Sweet 16

I started writing this blog 16 years ago and I’m all about celebrating this milestone. It’s my Sweet Sixteen, people! And is there anything sweeter than celebrating with Cuban pastries? 

When I started writing this blog, I wanted to keep a diary of sorts, slightly like a journal, a place where I could document my family’s comings and goings. 

I found that in the midst of writing that I would reminisce about what it was like growing up Cuban in the U.S. And what it was like (at the inception) to homeschool my kids. 

There were some profound questions I needed to answer…

Like how did my Cuban memories of what authentic Cuban food should taste like jibe with my general laziness in the kitchen? I know. Shut up.

My Big Fat Cuban Family grew into a place where cyber-friends would often visit back in the day when “blog-hopping” was a thing. 

Venturing out onto the “Internets” was a little daunting at first. Was anybody reading my stories? 

Apparently they were! (I’m still a little shocked by that – but that’s not important right now.) 

My kids have grow up here on these pages. My family’s celebrations have happened right here.

Personally, I’m so happy I have a pretty consistent record – like the front page of my mom’s Bible – of births and deaths and marriages. And a lot of shared memories with special friends I’ve made along the way. 

Celebrating the birthday of my friend, Willy Chirino. *sigh*

I have to make a note here that it was a year and a half ago that I was hospitalized for 36 days  and nearly died from COVID complications. But I survived by the grace of God and the fervent prayers of the saints. That is to say, my friends and family, connected through the same internet that I was at first reluctant to dip my toe into. 

Who knew? 

At our dinner table, we go around and share our daily “Highs and Lows.” (But the lows have to have a redemptive element.)

Here are links to some of my highs.

• Meeting Gloria Estefan – where I fangirl HARD!
• Visit to Skywalker Ranch – A total pinch-me moment!
• From the Set to the Red Carpet – where Jon got cast in a movie!

I’ve had my share of lows, like when my mom, Luza passed away, but with gratitude of having had her for most of my life. (She was 103.) 

And that I have lots of video of her. Please appreciate her classic “Cuco and Yayo.”  ❤️

(Thank you forever, internets!) 

I have to say my highs outweigh the lows by a long shot. 

Special thanks go out to my friend, Val Prieto and the entire staff at Babalú Blog. I started cooking for them in early 2007 and that relationship opened many doors as well as blessing me with lifelong friends. Gracias, mi amores. 

clockwise from top left: Me, Miriam, Ofie, Alina, Helen Missing: my brother, Rudy

My family. The pandemic has strained the bonds of my relationship with my extended Big Fat Cuban family, which makes me sad in so many ways. (Low.)

But that has caused me to take the reins as the Matriarch of my own family. (Redemption of the low.) 

Adam, Alysha, Marc, Max, Lucy, Eric Asher, Marta, Sebastian, Amy, Jon – aka My Big Fat Cuban Family

My 3 grandsons have been born during these past years. 2 of my own have married. Our dinner table gets stretched often. (I wouldn’t have it any other way.) 

Asher, Max, and Sebastian

I still speak parenthetically and use run on sentences. If you ever meet me in person, you would see that I write exactly as I speak. I haven’t yet decided whether this is a good or bad thing. 

I’m just glad I have been able to document my life in this oh-so public way. 

I thank you all for joining me in this master class we call life, which, as I often say, is always in session. Technically, it’s CUBAN AMERICAN LIFE, which is its own category.

I’m glad I got to teach you all about Cuban Cleaning®. And the truly-scary-I’m-not-gonna-lie 10 Cuban Superstitions That Have Kept Us Alive.

One of the first things I shared was how to make Pastelitos de Guayaba at home.

Full Disclosure: I cheat. Also, you’re welcome.

I’m glad to be celebrating 16 Years in The Blogosphere. And I’m grateful for all who have come along with me. 

Happy Sweet 16 to me! ??

Embarrasing Disclosure: Last year at my Quinces, so many friends sent me congratulatory videos and I completely failed to post and share. I know. Que pena. I blame long-covid symptoms, but that’s not important right now. All this to say: I promise to share those this week. Stay tuned.

Que siga la tradicíon!

#belikemarta ???

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