May 25, 2013

La Tata- Her Story


HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

This post was originally written on 9/20/11.  My querida abuela La Tata is now 90 or 92 , to be 91 or 93 this June (though her papers say in October) is currently in the hospital emergency ward for massive heart pains.  BB believes our date of homecoming is written, however there's no reason not to dance happily on the way, so please send positive vibes and lots of love to her.  Hopefully I'll be in Miami soon and I can share with her the warmth y'all are sending.









La Tata- Tatarabuela, Great Great grandmother of my grandchildren, Great grandmother of my trio, grandmother to Babushka, mother of mi Padre. Wow- that's a lot of mothering and a lot of love.

But if you think this was a typical stay at home kind of mothering - JU SO FONII !!!


Born in Cuba, in the Province of Oriente, she was the second youngest of twelve. Always with fire and liking the finer things, she was nicknamed "La Faraona" (the Pharoah) by her siblings; little did they know how well that was going to help them all. Her take charge "it's gotta be done" attitude helped her survive and succeed in a life that seems almost made for TV.

In a place and time when women didn't work outside the home, she was a single mom raising her son by selling insurance policies door to door. Her tenacity captured the heart and hand of a Count, but when he became too strict with her boy she kicked the Count to the curb. Sensing the political unrest on the island , she refused to let the new government indoctrinate her teen, so she left her beloved family and headed to the US- just her and her son. Arriving in New York she found the immigrants life, working in factories and learning the language, but she also found love. Marrying "Nonno", a handsome Sicilian with a talent for cooking, they scrimped together enough to open a restaurant in The Village. Thanks to their hard work and love of family, they were able to bring most of her siblings and their families from Cuba.

But as in all good novelas, the union was not to last, and though it was true love they had to go their separate ways. By this time they had moved to Miami, he had opened another restaurant and she decided she wanted music and distraction- so she opened a nightclub. Again, ahead of her time, in a man's world, she was the owner of the club, while wearing long sequinced gowns with a gun holder under the plumes. It was Miami in the 80's, Cocaine Cowboys had the bucks, but they didn't get to ride in her saloon.

Didn't I tell you this would be a great mini series ?!?!


Bueno, para no cansarte, she made it through the 80's and now is almost in her 90's. Legally papers say she's 87 pero en realidad they didn't keep the best of records in her little town in Cuba and she's 2 years older. ¿Viste? She's still living a story- and I'm grateful to be there to listen.




Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen







* Thanks again for all your well wishes and love- y'all really are Beautifuls.



Bohemian Babushka
Bohemian Babushka

Groovy Spanglish speaking Grandma of 6 who loves life and all its adventures. Motivational while still keeping it real, Babushka shows how all things looked at with gratitude are good, and how to say to la vida- JU SO FONII!!!

15 comments:

  1. Mucha salud y amor a la Tata! Bendiciones y que Dios la tenga entre nosotros muchos mas!, Lizy

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  2. BB I really loved learning about your Tata. I hope you write more about her. She's sounds like an amazing spirit and role model.

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  3. What a story she has. Yes well ahead of her time, and an awesome mini series for the Women's Revolution.

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  4. This is so amazing. Your Tata is a bad ass woman in the very best sense of the words and I wish her a speedy recovery. She's had a full life!

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  5. BB, the story of your precious Tata reminded me a lot of my own grandma. Your Tata worked so hard to give her family a better future. Your Tata continues to be in my prayers for her healing!

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  6. Isn't it wonderful to have these strong women in our lives?! Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

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  7. Muchas bendiciones para tu abuelita!!

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  8. Growing up, I always saw her as a Cuban Zsa Zsa Gabor but stronger. All my love to my tia-abuela!!

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  9. I am in love with this story. What a great woman! Definitely a great miniseries! let's hear more! and I am intrigued - would love to see photos of her outfits! xoxo

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  10. OMG love this article las abuelitas, bisabuelas and tatarabuelas son tan importantes en nuestra vida god bless la Tata!

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  11. Blessings for grandma. I really want to hear more about the family. Keep the posts coming...

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  12. Hope your Tata gets better soon! I'll be praying for her. Would love to meet her and spend hours talking about life. I really enjoy conversation with experienced people and hers must be exciting.

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  13. you know we love la tata!!!! she has so many wonderful stories ^.^ i can't wait for you to see the surprise we have for you once it is complete ... besos!!!

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  14. Wow que historia más interesante!!! Mujeres como tu abuelita son MUJERES con mayuscula. Me encantó, le mando la mejor onda a tu abuelita.Saludos y un abrazo.

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  15. awwww. what a blessing.. thanks for sharing her story.

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Always remember- If someone doesn't see YOUR brilliance, just look at them, smile, and say- JU SO FONI!!!