Well, 2012—It's Been Real!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, this is it—the last day of the year 2012… and by the way, it is cold as all outdoors here in Los Angeles. Thank God for the heater, a warm blanket, and some hot chocolate.

Seeing as how we have made to the end of the year 2012, I would like to dedicate this blog to the Top Five Moments of my life that took place.

By the way: This list is in no particular order.

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S RE-ELECTION

This was truly a monumental moment in my little life. And to think, I played a part in it by voting for the very first time. The only thing that would’ve made it sweeter is if I were at the Obamania celebration last month. I can just imagine: Somewhere down the road, in the next fifty years or so, my grandchildren will be asking me, “Gramma Tasha, where were you when President Obama got re-elected?” And I’ll proudly tell them: “Well, Babies, I was 18 years old and in college when history was made yet again!”

MY DEBUT AT RUST COLLEGE

Here I am—a native Los Angeleno, now residing in Holly Springs, Mississippi for the next three and a half years. As you know, Holly Springs, Mississippi is the home of Rust College, where I am working on obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. We already know that I want to follow in the footsteps of my late Grampa Clark and be a kindergarten teacher, but so much has happened to me at Rust in such a short period of time, and I’m sure that the best is yet to come.

MOM’S 40^TH BIRTHDAY

On July 2, 2012, my mother, Danielle Renee Stewart, turned the big 4-0, and according to her, she’s “still lookin’ damn sexy!” The highlight of the night was having to see her wear a gawdy-lookin’ birthday hat with the number 40 on it—and she was not at all ashamed to wear it. The ridiculous hat notwithstanding, it was an honor to share in the festivities of a woman that is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside… and I’m not sayin’ that just because she’s my mom; it happens to be the stone cold truth, and that’s bottom line.

REBECCA ANN MORGAN

What else can I say about Rebecca Ann Morgan that I haven’t already said? It was truly an honor to finally meet her. She is a living testimony that God loves us in spite of us, and she continues to live out her testimony in the life that she’s living. Thanks to Gramma Jewel’s love and encouragement, Rebecca has been giving a second chance at life, and she is making every moment count. As far as I’m concerned, that is very admirable.

MY FIRST DATE & MY FIRST KISS

It goes without saying, but my first date with Ray Hernandez deserves to be in the Top Five, mainly because of the way the date ended. Let’s just say that we both sealed it with a kiss… and I still get tingly everytime I think about it!

Well, there you have it, y’all—my Top Five most memorable moments of 2012. However, there are some other moments that are worth honorable mention, such as my very first road trip to Nashville, Tennessee; Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Cousin Jade doing their own rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugar Hill Gang; and of course, Howie & Jessica’s wedding. I could also talk about how I was christened as “Vipress,” and I certainly cannot forget about the entire week I spent over Gramma Jewel’s just before I made my Rust College debut.

So many memories in the year 2012, but I guarantee that 2013 will be so much better.

If The Lord says the same, I shall see you all tomorrow—into a brand-new year!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Preparing for the Inevitable

Hi, Everyone!

Well, the inevitable is upon us.

Notwithstanding that we will say goodbye to 2012 shortly, it will be time for me to return back to Rust in a couple of days. I’m still looking forward to finishing what I started, but my heart is kinda heavy on account of I have truly enjoyed being back home, and y’all already know that I’m gonna have trouble leaving. I’m really trying not to think about it, but such as that old adage, all good things must come to an end.

And for those of you wondering, the answer is yes! I will see Ray one last time. We’re going out on another date, ironically right before I leave on Thursday morning. When we talked over the weekend, he wanted to know if I was up for going to the Griffith Park Observatory this Wednesday. Of course, I was all for it, but since I grew up in an ol’ skool environment, I had to get Mom and Dad’s permission. Both Mom and Dad were cool with me going out with Ray, as long as I got back by 6pm. With that said, I’m going to the observatory with Ray on Wednesday. I just gotta see him one more time before I leave for Rust. I tell you—this sounds just like one of those sappy, corny romance movies that I said I would never emulate… and I now realize what the phrase “never say never” really means. It looks as though I’m emulating those sappy movies… We see how long that lasted, don’t we? Hahahaha!

Even as I write this blog, I am trying to figure out if there is a way to bring L.A. to Rust College. Hey, it is written that all things are possible when your heart believes—hahahaha! But seriously, I realize that I must work for what I wish to attain, even if it means leaving L.A. again. I guess Pastor Clark’s sermon spoke to me today in church, because not only did I pay attention, but I also took down all kinds of notes. The sermon came from Luke 14:25-33, and it was entitled “Counting the Cost.” Pastor Clark stated that in order to get something, you gotta go through something. Well, in order for me to finish my college education at Rust, I must leave L.A. one mo’ ginn, regardless of how emotional I may get.

Well, that’s enough news for today. Besides, I’m hungry. Here’s what’s so weird: Mom feels like pancakes, Dad feels like waffles, and I feel like french toast, so we’re all going to IHOP!

Until next time, y’all take care, and God Bless.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Unfinished Business

Hi, Everyone!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, yet again: I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL I GO BACK TO RUST!!!

Much like Gramma Jewel pointed out most recently, I have unfinished business up in Bearcat Country. Moreover, I miss my two friends that have had my back since my Rust debut back in August—and yes, I’m talking about Miss Ruby Jean and Brotha Neo Theo. I already wrote a blog about Ruby Jean, and believe me when I tell you that I’ve got some stories about Theo that I will post in due time. I mean, let’s face it: Anyone who christens me as “Vipress” needs to be written about. That story alone is enough to tell you just what type of guy Theo is. And by the way, he was one of the ones who went out of his way to tell ol’ boy to leave me alone.

To be honest, I’ve been thinking about Ruby and Theo since I’ve been home almost two weeks ago. When I make my Bearcat return on January 3^rd, we are most definitely gonna have to kick it … and since I’m on that subject, I can just hear Ruby Jean asking me to give every little detail about my date with Ray. Trust me—I wouldn’t put it past her.

Ruby and Theo notwithstanding, I am amazed that I have already been a part of some monumental events in Bearcat Country, and in only four short months at that. I am really looking forward to the second semester of my freshman year, but here is where we kinda have a Catch-22: Inasmuch as I can’t wait to go back to Rust, y’all know that I’m a Cali girl and I always will be, so it’s gonna be tough when January 3 gets here. I mean, it’s inevitable that I must go back, but I just know I’m gonna be brokenhearted when it’s time to head back. I hope that I don’t become an emotional wreck like I was over the summer. I just won’t think about it much.

While it’s on my mind, though, I gotta call Auntie Gladys and see if she is available to pick me up from the airport on January 3^rd. If not, I can always call Great Aunt Donna… and Cousin Jade emphatically pointed out that even though she lives in Nashville, all she needs is a reason to drive to Memphis. Oh, yeah—and then there’s Mr. and Mrs. Hudspeth, who live a half hour from the Memphis airport.

See, that’s what you call “more back-up than reverse!”

Well, that’s enough news for today. I shall holla at you all tomorrow with another special edition Sunday blog. Y’all have a good rest-of-the-weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Rebecca Ann Morgan

Hi, Everyone!

So, today’s blog is dedicated to a woman whom I’ve gotten to know in only a short amount of time—a woman whom my family all but adopted while I’ve been away at Rust. Of course, I’m talking about Rebecca Ann Morgan.

Rebecca compared her life to the lyrics in a song originally sung by New Birth and later sung by Lisa Fischer: “She’s faced the hardest times you could imagine; many times, her eyes fought back tears.” She grew up in a single parent home with an abusive mother that constantly blamed her for everything. The only beacon of light in Rebecca’s dismal world were her Aunt Lucille, until she unexpectedly and tragically passed away in 2004. Obviously heartbroken and confused, Rebecca found herself in a state of depression and dropped out of high school, just six months before she was set to graduate.

Instead of turning to drugs and alcohol, Rebecca chose to work as a stripper as a means to escape her pain. She recounts that she danced under the name Temptation, and was quick to point out that she was “a damn good stripper,” having been voted as one of the top three favorites in the club. However, on the evening of July 6, 2012, while in the middle of a performance, Rebecca collapsed on stage and was rushed to the hospital. It took a little over a month for her to recover from her sudden illness, but when she did, she decided to quit stripping and take a different route—thus, she started fellowshipping at First Baptist Church of Culver City.

Two months later, on November 4, 2012, she joined First Baptist Church and was instantly adopted by Gramma Jewel. Now, Rebecca has a new lease on life. She is working on completing her high school diploma at Culver City Adult School, and she is also looking forward to attending college. She wants to be a teacher or a guidance counselor—heck, maybe even both.

I applaud, admire, appreciate, and respect Rebecca that much more because she don’t look like what she’s been through. Some may question Rebecca’s past decisions, but I recognize that she did what she had to do in order to survive—and through it all, she is a survivor. She is also aware that God has a plan for her life. And to think, the catalyst in all of this was dear sweet Gramma Jewel.

God Bless you, Rebecca Ann Morgan—and keep reaching for the stars! I love you, Girlie!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Slumber Party A Go-Go!

Hi, Everyone!

I cannot remember the last time I had this much fun with Candi, Vanessa, and Trisha. I am havin’ a blast over here at Gramma Jewel’s!

Yesterday evening, we kicked off the inaugural After Christmas slumber party festivities with the baking of strawberry seven-up cupcakes, peanut butter cookies, and chocolate chip walnut brownies. Gramma Jewel ordered some pizzas, chicken wings, and submarine sandwiches, and then we watched some movies—in particular, Lean On Me. On behalf of Trisha, Nessa, Candi, and Becky, that movie never gets old, especially the scene where Joe Clark tells that kid to jump!

And then, it happened—Cousin Vanessa broke the ice and asked me about my date with Ray. Can someone please tell me why I told them about the way Ray kissed me? Naturally, the girls teased me with the ever popular “Oooooooooooh-weeeeeee, Natasha!” Even Rebecca put her two cents in: “You go, Girl—that’s a Christmas present that I know you won’t forget!”

Just as I was about to speak my piece, Cousin Trisha interjected: “It’s only fair to warn you, Cuzzo—whatever you say from this point on will further prove our point that you are head over heels in love with Ray.”

Seeing as how I was ridiculously outnumbered, I immediately sought help from a certain five-foot-three, silver-haired 77-year-old native of Ruleville, Mississippi… and imagine my surprise when she turned against me.

“Well, Tasha-Baby, the girls do have a point,” she said with that all-too-familiar warm smile. “You haven’t stopped grinnin’ like a Cheshire Cat since last Friday.”

The best comeback that I could think of was: “Et tu, Gramma Jewel?”

I know it’s all in fun, and I also know that Gramma Jewel ‘nim are exactly right, but the only reason why I am blatantly downplaying the whole deal is because I’m not used to all this attention. I know that I’m not as divalicious as Cousin Candi, nor do I have the sex appeal of Cousin Vanessa, and I sure as hell am not as charismatic as Cousin Trisha—I’m just plain old cornball Natasha Renee Stewart. Yet and still, the fact that Ray likes that about me… well, I may as well go ahead and say it: I’m kinda turned on by that!

By the way: That's a picture of me and my cousins from when we went Christmas shopping. We took a picture with Rebecca yesterday evening, but I forgot to post it; therefore, this is the photo that I'm using for my blog today.

Well, y’all—I gotta go. Gramma Jewel is gonna treat us all to breakfast at IHOP. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My One Hundredth Blog Post!

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I would like to acknowledge that I’ve hit another milestone: This is my one hundredth blog post—Woo-hoo!

Well, Christmas 2012 is in the history books, but it was certainly one that I will cherish. I really had fun this Christmas. As per Mom and Dad’s new family tradition, we went to Christmas service at our church. Pastor Clark said something very profound: “Just because the Christmas holiday is over doesn’t mean that the Christmas season is over. That tree will be put out on the street and those presents will last only a short while, but the love of Christ will forever outlast the test of time.”

I must’ve been paying very close attention to Pastor Rich’s message, because I really didn’t care for materialistic gifts. Don’t get me wrong—I liked my new jacket from Auntie Gloria, and I’m grateful for my laptop computer from Mom and Dad, but the greatest Christmas present that I could ever receive was being around my family and friends. I guess Auntie Stephanie was right when she said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I guess it doesn’t help matters any that I’m a sentimental sap anyway… hahaha! But seriously, being around my family was truly the be-all end-all of Christmas presents, and I am so appreciative to God for providing me with such a beautiful gift. Call me corny or cheesy—and you’re absolutely right—but I’m speaking the truth.

Oh, and Rebecca was shining brighter than any well-lit Christmas tree. As a matter of fact, she said that we were her Christmas present. After having such a rough childhood and not really having a family, per se, she is so grateful for us adopting her as an honorary family member that she’s actually thinking about changing her last name to Jones—that’s exactly how much we mean to her.

It just goes to show: You just never know how you impact someone’s life.

Speaking of Rebecca, the “After Christmas Slumber Party” over at Gramma Jewel’s was her idea. Let me just say this: Just as sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, you can bet that Candace, Vanessa, Trisha, and I will be there in full force, and I’m not talking about the ol’ skool 80s singing group. I haven’t had a slumber party since I was ten, so I know this is gonna be fun! Gramma Jewel is gonna have her hands full with me, Trisha, Candace, Vanessa, and Rebecca over for a couple of days.

Until tomorrow, y’all…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Christmas Eve Blog

Hi, Everyone!

It’s Christmas Eve, and I’m just giddy all over… no, it’s not because of Ray’s kiss! He did call me yesterday evening, though. We’ve set up another date for this weekend, and that’s a good thing because I do want to see him before I head back to Rust. I tell y’all—I’ve never really felt this way about any guy, unless it was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I guess that Gramma Jewel was right yet again; she always said that destiny has a way of doing things beyond our finite imaginations. When Ray and I were in high school, I had such a crush on him, but I never told him because… well, I kinda felt silly. When he asked me out to our prom, it was like a dream come true.

I’m sorry—I didn’t intend for this blog to be all about Ray; I guess I’m just still in shock that the love bug has actually bitten me. Don’t get me wrong—I know I’m a fox, but it’s just that these types of things usually happen in the movies. I would understand if the love bug were to bite Candace, Vanessa, or Trisha… hell, I’d even expect the love bug to bit Gramma Jewel, but little ol’ me? I am really impressed!

Well, anyway, back to the real reason why I’m writing this blog: Seeing as how tomorrow is Christmas, I am taking a “blog break.” However, I will be back with a brand-spanking-new blog on Wednesday, December 26.

This evening, my family is going over to Auntie Brenda and Uncle Ronnie’s house for the annual Family Christmas Eve party, and then on Christmas Day, I’m going to church with Mom and Dad to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a new Stewart Family Christmas tradition, don’tcha know. And then later on, we’ll be heading over to Uncle Tony and Auntie Stephanie’s house for Christmas dinner.

My dance card just gets fuller and fuller, don’t it?

With that said, I wish each and every single one of you a very Merry Christmas, and remember: Jesus is the reason for the season.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Date with Ray Hernandez

Hi, Everyone!

I know y’all wanna know the details about my date with Ray, so here goes.

First of all, Ray was very punctual; it was a quarter to four when he came to pick me up. I was just putting on my dress and a little of my Mom’s perfume when the doorbell rang. From what I gather, he gave my mom a bouquet of roses, because I heard her say, “Oh, Ray—these are just lovely.” And then I heard my dad say, “You still got a strong handshake there, Son!”

Once I was finished primpin’ and primin’, I headed downstairs, and Ray presented me with two lavender roses and a large peanut butter cookie—he really knows the way to my heart. We also exchanged Christmas gifts, both of us admonishing one another not to open our gift until the day of Christmas. Ray then promised that he would have me home before 10pm, but Mom and Dad granted us an extra hour.

Well, y’all, much like I predicted yesterday, Ray treated me to Fatburger—he was true to his word from four months ago. Can you say “brownie points”? Needless to say, I ordered my favorite double king turkey burger with chili cheese fries, and it was delicious! Afterwards, Ray and I went bowling, where I beat him 210-195. He congratulated me, then he quickly invoked his rematch clause. I granted his rematch, and I won again—this time, the score was 225-200!

On the way home, he revealed his surprise for me. As he walked me to my door, he had some mistletoe hanging over my head, and immediately, I started blushing. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous, but relaxed. Ray easily wrapped his arms around my waist and drew me in close. The next thing I knew, he kissed me flush on the lips. I tell you—I felt all warm and fuzzy, and all tingly inside.

Ray Hernandez was my first kiss, and I’ll never forget it.

I want y’all to know that I’ve been on Cloud Nine since yesterday evening. It goes without saying, but I’ll be dreamin’ of Ray’s sweet kiss for a long, long time. This is a special moment in a girl’s life, especially when that girl’s name is Natasha Renee Stewart.

Oh my God—I think I’ve fallen in love with Ray!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Tonight's The Night!

 Hi, Everyone!

I gotta take another quote from Gramma Jewel: Oh, my word!

I haven’t been this excited since my return to L.A. just last Friday. I’m sure you are all aware that today is a big day for me. As far as I’m concerned, this very day will be on my list of Top Ten Moments when I reflect on this year. For those of you who are either late in the conversation or just not keepin’ score at home, today’s the day that I go out my very first date with my prom date and fellow LaBon High alum, Raymond Hernandez. My mom said that I don’t need any make-up because I haven’t stopped blushing all day. My dad took one look at me and just said, “My little honey bee.”

Awwwwwwwww, Daddy’s just a big ol’ teddy bear!

So, I’ve finally decided that I’m going to wear my lavender dress with Mom’s plum purple blouse. I know it’s gonna be cold, so I’m gonna take a jacket and a hat with me. Knowing Mom and Dad like I do, one of them will let me use their cellphone, considering that I don’t have one just yet. Now, I don’t want y’all to read too much into this, but my heart is racing and I’ve got goosebumps.

Yes, I’m super excited to go out with Ray… like that’s a big surprise!

When we talked yesterday, he said that he would pick me up around four o’clock this evening, and he hopes that I “brought a big appetite for a double king turkey burger.” Does that me that he’s taking me to where I think he’s taking me? Come to think of it, Ray did promise me that he would not eat at a certain hamburger place until I returned home for Christmas.

That sweetie pie kept his word? Color me impressed!

Well, the time is winding down until Ray gets here. I guess I had better close this blog so I can look my bestest! Until tomorrow, take care, and be sure to say a prayer for your girl.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

This Christmas Is Already Lookin' Good!

Hi, Everyone!

So, thanks in part to my cousins Candace, Vanessa, and Patricia, I got done with all my Christmas shopping yesterday. I’ve taken care of everyone in my family, and this includes Rebecca. And for those curious types who just “gotsta know,” yes I’m gonna get a present for Ray… actually, I’m gonna make his present. I’m making him some s’mores bars and chocolate chip brownies.

You know, this is actually perfect timing, seeing as how Ray and I are going out on our first date tomorrow. As it relates to our date, I gotta wonder: What does he have planned for this bright-eyed little Smurfette?

I haven’t decided on what to wear just yet. I wanted to wear my peach dress, but it’s still at the cleaners. I’ve thought about wearing some blue jeans with one of my mom’s blouses, but if worse comes to worst, then I’ll just wear my lavender dress with a purple long-sleeved shirt to go over it.

I may have mentioned this in a previous blog, but Ray is such a gentleman. When we were celebrating Howie and Jessica’s wedding last weekend, Ray went all out to make me feel special, even when my mom and dad weren’t looking. He escorted me to my seat, pulled out my chair, and he even held a decent conversation with Gramma Jewel and Mother Davis. They say that a real woman recognizes stuff like that, and trust me when I tell y’all: Not only do I recognize it, but I also appreciate it very much. As a matter of fact, I can say in great faith tell that Ray is so much more mature than that jerk-ass punk back at Rust. Don’t get me wrong—I have moved on from that unpleasantness, but I still regret ever wasting my time with “he who shall not be named.” And then too, that unnamed boy did teach me a valuable lesson: Watch out for jerk-asses! And now that I think about it, Gramma Jewel once told me that obstacles can be easily repeated if we haven’t learned a valuable lesson. Well, trust me when I tell y’all: I learned a big lesson that I pray I will never forget. Just in case I do forget, though, I pray that my women’s intuition kicks in.

Well, I better go ahead and tie up a few more loose ends for my big date with Ray tomorrow. As a matter of fact, I gotta call him and confirm what time he’s picking me up.

Talk to y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Dance Card Is Full, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’m looking over my homemade itinerary, and if I may take a quote from my Auntie Gloria, it looks like my dance card is damn near full… hahaha! Check this out: I’m going Christmas shopping this afternoon with my cousins Candace, Vanessa, and Patricia; I’ve got my date with Ray on this Friday—lookin’ forward to that; I’ve got a Christmas Eve party over at Auntie Brenda & Uncle Ronnie’s house, and I also have a “girls’ night out” slumber party at Gramma Jewel’s, co-hosted by one Rebecca Ann Morgan. Oh, yeah—speaking of Gramma Jewel, I can’t forget the annual Christmas program at her church… which reminds me, I need to pay a visit to Pastor & Mrs. Rich anyway.

Yeah, y’all—my dance card is full alright!

While I’m waiting on my cousins to come pick me up, I may as well tell you that I did talk to Ray again—and yes, he’s still got me blushing. He keeps talking about this big surprise that he has for me, then he asked if I liked bowling. I told him that I do in fact enjoy bowling, but he needed to give me a hint about this surprise. After a brief pause, he says to me: “Natasha, here is your only clue: It’s an early Christmas present that I know you will enjoy.”

Okay, that could be anything. My mind is really racin’ and the suspense is likely to drive me crazy! Oh, well—I’ve waited almost four months to see Ray; I guess another couple of days won’t hurt me.

Yet and still, I gotsta know.

Someone at Rust said that I was the most patient chick they ever met, and I was quick to tell them that they really didn’t know me very well. I’m only patient when I feel like being patient, and right now, I don’t feel like being patient. I guess I’m all excited because I’m getting a lot of attention from the guys. Usually, it’s Candace, Vanessa, and Trisha that get all the attention, but for once, plain old Natasha Renee Stewart is gettin’ noticed… and I like it—I like it a lot!

Anyway, that’s all the news I have for y’all today… and let me also point out that it is freakin’ cold out here in L.A.! It’s literally under 50 degrees right now; nevetheless, I can’t wait to get all my Christmas shopping done in one day, and the coup de gras is that I’ll be hangin’ out with my cousins.

By the way: While Candace, Vanessa, and Trisha are in fact my cousins, I’ve always looked at them as my older sisters. I’m gonna be sure to tell them that this afternoon.

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

And the Beat Goes On…

Hi, Everyone!

I’ve had plenty time to think about this weird feeling that I’ve had since Sunday. As you know, I talked to my mom about this different vibe that I’ve been feeling since I’ve been home. I don’t know how else to explain it, but I just feel like a pilgrim in a strange land. Is that normal? I mean, L.A. is my home and it always will be, but I feel like I’m either out of touch or out of place. Heck, I even feel like a giant in my bedroom, which is ironic, considering that I’m four feet eleven inches tall. Mom tried to convince me that I was just making a big fuss over nothing, and Dad further assured me that I had nothing to worry about, but yet and still, this weird vibe that I have won’t go away… that is, until I talked to the one woman who is not only the eldest, but is also full of wise counsel.

In explaining my dilemma to Gramma Jewel, I noticed that she only said “Mm-hmm” and “Hmm.” Finally, I asked the ultimate question: “Is something wrong with me?”

Gramma Jewel simply chuckled and broke it down to me with her wisdom, like I’ve always known her to do.

“Tasha, what it all boils down to is this: Everything looks so different to you because it is different. You’ve broken out of your comfort zone and pretty much taken that first step into adulthood. And even more so than that, deep down in your heart of hearts, you know that you’ve got unfinished business at Rust. That, in a nutshell, explains why you feel like a pilgrim in a strange land. But just remember this, Bright Eyes: The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

I keep tryin’ to tell y’all: Gramma Jewel be knowin’ what she be talkin’ about. She is absolutely right—I do have unfinished business to take care of at Rust. It’s funny how I didn’t think about that until after I spoke to Gramma Jewel. And the more I think about it, Mom was right on the button when she said that I was worryin’ about nothin’. And here I was, trippin’ and carryin’ on, thinking that something was wrong with me. I tell you—it’s a blessing to have a loving family that cares so much about me.

Well, I’ll tell y’all this: Even though a part of me cannot wait to return to Rust College, I will continue to enjoy every moment of my Christmas vacation, and my stay here in Cali. And I also want to point out that Gramma Jewel and I talked for almost three hours last night, but it was so worth it.

Until tomorrow, I’ll holla later!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Some Things Just Ain't The Same No Mo'!

Hi, Everyone!

Here it is—Monday morning, December 17, 2012 on a lovely L.A. day. As you can see, I have quickly adapted (or reverted) to my California lifestyle!

I am lying in bed watching Good Day L.A. with Steve Edwards and some other lady… hold the phone! Where are Jillian Reynolds and Dorothy Lucey? I know I’ve been away at college for four months, but no one told me that Jillian and Dorothy left Steve all by himself. It looks like I’m gonna have to turn the channel and watch KTLA Morning News. If there’s no more Jillian and Dorothy, then there ain’t gon’ be no more Natasha—I’m just sayin’!

You know, while we’re on the subject of changes, since my return home a couple of days ago, I have noticed a bit of a change in the air. I’ll tell you what I mean: When I came home from church yesterday, I just lay across my bed and listened to the silence for maybe a half hour. I was in serious daydream mode—heck, I was even thinking about Ruby Jean and Neo Theo.

And that’s when I heard Mom enter my room.

“You okay, Smurfette?” she asked.

That’s one thing that’s never gonna change—I’m always gonna be Mom’s little Smurfette, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Yes, Ma’am—I’m fine,” I answered.

“Well, how come neither your TV nor your radio is on?”

If she hadn’t said anything about it, I would’ve never noticed. I usually would have my radio and/or television on. I guess I just didn’t want to have it on. I explained to Mom that I was just in deep thought over the fact that I felt like a stranger in my own hometown. I went on to tell Mom how I had longed for home for the past four months while I was at Rust that it was all I talked about. “And now that I’m back home, Mom, it’s as though everything has changed—ain’t nothin’ the same no mo’.”

Mom simply kissed me on my cheek, hugged me tight, and said with a smile: “But the bottom line is that you’re home now, Smurfette.”

Leave it to Mom to cheer me up the best way she knows how, but I think I need a second opinion. I’m gonna talk to Gramma Jewel this evening.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Special Sunday Edition Blog

Hi, Everyone!

So, I just got back home from church, and just like I figured, everyone was so excited to see me. It kinda made me feel like a celebrity. Everytime I turned around, someone was walking up to me and welcoming me back with a hug and a kiss, and some even gave me monetary gifts. I received a total of $150 dollars… actually, make that a total of two hundred dollars. I just opened up a card with a fifty dollar check from Pastor & Mrs. Clark.

I guess my return was somewhat monumental, because Pastor Clark kinda put me in his sermon. He preached from Matthew 14:25-34, where Jesus walked on the water. When he got to the verse where Simon Peter walked on water to meet Jesus, Pastor Clark said: “Sometimes, in order to get a blessing from God, you will have to leave your comfort zone, even if it means leaving everything you love for four years just to earn your Bachelor’s Degree from an out-of-state college—and by the way, it’s real, real good to have you home, Miss Natasha.”

Believe me when I tell y’all—I felt so honored.

And as promised, I would like to congratulate the newly wedded Howard & Jessica Douglas, who tied the knot just yesterday afternoon. Jessica looked just like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, from the wedding dress to the pinned-up hair. And Howard was lookin’ so fine in his navy blue suit with white shirt and silver tie. My favorite part of the wedding was when Howie kissed Jessica, thus convincing me that their marriage will indeed outlast and withstand the test of time. And to think, I witnessed this wedding with my high school crush.

Speaking of which, Ray was such a gentleman; he held out my chair, danced every dance with me, and even apologized for checking out Jessica’s bridesmaids. When I confessed that I couldn’t talk because I was lookin’ at Howie’s groomsmen, Ray just chuckled and said that it was all good.

You know, Ray is really, really sweet and corny—and I like that in a man. I still have yet to discover what this surprise is that he has for me, but I’ll find out this Friday when we officially go out on our first date.

Well, y’all—that’s all the news for today. I shall holla at y’all tomorrow. Until then, take care, and just in case you haven’t caught on, I truly enjoy being back home!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha