McKayla is my faux niece. I’m an only child, so I naturally I like to play pretend. And any aunt would be lucky to call this girl hers! Her Mom is raising a wonderfully polite and poised little lady. I only wish I got to see her more often (she lives a plane ride away).
Hope the Easter Bunny was good to you friends!
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April 24, 2011
Mc Kayla,
I hope you have a very sweet Easter! And maybe I’ll see you in May? Lots of love…
Love,
Auntie Lauren xxo
Today my dear friend Paul is getting married in New Orleans. If there was ever an unofficial ambassador of a city, Paul would be the Big Easy’s designated mascot. In full disclosure, I wasn’t sure this day would ever come (Paul was quite the bachelor you see) but he got lucky in love at last. My heart swells for the happy couple and the sunny future that lies ahead. Congratulations!
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April 23, 2011
Paul and Belinda,
Congratulations on your wedding! Oh how I wish I could be there to celebrate with you (and see Paul in a tux)! I am quite sure it will be a lovely southern affair, my favorite kind, and a day you will always cherish. May your union bring you great happiness and continued blessings. I have a hunch a whole lot of joy is headed your way.
Best wishes and lots of love,
Lauren xxo
P.S. Belinda, I don’t know how you did it. But I know his mother is thanking her lucky stars. Paul is one lucky guy!
Larkyn is a lovely lady from the deep south. We worked together for a bit at the magazine. I adored listening to her subtle twang as she answered phones in the cubicle adjacent to mine. I tried to set her up once–really, that’s how adorable she is! And while we don’t see each other as often as I’d like, I think she is just swell!
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April 22, 2011
Larkyn,
Happy Birthday darling! I loved bumping into you in my elevator (of all places) but it just wasn’t enough! We need a proper catch up and celebration. And soon! I hope today is filled with confetti, bubbly and kisses from cute boys. Lots of cheer for you my friend!
Love,
Lauren
Twice as Nice (sorry, no website available)
Angelica and I were big letter writers in high-school. We filled a spiral notebook with notes; we’d swap it back and forth between classes detailing the minutia of our days. All of our crushes and teenage angst are encased between these multi-colored, doodled pages. It’s only natural a letter-lover would save all her correspondence and this notebook is no exception. It is my most favorite anthology of high school—take that yearbook (which I edited).
Angelica and I lost touch after high school. We reconnected about a year ago, and it was as if not a day had gone by. She’s married now with a charming little boy. I am so happy to have her back in my life. She wrote the last letter, and ten plus years later, I’m finally writing back.
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April 15, 2011
Angelica,
I stumbled upon our little notebook last time I was home. Ah, what a trip down memory lane. The boys, the kisses, the drama, the nicknames—it made me miss you and our youth! Mostly all the time we had—time enough to write twelve page letter (!), switch ink colors every three lines and doodle at will. Ha!
I am so glad we reconnected last year. There was hardly a day that went by that I didn’t wonder about you or kick myself for letting us fall out of touch. I loved seeing you and to catching up on the highlights of the last ten years. Watching you and Logan interact was really sweet—you are such a great Mom Gelly. And I love that you’ve found happiness in life. You’ve been through a lot and are so deserving of a sunny-ever-after my friend.
Here’s hoping many more letters are in our future, and pancakes too! I’ll give you a ring next time I’m down south.
Lots of love,
Lauren
Bella Ink (graciously donated–thank you!)
Dara and I went to college together. She works in magazines and wears red lipstick better than anyone I know. Her laugh is completely contagious and she has the best jewelry (including a drool-inducing engagement ring).
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April 11, 2011
Darling Dara,
Wishing you a very happy birthday, your last as a single (albeit engaged) woman! I hope today is a splendid kick off to a year of celebrations starring you—I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving! Wishing you health, happiness, and lots of chocolate cake—today and always!
Love,
Lauren
My dear friend Sarah and her wonderful husband Jon wed one year ago today. I was honored and delighted to have a front row seat as a bridesmaid. It was a lovely wedding, and these two really do make a perfect pair.
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April 10, 2011
Dearest Sarah + Jon,
Happy one-year anniversary! It seems like only yesterday we were all crossing our fingers for sunshine and dancing the night away. I just adore the two of you and am so happy to mark a year of wedded bliss! I hope you can find a way to celebrate despite your travels (and that the top tier of your cake is still tasty). May all your years be filled with love, good health and happiness!
Love,
Lo xxo
Dolores is one of those whip smart ladies who seemingly knows something about everything. She has impeccable taste and an elegantly decorated home that still manages to feel comfortable and lived in. Most of all, Dolores is courageous. Five years ago her life was turned upside down without warning. I admire her ability to rebuild and ultimately find happiness again. I’m not sure I would have fared too well under the circumstances. And I just thought she should know…
Have you ever told someone you admire how much they mean to you? Make me proud and write them a letter!
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April 6, 2011
Dolores,
I can hardly believe it has been five years. I vividly remember hearing the news for the first time; my Dad told me in the car, on the way home from the train station. I was stunned, insisting this had to be some kind of cruel April Fool’s joke. This was the kind of betrayal that belonged in a harlequin romance novel. It couldn’t happen to someone I cared for and admired. I just hated seeing you ambushed and heartbroken in the weeks and months that followed.
But what I don’t think I’ve ever told you is how impressed and inspired I was by your courageous tussle to rebuild your life. You took the fistful of lemons dealt your way and survived, flourished even. One piece at a time, you put things back together for yourself and your family. And in due time you learned to trust again and even found love. Sunny days are here again, and I couldn’t be happier for you.
I’ve always loved the Martin Luther King quote, “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.” You are a shining example of a well-measured lady (with good looks and wit to boot). If possible, I admire you even more today than in those moments of adversity. And I just thought you should know.
All the best,
Lauren xxo
David is an extremely accomplished litigator. He works at a prominent firm in New York City and recently expanded his resume to include teaching. I applaud his efforts on behalf of these law students—people like David, teachers, make the world a better place.
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April 4, 2011
David,
My Dad told me about your latest venture, teaching. Specifically he said, “David is teaching complex business litigation—the most valuable class these third years will ever take.”
I’m sure your students have no idea how hard you’ve been working, planning lessons tirelessly since October and commuting to North Carolina weekly. And you maintain your position as a full time lawyer and leader in your firm. I thought I had a full schedule!
I am so impressed and inspired by your commitment to your Alma mater. In addition to a sizable monetary donation, you give your time as the Chairman of the Board of Visitors and as a dedicated professor. I hope those student know how very lucky they are.
Best of luck completing the semester. You’re in the home stretch now. And I bet your wife is looking forward to your summer vacation.
All the best,
Lauren
My friend Sarah and I have seen each other through boyfriends, planned a sorority formal in another country and taken turns eschewing meat. We always pick up where we left off, and even though we couldn’t be more different I happen to think we go together like spaghetti and meatballs (if you’re eating them, of course).
Happy Birthday love! I hope today is fabulous, just like you. And I hope this year is filled with all good stuff—a new house sounds like the best present ever! We must properly celebrate, and soon. Think we can talk Jon into cooking for us? Lots of love + hugs.
xo Lo
Bella Ink (graciously donated–thank you!)
I walked into Kathryn Austin’s dance studio, a gangly 6th grader with bushy bangs and a sudden desire to learn ballet. (Side note: I was only interested in gymnastics up until this point—gymnastics was cool—but tall girls are not cut out for back handsprings and when I turned eleven my coach pulled my Mom aside and told her, jig’s up.) I was placed in an age appropriate class, which meant plie-ing along side complete pros. Ms. Kathryn encouraged me, fixed my horrific turn out, and managed to work me into that year’s recital without drawing total attention to my flat feet. Friends, this woman is a master. I spent the better part of the next six years in a studio with this lovely lady, learning the anatomy of the body and so much more.
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April 1, 2011
Ms. Kathryn,
I don’t know if I should erupt in applause, give you a big bear hug, or present you with a gallon of Fresh Market olives. I think you deserve all three. And then some.
When I decided to write a letter a day, I made a short list of people I knew, without doubt, I wanted to write to. You were on that list! And then your daughter—who is forever nine-years-old in my mind, but apparently is in college now, what?!—wrote me a lovely letter request. And if it even possible, my respect and admiration for you tripled.
You are one of the most determined and resilient people I know. I think it is just brilliant that you are getting your PhD. I don’t know how you juggle the three-hour drives or fit in all the research necessary, but I applaud you for doing something for you, and for setting such a wonderful example for your children and all who admire you. Those students of yours—in the studio, at UCF, old and new—are lucky ducks!
You are a wonderfully patient teacher (I speak from experience here) with a wealth of knowledge to share. As a dancer, you are bar none. I will always remember your solo performances during our recitals—they were breathtaking. And if your kids are any indication, you’re a damn good Mom too. But best of all, you are a wonderful role model. You lead by example and inspire so many people to do more, to be more. I would have never stuck with dance if not for your encouragement and support—and it has enriched my life beyond measure. And so many of the lessons you taught me during my formative years I carry with me today. You have such a positive outlook on life and truly live everyday to the fullest—this is the bread and butter of the journey, and it’s so often forgotten.
Thank you for being part of my story. And thank you for casting a little bit of sunshine in so many people’s lives. Best wishes and all the happiness you deserve!
Fondly,
Lauren
Orange Line (sorry, no link. I picked it up at Urbanic)
