forty: a thank you for Gramma

This has just been the week of riches, I tell you! First a BBQ basket and now Florida oranges. I am one lucky lady.

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February 9, 2011

Gramma,

A little box of sunshine was plopped on my doorstop yesterday. Twenty-five vibrant balls of juicy goodness! I can hardly believe my good fortune. Thank you for thinking of my vitamin c intake during these bleak winter months. You are so wonderful and I am so lucky to call you mine.

Love,

Lauren

 

And a little knock-knock for the envelope…

Gramma: Knock, knock.

Me: Who’s there?

Gramma: Orange.

Me: Orange who?

Gramma: Orange you glad I sent you oranges?

Me: WHY YES I AM!

Oblation telegram thank you

 

thirty-nine: a thank you for Gloria

My friend Lisa is one of the bravest people I know. She had surgery in December, so I helped nurse her back to health with a steady blend of cheeses–first baked ziti, then mac-n-cheese. Oh and red-velevt cupcakes too, because cream cheese frosting makes everything better. Her Mom sent me a very generous (and unnecessary) thank you basket.

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February 8, 2011

Dear Gloria,

I don’t know where you stand on a thank you note for a thank you gift, but in this instance I would say it’s a must. I received an embarrassingly large basket of BBQ lovin’ yesterday (way to get a girl longing for summer). Thank you so much! I am going to win hearts and minds on the grill with those delicious sauces and rubs.

I really appreciate your thoughtful gesture and kind note—completely unnecessary of course. I adore your daughter and loved being able to lend a hand. I think she is just the bravest. And hopefully I’ll see you again soon, but just for fun this time. Thanks again!

Fondly,

Lauren

old school kate spade

thirty-eight: a letter for a pencil lover

I discovered Pencil Revolution a few weeks ago and have been working my way through the archives. People who revel in something have a special place in my heart. And honestly, who doesn’t love a perfectly sharpened pencil?!

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February 7, 2011

Dear Pencil Revolution,

I was beyond delighted to find your nifty little blog. I adore pencils. I take great pleasure cranking a manual sharpener and I like having the flexibility of an eraser in case of blunders. So handy!

I eagerly await your review of the Enviro Stiks. I’m a big fan of Ticonderoga pencils (using one now), but I think I mostly like that they come in black. Black feels special, more grown up than the yellow school variety. I am also completely enchanted by black erasers. See, these are the kind of things only you understand! Thanks for keeping a little space on the web for us pencil-lovers.

Happy Sharpening,

Lauren

Rifle Paper Co.

thirty-seven: a letter for David Nicholls

One Day is a love story that spans twenty years. I fell for the characters and weeped when it was over. I would tell you to read it immediately but I am always a little wary of making recommendations. I will say, this story touched me and will stay with me always. One of David’s characters (Emma) longs to be a writer. I chuckled over this bit of the book, a girl after my own heart:

“She drinks pints of coffee and writes little observations and ideas for stories with her best pen on the linen-white pages of expensive note-books. Sometimes, when it’s going badly, she wonders if what she believes to be a love of the written word is just a fetish for stationery. The true writer, the born writer, will scribble words on scraps of litter, the back of bus tickets on the wall of a cell. Emma is lost on anything less than 120gsm.”

…

Dear Mr. Nicholls,

I absolutely loved your novel One Day. Hats off to you!

Great Expectations is my favorite book of all time. I re-read it often and had just finished the passage you quote in Part One when I picked up your book. In other words, you had me from the beginning. And then this beautiful story unfolds and I find myself totally wrapped up in your characters. I rooted for Emma and Dexter with every turn of the page, cringing at moments and crying at others. I didn’t want their story to end or yours for that matter. I really delighted in the ending—you gave me time to dry my eyes and collect myself before the last page. Brilliant! It also should go without saying—I LOVED the letters most. More people ought to write letters. And like Emma, I often wonder if my love for the written word is just a fetish for stationery.

Upon finishing the book I went immediately to your website (I wanted more!) where I promptly listened to songs from Emma’s mix tape for Dexter and then wandered over to your blog. I’m quickly becoming a groupie. I look forward to ‘watching’ the story of Em + Dex on the big screen this summer. In the meantime, I will hope like hell that you’re hard at work on another wonderful read with equally lovely characters.

All the best + continued success,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

thirty-six: a letter for Linus

I just discovered Linus Bikes and I’ve already hatched an elaborate savings plan so I can be riding one come spring. Everything about the Dutchi 3 is stunning! And the accessories totally seal the deal: a bell, a basket, a swanky seat!

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February 5, 2011

Dear Linus Bikes,

You have stolen my heart. I stumbled upon your showroom on a recent trip to LA and am completely smitten. I have been entertaining the idea of a bike for over a year now, but all the ‘pretty models’ cost a couple thousand dollars—eek!

But then there was you and your beautifully designed classic Dutch bikes. Sleek steel frames in shiny black, silver spokes, brown leather handlebar grips and the possibility of a Nantucket basket to hold my treasures—it’s just too much! Thank you for designing such a covetable mode of transport. I’m saving my pennies and counting down the days until spring!

Fondly,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

 

thirty-five: sympathy for Claire

I met Claire my freshman year of college. We spent the better part of the next six years cohabitating, first in Syracuse and then in New York City. Some of my best memories include her, and even though she’s half a world a way I think of her daily.

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February 4, 2011

Claire,

Darling I am so very sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. I know you shared a mutual adoration of one another and a very special bond.

I hope you take comfort in knowing he lived a good, long life. And his memory will live on in you and all those who loved him (including all his lady admirers at the retirement community).

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. If I can do anything for you, just say the word. I love you.

Love,

Lauren xxo

Blue Ribbon Design

thirty-four: a thank you for Toni + Tim

I look after Toni and Tim’s three children–the most well behaved, precocious little people. After spending a few years with this family, they’ve become part of mine. I hope to have a marriage like their’s someday. And should I ever have children of my own, I can only aspire to raise them as well.

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February 3, 2011

Toni and Tim,

Thank you so much for the dainty little bracelet. It’s lovely and so unique. Those gorgeous blue stones leave me longing for summer and the beach! I’m so glad you two were able to escape and get some sunshine.

Thank you for your constant thoughtfulness and many sweet gestures! I’m so lucky to have your family in my life.

All the best,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

thirty-three: a letter for Adam

Adam is one of my dearest friends. He’s almost like family (we’ve lived together and he endured a week long vacation with my parents). He gets to deal with my moments–gripes, tummy aches, neurosises. My mother will tell you he “handles” me quite well. And most days I would agree.

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February 2, 2011

Adam,

I saw this card in one of my favorite stationery shops in Boston circa 2007. It reminded me of you (red-orange card, fresh breath obsession).

I have been saving it for god knows what…

Anyhow, I’m writing to congratulate you on a great review today. I don’t tell you very often, but I think you are great. And not that I know much of finance (words are my thing as evidenced during our Scrabble game last night), but I think you’re darn good at your job too (the tax bracket separation keeps me from saying so too often). I’m pleased the people you work with recognize this and acknowledge your efforts. Professional praise is a damn good feeling. You’ve achieved a great deal and you should be very proud of yourself. I am proud of you. Continued success my friend.

Love,

Lauren xxo

Joyce Lee Designs

thirty-two: a plea to the groundhog

February 1, 2011

Dear Puxatony Phil,

Please hear me out. It has been a rough winter. We’ve seen snow, blizzards even, and now ice. It is really rather unpleasant. I am looking forward to packing up my winter coat and woolies. Give a Florida native a break: Don’t see your shadow tomorrow! I know it’s a lot to ask (may I tempt you with some clover or alfalfa?) but I would be eternally grateful if spring came early this year. Thank you for your consideration. I hope you’ll do the noble thing.

Best,

Lauren

 

thirty-one: a (typed) thank you for Charles

My friend Charles is a brilliant photographer and exceedingly thoughtful. I mentioned that I was on the hunt for a typewriter, for my letter writing. And to my complete surprise he gifted me the most gorgeous typewriter, ever. I’m rethinking my furniture layout to accommodate a proper desk (read: pedestal) for the sweet valentine.

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January 31, 2011

Charles,

This thank you note is a paltry attempt to show my gratitude for the sweet valentine typewriter. It’s only been a few hours and already we’re getting along swimmingly. I think we might be soul mates. And you know how I feel about that word.

I hope I showed the appropriate amount of excitement and appreciation today. You caught me completely off guard. I am astounded. I couldn’t have dreamed up a more beautiful machine. Everything about it is perfect—the color, the compactness, and that brilliant name: valentine. It is my new favorite thing. I can’t imagine what will bump it from top billing. I will keep it forever and treasure it always. Thank you.

I am touched by your thoughtfulness and tremendous generosity. And I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful friend. I will never forget this amazing present (worlds better than a first-aid kit) or the happiness I feel today, typing away… click, click, click. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yours truly,

Lauren

P.S. Please excuse the typos, valentine and I need a few more hours of practice.

P.P.S. You were spot on about the finger muscles.

Paper Cup letter paper