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.

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I had such a wonderful time dining with you ladies tonight (even though my party-assistant position was revoked and I landed on the loosing trivia team).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.

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.

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

seventeen: a letter for a legend

January 17, 2011

Today, we celebrate you Dr. King.

In your abbreviated time on this earth, you made such great strides for civil rights. Your Montgomery Bus Boycott and your March on Washington inspired a nation. And led to real change. I am pleased to report our great country is inching closer to the color-blind society you imagined; in 2008 we elected an African American President.

You were a great orator sir. Your “I Have a Dream” speech makes me want to serve my country and strive to be a better citizen. So many of your words are often repeated. I’ve decided on two favorite quotations:

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

AND

“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.”

These thought-provoking words remind me of your spirit, today and always. Thank you for your contribution.

All the best,

Lauren

 

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

 

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.

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

 

fourteen: a letter for the court

Living in Manhattan means virtually no driving, or better stated, very few opportunities to get speeding tickets. Ahem.

January 14, 2011

To Whom it May Concern:

Enclosed please find a money order for $185. The court officer did not indicate my case number on my payment slip, so I have included my license information. I received a ticket for speeding (48/30) in September 2010, if I recall correctly. My court date for a pre-trial hearing was January 10, 2011.

NY State Drivers License

ID: xxx-xxx-xxx

DOB: 07-05-xx

I have also enclosed a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that a receipt and confirmation of payment can be returned to me. If you have any questions regarding my case or payment, please feel free to contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx or via email at ***.

Many thanks,

Lauren

Airmail envelope from Jam Paper

thirteen: a letter for the yogurt man

If you haven’t tried siggi’s yogurt, you haven’t lived. And yes, six ounces are totally worth $4.69. Trust me.

January 13, 2011

Dear Siggi,

Your yogurt makes me weak in the knees. One taste and I too am homesick for Iceland (never mind that I’ve never been). The consistency is unmatchable—rich, thick yet smooth, and so flavorful. And the protein punch! Big, HUGE thank yous for mastering skyr and sharing it with this little island.

Full + Happy,

Lauren

New York, New York

P.S. I just cannot seem to settle on a favorite flavor. What’s yours?

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.

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

old school kate spade letter writing paper

eleven: a letter for a brave woman

 

On January 8, 2011 nineteen people were shot during a political gathering at a supermarket parking lot in Tucson, Arizona.  Six people were killed. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head. She remains in the hospital in critical care.

January 11, 2011

Congresswoman Giffords,

I didn’t know your politics or your face until last Saturday. And now I’m quite sure I will never forget it or the stories of your courageous recovery that continue to inspire.

What happened in that supermarket parking lot is incomprehensible. It is a horrible tragedy and my heart aches for the victims and their loved ones. I feel overwhelming sadness and outrage. And yet, equal parts admiration for you and your brave fight.

May you continue to recover and delight us with your amazing progress. May your family feel comfort, knowing the entire country is praying for you. And most of all, may this unspeakable act of violence teach our country a lesson in compassion.

Best wishes,

Lauren

Liberty of London for Target