Make chocolates not war

Right,

I would like you all to memorize today as the first day of me becoming a real celebrity. A very small, malenkiy one, but still a celebrity. Because, today for the first time ever, I received a gift from my follower.

One day a week or so ago, I had an email from one of my most dedicated blog readers, Gabriela. 'I want to send you something by post' she said.

Hmm I thought.

Of course, I know Gabriela. I have seen her face on her blog, I have read her articles on global voices online. I know who she is- as far as virtual friends go.

‘I bet she is a man’, my boss declared. 'I bet she is a stalker'.

I got defensive. 'Why?' I said. 'What are you saying? Can’t a girl be a stalker?' The boss retreated. Nobody wants to be accused of sexual discrimination.

I wrote to Gabriela and told her that I hoped she understood, but I did not feel comfortable to disclose my home address to anyone I met online. But was more than happy for her use my work one.

Fortunately, Gabriela understood. And today, a small yellow jiffy bag with a lot of Peruvian stamps appeared on my desk.

I warned the colleagues it might be a bomb or anthrax, in which case perhaps I should open it outside the premises. They laughed, and I took that as a sign of their approval for me to go ahead. I ripped the bag and out came…...

chocolates!

Or, as Gabriela explained in her note, homemade tejas.

Part of me, drained by the recent stress of the school allocation f** up, secretly hoped they were packed with Peruvian marijuana. Or some other, more powerful substance. But I doubt it. If I know Gabriela-and I feel that I do-I doubt they have anything dodgy in them at all. I tried only one for now, as I have to watch that waistline, and I have to say:

Gabriela, they are fantastic!

What is even more amazing is that they are home made. Hand made. By Gabriela herself! I have no idea how it is possible-they look totally professional. Individually wrapped, with different fillings in them. Plum, raisin, coconut and pecan. The chocolate is delicious and smooth. Traditional Peruvian desert- just for me. How about that, eh?

How totally cool is that, I ask you?

I thought I should tell you about this for a number of reasons:

a) I wanted to announce to the world what a lovely person Gabriela was and thank her publicly.

b) It will demonstrate how much some followers must like scary azeri blog! So screw you, Sevdas and Atillas.

c) You never know, it might start a new trend, as some other followers might feel like they should send me lovely presents, too. Human nature, you know. Remember though: it does not have to be handmade chocolates. I’ll accept personal cheques too.

But really, I just wanted to say…

Gabriela, you are amazing. Thank you so much. Everyone else- be inspired by this example of generosity! Let it be your guide in life. Send love and chocolates across the borders, I say. Make chocolates, not war.