A Letter to My Son

By Trista Heffner

January 4, 2021

Photo: Trista Heffner

There are so many things I want to tell you, but it’s so hard—I don’t even know where to begin.

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a Mom. In fact, until just before I graduated high school, the only job I ever had was babysitting. Caring for kids has always been a passion of mine. I prayed for you for so long. There was a long stretch of time that I didn’t think it was going to happen.

After what seemed like forever, by medical intervention and God’s grace, that beautiful pink line finally appeared. I know now that the long wait for your arrival was just the first of many lessons in patience for me. Being your Mom has taught me so much. You are extremely aware of the emotions around you. You remind me when I’m being too loud. You become anxious. You know when I’m feeling sad. You keep a very close eye on me. You know when I’m relaxed and genuinely happy. You never short the laughter. You’ve shown me the need to slow down. My favorite is when I’ve been so busy doing things and you just grab my hand and pull me away from whatever I’m doing and sit me on the couch. Most of the time that is as far as it goes. You just want me sitting next to you. You remind me in your own way to take a break. You amaze me every day with your resilience. Your dedication to keep trying until perfection. Many of our hard times are you becoming frustrated with something you are trying to do or working on but don’t have the answer yet. Like somehow you failed. The anxiety takes over. You get overwhelmed. It breaks my heart when it takes over and you don’t have the words to explain what’s going on or how I can help. A million things race through my head. What can I do for you? At the moment, nothing that comes to mind feels like enough.

So, I sit there with my arms wrapped around you holding you through the frustration, the tears, the flaps, and the kicks. Reminding you that you are doing a great job. To take deep breaths. I’m here to help, always. We’re in this together. They say “Actions speak louder than words” and that couldn’t be more true.

You have taught me so much, to not forget to take a breath. To calm myself when something is getting the best of me. You might not have all of the words yet but you show me, day after day, that love needs no words. I am so proud of you. I am proud to be your Mom. I am proud to be your voice. I am proud to share your story. The real. The raw. The joy.

I am proud to raise awareness. Because awareness leads to understanding. Understanding leads to acceptance. That is my dream for you and all the other amazing kids out there. Acceptance. And for this world to be a little kinder. To see you through my eyes for the amazing, smart, sweet, and loving person that you are. I’m so glad God chose me to be your Mom.

This post originally appeared on Hurricane Heffners.

Trista Heffner

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Trista is a mother of two, Allayna and David. David was diagnosed with moderate ASD. She is married to her husband Drew and they live in Wisconsin where she works full-time from home. She enjoys spending time with her family, large amounts of coffee and sharing her family's journey.

Harriet Tubman: A Tribute to a Legend Who Truly Fits the “Bill”

By Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 3, 2021

Photo: Ruthi Davis Photography

Dear Confessional,

I absolutely love writing poetry. I love it so much that in my own blank space of thoughts, I constantly make up poems about anything in my head. Something about the rhythm and melody of the words just moves me—it makes me feel so vulnerable and connected. I published my first poem when I was only 7.5 years old. From the moment that I was able to write, I was reveling in my own private world on paper.

One of the most personally impactful pieces that I have written and not yet published still resonates with me today, even more so now because of the relevance to current events. You see, I am the biggest proponent of strong people. Not physically strong, but emotionally unstoppable—people who are selfless and brave and wholehearted. Maybe a part of myself identifies with inspiring strength through weakness; finding the light through darkness; discovering motivation and empowerment through pain. I have always admired and worked to emulate the qualities in those who are passionate, giving, positive, and relentless in the pursuit for fairness and freedom.

As Harriet Tubman has been named to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, I find it only fitting to offer my personal tribute in her honor with a poem that I wrote back in 1996.

The Underground

Born in darkness, color of night

suppressed by living, suppressed by life

lingers a child denied from light

of a Maryland moon upon a bony face

battered, bruised with black-like stain.

Piercing cries replace

the resonance of a black whip beating night

upon a black exterior.

As gales wailing, waning groans grasp a might

expelled through song

of oppression and search for salvation.

Pieces of earth fall from a face from the grave after days so long;

and so she rises with the same shovel

to dig, to live. To hide among the color of night,

she fights for life through strife. Her tunnel

guides the weak, weaving finger upon finger

hand by hand creating an extraordinary force.

Fighting for freedom, her name lingers

through the air as trees whisper secrets,

humming a hymn in harmony with sound

of bare feet pit-pattering and placing permanent impressions upon solid ground.

As wisps of words whistle within strands of hair,

those who walked the path of Tubman found

themselves in Maryland, 1850, somewhere.

“Down in the waters,

down in the waters children” extend aged hands

to a black “Moses.” As now stands

death, stands life. Fate is immortality with a gun

who casts the coward within

those who turn and run.

Born in darkness, color of night

suppressed by living in terror and strife

lingers the woman who guides the light.

So much admiration and respect for this incredible individual.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman

with Love,

Ruthi

Ruthi Davis

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

Disney+ Releases Extended Sneak Peek of “Soul”

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 11, 2020

The debut of Disney and Pixar’s Soul is fast approaching. If you can’t wait for Dec. 25, Disney+ just released an exclusive sneak peek of the critically acclaimed feature film. In the movie, Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher who dreams of playing in the best jazz club in town. Filmmakers found they could relate to the character’s passion for music.

Director Pete Docter grew up in a musical family and plays the double bass. “My folks are both teachers and both musicians,” says Docter. “There are three kids and we all became musicians. I think my mom enjoyed having the Von Trapp family; when people would come over, we’d have to perform. My two sisters stuck with it—one is a cellist with the Metropolitan Opera, and the other one is violist and a teacher.”

Co-director Kemp Powers, who used to be a music writer, played the alto saxophone in a jazz band during high school. His affinity for jazz plays a big role in his personal life. “My son’s name is Mingus,” says Powers. “He’s named after Charles Mingus. A lot of us Gen Xers, particularly Black Gen Xers, fell in love with the bebop-era jazz artists—John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, of course Herbie Hancock. These guys were musical icons that—specifically in New York City—inform so much of the other big musical genre in the city, which is hip hop. The background tunes of my life are jazz and hip hop.”

“Life has so much to offer,” says Joe in the sneak peek. “We only have a short time on this planet. Don’t miss out on the joys of life. Remember to enjoy every minute of it.”

Disney and Pixar’s Soul also features the voices of Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs. The film is directed by Docter, co-directed by Powers and produced by Dana Murray. Jazz compositions & arrangements are by globally renowned musician and GRAMMY nominee Jon Batiste, while Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network) composed an original score.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Tween Brothers Create Ornament Anchor to Help Save Christmas

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 3, 2020

Have you ever stressed over keeping your family’s heirloom ornaments safe? Last year, Ayaan Naqvi, 12, noticed that ornaments kept falling off the Christmas tree and thought there had to be a better way to keep them safe. When a school project called for an invention the Ornament Anchor was born.

When parents and teachers swarmed his booth asking if they could buy some, Ayaan knew he was on to something. With his brother, Mika’il, 13, as his business partner, the two worked together to design the product, patent it, create an awesome website, calculate profit margins and do their own market analysis all on their own. They tested the market last December through a grassroots strategy and sold 6,500 ornament anchors at local craft and Christmas Fairs.

Ornament Anchor launched in Nov. 2019, only three months before the pandemic began. For Ayaan, it was difficult to suddenly quarantine and homeschool while launching a product. He had to completely pivot his strategy of introducing the product to major retailers this year at various trade shows and expos which all got cancelled.

The brothers didn’t let those cancellations slow them down. Ornament Anchor has sold out on QVC twice and the boys have been featured on Good Morning America. Their business has earned a net profit of over $250,000 this year. Ayaan has had a passion for animals so he donates a portion of the proceeds to local animal shelters.

Ornament Anchors come in packs of 24, 48 and 96. Each anchor can hold up to 48 ounces (3 pounds), so you can display all your favorite ornaments without worrying about them sliding off and breaking. Ayaan and Mika’il are saving Christmas, one ornament at a time.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Ornament Anchor

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Homesick and Dunkin’ Bring Back Limited-Edition Candles for the Holidays

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 23, 2020

Bring the donut shop into your living room. After a successful 2019 launch, lifestyle brand Homesick announced it would once again team up with Dunkin’ to bring back limited-edition candles inspired by some of the brand’s beloved menu items. Original Blend Coffee and Old Fashioned Donuts scents are back by popular demand and come with a new candle personalization feature.

“When we first started working with Dunkin’ to create this collection, we immediately bonded over our shared passion for putting a smile on people’s faces. It was all the more fulfilling for us to see such a positive response to the lineup – between Old Fashioned and Original Blend selling out so quickly, and an influx of comments, DMs, and emails from our customers asking us to bring it back,” said Lauren Lamagna, Director of Product Development and Merchandising at Homesick. “Whether our customers are buying for themselves to relive a special Dunkin’ memory, or to give to friends and family customized with their go-to order, we’re excited to team up with Dunkin’ again to offer this meaningful gift for the holiday season.”

Homesick x Dunkin’ Collection candle fragrances include:

Original Blend: Dunkin’s signature blend coffee that has been keeping America running for 70 years. The combination of Original Blend Coffee and cream delivers a sweet scent to be enjoyed by all.

Old Fashioned: Indulge in the coziness of freshly baked Old Fashioned Donuts with the sweet but subtle scent of traditional warm spices that wrap you in nostalgia.

Packaged in Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange colors, the limited-edition collection is available beginning today, Nov. 23, at homesick.com/dunkin for $34. For an additional $15 you can add a personalized message on the jar to make it an extra special gift for your favorite Dunkin’ fan.

Each candle is hand-poured in the U.S. with a soy wax blend and offers a generous burn time of 60 to 80 hours.

“In a year when everyone could use a little more cheer, Dunkin’ coffee and donuts and Homesick candles have both played a role in bringing people moments of comfort and joy. Our fans are as unique as their coffee orders and we wanted to bring back our collaboration with the fun new twist of personalization,” said Justin Unger, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dunkin’ Brands. “After last year’s response, it was an easy decision to team up with Homesick again to bring back those fan-favorite fragrances and allow people nationwide to experience Dunkin’ at home.”

For more information visit www.homesick.com/dunkin.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Dunkin’

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Disney+ Releases New Trailer for “Soul”

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 15, 2020

Last week Disney+ announced beginning Dec. 25, Disney and Pixar’s feature film Soul would be available exclusively on the streaming service. The new animated film introduces Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher with a serious passion for jazz music. The story is particularly relatable to the artists behind it.

Jamie Foxx, who lends his voice to Joe, said “Like Joe, I hear music in everything. When you’re a jazz artist, man, you talk a little different: ‘Hey, cat!’ I got a chance to go to a few jazz fests and meet Herbie Hancock, Chick Correa—hang out with those guys. They have a way of talking, a way of dressing—everything funnels toward their music, toward the jazz.”

Director Pete Docter, who shares Foxx’s love of music, conceived of the character before jazz entered the picture. “I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible people and make movies that have been seen around the world,” he said. “But I realized that as wonderful as these projects are, there’s more to living than a singular passion—as expressive and fulfilling as that may be. Sometimes the small insignificant things are what it’s really about. This film is about broadening the idea of a singular focus to thinking more widely about what life has to offer and what we have to offer life.”

Likewise, co-director Kemp Powers, who initially joined the project as a writer, didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for Joe Gardner. “We’ve been working on Soul for years, but the film feels timelier now than we ever could have imagined back when we began,” said Powers. “In a year where everything we know has been turned upside down, we’ve all been forced to find new meaning both in the relationships we have and the small moments that truly make life worth living.”

In the film, Joe is on the brink of getting his big break playing for a jazz quartet. But he finds himself on an unexpected detour from the streets of New York City to The Great Before, tasked with helping new soul 22, voiced by Tina Fey, find her spark to earn her way to Earth. “He’s sure if he can share his life story with her—his passion for jazz—she’ll be inspired and they’ll both get to go to Earth,” said producer Dana Murray. “They do make it back to Earth, but that’s really the beginning of their adventure. It’s a funny and touching story of friendship and self-discovery, and we can’t wait to show it to the world.”

Five-time BAFTA winner Graham Norton (The Graham Norton Show) revealed last weekend that he lends his voice to spiritual sign twirler Moonwind. The voice cast also includes Rachel House (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnaraok) as the count-obsessed Terry, and Alice Braga (Elysium), Richard Ayoade (The Mandalorian), Wes Studi (Woke, The Last of the Mohicans), Fortune Feimster (Bless the Harts) and Zenobia Shroff (The Affair) as the voices of the Counselors. Comedian Donnell Rawlings voices Joe’s barber Dez, and June Squibb (Nebraska) provides the voice of Gerel. They join Foxx, Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs.

Rated PG, Soul features jazz compositions & arrangements by globally renowned musician and GRAMMY nominee Jon Batiste, and an original score by Oscar-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+

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Krispy Kreme Celebrates Sports with Limited Edition Sports Dozen

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 21, 2020

The world of sports has changed dramatically this year. No matter what happened, one thing stays the same, our love for the games is enduring. Krispy Kreme is celebrating “Sports Spirit Day” with doughnuts.

On “Sports Spirit Day,” Fri., Sept. 25, Krispy Kreme will offer $5 Original Glazed Dozens to everyone sporting team gear, ranging from your favorite pro, college, high school, or any team apparel. Customers can receive the offer at participating shops via carryout or drive-thru.

Additionally, all week Sept. 21-27, fans can visit participating Krispy Kreme shops for a limited edition Sports Dozen – Original Glazed doughnuts teamed-up with sports-themed doughnuts in the form of soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, and footballs which is sure to treat coaches, players and fans on and off the field. The week-long offer is valid with pick-up, drive-thru and online delivery orders.

“No matter what the playing field looks like this fall, we want to show our appreciation for coaches, athletes and fans at every level for their ongoing commitment and passion,” said Dave Skena, Chief Marketing Officer for Krispy Kreme.

For more information regarding Krispy Kreme’s Sports Spirit Day, please visit www.krispykreme.com/offers/sportsspiritday.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Krispy Kreme

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LEGO to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic Bags

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 20, 2020

LEGO announced plans to package loose bricks in recyclable paper bags instead of single-use plastic bags. This is part of a plan to make all of its packaging sustainable by the end of 2025. This initiative was inspired by children asking for the brand to make a change.

The LEGO Group will invest up to US$400 million over three years to accelerate sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. The investment will cover both long-term investments and ongoing costs. The company, which has made a series of moves over the past 10 years to build a better planet for future generations, believes it’s increasingly urgent and important to prioritize environmental and social activity.

The LEGO Group CEO, Niels B Christiansen said: “We cannot lose sight of the fundamental challenges facing future generations. It’s critical we take urgent action now to care for the planet and future generations. As a company who looks to children as our role models, we are inspired by the millions of kids who have called for more urgent action on climate change. We believe they should have access to opportunities to develop the skills necessary to create a sustainable future. We will step up our efforts to use our resources, networks, expertise and platforms to make a positive difference.”

As a next step, the company will begin to phase out single-use plastic bags used in LEGO boxes to package the loose bricks. This is part of its ambition to make all its packaging sustainable by the end of 2025. From 2021, Forest Stewardship Council-certified recyclable paper bags will be trialled in boxes.

Christiansen said: “We have received many letters from children about the environment asking us to remove single-use plastic packaging. We have been exploring alternatives for some time and the passion and ideas from children inspired us to begin to make the change.”

Moving away from the existing packaging is not a simple task and will take time as new material must be durable, light weight and enhance the building experience. Several prototypes made from a range of different sustainable materials have so far been tested with hundreds of parents and children. Children liked the paper bags being trialed in 2021 as they were environmentally friendly and easy to open.

The LEGO Group will continue to work with organisations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, World Wild Fund for Nature, RE100, UNICEF and Save the Children in order to create the greatest impact.

Christiansen said: “At a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, companies must take action to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and society. No one can do it alone. I urge companies, governments, parents, children and NGOs to continue to join forces to create a sustainable future for our children, the builders of tomorrow.”

Speaking about the letters the company receives about sustainability from children, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability, Tim Brooks said: “Children share the most fantastic and creative ideas about how we can be more environmentally friendly when they contact us. We respond to every letter and many are shared with the CEO and Environmental Responsibility team for further consideration. I love hearing from children. It’s the best part of my job!”

If you know a child that has an idea to help shape the LEGO Group’s sustainability ambitions, visit LEGO.com/service to share it with Brooks and the team.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of LEGO

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11-Year-Old Identical Twins Create Sleek New Writing Utensil

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 27, 2020

When studying did you ever wish you had a highlighter attached to your pencil? SOZY’s The Annotator, created by 11-year-old identical twins, Sophie and Izzy, combines a #2 pencil, extra-strong eraser and liquid highlighter into one sleek, functional package. This sleek tool is useful and efficient for students and professionals alike, ideal for note taking, color-coding papers, highlighting materials for presentations or just doodling.

Sophie and Izzy’s journey started in school with a simple hack, combining a highlighter to a pencil by taping them together. This solved the problem of switching between both writing instruments at school. When they went to buy the product, and realized it didn’t exist, they decided to design one themselves.

The girls decided to combine elements of their names for the brand and SOZY (SOphie and IzZY) was the result.

For the girls, their passion project has been a lesson in entrepreneurship.From sketching a prototype from scratch, creating a mold to picking a color palette, developing a brand name, designing a logo, creating a website and writing Instagram posts, they have made important decisions, faced challenges and learned how to start (and run) a business.

The Annotator currently comes in packs of four, in pastel shades and in brights ($10) and they have more in development. Available online, The Annotator has also already been picked up by Kitson, Uncommon Goods, The Graphite Store and Presence, among others.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of SOZY

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Yo-Yo Ma Joins Raffi and Lindsay Munroe on “For All You Do”

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 21, 2020

Raffi and Yo-Yo Ma are back with a new collaboration. Featuring rising children’s artist Lindsay Munroe this new original song is a heartfelt expression of thanks to all the helpers, frontline and behind the scenes, who are working on our behalf during the ongoing pandemic. Proceeds from downloads and streams of “For All You Do” will go to Direct Relief, an organization dedicated to providing equipment and medication to health care workers around the world.

“For All You Do” is the second collaboration between Yo-Yo Ma and Raffi, following last month’s recording of a 40th-anniversary version of “Baby Beluga” for Ma’s #SongsofComfort video series. Earlier this year, Raffi produced Lindsay Munroe’s debut album, I Am Kind: Songs for Unique Kids.This critically acclaimed album features Lindsay’s beautiful voice and songs, enriched by Raffi’s instrumental and vocal performances.

Advocacy is nothing new to Raffi, the internationally renowned children’s entertainer, who just last year released “Young People Marching” in gratitude to Greta Thunberg. The song highlights the passion and energy of young people in awakening adults to do their duty in stabilizing the climate. Over the years, Raffi has emerged as a respected advocate on behalf of children, lending his voice, insight and experience to a number of crucial issues through the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, a unifying vision with the child at its heart.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Raffi

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ML Interest Tag: passion

A Letter to My Son

By Trista Heffner

Trista Heffner

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