OOops He Did It Again! #BabuBoda Busted

 HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!! Do you remember Sweetie's reaction when I came back from Hispanicize last year? Bueno, looks like he gets nervous when I'm surrounded by so many Hunky Hispanos because this time he just said, "Let's Get Married."  No, not like the last time when he proposed/set a date, I mean "My mom is coming up here w/her best friend and I want to get married while she's here. At the courthouse."

Quee?? Pero what about #Babuboda you ask? JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, I was looking forward to the party and seeing all my blogasphere besties and friends, but sabes algo?  When a 52 year old confirmed bachelor says he wants to get married you don't waste time- you get married!

At this point La Gallina Vieja took over. 

 #Babuboda was mine, but this at the courthouse thing was too simple and sublime for Babushka.  

And quiet!!  Oh my, the freezing winds were louder than the ceremony.

Still, the handpicked flowers from the yard, hung on the trellis with tulle-
the truth and gentleness of it.  

 And the true and gentle sincerity with which the vows were so assuredly repeated... 

how at this stage of life, love was ready to be declared and shared.

There wasn't a dry eye in the place.

Si, ok- it's loud and kinda My Spacey but BB had to put her spin on something in this wedding!! 

; )

A toast to Newlyweds and Love.

To the dreams they both inspire, seeing no age nor limit.  

Stronger than doubts and fears, may we always be in their Light.

ESO!!!

Babushka besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Love is in the Cards

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls! Today hablamos about Love being in the cards. No, BB's not talking about #Babuboda nor the Tarot, although I could very well share them with Sweetie, and the S Sisters definitely played a part in them. The cards I speak of are designed for the bilingual, bicultural Latina and those who love us.  Gracias to a weekly Tweety Fiesta I attend every Wednesday night- #LulyBChats, given by a fellow Kooky Cubana @LulyBTweets, I was introduced to the YoSoyExpressions.com company and it's beautiful creator Ivette Mayo.  Not only was I introduced to this bella, I won a variety set of Gratitude Cards  !

Now when I saw the lovely packaging I knew I was in for a treat- but the details!!  Check out the bow showing the personalization of event and date of win.
 How great is that?? But wait- it gets better.

The Variety Pack of Gratitude Cards:

BELLAS!!!!

Just like the designer, who's offering 30% off all her products  

PLUS for BB's readers-

a giveaway for her very popular 

Latina Love Variety Pack

Honestly, you don't need to know Spanish for these do you??

Buena Suerte My Beautifuls

but at 30% off BB isn't waiting to win.
Quee??  You thought one variety pack was enough??-

JU SO FONII!!!

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Prize will be sent from sponsor and BB is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Entry-Form

There's a Reason for Everything aka God has a Wicked Sense of Humor

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  Do you remember last month when Even BB Gets the Blues was posted? Bueno, a couple of days afterwards the plumber came and fixed the backed up kitchen sink.  You know Babushka's first words? "Oh thank goodness, now I can really wash dishes!"  Quee? After 6 months of doing the dishes with buckets- so I wouldn't have to siphon out the water from a clogged drain, I was truly grateful that a sink filled with dirty dishes could now be done in 15 minutes instead of 3 hours. Y no, not being Cuban here, I literally was using a baster to remove the backed up water. My reaction though logical and heartfelt was admittedly a surprise and I had to chuckle- looking forward to cleaning?  BB?

There's a Reason for Everything aka God has a Wicked Sense of Humor

Next came the shut off of water. It would cost $450 to fix the DIY mishap Sweetie had trying to change the leaky shower washer.  Needless to say we couldn't leave the leak running as it had now started going into the bedroom and soaked the carpet. Also needless to say is that we couldn't afford to fix it right then, so off came the water.  After the initial shock we realized in the long run maybe this would lower our monthly utitility bill.  The water pump (yes, Babushka's so rural I have a well) apparently was going non stop because of the leak and the electric bill was unreal. So maybe this was a blessing in disguise.

There's a Reason for Everything aka God has a Wicked Sense of Humor

Two weeks ago we were able to get the plumber back out here, so now we have water!! The kitchen has now sparkled for a time, but the rest of the house... You know us bloggers, addicts to the www.com.  Everytime I would schedule to do something the click notifying me of Feibu or Tweety would lure me back to the screen. At the end of the day I would lament  how I really hadn't done a thing towards housecleaning.  Apparently the angels took pity on me and cut off my internet.

There's a Reason for Everything aka God has a Wicked Sense of Humor

I now use the library for internet access with a self imposed 2 hour limit and on Sunday nights go to Sweetie's to use his because the library is closed on Mondays. Of course if there are Tweety Fiestas I go to his house to participate and then go back home. And I don't intend on reconnecting my internet anytime in the near future, so there really are no excuses for a messy home.

There's a Reason for Everything aka God has a Wicked Sense of Humor

It's been almost two weeks since the distraction of Feibu and Tweety and Babushka's gathering strength and impulso to commence cleaning. 

Quee?? You thought BB's house would be clean by now?

JU SO FONII!!!

God's too busy laughing to perform That Milagro.

; )

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidsen.

A Raisin in the Sun- Raising Memories and Similarities

If you don't know by now, Babushka's into the classics. Quee?? JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, maybe it's because she's one herself, but seriously, I've always read classics just to see why they were labeled as such- and if they were plays or musicals, you KNOW BB was there.  One such play, A Raisin in the Sun, written by Lorraine Hansberry deserves the title of Classic.

"A Raisin in the Sun-Random House Digital, Inc., 1958 - Drama - 151 pages
When it was first produced in 1959, A Raisin in the Sun was awarded the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and hailed as a watershed in American drama. Not only was it a pioneering work by an African-American playwright - Lorraine Hansberry's play was also a radically new representation of black life, one that was resolutely authentic, fiercely unsentimental, and unflinching in its vision of what happens to people whose dreams are constantly deferred. In her portrait of an embattled Chicago family, Hansberry anticipated issues that range from generational clashes to the civil rights and women's movements. She also posed the essential questions - about identity, justice and moral responsibility - at the heart of these great struggles. The result is a work that captivated audiences from every walk of life and has become a classic of American letters."


My friend and fellow TWAM member Louise Reid Ritchie is playing the matriarch Lena Younger and sent me this Feibu event invite:

"MONTICELLO OPERA HOUSE presents A CANOPY ROAD THEATER COMPANY in Association with THE POEMEDY PROJECT presentation of A RAISIN IN THE SUN: The play that "changed American theatre forever," according to The New York Times, started with a few short lines from a long poem.

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Langston Hughes wrote the poem, and Lorraine Hansberry was inspired – both by the poem and by her own real-life experience – to write A Raisin in the Sun, the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway. Set on Chicago's South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family. Show Times: March 22-23 at 8pm March 24 at 2pm"

Summer Hill Seven, Zakiya Jas, Louise Reid Ritchie,Stacy Mosby and Nicole L Smith .

A strong cast with emotional ties and similarities bring the powerful play to life as they feel a kinship to their characters.  Louise Reid Ritchie shares a little background on the ensemble and their places for character inspiration.  As a child in upstate NY Louise's family was met with a neighborhood petition against them taking residence in the area.   Summer saw a childhood raised by a battered mom and 7 other siblings. Stacy was in foster care, Deneurve from Haiti and Kevin Carr the director, is the child of Irish immigrants who didn't go past the 10th grade.  They are all following their dreams and like the characters they portray they know what those dreams are. Summer became a lawyer and is now acting because he feels he can affect society more in that capacity.  Stacy and Deneurve are attending FAMU and FSU respectively, and Kevin Carr is currently working on his dissertation.  They have come to possess and be possessive of the play and its' characters and I can't wait to see their perfomance.

Alexandria Collins made this YouTube video- y si, she's the same director of the video BB was in.  

Lo Bueno es siempre bueno- The Good is always good, and that's what makes a classic.

BB's definition of "a classic" is something that evokes emotions, thoughts, discussions, and maintains its' strengths and message throughout the years.  It transcends ethnicities and age by speaking to us- our souls feel the ringing within. 

And for those who find this a bit far from Babushka's usual fare, remember, it's a post brought about by love (for a friend and for good theater), the following of dreams- living our life in attaining them, and the universal feelings shared by all of us.  It may not be lighthearted, but it's definitely with heart and in the end- isn't that what BB's all about?

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  tickets can be purchased online - just click to chose the performance.

P.P.S.  Here's a link to see another friend of mine Jeffrey Mandel, the other cast member in the production. 

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130317/LIVING04/303160007

 

Conference Conga Line

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  Today BB will address a topic all bloggers love and look forward to- CONFERENCES!!!  For many of us it's a highlight of our year.  Not only do we get information, get a chance to network with sponsors and other bloggers, we finally get to put a face to those we've friended over the blogasphere. ESO!!!

Babushka's First and Favorite is of course Hispanicize.  This year thanks to the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip BB will be a panelist in this one of a kind, wondeful, buenisimo event.  It's so much, so good, that it's a 5 day smorgasbord!! Naturally it's not only for Latinos- everyone is welcome, but because it's organized by Latinos, in Miami, the smorgasbord mention is not in vain. LOTS of FOOD,FUN, FARANDULA in this one!!  Go ahead and check out the schedule- I know you'll want to go.

The second conference is from a group I'm very happy and proud to be associated with- the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Collective.  Ok si, BB is a mom/grandma and loves writing about her family, but let's be truthful here, my blog is mainly about life, the humor in it, and Babushka's sense of adventure so I'm very comfortable with these ladies.  By the way, you needn't be Latina or even female to join this very supportive collective.  Here's their Feibu page if you'd like to see their style.

 The Third Annual National Lifestyle Blogger Conference & Junket

From Blogger to Brand


Taking place in California from April 25 - April 27, this is a conference with caché. There is space for  Only 100 bloggers so personalized attention in a non harried atmosphere is a priority.  Truly a different take from the mass production and craziness of other conferences, this is one to learn while relaxing and reflecting at the same time.  The details and sign up are here. 

For many bloggers- or those who are thinking of becoming bloggers, the expenses of travel and lodging for conferences, or maybe the time involved is not doable. Well, Babushka has found a conference that is doable because it's ONLINE!!  Que? JU SO FONII!!! You know BB wouldn't miss that one! Another, first, fun, and sure to be favorite.  The Blog Workshop - It's in May and BB will be already married and ready to focus on detailed, focused learning- in the comfort of home.  Oh my and Oh YEAH.  Join me here for a good online blogging howto/whereto/withwhoto experience.

Here's a video that'll explain a bit more:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/9lsf3bEkVIU?rel=0

We've got a busy,productive and fun time ahead of us My Beautifuls.

Now go and buy your dancing shoes and those comfort inserts-

A BAILAR SE HA DICHO!!!

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.



P.S.  Affiliate links are present in this post, however the opinions como siempre are purely BB's.

♪♫ Making Musica With My Friends♪♫

Actually, it was making a music video, not music.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  Another installment of 2013's firsts, favorites and fun- BB was in a music video.  Quee?? JU SO FONII!!! No, Babushka wasn't the star; the days when BB could sing are actually part of the Mayan calendar. Si, it's been that long. For now I'll be content in helping someone else fulfill that dream and be an extra on a video.

On Feibu a call was put out for extras-

TALLAHASSEE:
Music Video Shoot coming up for artist Royce Lovett (www.RoyceLovett.com) and we need you!
We're looking for extras of ALL ages and ethnicities for a wedding scene! You'll be acting as the wedding guests. There will be refreshments provided and you'll be notified of the video's release.

Song: "Wedding Song" off of his Sunday Morning EP

Perfeccion right??  Wedding- as in #Babuboda and refreshments- as in BB's snack bag.  Babushka was soooo there.

Running Cubantime BB arrived 20 mins late and wasn't sure it was even the right place until I saw 

Food for the cast and extras



Oh, and this too.


The actual scene for filming.

Matter of fact, BB arrived when the director Alexandria Collins  was telling everyone what to do for the first run through.  But as things can sometime happen, not everything went according to her plans.  One of the extras had a diabetic seizure and landed on Babushka's feet. De veras. We had to stop production until EMS showed up.

  

A preliminary EMS pickup because that's how we roll in Tally, which was followed by a full ambulance.

I would have taken that as an omen, pero Alexandria knows her stuff. 

A trooper and true professional she did whatever had to be done to get the shot she had in mind.

She was directing, filming, trying to outwit an enamored bumblebee who wanted to land on her camera, and appeasing the beautiful people in the video who were getting a little tired and bored. She filmed  every possible shot she could think of during the 3.5 hours we were there.

And speaking of appeasing and beautiful people, here's Royce himself helping out

http://roycelovett.com/

Quee? Ok si, you're right, BB outdoors, in the sun that long?? Bueno, you know Babushka has a heart of Gold, loves helping out young talent and dreamers.

And also loves her 

SWAG
BB with Bubbles- Que fun!

Free food



TWOFERS!!

So, how did the video turn out? 

 Alexandria  promised to let us know when it was out and BB in turn will share it with My Beautifuls.

 If Royce's other videos are any indication it'll be phenomenal. 

 Besides, with Babushka in it, how can it be anything less?

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen

#Babuboda- Ya Gotta Have a Theme

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls! What do weddings,showers, and birthday partys all have in common? Quee?? JU SO FONII!!! Besides the stress, and them being fiestas. That's right, they gotta have a theme. So, you ready for #Babuboda's theme?  Aqui esta- here it is:

"A Celebration in the style of the 20's,30's, and 40's for a couple in their 50's"

http://www.fashion-era.com/Weddings/1930_old_wedding_photos.htm

You like? Cutisimo right?? And the possibilities!! 

Of course BB doesn't see herself as the bride above, in her mind she's more like-

unfortunately that's from the 50's so it doesn't go.  But I did find plenty that did.

Babushka went Pinterest Crazy; here are some examples of the different eras.

For you Beautifuls attending: 

From the wonderful So Vintage Patterns

1920's

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/catalog/item/1657167/9321934.htm


1930's

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/catalog/item/1657167/9191997.htm


1940's

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/catalog/item/1657208/9561365.htm

Oh! And one more thing- to join in the fun, all guests are to be in black/white.

Bella

"But BB" you say. "I'm not going to have time to sew or have a seamstress to make my outfit"  

To which BB says, "Never fear for we have found the perfect gown for you!"

My dear Amiga Desiree Browne, the Vivacious Vixen of Vintage, via her blog Pop-o-matic Deluxe

is wonderfully sharing her 20% to eShakti-a place you can get gowns custom made for you.

Her generous discount is only until the 20th of March so hurry!

Some of the vintage styles suggested by Desiree are:

http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0025731/Pin-up-cotton-poplin-dress

http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0026345/Pin-up-colorblock-dress#

http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0025137/Marigold-garland-dress

Si, yo se- I know.  The last one isn't black/white.  

But it's Miami, a splash of color- 

ONE SINGLE SPLASH 

is acceptable and I'm excited to see what everyone decides it should be.  

QUE FUN!!

Make way Miami, My Beautifuls are on their way and LOOKING GOOD!!!

; ) 

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen.

P.S.  I apologize for not crediting some of the pics- as soon as I find the source I will post them.

P.P.S.  In case you didn't click on the Pinterest link for Babushka's Wedding above, here it is again. 

 http://pinterest.com/vicequeenmaria/babushka-s-wedding/

VivaFlorida 500 is Going WILD(flowers)

Babushka is an avid fan of the VivaFlorida 500 celebration.  For you Beautifuls who don't know what that is,  the state of Florida is commemorating 500 years of being discovered,named, and colonized by Europeans- namely, Spaniards. Looonnnggg before Jamestown and its group. Queee??  JU SO FONII!!!  Si, for real, and BB's glad it's being highlighted, but it's not just the re enactments of the original settlers, but also the originals of other categories too.  There are so many categories taken with VivaFlorida 500 that something is sure to please everyone.  For Babushka, I'm just so happy they're going wild- with wildflowers! Who'd of thunk it?  What a beautiful tie in to show the beauty that was here when Ponce de Leon landed and saw all the flowers (flores).  Bello verdad?  They've got a VivaFlorida -La Florida's Wildflowers web page, they've lined up a webinar on March 8 to " learn more about the best methods for planting your own garden with wildflower seeds supplied by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. "

Couldn't figure out how to paste a picture of their page- 

so Babushka just took a pic of it!

This is based on Xavier Cortada's visionary Flor 500 project. 

You remember Xavier right?  

The artist behind BB's Favorite painting.in the Museum of Florida History.

And here's a video of Xavier explaining his project commemorating the Florida quincentenial.

Que cool right??

Y si eso no fuera suficiente- and as if that wasn't enough, they're having a webinar on Friday to help us start commemorating Florida's natural beauty by growing our own wildflowers.  Here's the official wording:

Viva Florida 500 Wildflower Project   In 1513, Ponce de Leόn made landfall on new soil and called the place La Florida, meaning land of flowers, based on its beauty and vitality. The Viva Florida 500 Wildflower Project is a collaborative effort between the Florida Department of State and libraries statewide in celebration of Florida's native plants, perhaps the very same flowers which Ponce himself saw upon his arrival. In recognition of this special and enduring piece of Florida history, the Viva Florida 500 team invites your library to join in our webinar and become a wildflower partner. During this presentation, you will learn more about the best methods for planting your own garden with wildflower seeds supplied by the FloridaWildflower Foundation. The brief overview will last about 30 minutes and allow for Q and A at its completion. For more information, please contact Samantha Stratton, Viva Florida 500 Wildflower Coordinator, atSamantha.Stratton@dos.myflorida.com or 850.245.6537.

Oh the beauty of natural flowers- 

Oh the beauty of not having to cut my lawn!!

Quee??  Y'all know Babushka never passes on a twofer. 

; )

I hope you join BB in this celebration while learning a little bit more about our bella state, it's history, and our natural beauties.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  For more information on Florida's Spanish roots the Fundacion España-Florida has wonderful posts.