Fifteen minutes (but whose counting). That's how long it took me to write these first words to begin my blog. Words can be scary and somehow make your thoughts real when they have been actually written down for others to read. Just a while ago, my friend said, "Take the first step....what you have to say is fun and interesting (really?)....take your time and have fun. And if nothing else, look at it as a learning experience." So, here I am. Learning.
The picture on this blog is a dish that i prepared and is one of my favorites. I could not think of a more appropriate picture to put on my blog. It is Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon and one of her most delicious and classic dishes. Cooking is my thing and i started many (MANY) years ago when my mom worked night shift at the local factory and i 'took over' the cooking job for my Dad (who couldn't open a can of beans) and two brothers (who thankfully ate everything when i my 'skills' were raw). Ever since, it has become much more than a chore, but a wonderful addiction. I love to please others with the enjoyment of the dishes i prepare more than anything. But, like the Boeuf Bourguignon, my life has many 'ingredients'. Many stories...many life experiences. Many ups and downs. Food is a very social thing. It is not only celebratory for joyous events in life (bridal showers, weddings, births, jobs, graduations, holidays etc..), but also a comfort for those events not so fun (funerals or loss, depression..). Food is a source of energy, but also our best friend and comfort. Special dishes bring back years of memories and traditions. We all have those memories of grandma's cooking...and the smells that surrounded us when we were young.
My life is full of different 'ingredients' just like the Boeuf Bourguignon. They include different interests and loves such as retired, racing greyhounds (i have two), my teen girls (i have three), gluten -free cooking (my youngest daughter has Celiac Disease..more on that later), and generally sharing great recipes, great food, socializing, and story-telling. Every day brings a new challenge and most always a new menu item! Some days are good, some are not so good, and some are just boring and ok. I hope to inspire, share, humor, and educate all who may be bored enough to stumble on my blog!
You may wonder about my 'name'. This was a no-brainer for me. When i was a little girl, (i think about three or so), my mother addressed me by my real name (you may be surprised this is NOT my real name!). I quickly and smartly replied, "My name is NOT Kimberly." My mother gave me a shocked look and after arguing that indeed, Kimberly WAS my name, she finally asked the question. "Well, then...what IS your name?" I calmly replied (at least i think i was calm..but who knows, i was 3!), "My naaaame is ....PICKLES." For the next several days, i would not respond or cooperate IF i was not called 'Pickles'. True story. I suppose i am very lucky that the name did not stick...but for this blog, it seems kind of appropriate and right. Well, at least for now.
