Dear David :
How’s everything going? As your birthday is drawing near, I’ve prepared a gift for you. It’s a Chinese painting “bamboo”, which I specially drew for you.
In Chinese culture, bamboo carries many best wishes and excellent qualities. On one hand, it stands straight and stays green all year round, so it’s always full of life. I wish you as strong and energetic as a bamboo. On the other hand, it’s hard outside but hollow inside. If compared to a bamboo, one is usually considered to be strong-willed and modest. All in all, we use bamboo to represent a noble and gentle person.
I hope you like the gift and wish you a happy birthday.
Yours,
Li Hua