EDIT - new info at the bottom!

I had the good fortune of messaging back & forth a few times with my santa. We share a lot of the same interests & he asked some questions that left me curious. This is my first time doing an exchange so I didn't really know what to expect & I didn't want to get my hopes up in case my santa didn't participate. I came home after work today to a package at my door! I didn't even take off my coat before I opened it.

My santa sent me one of the books on my wish list, Shel Silverstein's Giraffe & a Half. I love giraffes & I'm a Silverstein fan. I work with young children so this will be a perfect addition to my library. My santa also included a book that means a lot to him, Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums. Both books were accompanied with thoughtful notes & it's clear that he took the time to think about his choices.

What he doesn't know is that The Dharma Bums is the first Kerouac book I ever read & it's by far my favorite. I read it many, many years ago after having been leant a copy from a dear friend. Now I have my own copy & I can't wait to settle down on the couch with a cup of tea & the cat. It's the perfect way to end such a rainy & cold day!

Oh, but wait - there's more! My santa has been asking about my pets. He wrote that I can expect a package or two to come from his family to mine. I'm so touched by this. I would love to send a thank you to him & his family... santa... will you reveal yourself?!

EDIT: A few days ago I received a large box in the mail. Inside was the most fantastic piece of art transforming the dog & cat... royal subjects! So thoughtful & we appreciate it so much! The critters approve for sure. It's been very challenging to snap photos of them next to it. After days of trying I've selected the best options to share with you the artwork & just how much of a perfect match it is to the critters.

Hats off to you, my Santa. Thank you for this thoughtful gift. A prominent place will be chosen to display it! :)