It was my birthday last week and gifts have poured in from readers: wonderful visual art of various kinds, nifty toys, and gift certificates from/for Amazon.com. Getting presents is always a delight (I’m childish that way: yay presents! more presents! lots of presents!), and to get so many from people I’ve never met, or have met only because of my writing, is stunning. It makes me feel…full, as though I’m on the right path, doing a Good Thing.
Some of the gifts were anonymous, so I can’t thank the givers individually, but please know I am thrilled. Thank you. And I promise I will write you a book that will blow your garters off.
Nicola Griffith 
Yeah,gifts are cool Glad you’re getting so many.Did you ever stop to think Nicola of the gifts you give to people every day. For example, letting me join your group and participate in it is a gift to me. I like getting insight from you on your personal life and thoughts and think is a gift you give. Also, the books. I get a gift from you every time I open your books. Perhaps most of all I consider your perseverance the biggest gift. And, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. So the gifts we send you are most likely just those proverbial tokens of appreciation for what you continue to give us.And isn’t it nice when birthdays go on so much more than just one day!duff
<>duff,<> you’re not alone.<>nicola,<> you’ve been giving me presents since I was a microscopic egg. And the ones you give us are the life-saving, go-have-a-great-time, love-fully, be-brave kind of gifts. Of course you’re doing a Good Thing. I’m glad you got lots of toys that remind you of this.
duff, thank you.karina, yes, it’s good to be reminded. Now back to trying to explain plainchant through the mind of a 12 yr-old who has never heard anything remotely like it…
Happy belated birthday!I’d just like to second and third Duff and Karina’s comments. Thanks for being who you are and being willing to share yourself as you do.
jill, thank you. I like being me, too :) And it’s intensely gratifying to find that I can range all over my me-ness and not send people screaming into the woods…