From 1999 to 2004-ish, I was one of the contributing writers for Garrison Keillor's renowned radio show "A Prairie Home Companion." I learned a lot of things there, mostly how to spell 'prairie." It was a solid gig and I'm proud of my work there. But, like any other job, there were...things...
Yes, I had a recent successful sale with Bag o'Leaves so, naturally, I would try to go for a sequel and maybe create a running bit. I came up with Box o'Pumpkins. Maybe it's a little less ridiculous than a bag of leaves, but really, not much less. Another goofy, fun idea, right? And this time I tried to follow the rhythms of the produced version of my last sketch. Since it got rejected, I didn't bother trying to follow it up with "Box o' Dandelions" or "Pail of Clover" or "Bucket of Sand." Perhaps I should have kept pushing the concept. But, then, as now, I'm easily discouraged.
Box of Pumpkins
TR: Yes, the holidays of autumn are just about gone, so why not celebrate and share the joy with friends by sending them the beautiful Box o'Pumpkins from "A Prairie Home Companion"? It's a Thanksgiving tradition that should be shortly established!
SS: Honey, why is there a big box of pumpkins in the living room?
TR: Yes, the Prairie Home Box o'Pumpkins showers your friends with the one true fruit of the season. And with Halloween over and Thanksgiving pretty much gone, this offer won't be around much longer.
SS: What are we supposed to do with a box of pumpkins? There must be dozens in there.
GK: Can you make a pie, maybe?
SS: Get real, dear.
TR: The Fall Box o'Pumpkins for $59.95, including next-day express delivery. Also available in gourds and squash.
SS: No, seriously, that's a lot of pumpkins.
TR: Call now and order. Supplies are somewhat limited, but not nearly as limited as we would like at the end of November.
GK: Maybe we can, you know, paint them red and green for Christmas.
TR: The Fall Box o'Pumpkins. It's just like having a pumpkin patch in your house.
(MUSIC OUT)
SS: Honey, why is there a big box of pumpkins in the living room?
TR: Yes, the Prairie Home Box o'Pumpkins showers your friends with the one true fruit of the season. And with Halloween over and Thanksgiving pretty much gone, this offer won't be around much longer.
SS: What are we supposed to do with a box of pumpkins? There must be dozens in there.
GK: Can you make a pie, maybe?
SS: Get real, dear.
TR: The Fall Box o'Pumpkins for $59.95, including next-day express delivery. Also available in gourds and squash.
SS: No, seriously, that's a lot of pumpkins.
TR: Call now and order. Supplies are somewhat limited, but not nearly as limited as we would like at the end of November.
GK: Maybe we can, you know, paint them red and green for Christmas.
TR: The Fall Box o'Pumpkins. It's just like having a pumpkin patch in your house.
(MUSIC OUT)
