The Year of Giving received so much attention yesterday due to Liane Hansen’s report on NPR Weekend Edition. I got about 3,500 hits and 75 messages yesterday alone. So many touching stories from you about how you somehow relate to one of the recipients or have been moved by my own commitment. I hope that you know that your letters and stories mean a lot to me. I am slowly responding to your emails. Please keep sharing…together our collective stories and efforts make a difference.
Many of you asked how my job interview went on Friday. Thank you. I think it went well…but I won’t know anything for probably a week or so.
Did you read the article that was linked at the end of Alex’s email yesterday; interesting research on the contagiousness of kindness. I don’t have a controlled study like they had to conduct their research, but my unscientific data shows the same results. It’s powerful. Have you found yourself catching the bug? If so, please drop a note here and share what you are doing to spread kindness.
When I ended up at a small gathering at my friend and former work colleague Daniel’s house I was introduced to Ed. One of the nicest guys I have met. His easy demeanor and sense of humor strike me immediately. I asked if he would accept my ten dollars. He said sure.
Originally from Colorado, Ed is a “self employed contractor, carpenter, tile setter” specializing in renovating kitchens and bathrooms. Although he does all kinds of work, he has a special interest and talent in working with full round log timber frames. He got started after he completely remodeled his own log house in Colorado 16 years ago.
Well there was more interesting things about Ed. He is a motorcycle aficionado, lists skiing and glass blowing among his hobbies, and was an exchange student at the University of Tampere in Finland. I was an exchange student in both Mexico and Spain and have also been to Finland almost 30 times. It’s funny the similarities that you can discover when you take time to speak to a stranger.
I shot some video of Ed. He talks a little about his work and interest in building homes as well as what he thinks of DC. He was extremely open about himself and spoke to me about coming out that he was gay. Now 45, Ed only came out 8 years ago when he moved to DC. When I asked him if there was anything that he could use help with that I could post on my Lend a Hand section, he laughed and said “you can help me find a partner!” So new territory for the Year of Giving to serve as a “match-maker” of sort. Ed shares what he looks for in a partner. If anyone wants to meet Ed, please shoot me a message with some information about yourself and I will forward your message on to Ed. Who knows…maybe he will contact you!
As for the $10. Ed was heading to see a band at the Black Cat and said it would end up getting spent there most likely.
Year of Giving 
Hey Reed! I am really enjoying the evolution of your site here…your video editing is getting good! (Hope you have a MacBook to make it easier!) I have to tell you that I was really touched by some of the last few stories, particularly Ivory and Gary (? the guy with the guitars). I have been telling my students about your project, (“project” sounds so clinical, but “crusade” sounds too violent! Maybe it’s a “sojourn in and out of all of various people’s lives leaving a bit of yourself with each of them”? Maybe that’s too sappy!)…in any case, I think they are also enjoying taking the journey with you. As always, looking forward to more!
So glad that you are sharing this with your students. Let’s think of a way to get them doing something similar? Maybe as a group? Maybe working with another school someplace in the world? I would be happy to talk to your class via Skype sometime if you are able to do that on your side?
Reed
When I asked him if there was anything that he could use help with that I could post on my Lend a Hand section, he laughed and said “you can help me find a partner!”
Awww… I’m in the SAME situation (except straight)! Anyways, I LOVE your blog, and check back often.
Keep up the GREAT work,
EMMA.
“It’s funny the similarities that you can discover when you take time to speak to a stranger.”
Very Very True! Just recently I met a gentleman at Dunkin Donuts and realized that we both graduated from colleges in Florida and was born & raised in Miami. How crazy is that!! Its amazing what one conversation will do and how much you find out from a person. Your blog has inspired me to just take time to just talk to people, because you never know you who’ll meet! Looking forward to the next one!