OFF THE RECORD: Sue writes her annual nice column
Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2002
As I not so silently slide into my 15th year of writing a weekly column for The South Whidbey Record, I recall a reader with a request about a decade ago.
“Sue, why don’t you write about something nice once in awhile?”
Nice: what a concept.
I didn’t want to burst her bubble and tell her that “nice” isn’t an adjective that would typically be used to describe me. Which means if you’re not a naturally nice person, it’s tough to write nice stuff all the time. Not that I’m totally unpleasant or disagreeable, but “nice” is a bit of a stretch.
For some reason, I’ve never liked the word “nice.” It’s just too nice and fairly noncommittal.
If somebody describes his or her recent vacation as nice, what does that really mean? Doesn’t say a thing to me. It can also cover up the truth.
If you don’t really care for somebody’s new do, simply say, “How nice that you went to the hair salon!”
And if you had a date that was a total yawn, it’s always safe to say, “Thanks for the nice evening.”
And who hasn’t heard that tired old greeting, “Have a nice day!”
Talk about overused.
But back to the reader’s request. It’s Thanksgiving, so I’m going to try and be nice and write a nice column. Come to think of it, I’ve written quite a few nice columns in the past dozen-plus years.
Who says I’m not nice, anyway?
“Those Thanksgiving Things”
(sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music”)
Turkey with stuffing and mashed spuds and gravy.
Cranberry relish and sweet potatoes…maybe.
Pies made of pumpkin, pecans with whipped cream.
These are a few of those Thanksgiving things.
Brothers and sisters and cousins and grandma.
Tales of long ferry lines and cozy kitchen banter.
Toasts to each other as laughter does ring.
These are a few of those Thanksgiving things.
Windows that steam up and fridges with no room.
Toddlers exploring and growing up too soon.
Cameras a flashing and chatter with zing.
These are a few of those Thanksgiving things.
When the winter bites.
When the blahs hit.
When you’re feeling sad.
Just simply remember those Thanksgiving things.
And then you won’t feel so bad!
No gifts to purchase or cards mailed to loved ones.
No gobbler music or carolers dressed like Pilgrims.
Football and bowl games are part of the scene.
These are a few of those Thanksgiving things.
Load up on seconds and don’t you feel guilty.
Kids at the table who can not sit stilly.
Plenty of poultry for we human beings.
These are a few of those Thanksgiving things.
Tons of dirty dishes and lots to recycle.
Sending off family feeling tired and full.
Cold turkey sandwiches lurk in our dreams.
These are a few of those Thanksgiving things.
When the winter bites.
When the blahs hit.
When you’re feeling sad.
Just simply remember those Thanksgiving things.
And then you won’t feel so bad!
Sue Frause can be reached by e-mail at
skfrause@whidbey.com.
