Good morning from Tulum. This is my last day here and it’s been such a nice trip. I will tell you all about it a little bit later in an upcoming travel post or two, but it was really just the thing. I’d been feeling a little down, and in a bit of a creative rut. Getting out of town… and being able to spend a few days in the sunshine was pretty perfect. I sat in the sun and wrote, drank fresh juice every morning, wandered around the little town, and ate some really delicious dinners every night. It was my third time visiting Tulum (and my second time staying at the Papaya Playa Project), and I can’t say enough great things about it here. On another note, yesterday was the first day of Spring… happy Spring, friends! 🙂
Outfit Details: By Malene Birger Trench // Derek Lam Dress (also here) // Vintage Chanel Red Quilted Flap Bag // Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps // Celine Sunglasses
A little bit of sad news that I wanted to share… my grandmother passed away on Friday. She had been very sick since the New Year, so I had known that it was coming. She was one of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. Her basement could have rivaled Martha Stewart’s studio with all things crafty. She was always immaculately put together (I will always envision her in head to toe beige + camel, buttery cashmere, perfectly ironed trousers, and elegant gold jewelry). And even as she got older, she never lost her sense for adventure.
She traveled all over the world and loved to travel alone too. Years and years ago she took off for Greece by herself (for an entire month, I think?), which inspired me to do the same thing six years ago when I was in between jobs. I like to think that we are a lot alike.
Over the past few months I was able to visit her a lot. I’d bring face masks and beauty products (I brought her a waterless skincare routine that she could do from bed and even smuggled mascara + tinted lip balm into her rehab facility when we thought she was getting better…) I have so many good memories with her before she went. Sitting and talking, laughing, spending time with her with my aunts and my cousins.
Some of my funniest memories of her are of her filling her wine glass (a big goblet) nearly all the way to the top, explaining that she was “just having one,” and that her doctor had told her that she should have one every night. When my relationships would end, it was never my fault… they were all clearly “mentally ill.” She had the greatest sense of humor, always told things exactly as she saw them, and wasn’t afraid to do things her own way. She was a true force of nature.
I feel so lucky that I was able to spend so much time with her before she passed. I will say one thing. Hug your loved ones extra close and treasure every minute you have with them because you really just don’t know. Ninety years is a long life, but my great grandmother lived to be 103 years old, and I had always just assumed my grandmother would live just as long as her. She was so vibrant. My aunt and uncle described her as “an experience and a living event,” impossible to describe with words. And that’s just how she was. So dynamic, so witty, so creative and clever… an element all her own. It’s really hard to believe she’s gone. We get sucked into our busy lives and assume that the people we love will always be there. But they won’t. Over the past couple years I was always “too busy.” I didn’t visit enough, I didn’t call enough. Luckily it wasn’t too late and I got to spend so much time with her over the past few months.
My mom called me with the news just as I was checking into my hotel in Tulum. I will be honest, there were a lot of tears, and crying into the glass of wine I ordered at lunch. It is funny because I planned this trip as I wanted to have some alone time… but suddenly being alone felt horrible. Of course it got a little easier as the trip progressed, and I know one thing… my grandmother would definitely have approved of my little solo getaway. I like to think that she was right with me, enjoying the sunshine herself.
photography by Lydia Hudgens.
so classy!
xx
http://www.cherry-mag.com
I’m glad your trip is going well but I’m sad to hear about the passing of your Grandmother. She is looking down, so happy that you’re traveling alone just like she did!
Christina :: Simple and Delish
Beautiful Grace! Xox
Looking so gorgeous!! This is a wonderful outfit, statement and such a chic dress makes a “regular” classy combo look incredible and unpredictable. 🙂
http://lartoffashion.com
Oh Grace, that is heartbreaking, I’m so sorry. She seemed like a wonderful woman, and such a great role model.
Oh Grace, I am so sorry. Losing someone is so hard. I lost my Grandpa rather unexpectedly last summer and it rocked me to my core (and reminded me that the days are long, but the years are short). I It sounds like your Grandma was truly one of the best and I’m so happy you were able to spend some extra time with her. I’ll definitely be thinking of you this week. 🙂
Brought tears to my eyes! Sounds like you had an amazing relationship with your grandmother – something you’ll treasure forever. I know she was right there with you enjoying the sunshine and beaming with pride at your independence and similar soul. Thinking of you! xo
So sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother – she sounded like a lovely lady and it sounded like you had a great relationship with her…that’s very special! Stay strong!
Pink Champagne Problems
Grace, sorry to learn of your Grandma’s passing. Please consider a series of posts of her wonderful life, sense of adventure and her style. I believe she could be an inspiration for all of your readers.
My eyes are watering and my mouth is smiling, I love your post about Grammy
I always felt I was the luckiest daughter-in-law to have the best mother-in-law
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. You’re so right you say we just assume people will always be there, especially grandparents. Sending warm thoughts your way. Xo
I LOVE that both you and her are totally confident with travelling by yourselves. I love travelling and I love my me time. In fact, the person whose company I enjoy the most is my own (although I do love you, boyfriend). And me not having a travelling companion would never stop me from going anywhere I really wanted to go!
Sorry for your loss, Grace. Sending love and have fun drinking that MILK in Tulum. haha just kidding.
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
Thinking of you, she sounds incredibly special.
x
Love this dress! Can’t wait to hear more about Tulum. I am booking a trip for May and need ideas!
emily
http://www.deltachic.com
I’m very sorry for your loss. Take care.
So sorry to hear about the death of your beloved grandmother. She sounds like an amazing woman & glad you were able to visit with her a lot recently. I’m sure she was so happy to have you by her side.
So sorry for your loss, Grace. She sounds like an incredible woman. XO, Nicole
So sorry to hear about your grandma. She sounds like a lovely woman!
Sorry for your loss <3
I am so sorry to hear about your grandma! your blog post was a lovely tribute to her. xoxo
So sorry for your loss. You painted a lovely picture of her, and she seemed to have been quite the lady. You’re in my thoughts.
I just wanted to say how truly sorry I am. I can tell how much you adore her, and I love the beautiful sentiments and stories you’ve shared about your memories of her. She sounds like the most wonderful character!
Thinking of you and your family and sending love from across the Atlantic.
Briony xox