A couple of weeks ago, my family room was converted into a movie set for two video productions. Sunlight was streamed in by a 30ft tall light outside my Victorian tower. Snacks were provided. Kids came to play. We had a rough direction and outline for what we wanted, but no professional actors, no scripts, no stylists. Just kids. Our kids. And our passion for mischief and merriment.
The results? 12 hours + 7 kids + a jillion giggles = a faB.ulous video!
We dare you not to smile and dance along.
From my home to yours. From my heart to you and yours.
How lucky we are! Not a day goes by that we don't feel fortunate to have created this brand with the funny name and the worldly colors. Not just because we like funny names and worldly colors but because through B. we have built a community. A supportive, caring, wacky, wonderful, and wonder-filled neighborhood of caring folks who love children and, like us, want to encourage kids to stay kids as long as possible and Just B. Just You. B. You.
You have stuck by us through thick and thin as true friends would. And we vow here to continue every day to try to B. Good—to kids, all kids, their parents, and our planet.
We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for inviting us into your homes. For sharing your children's words of wisdom with us. For the important part you, yes YOU, play in helping us change the world.
My birthday is next week and I’ve been having very reflective moments about growing up and growing old. What is that anyway?
Then my sister sent me a photo of my dad. The Big Kid. And I was instantaneously reminded that growing old is a state of mind. And that I always always always want to stay as playful and joyful and child-like as he is.
A drippy faucet. A toddler’s giggle. A hand swooshing in the wind out a car window. Where do you hear music? Where do you see music? Where do you feel music?
Kids hear and see and feel it everywhere—unless we stop them! They explore with gusto. They don’t care what sounds right or wrong—they play the rhythms of their feelings.
Our tips for musical fun? Anywhere. Anytime. No rules. No talent required. B. You!
Forget what you think you know about music as an adult.
Ignore what other grown-ups might perceive as “noise”
Brush aside those fears about being “good” at it. Or doing it the “right” way.
B. musical — in whatever way you wish. Anything can be an instrument.
Close your eyes (even your ears) and FEEL it.
Share. Repeat. Often. Especially with kids.
As the arts in our public schools suffer cuts, it’s vitally important for us to remember something young singer songwriter Jewel said best: “Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it’s essential to being human.” All of us at B. deeply believe that. Some of our favorite creations are musical and thus in our B. lively category. We’re breathing the rhythm of life into brand new toys due out later this year.
And on that note (pun intended!) we feel the tingle in our fingers and the tango in our toes whenever we think of the upcoming concerts with our friend band Rabbit!. Rabbit! is touring the USA on a mission to raise awareness about the continuing cuts in arts and music budgets in schools, by promoting community programs that are finding alternative solutions from Florida to California. UnB.elivably, Meowsic is tagging along on their national tour and will be joining Rabbits Ashton, Devin, Emma and Yara on their “Everything’s a Possibility” song—LIVE! And the band will be giving out free ParumPumPum bee maracas at every stop. And promoting their new “Go For It” full-length album.
If you happen to be a beantown family, pleeease join us at two fabulous Boston area events on July 15!
First at 10:30am in the morning at fabulous independent publisher’ Barefoot Books magical Concord studio. “Live Barefoot” is their motto—surely in part so they can toe-tap along to infectious ditties like their jaunty Portside Pirates tune!
And then in the evening at 6:30pm at the grand old firehouse that houses ZUMIX’s performance venue where youth are empowered to use music to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. In songs like “I Promise” the power of young voices is poweful indeed.
This la-la-la-la love fest would not be possible with out the band—the fabulous, generous, loving, inspiring band that is Rabbit! Just listen here to their song Pea. And tap along. Hear it. See it. Feel it. We dare you not to smile. And sing along.
The perfect Father's Day gift doesn’t come from a store, it comes from a child.
At B. we always want to make lives easier for moms because we knoooow how busy you (AKA “we”) all are.
We’re also pretty sure dad does not want another tie, or bbq tools, or socks, or soap-on-a-rope. There’s no need for you to spend money to make something memorable. Your kids create memories every day! Just capture one.
So we have a fast, fun (and free!) way for you to make his day in five minutes.
Take something funny or wise or loving or silly your kids say about their daddy (or life) and turn the words into gorgeous art. Add it to a scrapbook page, frame it if you wish, or simply send it to dad’s email address for a reminder that he’s oh so loved…
When you check out the quote maker on our website you’ll see it’s easy
and fun and lets you download your child’s brilliance to save for
eternity. Try it, you’ll thank us. And he’ll thank YOU!
Daddy, Papa, Pappi, Grandpa, Opa, Abuelo, Nono, Dan – Whatever your child calls the fathers in his or her life, a child’s quote is a loving way to celebrate them.
For all the horsie and shoulder rides, all the games of catch or bedtime stories, or fishing trips or pancake breakfasts. For the dads that are close, and those that are far. For the future fathers we hope our sons will be. For the partners we hope our daughters will have.
Let’s remember that the little things are not so little. That words are often the most poignant gift we have. That when we’re old and gray our life will be made up of memories, not days.
My own heart is bigger because of my Pappi. And his “Hoppe Hoppe Reiter” knee bouncing.
