Comments on: Question of the Week: Generosity http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/ where writers come to play Sat, 17 May 2008 00:53:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Daryl http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-18395 Daryl Sat, 07 Apr 2007 03:57:32 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-18395 I am generous by nature, always offering to help anyone out in anyway that I can. (I give money to street-people, I don't have garage sales - I just take everything to the thrift store, I pick up hitch-hikers (or people at bus stops with too many bags of groceries to carry), I always hold the door open - even beyond what is sensible... I think there is a "please like me" - mechanism built into it somewhere. It took me a long time to become able to volunteer though. Volunteering always seemed to have a sense about it that I was really doing something for nothing, and as a result I could not fully commit my energies to it. That was until I had a very powerful religious experience while scrubbing the kitchen floor in an ashram. After that I became a fanatical volunteer - willing to donate the service of my life and all my actions to please God. But health matters have ever since precluded my willingness to serve over actually being strong enough to. My last volunteer gig was at my city library over the summer, 8 hours a week shelving books. Let me fall in love with you though? I will go to all ends of the earth (and my pocketbook) to give you things to express my love. That's generosity too, right? I am generous by nature, always offering to help anyone out in anyway that I can. (I give money to street-people, I don’t have garage sales - I just take everything to the thrift store, I pick up hitch-hikers (or people at bus stops with too many bags of groceries to carry), I always hold the door open - even beyond what is sensible… I think there is a “please like me” - mechanism built into it somewhere.

It took me a long time to become able to volunteer though. Volunteering always seemed to have a sense about it that I was really doing something for nothing, and as a result I could not fully commit my energies to it. That was until I had a very powerful religious experience while scrubbing the kitchen floor in an ashram. After that I became a fanatical volunteer - willing to donate the service of my life and all my actions to please God.

But health matters have ever since precluded my willingness to serve over actually being strong enough to. My last volunteer gig was at my city library over the summer, 8 hours a week shelving books.

Let me fall in love with you though? I will go to all ends of the earth (and my pocketbook) to give you things to express my love. That’s generosity too, right?

]]> By: Bruce Hoppe http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17870 Bruce Hoppe Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:07:16 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17870 Although a displaced urbanite (Chicago), I've been absorb by the cowboy culture for many a decade now and, although it's never verbalized (they verbalize little) my impression is that here it is bad form to speak of one's merits. So, perhaps then my difficulty with coming up with some response this week, having completed the immersion. Maybe then if I approach this with some personal historic references you'll get the gist of it. Peace Corps (Nigeria and Kenya) VISTA: Migrant Worker, Indian Reservation, SCLC in the Summer of 1966 in Chicago etc., In these acts and in the writing there is this consistency of theme-- the pursuit of communities "generous" in their social relations. And that's a lot of what it's all about from my corner or the planet. And, certainly LitPark fits the in that picture. So, no doubt, that's why I keep coming back. Although a displaced urbanite (Chicago), I’ve been absorb by the cowboy culture for many a decade now and, although it’s never verbalized (they verbalize little) my impression is that here it is bad form to speak of one’s merits. So, perhaps then my difficulty with coming up with some response this week, having completed the immersion. Maybe then if I approach this with some personal historic references you’ll get the gist of it. Peace Corps (Nigeria and Kenya) VISTA: Migrant Worker, Indian Reservation, SCLC in the Summer of 1966 in Chicago etc., In these acts and in the writing there is this consistency of theme– the pursuit of communities “generous” in their social relations. And that’s a lot of what it’s all about from my corner or the planet.

And, certainly LitPark fits the in that picture. So, no doubt, that’s why I keep coming back.

]]> By: Mary Akers http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17567 Mary Akers Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:54:16 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17567 The idea of talking about my generosity gives me hives. Gives me a panic attack. I can't do it. But I can tell you what I love. I love our world, especially its oceans, and I love doing anything to help them and educate others on helping and cherishing them. I love my kids and all their big-smelly-sneakered teenaged friends who come over every day and raid my refrigerator or line up for haircuts. I love animals of all color and stripe, and I love it when we can be more humane and respectful in how we interact with them. I love people of all color and stripe and I'm especially fond of those who have been "rode hard and put up wet" like my father who struggled for years with alcoholism before it took him away. And I love it when someone who writes something wonderful or almost wonderful finally realizes it because of something I've said or written. And I love it when people help each other, because we are all the same and that's really what it's all about. The idea of talking about my generosity gives me hives. Gives me a panic attack. I can’t do it. But I can tell you what I love. I love our world, especially its oceans, and I love doing anything to help them and educate others on helping and cherishing them. I love my kids and all their big-smelly-sneakered teenaged friends who come over every day and raid my refrigerator or line up for haircuts. I love animals of all color and stripe, and I love it when we can be more humane and respectful in how we interact with them. I love people of all color and stripe and I’m especially fond of those who have been “rode hard and put up wet” like my father who struggled for years with alcoholism before it took him away. And I love it when someone who writes something wonderful or almost wonderful finally realizes it because of something I’ve said or written. And I love it when people help each other, because we are all the same and that’s really what it’s all about.

]]> By: Juliet http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17357 Juliet Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:23:34 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17357 Great interview, Susan! Your doctor comments had me laughing out loud. Great interview, Susan! Your doctor comments had me laughing out loud.

]]> By: Juliet http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17356 Juliet Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:18:12 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17356 (and you guys sure are out there giving you all) (and you guys sure are out there giving you all)

]]> By: Juliet deWal http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17355 Juliet deWal Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:10:38 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17355 I'd much rather tell you about all those who have, over the years, shed their life's blood to see me live. Those who encouraged, who held me up when I wanted to give in to despair. Who called me forth and called me out and called me to account. Anything I do is only a pale shade of grey compared to the vivid colours with which they write humanity back into being. I’d much rather tell you about all those who have, over the years, shed their life’s blood to see me live. Those who encouraged, who held me up when I wanted to give in to despair. Who called me forth and called me out and called me to account.
Anything I do is only a pale shade of grey compared to the vivid colours with which they write humanity back into being.

]]> By: Noria http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17319 Noria Tue, 03 Apr 2007 17:30:39 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17319 The book's been out since last year, and Voice of Witness recently put out their second book, Voices from the Storm: The People of New Orleans on Hurricane Katrina and Its Aftermath. http://www.voiceofwitness.com The book’s been out since last year, and Voice of Witness recently put out their second book, Voices from the Storm: The People of New Orleans on Hurricane Katrina and Its Aftermath.

http://www.voiceofwitness.com

]]> By: Susan Henderson http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17274 Susan Henderson Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:02:29 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17274 Lori - I had no idea you used to be an editor at Boys& Girls Clubs of America. I love learning these kinds of things. Lauren - That's the best when you're a kid and there's a house to go to where you're welcomed and cared for by the whole family. Ronlyn - Is he this James Wilcox? http://www.louisiana.edu/Academic/LiberalArts/ENGL/Creative/Wilcox.htm If not, give me the correct link so we can check him out. Kimberly - Thanks for those links, Kimberly. And Gotham City Kitty is about the best name ever! Betsy - Ooh, thanks for pointing out public radio. That's no small thing to support. Nicole - Wow. You know you did your job as a mom when you see something like that! lance - Your heart is generous in everything you do. It figures, though, that you think you should be doing more. Gail - Ha! Just like Lance. Carolyn - What a great idea to make birthday parties a chance to give rather than to receive. Jody - I like that. And it's no small thing to give away extra time, like when you can let someone step ahead of you in line because they're in a hurry and you're not. Jordan - Thanks for sharing Patry's idea of sending money directly to a family in need instead of the red cross. I like that. I once bought a blanket, hat and mittens for a guy who slept every night in the parking garage under our library, and I remember being really shocked and pissed that he was not only not grateful but yelled at me. It's taken a lot of real life learning for me to get it that you don't give in order to get thanks and accolades in return. J.D. - Nice links. And good reminder: something is better than nothing. Robin - That's an awesome thing to do, Robin. I'll bet a lot of those kids turn around and do the same for others. (And thanks for reading the Tommy Kane interview - that one changed me forever.) Aurelio - That link gives me goosebumps. What a great thing something like that exists. Julie - I think those little things are just as important as the big things. You realize you can be generous at any moment. Kelly - What a sweet thing to send flowers after tax season - I love that. mikel k - You have another poem on your hands, I think. That panhandler comment's great. Jim - Now, see, this is why I'm glad I asked the question because not only do I get good ideas and learn of programs I didn't know existed, but I get to know something unique about you. Sarah - Those small things are big things, Sarah, I really do believe that. And if anyone needs an idea for doing something more, wait till you meet my guest tomorrow! Marie - Welcome! I'm a huge fan of The Publishing Spot, and Galley Cat is a class-act. What a great thing to buy bad subway poetry - I love it! Trisha - Nice idea about getting folks to smile. David - Nice to have you here. Here's a cool link: http://sympathyftm.blogspot.com/2006/12/tools-for-tanzania.html Karen - Makes perfect sense. Mark - Ha! Love it. Ric - I used to teach sex ed, too. I always thought the best way to keep teens from getting pregnant would be to let them offer day care to babies with colic. I think the teen birth rate would go way down. Noria - Thanks for reading the interview, Noria. Is that McSweeney's book out yet? If not, let us know when it is. Lori - I had no idea you used to be an editor at Boys& Girls Clubs of America. I love learning these kinds of things.

Lauren - That’s the best when you’re a kid and there’s a house to go to where you’re welcomed and cared for by the whole family.

Ronlyn - Is he this James Wilcox? http://www.louisiana.edu/Academic/LiberalArts/ENGL/Creative/Wilcox.htm If not, give me the correct link so we can check him out.

Kimberly - Thanks for those links, Kimberly. And Gotham City Kitty is about the best name ever!

Betsy - Ooh, thanks for pointing out public radio. That’s no small thing to support.

Nicole - Wow. You know you did your job as a mom when you see something like that!

lance - Your heart is generous in everything you do. It figures, though, that you think you should be doing more.

Gail - Ha! Just like Lance.

Carolyn - What a great idea to make birthday parties a chance to give rather than to receive.

Jody - I like that. And it’s no small thing to give away extra time, like when you can let someone step ahead of you in line because they’re in a hurry and you’re not.

Jordan - Thanks for sharing Patry’s idea of sending money directly to a family in need instead of the red cross. I like that. I once bought a blanket, hat and mittens for a guy who slept every night in the parking garage under our library, and I remember being really shocked and pissed that he was not only not grateful but yelled at me. It’s taken a lot of real life learning for me to get it that you don’t give in order to get thanks and accolades in return.

J.D. - Nice links. And good reminder: something is better than nothing.

Robin - That’s an awesome thing to do, Robin. I’ll bet a lot of those kids turn around and do the same for others. (And thanks for reading the Tommy Kane interview - that one changed me forever.)

Aurelio - That link gives me goosebumps. What a great thing something like that exists.

Julie - I think those little things are just as important as the big things. You realize you can be generous at any moment.

Kelly - What a sweet thing to send flowers after tax season - I love that.

mikel k - You have another poem on your hands, I think. That panhandler comment’s great.

Jim - Now, see, this is why I’m glad I asked the question because not only do I get good ideas and learn of programs I didn’t know existed, but I get to know something unique about you.

Sarah - Those small things are big things, Sarah, I really do believe that. And if anyone needs an idea for doing something more, wait till you meet my guest tomorrow!

Marie - Welcome! I’m a huge fan of The Publishing Spot, and Galley Cat is a class-act. What a great thing to buy bad subway poetry - I love it!

Trisha - Nice idea about getting folks to smile.

David - Nice to have you here. Here’s a cool link: http://sympathyftm.blogspot.com/2006/12/tools-for-tanzania.html

Karen - Makes perfect sense.

Mark - Ha! Love it.

Ric - I used to teach sex ed, too. I always thought the best way to keep teens from getting pregnant would be to let them offer day care to babies with colic. I think the teen birth rate would go way down.

Noria - Thanks for reading the interview, Noria. Is that McSweeney’s book out yet? If not, let us know when it is.

]]> By: Julie Ann Shapiro http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17141 Julie Ann Shapiro Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:16:41 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17141 I agree with some of the others that generosity is a private matter. We live in difficult times. There is so much hatred and violence out there. I'm touched and humbled when people extend kindness and love. I'm thankful to the good people out there. I do worry that without warmth and compassion the world would be a much darker and colder place. I agree with some of the others that generosity is a private matter. We live in difficult times. There is so much hatred and violence out there. I’m touched and humbled when people extend kindness and love. I’m thankful to the good people out there. I do worry that without warmth and compassion the world would be a much darker and colder place.

]]> By: Noria http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17138 Noria Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:05:10 +0000 http://litpark.com/2007/04/02/question-of-the-week-generosity/#comment-17138 I love the electrician analogy in that interview. Perfect. I used to menu plan, shop, cook, and serve for a weekly soup kitchen. More recently I volunteered my editing services for a book for McSweeney's Voice of Witness Project, a book called Surviving Justice: America's Wrongfully Convicted and Exonerated. I love the electrician analogy in that interview. Perfect.

I used to menu plan, shop, cook, and serve for a weekly soup kitchen.

More recently I volunteered my editing services for a book for McSweeney’s Voice of Witness Project, a book called Surviving Justice: America’s Wrongfully Convicted and Exonerated.

]]>