one hundred and fifty-one: a letter for Grace

I think Grace Bonney is just brilliant—she has a great eye for design and a seemingly endless supply of inspiration. She generously catalogs her finds and musings on her blog, Design*Sponge. Today the site launched its fancy re-design. Everything is shiny and new and even better than before (no, really!).

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June 1, 2011

Grace,

Congratulations on your fantastic redesign! I can only imagine the hours you’ve logged planning the design, cataloging posts and making everything just right.

And just right it is! I love the new color scheme. And the improved organization system delights this type-A girl. I’m even into the ads—which never happens!

Congratulations on a job well done! And thank you for providing such quality content to all the design lovers out there. I don’t know what I would do without you!

Best wishes,

Lauren

Tokketok

one hundred and forty-two: a letter to James + Jacob

Postcard: Bryant Park Corporation / 34th Street Partnership

A big anniversary celebration is taking place on Fifth Avenue right now: The New York Public Library turns one hundred today. Guarded by two gargantuan lions (Patience and Fortitude), the majestic building at 42nd Street has been spruced up for the occasion. In honor of this milestone, I decided to write to James Lenox and Jacob Astor. These two gentlemen smartly merged their libraries in 1911 to create a truly impressive collection of knowledge.

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May 23, 2011

Dear Mr. Lenox and Mr. Astor,

I know it was a tough decision to merge your respective libraries in the midst of financial difficulties, but I think you made the right decision. Today the library you helped create is celebrating one hundred years of service. One hundred years gentlemen! If you were still around such an occasion would surely call for a top hat and tails.

Your generous philanthropy has benefitted so many New Yorkers, and thanks to this newish thing called the Internet, people all over the world. Yes, the world!  The Library has become part of the fabric of this city—both its historic location on Fifth Avenue and the eighty-nine locations spread throughout the five boroughs. Your impressive collection of one million books has grown to total more than fifty million items, including materials for the visually impaired. And those lions out front, well, let’s just say they’ve had their photograph taken a few times.

Thank you for making such a forward-thinking decision. You’ll be pleased to know the current leadership of the library is following in your footsteps. And yet, the historic charm remains—especially in the research facilities, which I have benefited from on more than one occasion. I wish you could be here to see this, but I trust you’re toasting with a glass of scotch somewhere…

All the best to you both,

Lauren

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.

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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-five: congratulations for Siho

Siho was one of my college roommates. We shared a flat in London, an apartment in Syracuse and on rare occasions, salad dressing. He has bigger muscles than should be allowed and a positively adorable giggle (he is such fun to see movies with!). And he just landed a sparkly new job, woohoo!

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May 16, 2011

Siho,

Congratulations on your new gig! I hear they’re working you hard, hopefully not too hard. But if I know you, you’re still living the mantra, “work hard, play harder.” I like the addition of doughnuts, you? Best of luck in the new position—I hope it brings you great success. Lets meet for a drink sometime, maybe out at the beach (if we’re both lucky)?

xxo Lo

Soulissimo

(the inside of the card says: work hard, play harder, eat doughnuts)

one-hundred and thirty-four: congratulations for Kristin

Friends, it’s all weddings all the time in my world. Last night, my oldest friend got engaged. Her fiancé let me in on his proposal plans, so like any good friend I was waiting by the phone, hot with anticipation. I picked up on the first ring wherein a giggly Kristin revealed the details of her seaside proposal. Now I’m all tickled too!

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May 15, 2011

Kristin,

CONGRATULATIONS! Yes, all caps are necessary for my bonded buddy! Even though I knew this was coming (your now-fiancé was gushing about his plans at Er’s wedding) I am still wrapping my head around this—I feel like just yesterday we were talking about our middle-school crushes while catching waves at the beach. I think we’re officially growing up old friend—can this really be?

I am so very happy for you. Best of all I love that I’ll be standing beside you for another milestone (this summer makes twenty-two years of us—beat that Jon!). I can’t wait to give you an in-person squeeze.

Love you lots,

Lauren  xxo

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

one hundred and thirty-three: a shower of love for Dara

My friend Dara will be wed in exactly sixty-four days. Ah! As such, many parties must be thrown in her honor. Sadly, I am missing two today. But fret not friends, a lovely letter and gifts selected especially from the Mrs-to-be wish list are en route.

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May 14, 2011

Dara,

Wishing you the loveliest of showers and the dirtiest of hen parties, respectively of course. I’m terribly sorry I won’t be able to partake in the celebrations, but I am there in spirit.

I just can’t believe you will be a married woman in two short months! What happened to the carefree days on the quad?

I can’t wait to celebrate with you and Josh. I am OH so happy for you.

Lots of love,

Lauren xxo

Bella Ink  (graciously donated–thank you!)

one hundred and thirty-two: a letter for Tanner

Today’s letter goes out to a very special little brother, Tanner. His big sister Brittany was my childhood playmate. I remember when Tanner was born and an unexpected complication meant a weeknight sleepover for us girls. And how could I forget shooing him out of Britt’s room shouting, “you can’t play with us you’re a boy.” And then one day, when I wasn’t looking Tanner got tall and handsome and became a star volleyball player. How do you like that?

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May 13, 2011

Tanner,

Congratulations on your graduation and your acceptance into med school! I saw your Mom last weekend and she was beaming with pride (as she should be)! Your sisters too! I am so happy for you and duly impressed.

What happened to the little boy with the chubby cheeks who always wanted to play “house” with the girls? I don’t know where the time goes, but from the looks of it you’ve grown up to be a mighty fine guy.

Sincere congratulations on all of your achievements. Best wishes and good-study karma at USF in the fall. I know you will make a brilliant doctor!

All the best,

Lauren

Sycamore Street Press

one hundred and twenty-six: congratulations for Erin + Ben

Today my dear friend Erin married her love, Ben. We couldn’t have asked for bluer skies, a more gorgeous seaside setting or a better looking bride and groom. It was such a well-appointed affair full of wonderful people.

One of my favorite takeaways from the weekend was post-wedding star gazing. When you live in a city with lots of lights, you come to really appreciate an easily spotted constellation. Simple pleasures and good friends sure make for wonderful memories. Congratulations Mr. + Mrs. Hudson, may you live happily ever after!

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May 7, 2011

Erin and Ben,

(The NEW Mr. and Mrs. Hudson)

My heart is just bursting with love for you both. It is such an honor to be a part of your wedding–a memory I will cherish always. May your new life together be filled with good health, happiness and lots of love. Best wishes today and always.

Love,

Lauren xxo

(in my haste to get down the aisle I forgot to jot down the stationer, please forgive me!)

one hundred and twenty-five: a letter for Maura B. Jacobson

Confession: the New York Times Sunday crossword puts the fear of God in me. I’m still learning how to navigate symmetric grids. And those cryptic, crossword-only words—ess, ere, erie—they get me every time.

BUT, I have been practicing on one Ms. Maura B. Jacobson’s puzzles. They are by no means easy friends, but they are mind-boggling fun (and full of puns)! Maura is hanging up her hat after thirty years of puzzle making. I felt a proper goodbye was necessary.

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May 6, 2011

Maura,

Congratulations on your retirement! Your puzzles have been delighting me for the past six years. When my weekly issue arrives, I flip straight to the second to last page and fill in all the easy clues. Then I read page by page, until returning to your puzzle!

I loved your tribute in last week’s edition. I had no idea you’d been at this for thirty years or that you drew your puzzles by hand until just recently. And I love that you were a winning contestant on Jeopardy! You are a legend.

Wishing you a wonderful, well-deserved retirement! Thanks for bringing such joy to your puzzle solvers.

All the best,

Lauren

P.S. I hope you liked the “toast” pun, wink.

bumble ink, New York Magazine tribute

one hundred and nineteen: a letter for Jenna + one for David too

Last Friday my dearest friend Jenna became engaged to David. Friends, this was six years in the making so you can only imagine my excitement. I am bursting with happiness for the soon-to-be-bride and groom.

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April 30, 2011

Jenna,

I am completely overjoyed! And admittedly thrilled to bust out my first Mazel Tov card, ha-ha. I am so glad the proposal went off without a hitch–I would have never heard the end of it if I blew it. Your man had plans!

You are so very special to me and to see you this tickled makes my heart swell. I couldn’t imagine anyone more deserving. I wish you and David all the happiness this life has to offer. And I look forward to celebrating your love! Congratulations on your engagement!

Love,

Lauren

ilee papergoods

+

David,

Nicely done! I guess we know she’s patient, wink.

Congratulations! I am so happy for you both! Thank you for letting me play the tiniest role in the proposal. I was so honored and thrilled to be part of such an unforgettable evening (even if it meant telling white lies). I look forward to watching your love grow. Best wishes and continued happiness!

Love,
Lauren

P.S. I think its only right we celebrate the one year anniversary of your proposal (me too–for real this time). Same table but hold the rabbit. Should I make the reservation or will you?

Old Tom Foolery