…I love the idea of a book you can keep maybe beside your bed or on a coffee table to dip in and out …A lovely post Yvette 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Carol, thanks for your lovely comment and for reading this wonderful and fun interview that Yvette put together. Her review of my book has me on cloud 9 again. And her chat about mugs was super fun. I have too many, so if I want to add to the collection, I’ll have to make some tough decisions. 🙂 Thanks again!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Carol, I am not sure how the tangent of mugs came up – but I am so glad it did because it has been fun learning more about others – not just Lauren’s – but some of the readers who chimed in and I guess it is fun to think about how diverse some of the cupboards are with a mix of various mugs. We used to use our friend’s lake house (at Xmas) for years (Thanks Ron) and one of their cupboards had the mix of mugs and plastic cups from restaurants and events. A lot of personality—
      —
      oh and I agree – that Lauren seems happy with her lot – and she has a gift for writing about the many aspects of life – and not just trying to make everything sound rosy

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Yvette yes she does and as we know life isn’t “rosy” and sometimes not even half of the time but when it is-smile- I love discovering other people’s collections of mugs/cups and kitchen kitsch and hearing the stories behind them my thing is collecting Christmas china and it has been around the world with me-smile- I hope you are having a fabulous week 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Oh the Christmas china sounds wonderful – and expensive !
          And how awesome it has been around the world with you

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        2. Not always, Yvette as I scour the little shops and markets… Sadly I have found a couple of lovely china dishes here nothing related to christmas however I am off to Oz in May and will be looking some little nik nak shops and who​ knows what I will find 😊

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  9. Hi Yvette and Lauren! I just read this fantastic interview on Lauren’s blog but I also wanted to stop by yours, Yvette, to say hello and tell you how much I enjoyed learning more about Lauren’s writing projects. Thanks so much!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Book Club Mom (Barb) thanks for coming to both posts! I will be over to visit soon – I have not seen any posts of yours in my reader and i was just thinking about you the other day…..

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Another fun interview, Yvette. I’ve been following Lauren for a while and yet I still learned something new! Two children’s books in the works. That sounds wonderful and I’m looking forward to them. I read More Than Coffee and loved how relatable it was. Lauren’s positivity, love, and connection to nature shines through.

    My husband and I have an espresso/latte machine and we’re addicted to that first cup in the morning. We used to buy two mugs to commemorate our hiking vacations, but we’ve had to scale back to one per trip! Too many mugs! Lol Wonderful post, my friends. Time to make another latte. Yum.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Diana,
      Thanks for commenting in both places! This was so much fun to do with Yvette, and glad you can relate to the mug addiction. So many unique and fun choices! And yes, two children’s books have been written, one is in the possession of my illustrator for brainstorming along with my ideas. I hope to see that in print by the end of the year. I’m giving it plenty of time. 🙂 We also have an espresso machine, so we toggle between old Mr. Coffee and a quick espresso. No latte though. I have to pay for those. LOL But the milk frother gives that foamy effect. Cheers and enjoy your latte, and thanks again! Hugs!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Yes, that’s what we do: make espresso, froth milk with a touch of cream, and then for added enjoyment, pop it all in the blender! And I make my own spicy sprinkles. It’s rather an ordeal to get a cup of joe around here. Lol

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi D. – thanks for joining us for this interview – and your take on lauren’s book.
      Also, appreciate you sharing about mugs/coffee
      I can relate to scaling back on the mugs.
      Your espresso/latte machine has me curious – I was just chatting with Trent (briefly) about how we used to have one of those large espresso makes that also had a frother – mmmmm –

      Is yours a DeLonghi? Just curious

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Oh thanks !
          What Cana make living in a cabin even better ? A kick asss coffee machine like that!
          Earlier this year my son (in TX) experimented with roasting his own coffee beans and so now my husband does it too
          And it is easy / he uses a popcorn air popper ! Anyhow – that is for another post some day
          Hope you have a great rest of the week

          Liked by 1 person

  11. This was a great interview, Lauren and Yvette! I enjoyed getting to know you both a bit better. I’m not coffee drinker (did I hear a gasp? lol!). The smell and taste are revolting to me. I do, however, love to drink tea. I prefer organic green tea or herbal blends, nothing with too much caffeine.

    Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
    http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much for reading, Yvette! And no gasp from me. 🙂 It’s funny, I love the smell of coffee, but I can’t drink it black. I have to add a little cream and sugar. Your tea sounds good too! Thanks again! 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi author Yvette Calleiro – I did gasp when you said you did not like the “smell” of coffee because I know so many non-coffee drinkers who like the scent but not the taste –
      but I guess there is nothing appealing to you at all.
      and Lauren, I agree – Yvette’s organic green or herbal teas sounds so good.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I grew up with my dad making Cuban coffee on the weekends, and I always hated the smell. To me, American coffee smells just as bad. There was a time that I couldn’t walk into a Starbucks without wanting to gag. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately…lol!), my love for their tea allows me to tolerate the smell of their store long enough to grab my tea and go. And I can now handle being around someone who is drinking coffee without feeling repulsed by the smell. As long as it’s not directly under my nose, I’ve become more tolerant. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Oh wow – you grew up around Cuban coffee – mmmmmm / but I understand that it makes you cringe
          My MIL cannot drink milk because she was raised on a farm and just never liked it
          /
          And I had to laugh when you mentioned Starbucks because they do not seem like a true coffee shop anymore
          Well they do sell black coffee and bags of their blends – but they seem to be factory for the high sugar rinks and most of their customers are NOT coffee drinkers – it is all about pricy sugar drinks
          And with their tea – I am not too concerned about it but the bags they use have plastic pyramids sieves and those are supposed to not be that good (don’t know enough about the plastics) and so I don’t get their tea anymore –
          Well maybe once in a while
          And in my last visit / had a hot chai for the first time in many years / it was sooooio good
          Thanks for coming back to comment – it had been nice to get to know you a little more

          Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Lauren, it has been fun thinking about different mugs/cups. I have a nice set of cups from Crate&Barrell – 16 oz mugs, 4 oz ones and then then the little espresso cups. They mostly sit unused in a cupboard – sigh – but I like having them for times we had family or friends over for dinner (which is not often anymore – hmmm) but they were fun to get out and use

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I can relate to having mugs or cups and saucers for special occasions or for entertaining. We have our wedding cups and saucers that sadly sit unused. Once in a blue moon, we’ll use them. They’re also smaller, so not good for using the milk frother. The fun mugs seem to get more attention. I like what you said in another comment, bowls with handles. Some mugs are huge! That would be one gigantic cup of coffee or tea! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Hi / I think someone else first used the bowl with handle term – so I just quoted them
          But do you remember when those were in ?
          We got ours from Pier 1 and I thought they were so fun – but yes
          Much too large

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    1. Hi Jan, thanks for reading Yvette’s great interview that I enjoyed very much. As to hiking, we’re in our sixties and we’ll continue to get on the trail and pitch the tent for as long as our bodies allow. 🙂 Those mugs have been a hit and your mocha sounds delicious.

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    2. Hi JT – I know the kind of mugs you are talking about – “bowls with the handles” — and we had a set of green and blue ones and liked them a lot. I remember that those same large mugs were in a scene in The Bourne Identity.

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  16. Yvette and Lauren, this is a wonderful interview. I loved Lauren’s book, More Than Coffe and it is perfect to dip back into. Your line Lauren, “Dreams are allowed to change shapes as we grow, without regrets…” is loving and so wise. Thank you, Yvette, for this thoughtful interview with our lovely Lauren. xXx 💕

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    2. Hi Jane,
      I’m playing catch up now, so thanks for your beautiful words and support. I loved doing this interview with Yvette! She made it so easy and fun, and it was an honor to be featured on her blog. Hugs to you both. xo

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  17. What a fun post! I particularly enjoyed the discussions about tea and coffee, and the how different they taste in different cups/mugs! I have one special mug that’s my coffee mug. I use it from the time I wake up in the morning to 11am which is my self-imposed coffee deadline. After that time, I have to delicate porcelain cups that take it in turns to hold my green tea with jasmine.
    I don’t know if it’s psychological or what, but drinking out of different mugs/cups really does seem to affect my enjoyment of the coffee/tea!

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    1. Thanks so much for joining us for this interview and Lauren is offline until May
      But when she gets back I know she will enjoy your comment and relate to what you shared!
      And it did leave me curious as to how mugs and cups vary and the using of them does too!
      And good idea to have that deadline for no more coffee after 11 – ☕️☀️

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      1. I turned 70 this year and if I have coffee much later than 11am, I pay for it at night. The joys of getting older. 😀

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        1. Well sometimes it is not an age thing – it is a body terrain thing – and maybe even type of caffeine ??
          Like I had to stop drinking “Taylor’s” black tea – it made me shaky!
          I can not drink Taxa “awake” regular black tea – also messes with like Taylor’s / but Tazo Aeake that is organic agrees with me !
          I also like newman’s own organic black tea –
          My body really notices a difference with organic black teas
          Hmmmm

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        2. Now that’s interesting. I wonder if there’s something in the manufacturing? process that disagrees with you? Or perhaps the non-organic teas are loaded with more caffeine?
          I don’t like black teas very much so if I don’t feel like green tea I’ll sometimes just have a cup of tea with lemon and sugar…without the tea! Honestly, I can’t even taste the difference.

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        3. First of all, it is so much fun chatting about coffee, tea, and hot water
          and I had to smile with your comment about the lemon and sugar without the tea
          – and how good it tastes – because the first time I heard of doing that was with Maureen Kennedy Salaman, well-known author and early health guru with ideas about alternative therapies) and on her TV show in fall 1990, she mentioned drinking hot water with lemon.
          Then, Deepka Chopra suggested this in one of his books – to sip hot water during a chilly day and it can energize.

          Anyhow, back in 2013, I was stranded at my cousin’s house in Buffalo during a terrible winter storm – just a couple of days we hunkered down – and that was then the Keurig was all trending and so much fun – anyhow, we were up talking and talking and I could not have one more cup of anything – so I drank hot water and enjoyed it immensely.

          And with the no-organic teas – I am puzzled! I heard there could even be traces of heavy metals in some teas??? All I know is organic black tea does make a difference for me. (psychosomatic? – ha)

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        4. Very weak tea with sugar and lemon has been part of my life since I was a kid. I think it was a European thing as we never drank tea with milk! From there it really wasn’t a big step to leaving out the tea altogether.
          I might actually try the hot water without anything myself. I’m not a big fan of water but I know I should drink more of the stuff. lol
          No idea about organic tea, but I know that home grown fruit and veg that hasn’t been sprayed with anything tastes a million times better than shop-bought. 😀

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  18. Not sure you read my comment on Laurens blog but I loved your interview❣️
    So utterly clever and love how you brought coffee and mugs into the picture with great shots you have taken! Nicely done Yvette!!! 💞

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    1. Cindy / thanks and I just came from your blog so we are crossing paths in the atmosphere – ha
      And I am soooo excited about your book – sending good vibes your way as you finish up the last parts

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  19. I’m a bit late to this final Spring interview party Yvette but I enjoyed your interview with Lauren, whom I “met” when she commented on the interview you and I did last month. We chatted about hiking and walking in her beautiful state of California and discussed shoes as well. I had read Lauren’s About Page at that time, but your interview really enhanced what a great writer Lauren is. I really liked the photos used here in the interview and smiled about the coffee cups. I collected teddy bears for years, having started that collection at around age 40. (On a lark, my mom bought me a bear as I couldn’t have them when I was young as I was allergic to stuffed animals.) I have some fun teddy bear mugs that I use sometimes, but most mornings I just grab the first mug I see to get caffeinated and on the road to walk once it’s light.

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    1. Hi Linda, I’ve been on a blog break, so no worries! We visit when we can, and I appreciate you taking the time to read Yvette’s wonderful interview. The mugs were a fun and relatable addition. Happy hiking!

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      1. Yvette really does put a lot of effort into her interviews Lauren … same to you with the hiking and I hope your rainy days in California are soon behind you! We have snow showers as I write this comment and a light dusting of snow overnight. A little unusual, but it’s not breaking any weather records.

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        2. Finally, it has felt like Spring the last couple of days … I thought we would never get here. I enjoyed reading and commenting on all your interviews Yvette – they were very well done.

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    1. Hi – thanks for the feedback on the come se llama mug!
      I don’t have it anymore but it was a special mug also because it was good quality (a type of porcelain that sorta looked like ceramic but wasn’t) and at 16 oz was a good size for a hearty cup of tea!

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    2. Hi Tierney, I like how you said “cozy moments with my cup of tea” – because it connected so well with the vibe of this post
      🙂
      hope your month is off to a nice start

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  22. A lovely interview Yvette and Lauren. It’s always nice learning what inspires our stories. Congrats on the upcoming book too Lauren. Hugs ❤

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  23. Such a great interview, Y and Lauren! It’s so nice to see the book getting lots of attention. And I loved the mugs, all of them! Now I’m going to go make cups of tea for the three of us 💗🫖🍵

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    2. Hi Diane – if only coffee could always taste the way that first morning cup tastes – mmmm – but later in the day is never the same

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