An Homage to Grampa Clark

Hi, Everyone!

Today is August 31, 2012. Sixteen years ago on this very day, my grandfather Clark Kenneth Jones passed away. I was only two years old at the time, but I knew something was wrong because my mom was crying a lot. My dad tried to explain it to me in the simplest way possible; he said that Jesus moved Grampa Clark into his brand-new house. It wasn’t until I got older that I understood what he meant.

My fondest memory of my Grampa Clark was always when he lifted me high in the air and pretended to drop me, just to hear me giggle out of excitement. Afterwards, he would kiss me on the nose and call me “Bright Eyes.”

I may have mentioned this in one of my previous blog posts—and forgive me for my many déjà vu moments—but I am pulling double duty, per se. Aside from being the first in my family to attend Rust College since my Gramma Jewel and my Great Aunt Reesie, I am studying to be a kindergarten teacher like my Grampa Clark. I always wanted to be a teacher because over the years, I have had teachers who showed that they really cared about me. I know that my Grampa Clark is up there in Heaven with a big grin on his face, and he’s probably saying, “Go get ‘em, Bright Eyes!”

By the way, here is a picture of my Grampa Clark when he won the 1992 Teacher of the Year award at Sapp Elementary. As you can see, he really loved his job. His greatest award was hearing a student tell him that he was “the bestest teacher in the whole wide world.”

Grampa Clark, I promise that I will not let you down. I’m dedicating my Bearcat experience to your memory. After I graduate and land my teaching job, I pray that I’m at least a quarter of the teacher that you were. I love you.

Until next time, you guys.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Droppin' Some Knowledge at Rust College

Hi, Everyone!

So I’m leaving class, and on my way to my dorm, I hear some guy yelling out for someone named “Li’l Mama.” I kept on walking, because quite honestly, I didn’t think he was talking to me, until he said, “Oh, so you gon’ act like you don’t hear a brotha, huh? Why you actin’ all sidity?”

I saw that he was with his buddies, so to keep from embarrassing him, I paused for a moment, then I asked him, “You were talking to me?”

“Yeah, I was talkin’ to you,” he answered, as his buddies looked on. “I kept sayin’ ‘Hey, Li’l Mama’ like, three or four times.”

“But that’s not my name. My name is Natasha—Natasha Renee Stewart.”

His face dropped as his buddies began to laugh at him.

“I didn’t mean nothin’ by it; I was just sayin’…”

“I knew what you meant, but just to let you know, I’m more accustomed to being called ‘Miss.’ These other chicks may respond to that other rigmarole, but I’m not one of those chicks.”

And as I walked away, I heard one of his buddies say, “Damn, Dawg—that girl just straight clowned yo ass!”

I kinda giggled when I heard that, but it really was not my intent to clown the brotha or make him look bad in front of his buddies. And I meant what I said, too: If he had referred to me as “Miss,” then I would’ve given him my full attention. Call me old-fashioned—and yes, I know I’m only 18 years old—but that’s who I am.

Until next time, take it light!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Still A Cali Girl At Heart!

Hi, Everyone!

“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone?”

That song was playing in my head on my way to class this morning. I don’t know who sang it originally, but I heard two recent versions: one from Amy Grant and another from the Counting Crows.

Well, anyway, I’m living that song right now.

I had an hour-long conversation with my mom and dad last night, and it brought tears to my eyes. My dad is a soldier—he’s strong enough for all three of us, but even he said that he missed me. Now, my mom is the real softie; she has never been afraid to cry in front of anyone. She was quick to tell me that it was “too damn quiet in this house,” and that she would love to hear my radio and television playing at the same time.

Talking to my mom and dad yesterday evening further proved that I really miss my California home. As a matter of fact, I miss Cali so much that I haven’t even bothered to change my watch to Central Standard Time. Now that I think about it, I really feel in my heart that I have taken my family for granted. My roommate Ruby thinks that it’s just the homesickness talking—and she might be right, but I just feel that I haven’t really appreciated being a California girl.

I really am trying to make the best of my new surroundings, but it’s awful hard. I have been frequenting the Sonic Burgers lately, and they are delish, but I sure could go for a juicy double king turkey burger with chili cheese fries from Fatburger right about now. And of course, there’s no Santa Monica Pier, nor is there a Manhattan Beach, or even a Long Beach… actually, I just found out that there is a Long Beach, Mississippi, but it’s about four or five hours away, near Gulfport.

I guess it's true—you can take me out of Cali, but you won't be able to take Cali out of me!

Wow, I feel a whole lot better! I guess all I had to do was speak from my heart and tell you how I feel… then again, when I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago after suffering a panic attack, my doctor did tell me that I need to pinpoint my anxiety before I wind up in the hospital again. And trust me when I tell you, the last thing I need is to have another panic attack and take another trip to the hospital.

By the way, I wonder what kind of prank Uncle Ronnie is trying to play on Auntie Brenda right about now…

Until next time…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Officially On My Own in Mississippi

Hi, Everyone!

Well, the inevitable has happened—Mom and Dad have officially left me all by my lonesome.

It was a rather bittersweet farewell, and I can’t lie to you all: I really do wish that they were still here, but I realize that I must face this journey alone, per se. I cannot rely on anyone else but God.

My roommate Ruby has it easy because she can go home every weekend if she wants to; she lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Speaking of my roommate, I found out just in conversation that Rust College runs deep in the veins of Ruby’s family. She told me that the very first person in her family to attend and graduate from Rust was her great-great-grandfather. That’s not just a family tradition—that’s a family legacy. And I thought that I had pressure—Ruby must have broad shoulders. The last one in my family to graduate from Rust was my Great Aunt Reesie, and that was in 1959. I had heard so much about Rust growing up that I went ahead and applied, just for the heck of it. You can imagine my surprise when I received an acceptance letter from the Rust president, while I received declination letters from relatively every college and university in Southern California, and this includes Cal State Fullerton. Coincidence? I think not. After a 50-something year gap, the Rust College tradition continues in my family.

Wow, it’s only been one week since I’ve been down here—it seems like time slowed up all of a sudden. Only three and a half months until Christmas vacation… I know this journey of being an out-of-state college student will be difficult at times, but I’ll make it; after all, I’m Natasha Renee Stewart, and most importantly, I know that God’s got this!

Okay, classes are done for the day, and I’ve got nothing to do… although I think I had better read my notes on Chapter One in this one class, just in case my professor surprises me with a pop quiz.

Until next time, Peeps…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

One Week Has Passed Since My Rust Debut

Hi, Everyone!

Well, here it is—Monday, August 27, 2012, exactly one full week that I’ve been here in “The Sip.”  After a fun-filled weekend of visiting my great aunts and my cousins, I’m back here on the campus. Classes are done and I have the rest of the day to myself. Incidentally, I'm looking forward to this class called “Creative Expressions for Teachers,” but I don't take that class until my junior year. I’ve been told by my parents and my Gramma Jewel that I have a natural knack from teaching; both have even stated that I got that gift from my Grampa Clark. I believe that to be true, but I also believe that my natural nurturing instincts from every woman in my family—particularly my mom and my Gramma Jewel.

Apart from the aforementioned, there isn’t really much to talk about today. The only big news is that my mom and dad will leave for L.A. tomorrow, thus leaving me all by myself. I don’t know how I’m going to react when they leave, but I can tell you that already don’t like it.  I’m just sayin’—it’s bad enough that I’m over fifteen hundred miles away from home, but the fact that Mom and Dad are gonna leave me by my lonesome… I don’t even want to think about it. I’m getting teary-eyed already just thinking about it.

Pull yourself together, Natasha—you can do it!

Sometimes you just gotta encourage yourself, you know.

Well, anyway, that’s all the news I have that’s going on in my life. I’ll send you another update tomorrow, for sure. Later, Gators!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My First Saturday in a Whole New World



Me and my younger cousin Erica.



Hi, Everyone!

I didn’t think I would post anything on today, but here we are.

What a difference a week makes, eh? Last Saturday, I was in L.A. with family and friends, and here I am seven days later in Holly Springs, Mississippi. And guess what, y’all—I joined Mom and Dad on a trip to Nashville.

I had a nice visit with my Great Aunt Reesie, and my cousins Jade and Erica. It was a near four-hour trip, but Mom, Dad, and I divided the driving time amongst ourselves just so we could all get enough rest between stops. Imagine my surprise when they saved me for last. I was just like Kanye West—you couldn’t tell me nothin’!

Well, anyway, I spent almost the whole day with Great Aunt Reesie ‘nim, and I brought back some good food. As an added bonus, it looks like Gramma Jewel’s got some competition in the baking department, because Great Aunt Reesie baked a mean red velvet cake—and it was delish! Great Aunt Reesie told me that there really was no competition on account of Gramma Jewel only bakes her cake “whenever she feels like it.”

Now I’m back on the campus, and Mom and Dad have returned to their hotel. They’ll be leaving me in a few days; their flight leaves Tuesday, August 28 at 2pm CST. It’s bad enough that I’m homesick, but their leaving me might make it worse. I’m trying not to think about it, but I know that it’s inevitable.

By the way: I had a dream the other night that I finished my academic journey in all of a week, and I was back at home immediately after my graduation. Oh, if only things were that easy, but nothing is ever that easy. I do realize that I’m sacrificing a lot as it relates to leaving familiar territory and entering a whole new world. Let’s face it—I don’t see Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica all that much, nor do I see Great Aunt Donna, so this really is “No Man’s Land” to me. Now I know how the Israelites felt after they crossed the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh—y’all see that I paid attention in Vacation Bible School!

Well, you all, this is my last blog for a while. I might post something on tomorrow, but just in case I don’t, you all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Friday's Freewriting



Photo Courtesy of facebook.com/Rust-College

 Hi, Everyone!

Well, here it is—Friday, August 24, 2012. My Friday evening routine at home would consist of ordering a pizza and renting some movies, or staying the weekend with my Auntie Cherri and Uncle Alex. But now it’s a whole different set of rules. I’m not in Cali anymore, much less Kansas (LOL)—I’m on the campus of Rust College, located in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The good thing is that I am done with class, but I must admit that I am still homesick. I miss my aunts, uncles, and cousins back home. I miss going to the mall on Saturdays. And most of all, I miss my Gramma Jewel’s cooking. I would love to have one of her pork chop sandwiches right about now—and I haven’t even mentioned her strawberry seven-up cake, which is in a class all by itself.

I’m surprised that I have adapted to the college life so quickly, given the circumstances. And I really think it’s not fair that Mom and Dad get to do all this sightseeing while I’m stuck up here in my dorm. They said that they would go visit Great Aunt Reesie and Cousin Jade this weekend, and I’ve already mentioned that I want to go! I haven’t seen Great Aunt Reesie since our family reunion last year, so I’m already making plans to hitch a ride with Mom and Dad. Come to think of it, this will be my first trip to Nashville, so it’ll definitely be an adventure.

I also want to point out that I am enjoying my classes. I didn’t realize that you had to study so much to be a teacher. In case I forgot to mention it, I am studying Elementary Education, and already I’ve learned that by time I graduate, I will have earned a Bachelor of Science degree. My dream is to be a kindergarten teacher, just like my late Grampa Clark. He used to say that a true teacher is one who cares about the kids more than their paycheck. I remember hearing from my mom how Grampa Clark did not want to retire from teaching unless his successor was as passionate and dedicated to children as he was. Well, it goes without saying, but this is for you, Grampa Clark!

Okay, I think I’ve rambled on enough. I had better find something to get into, seeing as how my mom and dad are out gallivanting around as if they’re on their second honeymoon or something. You will probably be hearing from me this weekend, but if not, you’ll definitely be hearing from me on Monday. Until then, keep smiling!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Well-Wishes from Cali

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’m sitting in my dorm room, finally finding time to read all of the cards and well-wishes from my family and friends. These are but a few of them:

“Hey, Natasha! We are so proud of you. Continue to rise above the stars and sparkle.”

—The Douglas Family.

“Natasha Renee, we are so proud of you. You just keep on doin’ the damn thing!”

—The Fraziers: Chuck, Gina, and Kevin

“Congratulations and best wishes on your college freshman year. Just remember: You’ve got more back-up than reverse all the way out here in Cali.”

—Frank & Clara Roberts

“Dear Cousin Tasha, they saved the best for last. You’re the last one in our generation to attend college, but you’re the first one in over 50 years to attend Rust—that in itself speaks volumes. Go get ‘em, Girlie, and remember: No pressure!”

—Cousin Candace

“Best wishes and remember that God is on your side.”

—The Takashis

“As you embark on this journey, remember who you are and whose you are. Never forget that The Lord is on your side, and He will always be there. Just trust in Him and depend on Him, and He will guide you safely on your academic journey.”

—Pastor & Mrs. Richardson, and the First Baptist Church Family

“Little Miss Natasha Stewart, on behalf of the St. Matthew Baptist Church, we wish you nothing but the best in your new journey. Study hard, have fun, and most importantly, trust in The Lord.”

—Pastor & First Lady Clark

“May The Good Lord continue to bless and keep you on this new chapter in your life.”

—Clarence & Mavis Burkalter

“Go get ‘em, Girl! You already know that your Gramma Jewel is proud of you, but guess what—so am I. May you receive all the knowledge that you can obtain, and may you also be fed spiritually; after all, you are in the Bible Belt.

—Mother Thelma J. Davis

It goes without saying, but I have a lot of thank-you cards to make.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Words of Wisdom from Gramma Jewel

Hi, Everyone!

Okay, so I had a good hour-long conversation with my Gramma Jewel last night. I tell you—it was great to hear her voice again. I know, I know—I’ve only been in Mississippi for all of three days, but I’m just sayin’.

In my conversation with my Gramma Jewel, I told her how I cried myself to sleep on my first night in E.L. Rust Hall. I tried not to weep so loudly, so as not to disturb my roommate Ruby, but my heart was very heavy. I mean—I'm in a strange land, amongst totally new surroundings, and amongst people whom I barely know. I told Gramma Jewel how I prayed a simple prayer: Lord, I’m scared.

It was then that she told me something very profound:

“Tasha-Baby, faith is always easy when you’re surrounded by what you know, but the true test of your faith is when you are around unfamiliar territory.”

Leave it to Gramma Jewel to send me some more encouragement.

Overall, I must say that I’m adapting to college life fairly easily, considering that it’s only Day 3. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still homesick and I still miss my family and friends, but I’ll get to see them during the Christmas break. If I can use one of Gramma Jewel’s sayings: I’m nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, but I know that I can make it; after all, I realize that I’ve got someone watching over me. He sits high and looks low; He’s everywhere at the same time, and He’s got my back.

Well, I guess I had better get going, but we’ll be talking more in the very near future. Until the next time…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Introducing Natasha

Hi, Everyone!

My name is Natasha Renee Stewart, and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California on February 10, 1994 to Benjamin and Danielle Stewart. I am their only child, which I believe is both a blessing and a curse… LOL! I say that because I would have loved to have a younger brother or sister, but Mom and Dad said that I was enough joy for them—well, that’s what they said.

Okay, on to the lecture at hand.

I recently graduated from Charlie LaBon High School on Friday, June 22, 2012, and I am studying to be a teacher. I want to teach kindergarteners, just like my Grampa Clark did. To tell you the truth, I have a lot riding on my shoulders. I am the last grandchild to attend college, and in that same light, I am the only grandchild to attend Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. I am aware of the distance between Holly Springs and Los Angeles, but I am willing to go all the way.

This is only Day 2 of my journey here at Rust College, and I must say—it’s not disappointing me one iota. After braving spur-of-the-moment thunderstorms and humid heat all day, I am finally in my dorm room of E.L. Rust Hall, literally sitting underneath the air conditioner that is on full-blast. I also have a large ice cold glass of sweet tea and a semi-frozen orange Powerade, just in case. I didn’t realize that it could get so hot out here in Mississippi. I thought I had left a heat wave in L.A., but I’m serving notice that there is no comparison—Mississippi’s heat makes L.A. feel like a deep freezer.

I’ve gotta be honest with you all: This has been the most trying week of my life.

Yes, I am aware that I am only 18 years old, but I’m just sayin’, though: That homesickness hit me real hard—I’m talking about hours before I had to go to the airport! I’m a little better than I was, but I must admit that I am still homesick.  I’m also nervous and scared, only because I don’t know anyone out here. However, Gramma Jewel got me a gospel CD entitled “Encouragement On Your Journey,” and one of the songs on the CD is “Trust Me” by Richard Smallwood. That’s actually my favorite song, and I’ve been singing it all day. It’s kinda ironic, too, because that was the last song we sang at my church this past Sunday during our Choir Day celebration.

Well, that’s enough news for now. I gotta go, but I promise you that we will be in touch. After all, this may be my journey, but I want to share it with you all. Later, Peeps!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha