Someone gave you a gift. Someone went the extra line. Someone is just wonderful. Well, say thanks darn it!!!

No, no, not those mumbled words in passing. Not even an instant replay of Steve Martin's famous "Nooo, thaaaaank yooooooooou" skit. Something more worthy of another's thoughtfulness. yeah, it's called a note!!!!

Oh, you remember thank you notes- they are one of the things that etiquette experts harp about and just the things that leave linguistic acrobats in a flutter.

Well, now there's no excuse to procrastinate about writing a witty and meaningful thank you. The Thank-You Book by Robyn Freedman Spizman and The Thank You Book for Kids written by her fourteen-year-old daughter, Ali Lauren Spizman put the appropriate words right in your mouth. or pen, or e-mail!

Muchas gracias, merci beaucoup, danke, grazie, agradeça-o, no matter how you say it, just say thanks.

--December 25, 2001