A concept I learned early in my business career was “Are YOU sure you want to peel this onion?” It’s a warning to pause, take a step back and reflect on how we got to this point, but I can’t help but smile and recall the scene from Shrek where he is explaining to Donkey that Ogres are like Onions – they have layers. Donkey says, “But people don’t like onions, how about CAKE – Cake has layers and people like Cake!” So true.
This cake is a moist masterpiece of lemon and raspberry. A fan favorite and my entry into layers. I do a lot of layer cakes now, but this is where I got my stripes. The cake appeals to all you lemon lovers out there. The raspberry jam melts into the crevices of the split cake and sweetens the bite of the lemon cream cheese icing. This cake has potential to be wobbly so unlike this woman.
This cake taught me about the value of zesting lemons. Taught me to consider the make/buy decision for ingredients like Lemon Curd. It introduced me to the tool of the Cake Girdle and the importance of consistency and planning. This cake is EXPENSIVE, pivotal and delicious.
Over the years I have learned that the Lemon-Lovers in the world are my opposite. “You Should See Me in a Crown” likes to read and gets her energy from being alone. Lemon Lovers are scary intelligent, quiet and add so much value to this world. “You Should See Me in a Crown” likes to “BE” with people over “DOING” for people.
If you are like me, you are a doer. You’re a problem solver. You are busy, busy, busy and loud. “You Should See Me in a Crown” works hard to not be a doer. She finds value in being with people – as they are; as God made them. What a concept!
For us Doers, sitting still is the Devil’s work – or is it. Doers think value comes from production and volume. Our culture values productivity.
Finding people who like to “BE” is hard. Society doesn’t value them? When you find them – cherish them, listen to them, be quiet with them, talk to them, seek their wisdom.
I have known this woman for nearly 3 decades. We have been through a lot together. This woman is truly one of a kind. I raised kids with her and if we were not related I would have never ever had the pleasure to know her. I am truly blessed.
The Onion Peeling is a metaphor for long relationships where all parties play a part and need to take responsibility for the current state of affairs. Our onion is filled with misunderstandings, joys, mistakes, judgement, admiration and forgiveness. Peeling Onions can be tearful and reveal unexpected truths like . . . the inspiration for the name came while preparing a 12-course ethnic Christmas Eve dinner and having her take control of the overhead kitchen speakers and lip syncing and start dancing to Billie Ellish’s classic song. Turns out while she is very devout, she hates Christmas music before Christmas and listens to atypical stations leading up to the holiday. Who knew.
“You Should See Me in a Crown” and I are like Onions and Cakes.
P.S. Enjoy raising kids and the people you have the honor of meeting along the way. If you find someone Worth Knowing on this journey, keep them close so you can enjoy the empty nester phase of life when it’s a “little bite” about you again. Hopefully you will have the pleasure of seeing more of them as they rediscover/reprioritize themselves. Peel the onion with them and be surprised when they know all the words to a contemporary song and will show you their choreographed dance routine. #Priceless
Comentários