Seeing Cinnamon Rolls In A Whole New Light
I remember the first time I ever refused to give up a shrimp at dinner. I had two left on my plate after passing out three others already to those dining with me. Now I was being asked to give up yet another one by a family member who had already scoffed down an entire plate of muscles without offering me a single one. My answer? “No."
It was both shocking and liberating to myself and those around the table -- a response which drew me to Trina Dye’s blog Middle Cinnamon Roll and namesake post noted in her interview below.
In it Trina explains how too many women, and mothers, have become so completely selfless throughout their lives that the idea of not stuns them. And yet as Trina expresses, “Why should this be the case?”
We can still be great mothers and hold onto our shrimp and best pastries, apparently. It is a lesson she is teaching to countless mothers through her interview below as well as her lip-smacking blog.
What is your full name?
TRINA DYE
What is your personal mantra?
“I am beautiful, I am powerful, and I am visible, sharing my voice with the world” is something I say to myself at least once a day.
Tell us about your life, including where you live, number of children and anything else you would like to share.
I currently live in Studio City, CA. I am a single mother of 3.
My oldest was a child actor (Cheaper by the Dozen - 1 and 2, The Pacifier and Hannah Montana). She quit acting to be a writer. She recently graduated from college and moved to NYC where she is completing her 5th novel.
My younger daughter is 21 and just transferred to UCLA as a junior. She is an activist for educating others with eating disorders and promotes body positivity. She is also a women’s rights advocate.
My son is a senior in high school and is a strict vegan, animal rights advocate and an extremely talented dancer (animation, popping, dubstep). The four of us are a very close family.
Prior to being a mom, I was a concert pianist. It was a career I put on hold when I started my family because I wanted them to have my full focus. I had intended to go back to it but becoming a single mom made that financially unfeasible.
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
There was a time I thought my life’s purpose was to share my music. I still believe that is part of it. But when I became a mom, and then single mom, I believe my purpose morphed to being more “positive parenting” centric.. It is my desire to share my techniques and practices with young and future parents and I wish to do that through my writing and eventually as a parenting coach.
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is?”
How I have grown as an individual in my capacity for giving, loving and independence and in so many other ways I never would have had I not had children. My kids are also my favorite people on the planet, and not just because they are mine.”
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
My blog is called Middle Cinnamon Roll and it was launched in August of 2014. The name came from my first post that includes a story about myself and my sister as little girls and how on Sunday mornings, we made Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and always gave the middle one (the BEST one) to our dad. Girls, especially, have historically received the message that they do not deserve the best and that they are always to take care of others first. The message is about giving the best of everything to ourselves. It is about grabbing that middle cinnamon roll, because it is highly unlikely that someone else will do it for us. It is also about empowering our children with that message.
What is the primary focus of your blog and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
The primary focus of my blog is about positive parenting and I hope to reach young and future parents and pass on to them the things I have learned. It is possible to raise responsible, empathetic, compassionate, successful, respectful and kind people without “teaching” them through punishment. Not punishing them is not the same as not disciplining them and I have three young adults that are living proof that it works.
List any awards you have won.
I am listed on the Top Mommy Blogs website as a top mommy blogger and am a 2016 winner of Healthline’s Best Single Mom Blogs.
Do you blog for other blogs or sites?
Yes, I write for Arianna Huffington’s new company, Thrive Global, and am a contributor to ESME, which is a single parenting site, and Mommy Drinks Wine & Swears. MDW&S was my first experience as a contributor and, because of it, I have made some amazing new Mommy friends.
Which social media outlet (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc) do you find most useful?
I use them all, but am probably most active on Facebook. My kids are most active on Instagram, Tumblr and SnapChat, so maybe I’m just old. ☺
What is the one piece of advice you would give to those who may be interested in beginning a blog?
To blog about a topic you are knowledgeable and passionate about and to stay focused on that topic, speak from the heart and find (and use!) your own voice.
Share one blog that you follow.
My favorite blogs is one I’m not even sure anyone knows about. The blogger is based in Juneau, Alaska. She makes me laugh EVERY SINGLE TIME and she is quite prolific. Her name isn’t even listed on the blog and I have no idea who she is. See the following link.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a mom)? Please share.
For the last nine years, I have been managing the practice of a prominent entertainment attorney in Los Angeles. She represents some of Hollywood’s biggest talent. It was an unexpected turn in my life, but one I am grateful for, as it has provided me and my kids with the support they needed.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
YES! I am an advocate for the rights of children and am on the task force of the U.S. Alliance to End the Hitting of Children. It is our goal for corporal punishment to be illegal in schools (it is still legal in 19 states in this country) and we are fighting for federal legislation making it illegal for parents to hit their children.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
I hope to be remembered as that open-armed, accepting, patient, attentive, fun mom with the overflowing heart who was always there to help.
So there you have it, folks. Whether middle cinnamon roll or shrimp, you mom have the occasional right not to share, without regret. That does not make you a bad person or mother. It just makes you hungry in ways that you both did and didn’t realize for far too long. Take a tip from Trina Dye and Middle Cinnamon Roll. Sometimes you need to keep the good stuff for yourself in order to truly satisfy everyone in the end...including you.