seventy-two: a get well card for Uncle Andy

My Uncle Andy recently had surgery on his back. A herniated disk had been giving him all sorts of trouble and indescribable pain. And really, who wants to be laid up when spring is on it’s way?! He has a long road to recovery—here’s hoping its basked in sunshine.

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March 13, 2011

Dear Uncle Andy,

Gramma told me about all your back woes—holy ouch! I get cranky when a headache threatens my afternoon plans so I can only imagine what a set back this has been. I heard your surgery last Monday was successful and that you are well on your way to recovery, making progress everyday.

Since I have no authority for a proper prescription pad, may I suggest a Netflix subscription? I invested in one this year and apple tv—two words: totally awesome. Or perhaps  a really good (big) book: The Beatles by Bob Spitz. This is an all time favorite of mine (and I’m not even a crazy Beatles fan). It’s over 900 pages long but you will read it in a week—I forgot to break for meals when I was devouring it. Spitz did an exhaustive amount of research and it shows in his vivid descriptions of these men’s lives.

I hope you’re back on your feet in no time! We’re going to need you at 100% by June for some good old-fashioned boogieing at Griffin’s wedding…

Love,

Lauren

brownpaperdesigns.com

fifty one: a letter for a woman I’ve never met

My maternal Grandmother died on February 19th over thirty years ago and before I was born. I have seen pictures of her, heard wonderful stories and even read from an old children’s book that belonged to her. But more than anything, I wish I had a chance to know her.

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February 20, 2011

Grandma,

I wonder if I would have called you that, or if you would have preferred Nana or something unconventional and flashy, like Gigi.

I have a picture of you on my dresser, from the 1940’s I believe. You’re visiting Grandpa at the army barracks and you have this lovely little flower tucked behind your ear. You look so youthful and happy. When I picture you in my mind you’re usually wearing that amazing feathered gown you wore to Mom and Dad’s wedding. I know you were so sick then, but the photos don’t show it–at least to me. You were a portrait of style and elegance.

Mom told me we could have shared shoes. I’m 5’11”, just two inches taller than you (and quite tall for a lady)! I have Mom’s nose, which I think she got from you. And her smile (a Grandpa trait) only the space between my teeth was closed with the help of braces. Mom and I have a lot of the same mannerisms. I’m guessing she got a lot of those from you.

If you were alive I’d ask you what Mom was like as a kid—no as a teenager. Did she always do her homework? Did she ‘neck’ boys in your basement? I’d want to know everything—your version of the stories of course. I’d want to hear your stories too. I bet you have lots of good ones.

Everyone tells me how lovely you were, always full of class and grace. I heard you were an excellent piano player too. Every time I hear the song “You Are My Sunshine’ I think of you. I really love the stories about you and your sisters–they are always full of laughter and joy. And I know you were a great mother because you raised a wonderful woman who’s been the best mom a girl could ask for. I am so grateful for that. She’s my best friend and my biggest supporter. I know it’s hard for her, not having you around. But I like to think you’ve been watching over us all this time.

I hope to know you, someday, somehow. In the meantime I will keep your memory close to my heart.

With love,

Your Granddaughter

forty-five: Valentine love

My second favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day. I know, I know. I should hate it, but I am weak in the presence of pink and red hearts. And since I was completely delinquent this holiday season on the card front, I decided to send Valentines to my friends and family.

I love the novelty of conversation hearts (comes with the territory of favoring a “Hallmark Holiday”) so I designed a candy-inspired card of my favorite things. It should be noted, I have a hard time committing to ‘favorites’. In an attempt to convert V-Day haters, I enclosed a pass-along Valentine of the fill-in-the-blank variety: I LOVE YOU MORE THAN_________.

Hope you had a Happy Heart Day!

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MY FAVORITE THINGS

the sea, rubies, proper chats, typewriters, sunshine, curiosity, concerts, grilled cheese, peonies, old photos, martinis, love letters, a good book, pearls, bicycles, bubble gum, London, tea, quick wit, sequin, dinner parties, stripes, the movies, pinkberry… and a zillion other wonderful somethings!

xxo

(In full disclosure, I misspelled rubies on the valentine. Ooops! This is what happens when you hustle folks. I had them printed and then jetted, realizing my mistake as I addressed them at 30,000 feet. Please forgive me!)

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Printed by the wonderful Village Copier. Envelopes from Paper Presentation.

thirty-four: a thank you for Toni + Tim

I look after Toni and Tim’s three children–the most well behaved, precocious little people. After spending a few years with this family, they’ve become part of mine. I hope to have a marriage like their’s someday. And should I ever have children of my own, I can only aspire to raise them as well.

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February 3, 2011

Toni and Tim,

Thank you so much for the dainty little bracelet. It’s lovely and so unique. Those gorgeous blue stones leave me longing for summer and the beach! I’m so glad you two were able to escape and get some sunshine.

Thank you for your constant thoughtfulness and many sweet gestures! I’m so lucky to have your family in my life.

All the best,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

thirty-one: a (typed) thank you for Charles

My friend Charles is a brilliant photographer and exceedingly thoughtful. I mentioned that I was on the hunt for a typewriter, for my letter writing. And to my complete surprise he gifted me the most gorgeous typewriter, ever. I’m rethinking my furniture layout to accommodate a proper desk (read: pedestal) for the sweet valentine.

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January 31, 2011

Charles,

This thank you note is a paltry attempt to show my gratitude for the sweet valentine typewriter. It’s only been a few hours and already we’re getting along swimmingly. I think we might be soul mates. And you know how I feel about that word.

I hope I showed the appropriate amount of excitement and appreciation today. You caught me completely off guard. I am astounded. I couldn’t have dreamed up a more beautiful machine. Everything about it is perfect—the color, the compactness, and that brilliant name: valentine. It is my new favorite thing. I can’t imagine what will bump it from top billing. I will keep it forever and treasure it always. Thank you.

I am touched by your thoughtfulness and tremendous generosity. And I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful friend. I will never forget this amazing present (worlds better than a first-aid kit) or the happiness I feel today, typing away… click, click, click. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yours truly,

Lauren

P.S. Please excuse the typos, valentine and I need a few more hours of practice.

P.P.S. You were spot on about the finger muscles.

Paper Cup letter paper

twenty seven: a letter for Mom

A big snow storm dumped twenty inches of snow in Manhattan. My Mom, a former flight attendant, sprung into action and switched my flight. Three cheers!

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January 27, 2011

Mom,

Big THANKS for rescheduling my flight. I wouldn’t want to be stuck in an airport all-day, but I also wouldn’t protest to a few more days of sunshine. Los Angeles is a very fine city. I could do without the driving, but the beaches are lovely, the vegetables are so fresh and the people are quite friendly. I’ve even adjusted to my roommate’s snoring, wink.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night! Be careful in the cold! And thanks again.

Lauren

Xxo

P.S. I so love the novelty of hotel writing paper.

P.P.S. I bought a lot (a way lot) of pretty stationery + cards this trip.

 

five: a birthday card for Mr. Wonderful

 

Today someone special turns another year older. Happy Birthday Dad!

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Dad,

Wishing my most favorite someone a most wonderful birthday. I hope this year is better than the last few (for both of us–can I get in on your birthday wish?). May it be full of good health, happiness, and great golf. And maybe some coconut cake too. I love you so very much. Happy Birthday Mr. Wonderful/U.P./Dad!

Love,

Lauren xxo

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Old Tom Foolery birthday card