Friday, March 31, 2017

Family Activism + Poetry Friday

My family and I are celebrating National Poetry Month a little differently this year because, well, life is a little different this year. Let me explain...Just like many of you, our family was devastated on November 9, 2016. Our hearts were broken. And we were scared for ourselves and our country. But we didn't want to wallow in our fear, so we took Carrie Fisher's advice: "Take your broken heart, make it into art" and as a family we created something soft, cuddly, and lovable out of an idea of someone who is, well, not.

A longer (5 min) version of this video can be found HERE

In our despair, we decided we not only wanted to do something creative, we also want to help those affected by the real Tyrannosaurus Rump's actions so we decided that $5 of every purchase of a Tyrannosaurus Rump plushie will go to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Union of Concerned Scientists. You decide.

We launched our Indiegogo campaign on Sunday, April 2nd to try to get funding to manufacture the Tyrannosaurus Rump plushie and hopefully make sizeable donations to these important organizations.

Our challenge is getting the word out so that this campaign will succeed. We live in a divided nation and this campaign could be construed as controversial by some, but we want to be brave, bring a bit of levity to our new reality, and help others. If you could help us by contributing AND sharing our link, that would be awesome. Thank you!

All the Poetry Friday goodness can be found at the Poem Farm.


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30 comments:

  1. Hello Bridget!

    WOW.
    This is a dinosaur sized plan. I have shared on twitter.
    I applaud your family's being constructive makers.

    Happy launch love.

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    1. Thank you, Jan! I appreciate your kind words and social media share. Looking forward to making big footprints (get it?) on April 2nd! =)

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  2. You go, girl! (And boy! and girl! and girl!) Best of luck with this YUGE endeavor. And congrats on all the positive vibes you've manufactured already. :)

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! Looking for YUGE results! =)

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  3. Kudos to you and your family for dreaming up this cool project. Will share the indiegogo link in an upcoming Cool Things Roundup and on FB. Do you have a deadline for raising funds?

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    1. Thank you, Jama! Any buzz on this campaign is greatly appreciated. We're doing a 30 day campaign - will end May 2nd. =)

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  4. Finally watched the video, sorry I put it off so long. Will share, Bridget! You've put so much love and heart into this with your family. I wish you the best of luck!

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I appreciate your support and kindness. =)

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  5. Your video made my day, Bridget! Way to really turn it around!

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    1. Thank you, BJ! If only things would REALLY turn around, but we do what we can. =)

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  6. I. LOVE. YOUR. FAMILY. Please come to Western New York so that we can take you all to dinner. I laughed so hard at this, and oh did it feel good to finally laugh. Will be sharing everywhere I can. Best best best of luck. Do you have any suggestions for someone who wants to buy one but doesn't actually want one in the house? Happy almost Poetry Month and I also send a hopeful-extinction-hug to your whole family. xo

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    1. I would love to have dinner with you, Amy! We're sharing as much as we can, but feel pretty vulnerable doing it. I suppose you could buy one and give it away or let your pets' play with it? They are actually quite cuddly despite the vague resemblance. =)

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  7. I have to wait until later to watch the video....because someone in the room with me might hear it. We have decided NOT to discuss politics at the kitchen table until further notice. But, I echo the YOU GO, GIRL! shout out. We can change our world. We can make art out of disaster. I wish you YUGE success.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I totally understand, we all have to deal with our present reality in whatever way works for them. =)

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  8. Wow, what gumption! I admire you standing up for what you believe and turning your despair into something constructive. Great modeling for those beautiful girls of yours too! All the best.

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    1. Thank you, Violet! I appreciate your kindness. =)

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  9. LOVE! everything about this. I can't wait to share!

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  10. Yes! Be controversial - I think so many of us worry about insulting or upsetting others, because we're naturally kind and empathetic, but what's happening right now, with the attacks on rights and freedoms, is just WRONG, and we need to shake things up! I love this idea of channeling fear and harnessing grief and turning them into something powerful, a means of change and growth. Keep up the good fight!

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    1. Thank you, Jane! I so needed to read these words of encouragement! This is a scary venture, but one we feel strongly about. Resist! =)

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  11. I love everything about this! May word of your efforts fly across the winds and help many, many people. What a great way to take something scary and turn it into something positive.

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    1. I really appreciate your kindness, Kay! Positive activism is our goal! =)

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  12. Good luck! I'll help spread the news!

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    1. Thank you, Mary Lee! I YUGEly appreciate it! =)

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  13. This is wonderful Bridget, I'm doing something similar with a zine, although mine isn't cuddly and soft like yours. Hope they sell like hotcakes!!!

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    1. Thank you for your encouraging words, Michelle! I'd love to know more about your zine and how I can support you. =)

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  14. Oh my gosh! Love this and I want one. Thank you for making me smile. I'm passing this on after I place an order. #InspiringFamily.

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    1. Goodness gracious, thank you, Julieanne! I SO appreciate your kindness and support. =)

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