Having moved East - West - East in the last two years, we still had boxes in the garage unopened full of our old photo albums and momentos. I LOVED going through old photos and spent the last two days being only mildly helpful but maximally engaged in a trip down memory lane. I found a handmade photo book from 1994-1995 that seemed like the perfect subject for today’s blog. At the time, I was attending graduate school at Cal State Northridge, waiting tables at I Cugini in Santa Monica, and working as a first grade teaching assistant for my friend Amy at Westwood Charter Elementary School. Teaching was something I had wanted to do since I was a little girl and my subsequent years as a third grade teacher were perhaps my finest professional moments. However, my love for fashion was apparently brewing at that time as well based on some excepts from the photo book I found today. The book was compiled by the head teacher, my friend Amy. Each of the first grade students drew a picture and answered the prompt, “I love Laura because ….”

Note… there is one (only one though!?!?) that says I’m smart, but happily many that say I’m nice, kind, fun and fair. I’ll spare you by not posting all of them - but I was tempted. Finding this book made my entire day better yesterday. I hope these sweet pages from my photo book offer a moment of sunshine in this otherwise gloomy time and help remind everyone, that given the added stress and hardship around us, it’s a wonderful time to connect and appreciate others. Send a thoughtful message to someone you love or a big virtual hug.