Guild Last Night

Cindy, we will *assume* that you were not carrying an assault weapon and the gift-givers gave you gifts because they Wanted To. If you were armed, it's quite a different situation. So. If they were not forced or threatened, you absolutely did the right thing by graciously thanking them. If you feel you want to reciprocate - Valentine's Day is coming just before you can blink. Go get 'em. If you don't have the time or the dollars, a hand-written thank you note is a highly forgotten skill but always well received. Polly

"teleflora" wrote, in part > But that old awkwardness managed to rear it's ugly

Very well said Polly. I'm glad I deleted my half thought out answer....it was not as eloquent. But I was thinking in the same vein. Accept with a smile and write a thank you note. I have a dear friend who can write the BEST thank you notes. I'm always in awe when I receive one. KJ

Gun... hehehehhehehehe... armed.... hehehehhehe.

Oh, yeah, I write GREAT thank you notes. Got them all done as a matter of fact!

Cindy

Absolutely!

The art of receiving graciously is just as important as the act of giving generously. You may have unwittingly done something very important for each of these people through the year (perhaps just a kind word when they were down) and they wanted to give you the same "lift". Thank them sincerely and don't even consider turning it into a gift trade or exchange. They will get a wonderful warm glow from your simple note.

As others have said. You did something that these people remembered, that made them want to choose you to give a little something to. It's okay to not have been expecting it. It's okay to feel awkward, perhaps feeling like "what did I do to be rewarded like this?" Complete the circle of the gift by thanking them from your heart (see, you already wrote the cards out!). Everyone feels the warm fuzzies - you and the gift-givers.

JMHO G> We had our Christmas party at Guild last night. Lots of great food, games

Speaking of writing notes -- years ago I received 2 little books, "Apples of Gold," and "Wings of Silver," by Jo Petty. They have little proverbs, quotes, and tiny stories with various topics, such as love, faith, peace, joy, temperance, goodness, and so on. Whenever I needed inspiration for writing thank you notes, sympathy cards, and get well cards, for instance, there was always something I could quote, then elaborate a little bit. I've used these books hundreds of times, and think they are great for everyone - those of us who love to write, and those of us who are hesitant. You can still get them -- hardcover or soft, on Amazon. Neither are expensive. I promise you'll love them as much as I do!

René

Oh, how neat! thank you, Rene. I am always one the lookout for treasures like these.

Cindy

Flowers in the New Year. :) Spring bulbs in a nice little pot always go down well.

Maybe you should plant them 'pointy end' up. Polly

"Kate XXXXXX" wrote, in part Flowers in the New Year. :) Spring bulbs in a nice little pot always

Hehehehehe...

Thanks. I needed the giggle.