Are you there friends? It’s me, Lauren.

Are you really still here? OH, thank you for sticking around. I am so grateful.

I assure you the letters didn’t suffer, but I had a couple of hic-ups standing in the way of posting. Apparently my computer also found Photoshop to be exhausting because she took sick and needed some love from the Genius Bar. And then there was the incident with the fragrant lilacs, my pointer finger and a sharp knife (I’m okay now!). But I’m back now…

While I was away, I made a little visit to Kate’s Paperie to stock up on some paper goodness. I stumbled upon this shiny wonder in the sale section. Wouldn’t this golden envelope make a perfect keepsake for a love letter? Perhaps a Royal love letter (yes I know it’s over, but I just can’t get enough!)?

Ready or not…  rapid letter posts!

sixty-five: blessings for babies and parents

A double-baptism occurred on Sunday. Two little twins were sprinkled with water and celebrated with cake. I missed the festivities, but wanted to send along a note of congratulations to the parents.

March 6, 2011

Lindsey + Greg,

Congratulations on the babies Christening. I’m so sorry I missed it but I heard it was a lovely affair! I hope you had a nice visit with everyone and that all the godparents behaved themselves, wink. I cannot wait to see pictures of the peanuts all dressed up. Can you believe they’ll be six months old in two weeks? I still don’t know how you do it Lindz. Congratulations and continued blessings!

Love,

Lauren

P.S. I’ll be down again in May—perhaps we can schedule a play date with proper cocktails for the grownups? xx

Papyrus

 

fifty-nine: a letter to my childhood dentist(s)

I’m on the hunt for a new dentist. They say 75 % of people feel some degree of dental anxiety, but not me. I got a good start with a wonderful childhood dentist. I was a patient of the senior Dr. McCorkle and then the junior, Dr. Mike.

Teeth cleanings were an excuse to dig in the ‘Treasure Cove’, a little nook devoted to those curios all mothers loathed (I was a sucker for the Trolls myself). But the best part was the Treasure Cove Drawing; every month they’d pull a name out of the mini chest and the lucky winner would receive a life-sized stuffed animal. Friends, at age five and three quarters my life began. My name was drawn and I was sent home with a sheep dog that was almost as tall as me. I don’t think I stopped smiling for a solid week. And, I haven’t won anything since-HA!

February 28, 2011

Dr. McCorkle (Senior + Junior),

I’m on the hunt for a new dentist in New York and it got me to thinking about the wonderful memories I have of your office and semi-annual teeth cleanings.

I remember the awesome Highlight’s Magazines in your waiting room. I loved the hidden picture puzzles and the jokes. Sometimes, I secretly hoped you guys were running late so I could keep reading. And that Treasure Cove (pure brilliance)! Winning a giant sheep dog pretty much made my year! If that wasn’t enough, there was bubblegum fluoride and a new toothbrush every visit. No matter how hard I tried, I never could find the toothbrushes with the sparkles anywhere else—and believe me, I tried.

I’m proud to say I’m still taking excellent care of my teeth—never a cavity in my twenty-seven and a half years. I won’t fib and say I floss daily, but pretty close to it. That woodcut sign about loosing your teeth in Ava’s room put the fear of God in me. I miss your whole staff (special hello to the Gator fans in reception) and just wanted you guys to know how much I (and my gums) appreciate my good start in dental care. Hope all is well on Delaney Avenue!

Best,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

fifty-two: birthday love for Mike

Mike was my freshman roommate’s boyfriend–we solidified our friendship during an unplanned fire drill. Over the years we became good friends—he served me my first solo cup of ‘bucket sauce’ and checked my Spanish homework in exchange for shoulder rubs. Some of my best college memories include this guy. He is one of a kind, in so many ways.

Mike and Derek share an apartment in Boston and nothing pleases me more (or makes me laugh harder) than a visit with these two. I am so glad the memories have continued, long after graduation.

February 21, 2011

Cole,

I know this birthday card pales in comparison to last year’s chocolate calf jabber, but I did think the whole kitten bit was very apropos for a guy like you, ahem. And you do make me very happy, all the way from Boston or even India for that matter (and especially when we go to restaurants with big stuffed bears…)

I hope you have a wonderful birthday with all the trimmings and none of the unpleasant morning-after side effects. We should celebrate properly next time you’re in town. Preferably with gin, sundaes and slow jams. And that next time should be soon, and last for more than a few hours. I have a bedbug free dwelling that will welcome you anytime you know.

Love,

Lo

Ghostacademy

forty: a thank you for Gramma

This has just been the week of riches, I tell you! First a BBQ basket and now Florida oranges. I am one lucky lady.

February 9, 2011

Gramma,

A little box of sunshine was plopped on my doorstop yesterday. Twenty-five vibrant balls of juicy goodness! I can hardly believe my good fortune. Thank you for thinking of my vitamin c intake during these bleak winter months. You are so wonderful and I am so lucky to call you mine.

Love,

Lauren

 

And a little knock-knock for the envelope…

Gramma: Knock, knock.

Me: Who’s there?

Gramma: Orange.

Me: Orange who?

Gramma: Orange you glad I sent you oranges?

Me: WHY YES I AM!

Oblation telegram thank you

 

thirty-nine: a thank you for Gloria

My friend Lisa is one of the bravest people I know. She had surgery in December, so I helped nurse her back to health with a steady blend of cheeses–first baked ziti, then mac-n-cheese. Oh and red-velevt cupcakes too, because cream cheese frosting makes everything better. Her Mom sent me a very generous (and unnecessary) thank you basket.

February 8, 2011

Dear Gloria,

I don’t know where you stand on a thank you note for a thank you gift, but in this instance I would say it’s a must. I received an embarrassingly large basket of BBQ lovin’ yesterday (way to get a girl longing for summer). Thank you so much! I am going to win hearts and minds on the grill with those delicious sauces and rubs.

I really appreciate your thoughtful gesture and kind note—completely unnecessary of course. I adore your daughter and loved being able to lend a hand. I think she is just the bravest. And hopefully I’ll see you again soon, but just for fun this time. Thanks again!

Fondly,

Lauren

old school kate spade

thirty-five: sympathy for Claire

I met Claire my freshman year of college. We spent the better part of the next six years cohabitating, first in Syracuse and then in New York City. Some of my best memories include her, and even though she’s half a world a way I think of her daily.

February 4, 2011

Claire,

Darling I am so very sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. I know you shared a mutual adoration of one another and a very special bond.

I hope you take comfort in knowing he lived a good, long life. And his memory will live on in you and all those who loved him (including all his lady admirers at the retirement community).

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. If I can do anything for you, just say the word. I love you.

Love,

Lauren xxo

Blue Ribbon Design

twenty-one: a letter for Elyse S.

Elyse and I worked together for a very brief moment in time. She has the best sense of humor and can pull off cowboy boots with any outfit–seriously. Today she needed a swift kick in the ass so I did what any good friend would do, I gave her one!

January 21, 2011

Elyse,

I am going to “talk at you” now. It would probably help if you imagined me in camouflage, SHOUTING, but with a snazzy Tiffany & Co. silver whistle, wink.

You story is just being written. You are incredibly talented, full of spirit and wit. Stop selling yourself short and don’t you dare cheat your dreams on account of fear. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself (obligatory idiom: Rome wasn’t built in a day). You DO have it in you. Start small and always ask for help. Your bosses may not want to see (or help) you succeed, but plenty of us do. Not every work environment is sour and people will pay you what you’re worth. It is scary out there, but you’re brave!

Not to sound all Pollyanna, but life is never straight and narrow. Lean into the curves and remember your happiness is paramount. It’s not about what it will all look like to a stranger, or how much starting over can suck. It’s about you. You and you alone are in charge of your story. And I have a feeling it’s going to be good one.

All done! Now get started! I’m already cheering you on friend! And if you need anything, I’m here.

Love your bossy friend,

Lauren

old school kate spade

sixteen: a letter for Gramma

Today, three years ago my Grandpa died. He had a full life and will live on in the memories of those who loved him.

January 16, 2011

Gramma,

I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you today. I can’t believe it’s been three years, though I imagine it feels twice as long for you. A dear friend came by today and brought me a daffodil plant—can you believe the coincidence? And before the day was out it bloomed. I took that to mean Grandpa is thriving in heaven. I wonder who’s cutting the designer names off his trousers? I bet he misses you like mad—for things other than your mending prowess of course. I’m sending extra love your way, to hold you over until your reunion (which personally, I am in no hurry for).

Love,

Lauren xxo

kate spade