I sat down at my computer 8 years ago today and started crafting my very first blog post. I wasn't quite sure exactly who I was writing for, but I tentatively introduced myself and my family to cyber-space.
I crossed my fingers and hoped that maybe somehow, some way, someone out there would read the stories about my extraordinarily ordinary life and maybe enjoy what I had to say.
I was homeschooling both Lucy and Jonathan at the time and started over sharing about what our days were like. I reminisced about my childhood in Cuba. I posted photos. I told my tales of growing up Cuban and wondered if they were just going out into the ether.
I decided early on to write to please myself. Not trying to sound self-serving here, but writing about my life and the things I care about is a very personal and vulnerable process. Also, I have a tendency to crack myself up, but that's not important right now.
To date I've written over 1400 posts and have had almost 2 million visitors. (GUAT?) Obviously, someone out there has indeed found me (or they just keep forgetting to write down my picadillo recipe).
And oh-so-much has happened in my life these past 8 years. I'm so glad to have had a place to document the little things and the Very Big Ones. And I'm grateful to all of you for following along. This has been such a cathartic experience for me. Would you believe me if I told you that at first I was very much afraid? (Obviously, I'm over it now.)
My family has been truly amazing these past years for putting up with me as their lives have been so publicly showcased, without a word of complaint. And of course, you know that I now have a grandson, so the over sharing will very likely reach stratospheric levels. Be prepared.
Please join me today as I celebrate 8 Years in the Blogosphere. (<--is that a word?)
There are times I do better at self-disclosure than others. There are times when my real life gets so busy that my cyber-life has to take a back seat. But I have always enjoyed the process of sitting down to the empty page and hoping what I have to over share amuses, entertains, enriches, inspires, or just makes you think.
I'm grateful to those of you who have been faithful readers for these many years. I'm delighted to have found an audience, who, like me, are lovers-of-all-things-Cuban or you're just my friends and are gracious enough to read my stuff. Thanks, guys!
I hope to be over sharing (si Dios quiere) for many more years.
Hey! According to Dictionary.com, "blogosphere" is totally a word. So there's that.
Here's a quick photo recap of the cyber-celebrations of previous years. Also, I really want you to appreciate the whole I-made-a-custom-magazine-cover thing I do every year.
October 1, 2007 - Thank YOU.
October 1, 2008 - In my dreams...
October 1, 2009 - ... is a Magic Number
October 1, 2010 - Cada Dia Con Marta Maria
October 1, 2011 - Five.
October 1, 2012 - Celebrating Six Years in the Blogosphere
October 1, 2013 - Seven Years.
Last year I even managed to create a celebratory video. And, okay, so I didn't do one this year, but I totally wanted to. (Shut up. I know.)
And because I can't just celebrate and not give you anything (I think that's a Cuban thing), in celebration of my 8 years here in this space, I'd like to do a few giveaways in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Today, I'd like to do a giveaway for 3 (three!) of my Comida Cubana (Cuban Food) Posters. I have one hanging in my kitchen and it makes me super happy (and super motivated to cook) every single day.
It's a beautiful 16x20 poster with all of my favorite Cuban foods, suitable for framing. Fabulous, no?
To enter the drawing for a chance to win one of three Comida Cubana Posters, please leave a comment on this post and answer the following question:
- When and how did you find My big, fat, Cuban family?
I'll choose a winner on Friday, October 3rd, 2014 at 11 am PST.
Thanks for reading and for putting up with my over sharing and being so willing to engage in my "relajo"
Congrats on 8 years Marta! I love reading and your "over" sharing!
I came to find you via my husband's cousins in Miami area. He is Cuban, his dad came here in 1950 or so from Baracoa. I'm not Cuban, but I've enjoyed in the past years learning and reading what I can find about true Cuban culture, family, recipes, and such to pass along to the kids.
Posted by: Mrs. Abella | October 01, 2014 at 05:57 AM
Congratulations on 8 years, Marta! I found you through my cousin. Her daughter was my flower girl 25 years ago and now she is getting married. That Comida Cubana poster would make a great wedding gift! Keep up the blogging Marta, it keeps me connected to my Cuban heritage.
Posted by: Helen | October 01, 2014 at 07:29 AM
Oh Marti! Happy 8th blogaversary! I found you a long long time ago, when I was pregnant with my son via Babalu blog. I remember wanting to travel from NJ to Miami to see you at Cuba Nostalgia, but wasn't allowed to travel. Instead, I sent my parents to see you. So the next year, 2008, I made it a point to be in Miami in May. And my son and I met you! And since then, we've been "amiguitas". Then I met Amy and have spent time with her in Miami too. I'm so glad you are part of my Cuban life. Hugs!
Posted by: Annie | October 01, 2014 at 07:45 AM
I found you on facebook years ago--can't even remember how far back---4, 5 yrs ago ?? I do know I shared you with everyone I knew--you are awesome AND you're one of US :)
I feel like you're my cousin or my neighbor --- like family :)
Congrats on your 8th blogaversary !!
Much Love,
Mercy
Posted by: MERCY COPE | October 01, 2014 at 09:06 AM
I found you on FB it has been a little while maybe a year? And congrats Marta for the 8 wonderful years on your blog! I hope I win a poster because I have a perfect space on my wall next to my kitchen....gracias Amiga!
Posted by: Esther Harper | October 01, 2014 at 09:11 AM
I love your site! I married into a Cuban family and I came across your site about 2 years ago while researching Cuban recipes. I've learned so much about the Cuban culture from you. Thank you and congratulations on 8 years! Looking forward to future posts!
Posted by: Candice | October 01, 2014 at 09:12 AM
Muchísimas felicidades! We have lived in the middle of the United States since we left Miami in 1963! We love living in Kansas City, but we have very few Cubans here and no Cuban food! Except of course what we make at home! I found your blog while desperately searching for Cuban stuff! I have an entire room in my house dedicated to Cuba, and just about every other room in my house has something Cuban in it. So now I keep up with you on Facebook and just recently purchased the CubAmerican video. Can't wait to get it and have another excuse to celebrate with my Cuban friends here!
Posted by: Maria Eugenia Rovirosa | October 01, 2014 at 09:21 AM
My cousin shared your link on Facebook and I have been a fan every since that day. Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Marlene | October 01, 2014 at 09:26 AM
Marta, I've been following you and your site for about 3 years now and never looked back. I have cooked your recipes and shared them with anyone who wanted the best of the best. You have personally created a poster for my new home and I just hung it up (btw, I owe you a pic)...15 minutes later I literally had 6 ppl in my home saying it was the coolest thing they've ever seen. Your site keeps me connected to everything I love about being Cuban, and when I'm so far from home, you bring me comfort by flooding me with memories of the beautiful traditions I was raised with. Congratulations, and to many more years of success!
Posted by: carmencruz2007@sbcglobal.net | October 01, 2014 at 09:30 AM
Hello Marta, All the way from Las Vegas...Congratulations on your Ocho anos blogging. I am not Cuban, but I am married to a Cuban (28 years), and mother to 4 Cuban Americans. I love your blogs on FB, and really enjoy all the wonderful recipe tips and stories you share, especially when they have to do with pastellitos....Yummy!!! Thanks
Posted by: Sra. Garcia | October 01, 2014 at 09:31 AM
Congrats, I'm from Miami / Tampa, found u thru FB and friends, You have done a great job with ur Website with the recipes, enjoying ur cooking and mine. Un cafesito for u.
☕️🎂🎈
Posted by: Maria Codinach Miranda | October 01, 2014 at 09:31 AM
Muchas Felicidades Martica, may You celebrate Many Many more years, writing and sharing the so many Cuban stuff, that'sake a Cuban like me, smile, reminece, hope, dream and yes how can I forget Cook our wonderful Food.
Will never forget after all these years meeting you at the Cuban Festival, una vez mas Felicidades for the wonderful 8 yrs y por tu nieto!
Posted by: Mayra orihuela | October 01, 2014 at 09:33 AM
Happy 8th anniversary of Blogeando. I LOVE your page and have recommended to many friends and family members. I found you thru Facebook when I joined in 2009 and it has been fabulous!!! Keep it up, you are an amazing cook, blogger, cubana and everything else. Would love the gift and I know where to display it so everyone can see it this holiday season.
Posted by: Esther Avila-Young | October 01, 2014 at 09:39 AM
Happy 8th Blogiversary!
I found your blog about 7 years ago when I was trying to find some Cuban recipes. Boy did I find them too. I have enjoyed reading your blog and adventures of your family. You are very blessed.
Posted by: carmela c | October 01, 2014 at 09:51 AM
Felicidades Marta! I've really enjoyed your blog these last 7 years or so! I found you when I googled Pastel de Pollo recipe (I'd lost my Mom's recipe). It led me to the Babalu Blog and then to MBFCF, which instantly became a bookmark on my computer. Needless to say, the Pastel is now one of my kids' favorite recipes, along with your crockpot versions of rope vieja and vaca frita. I have your cookbook (autographed of course!) on my kitchen bookshelf, your apron hanging on the back of my kitchen door, and your Comida Cubana Poster on the kitchen wall. I guess you're my Cuban Kitchen Angelito! I still would like to win another poster though because my Suegra Cubana is lusting after mine!!
Posted by: Angela Garcia | October 01, 2014 at 09:52 AM
I found you in 2007 while looking for a good pastellito recipe and stayed ever since. Your family reminds me of my family and provides me with a good laugh which I can't share with my "American" friends. They would never understand why your mom explaining how Google and yahoo work is funny enough to make me cry. Congratulations on your anniversary!
Posted by: Nickie H. | October 01, 2014 at 09:59 AM
Congrats on 8 years! You've been cracking me up for the last 4 years! I found you while searching for a good arroz con leche recipe. We had just moved my grandmother out to California from Florida because she needed to go into a nursing home & we wanted her nearby her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. My grandmother had a sweet tooth like no one I've ever known! I prepared her a special birthday meal of Carne con papas & needed a good arroz con leche recipe for her dessert. I came across your recipe, made it, and she absolutely loved it. She ate a ton! It's the only recipe I use now. So, thank you very much!
Posted by: Catherine Haury | October 01, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Congratulations on your 8th year. I found you via Babalu and have enjoyed all your posts. Keep up the good work and hoping to see more of your grandson in future posts. Un pastelito de guyaba/queso to you!
Posted by: Normie | October 01, 2014 at 10:05 AM
Felicidades! I found you on Facebook after retiring. Of course, I needed your Mami to explain Cuco and Yayo for me! By the way, when you're Cuban, there's no such thing as over sharing!
Posted by: Grace | October 01, 2014 at 10:27 AM
Congratulations, Felicidades or as many in Miami would say Con-gra-tu-lei-chon. I have enjoyed reading your posts for about 1 yr now. I discovered MBFCF via FB. Somebody liked your post, it popped up on my news feed, I clicked on it, and the rest is history.
Posted by: Evelyn | October 01, 2014 at 10:38 AM
Congratulations! I found you a couple of years ago when I was looking for a creme de vie recipe and I've been hooked ever since!
Posted by: sandra cordovi | October 01, 2014 at 10:44 AM
My fellow cubanita shared one of your posts on Facebook and I'm so glad she did! Love reading your posts. Congratulations on eight great years! Felicidades!
Posted by: Yamile | October 01, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Congratulations and thank you for keeping it authentic and real! Funny and loud and just plain and simple like our culture! One of those posters would look awesome in my restaurant where we keep it clean, good and fun all the time! Thank you for staying true to the Cuban heritage!
Posted by: Mayra | October 01, 2014 at 11:17 AM
I found your blog through the Tiki Tiki blog (not sure if it's still a thing?) after I started following Carrie. But I literally have no idea when I found Carrie. So there's that.
Congratulations - you have brought many smiles and tears to my eyes with your writing. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Posted by: jackie | October 01, 2014 at 11:40 AM
Hi Marta! Felicidades! I found you on FB and I've schared your Cubanismo with all my friends! I've learned to cook mi sagrada comida cubana through your recipes! When I was growing up Abuela would always say, "Ay mijita, yo te lo hago" so no aprendi!!! Now I have your cooking recipes!!
Gracias for keeping our customs alive and sharing them with us! I'm a proud Cubanita!
Posted by: Marcia McGee | October 01, 2014 at 12:38 PM
Congrats, Marta. What a great thing you have with this blog and how you maintain your Cuban heritage I heard about your blog when we connected this year for your mom's 100th bday celebration. I continue to follow you on facebook and find out what a celebrity you are. I would love to have one of your posters for my Cuban kitchen here in Miami. Have seen them around here. It would be a fun thing if you could sell them in Miami. There is a real nice store called Sentir Cubano that may be interested. Very popular and a friend of mine knows the owners. Hope I win one of your posters. Continue success and blessings for you and your wonderful blog....
Posted by: Lily De Armas | October 01, 2014 at 12:39 PM
I have not seen them in Miami. That is what I was trying to say.
Posted by: Lily De Armas | October 01, 2014 at 12:41 PM
Your BFF is my pastor's wife. She introduced me to MBFCF!
Posted by: Aida Nava | October 01, 2014 at 01:48 PM
Hi Marta! Congratulations! I found out about you about 4-5 years ago when I purchased the cookbook Sabor! I have enjoyed reading about our culture and your family.
Posted by: Andrea | October 01, 2014 at 04:26 PM
Congratulations on 8 beautiful years! I am an honorary Cuban (by marriage) and found your blog a couple years ago while searching for all things Cuban. Taka Time is like a religion here in my home!
Posted by: L.A. Gonzalez | October 01, 2014 at 05:59 PM
My brother in law forwarded me the video of cuco and yayo and I have been hooked ever since.
It was about 2 years ago.
Posted by: Laura | October 01, 2014 at 06:35 PM
I first found my Cuban Sister from another Cuban Señor (mister) blog a few years ago and my life and the life of my family members has never been the same. From her recipes to CUBAMERICA, to her incredible subway art poster which played center stage to my darling esposito's 50th Birthday Surprise celebration, our lives have never been the same. She has enriched our lives with her Cubania and boy are we happy for it - ño!!! Mil gracias Martha!
Posted by: Liliana from Pembroke Pines | October 01, 2014 at 08:10 PM
Congrats Martica!! I found you through my then co worker, now dear friend Anne Marie. She knew that I was a Cubanasa who homeschooled and figured I would fall in love with you also! So glad we met!!
Posted by: Kiki Bacaro | October 01, 2014 at 08:29 PM
Sadly,I am a relative newbie to this great blog,as we reconnected at the St. Bernard's High School reunion a year ago September. I have wildly enjoyed all the stories,photos,recipes,and winning the Cafe la LLave gift basket! Between the Cuban espresso and Cuban food,I have become accidentally cool myself! The poster would be a great addition to my kitchen,which is in great need of coolness.
Posted by: Cathy Callahan Roze | October 01, 2014 at 10:51 PM
Hi Marta I found you quite a few years ago when I moved into an area without many Cubans. That is not the case anymore :) But anyway it was my way of reconnecting with my people (insert soulful music here lol...) without having to drive a ways! Even if I don't win I have enjoyed your blog posts and your fun parties. I feel like I was there for a couple of them :) Congratulations on your 8 years and on finishing your homeschool journey.
Posted by: norma | October 02, 2014 at 06:10 AM
Hola Martha, Congratulations on your anniversary. Thank you for keeping us connected to our Cuban roots. I enjoy your blogs tremendously and are always showing my boys your pictures and stories. Here's to many more years! Laura
Posted by: Laura Fabian-Medina | October 02, 2014 at 07:20 AM
F E L I C I D A D E S * M B F C F ! ! ! Marta I was introduced to your blog by my daughter that was doing a college research paper on Cuba and we (the whole family) have been following you ever since, approximately 4 years ago. Wishing you and your family all the best life has to offer. And please keep up the great job that you do so well:) KUDOS!
Posted by: Carie Hernandez | October 02, 2014 at 10:36 AM
CONGRATULATIONS on 8 years of Blogging Fun!
I can pin-point the exact date I found your blog - March 29, 2007.
You had mentioned your Pastelito de guayaba recipe on Babalu Blog and since then I've been an avid reader and fan. Although I don't comment as much, let me tell you that you are one of my favorite bloggers around!
Muchos abrazos.
-Yoly
Posted by: twitter.com/PochaccoYoly | October 02, 2014 at 11:41 AM
I actually met you and your Big, Fat, Cuban Family before I even knew about your blog! I had the honor of meeting your crazy but fun family in San Antonio, TX in July 2011 at Brooke Army Medical Center for a Cuban Pig Roast lunch sponsored by "Cooking with the Troops"! We, Dos Cubanos Pig Roasts, were part of the cooking team, I have never had so much fun cooking for 200+ people if it weren't for the company of the Darby Family. Since then not only do I frequent your blog and recipes but I also keep in touch with all of you via e-mail, Facebook and even text if I really need to ask you a question! I live in Sugar Land, TX and one of my bucket list items is to visit Casa de Loma in California for a movie night and of course a Cuban meal and a tour of the Disney Studios. Congratulations on your 8 blogging years and looking forward to many more years to come. This Cafecito's for you!
Posted by: Joey Lay | October 02, 2014 at 01:04 PM
Oh my sweet Marta!! Congratulations!!!!!!!
I was looking for a cuban recipe on line seven and a half years ago and it took me to your blog!!! What a wonderful surprise that was and has been since. Reading your blog is like taking a coffee break with a friend. Un besote!!!!
Posted by: Ody Fabregas | October 02, 2014 at 01:53 PM
Felicidades on 8 Years! I found you on Facebook and now "stalk" you everywhere (instagram, facebook, your blog and pinterest). Tremenda! Saludos de CT!
Posted by: Tjinterian@sbcglobal.net | October 02, 2014 at 02:25 PM
My Dear Marta, I found Wonderful YOU and your Amazing Blog via a Google Search about 5 years ago. And I haven't been the same since. THANK YOU for all the inspiration and the laughs. I Love You and your Big Adorable Cuban Family! Hugs, Alby
Posted by: Alby Besteni | October 02, 2014 at 02:27 PM
I cannot remember how I found you, but I'm happy I did! Maybe through Chantel on FB? Anyway, congrats on 8 years!!
Posted by: Ivis Suarez | October 02, 2014 at 03:44 PM
Marta,
I found you about 3 years ago via Google while searching for a bilingual cookbook for my daughter in law.
You also helped me connect with Daniel Bella with whom we worked a possible showing of Cubamerican in Louisville, KY.
Congrats and many " Blesinciones"...go figure that word compatriota;)
Berta
Posted by: Berta | October 02, 2014 at 04:56 PM
Te adoro!
I'm one of very few Cuban-Americans living in Maine. I found your blog on Facebook through a crazy-Cuban-prima. Thank you for all your shares. It makes me feel like Home, where my heart is...I'd love a poster!
Posted by: Elsa Heros | October 02, 2014 at 04:58 PM
Congratulations on eight wonderful years. I found you because I was searching for alternative recipes for arroz con pollo, figuring I might be able to take mine up a level by stealing ideas (ladron!). Well so one recipe led to another and then into the blogisimo! That first day there I spent the better part of an afternoon being mesmerized by words, real life and comedic effect. I bookmarked the page and went back the next day. I was hooked. You had me at "arroz." Besos Martica!
Posted by: ed.nuhfer@charter.net | October 02, 2014 at 05:06 PM
I was looking for different Cuban recipes and I found your blog...excellent job Marta...p.s. it's my Birthday tomorrow...this would be a great gift. Tere
Posted by: Tere Sablon | October 02, 2014 at 05:08 PM
Hi Marta! Congrats ( almost spelled out Congri - heehee) on your fabulous 8 years giving us tips and reminders for our delectable platos favoritos! I first heard about you accidently looking for Cuban recipes on the internet. Your name came up and I have been following you for the past 3 or so years..Caramba! Even my father knows who you are and he doesn't have a computer!!! Jijiji!! That poster would sure look lovely in my kitchen boasting our traditional ricuezas....mmmm..Thanks Marta for making us laugh and keeping your readers hungry for Cuban food!! Love ya!
Posted by: Ada S.M | October 02, 2014 at 05:12 PM
Congrats on your "blogiversary"! I first found your blog while looking online for Cuban recipes. I love your writing style because it seems like we are chatting over a cafecito. Please keep the posts coming for another decade or so. All the best - Cheryl Nodarse
Posted by: Cheryl Nodarse | October 02, 2014 at 05:17 PM
I found you by doing a google search for cuban food! Love it! Thank you and wish you many many years of blogging!
Posted by: Liza Perdomo | October 02, 2014 at 05:19 PM