Travis Smith: my resume, bio and photos back to the main blog page

I’m going to say something a little unusual here: I hope you’ll hear me out.

A few of you have been asking me for a Christmas list this year, and I’ve had a really hard time thinking one up.

There’s only a few things I really want, and most of them are so mundane that I feel bad even listing them.  Who wants, for example, to give me another pair of black socks so I can go longer before doing laundry? Don’t all shout out at once.

So after giving it serious consideration, I’ve decided to put only one thing on my list this year.

If you’re thinking about giving me a gift, I’d like you to figure out how much you want to spend on me, multiply it by two, and give that much money to a local charity you care about.  Then, send me a card with the name of the charity.

That’s all.

I know it’s not very consumer-y of me.  I’m not trying to take some high moral ground.  I just don’t need more stuff to fill up our already cluttered apartment.  I make a fine salary, and I’ve bought enough to keep me fed, sheltered and entertained well into 2001.

Don’t get me wrong.  I still like getting presents, and I still like buying things for others.  I’m not going to give you a bag of soy beans or a patchouli-scented head band, and I’m not asking for you to give to any specific organization.  I think the gift would be nicer if it was to a local organization, but that’s up to you.

If you think this idea sounds right, why don’t you forward it on to your friends. Ask them to give to others as a gift for you this year.

Tell them, “This year, I want what Travis wants.”  I hope you’ll pass this along.

If you receive this from a friend, I’d like to hear about it!

Overheard

“The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil.”

...who said it?

“Almost every American I know does trade large portions of his life for entertainment, hour by weeknight hour, binge by Saturday binge, Facebook check by Facebook check. I’m one of them. In the course of writing this I’ve watched all 13 episodes of House of Cards and who knows how many more West Wing episodes, and I’ve spent any number of blurred hours falling down internet rabbit holes. All instead of reading, or writing, or working, or spending real time with people I love.”

...who said it?

“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”

...who said it?

“I play with variables constantly.”

...who said it?

“Only the person who has learned Continual Love coming from a heart of Gratitude/Worship can effectively deal with the problem of loneliness.”

...who said it?

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