Secret Santa Steph very generously offered to be my rematcher when my original gifter became a no-show. Do you know how cool this was? How good it felt that she wrote to ask me how I might like my name listed, as she wanted to get me something personalized. (As much as I rock on Reddit, my real name was just fine!)

She made me feel pretty damned special, and she deserves major applause. We need a special gallery designation (like a really cool frame or something) just for rematchers.

At any rate, back to the presents! :-)

My gift from Steph arrived in two parts. The first was early this week, when stationery (writing paper and envelopes) the color of rich creamery butter showed up, posted from England. (Steph said she wanted at least part of my gift to come from her own country.) It is simply the loveliest writing paper I have ever owned.

And then an hour or so ago, a second box arrived...containing a stunning, personalized fountain pen and three bottles of ink - black, blue, and red (for grading papers, because Steph knows I teach college). The pen slides into my hand and feels exactly like it was made just for me. Perfection!

As I sit and write on the lovely paper with this fine and delicate fountain pen, I'll feel a bit like Dorothy Sayers as she created the delightful literary detective Lord Peter Whimsey. (Somehow, it just would not be right to use this paper for something as prosaic as a note to the plumber.)

Thank you very, very much, Steph! All of Reddit Gifts is fun - but there is a special place reserved just for rematchers like you who go out of your way to find the perfect way to tickle the fancy of people like me!