one hundred and sixty-six: a letter for Moses

Friends, I got the best news today—my letter writing project was featured in a Chinese newspaper! I had absolutely no idea—but thanks to Moses I now have a scan of the article and a thoughtful translation. And lots of new letter requests from Singapore (hello, new friends)! A proper thank you note was a must!

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June 16, 2011

Moses,

Big, heartfelt thanks for your news—I had no idea my letters had crossed so many oceans! And thank you for taking the time to scan and translate the original article. It means so much to me. The best part of this journey is connecting with so many wonderful people who share in my fondness for letters. Thanks for the kind words about my project and for keeping up with me. May your mailbox always be full of cheer!

Best,

Lauren

 kate spade

a photo of the article:

 

 

 

 

 

one hundred and sixty-four: letters for Virginia + Krystal

Today’s letters go out to two women who are adored by those who know them best. Virginia is retiring from teaching middle-school English, and Krystal is just all-around awesome!

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June 14, 2011

one hundred and sixty-four:

Virginia,

Your lovely daughter Caitlin told me all about you. I am just besotted with your “thank-you letter lesson.” I think it’s wonderful you’ve taught your students such a useful skill, mapping their road to success. And I am delighted to know there are like-minded letter-lovers, keeping the tradition alive!

BIG, heartfelt congratulations on your retirement! May your road ahead be golden and filled with happiness (and a few well-penned letters). Hats off to you!

All the best,

Lauren

Macon York  (discovered via my parchment post subscription!)

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one hundred and city-four and a half:

Krystal,

Your sweet friend Jeanette wrote me the most adorable list of things about you! A few of my favorites… “She loves hardcore music, especially vinyl. She loves tattoos. She loves to bake. She has crazy hair.” Um, can we be friends?!

She asked that I send you a little note telling you just how wonderful you are (hey, I believe it and we’ve never met!). It sounds like you mean the world to a lot of people. And based on this lengthy list of attributes + fun facts, I can see why. Isn’t it nice to know you’re so adored?!

And since you’re a fellow baker, I thought these grilled peaches + ice cream would be just the ticket for a glorious summer evening… not quite baking, but OH so delicious! Enjoy!

All the best,

Lauren

Home School Chef + Claudia Pearson Illustration  (discovered via my parchment post subscription!)

one hundred and fifty-seven: letters for Isabella + Joey

Today’s letters go to two cool kids. Isabella is a five-year old ballerina who enthusiastically runs to the mailbox daily. And Joey is a thirteen-year old all-star, courageously battling leukemia and undergoing his second round of treatment.

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June 7, 2011

one hundred and fifty-seven:

Isabella,

Your Mom told me you love getting mail—me too! She also told me all about your drawing and dancing excellence. Did you just have a dance recital? Perhaps you can draw me a picture of you in your costume. I used to dance too and the tutus were my favorite part! Have you read any good books lately? Mom told me you love going to the library—me too! Isabella, we have so much in common! I hope you have a splendid summer vacation… try to stay cool in all that Florida sunshine!

Fondly,

Lauren

P.S. I hope you like pink like me! :)

Paper Source

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one hundred and fifty-seven and a half:

Joey,

Tales of your bravery have made it all the way to New York!

I understand you have been putting up quite the fight against Leukemia. I’m so sorry you’ve had to battle this for three years now—that must be the pits. I’m hoping this second round of treatment does the trick and you can get back to doing very important teenager things.

In the meantime, I hope you’re gearing up for football season. Do you think the Eagles have a shot this year?

I hear you have an awesome attitude and a great sense of humor—I really admire that Joey. And I am going to try and be more like you, every day. Thanks for the inspiration and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Fondly,

Lauren

The Great Lakes Goods

one hundred and fifty-six: a letter for Candace

Today marks the fourteenth anniversary of Sex and the City’s television debut. Fourteen years—can you believe it? Nearly four million viewers tuned in to the premiere, and by the end, ten million were hooked. (And still are—despite owning the series on dvd, I just watched back-to-back episodes on E!)

I so admire the brains behind the charming characters we’ve come to know and love (and assign to our girlfriends). Candace Bushnell wrote what she knew, and became wildly successful for an alter ego. How fabulous is that?!

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June 6, 2011

Candace,

I’m sure you get lots of fan mail, but I like to think of this note as thank-you mail. I hope you will too.

I’m a big fan, mind you. I think you are just swell!

I’ve read all your books, save the young adult series and am most impressed by your characters. The four women of Sex in the City are shinning examples of your brilliance: complex, confident, and uncharacteristically independent. These disarming gals taught us about friendship and the empowerment of female sexuality. They encouraged us to be true to ourselves, to chase our dreams and to never give up on love. Thank you for thinking them up. I don’t think there will ever be a better foursome. Ever.

Fondly,

Lauren

P.S. I love that your alter ego stole the heart of millions—including mine!

old school kate spade writing paper

Muji pen

one hundred and fifty-three: a letter for Dwight

My friend Elizabeth and I have a penchant for dance. We’ve become especially smitten with Complexions, a contemporary ballet company based in New York.

We took in a performance at the Joyce last week, and realized after the first act we’d already seen the parts of the show—oops! I guess we are officially groupies. The second act was new (and amazing) and the last act was this great U2 compilation that left me jazzed (once again). The dancers have the most incredible bodies and the choreography is so unique. As Elizabeth said, you’ll never want to eat carbs again! If you ever have a chance to see these amazing dancers perform, take it. You won’t be sorry.

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June 3, 2011

Dwight,

I took in a performance at the Joyce last week and was blown away. Your choreography is just brilliant! I love the fluid movements, mix of methods and ambiguous story lines that permeate each performance. And those dancers of yours are nothing short of amazing. Your music choices are pretty darn great too—that rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot gave me goosebumps.

Thanks for sharing your talent and such a unique vision of dance. I am already looking forward to your fall performances.

Best,

Lauren

Mr. Boddington’s Studio 

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 fifty: (map inspired) letters for Lauren + Sabeen

I love to travel and nothing tickles me more than posting an international letter. Today’s letters go to two ladies with the same adventurer spirit: Lauren is making maps in Africa and Sabeen is seeing the world one country at a time.

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May 31, 2011

one hundred and fifty:

Lauren,

How’s life in Africa treating you? Blake told me about your fabulous job—I’ve never met a cartographer before! Were you always interested in maps? I worked at a magazine for a few years and was responsible for sketching maps. And that was a doozy! I really admire your talent. I hear you’re learning French too. I bet you’ll be speaking like a native in no time. Best of luck on this fabulous adventure!

Fondly,

Lauren

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one hundred and fifty and a half:

Sabeen,

My name is Lauren. I’ve taken on a little project this year—I am writing a letter a day in 2011. Your friend Christina suggested I send you a letter.

She tells me you are quite the traveler (and post card sender). Have you really been to forty-two countries? I love to travel. I think I inherited my wanderlust from my Mom; she was a flight attendant for thirty years.

Do you have a favorite place? I have always loved Europe, especially London. And Barcelona is one of the coolest cities—the culture and the food are so inspiring!

I would love to hear about your adventures should you feel like posting an extra letter, wink. Safe travels wherever you are headed next! I’ll be thinking (er, envying) you!

Best,

Lauren

card stock + map envelopes

one hundred and forty-nine: a letter for a soldier

As you heat up the grill and slice the first watermelon of summer, please remember the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In honor of Memorial Day, today’s letter goes out to a soldier.

A Million Thanks delivers letters to soldiers stationed all over the world—more than five million have been delivered! I encourage you to send a letter too–can you think of anyone more deserving? I wonder if he/she will write back… I’m already giddy with anticipation!

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May 30, 2011

Dear Soldier,

My name is Lauren, and I’m writing a letter a day in 2011. It’s a little 365-day project I embarked on this year. So far it’s been an amazing journey.

I thought you were especially deserving of some correspondence today, it being Memorial Day here in the states. Our country honors your service and your sacrifices today, alongside some potato salad of course. I hope there are hot dogs wherever you are…

I live in New York City, where we just welcomed some very fine service men and women during Fleet Week. I think they brought summer along with them. Our temperatures have spiked—hot and humid days are ahead. I’m not complaining though. It was a long winter and I’m a southerner at heart (I grew up in Florida). What’s the weather like where you’re stationed?

I’m a long time letter-lover. I bet you love receiving letters. They’re the best part of my day and I have plenty of other distractions. What do you like to do to pass the time? I’ve been working on my crossword skills. I’m trying to work up the courage to attempt the Sunday Times’ Puzzle. I also love Scrabble. I’m a word-girl, what can I say?

Before I go, I do want to say thank you. I know you’re making a huge sacrifice for the safety and well being of me and our country. And for that I am so appreciative! I know your daily grind must be thankless, but please know there are strangers out there thinking of you and hoping for your safe and speedy return home. Thank you again.

All the best,

Lauren

P.S. If you want to follow my letter-writing adventures (and have internet access) visit www.lettersfromlauren.com.

P.P.S. I wouldn’t hate it if you wrote back, wink.

Muji writing paper 

one hundred and forty-seven: a letter for the dashing Dean

I have lots of favorite stationery shops. Really, lots. I’ve been known to travel (by plane or by train) for pretty paper. One of my favorites is in the most central of places, Grand Central to be exact. I first fell in love with Cursive, when I came across the little nook at ABC Carpet and Home. Next, an outpost opened in Grand Central allowing me to get my cards on the run. And now there is talk of a seaside spot for the summer in Amagansett (Hello, Hamptons). I am tickled pink. If you’re a New Yorker or just in town for a visit, be sure to swing in for some riches.

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May 28, 2011

Dean,

It was lovely chatting with you this week! Cursive is so wonderfully curated—I always find just what I’m looking for. Everything feels special and sought after, in the very best way. And Dean, you are always such a charming presence.

I am just delighted to hear of your summer outpost (and admittedly jealous you’ll be seaside until September). I look forward to visiting and stocking up on more beautiful treasures.

Best of luck,

Lauren

P.S. You must tell Michael how much I adore his current window—they are all fabulous, but his cheeky and frank admission takes the cake!

Connor

(in case you were curious… here’s the current window)

one hundred and forty-four: condolences for Victoria

I recently read some sad news on Victoria’s blog. Her sweet Dad passed away. And although I don’t know Victoria personally, I’ve been following her decorating musings for the last five years, enchanted by every post. I attempted to copy her gorgeous gallery wall and just last month I painted my bathroom black. I thought this woman who has inspired me could use a bit of comfort, even from a stranger.

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May 25, 2011

Victoria,

I am so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. From all I’ve read, he was a wonderful man and you two shared a very special bond. It must be a great relief to know he isn’t suffering. And yet an unbearable ache to realize he’s no longer just a phone call away.

I wish you comfort and support during this difficult time—I know your readers are all sending good vibes your way, myself included. May your father live on in your memories and in your heart, always.

In sympathy,

Lauren

Motel Deluxe