ardent thanks

Ah! You guys, I’m blushing.

Thank you for all your thoughtful comments and emails–I’m “chuffed to bits” I tell you! If you wrote to me, I promise to reply. Just as soon as I land. And your letter requests were bar none! I am honored to write to your loved ones and friends and even a few of you. Please be patient as I received lots of requests. I promise to get to them all, scouts honor.

In the meantime, a virtual billboard of sincere gratitude. If I could mail you all a proper thank-you-for-reading card, you know I would.

map envelopes in honor of my new friends across the globe, i heart letters pin from Greenwich Letterpress

sixty-nine: a letter for Mr. Alexander Graham Bell

"Alexander Graham Bell at the opening of the long-distance line from New York to Chicago," 1892. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.

On March 10th, 135 years ago, Mr. Bell placed the first telephone call. He rang his assistant and said: “Mr. Watson—come here—I want to see you.” Not quite “One small step for man one giant leap for mankind,” but completely practical. What would you have said? I wonder what Mr. Bell would think of our iPhones and Blackberries, amazing or complete excess?

…

March 10, 2011

Dear Mr. Bell

If I had to list my most favorite inventions, the telephone would definitely be in the top ten. If my thirteen-year-old self was making the list, your genius would be number one.

I was a big phone talker as a teen, so much so that my parents gifted me my very own phone line. Phone lines have come a long way Mr. Bell. The line came with a snazzy portable phone (no cord!) with an accompanying answering machine in case I missed an important call. When you’re thirteen, every call is important. But, I had to wait for a phone number to free up. Turns out, when my Mom phoned the folks at AT&T they advised her the only number available was 876-6969. I’m not sure if that number had any significance back in your day, but lets just say my Dad was having none of that.

Your fantastic invention has come a long way. I no longer have a ‘land line’ but make all my calls on a mobile phone which fits in my pocket—can you believe it?! It does all sorts of other neat tricks too, like keeps an address book of numbers I can’t seem to remember. And it surfs the internet—but that’s a long story and another letter I’m afraid.

Thank you for inventing the telephone. And thanks for your other contributions to the vault. You had quite a lot of interests—you were granted 18 patents in your name alone. And I had no idea you tutored Helen Keller (I think they forgot to mention that in school). Hats off to you good sir! And many thanks!

Forever indebted,

Lauren

sixty-eight: a letter for a brave girl

I recently found out someone I know is sick. And it is very unlikely she will get better. I know a letter won’t change her prognosis, but I wanted her to know I’m thinking of her.

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March 9, 2011

To the Brave Girl with the Awesome Shoe Collection:

I’m not sure there are any right words for circumstances like these, but I wanted you to know I am thinking about you. Always. Since you shared your news, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I am so sorry this is happening to you—you are the least deserving of such luck. I can’t begin to imagine what this must be like for you.

In a relatively short time I’ve come to admire your spirit—you’re such a hard worker and always eager to lend a hand. You’ve got a great heart and excellent taste in shoes (if I do say so myself). I admire you. I know I wouldn’t be half as brave in the face of such adversity.

If there is anything I can do for you, now or down the road, please let me know. I know there are a lot of people out there who care for you and support you. Just think of me as one of the local ones. If you ever need to talk, rant, cry—I’m here. I really do mean that.

With complete respect and admiration,

Lauren

kate spade

sixty-seven: a letter for Women For Women

International Women’s Day has been observed for years and years (it dates back to the 1900’s). But I love that it’s gotten more and more attention in recent years. It’s even an official holiday in twenty-six countries; men honor their mother’s, wives, girlfriends, etc. with token gifts. How neat is that?!

Women for Women is an organization that champions this effort year round. They give hope to women survivors of war, aiding them financially and providing skills to help them establish self-sufficient businesses. So in honor of IWD, I made a donation to the organization and sent along thanks to the people who make it all possible.

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March 8, 2011

To the Brains + Muscle Behind Women For Women,

A sincere thank you to the dedicated employees and volunteers of your organization. I am honored to support such a worthy cause, and proud to see all the good work you are doing in war-torn countries. You are changing thousands of lives and impacting entire nations. Thank you for raising awareness and for giving those women a voice that can be heard.

Best,

Lauren

kate spade (who partners with this organization: check it out!)

sixty-six: congratulations for Debra

Debra and I work together at a little shop in Larchmont (one of my many side jobs). She has great hair and an infectious laugh. And now she’s got a grandson. I still maintain she’s far too fashionable and young at heart to be a Grandma.

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March 7, 2011

Debra,

Congratulations! I am so happy for you and the whole family! A real grandbaby at last—no more practicing on Graham—you’re in the game now. I know you will make a wonderful addition to Jack’s circle of love. He is one lucky little boy. Best wishes to the whole gang. Here’s hoping he sleeps like a teenager!

Love,

Lauren

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

sixty-five: blessings for babies and parents

A double-baptism occurred on Sunday. Two little twins were sprinkled with water and celebrated with cake. I missed the festivities, but wanted to send along a note of congratulations to the parents.

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March 6, 2011

Lindsey + Greg,

Congratulations on the babies Christening. I’m so sorry I missed it but I heard it was a lovely affair! I hope you had a nice visit with everyone and that all the godparents behaved themselves, wink. I cannot wait to see pictures of the peanuts all dressed up. Can you believe they’ll be six months old in two weeks? I still don’t know how you do it Lindz. Congratulations and continued blessings!

Love,

Lauren

P.S. I’ll be down again in May—perhaps we can schedule a play date with proper cocktails for the grownups? xx

Papyrus

 

sixty-four: a letter for my co-worker Kevin

Kevin might be the most patient person I know. He got stuck working with me for my first close, total luck of the draw. This man deserves way more than Hi Chews.

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March 5, 2011

Kevin

Big thanks for your patience the other night. You’re the best! I promise next time you get stuck closing with me I will be lightning fast! And in the meantime, an offering of Hi-Chews to show my appreciation. Marci said you liked them. :) Thanks again!

Lauren

heavy white cardstock + a yellow envelopes

sixty-three: a letter to the Store Manager at Starbucks

I am particularly fond of small acts of kindness, helping a blind person cross the street, assisting a mother and her baby carriage up the subway stairs… it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But what I love most of all is catching someone else in the act. It reminds me that there is goodness in the world.

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March 4, 2011

Dear Starbucks Store 16211 Manager,

I wanted to share with you an experience I had in your store on March 2nd.

An older gentleman and his service dog were standing around the beverage pick up zone—he was confused about where to order. When the man realized he was in the wrong place and saw the snaking line, he decided to forgo the coffee. One of your schedule managers Alneis (I’m most definitely butchering his name, my sincere apologies) observed the situation unfolding and sprang into action. He approached the man and got him his “black coffee.” The old man was elated, flashing a “thumbs up” to his waiting friends.

I was so pleased to witness this small act of kindness that made someone’s day. I applaud the efforts of Alneis and wanted you to know about his quick thinking and expert customer service. He inspired me to do something equally nice for a stranger.

Sincerely,

Lauren

Mudlark Stationery

sixty-two: a letter to the folks at General Mills

While I know breakfast is touted as the “most important meal of the day” it’s never been a real favorite of mine. Eggs and I aren’t really pals you see. This is especially problematic when your friends (and all of New York really) consider Brunch an institution. I’m a cereal kind of gal myself. I recently discovered Fruity Cheerios and have been eating it by the bowlful–sometimes twice in one day (someone may have to stage an intervention soon). It is so delicious with a splash of almond milk—the perfect amount of sweet. The only thing that would make this better is a prize in the box (remember those?)!

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March 3, 2011

Dear General Mills,

I am having a rather steamy affair with your Fruity Cheerios. Your promise of a “sweetened cereal with whole grain goodness” had me at first bite. I know this is a classic ‘kid’ cereal, but this grown up blames her mother. Don’t we all? You see, I wasn’t allowed sweet cereals as a kid so I’m making up for it now by the heaping spoonful. I think the orange ones are my favorite. I give the whole lot a standing ‘O’-vation. I actually look forward to breakfast now thanks to you guys!

Best,

Lauren

Jack and Lulu

sixty-one: a letter for Dr. Suess

March 2nd would have been the 107th birthday of the talented Dr. Suess. I’d be willing to bet I have the full collection of his forty-four children’s books in my parent’s attic. I couldn’t get enough of The Cat In The Hat as a kid. And to this day, I maintain The Cat In The Hat Comes Back is still the best sequel I know. Happy Birthday Theodor Suess Geisel!

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March 2, 2011

Dear Dr. Suess,

I don’t know if I can give you all the credit for teaching me how to read (I think my kindergarten teacher and my parents would feel a bit slighted) but I must give you some. The Cat In The Hat was the first book I read cover to cover—no memorization like Goodnight Moon, the perennial favorite of my pre-school days. I thought you were so clever, rhyming all the time and thinking up these completely fantastic places like Who-ville. My imagination ran wild! And all the while I was learning these wonderful little lessons, like “Oh the things you can think up if only you try!”

I think its only right that your birthday is also the annual date for National Read Across America Day. Reading was one of my favorite pastimes as a child and now I wish I had more time to get lost between the pages of a good novel. Thanks for starting me off right. You played a big role in my love of reading and for that, I am forever indebted. Tall striped hats off to you!

Fondly,

Lauren