one-hundred and forty: a letter for Amelia Earhart

Seventy-nine years ago today, Amelia Earhart completed a two thousand mile transatlantic flight. Sure, Charles Lindbergh made the journey five years earlier (to the day in fact). But Ms Earhart was determined. And she succeeded. Don’t you just love that?!

Five years later she would embark on a trip around the world to never be heard from again. We lost a passionate and driven lady much too soon; thankfully her memory lives on.

May 21, 2011

Amelia,

I’m having a cupcake at lunch today in your honor. Truly. Sure your transatlantic flight was impressive and deserves recognition. And your many aviation awards and honors are noteworthy. But I’ve always been more enchanted with your spirit.

You had such fierce determination and a fearlessness most men can’t muster. You flew to faraway places, wrote best-selling books, and you supported the Equal Rights Amendment when it was less than fashionable. And you were a sought after lady too—letting some man propose six times is cruel (and also a little bit awesome).

And even though your world flight didn’t go as planned, your memory continues to captivate. You are an inspiration to so many women (we did eventually get those equal rights) and a legend in your own right. Aviator caps off to you, wherever you’ve landed.

Fondly,

Lauren

one hundred and thirty-seven: more sympathy for Claire

My darling friend Claire is kicking serious butt as a magazine editor in a war-torn country. I don’t know how she does it, but she is hands-down the most adaptable person I know. Claire’s been having a rough go of it. She’s far away from her family and friends, and well, lots of people have been leaving her life lately. If anyone deserves some mailbox cheer its this girl.

May 18, 2011

Claire,

Almost immediately after I got your sorrowful news, I came across some poetic graffiti in the subway. A little Helen Keller for the commute: “ For all that we love becomes a part of us.” I think it reins especially true for the ones we love and loose, don’t you?

Your Dad will be a part of you forever—in your affinity for books, your taste in music, and most of all in your heart, every day. I know he was so very proud of you and that he loved you to the end of the earth and back. And now he’s got your back, somewhere in the sky…

You’re in my thoughts and prayers love. And if I can do anything, just say the word. I love you.

Love,

Lauren xxo

Dee and LaLa

one hundred and twenty-eight: a letter for Etta

Etta is a most charming lady. She is tiny in stature, but large in spirit. And for the last six weeks, every Wednesday night, she’s been advancing my knowledge of typography. I have had such fun geek-ing out to letterforms with like-minded peers. Etta is wonderfully patient and so encouraging—she’s the kind of teacher everyone should have at least once (this makes three classes for me–I’m extra lucky!).

May 9, 2011

Etta,

I am a wee bit sad about this semester coming to a close. Mostly because I’ve taken all three classes you teach—there’s nothing left to enroll in!

I so enjoyed talking type weekly and pouring over your amazing book collection. And while my branding project is still wanting, I learned an awful lot.

Thank you for your wisdom and your encouragement. Learning from you has been such a pleasure. I do hope we’ll stay in touch—I know I intend to continue filling your inbox with my type finds, wink.

All the best to you,

Lauren

Paper + Cup

one hundred and twenty-seven: a letter for my Mom

Today, we celebrate the Mothers of the world: the women who fearlessly gain thirty pounds of cushion for their wombs, the women who have an endless supply of patience during the worst tantrums, and the women who stay up late to help you build a solar system out of papier-mache (just saying). These heroines walk among us, encouraging and loving us no matter what. And today we celebrate them. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mamas out there, most especially mine.

May 8, 2011

My most favorite President had some wise words: “All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my Mother.” He was right. And it’s true, I am the woman I am today because of you.

You are my cheerleader, in times of joy and in moments of struggle. Your endless supply of encouragement has gotten me through the toughest of times. And your ability, call it Mother’s intuition, to know exactly what I need in any given moment is nothing short of amazing.

All my favorite memories include you. Our family vacations to awe-inspiring places, our mother-daughter shopping adventures, even time spent watching bad tv with tray-tables on our laps. I am so lucky to have a Mom that doubles as a best friend.

You taught me that the little things in life matter most, like ironed sheets and thank you notes. You always lead by example, teaching me to be kind and loyal. And thanks to the Virgo in you, I am a tidy and organized member of society.

Thank you for always being proud of me and for loving me so fiercely. I am so very lucky to call you my Mom. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you.

xxo Lauren

Hammerpress (A big shout out to my birth city and these fabulous folks!)

one hundred and two: a letter for the Naked Chef

If you haven’t seen Jamie Oliver in action, you’re missing out. I’ve been a long-time fan of his cookbooks, but his efforts to educate Americans and combat obesity are awe-inspiring. Perhaps I’m biased—I’m a real sucker for a British accent—but I am totally moved by Jamie’s campaign. After all the challenges faced in last night’s premiere, I thought Jamie could use a little encouragement to keep fighting (and cooking) through this season…

April 13, 2011

Jamie,

I am so inspired and touched by your mission to change my country’s obesity epidemic. The first season of your show moved me to tears. I was shocked to think children couldn’t identify a tomato or potato, but had no problem naming French fries and ketchup among their favorite foods. Watching you teach families how to make healthier eating choices made me want to get involved. I signed your petition and even started paying closer attention to the food I put in my own shopping cart.

I am so impressed by your determination and drive to help our country. I’ve been a long time fan of your cooking and a collector of your books, but this campaign of yours has made me a real Jamie Oliver groupie! Thank you for making this, us,  your mission. Best of luck to you! You’re changing lives (even if the LA school board won’t budge).

All the best,

Lauren

Really Good + Edward Monkton (purchased in lovely London)

ninety-six: a lust-letter for Parchment Post

Miss Alex introduced me to the most amazing little website: Parchment Post. I am over the moon with excitement! Parchment Post is a subscription based card service—every three months you’ll get six cards produced by small designers and expertly curated by Jamie Ambabo. Friends, I am all over this! I just had to write Jamie, and insist we become friends. I hope she says yes!

April 7, 2011

Jamie,

I just discovered your site and am completely smitten! I love everything about it, from your cleverly designed logo (I heart airmail) to the post-mail cheer you are spreading nationwide.

You are brilliant! I don’t know how you came up with this idea, but I am so glad you did. I immediately subscribed and am eagerly awaiting my first lot of cards!

Best of all, I love knowing there are kindred spirits out there, championing letter-writing one card at a time. We really must be friends. What do you say?! I hope you develop a huge following. And that snail mail lives on, forever!

All the best,

Lauren

Shilling Halfpenny

ninety-five: a letter for Dolores

Dolores is one of those whip smart ladies who seemingly knows something about everything. She has impeccable taste and an elegantly decorated home that still manages to feel comfortable and lived in. Most of all, Dolores is courageous. Five years ago her life was turned upside down without warning. I admire her ability to rebuild and ultimately find happiness again. I’m not sure I would have fared too well under the circumstances. And I just thought she should know…

Have you ever told someone you admire how much they mean to you? Make me proud and write them a letter!

April 6, 2011

Dolores,

I can hardly believe it has been five years. I vividly remember hearing the news for the first time; my Dad told me in the car, on the way home from the train station. I was stunned, insisting this had to be some kind of cruel April Fool’s joke. This was the kind of betrayal that belonged in a harlequin romance novel. It couldn’t happen to someone I cared for and admired. I just hated seeing you ambushed and heartbroken in the weeks and months that followed.

But what I don’t think I’ve ever told you is how impressed and inspired I was by your courageous tussle to rebuild your life. You took the fistful of lemons dealt your way and survived, flourished even. One piece at a time, you put things back together for yourself and your family. And in due time you learned to trust again and even found love. Sunny days are here again, and I couldn’t be happier for you.

I’ve always loved the Martin Luther King quote, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” You are a shining example of a well-measured lady (with good looks and wit to boot). If possible, I admire you even more today than in those moments of adversity. And I just thought you should know.

All the best,

Lauren xxo

Connor Stationery for J. Crew

ninety-three: a letter for David

David is an extremely accomplished litigator. He works at a prominent firm in New York City and recently expanded his resume to include teaching. I applaud his efforts on behalf of these law students—people like David, teachers, make the world a better place.

April 4, 2011

David,

My Dad told me about your latest venture, teaching. Specifically he said, “David is teaching complex business litigation—the most valuable class these third years will ever take.”

I’m sure your students have no idea how hard you’ve been working, planning lessons tirelessly since October and commuting to North Carolina weekly. And you maintain your position as a full time lawyer and leader in your firm. I thought I had a full schedule!

I am so impressed and inspired by your commitment to your Alma mater. In addition to a sizable monetary donation, you give your time as the Chairman of the Board of Visitors and as a dedicated professor. I hope those student know how very lucky they are.

Best of luck completing the semester. You’re in the home stretch now. And I bet your wife is looking forward to your summer vacation.

All the best,

Lauren

waste not paper

ninety-two: a letter to the pony express

On this day, in 1860, the Pony Express debuted. Traveling by horse, the first mail carriers left Missouri and California, simultaneously. Ten days later the westbound letters arrived in Sacramento (two days before the eastbound pony), setting a new standard of mail delivery. Sadly, this system of letter swapping was short-lived. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody was one of the famous riders. Oh, how I wish he was still delivering my mail on horseback!

April 3, 2o11

To The Pony Express Company:

(William H. Russell, William Bradford Waddell and Alexander Majors)

I am delighted you gentlemen came up with this ingenious idea of delivering letters. It’s hard for me to imagine a time before radios and telephones, but I can bet your services were much appreciated. I’m guessing people were thrilled to see your riders (maybe mini-celebrities), galloping into town with news from afar. And hats off to them—I can’t imagine carrying twenty pounds of letters, or navigating the treacherous wild west!

I’m sorry the telegraph pushed you out of business after only a year. I really wish the postal office would have kept the name “Pony Express”—it has such a nice ring to it. And the logo is so nifty…

Thanks for your contribution to letters!

Fondly,

Lauren

ninety: a letter for my ballet teacher

I walked into Kathryn Austin’s dance studio, a gangly 6th grader with bushy bangs and a sudden desire to learn ballet. (Side note: I was only interested in gymnastics up until this point—gymnastics was cool—but tall girls are not cut out for back handsprings and when I turned eleven my coach pulled my Mom aside and told her, jig’s up.) I was placed in an age appropriate class, which meant plie-ing along side complete pros. Ms. Kathryn encouraged me, fixed my horrific turn out, and managed to work me into that year’s recital without drawing total attention to my flat feet. Friends, this woman is a master. I spent the better part of the next six years in a studio with this lovely lady, learning the anatomy of the body and so much more.

April 1, 2011

Ms. Kathryn,

I don’t know if I should erupt in applause, give you a big bear hug, or present you with a gallon of Fresh Market olives. I think you deserve all three. And then some.

When I decided to write a letter a day, I made a short list of people I knew, without doubt, I wanted to write to. You were on that list! And then your daughter—who is forever nine-years-old in my mind, but apparently is in college now, what?!—wrote me a lovely letter request. And if it even possible, my respect and admiration for you tripled.

You are one of the most determined and resilient people I know. I think it is just brilliant that you are getting your PhD. I don’t know how you juggle the three-hour drives or fit in all the research necessary, but I applaud you for doing something for you, and for setting such a wonderful example for your children and all who admire you. Those students of yours—in the studio, at UCF, old and new—are lucky ducks!

You are a wonderfully patient teacher (I speak from experience here) with a wealth of knowledge to share. As a dancer, you are bar none. I will always remember your solo performances during our recitals—they were breathtaking. And if your kids are any indication, you’re a damn good Mom too. But best of all, you are a wonderful role model. You lead by example and inspire so many people to do more, to be more. I would have never stuck with dance if not for your encouragement and support—and it has enriched my life beyond measure. And so many of the lessons you taught me during my formative years I carry with me today. You have such a positive outlook on life and truly live everyday to the fullest—this is the bread and butter of the journey, and it’s so often forgotten.

Thank you for being part of my story. And thank you for casting a little bit of sunshine in so many people’s lives. Best wishes and all the happiness you deserve!

Fondly,

Lauren

Orange Line (sorry, no link. I picked it up at Urbanic)