Some Local Color

I just wanted to share some of the stuff around here giving me a little happy boost whenever I see it. It is all about color (a continuing ode to Beeper and his rainbow vomit coloring style). Like these melamine mixing bowls in a lovely nesting rainbow set. They are designed by Michael Graves for Target. And while I already own a couple of sets of ceramic mixing bowls I could not walk away without bringing them home to my kitchen. Bliss in a bowl (or 6).And this. Have you seen the lunch boxes by GoodByn? We bought one for Beeper earlier this year and I am grateful for it every single day that I pack it. There are so many reasons to love it: made from recycled materials, comes with 3 sheets of stickers so the kiddies can do it up in their own style (without the influence of any mainstream cartoon characters), bento-influenced with all of its little compartments, dishwasher-friendly, you do not need to use baggies or individually portioned items because each food item will stay contained in its own compartment, and it can be recycled when you are done with it. Go see the GoodByn site. Get your own--in fact, I am waiting for the adult version so I can have my own.

And this is Beeper's latest doodle face. It is a wizard. Ala Dumbledore, I think (or so I like to think since I have great affection for Dumbledore, like he is my favorite eccentric uncle or something). He happens to be holding 3 wands in each hand too, in case you did not notice.

And on an entirely separate side note--I wanted to share some info with all of you about the Rainbow Sunshine Plushie fiasco. Coincidentally, my brother-in-law happens to work in the US Patent Office--he is an uber-smart guy with a science-y PhD AND a law degree, for good measure. He actually reviews patents for his job. Naturally, I sent a little note his way when Taggie's attacked. And what I learned was that I actually was in violation of their patent. He said with the way it was written, what they had actually patented was specifically the use of folded ribbon. I know. He thought it was a little surprising too that there was a patent on that. He did say that if I had the inclination, I could set about trying to challenge their patent, and find some examples prior to the original patent date, showing that they were not the first to use ribbons in the way they do. Tempting--but not really. At this point, I could give a rip. I am just over it. And while I still think it is ridiculous, I have to admit that it has been a good lesson in patent law, but more valuably, it has taught me how supportive all of YOU are. I was truly wowed by the support so many of you showed to me over this crazy issue. And your own commitment to standing up to the man, when called upon. The comments you left made me smile, laugh and just feel downright warm because I knew I was not alone. So, thank you for all of that. Thanks for visiting, reading, and supporting. It is that sort of thing that makes all the time I spend on this blog worth it. I love you, man (big group hug vibe coming your way).