Thursday, August 28, 2008

Cabrillo President Steve Barra (hmmm....we need to make him a special bow)!



STEVE BARRA IS EVERYWHERE!!!
I LOVE IT!!

Ana Paula Fashions
1169 East Champlain
Drive
Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 433-9125
Fresno County Cabrillo Civic Club #10’s
STOMP-OUT CANCER
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Fresno Regional Sports Park
1707 West Jensen Avenue
From Freeways 99 AND 41: Jensen Avenue Exit: 4.5 miles west of 99; 3.5 miles west of 41;
From Freeway 180: Hughes/West Diagonal exit; 2.5 miles south to Jensen, 1/4 miles west of
West Avenue
Fresno, CA
Note: There is a $5.00 City of Fresno Parking fee ($3.00 to Fresno residents with I.D.)
Gates Open: 12 N; Tri-Tip Lunch: 1P; Stomping: 2P
Adults: $20.00
Children: $7.00 (5-12 yrs)
Children under 4 years: Free
For tickets, please contact any
Cabrillo Club Board Member
or
Steven Barra at
(559) 974-2345
Or at yogibarra@gmail.com
Or visit:
The Flower Connection/Easton
5348 South Elm Avenue
Easton, CA 93706
The day will feature a tri-tip BBQ, a silent auction, wine
sampling from Fresno wineries, and, of course,
GRAPE STOMPING!
All monies raised will go to the American Cancer Society.

DOLL-FACES!!




FLOWERS IN MY HAIR....FLOWERS IN MY HAND......STILL A DOLL-FACE? STILL ABLE TO WEAR CUTE LITTLE BOWS???? I HOPE SO!! BOWS WITH MY RED AND WHITE CHRISTMAS DRESS....BOWS WITH MY ARMS AROUND MY BISA AVA (PARRIERA SIDE).....BOWS HELP TO GIVE THE NECESSARY CONFIDENCE WHEN I NEED TO GIVE A VANNA-WHITE INTRODUCTION OF OUR CHRISTMAS TREE.....THANK YOU BOWS!!! NOW BUY SOME OF YOUR VERY OWN, AND HELP CHANGE LIVES!!














Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Doll Babies!!! My Papa would call all of us girls "Doll-Face" when we were little (in a very cute and empowering way....don't get all Henrik Ibsen's Dollhouse on me)....and now my cousin Katrina Leung (big sister to Megan Silva, our spokeswoman for our U.P.E.C. State Youth's Charity: The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of American) has started her own Bow-Making Business!! YEAH!
Bows make everything better!! Big bows, little bows, pink bows, blue bows, honey-bee bows, bow for the blues, bows for softball-playing pony-tails, bows for taking bows, bows for shows, bows on little girls in all the rows of school, church, p.e. lines, bows for Christmastime or anytime....and especially the SPECIAL:
Bows that can be bought specifically for my charity: The Melissa Ann Diel Memorial Scholarship at Long Beach City College!
It really can not get much better......you can be beautiful inside and out by buying these brilliant bows (barrettes and headbands too....they can be uniquely handcrafted just for you)!!
Cultural bows, vibrant bows, silky bows, poofy bows, bows that stand out, bows that sparkle and shine, bows that will last for an extremely long time (even the fussiest babies seem to leave these bows in....) comfy bows, bows that provide you with a sense of confidence with a hint of supermodel! EXCELLENT!! SEND ME A BOAT LOAD....TRUCK LOAD.....CRATES FULL......MAKE ME A DRESS OUT OF THESE BOWS!!!! WHO KNOWS???? I MIGHT, WHERE THESE BOWS DAY AND NIGHT.....WHO SAYS YOU HAVE TO BE A BABY TO WEAR A BOW??? OR A LITTLE GIRL TO BE A "DOLL-FACE?" US BIG GIRLS HAVE NOT PASSED OUR PRIME BOW-WEARING TIME!!! NO SIR!!! BRING ON THE BOWS!!!!
Visit this chic bow-tique and send me photos of you with your bows....I will post them!!! TA-DA!!! YOU'RE FAMOUS!!! YOU'RE READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP!!!
MUAH!! OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sun-Maid Selma!


Saturday, August 23rd, I was welcomed with open arms, (and a room almost overflowing with colorful baskets for a huge raffle)!! It was the I.S.M.M. (Irmandade De Santa Maria Magdalena) Convention Visitor's Luncheon in Selma, Ca. at their spacious hall to honor their President Ms. Dora Hernandez (a.k.a. "Tia Dora Numero Dos" to me).
My "Tia Dora Dos" is the ultimate Queen of Sweetness, and a top recruiter of volunteers! Her beautiful family, visitors from other societies, the mayor of Selma, and even her neighbors were there with helping hands.
The meal was homemade Mexican food and it was delicious!! The dessert was traditional Portuguese rice pudding (mmmmmmmm, with a hint of lemon and mint) and bread pudding (that had a flan-like flavor which I love)!!
How thoughtful of Madame President to give each of her visiting Presidents a large travel bag filled with goodies.....raisins, pens, pencils, notepads, journals, calculator, snacks, lotion, WOW! C'mon, so much love in that bag!! And I even won at the raffle!! Cool prizes!! (U.P.E.C. PSP "Shorty" tried to steal my presents......sneaky "Shorty").
It was wonderful to see so many friends!! And so many friends from the Cabrillo Club that I haven't seen in years....everyone looked wonderful!!
Selma and I.S.M.M. always give their members and guests a sense of love, kindness and overwhelming generosity. The spirit of mothers, grandmothers and Tia's provide the space with a peaceful yet joyful aura.
The trip up and back was safe and entertaining traveling with my Papa (Zach Batista). Looking forward to seeing everyone again on this journey of friendship and fraternalism.

Monday, August 18, 2008

IT STARTS NOW!!!

The U.P.E.C. will join hands…
& shoe feet during 2008-2009!


COUNCIL CONTEST:
(Prizes will be awarded for creativity, quality & quantity)

1. Build a large “shoebox” for new shoes and new socks

2. START GATHERING SHOES (& Socks) TODAY!!
(Supreme President Natalie Batista will be checking on you)


They will be donated to:


Be a Samaritan. Give a shoe.
CHANGE A LIFE.


Samaritan’s Feet is a humanitarian non-profit organization dedicated to taking a life-changing message of hope to people and equipping the feet of impoverished children in the US and around the world (including Brazil) with shoes.

http://www.samaritansfeet.org/


If you have any questions, please contact Supreme President Natalie Batista or the U.P.E.C. Home Office

Thursday, August 14, 2008

NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. ~ THE SCHEDULE




NAT’S ~ B.A.T.S., INC.
(Beautiful And Talented Sista’s)


NOT JUST SOFTBALL LESSONS!!

SOFTBALL INSTRUCTION: (30 min) $20.00

CONFIDENT CONDITIONING: (1 hr. & 30 min) $30.00


FULL TEAM PRACTICE: $100.00 per hour

CONFIDENCE CLINICS: (1 hr.) $100.00

(Already taking batting lessons? Then get the conditioning class for only $15.00! Are you sisters? Then get a batting lesson plus conditioning class for only $60.00)

Natalie Batista has offensive records at Pomona Catholic Girls High School, Chaffey Community College and San Francisco State University; She has a BA in Theatre Arts and Political Science. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling Psychology and Positive Mental Thinking at Argosy University and is the 2008-2009 U.P.E.C. Supreme President
(http://www.upec.org/)



http://thereignofnata.blogspot.com/
lovesmilkshakes@yahoo.com

909-446-8370



AUGUST & SEPTMEBER 2008 SCHEDULE:

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF MONDAY, AUGUST 18

RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR THE FOLLOWING TIMES/LOCATIONS:

THE PASS AREA / COLTON / ONTARIO / POMONA


Individual 30 min. Sets: M-F 1st lesson 2:30pm, last lesson 8:30pm
(13 individual spots available Mon – Friday)
M-F Conditioning 5:00 – 6:30 am
Sat & Sun Reservations for Groups/Camps/Clinics (Arranged)

Private instruction/Group practices/Meditations (Arranged)

NOW SCHEDULING TRYOUTS FOR:

18 U WINTER BALL TEAM (20 GAMES)
&
WOMEN’S OPEN TEAM (19YRS AND OVER)



REMEMBER TO SUPPORT OLYMPIC SOFTBALL!!! CHECK OUT JMENDOZA.COM

NAT'S~B.A.T.S. (Beautiful And Talented Sista's)

NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. / CREATED BY NATALIE M. L. BATISTA
BEAUMONT, CA. 2006

NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. fills the demand for individual and group, quality and affordable inner fire education (first and foremost, woman's fast-pitch softball instruction; but is rapidly evolving to include all areas of education, athletics, art and service).

NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. provides highly motivational, instructive, entertaining and safe atmospheres for female athletes to gain valuable life and athletic skills while acquiring confidence and self-esteem.

What started out as primarily a softball school for girls, is now not just softball, but has blossomed into a universal, all-sport, all-recreational, artistic, athletic and academic phenomenon.

NAT'S~B.A.T.S. recognizes the increasing popularity of women's fast-pitch softball (nationally and internationally), as well as the need and the desire to stay active and fit by exercising properly, eating healthy and nurturing an affirmative sense of self.

The opportunities for women today to participate and excel in life, via athletics and art are astounding and NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. is here to help foster education through recreation.

Participation in women's athletics is a springboard to academic and athletic goals beyond recreation (high school, college, overseas competition, you could even be an astronaut if you want too)!

NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. offers an upbeat, energizing and inclusive environment for women of all backgrounds to harness their talents and abilities to achieve optimal performance, not just in fast-pitch softball, but in life.

NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC. training emphasizes fundamentals, positive mental perspective, teamwork, motivation and confidence.

BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES OF NAT'S~B.A.T.S., INC.:

Self-Confidence

Self-Esteem

Respect for Self, Others and Environment (Good Sportsmanship)

Open-Mindedness

Kindness

Honesty

Fairness

Strength & Discipline (Physical, Mental, Spiritual)

NAT'S~B.A.T.S. INC., includes the whole family!!

Camps, Clinics and lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches!!


Natalie Batista - CEO of NAT’S~B.A.T.S. (Chief Executive Older Sista')
NAT’S~B.A.T.S. (Beautiful And Talented Sista’s)

NAT’S~B.A.T.S. fills the demand for affordable inner fire education (self-esteem, confidence, motivation and positive mental thinking) for women and girls.

WHO:
Director Natalie Batista, and her selected roles models; (Olympians, college athletes, teachers, coaches, officials, community leaders, etc.) Leaders and motivators who are dedicated and determined to provide a highly motivational, instructive, entertaining and safe atmosphere for female athletes to gain valuable athletic and life skills while acquiring confidence, self-esteem and a positive self-image.


WHAT:
NAT’S~B.A.T.S. is an all-inclusive, all-sport, all-recreational, artistic, athletic and academic phenomenon. These camps and clinics recognize the increasing popularity of women’s sports and the necessity to stay active and fit by exercising properly and eating healthy. The camps and clinics offered are positive, energizing, inclusive and safe for women and girls of all backgrounds and lifestyles to harness their talents and abilities to achieve optimal performance, not just in athletics, but in life. Training emphasizes physical fundamentals, positive mental perspective, team-building, inner-fire meditations, skill assessment, public service and college/career counseling.

CAMPS:
Summer Camps / Weekend Camps / Holiday Camps
Camps are customized to meet the needs of your group;
(Softball, basketball, tennis, soccer, horse-back riding, rugby, volleyball, etc.)

CLINICS:
Weekly / Monthly / Arranged
Clinics are uniquely and efficiently designed to get the most out of a few hours. Clinics specialize in specific skills and drills to serve you well in your field of choice. Clinics are available for athletes, coaches, parents and officials.

WHY:
The opportunities for young women today to participate and excel in athletics and performing arts are astounding and we are here to foster education through recreation. Participation in women’s athletics, public service and the arts offer a springboard to academic, athletic and artistic goals beyond recreation (high school, college and abroad).

NATALIE BATISTA & JOLEEN BATISTA -
POWER HITTING, CCAA RECORD HOLDING SISTA'S,
BRING THEIR ALL STAR, ROCK STAR, SUPER STAR FRIENDS
TO HELP TAKE YOU
TO THE TOP!!!

JOIN NAT'S~B.A.T.S, INC. TODAY!!!!

Current Classes:

Softball Lessons, Group practices, Conditioning & Meditations

Theatre Improv & Play in a Day Workshops

Baseball

Tennis

Coming soon, gymnastics and soccer!!!

See you soon!!!



Monday, August 11, 2008

Nata Just Any Name....





A Nata is often used to describe a flaky puff Portuguese pastry with a special custard type creme brulee filling...mmmmmm!

If you know me, you know I am an absolute sweet fiend! I adore desserts. I also love giving endearing nic-names to friends and family....and even I've picked up a few along the way.

There's Nat, Naddles, Noodley, Nate-Dog, Senator, Natality, Magoofalus-Majunkthalus-Macaroni (all the really weird ones are coined by my little brother Zachary; thanks bro), boom-boom (from recreational softball days in Chino), Nad, PersoNatalie, Vanilla Bean, which turned into 'Nilla, and then Cake (apparently I smelled like cake), then of course there is Crazy, and before they start getting too bizarre, let's get straight to the name of names, "Nata". One of my best friends, Val (Dr. Valerie Chavez) started calling me "Nata Pata" which seemed appropriate due to all my silly stories about my feet (ask me, I'll tell you....they are one of my favorite parts of my body because they are so tough....not too cute....but tough).

Anyway, noticing that Natas are Portuguese pastries, my face lit up.....how cute!!! How yummy!

And I have loved every minute of my involvement in the U.P.E.C. (oldest Portuguese Union in the state of California and Nevada; non-profit, fraternal benefit society), especially when I was Queen for 1997-1998 for Joe and Carolina Vargas of Half Moon Bay, Ca. I had wanted to be Queen since my very first festa parade when my sisters, cousins and I got to hold the capes of the older Queens. It was a dream come true.

As Portuguese people, and especially Portuguese women, we look up to and are inspired by Santa Isabella of Portugal; attributing many miracles around her reign. She did not preside over her people, she worked with them; she fed them; she shared what she had with the poorest of the poor, with the elderly, the sick and especially the children.

I had envisioned my Supreme Presidency as a year of "sweetness," "goodness," "sharing, giving, and working together creating many small miracles."

My friends, our year together is RIGHT NOW!

The Reign of Nata is not about me, it's about US, and what we can do together with the right attitude. The Reign of Nata is not just for now, but for all time, because it is all about what is sweet, good and nourishing and what will sustain a people to live together in Joy, Peace and Progress!!

So enjoy, eat dessert first!

Natas for everyone in Palm Springs, July 31-August 5 2009

To be sweet is to be strong.......find what you love and fill your life with that!!

Late Night w/ Modesto Nutz....






















No, not the baseball team, just about 200 crazy Portuguese and friends of Portuguese all gathered in Modesto, California at the Double Tree Hotel for the 2007-2008 U.P.E.C. Convention.

This is my late night-inmysuitebathroom-makingahugebubblebathformylittlesister-face. Hair all puffed out and sticking backwards; night before the big Banquet/Installation of Officers. Lil' Sis' Mary was elected to represent the U.P.E.C. as State Youth President!!! (Totally worthy of princess-style-bubble-bath; complete with tea and I also added a Little Princess-esque accent which probably was a little over the top, considering she's been asking for me to cater to her ever since we got home.....). Shared my suite with my family; namely my sisters Joleen and Mary (and my Ava P. for one night; Ava is "Grand Mother" in Portuguese).

I can not say enough about the staff at the Double Tree. Isidro with the catering staff went above and beyond his striving for a perfect "10"...is it possible to give him a 20???? Wait, I'm the Supreme President now, so 20 it is!! He rocked the lobby, banquet hall, Club Max, and anywhere else we needed him; AND he's only been there for about 3 weeks!!! Way to get in there and take charge Isidro, looking forward to seeing you again. Also, Rick with the cool Basque last name - our charming bellhop who was just as sweet as any Portuguese dessert with his attentive nature and pleasant smile. All in all, the entire staff were 20+ quality and my family and I had no problem transitioning from one long festive day to the next - Muito Obrigada (Thank You Very Much)!!

There never seems to be enough time to enjoy the ohsosquishysupersoftcuddlywonderfullyinviting hotel bed.....even enough room for a sister slumber party....and we are not small.....but there was plenty of space for the trifecta of "Supremos" (think Sopranos just with Portuguese food and a different accent).....Mary - State Youth President, Joleen Next Generation (20's-30's) Secretary/Treasurer, and me, your Supreme President for 2008-2009!!! Crazy Cozy!!!

More pictures and video coming soon of the big week in Modesto.

Yesterday, Sunday, August 10th, 2008 was my first official outing (Mary too) for the U.P.E.C.
We attended the LUSO Visitor's Luncheon at the Airport Marriot in Los Angeles, Ca.
More Portuguese antics of course; by the end of the luncheon we were all connecting family trees, taking picture after picture, exchanging emails, and I think I'm engaged to at least 3 eligible bachelors.....how does that happen???? Portuguese ladies waste no time....."Single??? Really???? So is my grandson!!! So is my nephew!!! So is my son!!! So is this guy sitting next to you!!!" HILARIOUS!!!

Next post will be pictures and video from convention and the LUSO Appreciation luncheon, as well as Proclamations, Upcoming Activities....NAT'S~B.A.T.S., charity work, and just what does "The Reign of Nata" mean???? You'll see.....

ALEGRIA (JOY); PEACE & PROGRESS to all of you!!!!

See you soon,

Nata

P.S. Watch the Olympics!!! They are great!!!
Thanks mom for the Michael Phelps poster (why wasn't his Grandma at LUSO yesterday???)