The End of Finals, and the Third Module!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it’s official, y'all: I am done with my final exams, and I can say in great faith that I did exceptionally well in them—yes, more so Geometry & Trig.

So, now that the Third Module is recorded in the history books, it is now time for me to make my much anticipated return to Nashville. I talked to Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica just a few moments ago, and they’re on their way to get me. They should be here within the next hour or so.

So, here’s the latest back home in Cali: Some so-called Christian tried to belittle and insult Rebecca on account of her past, and such actions caused Gramma Jewel to cut a shine up in the church. I know this because Rebecca called me just last night and told me all about it. When I spoke to Gramma Jewel, she didn’t mince any words with me.

“Tasha, I was so hot that I forgot I was in church,” Gramma admitted. “Before I knew what happened, I slapped that bitch in the middle of next week, and I told her that if she evva insulted my Becky again, just as sho’ as my name is Vivian Jewel Jones, I would mop up Culver City with her stank ass!”

Now, some may argue that Gramma Jewel was out of line, and from that vantage point, I agree. I mean, they just got out of church. If anything, Gramma Jewel should’ve invited the woman out on the church parking lot, then proceed to whup that ass! I know—I’m bad, aren’t I? But seriously, while it was out of character, I totally understand where Gramma Jewel was coming from. Why did that judgmental broad have to try and insult my girl? First of all, Becky already admitted her past, so there’s no sense in trying to make her feel guilty. Secondly, the last time I checked, ain’t nann one of us is perfect! Third and most important, while this particular woman is my elder, she has lost all kinds of respect from me. And furthermore, it’s a good thing that Becky is as strong as she is, because I know some young folks around my age that refuse to go to Sunday School, let alone go to church, all because some old folks do more judging and nitpicking than they do encouraging and uplifting.

I close this blog by saying once again: Good for you, Gramma Jewel! And Becky, keep your head up, Girl—you know I got your back!

Until next time, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

It's Now Or Never!

Hi, Everyone!

Last night, after I got done studying for my finals, I felt compelled to read Matthew 6:25-34. I had heard various family members quote this scripture numerous times, but I only grasped a clear understanding of it last night. Heck, I was so excited about the revelation of the verses that I had to share it with Ruby.

To give a summary of the aforementioned scripture, Jesus was basically telling us—well, me—not to worry about anything. As a matter of fact, Jesus tells us in verses 25, 31, and 34 to take no thought about anything because He’s got it all under control. In other words, stop worrying about your problems and trust that The Lord is gonna work out the problem.

Why am I preaching this miniature sermonette, you ask? Well, it’s simple: As you know, my final exams are tomorrow. As much hell as I’ve raised in such a short time about my Geometry & Trig class, only to discover that I have actually applied myself to learn everything that I can, I am convinced that I’ve got this in the bag—with The Lord’s help, of course. I’m gonna go into that exam tomorrow and knock it out of the park. I’m sure y’all noticed that I haven’t really said much about my African Diaspora II exam—well, that’s because I am very strong and confident in that I will pass.

If it sounds like I’m contradicting myself, then I apologize, but I cannot lie—my faith is stronger in African Diaspora than it is in Geometry & Trig. However, I’m not gonna worry about it. I’m just gonna go into class tomorrow with my calculator, my #2 pencils, and a whole lotta faith. I cannot promise an A, but I will guaran-damn well-tee betcha that I’m not leaving this class with anything less than a C+… and I mean that!

Well, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow afternoon. Until then, say a prayer for your girl.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Another Sweet Letter from My Sweetie Pie

Hi, Everyone!

I’m taking a little break from studying for my finals, and apparently with good reason. I just received a letter from my hometown sweetie pie, and… well, you be the judge.

Dearest Natasha:

I trust that this letter finds you doing well. I hope that you ace your Trigonometry exam with flying colors. Just remember this: You’ve got more than your mom and dad rootin’ for you, and you already know that your Gramma Jewel’s got your back, but there is someone else in the background who is rootin’ for you either way… and for once, I’m not talking about myself. Don’t get me wrong—I will forever root-root-root for my hometown girl, but I’m talking about He who sits high and looks low. Continue to put your trust in The Lord, and remember to cast your cares upon Him, because He really does care for you.

Now that I’ve gotten that mini-sermonette out of the way, I am writing this letter to express my gratitude towards you for being my Valentine. Oh, before I forget, my present arrived exactly on the 14^th. I truly enjoyed those brownies, and the way you drew those lipstick kisses—I really thought those were your lips. Speaking of which, I liked the card, too. My roommates have been teasing me nonstop about your lipstick mark and your lilac perfume. You know what would’ve made this Valentine’s Day perfect: We should’ve spent it together, and that’s real talk!

Well, that’s all the news that’s on my end. I look forward to hearing from you, but first things first: Handle your business and ace those finals—you can do it, Sweetheart!

Take care, and holla back.

Sincerely,

Ray

Awwwwwwwww, he called me “Sweetheart.” Not only that, but he still misses me.

Oh, there I go—here comes the blush!

I’ll holla at y’all later…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Three Days Until Exam Time!

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I would like to congratulate my Auntie Cherri for a job well done. I read the report on the internet, and I also saw it on the news, but I also talked to Auntie Cherri personally—yes, she did in fact help a pregnant woman deliver her baby. My Auntie Cherri is a hero! I’m sure that everyone back home will throw her some kind of party if they haven’t already.

You just go ‘head on, Auntie Cherri—I’m so proud of ya!

Y’all, I can’t believe it, but in a couple of days, the third module is coming to a close. This has truly been one adventurous and eventful module for me, and I know that the best is yet to come—in the form of the fourth module.

Today is a history-making event in my life for so many reasons. First and foremost, this is the last day of classes for me, and final exams are this Thursday. My African Diaspora II exam is at 8am, and my Geometry & Trig exam is at 1pm. Talk about meeting my challenges head on—I already know that my 8am exam will be relatively easy, but that Geometry & Trig… Lawd Ha’Mercy!

It’s gonna be a challenge, but I can tell you this: I’m up for it.

Once my finals are done, I’m gonna just veg out for the weekend and do nothing. This evening, I’m gonna call Great Aunt Reesie and ask her if she would like a weekend houseguest… then again, she did say that all I’ve got to do is say the word and she’ll be on her way to get me. It would be nice to take another trip to Nashville, anyway. Hopefully, I’ll remember to take some apples with me when I return to the campus. Just in case I didn’t mention it before, Great Aunt Reesie has a large apple tree in her backyard, and the apples are just as red, plump, and juicy as they wanna be.

Well, this blog is gonna be cut short today, simply because I have to prepare my mind in studying for these final exams on Thursday. Like I said, I’m very confident in African Diaspora II, but I’m gonna need my prayer warriors to stand by me come time for Geometry & Trig. I already know that there will be some standard deviation questions on the exam, and probably some definitions. Oh, and I want to state for the record once again that Theo is one helluva tutor. I know he’s studying journalism, but he should consider being a tutor on the side. Everything that he has taught me this month, I have retained ninety-five percent of it, and it has helped me out a great deal. Hell, I’ve even turned in some extra credit assignments, of which my professor has accepted only two; he felt that I didn’t need the extra credit on account of I have managed to maintain a B- in the class.

What my professor doesn’t realize is that I am damn determined to leave this blasted class with at least a B+, and I’ve got three days to reach my goal.

Well, y’all, I had best be gettin’ goin’, so I’ll holla at’cha tomorrow!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Final Spotlight on Mrs. Thelma Jean Davis

Hi, Everyone!

This is the final Black History Spotlight of the week, and I promise you that it’s a gooden. The final spotlight falls upon a very close friend to the family, Mrs. Thelma Jean Davis (nee Thompson).

The eldest of seven children, Thelma Jean Davis (nee Thompson) was born on December 8, 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama to George and Bernadette Thompson. Ever since she was five years old, Mother Davis just had a heart “as big as the world,” and she always made it her mission to let her light shine so that others could be just as happy as she.

Mother Davis graduated from Clark Atlanta University in 1952 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In the same year, she met Raymond Davis, and the two were wed in January 1953. To this union, three children were born.

Mother Davis followed her husband and moved out west to Los Angeles, California in 1972 as a means to seek a better life. It was in Los Angeles that Mother Davis joined the First Baptist Church of Culver City, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Henry Jenkins (later succeeded by the Rev. Stanley D. Richardson), and to this day, Mother Davis is looked at as one of the strongest pillars of her church. She is so totally devoted to her church that she has been on the hospitality committee for over twenty years.

Another interesting tidbit about Mother Davis: Her last caretaking patient was her very own husband, up until his passing in 1994. She can hold her head up high and say that she did all that was required of her to do in taking care of him, yet she still misses him, and rightfully so. Nowadays one can find Mother Davis chillin’ in the cut with her “sista from another mista,” my Gramma Jewel.

Oh, yeah—Mother Davis also appointed me as her surrogate grandbaby!

Well, y’all—there it is! I hope you all enjoyed learning about the important historic people in my life, of which a great majority are in my family. Don’t get me wrong—I am grateful for Martin, Malcolm, Sojourner, Harriet, and President Obama, but sometimes you have to consider the treasure chest within your own backyard. With that said, I thank God for Great Grampa Gregory, Great Gramma Lynn, and so many of those who have paved the way for me to be where I am today.

And one day, I’m gonna be mentioned in Black History!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Spotlight on Auntie Gladys

Hi, Everyone!

I am absolutely gonna love today’s Black History Spotlight, because it shines upon another Rust College alumna who I’ve gotten to know quite well. She is my Gramma Jewel’s very best friend of 60 years, and she is my honorary auntie—I’m talking about Gladys Lorraine Nelson (nee Williams).

Born the eldest of three daughters on December 5, 1935 in Memphis, Tennessee, to Bradley and Eileen Williams, Auntie Gladys just exudes flair, flamboyance and finesse. She is also a true Southern gal at heart; one of her favorite saying is: “Ooh, Child—you need to rewind that tape and re-record!”

Auntie Gladys grew up in the midst of segregation and the Great Depression, but she was not exposed to the troubles of this world, all because she remembered that her parents taught her to let The Lord handle it. Since then, Auntie Gladys has done as much as humanly possible to do just that, and she makes sure that others learn that same valuable lesson.

After graduating from high school, Auntie Gladys attended Rust College, where she graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism and Broadcast Journalism—a double major, if you will. It was also at Rust where she found a best friend for life in one Vivian Jewel Coleman. To this very day, the two friends have become more like sisters.

After college, Auntie Gladys met and married Fred Nelson, and to this union three children were born. She also was the first woman to be named the editor-in-chief of the Memphis Mania magazine. She served in said position for forty years, until her retirement in 1997. Amazingly enough, her last article ever published was entitled “Well, Y’all—It’s Been Fun!”

When her husband passed away in 1999, Auntie Gladys decided to volunteer as a caretaker for the elderly. She says that she gets a kick out of caring for those seniors on account of they call her “little girl” and “young lady.” When she tells them her age, they scoff and say that she’s still a baby.

Auntie Gladys, I salute you today. Keep it classy, Young Lady!

Tomorrow’s Final Spotlight: Thelma Jean Davis!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Spotlight on Great Grampa Gregory

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s Black History Spotlight focuses on my great grandfather, Gregory Otis Coleman.

The eldest of five children, Great Grampa Gregory was born on January 17, 1905 in Ruleville, Mississippi to Walter and Dorothy Coleman. As the eldest son (well, the eldest period), he was looked upon by his brothers and sisters as a strong role model. Not too many people know this, but Great Grampa Gregory became the trendsetter of the family, as he was the very first family member to not only attend school, but also graduate—and I’m talking about from pre-school all the way to college. It is also important to point out that Great Grampa Gregory did not miss one day of class, even when he was sick.

Great Grampa Gregory is also the very first one in our family to begin the Bearcat tradition. He graduated from Rust College in 1927 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. It was also at Rust College that he met Lynn Agnes Brown, who graduated in 1928. Both of my great grandparents were true blue diehard Bearcats; they attended the homecoming games, participated in Founder’s Week, and generously contributed to various Rust scholarship funds.

Great Grampa Gregory was a devoted husband to Great Gramma Lynn, and a loving father to his “two special little angels” Vivian and Theresa (Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie, if you will). Great Grampa Gregory was also a respected deacon at Solid Rock Methodist Church in Ruleville, Mississippi. He was also kinda tough on my Grampa Clark, but later grew to love him as the son he never had.

Although Great Grampa Clark passed away on July 22, 1976, his legacy is still as strong as ever. I’m sure he is very proud to know that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are all educated not just in books, but also in The Word of God. And I also believe that Great Grampa Clark is a little extra excited to know that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, have continued with the Bearcat legacy.

Tomorrow’s Spotlight: Gladys Lorraine Nelson

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Spotlight on Auntie Cherri

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s Black History Spotlight shines upon my closest aunt, Cheryl Yvette Jones Cunningham—or as I call her, Auntie Cherri.

Cheryl Yvette was born March 24, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee to Clark and Vivian Jones. She is the third of five children, and the oldest daughter.

Affectionately known as Cherri, she has admitted that she is a true blue “Daddy’s Girl,” as she always followed Grampa Clark around everywhere he went. However, Auntie Cherri is also her mother’s daughter; she has that same upbeat, lively, and feisty spirit with an unbelievable boldness that takes anyone by surprise.

Auntie Cherri graduated from the University of Southern California in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. While earning her degree, she met, fell in love with, and ultimately married Alexander James Cunningham. Ironically enough, the two had gone to the same elementary school all nine years, and hadn’t seen each other until their freshman year at USC. The two were wed in 1989, and to this union, two children were born—one daughter Vanessa, and one son Calvin.

Auntie Cherri is a historic figure in my family because she is the very first family member to pursue getting a book published. Since she was five years old, it has always been Auntie Cherri’s dream to write a book. As a matter of fact, she is currently in the process of writing her autobiography. Though she has not yet found a title for her latest project, she already has five chapters written, one of which is a sweet, poignant dedication to the memory of Grampa Clark.

Auntie Cherri currently lives in Long Beach, California with her husband (my uncle) and their two children (my older cousins).

And you know something—I think I may have found the perfect title for Auntie Cherri’s autobiography. I’m gonna call her this evening and see if she likes it.

Tomorrow’s Spotlight: My great grandfather, Gregory Otis Coleman!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Spotlight on Pastor Clark

Hi, Everyone!

So, today’s Black History Spotlight shines upon my pastor, the Reverend Jerome E. Clark, Sr.

Native Los Angeleno Jerome E. Clark was born the younger of two children on December 6, 1970 to Roland and Jennifer Smith. He was put on trial as a deacon when he was 14 years old, and check this out, y’all: In his lifetime, he has only had one whuppin’.

I know y’all are jealous—hell, I am, too!

Anyway, Pastor Clark attended Loyola Marymount University, where he majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in 1992, Pastor Clark immediately enrolled in the graduate program, where he graduated in 1994, thus earning his Master’s Degree in Child Psychology. A week after earning his M.A., he met and fell in love with Aretha Donaldson. After courting for a year and a half, the two were wed in 1996, and to this union, three children were born: Jerome Jr., Ashley, and Alvin.

Pastor Clark serves as a staple in his community. Aside from being the greatest pastor in the world (and I can say that because he is my pastor after all), he is a devoted family man, and he loves children. He is also a great advocate of education—he takes time out from his already busy schedule to attend graduations of all kinds, be they kindergarten, junior high, or high school. However, Pastor Clark has yet to attend a college graduation, and if The Lord says the same, Pastor Clark will achieve that milestone when I graduate from Rust College on April 24, 2016.

Pastor Clark, I salute you. Keep on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Oh, yeah—thank you so much for keepin’ it one-hunnid!

Tomorrow’s Spotlight:  Cheryl Yvette Cunningham!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Spotlight on Mr. Chuck

Hi, Everyone!

So, today’s Black History Spotlight is all about a good friend to the family, Mr. Charles Andrew Frazier—but I know him as “Mr. Chuck!”

Born in Jackson, Mississippi on April 25, 1965, Mr. Chuck is the middle of five children. As a child, he had a strong, profound love for cooking, so much so that he tried to make pancakes at nine years old, but hit a roadblock when he remembered the household rule of turning the stove on. With such a love for cooking, Mr. Chuck graduated from Alcorn A&M University in Lorman, Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. From there, his dream led him to Chicago, Illinois, where he enrolled in a culinary school, and graduated head of the class. After graduation, Mr. Chuck literally worked his way up at a Chicago diner which he frequented; he started as a host, then moved on as a waiter, later transitioned as an assistant chef, and finally became the head chef. In 1993, he was chosen as the head chef at one of Chicago’s best restaurants.

And then fate intervened on Mr. Chuck’s behalf!

In 1995, on his 30^th birthday, Mr. Chuck met and fell in love with Regina Hayes, who was a regular customer. The two joined together in holy matrimony on May 18, 1996, and they ultimately left Chicago and resided in Culver City, California in 1997. Coincidentally, they live across the street from my Gramma Jewel.

It can be said that 1998 was Mr. Chuck’s year—his son Kevin was born on May 21, and just a little over a month later, on June 22, Mr. Chuck finally saw his dream come true, as he opened up his restaurant, Chuck’s Delta Dinin’. The most popular item on the menu is the ever-so-delicious Delta Burger—your choice of Angus beef or turkey patty, bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles.

Damn, I could just taste that Delta Burger right now!

Tomorrow’s Spotlight: Rev. Jerome E. Clark, Sr.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Spotlight on Cousin Candace

Hi, Everyone!

You know, my Grampa Clark used to say: “If you’re gonna do something, don’t half-ass the job—go ahead and use your full ass!”

With that said, I got to thinking: It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t highlight a historic figure in Black History today. Therefore, today’s spotlight is on my eldest cousin, Candace Cassandra Jones.

Affectionately known as “Candi-Girl” to her family and friends, Candace was born September 18, 1987 in Los Angeles, California to Anthony and Stephanie Jones. Despite being an only child, Candace was quite the gregarious gal; her upbeat spirit and infectious smile would make any man, woman, child or dog light up.

Candace took off to the races when she became the first grandchild of Vivian Jewel Jones to attend college; she attended Bennett University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated April 25, 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Upon returning home, Candace began to work on her dream of opening and running her own dance studio. In reaching for that dream, Candace shattered the glass ceiling and became the first in our family to attend graduate school. In doing so, she earned her MBA on June 4, 2011.

Today, Candace is currently working as a bank teller, which is really a blessing in disguise on account of she is saving money towards her dream. She is very optimistic in that one day, adults and children will be signing up to join Candi-Lite Dance (yes, she has already chosen a name and has gotten it trademarked). She is truly an example of faith in action. She observes vacant buildings, and surveys them for moments at a time. Once can tell just by her mannerisms whether or not she likes a particular building; if she likes it, she will nod and shimmy, but if she doesn’t like it, then she’ll frown and walk away.

In case you haven’t noticed, Candace is very passionate about dancing. She’s always studying dances such as the Waltz, the Cha-Cha, the Electric Slide, and even the Wobble. There’s even a running joke in our family that when Candace was born, she came out dancin’… hahahahaha!

It won’t be long until Candi-Lite Dance officially opens, and I for one will be there for the grand opening—and hell, I’ll even sign up for a class.

Tomorrow’s Spotlight: Charles Andrew Frazier!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Celebrating Black History 2013

Photo Credit: http://www.iaohra.org

Hi, Everyone!

Since February is designated for Black History Month, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge some of my fellow brothers and sisters. We all know about the legends: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Phyllis Wheatley, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Ralph Bunche… and the list goes on and on. And then we have great entertainers like Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Sidney Poitier, and Dr. William H. Cosby Jr.

And of course, we have the First Family—President & First Lady Obama, their lovely daughters Sasha and Malia, and their dog Bo. You can’t leave Bo out!

This week, I will spotlight some great historians that I know personally—some in my family, some in my neighborhood, and some in my church. Today is just an introduction of what to expect in my blogs this week… and by the way, I thought about highlighting myself, but that would be too easy; besides, y’all already know that I am the last in my family to attend college. I’ve been pointing that out since I started writing these blogs. And then too, I’ve already highlighted Great Gramma Lynn, Grampa Clark, Gramma Jewel, and even Great Aunt Reesie. Heck, I’ve even highlighted Ruby and Theo, but fortunately, there are other great historians that I know personally.

Well, I’ve got to get going, but check out the list of individuals who made the cut—all of whom I know personally.

·         Tuesday, February 19: Charles Andrew Frazier

·         Wednesday, February 20: Rev. Jerome E. Clark, Sr.

·         Thursday, February 21: Cheryl Yvette Cunningham

·         Friday, February 22: Gregory Otis Coleman

·         Saturday, February 23: Gladys Lorraine Nelson

·         Sunday, February 24: Thelma Jean Davis

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good one!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Highlights of This Week In Review

Hi, Everyone!

Today is Saturday, February 16, 2013, just two days removed from Valentine’s Day. I just finished cleaning up my room, and “Special” by Vesta is playing on my radio. My lavender roses are still in full bloom, and I’ve got my Share Bear Care Bear resting comfortably atop the covers of my bed.

Valentine’s Day aside, this has been yet another interesting week in my life, and it all began with a surprise visit from my Cali peeps. Now, if I got excited from that little celebration, I can only imagine what Commencement 2016 will be like when all of L.A. comes out to see me walk that aisle and obtain my Elementary Education degree. Once again, I want to take this time to thank Mom & Dad, Gramma Jewel, Rebecca, and Mother Davis for taking time out of their L.A. schedule just to make my 19^th birthday so memorable. Of course, I cannot leave out Great Aunt Reesie, Great Aunt Donna, Auntie Gladys, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica—although I knew they would pay me a visit.

In other news, it is to my understanding that Gramma Jewel and Mother Davis have been treated to a double date this afternoon. I talked to Gramma Jewel yesterday evening, and she told that she has been courted by a gentleman at her church. They have been going out for a while, but according to Gramma Jewel, it ain’t nothin’ too serious—it’s just “two old ass senior citizens socializing.”

Yes, those were her exact words.

Anyway, Gramma Jewel says that she and Mother Davis are just excited about their first after-Valentine double date since Lord knows when. I only have three words to say about the whole situation: You Go, Girls!

Well, that’s enough blogging for today. It’s just me and Ruby chillin’ out this afternoon. What about Neo Theo? Well, he’s a little occupied with something called “a first date with Olivia Sampson.” And you already know that Ruby and I are gonna grill Theo like a cheese sandwich… only because we want the best for him!

Until next time, y’all have a good rest-on-the-weekend!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Real Love

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’m listening to this song from my mom’s favorite singer, Lisa Stansfield—I may have taken my mom’s Lisa Stansfield CD with me to Rust, and she actually knew about it… hahaha! Anyway, Track #10 on Lisa Stansfield’s “Real Love” CD has the following lyrics:

“Real Love, where do you come from? Real Love, lead the way.”

As I was listening to that song, I automatically thought about my sweetie pie back in L.A., and I thought very hard about the words that Miss Stansfield was singing. It is a well-known fact that real love is tried and true. According to what I’ve read in I Corinthians 13:4, love is patient and kind; it is neither jealous nor boastful.

Okay, so in essence, Real Love comes from up above!

I understand that and I believe it wholeheartedly. I guess my true question is: How do I know if I’m really in love with Ray? I mean, I don’t hear any bell chimes or birds chirping when I see him. Granted, everytime I receive a letter from him, my heart skips a beat and I start blushing, but how do I know that it’s not a crush? I guess that’s why I’m scared to say those three words to him. Heck, for all I know, Ray could be feeling the same way about me. You know, it’s one thing to fall in love, and it’s a wonderful feeling to be in love, however, it’s a whole horse of another color when you actually love someone.

Let’s face it: I can say in great faith that I really do love my mom, my dad, my Auntie Cheryl, my Uncle Alex, my Gramma Jewel—hell, everyone in my family, and that includes my honorary sister Rebecca! I love my pastor and first lady, and I love my friends Ruby and Theo. However, when it comes to Ray… I mean, I like him and I want to get to know him better, but at the moment I think I’m just in love with him. I reckon Ray and I will have to talk about this when I come home for the summer.

Until then, I have to say like Lisa Stansfield: “Real Love, where do you come from? Real Love, lead the way.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Love Is Definitely In The Air!

Hi, Everyone—and Happy Valentine’s Day!

So, I just came back from the post office. I received my Valentine gift from Ray… he really is a sweetie pie!

Ray gave me a plush Share Bear Care Bear, peanut butter cookies, and not just one, but a dozen lavender roses. He also wrote me this really sweet letter:

My Dearest Natasha:

I tried to come up with the perfect inscription, but I can only speak from the heart. I wish I could spend this day with you, just to see that beautiful smile on your lovely face, but since I can’t hold you, I can dream about you. I know this much is true—Natasha, I’m in love with you. Until we meet again, I want you to have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Lotsa Love,

Ray

And I want to go ahead and state for the record: I have not yet stopped blushing!

I should also point out that Theo gave me and Ruby our own personalized Valentine card and some chocolate; he said that we were his very special Valentines. Well, Ruby and I thought that was really sweet of Theo, but imagine his surprise when we gave him a Valentine card and a kiss on the cheek—Theo was in Heaven yet again. And the icing on the cake for Theo: Olivia, his special admirer, gave him a Valentine candy gram and a kiss above his left eye. Trust me when I tell y’all—that girl’s fawnin’ over Theo!

Overall, it was a great Valentine’s Day for Ruby and Theo… and for little ol’ me! I’m probably gonna hear it all over the campus for the next couple of days, but it’s gonna be worth it.

By the way, I should be hearing from Ray within the next week about his Valentine gift from me.

Until tomorrow, I hope y’all have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

One Excited Little Smurfette

Hi, Everyone!

Before I begin today’s blog, I have a special announcement: Mom, Dad, Gramma Jewel, Becky, and Mother Davis made it back home safely. I talked to Dad just last night—Mom had just gone to bed, and she was doin’ some kinda snorin’! Anyway, Dad said that Cousin Candace was gonna pick them all up from the airport, but her car couldn’t fit everybody. Fortunately, Gramma Jewel had her next door neighbor Mr. D on standby, so it all worked out.

Well, we have officially one more day until Valentine’s Day, and y’all already know—you’re lookin’ at one excited little Smurfette! I am really looking forward to what Ray got for me… and I want to state for the record that I am very easy to please. I’m not one of those materialistic, high-strung, spoiled brats—I am very appreciative of any gift, and to be honest, no one has to break the bank to impress me. I do realize that it really is the thought that counts, so with that said, I am already grateful for the gift that Ray has given me. As I may have mentioned in a previous blog, he intentionally gave me an easy clue that he’s giving me a lavender rose, but as for the rest of my gift… well, this bright-eyed girl is mystified.

By the way, I want to publicly thank Mr. and Mrs. Hudspeth for allowing me to use their oven this past weekend. They said that I put plenty of imagination into the Valentine brownies that I made for Ray. As a matter of fact, Mr. Hudspeth went on record and said: “Natasha, if this fella back in L.A. don’t scoop you up soon, then Mrs. H and I are gonna have to take a special trip just to straighten him up.”

Awwwwwwwww—that’s sweet of Mr. Hudspeth to say, but he doesn’t have to worry. Ray wouldn’t be going to all the trouble of making me feel special if he didn’t really like me.

Okay, y’all—it’s almost time for me to go to my Geometry & Trig class. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow, but until then, keep your girl lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Continuation of My Natural High

Hi, Everyone!

I am still like, super-duper excited!

Notwithstanding that Valentine’s Day is a mere two days away, I have not come down from my natural high, which came as a result of this past weekend. Once again, I thank and praise God for such a wonderful family. Now, I realize that not everyone could come out from Cali—and I completely and fully understand that you had previous engagements (i.e., you gotta work and you gotta eat)—but I do appreciate the phone calls, the song dedications, and the well-wishes. I also want my Cali family to know that Miss Rebecca Ann Morgan and Mrs. Thelma Jean Davis were quite the ambassadors of Cali.

Overall, it was a beautiful birthday weekend, and y’all already know that I will forever cherish these precious memories in my heart… and that bananarama birthday cake was freakin’ delicious! My family knows what I love!

Well, my fam should be in the air flyin’ back to Cali right about now. They stopped by to visit me this morning before my Geometry & Trig class, and they continued to keep me encouraged. Side Note: Rebecca is thinking about attending Rust College. She said that she has heard so much about it that she’s seriously considering admission. I told her to let me know and I’ll get the paperwork for her. Oh, by the way: Rebecca also thinks that Theo is cute! I told her that she should holla at him, but she was actin’ all everything. Check this out, though: She got him a Valentine card and asked me to give it to him as soon as I see him.

Wow—Theo’s got two not-so-secret admirers… some of us ain’t able!

It looks like I had better close today’s blog, but I’ll be back tomorrow with another gooden. Until then, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha