Written by Today is officially Pickle Day and time to celebrate everything pickled in saltwater brine that you can. I guess that means eating extra pickles in order to celebrate the day properly, or perhaps, writing a sonnet to express your love for this little treat that’s been around for over 3,000 years. Also, rumor has it that Cleopatra attributed them to her youth and beauty. Though cucumbers are the most common version of a pickle that comes to mind, they can actually be made from green beans, cauliflower, radishes, and pretty much any fruit and vegetable you like. Each area of the world seems to have their own beloved version of pickle, so feel free to enjoy whatever version you prefer. Any excuse to celebrate a simple pleasure like this one is a wonderful thing.
Despite the celebratory aspect of this auspicious day, being “in a pickle” is not a particularly good thing. This phrase originated from the idea of being mixed up and disoriented like pickles in a jar. Though honestly, I’ve not heard anyone use this description in years. Still, it’s a rather quaint way to describe something that could be potentially awful and takes much of the bite out of the situation. Being in a pickle, after all, doesn’t sound too bad. This made me think of other food preparations and how they would sound far worse if used this way. For example, saying you’re “totally flambéed” would signal that the problem is definitely tragic and one should send help immediately if not sooner. But anything that rhymes with tickle, just manages to sound rather cute.
And perhaps, being in a pickle is the perfect way to describe most any problem in life. Most of the worst things in life, though perfectly sad, awful or irritating can be overcome. All it usually takes is perseverance, determination and a bit of time. Life is essentially wonderful and good in the end, and problems have a way of working themselves out. So, today we celebrate the pickle along with every little time we’ve found ourselves in a pickle only to discover we’ve happily moved past it. It’s rather amazing how life works like that. If you ever happen to find yourself in a pickle, rest assured a celebration is not too far away.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Olive Green, Ultramarine Deep, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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Here’s to staying out of a pickle. Even though we know we can get out of that pickle.😉 That jar looks devine.
Hehe… Yes! We can always get out! Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕
Your wonderful jar of pickles reminded me of a very old memory. An uncle used to make pickled green tomatoes. I was a little young to appreciate them perhaps because I didn’t develop an affection for them until I was an adult, and then they weren’t my uncle’s, but tomato pickles from a deli.
I had no idea about today’s pickle fete, but my intuition must have been aware – I had a few pickles for lunch! And I would love to believe that a celebration is just around the corner because I’m a bit dejected with feeling so dejected for more than a week.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Pickled green tomatoes sound divine! Yes, I’m quite sure that having a few pickles can only make a little happy where happy seems tough to find!
Love your pickles. Looks yummy. I think I did this pickle day last year.
Thanks Teri! 😃💕 hehe… I think you did too! hehe… oh my… it’s been a whole year already. Time really flies!
I wouldn’t mind getting in a pickle with that jar! Well, in its doodlewash form, at least 😉 Awesome, Charlie, and certainly a yay for more gorgeous green foodstuffs!
I had always thought ‘in a pickle’ more a British phrase than American (It was even in Shakespeare, though I think his meaning was a little different!) It does crop up quite often around here, and indeed, it’s a charming way of communicating just how dire the scenario is!
Thanks, Jacob! 😃 Oh it’s definitely a phrase stolen from the British. hehe… but I used to hear it a lot growing up. Probably because my mom’s side was British and my father’s from Ireland. But definitely makes bad things seem sort of cute in their dismay.
Definitely! Incidentally, are you aware of Very British Problems? Their tweets are absolutely hilarious. So so spot on about everything, ‘pickle’ being no exception:
“A bit of a pickle” – Translation: A catastrophically bad situation with potentially fatal consequences
haha!! That’s so awesome! I definitely need to check them out!!
I think you just made me like pickles again. Lol Spectacular drawing.
Haha! Awesome then! Score! Thanks so much, Trav! 😃
I went through an unfortunate (but blessedly brief) subsistence-farming period many years ago in which I attempted to grow and can most of my own veggies. My pickled green beans were NOT a success — it’s the only food I’ve ever seen my father spit out, without even reaching for a napkin. Fortunately others have been more successful at the endeavor of pickling, as your lovely drawing attests. As for the non-food pickle many of us may find ourselves in: Your observations are spot-on. Here’s to perseverance, determination and a bit of time. Cheers, Charlie!
Thanks so much, Heather! 😃💕 Oh no… actually spit it out without a napkin? Yeah, that’s probably a bad sign. I’ve actually never had pickled green beans, so I’m not sure what they taste like. But yes to perserverance and determination! Always!!
I say “in a bit of a pickle” all the time. I didn’t know it was mostly out of fashion. I grew up with a mother who pickled everything but I detest pickles of all kinds. I love vinegar but not things soaked in vinegar. I do love chutney but not pickles.
Hehe… Oh I’ve no idea if it’s officially out of fashion… I’m not privy to that club. It’s just that I’ve heard it less and less over the years. And yeah… I’m still a bit picky when it comes to things soaked in vinegar, though some pickles I really like.
Beautiful
Thanks so much! 😃💕
Love hearing all of your observations, Charlie! ☺️ Being in a pickle, reminds me of the saying- “tomorrow is another day.” When things are looking down, the next morning I usually see things differently. Love your painting!! I think of my grandma who used to make pickles- mmmmnnnn- bread and butter. Now my daughter is following in her footsteps. 👍
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕 So happy you liked this! And that’s so awesome that your daughter is pickling things now. Fun!
Wasn’t it Hardy that always said, “That’s another fine pickle, you’ve got us into to?” How could you feel stressed if you feel you’re in an Oliver & Hardy routine? Love your your pickle painting.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 I think it was! hehe And so true!