Ask Miss Pearl – The Newnan Times-Herald

“Miss Pearl,” aka Colleen Sprayberry, is one of Newnan’s foremost authorities on modern etiquette. She gladly gives her advice to everyone, whether they like it or not, because “After all, it’s about children and setting a good example for them.” His videos are available on his Facebook page and his YouTube channel. She can be reached at misspearl678@gmail.com.

Dear Mademoiselle Perle,

We had a party to celebrate Aunt Tootie’s 85th birthday. She and mom had so much fun they had to stay in bed for two days to recover. My sister thinks their behavior was embarrassing and says that she and her family will not be attending our annual Christmas Eve dinner if “punch” is served.

I have a feeling Aunt Tootie and your mom would have fun with or without “punch”. Was anyone hurt or something broken at the party? I’m sure the answer is “no”. Were singing and dancing involved? Hope the answer is “yes”. It seems to me that your sister needs to get off her high horse and learn from your mom and your aunt Tootie. I think they set a fabulous example! Hope your sister reconsiders her decision as it looks like she might enjoy some song and dance, not to mention a glass of “punch”!

Dear Mademoiselle Perle,

My extended family has a contest every year (yes, there is a trophy) to see who can make the worst frozen salad. My cousin, Lou Ron, has won the past two years and I was hoping you could give me some suggestions to help me win this year.

I love frozen salads and don’t really like people who don’t care. I will, however, make an exception for you because it looks like such a fun event. Has anyone ever used spaghetti and Viennese sausage? How about a frozen salad for breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns and crumbled cookies? You can use waffles and syrup as a nice garnish. Or how about a sardine salad with okra and okra? The possibilities are endless as long as you have a stash of unflavored gelatin – I think being able to SEE the ingredients is half the fun. Please let us know if you win the trophy this year!

And something else:

The recent tornado that swept through parts of Kentucky made me realize (again) how very lucky Newnan was last March. That being said, there are still families struggling to put the pieces back together (literally and figuratively), homes in need of repairs, and insurance companies that need to pick up the slack.

Let us not forget those in our community who need help and could benefit from an act of kindness. During this season it seems appropriate for all of us to remind ourselves that “better to give than to receive” AND “there, but by the grace of God, come to me”. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

“Miss Pearl,” aka Colleen Sprayberry, is one of Newnan’s foremost authorities on modern etiquette. She gladly gives her advice to everyone, whether they like it or not, because “After all, it’s about children and setting a good example for them.” His videos are available on his Facebook page and his YouTube channel. She can be reached at misspearl678@gmail.com .