Well rested

{photovia:Molly Brynn}

Hello dear friends.

Can I just tell you, how much I needed to unplug, last week and over the long weekend that we just had here in the States? I was totally overwhelmed. I wanted so badly to sit down and write great posts for you all, but every time I did, instead of feeling excited and happy, I had this overwhelming since of dread.  I was working so much and trying to maintain a social life and I was successfully burning the candle at both ends.

But this weekend? Oh, this weekend was perfection. I was off for three full days and was at the beach every single one of them. The sun felt so good against my tired skin and the water, though cold, was completely refreshing. I felt weightless as I dove under waves and felt the tide gently toss me.  I was a fish.

I was a tourist in my own hometown too. My friend and I rode bikes up and down the boardwalk all day and at night we would get dressed up and ride again, stopping to have a drink, hear a band, have a dance, and enjoy each and every moment.

And, now I'm back. Refocused, rested and re-energized. Oh, how sweet it is.

Simple Joys + Letter Writing

{photo via:That Kind of Woman}

When I was in England last Thanksgiving, I ventured to Bath, by train specifically to visit the Jane Austen Center. I was captivated by the history as soon as I walked up the creaky stairs and into the room which housed the exhibition of all things Austen. Although the Center was quite small, I could have spent hours upon hours reading every snippet of life in Bath for Jane and her family.

On my way out, I stopped by the gift shop to browse around and find at least one small treasure. I came across an initial seal and wax set and imagined myself writing lengthy letters and sipping tea on leisurely Saturday afternoons.

That didn't exactly happen, but I did use my sealer from time to time. Every time I used it to seal a hand written note, my friends would notice and rave over how special and classic it was. It was that added touch that really made something as a simple letter seem like a true gift. 

I have plans of sending letters to my mother from England and quite honestly I want to start practicing the, 'Art of Letter Writing' now. Want to join? Send me an email at londonlisablog {at} gmail.com with your address {P.O. Boxes are fine} and first name with a topic you would like to discuss, no later than Monday, May 23rd. I will put you on my list and respond to you via post.

I can't wait to stock up on my stationary and elegant pens and writing letters to each of you.


"I have now attained the true art of letter-writing, which we are always told, is to express on paper exactly what one would say to the same person by word of mouth." - Jane Austen, from a letter to her sister Cassandra
Published 05/12/2011 By Lisa M. Vanterpool

Oh sweet Jane

{Photo via: Oh, Hello Friend}

xo,

London Lisa

Published 05/10/2011 By Lisa M. Vanterpool 

Writers+Pilo

I'm a QWERTY lover. I think all writers are.
So, imagine my delight when I was announced as the winner of a giveaway from lark + linen.

This lovely came from Pilo a fantastic etsy shop which calls Vancouver home. I'm just now noticing some of the little details from this vintage typewriter. My favorite thus far is the British Pound Sterling symbol above the 5.
Notice anything else?

Published 05/9/2011 By Lisa M. Vanterpool 

XO, 

London Lisa

Have a rockin Mon+day

I'm ready for a good day! Who's with me?!

My Aunt's memorial was this pass weekend. Oh friends it was tough. I was able to participate in the service by reading four pieces that had been written for her. It was tough, but I was praying the entire time asking God to strengthen me and not lose it while up there. It was such a joy to hear people laughing during some of the lighthearted parts where we described her vibrant personality. And it hit me, and I was filled with joy at  how alike we really are. And I was also moved to tears to read the poem that her students had written in her honor. The time I was able to spend with my family was lovely and so many pictures were taken to reserve the sweet moments.

And today friends, after the emotional weekend, I am just ready to freakin' rock this day's face off! Perhaps cocktails with friends after work, a little mani-pedi, and definitely some Starbucks in the very near future. Oh yes, I'm ready for an awesome day! 

{photo via:monk3y.tumblr.com}

XO, 

London Lisa

warm weather + the cold Atlantic

Yesterday's walk on the beach, proved to be just what I needed. Enjoying the warm weather and dipping my feet into the cold Atlantic Ocean was refreshing. As I was walking along the beach, I heard a father speaking french to his daughter and it almost seemed as if I was strolling along the beaches in France. {And can I just take a moment to say that 1. Bilingual children are the cutest, and 2. I want one.} 

Afterwards, I walked to the grocery store, stocked up on some fresh fruit and made my home, enjoying the final sunset of the day. All in all, it was a lovely evening. 

xo, 

London Lisa