one hundred and seventy: birthday wishes for Kim

Kim was a very special part of my childhood. She let me deface the plants in her backyard to make “tortillas” for my pretend restaurant Laurel’s on the Lake. She was always up for coloring and she made sure Santa left a gift under her tree for me, every year. I admired her so much I let her feed me flounder for dinner (unheard of at the time–long before I traded meat for fish). At age six, she was pretty much my hero. And today, it’s all about her! Happy Birthday Kim!

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June 20, 2011

Kim,

Wishing you the best birthday yet! And a year of happiness—boat rides, grandchildren, ice cream sundaes—you name it! From the looks of it, life sure gets better with age. Tell that Captain of yours to cruise north for a visit—I miss your laugh! All the best to you, always.

Hugs,

Lauren

kate spade

one hundred and sixty-three: birthday wishes for Brian

Brian is an old college pal. We logged many hours together in a computer lab, cleverly assembling a mock lad magazine aimed at teenage boys. We unknowingly competed for the same job shortly after graduation. And we have the same taste in canine companions (cheers for black labs!). Brian is a good egg. And today he celebrates another year of fishing and hunting adventures!

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June 13, 2011

Brian,

Wishing you a very happy birthday! I’ve heard a bad day hunting is better than a good day at the office, so here’s hoping! I bet Boru’s scent will be extra- good on this happy day. Wishing you the best of everything in the year ahead. You deserve it friend!

Love,

Lauren

P.S. Countdown to Dara + Josh’s nuptials! Can’t wait!

Snow & Graham 

one hundred and sixty-one: a letter for a lovely reader

The best part about this daily journey of letters, is meeting wonderful readers like you (and you, and you, and you too!). One lovely lady has been a great source of encouragement. Her emails and shot-outs on the facebook page are like little rays of sunshine. And although we’ve never properly met, I’m grateful for her today.

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June 11, 2011

Katie,

You must be a Mom (or you’d make a darn good one if you aren’t). Thank you for your sweet emails and kind words of encouragement. I never expected to “meet” so many wonderful people along this journey—by far the best part! You are a rainbow of cheer! I just wanted you to know how much your thoughtfulness means to me. I am one lucky lady.

To letters! And internet friendships!

All the best,

Lauren

fill in the blank cards, Greer Paper 

one hundred and sixty: a letter for a thoughtful neighbor

I’ve lived in my building for five years but am ashamed to admit I know very few of my neighbors. I met a particularly friendly one yesterday (and he has an adorable dog to boot!). Plus he is a hair-care master—does it get any better than that? I just adore making new friends!

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June 10, 2011

Sacha,

Great to finally put a name to a familiar face! And thank you for the swanky shampoo. It smells amazing and is working magic on my tresses! I like to use it on for particularly “rough” mornings… A proper note isn’t really thank you enough, so please think of this as an I.O.U. for a pie at Posto! Thanks again!

Best,

Lauren

pancakes & franks 

one-hundred and fifty-five: a postcard for Kevin

Kevin is a natural joy-spreader. He has an amazing sense of humor, an uncanny skill for retouching photos and a tattoo of the solar system. Does it get any better than that? And today he’s getting a “YOU’RE AWESOME” letter because he is.

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June 5, 2011

Kevin,

I caught up with Charles the other day and he told me his fabulous news. I don’t know how you did it, but I am OH so glad you did. He is so happy! You may have a whole new career in sales, or law for that matter, wink. Thanks for being such an all around great guy. Must see you soon!

Lauren xxo

enormous champion for Chronicle Books postcard

one hundred and fifty-two: a letter for Jess

My friend Jessica is a real star. We worked together, back in my magazine days and have been friends ever since. Jess is a brilliant reporter, an amazing athlete and a killer pizza maker. She even got me to rock climb once—yeah, this girl is the real deal.

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June 2, 2011

Jess,

It was so great sharing tacos with you love! I know we both always lament that too much time passes between our dinner dates, but I love that we pick up right where we left off.

Thanks for your sweet encouragement—it means so much to me. And I so appreciate you always thinking of me when opportunities pop up on your radar. I am very lucky to have a friend like you in my life.

I’ve got my fingers crossed for you too friend. Hopefully we’ll be sharing a bottle of bubbly soon to celebrate!

Love,

Lauren xxo

Cheree Berry

one hundred and forty-eight: a birthday card for Greg

I love old friends. I am blessed to have loads who live all over the world. And while I may go months, even years without sharing a proper in-person chat, I adore them just the same.

I haven’t seen Greg in a few years, but we solidified our friendship during our mutual awkward phase, i.e. middle school. He was dabbling in ‘skating’ and the two-sizes to big clothes that went along with it. And I was trying to hunch my shoulders enough to fit in with my five-foot friends (why I never realized my colossal bangs were way worse than my tall stature is a mystery I will never solve).

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May 29, 2011

Happy Birthday Greggy! I desperately tried to find a turtle themed card that was both age and cool Portland man appropriate. But, as evidenced here, I failed.

I was so excited to get your voicemail a couple of weeks back and still contend a proper catch up must happen. And soon I hope all is well in your world out west. From the looks of it your life (and garden) is flourishing. I am so happy for you. May this year be filled with more of the same, but better! Send my love to Mom, Dad, Zach and Serina.

Love,

Lauren xxo

a. favorite design

one hundred and forty-five: a letter for Andrea

I have a most lovely friend—she has big sparkly eyes and the kind of good taste everyone envies (and desperately tries to copy). She’s going through a bit of a rough patch and she mentioned being a little bummed yesterday. I thought a little cheer would be just the ticket.

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May 26, 2011

Andrea,

I’m so sorry you are blue my dear. I know this time will pass and you’ll be stronger because of it (incidentally, you’ll be a better dancer too). I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I know your resilience and your love for the little guy will triumph.

I’ll be crossing my fingers for swift proceedings and an easy transition for all parties involved. You are a wonderful mother—never forget that and never let anyone convince you otherwise. I’ll be thinking about you friend.

Lauren xxo

Kate’s Paperie

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.

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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 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)