The handwritten letter

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - When I was a little girl, my grandfather would write me letters. Born in Germany, he worked harder than anyone I knew to assimilate to his new country that he adored so unabashedly. By writing to his granddaughter, he could practice penmanship and English with someone who would just cherish the letters and never criticize any small flaws. That was my introduction to the gift that is the handwritten note. Years later, as I went to college, the letters sent every week (without fail!) from my mother are still so powerful I can honestly still not look at them; I just miss her so much. Just a few short years ago, when I was quite ill, I received other letters. Some were just quick jots on a note card, some were letters penned on lovely stationery and some were in a journal that circulated around the Vera Bradley offices so everyone who wanted to could add a note. I have them all, I read them all, I want people to understand how profoundly they affected my life. When you take the time to sit down and write something to someone, it shows that you care about them and have them in your thoughts. These are the same sentiments felt by my friend, Devon. She is starting a project that will hopefully remind people about the value of these tender expressions – when she partnered with Vromans in Pasadena, it was the perfect fit. Hey, I have an idea. Send me snail mail at:
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
Attention: Heidi Floyd
P.O. Box 80201
Fort Wayne, IN 46898

PS: Check out photos by Ed and Annie Vita at vitaphoto.com

Americana

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA - The Vera Bradley store at The Americana at Brand is breathtaking; and I say that with full acknowledgment that I have been to several Vera Bradley stores. They have a chandelier OUTSIDE, can you imagine? Ah, California. The staff put on a lovely event, with yummy treats spread out for all who attended and warm conversations for everyone. There weren’t hundreds of people who attended, but the ladies who came during my time there were such great people to meet, I am delighted we were able to have the event at this location. Cancer survivors were given gifts, and one customer revealed that she was a survivor of more than a decade while another was still going through treatment right now. It is this diversity amongst us that makes us all so strong; we offer encouragement for the ‘newbies’ and celebrate with joy those who have double-digits in their survivorship. What a store.

Best for Women

VENTURA, CALIFORNIA - Soroptimist means “the best for women”. I’m ashamed to admit I’d never heard about this organization until I was asked to speak at their event – now I know. They are so impressive, so passionate – and not just about breast cancer, but about all women’s issues. Human trafficking, health issues, treatment of women in developing nations, women’s empowerment toward money management – everything! Each group has an issue they’ve embraced and are working hard to effect change for that issue. Some of these ladies have been doing this for over 50 years; finding people that devoted is a rarity indeed. They are fun and witty while simultaneously hard working and dedicated. During these difficult times, it is hard to think that we can spare anything at all, whether it be time, effort or money. I encourage you to just meet one of these ladies, and see if they don’t inspire you to at least try.