Friday Freestyle

Hi, Everyone!

We’re not even in the month of December yet, and already it’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas. I can’t go three steps without seeing the festive lights and the pretty decorations, and I immediately turn six years old whenever I see Santa Claus in the mall. However, this year I’m starting to notice that my Christmas list is rather short. It’s as though I’ve had some revelation of some sorts, but material things don’t really matter to me. Call me a cornball, a softie, or a sap, but the main thing I want for Christmas is to spend time with my family: Mom, Dad, Auntie Cherri, Uncle Alex, Gramma Jewel, and the rest of my peeps. Now, don’t get me wrong—I would like a laptop computer and a new camera, but as far as I’m concerned, my real Christmas present is to see my Cali fam when I arrive at LAX on December 14.

However, in light of making out my Christmas list, I recognize that, much like everything else in life, there are a couple of hurdles that I need to cross before I get to December 14; those hurdles are known as final exams. Oh, sure—they’re only for two classes, and I have no doubt that I’m gonna ace them, but yet and still, I’m gonna go ahead and study. Much like the psalmist wrote in Psalm 131:1, my heart will not be haughty, nor will my eyes be lofty. The last thing I need is another bad dream of where I got my comeuppance. Trust me when I tell you all: One bad dream is enough; I don’t need two.

I guess Pastor Clark was right when he said that The Lord has various methods of motivating His children, and believe me when I tell you: That dream was enough motivation in and of itself. Heck, I’m so motivated that I’m gonna do some studying as soon as I finish up this blog. I know that Biology is no cakewalk, but something tells me that I need to study just as much for my Intro to Computers final. Like Ruby said a few weeks ago: Our professor could very well put something in the final that will be so simple yet so important. I’m not about to be actin’ brand-new.

Well, y’all, that’s it for today… and coincidentally, I just realized that this is my final blog for the month of November. Nevertheless, I had better go ahead and get to studyin’. In the meantime, say a prayer that I will pass these finals. Until then, take care and have a great weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy #63 to Jerry "The King" Lawler!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog is dedicated to Memphis, Tennessee’s own Jerry “The King” Lawler, who just so happens to be celebrating his 63rd birthday today.

As we are all aware of, it was on that fateful evening of September 10, 2012 that Mr. Lawler suffered a legitimate heart attack on live television.  The reports surrounding this very serious situation have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that The Lord clearly had His Hands on Mr. Lawler. Think about it y’all: 1) Michael Cole, who is portrayed as an annoying heel, was the first one to notice that something was wrong when Mr. Lawler appeared to be sleeping; 2) There was a doctor who was in such close proximity that he was able to get to Mr. Lawler; and 3) Whereas Mr. Lawler was clinically gone for twenty minutes, there were no signs of brain damage, and what’s more, Mr. Lawler had total recall, with the exception of the events that led up to his medical emergency. Gramma Jewel said it best: The King of Memphis has the greatest tag team partner ever in The King of Kings.

Just approximately two weeks ago on November 12, 2012, tears of joy filled up my eyes when “The Great Gates of Kiev” played throughout the arena, and out stepped Jerry “The King” Lawler to a standing ovation. I even cheered when Mr. Lawler gave Michael Cole a big, genuine, appreciative hug, then proceeded to give a speech that showed just how grateful he was to have been given another chance.

I will not even touch on that controversial promo involving CM Punk and Paul Heyman. It seems that everyone has their own opinions about it, and I certainly have mine. I just want to focus on the big picture: Jerry Lawler is back, albeit to commentary—and on a personal note, I don’t want him to get back in that ring. Nevertheless, I am happy to dedicate today’s blog to not only a legendary wrestler, but most importantly, the epitome of a miracle.

In closing today’s blog, I couldn’t help but sing this song when Jerry Lawler gave his comeback speech:

Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind,

Took the time and prayed for me.

I’m so glad they prayed, I’m so glad they prayed,

I’m so glad they prayed for me.

And Mr. Lawler, I was one of many who prayed for you.

Once again, Happy #63, and God Bless!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Meanwhile, Back in Cali...

Hi, Everyone!

Something very special is gonna take place in the life of yours truly, Natasha Renee Stewart. In approximately three and a half weeks, I’m gonna make my grand return to my hometown, if only for the Christmas vacation!

I have been thinking about this for quite some time, and believe me when I tell you that I am so excited. I just can’t until Friday, December 14, 2012—that’s the day that I step off that plane and into LAX Airport, as the crowd chants my name and they have a parade in my honor… okay, that’s just wishful thinking, but a girl can dream, don’tcha know. But seriously, I’m all giddy just thinking about my return to the place where it all began for me. Now, I realize that I have to concentrate on what’s in front of me, but hey—a girl can be excited if she wants to. Besides, good things come to those who wait. And you can ask Ruby—I’ve already got a special outfit lined up for my big return. Oh, yeah—we’re doin’ it big!

Meanwhile, back in Cali, I can just imagine that Mom and Dad have already picked out a Christmas tree, but they’re taking the decorations out of the garage. And I’m almost certain that the downtown L.A. skyscrapers are already decorated in green and red festive lights… I told y’all: I know my city all too well.

Elsewhere in Southern Cali, a certain fellow LaBon graduate is waiting on me to return so we can hang out for a while—yes, I’m talking about Ray! And speaking of Ray, I got another letter from him on yesterday. I don’t wanna bore you all with any unnecessary details, but basically Ray’s letter said that he had a surprise for me when I returned home. I don’t know what the surprise is, but he’s got me blushing already!

Well, Ray’s surprise notwithstanding, I am totally looking forward to Friday, December 14, 2012—that’s the day I return home. I can hear the fanfare already… like I said: A girl can dream!

See y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

More Good News From Bearcat Country!

Hi, Everyone!

I started to write a special edition Monday blog on yesterday evening to give you all some more good news, but I didn’t want to overdo it.

Well, today is Tuesday, November 27, 2012, and there’s no time like the present.

I, Natasha Renee Stewart, am honored to announce that I received yet another A-plus, this time on my Intro to Computers midterm.

Now, I know what you all are thinking: “Natasha, you had that in the bag anyway. How is that blockbuster news?”

Well, I’ll tell you why.

You see, growing up in a Christian home, I was told time and time again that pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). A couple of weeks ago, I saw Ruby studying for her midterms, and I just chuckled. She asked me what was funny, and I told her that she shouldn’t be wasting her time studying for such an easy midterm. Ruby looked at me and said: “Be that as it may, I’m not takin’ any chances. For all I know, there could be something on that midterm that we may need to know.”

It was then that I picked up my Bible, and without another thought, I must have subconsciously turned to Proverbs 16:18. I went to bed later that evening and had a bad dream that I received an “F.” Well, needless to say, that was enough of an incentive to convince me that I needed to study, so I did.

And that is how we arrived to this point.

There are so many people that I want to thank for helping me earn and maintain an A-plus in my computer class. Firstly, of course, I want to thank The Lord God Almighty, for speaking to my borderline haughty heart. I also want to thank Him for speaking through Gramma Jewel, Ruby, and of all things, a scary dream. Trust me when I tell y’all: In the event that I try to act haughty again, I’m gonna remember Proverbs 16:18. Trust and believe—I ain’t never gonna forget that!

Yes, I realize what I just said—that’s how serious I am.

Until next time, take it light.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Back To Bearcat Country, And With Good News!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it’s Monday, November 26, 2012, and I’m back on the Rust College campus… actually, I got back yesterday evening. I’ve got so much food from Great Aunt Donna’s—I’m talking turkey, ham, roast beef, dressing, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, a loaf of bread, a sweet potato pie, and an apple pie. Is Great Aunt Donna ‘nim trying to fatten me up or something? Hahaha! Come to think of it, she did say that I could stand to have another ten pounds. Now, I don’t mind telling you all: I am four-feet-eleven inches tall, and I weigh 129 pounds… that’s right—I’m a tiny, thick, and curvy little cutie. Trust me when I tell y’all: I don’t need another ten pounds added to me… I’m good.

So, now on to the big news: As it happens, a miracle has taken place, in that I received… no, no—I earned an A-plus on my Biology midterm. Any other time, I would shout out “Whoop-Whoop,” but this time, I’m gonna shout: “Thank You, Jesus!” Apparently, I studied ‘til I couldn’t study no mo’… oh my goodness—I sound like Gramma Jewel (hahahaha!), and y’all just know that I called Mom and Dad to tell them. Mom was shocked, and I could hear Dad shouting all around the house about his “little darlin’” getting a perfect score. Look, I know I’m 18 years old, but I know that it was nothin’ but the Grace of God that allowed this to happen. And speaking of which, when my professor gave me back my term paper and I saw that bright red “A+” on it, I literally forgot where I was. You can ask any one of my classmates—I shouted and danced around that classroom, and I’m not much of a shouter. Honestly, I forgot that other people were in the room with me. I don’t think they realize how grateful I am. I honestly expected a B- on my midterm, but even as I write this blog, I see an A-plus. This is no dream, y’all—this is real life!

By the way: Gramma Jewel, you were right again, because there truly is no secret to what God can do!

Well, y’all, I gotta go, because I’ve got Intro to Computers coming up at 1pm PST, and I know I aced that midterm—I just know it.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Giving Thanks

Hi, Everyone!

Here is a special Saturday edition blog post, simply entitled “Giving Thanks.”

 

You know, I admit that I kinda pined over not spending Thanksgiving with Mom, Dad, Gramma Jewel, and the rest of my family, but then it hit me: Even though I’m east of the Mississippi River, I still have a family to go home to. Yes, I am out of my comfort zone, but I still have a place to lay my head when I get bored with dormitory living. It really didn’t hit me until this morning, which is why I am writing this blog. Now, don’t get me wrong—I do realize that being homesick is natural, but I’m just saying that I have truly understood the meaning of giving thanks.

 

I don’t know why, but for some reason, Gramma Jewel’s houseguest Rebecca has been on my mind so heavily for the past couple of days. I thought about the conversation that we shared, in which she let me know how fortunate I was to have a grandmother like my Gramma Jewel. That was really sweet of her to say, but in addition to that, I can’t help but replay the advice that she gave me afterwards:

 

“Natasha, I envy you because you’re the richest girl I know. You’ve got a family who loves you so much—they haven’t stopped talking about you. I wasn’t so fortunate to have such a caring family like you do. Listen, I want you to promise me this: Never stop thanking God for your family.”

 

Rebecca’s testimony really spoke to my heart, so much so, that I started crying—not for me, but for her. I know that Rebecca and I have never met, and it’s obvious that I don’t know her situation, but my heart really goes out to her. Listening to her brief testimony has made me feel that much grateful. Yes, most of my family is in L.A., but guess what—they’re still my family. And besides, the greatest blessing is that my Great Aunt Reesie lives in Nashville, and my Great Aunt Donna lives in Memphis; both of them are just a phone call away. I also have another Southern family in the form of Ruby’s parents, who may have adopted me as their honorary daughter. And I sure as heck can’t leave out Gramma Jewel’s college roommate, my newly adopted honorary Auntie Gladys.

 

Rebecca is absolutely right—I have so much to be thankful for.

 

With that said, I leave you with this final thought: The Thanksgiving holiday may be over, but to a Christian, every day is a day of giving thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Until Monday, y’all take care.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Highlights from My First Memphis Thanksgiving

Hi, Everyone!

It’s Friday, November 23, 2012, and I am still enjoying this experience known as “Thanksgiving in Memphis.”

Firstly, I just want to go on record and say that Great Aunt Donna still cannot hold a tune with both hands—hahahahaha! But then again, when it comes to gospel hymns, she can hold her own. Here’s how I know: I was helping her set the table, and she started humming “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand.” I noticed that not one time did her voice crack, nor did she slide into a different key. Heck, I even joined in with some harmony. She looked at me and said, “Tasha, next time you talk to your Gramma Jewel, you tell her that I might not can sang, but I can damn sure hold my own.” I laughed and told her that I would relay the message to Gramma Jewel.

Gee, I wonder what Gramma Jewel’s rebuttal is gonna be… LOL!

I also want to point out that I had a great Thanksgiving Day with my Southern family. Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica came over to help celebrate, and Cousin Mike made a fried turkey—and it was delish. I may have had two and a half plates of food. I must’ve been some kinda hungry, because I ate it all and still had room for Great Aunt Reesie’s red velvet cake. Afterwards, I just threw my napkin on my plate and said that I quit. Heck, I was so full that I didn’t eat anything else the rest of the day. Thank God that Great Aunt Donna had some ginger ale stored out in the pantry.

I also got a chance to call Mom and Dad, both of whom were quick to tell me that Gramma Jewel invited Rebecca over. I even got to talk to Rebecca; I told her to keep my place warm until I returned. She said that she would do the best she could, and then she said that I was “the most fortunate girl in the world to have a grandmother like Vivian Jewel Jones.” Those were her exact words, and I thanked her for them.

Well, look now, y’all—I’m officially hungry, so I’m gonna make a homemade turkey, ham, and roast beef sandwich with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and barbecue sauce. Afterwards, I owe Great Aunt Donna some stories about my first semester thus far at Rust. I also have to tell her how I had to—as Gramma Jewel would say—understand it to punk ass Richard… hahahahaha!

Until next time, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

One More Day Until Thanksgiving!

A picture of my beautiful fam, taken just last year.

Hi, Everyone!

Well, we’ve made it to Wednesday, November 21, 2012. I just got out of my Biology class, and we are officially out of school until this upcoming Monday. Notice that I didn’t mention anything about my Intro to Computers class. Let’s just say that the rumors were true. Right before class ended yesterday, my professor said, “Look, y’all can come up here if you wanna—you’re gonna be by yourself!” We all took that to mean that there is no computer class today. I’ve already said my goodbyes to Ruby, per se, and she’s already on the road to her hometown of Olive Branch. I’ve got the dorm room to myself for another two or three hours tops. When I spoke to Great Aunt Donna, I heard her son (my cousin) Mike yell out: “I’m a-comin’, Natasha—you just hold on, Girl!”

This is already startin’ out to be a great vacation already.

Oh, I did talk to Gramma Jewel yesterday evening about her houseguest. She told me that she has taken in a girl named Rebecca, and that the girl had joined church only a couple of weeks ago. Gramma Jewel then went on to tell me that Rebecca needs “our most sincerest prayers.” I don’t know what Miss Rebecca is going through, but I’m trusting in God that He will make it alright for her.

For the record, I just want to point out that once again, Gramma Jewel is showing that one-of-a-kind genuine altruism. That’s one thing that I love most about Gramma Jewel; she has never judged anyone about their past on account she reminds everyone that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Nevertheless, I know that Gramma Jewel will continue to encourage and lift up Miss Rebecca… and even though I’m all the way out here in Bearcat Country, I want to make it perfectly clear: Miss Rebecca, I’m praying for you—and you’re in good hands with Gramma Jewel!

Well, that’s gonna just about do it for today’s blog. As a heads-up: Do not expect a blog on tomorrow—after all, it’s the Thanksgiving holiday—however, you can catch me on Friday, because I will have a special blog for all of you.

With that said, may The Lord bless you and yours on this, another Thanksgiving.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Two More Days 'Til Thanksgiving

Hi, Everyone!

Here it is, two days before Thanksgiving. I’m done with my Biology midterm, and I have my Intro to Computers midterm coming up in less than three hours. Let me tell y’all: That Biology midterm may have very well given me a run for my money. I ain’t lyin’—it’s a wonder that I remembered to write down my full name… hahaha! I’m not sayin’ that I did poorly; I’m merely expressing that I had to really put my memory to the test. Like my mom says: If I can remember the words and the rhythm to “Life of the Party” by Charlie Wilson, then surely I can pass that Biology midterm.

Well, we’ll find out the results next Monday.

So, I talked to Mom and Dad yesterday evening, and they told me that they are hosting this year’s Thanksgiving festivities. I only wish that I could be there to help Dad with the turkey… but there’s no sense in wishing; besides, I’ll be there for Christmas. It is also to my understanding that Gramma Jewel has taken in someone and welcomed them into their home. Whomever this individual is, I hope that they take into account that Gramma Jewel is genuinely warm and loving. Now that I think about it, I gotta call Gramma Jewel and find out for myself. As that dude said in the Dirty Harry movie: “Hey, I gotsta know!”

Well, guess what, y’all—I gotsta know what’s up!

As you can see, there’s not much news today. I’m pretty much packed up and ready to spend Thanksgiving with Great Aunt Donna ‘nim, but first, I’ve got to tie up a few more loose ends, and then I am done… oh, darn it—I just remembered that, according to the Rust College Catalog, the Thanksgiving Break begins after my last class. Well, my Intro to Computers class ends at 3pm CST, but there was a rumor around the campus that we may not have class tomorrow. Either way, I still have to call Cousin Mike and let him know the particulars. As a matter of fact, let me call him now, while I’m thinking about it.

Take care, y’all!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Three Days 'Til Thanksgiving!

Hi, Everyone!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I’m so excited. I mean, this is my very first Thanksgiving in the South, so I know that it’s gonna be one to remember.

Of course, with all due respect to my great aunts and cousins, and the great state of Tennessee, it’s obvious that I will still have Mom and Dad, and pretty much all of Southern California on my heart. Thanksgiving 2012 is gonna be different without Auntie Cheryl’s garlic mashed potatoes, and her macaroni and cheese. And of course, Mom cooks a roast and a ham, while Dad cooks a good plump turkey. Last year, I helped Dad pick out and cook the turkey—I guess you can say that it was one of my many great achievements. And of course, Gramma Jewel tops it off with her delicious chocolate cake and pound cake.

Sorry, y’all—Gramma Jewel doesn’t bake the strawberry seven-up cake on Thanksgiving.

And then, of course, there’s the day after Thanksgiving: all of the leftovers and the turkey sandwiches, and Dad breaking out the Christmas lights. As a matter of fact, if I know my dad—and I do—sometime this week, he’s gonna look at my mom and say: “Dani-Dee, getcha brothers and your nephews on the phone so they can help me with the Christmas lights next week.” You see, my dad has this funny but cute tradition to put the lights up on the last Saturday of November. It hasn’t failed. Now check this out: Dad will not turn the lights on until the evening of December 1.

I told y’all that I know my family all too well!

This year is different, though. I’ll be with my Southern family. Instead of Gramma Jewel’s chocolate cake, I’ll have Great Aunt Reesie’s red velvet cake. I’m quite certain that my cousin Michael already has a plump, juicy bird that will be seasoned to perfection, and my cousin Debra will have the fixins laid out… of course, I sure would love to help them out. I’ve been told that I can make a mean green salad… hahaha!

Well, y’all, that’s gonna do it for today. I’ve got two midterms to take care of on tomorrow, and then I gotta pack for my trip to Great Aunt Donna’s, so until next time, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Spotlight on Great Aunt Donna



Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out: It is to my understanding that Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica are going to pay a visit to Great Aunt Donna’s next Thursday for Thanksgiving. It seems to me that my very first Thanksgiving in the South is gonna get real interesting.

Speaking of Great Aunt Donna, she is the topic for today’s Friday Freestyle.

Born Donna Ruth Jones on January 31, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee, she is the fifth of six children born to Harold and Patricia Jones. Donna Ruth is just a bona fide lady—she’s classy, she’s sophisticated, and she’s spontaneous… and as you may very well know, she is no Aretha Franklin! However, what Great Aunt Donna lacks in singing ability, she more than makes up with her genuine generosity. When my Grampa Clark passed away on August 31, 1996, Great Aunt Donna was the first to call and check on Gramma Jewel.

Not too many people know this, but Great Aunt Donna was also the very first one to give Gramma Jewel the blessing to marry Grampa Clark. She said that Gramma Jewel would make “one great helluva sister-in-law” (her words, not mine). Great Aunt Donna has even gone as far as to refer to Gramma Jewel as her “sister from another mister.”

A widow in her own right, Great Aunt Donna lost her husband in 2004, and has since moved in with her son Michael and daughter-in-law Debra. I didn’t get a chance to meet them when I was on my module break, but come Thanksgiving, I’m gonna get the opportunity to do so.

By the way: Have y’all noticed that the women in my family—those of whom are age seventy and up—take such good care of themselves? I mean, I know I’m only 18 and all, but I for one can’t wait until I get to be seventy-something… actually, I can wait. I don’t wanna rush my age; I want to take everything as it is—one step at a time.

Well, y’all have a great weekend, and I’ll holla at’cha on Monday.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Great Aunt Donna's House for Thanksgiving

Hi, Everyone!

Before I go on with today’s blog, I want to announce that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, completed my first module with a 3.6 GPA… whoop-whoop!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled blog.

Well, it’s official—I’ll be staying over my Great Aunt Donna’s for Thanksgiving break.

Y’all know the mental anguish that I had to go through in making such a tough decision. I mean, I had had so much fun over at Great Aunt Reesie’s that I knew her door would be open for me; all I had to do was just say the word. And then I had Ruby’s parents invite me over for Thanksgiving, which was a lovely gesture in and of itself. Overall, I believe that I made the right decision with staying at Great Aunt Donna’s—just as long as she doesn’t try to sing… hahahaha!

You know, people think that’s just an inside joke, but it’s the truth—Great Aunt Donna, as lovable as she is, cannot carry a tune in a bucket. I’ve heard stories of how she sang “At Last” by Etta James as a tribute to when Gramma Jewel and Grampa Clark got married. It was said that she failed miserably in hittin’ those high notes. My own mom told a story about how Great Aunt Donna called herself trying to enter a singing contest back in 1991, and everyone in the family quickly called an impromptu intervention. I used to go to bat for Great Aunt Donna’s singing... that is, until I heard it for myself back in August. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I merely said to Great Aunt Donna that she was the most unique singer in the whole world. Mom quickly added: “I’ve heard cats gettin’ kicked off a porch sound better than that!” I tried not to laugh, but I couldn’t help it—Mom had hit Great Aunt Donna with a good zinger. Of course, Great Aunt Donna accused us all of being “supreme playa-hatas,” and told us that we “had best recognize who’s got talent all up in this piece!”

The bad singing notwithstanding, I look forward to spending Thanksgiving with Great Aunt Donna, who is just a year younger than Gramma Jewel yet a year older than Great Aunt Reesie. Much like every other woman in my family, Great Aunt Donna is hip with it—she’s cool like that, if you will.

Well, y’all, it looks like I’m gonna have to end this here blog, but I’ll be hollin’ at you all later on. Take care.

By the way: Am I talking more Southern than normal? Hahaha!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha