Babushka's Baile- 10 year Aniversario! #FBF @ConexionFlorida

This was in the Agosto edition of Conexion - the official 10 year mark was 8/11/11. 

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Si, it's true, Babushka has been bailando on the www for 10 years. Wow and Woah! Ya know, people say "The years went by so fast. Bolaron!" Bueno, si and no...

True, this year has more than flown, and when BB looks at The Trio, she still hasn't comprehended that they are the parents of The Grands. Pero think of it, the last ten years... Babushka feels it all.  

From the first writing, the first conference, the first paid post,

Introductions

Hispanicize 2012- the 1st in Miami and BB was there!!

American Latino Heritage Fund - Natl. Parks, BB's 1st paid gig!!

The people she's been fortunate to work with

Ford Motor Co., Florida Kid Care, ABLE United, Florida Prepaid College

and meet

Cristina Saralegui, Erik Estrada, Rita Moreno, Charo, Maria Elena Toraño, Mickey/Disney

 

The teams she's been part of

Mamas con Poder/ Voting, Bloggin' Mamas, Latism, Consumer Reports, Network Niche

The causes she has spoken about and for, 

The wonderful trips and experiences shared with familia.

Seaworld, Oprahnation, Carnival Cruiselines, Bloggin Mamas, St. Augustine, Art Basel,

 Disney On Ice, Ft. Walton Beach, Red Coach

And those she's been blessed to now call amigos 

Mar, Mi Capitan, Fern, Amanda, Heather, Janie, Mi Rey, Maria, Myrah

Laurita Tellado

all this because of Babushka's Baile.

Do you recall the last ten years Beautifuls? Do you feel the last ten years? 

BB certainly does porque she did it fully, passionately, and is grateful for it all.

The first tagline of the blog was: 

My daily dance- sometimes I lead, sometimes I follow, and sometimes I get my toes stepped on. I may not recall the lyrics, but the music is always of my own choosing.

original blog set up

BB definitely has felt the dancing, even had to comprar cases of Dr.Scholl's, but it was all a choice as to who would be Babushka's partner. Does your memoria say the same to you? Did you truly live the last ten years? Are you ready to totally live the next?  For her part, BB looks forward to the upcoming 10 years of bailes and hopes you'll be dancing right alongside her. 

A BAILAR SE HA DICHO!

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen.

Two Miami Dolphins Greats- Larry Little & BB's Mama.

The pics of the event were facilitated by Ford, but the memories and thanks are all Babushka's.

Bb's living room in 1972 (reenactment)

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!!!

My mother was a diehard Miami Dolphins fan. Living in Miami Lakes, where Dolphins' coach Don Shula lived,  almost everyone was a diehard Miami Dolphins fan, but Mama was tambien very Cubana.  Now, for the most part my parents were quiet, well spoken people, but come football season- OLVIDALO, my mother's passion and heritage could not be denied.

COOOOORRRRREEEEEE!!!  SACK HIM!!!  HECHALO PA' TRA!!  And of course, ESOOOOO!!  each time a touchdown or block was made.  Quee??  You thought that began with Babushka?  JU SO FONII!!! No Beautifuls, Mama screamed that when she was watching the Dolphins on TV.  And in that quiet little cul de sac she could be heard by all.  Pero sabes que?? Like most people who are true to themselves and follow their hearts and calling, she gave others the permission to also be true and show their dedication.  Soon the shouts of YES!!! OH YEAH!! were heard from many of our neighbors' casas, especially during that undefeated season in 1972.

Mama always said the reason she loved the Miami Dolphins, was not only because they were our local team and winners, but because their coach and players had class.  They were an example of good sportsmanship and dignos to be held as heroes to fans.  On the field and off the field, the players of that equipo were forever being gentlemen and examples of what could be achieved and shared when you cared for yourself and others.  She especially liked coach Don Shula and Larry Little.  

pic by SPOKEO

Mama saw our fellow Miami Lakes residents Don Shula and his wife many times and found them pleasant y approachable.  Of Larry Little, having lived through desegregation and knowing how rough it had been, she admired him for showing his merit and being "Un hombre. Un caballero y ejemplo total en su trabajo y en su comunidad". Shula agreed because he called Larry Little “A real inspiration, not for just the way he performs, but also for his influence on our younger players”.   And he continues to do so, and for this, Babushka wants to share his latest honor.

" The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company paid tribute to former Miami Dolphins right guard Larry Little at his high school alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School on Wednesday, May 25th, 2016. Little was honored as part of the “Hometown Hall of Famer™ program.

Little, graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, was on hand at his former high school for a special event and plaque presentation. Following the presentation, the plaque will be on permanent display at the school."

An audience of 500 attended the ceremony at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Fla. The crowd included his 96-year-old mother, other family members, students, teachers, and the school’s marching band. Also on hand were fellow Hall of Famer DWIGHT STEPHENSON and several other Dolphins legends Nat Moore, Eugene Milton, Larry Ball and Mercury Morris.

"To share this occasion with Booker T. Washington gives me a feeling similar to how I felt when I was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!” Little shared.

Hometown Hall of Famer™ is a national program that honors the hometown roots of the greatest heroes of the game with special ceremonies and plaque dedication events in local communities.

"I am honored, privileged and humbled to give something back by presenting the Hometown Hall of Famer plaque to Booker T. Washington High School, that will stay with the school forever and for Booker T. Washington High School to become the 102nd to become an official high school of the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Little commented after being presented with the plaque by his close friend Roberta Daniels.

“Let me say how proud Ford is to participate in Larry Little’s return to his hometown. Ford and the Pro Football Hall of Fame share a commitment to excellence and an appreciation for legacies,” Patrick O’Neill, Regional Manager of Sales and Service for Ford Motor Company Miami, remarked.

Tuesday’s event was the 102nd Hometown Hall of Famer™ ceremony.

Any man who makes sure to share his honors with his madre is definitely a hero in Babushka's ojos.
Gracias Larry Little for still being a true ejemplo de un caballero.  

 Can you hear that heavenly "ESOOOOO!!"



This has been a fond honor y memoria of two Miami Dolphins' greats- 
Player and Fan


BB2U

Warriors in Pink- Pa' lante con La Pelea ! A Giveaway and Gracias.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!!

Como saben, BB is part of Una Familia Pa' Ford, but what you may not know is how many ways Ford helps the familia of (wo)man too.  For over 20 years Ford has donated 100% of the net proceeds of their Warriors in Pink program to help against the Breast Cancer Battle. 

"From raising funds through our Warriors in Pink apparel, to raising awareness through unique media content, to giving breast cancer patients and survivors more good days – we are always looking for ways to help people go further. - See more at: http://www.warriorsinpink.ford.com/?fmccmp=150428-bca-wipmoregooddays#sthash.wVjGuamc.dpuf "

This is a personal twofer post for Babushka.  When I approached the Ford PR company and asked for items for a giveaway, they knew of my mother's passing from cancer (the first one she had was breast cancer) and graciously gave me these items, to share them and the message with my Beautifuls.

Mi madre would have loved these items. The colors, the fashion, vibrancy and life asserting hues are exactly the message behind Warriors In Pink. And now you can help share in the celebration of life and the lucha of surviving.  There will be 3 winners of the following:

TShirt

Tie

Bandana

Pashmina style scarf/wrap

Ford Tote

BB modeling el  Pashmina style scarf y el Bello Fern Senra of Moore Communications 

who facilitated the wonderful giveaway. 

Entry-Form

Life affirming, message carrying, these items make statements on all types of levels.

Buena Suerte Beautifuls!

BB2U

And if you think this is the only way place Warriors in Pink estan, JU SO FONII!!!

Twitter  YouTube  Instagram

P.S.  Ford has pensa'o en todo.  

A link of ideas to "Simple acts to give breast cancer patients more good days." - 

See more at: http://www.warriorsinpink.ford.com/more-good-days#sthash.ggUQyBMF.dpuf

March Madness - A La BB!!

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

When Babushka told Sweetie the name of this post, he thought I meant the basketball championships. Of course BB said, JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, it's only 2 years of marriage (on March 1), and he IS a guy, pero still...

March is when the traveling starts for Babushka, and even though January was a jumpin' Up North in The South, the vibes in Miami are totally different and pa'lante with the pace!! Arrived Wednesday, and went straight to Bloggin' Mamas headquarters to work on the final details for the #FamilyTravelChat Tweety Fiesta. Hoy,today,Friday, went down to Miami to stay in Little Havana with La Tata. There I found:

BB was sent that from Olay because "We are so glad to see such engaging and fun spirited people such as yourself participating in such a fabulous fiesta"  They were talking about the #MyCloseUp Tweety Fiesta +babushkas bebe and Babushka had attended the week before. Nice verdad??

Tonight is Viernes Culturales, where Calle Ocho closes the street on the last Friday of each month to showcase its shops,galleries,music,art and vendors. One Big Giant Block Party. Remember, the blocks in Little Havana are loooooonnnnggg so it's bigger than you think!

Viernes Culturales, Calle Ocho, Little Havana,Miami,Florida

Saturday the 28th is SoFabUOTR- the link and post. 

Ok Si, hasta here it's February, but it's an extra day this year, so technically we're in March.

Sunday hopefully La Tata and BB will be taking care of Dr. J 

while the rest of his family are enjoying 

Autism Awareness Night

When BB asked if La Princesa could handle the hockey game, +babushkas bebe said, 

"There's only one way to find out."

Gracias to +Ford Motor Company for making this possible.

Ahora, did you notice this Carnaval badge on the blogs sidebar? Guess who's an ambassador for Carnaval Miami?  ESO!!!  Babushka was chosen as "Culture" Ambassador. A more detailed post is soon to come about this great chain of Carnaval Miami events organized by the Little Havana Kiwanis  but suffice to say Sunday is the #CarnavalRun2015

AND THAT'S JUST MARCH 1 MY BEAUTIFULS!!!

Wow and Woah. ESO!!! y BUENISIMO!!!!

BB promises to continue March Madness, pero for now Babushka's gotta rest- and then get some more vitaminas,cafe y chocolates to help me make it through.

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Day 2: Further with Ford- 2013 Trend Conference

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

Continuing with Day 2 of  the Go Further with Ford adventure, BB wasn't just whistlin' La Guantanamera when she said in the last post that this would be a full day.  Just look at the schedule below- and try not to wince. 

 Ahuh. 

 If there was one thing I'd suggest Ford to change, it's that 6 am breakfast call.  So does that mean Babushka went without? JU SO FONII!! My Cuban appetite is such a trooper; it ordered a made for BB omelette along with plates of fruit and pastries- and that was before the first cafe.

At 7:15 am Babushka and the rest of the zombies (BB refuses to believe anyone is awake at this time) head to the conference center.  Here we have more cafe waiting for us. Viste?? Babushka's not the only one who saw the zombie resemblance.  

A las 8:15 a.m., in hopes that we're now awake, we officially start the day and are welcomed by Ford's Executive Chairman.

Bill Ford- William Clay Ford Jr.

Executive Chairman Ford Motor Company

Bill is the great-grandson of Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. Si, THE Ford and Firestone.  With that kind of lineage sabes that he's gotta know a thing or two about carros.  And he does, mixing tales of the future with anecdotes of the past, he was knowledgeable and entertaining; he did his tatarabuelos proud.

Next came Ford's Global Trends and Futuring Expert, someone who's very knowledgeable and entertaining in her own right, having been named to the Top 100 Most Creative People in Business List-

Sheryl Connelly

Manager, Global Trends and Futuring

Sheryl's job is finding the pulse behind consumer's wants and then trying to predict what would start that pulse a racing.  Being a lawyer, artist, and mother gives her the multi faceted vision to do the job right, and Babushka cheered her speeches and her chutzpah.  

After the speeches it was time for the Trend Sessions.  At what are those you ask?  Remember the Myers -Briggs test we took, this was to determine which of the following sessions we were to attend.  There was, with descriptions, panelists and corresponding colors:

Disrupting The Drive - How technology was changing the driving experience-#FordTech

*Milly Wood, CNET  *Steve Wozniak, co-founder Apple computer *Jim Buczkowski, Ford

Greentopia- Global Sustainability-#FordGreen

*Andy Hoffman,Univ. of Michigan,*Erin Simon,WorldWildlife Fund,*Scott A.Vitters,Coca-Cola,*John Viera, Ford

Returning to Your Senses-Balancing Technology & Avoiding Digital Overload #FordWellness

*Jenny Lykken,Google,*Neema Moraveji,Stanford University,*Sherry Turkle,Massachusetts Institute of Technology,*Amy Marentic, Ford,*Gary Strumolo, Ford

Sculpting The Future- Resonating & Finding Purpose- #FordDesign

*Seth Godin,Author,*Rachel Shechtman,Cube Ventures,*Jay Ward,Pixar Animation*J Mays,Ford

Trust is the New Black- Trust & Brand Equity- #FordTrust

*Anjali Kumar,Warby Parker,*Rob Michalak,Ben & Jerry's,*Tim Erblich,Ethisphere Institute, *Jim Farley, Ford

If you notice, there were some pretty big names there. In BB's world we'd say it was an all star cast, but you know what?  They weren't reciting Shakespeare. No My Beautifuls, they were talking terms and temas Babushka could follow. True, I didn't attend the #FordTech session (not surprisingly it wasn't picked by my test score) but something tells me it would have been the same. Not only did BB's eyes not glaze over as they usually do when they start with car lingo, Babushka was so inspired by the #FordDesign panel that instead of questioning them I thanked them for their contributions- and for keeping it real.  What can I say?  BB was bursting with Plebian Pride; this was a car conference one could follow, learn, and contribute to.

Some pics and quotes from the sessions BB attended-

"The future is already here, it's just not very evenly distributed."

~William Gibson as quoted by Andy Hoffman

The story is what is being sold. The challenge is figuring how to matter. Do this with a story.

 ~Seth Godin

And speaking of stories...

Babushka was writing this post very late and by mistake erased all her pics. Hopefully they're still in my old laptop (which needs to be repaired upon my return to Tallahassee) and I will continue with the tale of the conference.  The pics are of the fab "Felicidades Mustang on turning 50!" fiesta, the test drives on Ford vehicles (chills & thrills), and helping a neighborhood garden by driving a new, grande, gorgeous Ford truck with supplies. Oh yes BB did!!

Something Babushka also did; BB also realized that it's not enough to say we'd like to "make a difference". WE are that difference.  It doesn't matter your profession, your social status, your monetary situation, ALL of us are part of the greater good. We are part of this global world, and EVERYONE is family.  What part of your family history would you like to tell? Where are the stories sharing your passions and beliefs? As shown in past posts, sometimes it takes a major life event to help us find our voice. Have you found your story, your voice?  

The S Sisters brought advocacy and global responsibility events to BB, and in the next post I'll share with you My Beautifuls the story they were preparing me to tell. 

Hasta la Proxima,

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

And the Flow continues: Further with Ford- 2013 Trend Conference

My thanks to the Ford Motor Company for providing my flight,lodging and meals during this event. There was no request to write about my experience, nor was BB given monetary compensation. The post is Babushka's thoughts of the adventure.

As I mentioned in my last post, apparently the S Sisters wanted me to see the Universal Flow we're all part of, how each of us can make a difference, because they kept sending me to events that emphasized just that. Next, BB was sent to Detroit to go "Further with Ford". Queeee?? JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, when we think of Ford we think cars and not anything else, but they're so much more. It has been said that with great power comes great responsibility and Babushka was pleasantly surprised by what was talked about during the conference. To give you an idea of what the mindset was behind the event, before it even started Ford asked its' attendees to complete a Myers-Briggs personality test to see what our preferences would be. Oh si My Beautifuls, this was not to be a regular car show event.

The colored dots represented the different panels/discussions- chosen by the results of our test,

 pero let's follow the steps of my prior Ford trip and begin with the trip itself.

Cachita guardando & one overhead suitcase.  BB's getting used to this airplane travel.

Another thing Babushka can get used to-

The hotel right inside the airport.

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel,

i like, i like.

Once we checked in we were given our badges, our room keys, and told to board the bus for dinner at the Henry Ford Museum.  Now, you know BB loves an adventure, but seriously, a museum? Ford Museum?? Carros and all that??  Y'all can imagine the jetlag, but being Cubana the thought of dinner won out. In all honesty, I'm glad my growling tripas led me, because again my assumption was all wrong; the museum wasn't all about Ford and their cars.    

The beautiful decor and architectural details of the original Ford era.

So much to see, and they promised we could explore later, but first, our welcome.

Alan Mulally 

President & CEO Ford Motor Company

Our first speaker of the conference, who in Babushka's opinion set a tone that was hard to surpass. Obviously an educated man, but his speech was easy to follow- even when he touched on some of the technical aspects Ford is working on, and he genuinely seemed impressed and content to be working for and heading the Ford team.  Management who is down to earth and actually enjoys his job and the promise of all it entails. Who'd of thunk it? But then again, not much about "Further with Ford" matched the preconceptions of esta vieja.  BB for one found him fascinating and was sorry we didn't see him again during the rest of the conference.

Now what we did see lots of during the rest of the conference-

A celebration of 150 years and excelente comida, with details Ford is known for.

After the wonderful meal, we were invited to continue visiting the museum. 

In truth, a full day is needed to just visit this part of the complex, but from my mini visita some of BB's Favs- 

Hot wax souvenir maker,old style McDonald's, working diner,Baby Boomers, and a fellow re-enactor portraying Henry Ford.

Bueno, si, there were cars and motorized vehicles,

but not your average everyday variety.

Model T,Presidential limos,Wienermobile

The actual bus Rosa Parks rode when she decided to seek justice for all.

Now My Beautifuls, after that last exhibit BB couldn't imagine anything could top it, so con barriga llena y corazon contenta- my belly and heart full, it was time to return to the hotel.  Day 2 had a full schedule y escapades of enlightenment for Babushka- and some thrills and chills too.  

Until the proxima My Beautifuls,

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen.

p.s. BB was flown in, fed, and given a place to snore,

 the rest- like her post & opinion, was all Babushka's. 

Flowing with Ford

You know the saying, "Go with the flow"?  Bueno, that's exactly what BB did when she won a trip to the Ford Fusion event in LA.  During Hispanicize, the Ford Latino folks had a blogger contest and the three finalists would win the chance to go to LA.  Ya tu sabes, the winning post had to be in Spanish and you know my expertise there, yet the flow said to go (actually it was an invisible inner push) and give it try.  Well, I did, and I was a finalist- and in shock, but ready to ride with the waves.

For the first time in over 15 years,Babushka flew on an airplane. An adventure in and of itself, believe me. On September 19th I landed in LA to return to Florida on the 20th. Si, it was fast and furious, pero fabulous!!  Ok, ok, the pun was intended- but it was so true.

Starting from the Airport Greeting/Pick up 

To the hotel


Casa del Mar 

Gorgeous verdad?
Did you notice that double staired entrance???
Didn't know whether I should start singing Hello Dolly or Tara's Theme, but either way I was definitely left singing!!

To the room

The view, the furnishings, the choice of books, the café!!

Y the tortoise shaped soap and rubber ducky- which you know BB called to make sure I could take.

The details were perfectly perfect.

But Ford knew a couple of things about details too.

2 collectable toys

Hotel Key w/pouch


The detalles were just starting; it was time to go to the event.

Woah. What a visual right?

The sign with the hashtag made me feel right at home.

Now- the food I could speak a little bit about it, estaba rico, but the cars???

Thankfully I had Mr. Lee, one of the engineers of the auto as my co pilot and guide.

BB w/Mr. Lee, the brave soul who'll let me drive him around in the Ford Fusion.

What a nice ride the Fusion was!  

Participants got to try out three different models on the first day and the hybrid, this model here, is the one I preferred. 

 Quee??  Does that mean I'd say  no to any Fusion I may find in my Christmas stocking?  

JU SO FONII!!!  

My querido Stan the Man  has earned his retirement Santa Ford y  cualquier modelo, any model is welcomed.  

Just sayin'. 

; )

It was a lovely trip up to this point and Ford had much more in store for us , but Babushka was bushed and it was time for a quick siesta. 

Time to recharge the batteries for a noche of niceties, nice people, nom nom and the brilliance of nature.

 So much still to tell y'all, but what's the fun in a quick bite when you can savor a feast?

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  A quick video entitled  "Ford Fusion Event a la Babushka"    is on my Feibu page.

P.P.S.  If you want to read my Spanish (kinda sorta) winning post it's on top- "Una Familia Pa' Ford"