Colourful Forms

Today's goodness comes in many colourful forms. Winged creatures, amazing picture books, produce and of course food!

I took this photo this morning on one of our newly opened sunflowers.  I am happy to say, the bee population continues to flourish in our garden this year.

This little ladybug was hiding in the leaves of a sunflower not yet opened.

I am loving this book Mark brought home, Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress written by Christine Baldacchino and beautifully illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant.

We had a Morris.  For the first several years of his life, his big sister was his pint sized idol.  He loved to go to the grocery store in her colourful sundresses with a barrette clipped across his bangs.  He loved to paint his toenails, and he wanted to wear a bathing suit with "a top on it" like Emily's when he went to the pool. He would forgo a new bike helmet every time Emily was ready for an upgrade if it meant he was the new owner of her coveted pink Barbie helmet speckled with flowers.

Our Morris is off to high school this year.  He grew up beautifully, has friends, is kind and creative.  Sadly, we will never see him play dress up in his sister's sundresses or run barefoot with his painted toes again (insert a sniffle or too here), but I gather if he has a family of his own, we will watch his children play freely because he was also allowed to imagine without judgement.

A lovely book.

These peppers and a jar or homemade salsa inspired dinner tonight.  Red Beans and Rice posted on Everybody Likes Sandwiches.

  Another simple dinner idea that is quicker to prep then ordering a take-out meal.

  I didn't tweek this recipe too much. I didn't have celery so I left it out and I usually use double the salsa when I make this recipe.

 It can be served over rice, spaghetti squash or roasted sweet potatoes, stuffed in a flour tortilla or taco shell.  If you want to get fancy, top with fresh avocado, lettuce and tomatoes.