We asked Fitzgerald how he came up with the idea to start the thread on Twitter and he revealed that it was thanks to procrastination that was amplified by the current situation in the world. "Because I was traveling a bunch a few weeks ago (for my book tour), I've been holed up and self-quarantining for a full week now (no symptoms, just playing it safe)," he talked about his own experience in regards to the spread of the coronavirus. "Anyhow, I was looking at the sword, which is displayed by my desk, and I realized that there must be so many other folks who are doing the exact same thing: staring at items in their homes that they see every day and maybe even take for granted that... they're now going to be spending a lot more time with," the author told us. So, Isaac started the thread to see what other people had to share.
We also inquired some more about his own cherished item, the sword from the King of Bhutan:
"The sword was a birthday present! Wild story that is too long to fully detail here, but I went to high school with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the then-Crown Prince and now-King of Bhutan. A little later in my 20s, I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful country of Bhutan, where I got the rare opportunity to catch up with my old friend. Our meeting coincided with my 25th birthday, which I'd planned to keep to myself, but His Majesty remembered and celebrated the occasion by gifting me with a small sword (the kind carried by most soldiers in Bhutan, I believe). No matter where life takes me, at least I can always say I've been given a sword by a king."
How did Isaac react to the explosion of replies to the thread? He said that it certainly made him happy:
"People are still contributing to the thread, which is absolutely wonderful. And folks are discussing each other's items with such love and care, it's really beautiful, and I'm so happy to be a part of it. It feels like a big group project that so many different folks are contributing to, and I hope more and more people feel welcomed to join in."
