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.

@GoodwillIntl Not just a name, but a Mission. #DonateStuffCreateJobs

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

Today Babushka gave you a Twofer!! 2 posts in one day. Quee?? JU SO FONII!!! True, it's Halloween and BB's been dipping into the candy bags, but that's not the reason for this post.  As part of the BlogginMamas network, we were asked to help with a social good project, and when BB saw it was for Goodwill??  ESO!! The number of times I've shopped and donated! Matter of fact, the trio learned how to budget, appreciate, and be creative with things found at our local Goodwill stores. Halloween was our all time favorite reason to visit. I'll never forget finding the perfect dress for My Eldest and her Miss America costume, it was bella! Only for her to later add wilted flowers, zombie face, and dress up as "Dead Miss America".  And y'all think I kid when I say I'm still shellshocked from their ::shudder:: Puberty.  Continuing.

Goodwill's been around forever, and since there's no reason to reinvent the rueda, here is some information from them.

A simple item donated to Goodwill® can help provide job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other challenges to finding employment. In fact, Goodwill is the leading nonprofit provider of job training programs and career services in the United States and Canada.

Did you know that donating one bag of clothing and one bag of books can equal up to 2.3 hours of on-the-job training for someone in your community? Add to that a used lamp, a dusty computer and perhaps a box of DVDs and CDs, and that number nearly doubles to 5.2 hours! Click Goodwill’s Donation page and see the “Donation Impact Calculator” - it’ll tell you how many service hours will be generated thanks to your tax deductible donation.



Once you see how vital you can be to your community but giving items you no longer use or need, I’m sure you’ll be happy to donate. Here’s the Goodwill Locator tool that not only specifies drop off locations, but it can help you find Goodwill stores, headquarters, and job training facilities nearby.




About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of America’s top 25 most inspiring companies (Forbes). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,700 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2012, more than 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill channels 82 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services.

To find a Goodwill near you, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. 

You can follow them on Tweety:  @GoodwillIntl, and on Feibu: GoodwillIntl.

Como BB mentioned, this was a Social Good post in conjunction with BlogginMamas.

 As a single mom of 3, and even now, I enjoy shopping at my local Goodwill store. 

They've even made Babushka look forward to Mondays. 

All clothing is marked 50% off.   

; )

BB2U