The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

"Cranky The Crane" The Perfect Gift......

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

22 December 1999

Christmas is a time of excitement and wonder, but also brings with it the pressures that can turn people into cranks. A crank during the holidays just seems to take the fun out of the festive moment. For me, I met up with a few cranks at a book store in the Coralville Mall.

I asked the employee if I could pay for the pile of books I had in my arms at his station and without looking up he said no. I asked where do I pay, and he replied in a grumpy voice and a frown, at either end of the store. I

proceeded to the end where there were four or five checkout stations. There were no lines except at the further station, so I stepped up to one of the empty ones. A large man looked up at me and said grumpily, "Go to the end of the line." I backed up with my arm full of books to access the situation. He looked up again and said, "Get to the end of the line."

Needless to say, I decided I didn't need the stack of books bad enough to stand in a long line only to be treated rudely by someone who was going to be taking my money. I put the books back and left the store. I can shop Amazon.com on the internet and get a positive response all the way. I even get an email promptly thanking me for my business.

What do you do with the cranks on your Christmas list? I think the perfect gift is the new item from the Thomas The Train¨ collection called: Cranky, The Crane. What a perfect Christmas gift --- but we know that the crank we have in mind giving it to wouldn't think it very funny. In fact, it might make them even crankier!

Actually, Cranky, the Crane is a really neat gift. Two of my grandsons collect the Thomas the Train items and "Cranky" was on their wish list.

What's neat about Cranky, is that he is easy to crank up. (sound familiar)? He also falls apart easily, you just have to know which buttons to push, so to speak. (sound familiar)?

But, Cranky is one of the handiest little items in the Thomas collection. He can pick up things with ease and swing around and drop them right where they need to go. He is only called "Cranky" because he's easy to crank up.

We could all use this gift, if we would be so lucky to get one. It would serve as a reminder of how people can crank us up if we let them. Some of our family, friends, teachers, or people through our work can be the ones who like to unwind by cranking us up.

How does Cranky the Crane deal with the pressure? Cranky, found out that picking back on people isn't a good idea, because someday, he just might need their help.

So Cranky in the Thomas¨ video, learned that he needs to be nice to everyone no matter what. He has found by sticking to the task at hand and by being productive and always wearing a smile, and by being helpful to others he can become a great friend. In fact, he is one of the favorite gifts of the Thomas collection this year.

Christmas time can be especially stressful when all the family gathers. It doesn't help to have cranky individuals in the midst.

The best thing is for everyone to pitch in and help, to keep the remarks positive, and to show appreciation for each person there. It sounds simple enough, but you would be surprised how many people like to throw out unkind remarks or how many people sit and let others do the work without doing their share to help out.

I hope this Christmas for each of you, the only crank you have to deal with is "Cranky The Crane." Let Love, Joy, and Peace overflow in your homes as you enjoy the last Christmas celebration of the 20th Century, and have a truly Merry Christmas.