Why Cucumbers and Onions?

Welcome, everyone! I’m so glad you chose to join me on my inaugural blog. In this space I will share lots of tidbits, my favorite songs, and stuff I hope you will enjoy reading.

Why Cucumbers and Onions? You might say that’s a weird name for a blog, and you would be right. But the strange combination of vegetables holds special memories for me.

My mother loved cucumbers and onions. This was especially true in the summer, when the cukes and onions were fresh from the garden, luscious brown dirt still clinging on the outside. The vegetables were crisp and earthy, and when mixed with a dressing of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt, they made a perfect salad that went along with any summer meal.

Cucumbers and onions is a simple dish but can have many variations. You can use different kinds of onions – yellow or white, spring green onions, spicy red onions, or sweet Vidalia’s. Your dressing can be vinegary and tart, or creamy and smooth. You can dress it up with chives, tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables and herbs. You might even add cayenne or other spicy seasoning. Or, you can keep it simple and pure for a quick snack straight out of the garden.  Ingredients make all the difference.

Christmas is just around the corner, so cukes and onions aren’t in season. Still, the principles apply. If I unwrap a gift, will I find something sparkly, or a lump of coal? Will it fit, or be the wrong size? It is milk chocolate with caramel inside, or is it dark chocolate – just barely sweet and sharp on the tongue, but oh-so-tasty and decadent?  

Not all books appeal to all readers. But I hope my books will contain elements that will appeal to you. Raw characters with real problems that we can relate to, who find hope and redemption in a satisfying ending. How they get there, and the challenges they face, are the ingredients in the recipe. 

By the way, my favorite song for this time of year is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Casting Crowns.

Be blessed,

Rena