How do you adequately thank someone you don't know and have never met for sending you a gift for your birthday??

Most of those who sent me gifts are people I know offline, and I know I'll have the opportunity to give 'em a hug when next I see them.

But simply saying "thanks" doesn't seem enough somehow, and gushing, trying to convey the emotion behind the thanks, doesn't seem right either.

Well, to James, who sent me Shakespeare in Love and David Ippolito - It's Just Us, and Robert (who I have met in person, once, long ago, and has been so good at keeping in touch since then), who sent me Rose Daughter, the book I currently can't put down, and the anonymous someone who sent me A Suitable Boy, imagine a hug.

A real hug, not one of those hugs that only involves shoulders touching or like you're trying to hold onto something that's not really there. A hug, substantial and real. One that conveys that I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness, and how cool I really think you are.

I mean that.