twenty-three: a birthday card for Todd

My family used to summer vacation with Todd’s family. We’d cram into the backseat of a minivan and try not to kill each other before we got where we were going. Our parents wised up and rented a conversion van every summer there after–we each had our own bench. I knew Todd before puberty, saw him through a few cases of athlete’s foot and shared a turducken with him on Christmas. I expect we’ll know each other for many years to come.

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January 23, 2011

Happy Birthday Todd!  I saw this card and thought of you, wink. I hope you have an awesome day (maybe the Jets will give you a big win?!). Let’s have a proper celebratory drink soon. I’ll even throw in a cupcake if you promise to play nice. Best wishes for the year ahead friend!

Lauren xxo

P.S. Did you realize we’re going on eighteen years of friendship… pretty crazy.

Spitfire Girl

twenty: a thank you for the bosses

Almost since it opened, I’ve been working part time at Pink on Palmer, a bath and beauty shop in Larchmont. It’s a place where people genuinely like their coworkers, which makes parties all the more fun.

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January 20, 2011

Dearest Judy and Abbie,

I am completely smitten with my new Vanessa Bruno bag! Thank you so very much. The sequined trim is my favorite part—it’s an insta-party. How did you know I had been secretly eyeing them since they arrived?! You are so thoughtful and generous.

I had such a wonderful time dining with you ladies tonight (even though my party-assistant position was revoked and I landed on the loosing trivia team). Thanks for hosting the shindig and for being the best part-time bosses a girl could ask for.

All the best,

Lauren

kate spade

nineteen: a letter for Kristin

Kristin and I met on the driving range at age six. I regrettably stood in her backswing. All was forgotten soon after and thus began a twenty-plus year friendship that has endured the nineties, sunburns, boyfriends (good + bad) and of course distance. She is my oldest friend.

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January 19, 2011

Kristin,

I have so enjoyed our recent telephone chats. Stealing even five minutes is a true victory for us.

I have missed our friendship, bonded buddy. We always pick up where we left off of course, but our visits are sporadic and hurried and our phone time scant. While I know the ‘big’ stuff defines many a relationship, it’s the small potatoes I miss most–the minutia of your day, the latest local gossip, even what you ate for dinner (I love to eat).

I forgot to plant a money tree this year, but even so I would love it if we had a you + me weekend. It doesn’t have to be in New York, and it can’t be in Orlando (yes, there are rules). I would love to spend a couple of uninterrupted days with the girl I grew up alongside. What do you say? I know friendships like ours are worth investing in (even when you’re broke).

Miss you always,

Your Bonded Friend xxo

Vera Wang

eighteen: a letter for sweet Robin

 

Robin and I were friends for a very short time, too short. But she touched my life and I will remember her always.

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January 18, 2011

Robin,

My dear friend, I miss you so. Today is the first anniversary of your very untimely death. You were taken from us too soon.

I remember writing you an email after blog-stalking you for months. I hoped you’d write back. And you did (I remember clapping my hands when your name appeared in my inbox). We became insta-email pen pals, swapping stories about the publishing world, divulging sorta-secrets and bonding over our mutual love and adoration for all things British. It was the best friendship meet-cute ever. Nothing blows up my skirt like a cheeky, well written email. And you my friend, were a master.

And then we met in person, two weeks later: hipster-Jew and southern WASP. Perfection. Over the next eight months we cocktailed, swapped stories about our miserable jobs and lackluster love lives, and made plans for the future. I remember when you met Gavin—boy was I jealous! A real (and handsome) British boyfriend! Envy skyrocketed when you got engaged and dual citizenship was imminent. But most of all I was over-the-moon for you.

I saw you for the last time on December 11, 2009. We had a lovely time walking around a furniture show; I pretended to be your ‘colleague’. What I remember most is you turning to me, and touching my arm as if to say, “pay attention Lauren.” You told me how you’d never been so happy and how you felt like you were doing exactly what you were destined to do—Gavin, England, Interior Design. All the stars aligned for you. I will never forget that moment.

I still wonder why our paths crossed. I will forever treasure our short friendship and always regret your early exit from this world. Your witty letters are reminders of your sparkle and your laugh lives on in my memories. I hope you are as happy now as you were that December night my love. You are missed and loved dearly.

Love,

Lauren

fifteen: happy house for Tom + Megan

 

Tom and I worked together, back when people published magazines. Our desks shared a cubicle wall (i.e. stinky food, mood swings and personal conversations). But he waited until after the magazine folded to have the cutest baby and buy a house with his lovely wife. I always miss the good stuff. Luckily, that gray padded wall solidified a friendship that will outlast any recession.

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January 15, 2011

Tom and Megan,

I was so delighted to hear your house news! Congratulations on the new title: homeowners! I think it suits, no?! I know this is going to be a great move for the little guy especially. I can’t wait to come visit. Happy unpacking!

Love,

Lauren

Papyrus

 

twelve: a letter for Heather

Heather and I danced together in high school. She was a brilliant performer, but what I loved most wasn’t those Fouette en tourants she performed so effortlessly (though I was easily transfixed) but her compassion. We taught an after-school program together at a local elementary school; Heather had the patience of a saint! She worked with each student until they mastered the jazz square or grasped a sequence of movements. She never gave up on those kids. And nearly ten years later, she’s winning the hearts and minds of a new group of  little ones at Dainta’s Children in Haiti. I thought it only appropriate that I write to her today.

Follow Heather’s journey and donate to her cause here.

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January 12, 2011

Heather,

Oh my, it’s been too long friend. I’m writing to thank you—both for being you and for your wonderful contribution to the children of Haiti. It has been such a pleasure following your journey on facebook—the photos, the anecdotes, the sorrow, the triumphs. You have touched so many lives and inspired people all over the globe (myself included).

I cannot believe it’s been a year since that fateful day and the natural disaster that would kill hundreds of thousands of people and leave lives changed forever. I remember making a donation to the Red Cross and saying prayers on behalf of the victims and their families. But, you—you did so much more than that. And as we all returned to our lives and our own problems you continued to help the people of Haiti in a real way.

Thank you Heather, for your selflessness and your spirit. For doing what we couldn’t or chose not to. I am so inspired by your altruism and so honored to know you. May the year ahead be filled with many successes and small-people smiles. I’ll be thinking of you my dear!

Love,

Lauren

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old school kate spade letter writing paper

ten: congratulations for Christine (+ Eddie)

Christine is one of those friends you acquire by accident. She’s the little sister of a dear friend (and somedays I like her better, wink.). She has gorgeous red hair and an infectious little giggle. And soon she’ll be Eddie’s wife.

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January 10, 2011

Christine,

Well look at you, Little Miss Engaged! Congratulations love! I am so excited for you and Eddie and all the celebrations to come. He is a wonderful man and he loves you so very much. I know you will have a very happily ever after. Enjoy your engagement my dear and if I can do anything for you two, just say the word.

All the best,

Lauren

nine: a birthday card for Greg

 

Greg and I go way back. He takes pleasure in ‘nudging’ me. Luckily, I’m a good sport.

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January 9, 2011

Greg,

Wishing you a very happy birthday—your first as a Dad! May this year be full of joy and successes, good health and lots of firsts (for Taylor + Jack mostly).

All the best,

Lauren

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Papyrus

eight: a note for a new friend

 

I made a new friend named Alicia. She is just darling and she has great paper-taste!

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January 8, 2011

Alicia,

Hello new friend! I know I’ve said it before, but I am so pleased our paths crossed and so pleased we could bond over paper, glorious, beautiful, patterned paper. This darling little set makes my heart swell. Thank you so much for your kindness! I look forward to more impromptu trips to kate’s of course, but I think we are up to a proper cocktail date now, no? See you soon friend…

Love,

Lauren

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Mudlark Stationery, Lola gift set

seven: a birthday card for Elyse

 

Elyse is my chic friend from college. Her favorite color is yellow, but she has no particular affinity for cows. :)

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January 7, 2011

Elyse,

Happy Birthday Darling! I hope you have a most splendid day and a ravishing time cutting up a rug tonight. I know you will dazzle in something fabulous. And best wishes for your twenty-eighth year. May it be full of good, good things!

xxo Lauren

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Greenwich Letterpress, cow card