Dear Daniel,
Thank you for your correspondence!
Some writers argue that the exclamation mark only serves weak writers who cannot convey what they intend with powerful, clear language. I am not one of those people, but I wary of over-taxing the (motorways and tramlines) exclamation point. If I were to write a novel, I would imagine it would only have three or four instances of punctuated exclaim.
No, I have not received any presents for National Poetry Month. I have, however, written some poems, thereby decorating my mind. Currently, I am working on a good one about marginality and liminality. I am investigating how the intellectual study and understanding of ideals, such as justice and equity, may not translate into ethical behaviour or living. I suppose this is a version of writing about Pharisees (those who are set apart). Maybe I will add that reference in somewhere.
I remember your mother.
I hope you are always ready to cast the first stone. Remember, nothing gets done without a degree of inconsistency.
Take care of yourself,
Leif