A few years ago, thanks to the magic of the internets and because of a series of happy accidents, I got to meet one of my Cuban childhood crushes.
In fact, you can read about My Adventures with Desi in the Blog Category that has his name, Desi Arnaz Jr. (I know I could change the category name to "My Adventures with Desi." I don't, because I just really like seeing his full name on my blog * sigh*, but that's not important right now.)
It's Mr. Marta's-Childhood-Crush's Happy Birthday today. =D
Dear Desi,
I wish you the happiest of birthdays today! Much love and good wishes!
Besos,
Marta
P.S. I promise to make you some of my famous arroz con pollo and maybe some more pastelitos on my next visit.
Feel free to leave Desi a birthday greeting on this post. I know his wife, my friend Amy will make sure that he sees it. ;-)
I know. I'm a fool. *sigh*
Happy birthday Desi!!
Posted by: Amanda | January 19, 2012 at 06:54 AM
Dear Mr. Arnaz,
Wishing you the Happiest of Birthdays and many, many more!
I had the chance to say this to your sister once when I called in on a radio show she was a guest on, but now is my chance to say it to you: Your parents, with the creation of I Love Lucy, changed my life. I was taught Spanish first and my obsessive watching of I Love Lucy helped me learn English. :-). My whole life, whenever asked who my "idol" was, that answer was simple: Lucille Ball. I realize genetics play a part in who were are, but I say with absolute certainty that part of my nutty and wonderful personality is thanks to your mom and the amazing character she created with her comedic genius. The way my mom punished me when I was a kid was to forbid me from watching I Love Lucy. Going outside and playing, watching other TV was all fine, but she knew stopping me from watching my beloved show was the worst punishment ever. I cried on the days your parents passed, and I hope you know how much they touched my life and I'm sure countless lives around the world.
Again, Happy Birthday to you (and sorry for carrying on)!!!
Posted by: Cristina Molina | January 19, 2012 at 07:18 AM
Desi, muchisimas felicidades en tu cumpleaños! Best wishes for much health and happiness in the coming year.
Posted by: Lourdes | January 19, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Happy Birthday,Desi!! Muchas felicidades y bendiciones!
Posted by: Mirtha | January 19, 2012 at 03:04 PM
Happy Birthday, Desi! (Yes,I also had a crush on you!)
Posted by: Grace | January 19, 2012 at 04:33 PM
As a Cuban immigrant child, I remember feeling a little piece of connection watching the Lucy Show and knowing that Desi and his sister Lucy were also Cuban. Then many years later I remember being slightly jealous when I had a little movie star crush on Liza Minnelli and Desi was dating her. Tee hee. Will always love Lucy, Desi, and their lovely namesakes. Happiest of birthdays and so many more, dear Desi!!
Posted by: Mario (the Michigan one) | January 19, 2012 at 10:11 PM
I just left a belated birthday greeting for Desi in Amy's blog. Hope he had a great Birthday !!!! Estela from Miami.
Posted by: Estela M. Sanchez | January 20, 2012 at 05:59 PM
I love how you all sent my sweet Desi *heavy sigh* birthday greetings. His wife, Amy gave him all your love.
Besos All!
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | January 24, 2012 at 06:01 PM
My dad told me that when he was a little boy that he used to play in the streets of Cuba with your dad, long before he became famous. I thought that was neat. Your dad being on american television raised an awareness of the cuban culture. Your mom was also amazing. So you are obviously amazing, especially since Marta had a crush on you :) Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday Desi Jr!
Lillian Gutierrez Newman
Posted by: [email protected] | February 01, 2012 at 06:54 PM
Desi Jr,
Happy Birthday! My daughter and I loved your parents show, they brought laughter to my parents livingroom.
Posted by: Patricia A Silvas | February 28, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Dear Desi,
I will always have a found memory of you...about 30+ years ago, you were in a short lived TV show, I think about a robot or something, I really forget the show. But as a promo you came to a local mall in the Hudson Valley area of New York. I had my mom stay with my infant daughter while I went on line to meet you. Mom was seated directly across from you. Apparently as I waited on line, Mom decided to get your attention. She kept blowing kisses, winking and distracting you. When I finally got up to you, I saw what she was doing and tried to stop her. You asked if I knew the woman. Ashamedly I said I did. Your comment..."and they think my Mom is nuts!"
PS. I remember the kiss! You kissed thousands that day...but I remember you had the softest lips! Thanks for a wonderful memory. I wish you all the best.
Posted by: Rose Morse | March 23, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Happy Belated Birthday, Desi!! I hope you enjoyed Marta's Pastelitos de Guayabas!!
I have been a fan since you were a little boy appearing in the show with your Mom and Dad who I enjoyed so much! The best comedy show ever!! "Esta mujer esta loca"!!!
Posted by: Miriam Evans | January 25, 2013 at 01:25 PM
Dear Desi,
I'm a bit early ... possibly the first in 2014. Lol!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I wish you many years of joy, good healthy, and prosperity. Thank you for your humanity.
Sincerely,
Carmen Montero
Posted by: CarmenMaria | July 26, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Happy Birthday Desi!!!
We share the same birthday!!
Have a marvelous day!
Marlene Valdes
Posted by: marlene valdes | January 19, 2015 at 07:04 AM
Happy Birthday Desi Arnaz Jr. 🎉🎉🎉
Posted by: Isabel | January 19, 2015 at 07:37 AM
Hola Desi
Happy Birthday and may abundant blessings be yours! Have an awesome day and maybe you can come to Miami in September (9/19) to take a part in the www.LiveLikeBella.org charity event for Childhood Cancer??? The cuban community would love to see you and have you be a part of this event. Or on FaceBook go to Live Like Bella.
Posted by: Ralph Rodriguez-Torres | January 19, 2015 at 07:50 AM
Felicidades a Desi. Thank you for having shared your parents, and now their memory, with us!
Posted by: Lilia | January 19, 2015 at 07:58 AM
Happy birthday Desi! You look just like your father! I grew up watching reruns of I Love Lucy. One of my favorite shows still to this day! Your parents were wonderful! Wishing you the best on your special day!!!!
Posted by: sylvia | January 19, 2015 at 10:19 AM
Happy Birthday! Feliz Cumpleanos
Muchos Besos
Christina Marti
Posted by: [email protected] | January 19, 2015 at 10:30 AM
Happy Birthday, Desi! Thanks for some wonderful memories. !
Posted by: Sylvia Alvarez | January 19, 2015 at 10:36 AM
Happy Birthday Desi !!! Hope you have a great day :)All the best for you and Amy !! Love you guys. Take care. Estela from Miami.
Posted by: [email protected] | January 19, 2015 at 12:33 PM
Happy birthday desi as you get older Te vez COMO Papi (desi senior)may god bless you and tu familia ! Sincerely Elizabeth dominguez-Abadin.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 19, 2015 at 03:56 PM
Happy birthday Desi hope you had a fabulous day !!!
Posted by: Sunny | January 19, 2015 at 05:07 PM
Happy bday Desi. Am a fan of your late parents and am waiting when a real movie or play of Lucy and Desi. I do have one actress in mind to play your mom and she is Debra mMessing who reminds me a lot of your mom. She is even a redhead. Wow wouldn't it be nice. Again muchas felicidades yy mucha salud y bendiciones. A fan,Lily De Armas.
Posted by: lily de armas | January 20, 2015 at 02:46 PM