This morning, the mailman rang bearing gifts! It was a rather large parcel, so I couldn't figure out what it was by the shape of it. I tried to contain myself so I could take a picture before opening the parcel, but I failed. Miserably. Cardboard all over the living room. Not a pretty picture.

However, my excitement should count as a mitigating factor! With only half a corner pried open, I managed to glimpse a book! And not just any book! No, it was Neil Gaiman's 'Stardust'. My Secret Santa did a great job spying on me! In a comment I mentioned my love for Gaiman's work, and the fact that I had yet to purchase 'Stardust'. Well, thanks to my wonderful Secret Santa, that has been taken care of! Can't wait to start reading it!

But that's not all! Inside the parcel another parcel was hiding. And this one had the distinct record-shape. Yes, my Secret Santa really did a great job checking all my likes and dislikes, because the record is none other than 'Larks Tongues in Aspic' by the phenomenal King Crimson. They reissued this record in the last year, and I've meant to buy it, but didn't get around to it. However, my Secret Santa went above and beyond! Instead of taking the easy way out and just send a readily available reissue of the record, he or she tracked down an original (out of print) first press. Truly a new prized possession to enter my collection.

Dear Secret Santa, I can't thank you enough. I've been through a rough patch lately, and your warm kindness just put a smile back on my face. I will cozily spin the record whilst reading 'Stardust', and have it accompanied by a fine whiskey I'll drink in your honor.

Cheers and thank you so much. Yes, music matters. Even more: without music, life would be a mistake. (Nietzsche) Not only am I very excited to have received your gifts, I am very grateful to have been matched with someone who gets the important things in life.