Summer of the Gypsy Wagon - #Familia #FloridaKeys #Ford

@Ford_Southeast lent Babushka & Sweetie the Ford Transit, but the story, opinions and memories are totally our own.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!!

BB can hear y’all now. “Summer?? Pero Babushka, it’s fall!! Talk about running Cubantime!!!” 

Ok si, we’re now nearing Thanksgiving and there’s a nip in the air. That’s exactly why this memory came to mind.

Unlike the lower part of our beloved state, Up North in The South starts to have a season change in November and the temperatures really can dip.  Around now, when we start to plan out the menu for Thanksgiving, we also start to look back at the events of the year and begin our fond recollections of the blessings enjoyed till now.  It was actually cold enough this weekend that Sweetie started taking out winter clothing, and the memories of the year's summer adventure came out with them.

“You remember the great time we had at the Keys hun?”  “The Gypsy wagon was a beaut wasn’t it? Wouldn’t mind going on another trip with her.”   “You know, we really could camp out in her with no problem at all. Now wouldn’t that be great?”

Quee? Esta bien, it didn't have all those BB markings on it, but it did have the following that made it feel like ours.

Vieron to' eso Beautifuls? Chargers in the back, in the front, cup holders all over too!! Y con BB you KNOW you have to have all those little compartment spaces for the various pamphlets, cameras, cell phone, tablets... things we all carry everyday. The Gypsy Wagon was a diesel and mas que amplio, so it was ready for any clase de trip we'd ask of her. Roomy, spacious, note the amount of trunk space,the bags fit comfortably- and so did Sweetie!! Look at that smile on him. Midiendo 6'4" there aren't many vehicles he can stand straight in.

To tell the truth Beautifuls, when we first saw the Ford Transit, we were "OMAIGAA, it's a bus!" Babushka had expected the midsize version, pero knowing we were going to visitar The Grands they sent the grande. Believe it or not, when we decided to go ahead and drive, it drove like any other car!! Unbelievable pero cierto. Matter of act, es mas, BB forgot it wasn't regular size and nicked it on the top in a parking garage. Also unbelievable, pero cierto. Quee? JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, maybe not so unbelievable.

Oh, what fun adventures we had in the Gypsy Wagon!! From mid state Lake Wales, to Miami, down to the Florida Keys, back through Miami and then ending at Lake Wales again. TREMENDO VIAJE y TREMENDO TRANSIT!!

Just a sampling of what's to come.

BB2U

Fans Forever- The Sequel. With Actual Fans. Day 17 of SMCSF 30 day blog challenge

In actuality the title should be- My Last Day in Miami Part 3a Fans Forever  Day 17 of SMCSF 30 day challenge, but that would be too over the top even for BB.  Queee?  JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, nothings too over the top for BB; I just like this title better.  And I like sharing better, especially when it's beauty. So, without further ado, my favorite fans from the Fans Forever exhibition currently showing at the Miami Dade College Museum of Art & Design.  Bueno, not all of my favorites because the lighting didn't always work well with my camera, but a lot of my favorites.  I could have scanned in the pics of my favs because of the marvelous book Mr.Jeremy M. Mikolajczak bestowed me, but that would have taken away the look of Plebian Pride Babushka so likes to compartir with y'all. Of course you have no idea what I'm talking about if you haven't read the first part.  Go on, it's here and we'll be here.  Heje  BB being BB and playing the tease again. But really, it does make more sense if you read the first part.  Ok, ok. Continuing.

From the introduction pages-

MORE THAN JUST SOME CUBAN FANS...

A fan is much more than a tool to cool oneself.  It is the means for a woman to say something special to a man.  Also, it is an object that, for its beauty, constitutes a work of art.  These days, fans are used less frequently than in the past, a sign of advancements fut also a reflection of the lack of gentleness and charm that surrounds us.

In 1943, the splendid Paris Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, a jewel of Cuban Baroque, held an exhibition and auction of fans to raise funds for the church's care and maintenance.  The event was memorable because of the quality of the works exhibited.  Almost seven decades later, with the title Fans Forever, today's exhibition not only recalls that event but also rescues the magic and beauty of the Cuban fans.

In this exhibition, we have fans painted by some of the artists who exhibited in that historic occasion.  Fortunately, we also have fans painted by artist of later generation, both on the island and in exile.  At a time when the world of creativity seems dominated by works that are primarily destined to oblivion, Fans Forever is a most appropriate title.  This exhibition is worthy of enjoyment and celebration.

Armando Alvarez Bravo

And now in no particular order, except the order in which they were photographed, 

the Fabulous Fans Favored by this Fanatic. 

Descriptions taken almost directly from the book because they've said it all oh so well.

TONY LOPEZ  1918-2011

And So It All Began

One of his last compositions, filled with a marvelous tenderness and innocence: Adam and Even in Paradise.

MIGUEL ORDOQUI  1939

"colorful fictional characters, humor and sensuality"

PEDRO DE ORAA  1931

"Symbols of the inexhaustible mystery of the aesthetic genius."

CESAR SANTOS  1982

Cesar's artristic energy always inspires him to design figures and objets that are believable and convincing.

TOMAS SANCHEZ 1948

Tomas suggests that we look at others through nature, as a a fair way of looking at and respecting ourselves.

PEDRO PABLO OLIVA  1949

Sweet dreams, a large dose of humanity and a message of hope.

EMILIO SAUMA   1961

"with a brilliant explosion of blazing colors and beautiful silhouettes"

CARLOS ACOSTANEYRA  1962

"with his creative capacity, comes with fish and travelers, and with other elements that denote his arduous work."

ISMAEL GOMEZ PERALTA  1966

"fills a great void of remembrances and absences, rescuing the hopes that he immortalizes forever."

CARLOS ESTEVEZ  1969

"an artist of great spiritual and mystical gentleness, always engaged in an infinite quest across the universe"

ORESTES GAULHIAC  1960

" a painstaking composition by the artist, like his circus scenes, that he paints not as they truly are but as he interprets them."

ERNESTO CAPDEVILA 1970

His works, according to the artist himself, represent an unexpected path. 

 Lies and truths that bare themselves on the same stage.

Of course my Plebian photos can not compare to seeing the fans in person, nor the photographs in the book.  As a matter of fact, the pictures of the artists are also in the book, giving further glimpses into their souls, and they are works of art within themselves. BB wholeheartedly states you see the exhibition and/or buy the book- for the history, the beauty, and the art. Por supuesto y sin duda, I emphatically agree with Mr. Bravo-

"This exhibition is worthy of enjoyment and celebration." 

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

  Si quieren ver los abanios, corrrrrrreeeeennnnnn the exhibits last day is November 2.

P.P.S.  Fotos on Feibu of My Last Day in Miami, con abrazotes a todos and hoping you found it as fascinating as BB did and well worth the wait.

My Last Day in Miami Part 3 -Fans Forever Day 15 of SMCSF 30 day blog challenge

Hola Hola Hola My Beautifuls!  Today I am finishing the "My Last Day in Miami" series with the original intention of the viaje- the Fans Forever exhibit.  Ever since my brother had mentioned it to me I knew I had to go, I mean, how perfectly Babushka verdad?

Housed in the famous Freedom Tower, the Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design always has ongoing exhibits, performances and events.  

The entrance to the museum itself is free and open from Tuesday to Saturday noon to 5 p.m. 

Of course the price is right and BB would be making the trip for the love of art, pero this trip is specifically for the love of fans.  

"The fan is not an accessory, but a perfect whole, a work of art in miniature and, as such, must be respected." 

~Dulce Maria Loynaz  Cuban poet and writer

Naturally I was enchanted by the fans and BB, being BB, had to find out more and express her appreciation. Babushka had the good fortune of speaking with Mr.Jeremy M. Mikolajczak, Executive Director & Chief Curator of the MDC Museum & Galleries of Art + Design who graciously gave me a more in depth history of the exhibit and a copy of the official book.  (Swag!!) From this publication- which is a work of art in itself- is where BB found the names of the artists and the titles of the fans.  However, again, BB being BB, had further questions on the decision of artists contributing in the exhibit, if there were any restrictions given to the artists and how long they had to complete their submission. Here I was put in contact with Mr. Gustavo Orta, the curator of Fans Forever who via email went into specifics.  Following is the Google translation of Mr. Ortas' reply: 

Bohemiam Babushka:

The project Fans Forever, recalls an exhibition held in Havana in July 1943, where distinguished Cuban artists painted fans to sell in  benefit of  the Church of Santa Maria del Rosario that needed restoration.

For this new exhibition of Fans Forever it was necessary, if possible, to get fans painted by artists who participated in that exhibition of 1943, as Wifredo Lam, Cundo Bermúdez, René Portocarrero, which we got.

Also spoke with relatives of deceased Cuban artists for us to facilitate their works on loan, as is the case for the fans of Cuban artist Mariano Rodriguez.

Then the next step was to get fans of later generations of artists, up to contemporary artists. What also could get (with living artists) in Cuba and in exile, to whom we sent fans unpainted, and explaining the project, encouraging them to participate in this exhibition.

Cuban artists began thinking of which fans we already had in our collection, works of art, and whose work we already knew, and then went to private collectors including other friends.

We thought initially that would entail a total of 30, and was then increased to 50 fans.

We would have liked to include many more, which also could have been on display, but we deliver the catalog which had 116 pages, and the space facilitated by MDC's Freedom Tower didn't have the  room for more .

There were no restrictions except those mentioned above (and catalog space already reached 116 pages).

The time it took to perform the show (since it was conceived) until the day of the opening was 2 years and 2 months.

If any additional information is necessary you can contact me by this route.

Thank you for your interest and attention.

Sincerely,

Gustavo Orta

Curator. - 

Woah. 

How generous were both gentlemen with their time and how great was that answer?  Almost as great as the fans and the art themselves. 

Queee? It took over two years for the opening of Fans Forever,  and you think BB will show you her favorites in one post?

JU SO FONII!!! 

Ok si, esta bien. Here's the signature piece of the exhibit. 

Wilfredo Lam  1902- 1982

Painted in the 1940's this piece was a likely participant of the original 1943 exhibit.  

The female figure is his wife, Helena Holzer.

And here's BB's signature piece.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

; )

P.S.  The exhibit runs until November 2 and the blog challenge for another 15 days...

 y'all let me know when you want to see the fans.

P.P.S.  Each of the different colored "Fans Forever" links takes you to a different webpage. 

One is the MDC event, another their Feibu page, and one an article written on the exhibit. heje 

 And the suspense continues...

My Last Day in Miami- Day 11 of SMCSF 30 day blog challenge

My last day in Miami. Queee?? JU SO FONII!!!

Not as in LAST day in Miami, remember I have my grandbabies y familia there, last day as in last day I was there of last week.

::BOPASO::

Woke up early (bueno, 9 is early for BB) had mi café con leche and took the guagua to see the exhibition on fans currently showing in the Freedom Tower. Viste? Now you know I had to see that right? Ok, I had luckily scheduled going Wednesday-luckily because that's the only day bus #8 from Little Havana goes that way.  Unluckily I found this upon my arrival.

Open 12 pm

But luck is what you make of it, soooo I looked around and saw.... right across the street...

What is Bayside you ask?  

It is the Miami shopping experience that caters to tourists but is enjoyed by natives too.  Y como Babushka has the advantage of being both... an outsider with an insider's memories, it was time to revisit the beauty of Bayside.  As far as BB's concerned this is an almost perfect place to enjoy Miami's fama.

 It has the modern with the past

highrises with thatch huts...

Something for the Little Ones-

and something for the not so little ones.

There's culture-

Pop Culture

My Ode to Tom Hanks

and of course

SHOPPING FOR EVERYONE!!!

An old favorite-

The Disney Store.  Note to Santa- 

Pocahontas Doll Por fa. 

I promise I'll be...

better.

And new loves

Christmas in Miami- just the name makes me smile. 

and so does their merchandise.

This store deserves a post of it's own, and just like the holiday it represents,

it'll be here sooner than you think!

Oh my, the shops!!

Quick tour of some of my faves.  

TRAFFIC, used to shop for my trio there; so glad they're still around. Good shoes great prices.

The view of the shops from the inside - cool right?

How the police men patrol Bayside- even cooler huh?

Escalators to get to the segundo floor- after all the walking, the coolest of all!

Taste of India- might be visiting again for wedding attire.

Torrid- modern clothes for mujeres w/curves. Ms. Philly said there was a Torrid in Tally!  

How fonii is it that I'd find that out here in Miami.  Who knew??

And speaking of fonii- Crocs that actually look like shoes. 

Y guess what? These Crocs Babushka actually likes!

and speaking of likes...

if anyone's wondering what to get BB as a wedding present, any of these would be good.

; )

Continuing.

Two things Miami is famous for-  its' food and its' beautiful views

  

Completo.

And now in view is the original destination point- the Freedom Tower,

Pa' ya voy, I'm on my way

And I'm ready.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  To those of you who don't know what that little spray bottle is for-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OmNxS652oA

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Recap

Babushka was asked to write a recap on her part of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip. Estan ready?  Day by day countdown (with links to the posts) and a fav moment/memory/fact of the place will be listed. Get your dancing shoes on My Beautifuls- a bailar rapido!!

Day 1- Tallahassee  De Soto Winter Encampment 

and the Museum of Florida History

This being my first interview/video, I didn't know who was more ill at ease- Dr. Daniel Seinfeld or BB. Still, along with embarrassed laughs we managed to get some facts in.

The second part of the day was spent at the Museum of Florida History examining 

"La Florida: Forever Changed". 

One of BB's fav paintings- by Xavier Cortada

And let's not forget the exclusive behind the scenes look at the lab with Conservator Catherine Sincich.

 This was too cool- BB felt like a combo Dexter and Indiana Jones. 

She had me at "chocolate"; check out my youtube channel to see what I mean.

Day 2- Tallahassee   Mission San Luis and TWAM

The beauty, history, and activities at Mission San Luis son digno of a full day visit- at the minimum!  Where Spaniards and the Apalachees learned to live together as two separate people, to then join together as a new breed.  Multi- cultural- ESO!!!

  

And of course it's always great to be amongst friends. 

TWAM -  Theater With A Mission

                       

                                   BB & Costume Mistress Gabrielle Reed

  

Ben Gunter, TWAM Director & BB

and for those who missed the mini intro on TWAM, here's the original 10 min. version.

Day 3- Bradenton   De Soto National Memorial

Such a vast, picturesque site on the waters of Bradenton, the De Soto National Memorial

has many things to be proud of.  The Rangers, the grounds, but what struck me the most of this place was its dedication to community- especially the youth.  If you'd like your children to learn/live history and the beauty of nature, this is definitely the place to go to.  They do not take their Jr. Ranger program lightly and one of BB's highpoints of this trip was being given an honorary Jr. Ranger Badge.  Thank you Ranger Jorge Acevedo for the badge and all the information that was bestowed along with it.

Mine and I'm not sharing.

Year round activities http://www.nps.gov/deso/planyourvisit/events.htm 

Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/De-Soto-National-Memorial/140942332612993

Day 4 - St. Augustine   Castillo de San Marcos 

Started in 1672 the fort of St. Augustine, the Castillo de San Marcos is still going strong and open to the public everyday except Christmas.  Plan at least 3 hours to visit, you don't want to be rushed during your travel back to time.  With the self-guided tours, the rangers talks and the re enactments it's very easy to find yourself in another era in this well maintained and proper example of Spanish colonization and construction.

  

Day 5- St. Augustine Beach    Fort Matanzas

Babushka could truly spend a whole day here at Fort Matanzas National Monument .  

Besides the beauty of the place, 

I could listen to this Ranger for hours!

My Beautifuls, gone are the days of the boring Park Rangers.  Today's Rangers are animated, make jokes, ask questions- they do the schtick to make it stick!!  A wonderful philosophy that I embrace wholeheartedly and I commend the National Park Service for training and encouraging this sort of storytelling to the people.

Day 6 -  Tampa      Ybor City Historical District

Ybor City, what can I say about it except- I wanna go back!!! 

 It's a town of contradiction, a town of extremes- perfecto for BB.  The power of determination and the styles of a simpler time, both are still evident in Ybor City.  The history of a time when cigars were king in Ybor and the community its' faithful and dedicated servants.  A time when honor was everything and management and labor respected their places and each other; together to be the best.

The Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn

BB relaxing on the porch of a worker's "casita"

And the Latino contribution of Ybor City? 

 Dr. Wallace Reyes does the honors:

Day 7 - Miami     Freedom Tower

400,000 Cubans went through these doors;

 the city of Miami- and the US

would never be the same. 

And so ends BB's recap.  Almost.  

Having made so many videos (unbelievable) I will now do my version of an acceptance/thank you speech.

To the Hispanicize team and Maria de los Angeles for believing in this vieja viajera,

to my fellow bloggers Alex de Carvalho, Cristy Clavijo-Kish, Eva Smith, Lance Rios and Roberto Rios III  for being so generous with their help and encouragement.

 to the sponsors- the American Latino Heritage Fund, GM Diversity and Verizon Wireless for their marvelous contributions, 

to the wonderful people BB interviewed who took time out of their lives to share their vast knowledge and experience,

to the Park Rangers who were terrific and oh so entertaining, 

and to you My Beautifuls for following my adventures and for bailando con migo.  

To all of you I say Mil Gracias and I can't wait to do it again for VivaFlorida 500!

; )

Nos vemos prontos.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Por supuesto there are more people and organizations (Visit Florida,Florida's Historic Coast,Visit Bradenton)   I need to thank and highlight in future posts, and I will- I promise.  Just let me get a chance to buy some new dancing shoes; I kinda wore these out.

P.P.S.  There will be a recap Tweety Fiesta next week- I'll keep you posted.