Friday, January 16, 2015

Michi Doesn't Do It Well

The grandmother of our wonderful friend Jessica was visiting for a few months from Argentina. I don't like to credit genetics for an adult's behavior, since I strongly believe that adults should take responsibility and/or credit for what they manage to do with their lives. But, obviously, genetics and environment can be very strong positive or negative contributors. In any case, the charm, intelligence, vivacity, and kindness that Jessica exhibits appear to be common traits in her family — including her nearly 3-year-old sister, Martina (click here if you haven't met).

We had the pleasure of joining Jessica, Juan Carlos (Jessica's partner in life and work), Martina, and Abuela (Grandma... or as San Geraldo would say "gramma") for lunch last week at Sandpiper. I brought Martina a book on marine life, which she loved. But when we arrived she was quietly working on her own sticker book that featured Spanish cartoon character Peppa Pig (photo at top).

SISTERS, MARTINA AND JESSI, WITH "ABUELA MANUELA."

During our lunch, Martina gave me a Peppa Pig sticker and turned to a page in the book, showing me where to place it. I reached across the table and lightly tapped it down. I figured Martina would want to press it firmly into place — which she did.

But Martina then turned to big sister Jessi and said with her eyebrows raised and a very serious expression on her face, "Michi no lo hace bien." (Michi doesn't do it well.) 

Thankfully, I was given a chance to redeem myself. (Click any image to increase the adorable.)

MARTINA AND ABUELA MANUELA READING TOGETHER.
MARTINA AND JESSI WERE STICKING THEIR TONGUES OUT AT EACH OTHER.
THEN SAN GERALDO JOINED IN AND THIS IS THE LOOK HE GOT.
I DON'T THINK SHE HAD EVER SEEN A TONGUE THAT BIG.
MARTINA HAS A MAJOR CRUSH ON UNCLE JUAN CARLOS.
THE FEELING IS MUTUAL.
MARTINA CALLS HIM CARLO...
IN ANDALUSIAN SPANISH, PEOPLE TEND TO DROP CONSONANTS,
ESPECIALLY THE FINAL ONES.
TARTA DE CHOCOLATE...
SHE DID SHARE...
SHE HANDED ME SOME CRUMBS THAT FELL ONTO THE TABLE.
A 20-SECOND DOODLE.
MARTINA TOOK ONE LOOK AND SQUEALED, "MARTINA!!!"


Can't wait for Martina to be old enough to perform this duet with Jessi...

VERA ELLEN AND ROSEMARY CLOONEY (GEORGE CLOONEY'S AUNT).


SOS, DD (Same Old Song, Different Day)...

BING CROSBY AND DANNY KAYE (AS ROSEMARY CLOONEY AND VERA ELLEN).

19 comments:

  1. Not the mess my niece would make if eating chocolate cake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew:
      Martina was surprisingly neat. A crumb dropped off her fork onto the table cloth and she immediately picked it up and gave it to me.

      Delete
  2. Methinks the extreme cuteness has healed me! Hope you're feeling better too Michi =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacqueline:
      Martina is the perfect tonic. She's very quick and her facial expressions are hilarious.

      Delete
  3. Michi certainly draws well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob:
      Well... that was a 20-second nothing, but I was shocked when Martina recognized herself.

      Delete
  4. So good for the soul....spending time with children.
    Lovely post, Michi.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim:
      Especially children as wonderful as Martina. So uplifting.

      Delete
  5. Completely adorable. You need to work on your sticker skill apparently though :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheapchick:
      Sheesh! I cracked up when she said that. There I was assuming she would want to press it down. Everyone's a critic.

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Stephen:
      Thanks. I was stunned that a not-quite-3-year old could recognize herself in something quick and rough.

      Delete
  7. Michi2015, you are one talented bloke.......quite lovely indeed.

    I do believe your description flows perfectly from the screen....lovely family indeed!

    Ron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ron:
      I am regularly surprised at how fortunate we've been to meet so many exceptional people and families. How lucky can you get!?!

      Delete
  8. Adorable, adorable, adorable, and I love the artist's portrait!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Knatolee:
      You would love this little girl. And she would LOVE your animals and, I'm sure, you. Her father has horses and loves animals. They have two dogs that Martina adores. Any day spent with Martina is a good day.

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. Judy:
      I agree! I look at the pictures and go, "Awwww!" And i was there!

      Delete

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