thirty-seven: a letter for David Nicholls

One Day is a love story that spans twenty years. I fell for the characters and weeped when it was over. I would tell you to read it immediately but I am always a little wary of making recommendations. I will say, this story touched me and will stay with me always. One of David’s characters (Emma) longs to be a writer. I chuckled over this bit of the book, a girl after my own heart:

“She drinks pints of coffee and writes little observations and ideas for stories with her best pen on the linen-white pages of expensive note-books. Sometimes, when it’s going badly, she wonders if what she believes to be a love of the written word is just a fetish for stationery. The true writer, the born writer, will scribble words on scraps of litter, the back of bus tickets on the wall of a cell. Emma is lost on anything less than 120gsm.”

…

Dear Mr. Nicholls,

I absolutely loved your novel One Day. Hats off to you!

Great Expectations is my favorite book of all time. I re-read it often and had just finished the passage you quote in Part One when I picked up your book. In other words, you had me from the beginning. And then this beautiful story unfolds and I find myself totally wrapped up in your characters. I rooted for Emma and Dexter with every turn of the page, cringing at moments and crying at others. I didn’t want their story to end or yours for that matter. I really delighted in the ending—you gave me time to dry my eyes and collect myself before the last page. Brilliant! It also should go without saying—I LOVED the letters most. More people ought to write letters. And like Emma, I often wonder if my love for the written word is just a fetish for stationery.

Upon finishing the book I went immediately to your website (I wanted more!) where I promptly listened to songs from Emma’s mix tape for Dexter and then wandered over to your blog. I’m quickly becoming a groupie. I look forward to ‘watching’ the story of Em + Dex on the big screen this summer. In the meantime, I will hope like hell that you’re hard at work on another wonderful read with equally lovely characters.

All the best + continued success,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

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

thirty: praise for the seltzer maker

Northern Spy Food Co. is one of my neighborhood go-to spots. It features a great menu of locally sourced seasonal fare and delicious homemade seltzer. It’s also the perfect walking distance from my apartment–I can order dessert and not feel completely stuffed when I arrive home. I have never been disappointed by these guys.

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January 30, 2011

Attention Seltzer Magician: That blood orange fabulousness I guzzled down tonight was a 10! I didn’t know I could love anything so much! I’ve had many of your homemade varieties but this one tops the charts. A blood orange never disappoints—so full of flavor and just the right touch of pucker. And combined with just the right amount of bubbles and a straw: SHOW STOPPER! Now, how do I go about getting this recipe? I’m an excellent student in the kitchen and a superb secret keeper. Pretty please?

Your devoted seltzer-aholic,

Lauren

P.S. You guys rule! (get it?)

 

Simplesong

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.

 

twenty-five: a postcard for Vu

My friend Vu lived in LA for a few years, so before my jaunt to the west coast he loaded me up with recommendations.

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January 25, 2011

Vu,

I took your recommendations and had a most fabulous day! It all started with a trip to the Grove’s farmer market, followed by a lovely tour of the Getty. The crowning glory was the mozzarella bar at Osteria Mozza. HEAVEN. I even had a celeb sighting, which was very LA, no? Thanks so much!

Lauren

 

 

twenty-four: a thank you for Denis

Denis works the weekend graveyard shift in my building. Generally he doesn’t see a lot of action (unless you count the drunk people who stumble in before sunrise), but twenty minutes into his shift I was screaming “my ceiling is leaking, its going to fall in, HELP!” And helped he did.

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January 24, 2011

Denis,

Thank you for coming to the rescue on Saturday night. You saved my bathroom ceiling for an untimely collapse (these things always happen when you have dinner company, no?). Chris popped the pockets on Sunday, some very friendly plumbers conquered the leak today and Rich says the ceiling will be scraped and patched in no time. Phew! Thanks again for your help.

Best,

Lauren

Crane