Part One

Hi everyone!
I'm forwarding to your attention an e-mail I recently received.

Dear Opal,
Happy Holidays!

I want to thank the writers, like yourself, for keeping STFBE alive! I'd also like to take this opportunity to elaborate upon the extraordinary people that I am fortunate enough to have as collegues.

First of all, my collegues think that they have me figured out, but they don't really know me. As I watch this extended family approach life threatening assignments on any given day, I silently pray, and fast for their safety and happiness.

Each case begins, as so many others, frought with possible danger, security considerations and several lives in the balance. This staff , my extended family, provides the usual diplomacy out of lunacy, professionalism and calm forged out of possible chaos and destruction. It is what we do every day, and most of you never know how close we all come to finalities.

We know each others beverage preferences, and can order for each other at no less than five restaurants in our general work area. We know each others' blood types, cell phone #'s by heart, favorite music, colors and preferred seasons of the year.
We know each other's middle names, and why we joined the Bureau ...the real reasons...not the ones we placed on the applications.

Sometimes I wonder if I know as much about my own family of birth - and when I have those doubting thoughts - I rush to fill in "those gaps". It figures though since we hold each other's lives in our hands on any given day.

So by way of celebrating them each year, I surprise each one with a gift they secretely want and believe that no one else knows!

End of Part One

well at first i thought this might have been from Deanne Bray, but now I'm not sure at all.. what is it??

I'm intrigued. Whoever it is on the team sure has them down. More please.

That was certainly interesting. I'd love to know more about it. Please let us know.

You've peaked my interest! Can't wait for more!

Part Two

The first year I did this, each one to the team members individually (therefore secretely) told me about the present left "mysteriously" and obviously from someone who knew them intimately.

They assured me that although they really wanted to keep the gift, and since they believe that they never told any of us about these interests, that maybe a security breach had occurred.

When I mentioned that the gifts would have to be held in lock-up (as in any case as evidence of a possible crime) they all immediately squashed the idea and decided unanimously to just "suffer" with their gifts.

Through the years these secret gifts have included: fulfilling someone's obsession with Bat Girl figurines, an ant hill startup kit, Fred Astaire CD's, and chocolate covered bees.

Here's a sample of the gifts I'm giving this year.

Myles secretely embroiders his own handkerchiefs and neckties. This siken floss is of exceptonal quality! Tara will enjoy this gift subscription to "The Miniature Toy Hobbist Magazine"! Lucy has wanted to learn to play the harp since childhood - These lessons will be appreciated ... and Bobby who you think eats any and every leftover , throws homegrown bean sprouts on his two day old pizza! It constitutes his daily allowance of veggies!

So Opal, although my gifts are secret, when you and your fellow writers challenge and develop each of us STFBE characters, we receive international and heartfelt gifts for all to experience.

It's truly a wonderful life Opal! We share this miracle of meeting/melding and becoming collectively more than we ever could alone.

I'm sure you'll agree that aspects of each writer peers through in "fragments", "scenarios", "contests ," finished stories", etc. The love of your craft, dedication and respect for each other's work is truly admirable and gratifying.

The STFBE team and I have talked about you writers and on behalf of my fellow characters, I can say that we are humbled by your diligence.

We offer fertile gound for your creativity,and we thank you --so please extend our thanks to your writer peers from us for the blessings and continued joy of this holiday season and the years to come.

Peace ,

Ted

Ted, huh? I never would have thought of him. Very unique idea!

Beautiful! Very nice!

wow, didn't espect ted to write the letter. thought it sounded like something jack would write... what about jack and sue's gift? you only mentioned myles, tara, lucy and bobby.....
Anyway great story!

Never would have thought of that!

Myles wrote you a letter! you are a LUCKY girl.

What a clever idea!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy