I was just having a conversation with a friend in New York about Gideon Bibles. He was telling me that he likes to remove them from hotel rooms whenever possible. I asked what, if anything, he puts back in their place, and this was his response:
I usually leave a novel of about the same size; I stop off at the charity bookstore near my studio and pick out something from the dollar rack. On this last trip I left a book of stories by Evelyn Waugh. I’ve printed up cards to put in them: “The Bible that was here has been replaced by secular literature to promote a more secular society. Enjoy your stay, and happy reading!”
Usually I recycle the unwanted Bibles; now I want to try hollowing one out, so I can leave a Bible with a little surprise in it for the next visitor. Wouldn’t you like to open the Gideon Bible and find a toy or party favor instead of scripture?
Well, that got me to thinking about what one could put in a hollowed out hotel room Bible. I was thinking that maybe a still image of Toto pulling back the curtain and exposing the great and powerful Oz would be appropriate, or perhaps just a bunch of Wal-Mart coupons. Or, how about a photo of an angry Ashcroft saying, Did I just hear you doing something evil? Or, how about a do-it-yourself crucifixion kit under glass… “In case of Christ, break glass.”
What do you think? What would you suggest be put in a hollowed out hotel room Bible? (If you dont answer, you arent allowed to move forward to the next, much more entertaining, post.)
One Comment
The best answer so far – the shiny red apple. If only there were a way to keep it from spoiling. Perhaps freeze-dried apple chips would work… but they just would be as tempting, would they? Hmmm.
I also like the idea of a simple, little card that says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (That is the Golden Rule, right?) That’s simple and elegant.
So many good ideas Im proud of you.