April Abounds Making @Conexion es

This post was originally written for Conexion, but seeing que todavia estoy con la lengua afuera from the past month and the current family situation, BB is sharing it with you here. Besides, Babushka work harder than she has to? JU SO FONII!!!

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Como estan? Si, Babushka’s been away from writing here, but does that mean she hasn’t been working? JU SO FONII!! Por supuesto and but of course she’s been working, and working hard. Especially on herself. You’ve heard of the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy”? Bueno, that’s especialmente true for BB.  And Babushka isn’t happy when life’s stagnant.

We’re now in Spring, traditionally the time for things to come out of hibernation and to renew, regresar a la vida. Beautifuls, we’re part of nature tambien and it’s time to awaken, expand y crecer.  Babushka is a firm believer of always learning, always doing something to broaden one's horizon. These past two months have been time spent with familia and forums, doing eso mismo.

For those who don’t believe being with family is a learning experience, look at it closer.  Being with los nietos has shown BB again the joy of discovery, lollipops and bubbles.  Each day to see and feel the total amor in their eyes reminds one of the belleza que es la vida and the reasons for La Lucha.  Being with The Trio and their spouses reminds one of continuance and the need for civility. No where is there needed more the art of diplomacy and feelings of compassion than with those you know since birth.  This is the training ground of how to treat all others.

And speaking of training, let’s not forget the betterment of ourselves. Volunteer in your “dream” job/field. Read books on topics of interest, seek out groups to broaden your horizon and circle of conocimientos. Attend charlas. Networking and conferences are always maravillosos to revive one’s spirit and purpose. Babushka also finds travel a wonderful way to grow and relight that sense of purpose. So when there’s a conference out of mi ciudad? ESOOO!!! A BB TWOFER!!!

By the time you read this, Babushka will have participated in two major conferences for Latinos. BB promises to go into detalles in future articles, but for now she wants you to pensar en algo.  What sueños will you awaken this spring? How will you relight your sense of purpose? Pa’lante en la Primavera Beautifuls!!  

Babushka Besos a Todos. Cuidensen.

P.S, Learning and the opportunity for it abounds and surrounds. What has 2017 taught you so far?  For BB, the truth behind "La vida es un carnaval!"  Dedicated to mis hijos & you Beautifuls.

Camping with KOA is A OK with BB!

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls! 

The above picture is of BB's Godson y The Trio.  Notice the happy, sleepy look they have.  The only time they were happy to get up with the sun was when we went camping.

As a single mother, there wasn't an abundance de dinero, but that didn't mean there was a shortage of fun family trips! Matter of fact, got to the punto que the kids could set up camp all by themselves; Babushka  just drove them there. We have great memories de esos tiempos! Giant cans of Beefaroni, hot chocolate, Miami S'mores, si, all for chilly weather, because if you think the aversion to calor is just now- JU SO FONII!! Also fishing, games, stories, all at minimal price, maximum fun.

So take it from BB Beautifuls. Take la Familia Camping. You'll love it.

BB2U

Autism Awareness - #LightItUpBlue and Let them Shine!!

Why Babushka's Going to #LightItUpBlue for Understanding and Acceptance - a social good post without monetary pay, pero mucho,mucho sentimental satisfaction.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Today hablamos on a tema very close to BB's heart. Actually, you can say it's a part of my heart, because my granddaughter La Princesa is autistic and bigger than that love and bond we have, hay que fabricarlo!!

Since April is World Autism Month, Babushka's decided to #LightItUpBlue with Autism Speaks to increase understanding and awareness of autism. The issue is deeply personal to me as an abuela of a child with autism. It’s highly likely that you know someone with autism too since the CDC estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in every 68 children in the United States.

Autism refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

Autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Autism Speaks encourages parents with concerns to seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes. La Princesa was diagnosed at 3. Before that we just thought she was jumpy.

The “Light It Up Blue” campaign is about more than awareness -- it is about increasing understanding and acceptance of autism.  This includes advocacy and support for people across the entire spectrum throughout their lives. It also includes advancing research into personalized treatments for autism and related conditions. BB encourages you to test your understanding of autism by taking this quiz!

Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include GI disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias. For my granddaughter, these are a part of her.

You can help make a difference too by taking the Light It Up Blue Quiz to see how much you know about autism. If you’re moved to do so after visiting AutismSpeaks.org, please show your support for and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism by sharing a photo to #LightItUpBlue for Autism Awareness Month too. Also, check out Autism Speaks’ nationwide calendar of autism-friendly friendly events and activities in April.

Sooo... how much do you know sobre Autism Beautifuls? One can never know too much-

or love too much.

BB2U