I've been blogging for about 2 1/2 years now.
When I first started it was kind of a dirty-little-secret. I just didn't know how to explain it. So I didn't. But I know I was constantly looking for stories to tell.
Maybe it was an age thing? Or an untapped (for me) creative outlet?
I just know that as a scrapbooker and storyteller and accidental family historian I had stuff to say. I honestly didn't expect anyone except my family and maybe a few friends to even read it.
Eric (my sweet husband) was the one who encouraged me, "Just write from your heart. You have a lot to share."
And so I started my blogging adventure.
I researched blogging platforms and knew immediately that TypePad was the one that most fit my style.
Almost immediately I had to upgrade from the $4.95 a month Basic to the $8.95 per month Plus. (No, I'm not quite a $14.95 per month Pro, but that's not important right now.)
And so I blog. I'm a blogger. A Cuban-American Blogger.
And I love it.
1. I get to write about the things I'm passionate about.
2. I get to cook and share my food with you. (If you lived nearby, I'd just invite you over….)
3. Blogging has made it possible for me to connect with Cubans all over the world. (isn't that crazy?)
4. Blogging forces me to think. (Always a plus.)
5. I get to blog about anything that's interesting to me or funny or serious.
6. It's the next best thing to being a stand-up comedian. (which I totally might have been, if I hadn't found blogging. =D)
7. If I Google "my big fat cuban family" I'm all over the first 3 pages of Google which makes me feel accidentally cool.
8. I really think the name of my blog is inspired. 😉
9. My blog is mine. It completely reflects my ideas, my values, my point of view. (except when my daughters hijack it…)
10. Blogging is therapeutic at times.
11. My blog has helped me to meet some of my very favorite people.
12. Blogging gives me something to talk about. "So, what do you do?"
13. Blogging is easy.
14. My blog has given me a way to reach the next generation of young Cuban-Americans. I love that.
15. I've gotten to meet most of the Smart Cuban Authors on my list there on the right.
16. My blog is like an archive of my life. (only a bit neater than my journal and with pictures!)
17. I get to celebrate the milestones in the lives of those closest to me. I like that a lot. A Tribute post being much better and more thoughtful than a Hallmark card, in my opinion.
18. I get to be myself. (Yes, I am genuinely this goofy.)
19. I get to write as much or as little as I like. I get to write about deeply thought out subjects and I get to write "toss away" posts just because I feel like it.
20. Blogging has given me a reason to open a youtube account (I'm smrtqbn) and a twitter account. (I kind of suck at twittering so far, but I plan to get better.)
21. I love posting pictures to illustrate my stories.
22. Reading blogs is what I do each morning with my coffee. I make it a point to comment if I read something that intrigues or amuses. I know that we bloggers love comments. (hint, hint)
23. Blogging lets me occasionally over-share with impunity.
24. Blogging has helped me find my voice – and it doesn't sound at all like what I imagined…
25. I'm VERY proud to be a blogger now.
And no, I'm not celebrating any kind of anniversary, but okay….. I'll still give something away….
I have mugs with each of the original provinces on them. La Habana, Pinar del Rio, Oriente, Matanzas, Las Villas, Camaguey. Leave me a comment and tell me which part of the island your family is from and (if applicable) how long you've been reading this blog. The winners will get to choose the mug with the Province of their choice. I think it's only fair.
I'll do a drawing on Friday, the 20th, which, come to think of it is the date I posted my world-famous Guavalicous pastelito recipe which put me on the Cuban food blogging map. So, there it is. Something to celebrate!
Thanks for reading MBFCF.
I'm a blogger. I blog. I *heart* blogging. =D
Marta,I’m sure you would have been cool without this blog (but I’m glad you started it and I’m glad I found it). You are an inspiration! My mother-in-law was born in Caibarien (sp?), but if that is not available, my DH was born in La Habana.
Keep on bloggin, girl!
Angie Garcia
Welcome back from your walking pneumonia, i had it once, not fun at all.i know lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place, but here it goes….I’m from Oriente, or Santiago de Cuba.
i read your blog with my morning coffee.
Have lots of chicken soup.
Do you ever make soups? do you have some recipes?
saludos
daisy
Marti, I think I have been reading MBFCF for about two years. Actually, it’s been longer that that. Wow – in the cyberworld, that’s probably the equivalent to a decade! LOL. Although I was born here, my mom is from Oriente and my Dad is from Camaguey, although they met in La Habana. I’ve been to all three parts of the island and I enjoyed each one.Feel better!
Hello! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and feel like I know you and have become friends with Kikita on facebook; it’s been a fun ride:) My family comes from Pinar del Rio but lived in La Habana so either one is good. Keep up the GREAT work!
Hi Marta,I hope you’re feeling much better. As I have mentioned often, I love your blog and thank you for starting it. I start off my mornings reading your blog before I start working, sort of gets me started in a better mood. I love it and really hope you continue to blog for a long time. I wasn’t born in Cuba, but my siblings, parents & husband are from Cuba – Camaguey (mom & siblings), Matanzas (Hubby) & Sancti Spiritu (not sure if I spelled that right – my dad was from there). If possible, if I win of course, either one would be great…. Please keep blogging – you’re the best!!!
Carinos,
Lory
Oriente – la tierra de los martires y los calientes – please.
I don’t remember how long I’ve been reading you….more than a year I know that for sure. And the very first recipe of yours that I tried was….drumroll please… Guavalicious!!!! for which you graciously sent me the pasta de guayaba that I couldn’t get here!Let’s see my family comes 1/2 from La Habana and the other half from Oriente.
I’m really glad you started blogging, and that I found your blog. You were my inspiration to set up my own blog, since I too love to write!
Keep on!
OMG another chance to win!!!!! (Haven’t had much luck ;-)I left Cuba when I was five, so I don’t remember much, but we lived in the outskirts of the city of Havana in a development called Reparto Apollo. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4179824
But, for the last six years, our church has been serving a church in Matanza’s that we love very much.
I wouldn’t mind the mug with the providence of Matanza’s on it.
Hi Marta, I’m glad to see you are up and about again!…Welcome back!My brother and I were born in La Habana … and lived in Nuevo Vedado, Calle 33 entre 26 y 28. My father was born in Santiago de Cuba, but grew up in Central Miranda in Oriente. My mother is from Pinar Del Rio. Both met in La Habana, while my Dad was studying EE at La Universidad de La Habana.
Been regularly enjoying your blog for about a year now. At the time, I had rediscovered the Que Pasa, USA? episodes on Youtube. I wanted to find out more info on the cast members, and was googling the show….when your blog showed up … and the rest is history.
Keep up the good work.
Love, George.
I just love reading your stories and of course the recipes are a big hit at our house also. My father-in-law was from Mantanzas. I so hope to visit someday.Love and hope you are feeling better,
Shawn Lopez
Marta, my little touchstone to Cuba … glad you are up & about! My mami is from Sagua la Granda, Papi from Guantanamo and my brother and I were born in La Habana, where, unbelievably, my abuela’s house still stands today. I found your blog via Babalu Blog and am hooked on your recipes.Besos y abrazos, amiga!
Ileana
Marta, I’ve been reading your blog since almost the beginning and I’ve tried all your recipes. I started reading the Cuban blogs to help me get back to my roots. When I read your blog I find that your family is not that much different than mine. I laugh out loud quite often when I read your blog because your story reminds me of an incident that happened in my family or of a family member. I am from El Cerro, Habana,Cuba and I still remember my address: Clavel 214 e/n San Pablo y Auditor and my phone number 79-20-65. It’s been almost 48 years, but my mother made me memorize it as a small child and it is still engraved in my brain! Your blog makes me feel like I am part of your family also. Keep up the writing and glad to see that you are feeling better.
Marta,Good to see you’re feeling better. I love that you love to blog cuz I love to blog you, baby! By that I mean I love to read your blog. You make me laugh and cry…sometimes at the same time. Been reading you for almost a year and a half. My Mom came from Cienfuegos, my Dad from La Habana. I was conceived during a one-time conjugal visit at Isla de Pinos and grew up in Reparto Parcelacion Moderna and El Vedado and Luyano in beautiful La Habana, Cuba.
Dear Marta,I am so glad that you are feeling better. My father was from Matanzas and my mother was from La Habana Vieja. They met when both were students at the university. My mother was an architect and my father was a civil engineer. I came to New York at the age of seven, but in Cuba, I lived in Vedado on L y 11. If I win, I would love to have the Matanzas mug in honor of my beloved abuela Pura. By the way, thank you for the apron I won in your last contest. I love wearing it! Your blog has become a daily habit. Keep up the good work.
Carinos,
Maria Eugenia
I have been fortunate enough to read this awesome blog for at least a year and a half. My life has improved ever since! When I share stories about you and your blog I always start with “my friend Marta who lives in California…”, thanks not only for sharing your life with us, but your friendsip. ;)Oh and my dad was born in Santo Suarez, raised in el Vedado and my mom was from Guanabacoa, so I guess that’s La Habana, right?
Hey Marta-I’ve been in for a year and a half and have LOVED getting to know you and Amy. Love the mugs! Where can you buy one if you aren’t lucky enough to win one?
Oh- Oriente….REPRESENT!
Hi Marta,I don’t need to be in the drawing (I have already gotten a fabulous prize from you!) but just want to say I hope you are feeling better! Yeah, it’s selfish — I want you back to more frequent blogging!
Hi Marta!I’ve been reading your blog for about 3 months now. I stumbled upon it while I was searching for crema de vie recipes. Yum! I’ve been hooked on your blog ever since. Oh… wanted to take a moment to bow my head to you and your fabulous pastelitos de guayaba recipe! *bowing head* I’ve made them 5 times! lol I posted a pic on your Facebook page. =)
Thank you for sharing all of your recipes and amazing stories. You really crack me up… and you’re an amazing writer. Thank you!!! Ay! Almost forgot! My mom was born in La Habana and dad in Cienfuegos. Mami came in 68, i think. I was born in 76 and grew up watching Que Pasa USA? love it!!! Still my guilty pleasure at bedtime (besides Golden Girls..lol).
Marta, I “heart” your blogging too, I can barely remember when you werent’ here! So glad you are feeling better. Does that mean you’re cooking tomorrow? I’ve been craving yuca frita like in the appetizer at Havana Mania. I havn’t been able to duplicate it. (hint, hint, oh you wondrous and great goddess of Cuban cuisine)
I “heart” your blog (and blogging in general)! My family comes from Caibarien, in Villa Clara 🙂
Marta,Mi Papa Y mi Mama are both from Oriente, Santiago to be specific. They were neighbors and have known each other all their life although they did not become sweethearts until they both went to the Universidad De La Habana. My brother and I were both born in La Habana. I found your Cuba To Go store first which led me to your blog. I’m a regular though not daily reader. I particularly enjoy your recipes; they remind me of mi abuela (la cocinera around our house). Keep on blogging…baby!!!