Celebrating Two Birthdays

Eloise Greenfield (born May 17, 1929) is an American children's book and biography author and poet famous for her descriptive, rhythmic style and positive portrayal of the African American experience.

Greenfield began writing poetry and songs in the 1950s while working at the U.S. Patent Office, She finally succeeded in getting her first poem published in the Hartford Times after many years of writing and submitting poetry and stories. In 1971, she began to write books for children. Dismayed by the depiction of blacks and black communities in popular media, Greenfield has focused her work on realistic but positive portrayals of African and Americans communities, families and friendships. She strives to portray loving African American parents with a positive outlook who work hard to provide for their families and children as they face life's  challenges.

She has published more than 40 children's books, including picture books, novels, poetry and biographies. She says that she seeks to "choose and order words that children will celebrate"

Things

by Eloise Greenfield

Went to the corner

Walked in the store

Bought me some candy

Ain’t got it no more

Ain’t got it no more

Went to the beach

Played on the shore

Built me a sandhouse

Ain’t got it no more

Ain’t got it no more

Went to the kitchen

Lay down on the floor

Made me a poem

Still got it

Still got it

_________________________________________________________

Cook's notes: A birthday occasion for Eloise and my husband was a good excuse to try a recipe I have seen pop up several times on Pinterest. 

So, what’s this fruit salad’s secret? It’s wonderfully simple. Dry instant vanilla pudding mix! The powder mixes with the juices of the fruits to take fresh fruit to a new level. The recipe called for 2 TB. dry pudding mix but I cut back to 1 TB.
Next 'go around' for this fruit salad I thought I'd try using coconut cream pudding mix.   

The triangular shaped biscuit in the photo is a product that is light with a hint of chocolate. The box was purchased from World Market Store. Besides using these biscuits with the fruit salad they go quite nicely with a cup of tea or coffee.

Secret Fruit Salad

Serves 3-4
Ingredients:

• 1TB. dry instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 pound of strawberries, quartered
• 1/2 pint blueberries
• 1/2 pint raspberries
• 1/2 pineapple, cubed
• 1 bunch grapes

Directions:

Sprinkle pudding powder over fruit and stir. Serve immediately or allow to sit overnight.