He Is Indeed Risen, Y'all!

Happy Resurrection Sunday, Everybody!

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen! Hallelujah!

Well, I may as well tell y’all: I did in fact go to Sunrise Service with Auntie Gladys… like I had a choice—hahahaha! Let me say this, though: It sure wasn’t easy waking up at five in the morning to go to church, but I did it. Besides, I had Mother Fields’ words resonating in my mind from last Easter—if Christ got up for me, then I can surely get up for Christ. And what I found amazing was that Auntie Gladys said the same thing to me on the way to church this morning.

By the way: Auntie Gladys told me that she “ain’t missed not nann-one Sunrise Service in the past 30 years.” That is a marvelous record, considering that this was my very first Sunrise Service that I ever attended… in the South, anyway. I will say this, though: I enjoyed it very much! Auntie Gladys’ church was about eightysomething percent full, and her pastor preached from Mark 16:6, with a very simple topic: “He’s Alive!”

And as you can see in the photo that I retrieved from the internet, Jesus Christ is very much alive. Even now, he is seated at the Right Hand of our Heavenly Father—and even though I am nineteen years old, I would like to be in that number when the saints go marching in. Ironically enough, they sang that song at church this morning, and as we were singing, I hunched Auntie Gladys and told her: “I don’t care what number I am—three, five thousand, or 16,989,315—as long as I’m in that number when God calls me.”

Auntie Gladys just winked at me and said: “You betta come on and say that, Child!”

I cannot say officially if this is a new tradition for me, but I can tell you that I enjoyed every moment of my first Southern Resurrection Sunday service. And I may as well go ahead and tell you that Auntie Gladys’ church don’t mess around when it comes to breakfast. I wanted to put a biscuit and a sausage patty in my purse, but I didn’t want it to permeate throughout the church… hahahaha!

Now, we’re supposed to be going over to Great Aunt Donna’s for Easter dinner—and I have it on good authority that Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica are on their way, even as of this blog post. After it’s all said and done, though, I’m gonna head back to Bearcat Country.

Oh, and while I have this opportunity, I want to wish a special Happy 19th Birthday to my roommate and fellow Bearcat, Miss Ruby Red herself, Ruby Jean Hudspeth! Celebrate it well, Girlie! Love ya lots!

Well, I guess I had better be going, but I’m gonna close this blog the best way I know how: This is a song that we sang at Auntie Gladys’ church—“He’s Alive” by DeAndre Patterson.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Words of Wisdom from Auntie Gladys, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

So, Auntie Gladys and I just had a hearty breakfast—blueberry pancakes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fruit salad, and scrambled eggs with shredded cheese. I’m pretty full right now, yet I keep sneaking in and getting another piece of cantaloupe or honeydew melon… hahaha!

By the way, Auntie Gladys is a hoot and a half. She’s been entertaining me with stories from her college days, and almost all of her stories involve some kind of adventure with my Gramma Jewel. I believe I mentioned this once upon a time, but Gramma Jewel and Auntie Gladys were roommates in their freshman year at Rust—and that was in 1953. She was telling me a story last night about how she and Gramma Jewel had this weekly track and field competition. Here’s how it went down: They both claimed to be the fastest runner of ‘em all, so they decided to have a race. The winner would have bragging rights, and the loser would pay for the other’s lunch. Auntie Gladys said that more often than not, the races would end in a tie, so they would race again. If the second race ended in a tie, they would race again until someone fell out… and Auntie Gladys said that there was one particular time where Gramma Jewel said: “The hell with this—I forfeit, now let’s go to lunch!”

That does sound a lot like Gramma Jewel, especially when she’s had enough… hahahaha!

And I just noticed something amazing: Here we are, about 60 years later, and I have a roommate who I consider to be my best friend… y’all already know that I’m talking about my girl Ruby Red (that’s Ruby’s nickname). And would you believe that Auntie Gladys pointed that out? As a matter of fact, her exact words were: “Tasha-Honey, you betta hold on to Ruby, and don’t let go of Theo, either. When y’all came over for dinner a couple Saturdays ago, I could tell that y’all would be as tight as superglue and titanium steel. Trust me when I tell ya, Tasha—after y’all graduate from Rust in a couple years, y’all gon’ redefine the phrase ‘best friends forever.’ Watch what I tell ya!”

 

You know, I was always taught to listen to my elders, in particular those who are willing to share their wisdom. Well, much like my Gramma Jewel, my Auntie Gladys has such wisdom in her words. She ain’t 77 years old for nothin’; she’s seen it, lived it, and done it.

I’m thinking now—when I get back to the campus, I’m gonna challenge Ruby to a race… hahahaha!

Anyway, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Take care!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

A Very Good Friday Indeed

Hi, Everyone—and greetings from Memphis, Tennessee!

First of all, I would like to wish a Happy Good Friday to all of you. It’s amazing to me that this past Sunday, the people wer shouting “Hosanna” when Jesus Christ rode into town on a mule, and here it is, a mere five days later, and those same people shouted “Crucify him!” It lets me know that people are fickle. Well, that point notwithstanding, I had a good long conversation with my Auntie Gladys this morning at breakfast; we were talking about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I guess because of I was thinking with my finite mind, I had problems with those fickle people. And then too, I questioned why Jesus would not just send angels from Heaven to come down and wipe out each and every last one of those conspirators. Well, Auntie Gladys simply smiled at me and said: “Tasha-Hon, it’s easy to think that way, but when you look at it from a spiritual standpoint, you will discover that it’s a good thing that Christ died. Think about it, Tasha: Would you wanna have that heavy burden of dying for someone’s sins? There ain’t nobody on this planet that would even so much as die for our next door neighbor’s sins, let alone the sins of the world.”

And I tell y’all—my eyes were opened upon that revelation.

Speaking of Auntie Gladys, y’all know that I’m staying with her for a couple of days—at least until it’s time to go back to Rust. I already know that we are gonna go to church on Sunday, but I think Auntie Gladys wants to go to Sunrise Service. I honestly can’t tell y’all the last time I attended a Sunrise Service at anyone’s church, much less my own, but I do recall my mentor, the late Mother Harriette Fields, always testifying that “since He got up for me, I’m gonna get up for Him.” Well, if Auntie Gladys wants to go to Sunrise Service, then that’s what we’re gonna do. I can tell you this, though: I’m gonna be some kinda tired when I get up that late; I’m not accustomed to getting up around five or six in the morning. Even when I was excited to go home for Christmas, I didn’t get up until like seven or seven-thirty in the morning.

But there is always a first time for everything, isn’t it?

Oh, by the way: Even though I've learned all about the true meaning of why we celebrate Easter, I cannot lie—the kid in me still wants to go on an Easter Egg Hunt at my church... I’m just sayin’!

In any event, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

I Have No Class!

Hi, Everyone!

Just in case you misread the title of today’s blog, let me assure you that you did not. Yes, it’s true: I, Natasha Renee Stewart, have no class today and tomorrow!

Now, just in case some of you read too much into that statement, let me assure you that I do have class—it’s just that, as far as my academic career is concerned, my classes are postponed until Monday, April 1, 2013. I’m almost certain that a good number of you were like: “Wait, hold up—Tasha ain’t got no class? I thought she was raised on high morals and respect!” Well, don’t worry, y’all—I may be a Vipress, but I’m not that far gone… hahahaha!

Well, anyway, since I am free of academics for the next couple of days, I think it’s time for a little vacation, per se. I just made a call to Memphis, Tennessee and called my Auntie Gladys—and check this out: Before I could even ask her if I could stay with her, she asks me: “What time do you want me to come get’cha, Girlie?”

Great minds really do think alike!

With that said, I’m packing a couple of clothes just for the weekend, and I also have a dress to wear for Easter… excuse me, Resurrection Sunday. And while I’m thinking about it, I just may write a special Resurrection Sunday blog; after all, this is gonna be my first Easter without my Cali fam, and I know y’all would like to know what it’s like to have a Southern Resurrection Sunday church experience.

By the way, my speech instructor said yesterday afternoon that our “major” speech will be postponed until April 1—the reason being that tomorrow is Good Friday. That’s a good enough reason, if you ask me. Besides, I need a little more work on my speech—I reckon I’ll try it out on Auntie Gladys and see if she likes it.

Well, y’all, that’s gonna do it for today. Let me go ahead and finish packin’ up this miniature bag, and I’ll be hollin’ at y’all on tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

My Convo with Mr. D

Hi, Everyone!

So, I just got done taking my Physical Science midterm. As of right now, my mind is a complete blank; all I remember is that my professor said that we may leave after we turn in our midterm. I remember completing it and turning it in, but that’s all I remember. I’ll find out the result on Monday.

And Lord help me—Monday is April Fools’ Day!

Anyway, on to some much pleasant news: I called Mr. D back home in Cali and told him about my assignment in Grammar & Comp II. It was no surprise that he was thrilled to help me “get another A+,” as he so put it. Well, I spoke to Mr. D for a good hour and ten minutes about his dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher. He began by telling me that he comes from a long line of teachers; his mother, the late Sylvia E. Douglas, was a great educator, as was his grandfather, Gary McKenzie. However, even after having graduated from college, Mr. D didn’t just get a teaching job all willy-nilly—he had to pass a teacher’s exam in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and even after he did so, his first job was taking inventory at his father’s office supply store.

Mr. D then told me that he received a glimpse of his dream when he became a substitute Third Grade teacher. Once the position ended, Mr. D was inspired by his older sister to move to Southern California. Upon doing so, Mr. D worked at a children’s department store, but it wasn’t until a conversation with my Grampa Clark that his dream began to sprout life.

You know, I could go on and on about my conversation with Mr. D, but I think it’s best to save it all for my paper. However, I don’t want my paper to sound like a traditional dissertation—if anything, y’all know that I’m gonna add some life to it. It's due in a couple of minutes, and I only have so much time to put all of my notes together and make another A+ paper.

Perhaps I’ll holla at y’all later on this evening, but until then, y’all be good.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Choice for an Influential Figure

Hi, Everyone!

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, my next assignment in my Grammar & Comp II class is to type up a five-page paper on an influential figure in my life. I forgot to mention, however, that this paper is due next Monday. My professor was rather lenient, saying that the influential figure could be a family member or a celebrity. I believe I mentioned yesterday that I had five choices, all of whom are in my family. I got to thinking, though, and I thought of five more influential peeps who have inspired me. I could have just as easily chosen my mom, my dad, my Auntie Cherri, or even Rebecca Ann, but after careful deliberation, I decided to choose a very close family friend: Mr. Bret George Douglas—or as I more commonly know him, “Mr. D.”

Check out what I’ve written about him so far:

“I have many influential figures in my life, some of whom have been called from labor to reward. It would be so easy for me to spotlight my parents or my grandmother, but I would like to put the spotlight on a very close friend to my family—in fact, this individual is so close that sometimes I refer to him as my uncle.

Ladies and gentlemen, the most influential individual in my life is Bret George Douglas.”

This is all I have right now, but later on this evening, I will be calling Mr. D and asking him some questions about his life and career; I will be sure to give him a heads-up and let him know that I chose to write about him. I’m sure that he will be thrilled. Of course, my professor wants to know (in full detail) why and how Mr. D has influenced me. Well, in keeping up with the theme of pursuing one’s dreams and going the distance, Mr. D always had a dream to teach kindergarteners. I do know that he is my Grampa Clark’s successor, but I don’t really know the whole story as to how Mr. D achieved his dream. I’m very certain that it didn’t come without sacrifice, but that’s what I would like to find out from Mr. D… I may as well quote that guy from Dirty Harry: “Hey, I gotsta know!”

And I may have mentioned this before, but that dude was just plain stupid to say that to Dirty Harry—I mean, what if that gun had just one more bullet? I’m just sayin’!

Anyway, I better get my notes prepared for my next Grammar & Comp II assignment, and then I gotta work on my speech about why I’m choosing to study Elementary Education. I’ll holla at y’all lata!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Can My Success Be Matched?

Hi, Everyone!

I feel like quoting the Mamas and the Papas:

Monday, Monday—sounds good to me…

So, I just got my research paper back from my Grammar & Comp II class, and just like I predicted, I received an A+!

Forgive me if this sounds cocky, but I knew all along that I was gonna get an A+. In the famous words of my Grampa Clark, I didn’t half-ass the assignment—I used my full ass. It would’ve been different if I waited until the last minute and tried to put some baloney together on the fly, but that has never been my style. And then too, when it came down to it, I used actual research on why Los Angeles is a great place to live and visit. Not only did I use my research, but I also used my experience as a native Los Angeleno.

And check out what my professor wrote on my cover page:

“Natasha, this is exceptionally, outstandingly excellent work—you are to be commended! I enjoyed your research paper so much that I almost called Southwest Airlines and booked a flight for Los Angeles. Your research was topnotch and the photos of your family and friends sealed the deal for me. Who better to tell me all about L.A. except an actual L.A. native? Keep up the good work, Natasha—this is your best work yet, and I am looking forward to the next paper!”

I only have two words to say: HOT DAMN, Y’ALL!!!

I’m glad that my professor enjoyed my paper so much, but now comes the question: Can I top this? Is it possible to go above and beyond the standards that I personally set for myself? I mean, let’s be real: In wrestling, the most prestigious title is the World Heavyweight Championship Belt; after that, there are no higher title. As far as I know, I can’t get any higher than an A+, but I can damn sure work for another one.

Having said that, here is my next paper: I have to write about an inspirational figure in my life, whether they are a family member or a celebrity. Much like my last paper it must be five pages, double-spaced, 12-font, and it must have a reference page. I have five people already in mind, but I’m gonna give you my choice in tomorrow’s blog.

Oh, and check this out: Notwithstanding my Grammar & Comp II paper and my upcoming speech assignment this Friday, I have a midterm in my Physical Science class. I tell y’all—Rust is really crankin’ it on a sista. They wanna see if this Cali girl really has the heart, soul, passion and desire that she says she has. Well, let me be the one to tell you: I can back it up in more ways than one, Baby! You’re looking at Natasha Renee Stewart—Ben & Dani’s baby girl, Vivian Jones’ youngest granddaughter, Alex & Cheryl’s niece… and yes, I’m even known as the Hollywood Vipress. I think I made mention of it before, but it looks like I gotta declare one mo’ ginn that I can and I will in fact go the distance—just you watch me!

But I digress.

In any event, this Physical Science midterm is focused on everything that we’ve gone over since class started a little over three weeks ago. I haven’t told y’all, but I’ve taken at least two hours each day to study for this dang-blasted midterm… oh, and did I mention that the midterm is Wednesday?

Calling all Prayer Warriors! Calling all my Prayer Warriors!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy #45, Auntie Cherri!

Hi, Everyone!

As I promised, I have a very special blog for y’all.

Today is Sunday, March 24, 2013, and it’s a very special day for someone whom I love dearly. She stands five feet three inches tall, and was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She’s a current resident of Long Beach, California, and she’s everyone’s hero.

Yes, y’all—today is my Auntie Cherri’s 45^th birthday, and when I spoke to her this afternoon, she was quick to tell me: “I’m not just 45—I’m 45 and foxy!”

In celebration of Aunt Cherri’s #45, I went ahead and look up some historic milestones that took place on the day she was born. Check this out: When Auntie Cherri was born, the price of a postage stamp was six cents, the price of a loaf of bread was twenty-two cents, and gasoline was thirty-four cents a gallon—YES, LAWD!!!

And if you can believe it, minimum wage was $1.60 an hour.

In entertainment news, actor Norman Fell of Three’s Company fame celebrated his 44^th birthday, while Steve McQueen celebrated his 38^th birthday. Also, the top songs of 1968 were “Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, and the top television shows were Mission: Impossible, The Avengers, Adam-12, and Batman.

And in politics, the United States was under the regime of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey… and I just realized that Vice President Humphrey was the original Triple H (hahahaha)!

My, how times have changed since Auntie Cherri was born—I’m just sayin’!

Well anyway, I want to celebrate Auntie Cherri’s birthday the right way. With that said, I found a clip on YouTube of her favorite song: “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston. Go ‘head on and celebrate your #45, Aunt Cherri—love you lots, and God Bless!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Time To Take It Up A Notch!

Hi, Everyone!

Here it is, another Saturday afternoon, and I gotta tell y’all—I feel great. Granted, I’m worn out from the activities of the week, but I still have a smile on my face and that beautiful joy in my heart.

Okay, that was really corny, even for me… hahahaha! But it’s the truth, though—I am feelin’ fantastic, all things considered.

One of the reasons for this overexcitement is because I am about to enter the fourth week of the fourth and final module. Y’all know what this means: Summer School is right around the corner… hahaha! I’m excited about Summer School because I get to get an early start on my major. I’ve been taking a look at the classes that I need to take for my sophomore year, and from what I see, it ain’t gonna be easy. Just when I thought I was done with anything mathematical, I take a look in the catalog and discover that I have to take a damn math elective.

What the hell?! Didn’t I suffer enough in Geometry & Trigonometry? I’m just askin’!

Well, then again, there is a silver lining course called Foundations of Education—that sounds like it’s informative and fun… and I guess that I better take a look at this catalog and see which of these mathematic electives I want to take. Y’all oughta know me by now: I’m gonna pick a class that’s not as challenging. Hell, if you want me to tell the truth about it, if it were up to me—if I had had my way—I’d take Geometry & Trig all over again (oh, if it were only that easy). And even as I look at this catalog for a math elective, it seems as though this Abstract Algebra I class is the only course that I may be able to handle. However, in light of my mathematic miracles, I want to once again state for the record that I am not now, nor have I ever been, a math wiz.

And by the way: What the hell is a PRAXIS?!

It looks like I had better enjoy this “smooth sailing” while it lasts, because from what I can see, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna get any easier. Yet and still, I’m not gonna break—I can go the distance. Yes, it’s an uphill slope, but I ain’t gonna lose hope. I’ve come too far to give up now, especially when I know that I’ve got so many people back home in Cali rootin’ for me—I can and I will go the distance!

Well, that’s it for today. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow with a special Sunday blog.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Meanwhile, Back In Southern Cali...

Hi, Everyone!

So, today is Friday, March 22, 2013… and it just hit me—today is my Auntie Brenda’s 47^th birthday. Happy Birthday, Auntie Bren, and may The Good Lord continue to rain blessings down upon you. Love ya lots!

So, the weekend is finally upon us, and I'm looking forward to every moment of it. By the way, here is my next speech assignment: I have to talk about why I chose to pursue a degree in the major of my choice. I get the feeling that this speech is gonna be fairly easy. I mean, let’s be real—I’ve got more than enough reasons as to why I want to be a teacher, with the obvious reason being my Grampa Clark—and I’ve been saying that since my debut in August. Needless to say, I’m gonna have some hellified fun with this here speech!

In other news, I had a good long conversation with Becky last night, and she was telling me how excited she is about graduating from adult school in about three months. I’ll be home by then, and of course I’ll be cheerin’ her on. She also told me about a recent term paper that she received an A+ on. Her paper was a dedication to my Great Gramma Lynn, my Gramma Jewel, and my Auntie Cherri, and it was entitled “Lynn, Vivian, and Cheryl: Past, Present, & Future.” She read the paper to me, and I was like, “Wow!” And I’m not saying that because Becky is practically family—I’m saying it because it’s the truth. Becky focused on each lady individually, and brought it home at the end by talking about how they each inspired and encouraged her. Becky did a damn good job on that paper, and she deserved to get an A+ on it!

Becky also told me how she and Gramma Jewel had a chili cheese party two weeks ago. I sure hate that I missed it (for obvious reasons), but mainly because Becky helped with most of the cooking. I am to understand that she showed out on the chili cheese nachos. It sounds like Becky is becoming quite the cook, and it’s all because she’s been hangin’ around Gramma Jewel; she’s got that kinda effect on people.

It sounds like my family is managing to have a lotta fun without me—and that’s cool and all, but it won’t be long until I make my next big return. After all, the summertime is just around the bend… I mean, it’s just around the corner, and we’ll definitely have to have a chili cheese night.

In case you haven’t caught on, I am a huge fan of chili and cheese!

Oh, yeah: Cousin Calvin and Cousin Nessa told me not to feel so bad on account of they missed the chili cheese night as well. It had rained something serious, and understandably so, they didn’t want to get caught up in that ugly traffic.

Well, y’all, I had better head on back to my Bearcat duties—in particular, get started on my next speech. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Ain't No Lemons In It... LMAO!!!

Hi, Everyone!

Before I begin today’s blog, I want to wish a Happy 32^nd Birthday to my godbrother Howie Douglas. Love ya, Howie-D... and make sure Miss Jessica takes you someplace that you truly love!

Today’s blog is so random—or as Ruby and Theo would say, so far off to the left that it’s a shame.

So, yesterday afternoon, Ruby and I were watching this episode of The Simpsons, in which Bart had rallied a group of his fellow Springfield kids to wage war against the neighboring town of Shelbyville for stealing a lemon tree. Ruby didn’t remember this episode too well, so needless to say, I told her how imperative it was that she watched it.

There is a scene in which one Martin Prince of Springfield grabs an innocent Shelbyville child and hems him up against a tree. The irony is delicious because Martin is painted as a timid little nerd, but in this episode, he is anything but. As a matter of fact, Martin demands that the little boy explain where he got the lemons to make his lemonade. The little boy, fearing for his life, immediately pulls out a packet of Country Time lemonade mix, and further explains to Martin: “There’s never been anything remotely close to a lemon in it—I swear!”

And that’s when Ruby and I both fell out laughing!

Just that scene alone is priceless… I mean, the way that little boy pleaded his case with Martin, and went on to tell him that there was not one trace of actual lemon in the mix—oh, and lest I forget, when the little boy explained about the lemonade mix, his little hand was shaking in fear, and it was so bad that you could actually hear the contents of the packet.

About a week before I made my Mississippi debut, I went grocery shopping with Gramma Jewel. We walked past the Country Time lemonade mix, and we just holla’d laughing. I remember Gramma Jewel saying to me: “Tasha, I think you betta leave that where it is—you know ain’t no lemons in it!”

And then we broke out laughing some more.

Well, that’s gonna do it for today’s blog—and I really enjoyed this random silly moment; I think I need to do this more often. In any event, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow, but until then, remember that there isn’t a trace of lemon in Country Time Lemonade Mix… hahahahaha!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Gramma Jewel's Ready to Sparkle Again!

Gramma Jewel loves the kids! :)

Hi, Everyone!

I just got out of my Physical Science class, and I decided to take advantage of an opportunity and talk to y’all before my Grammar & Comp II class.

First of all, I’m done with my speech about my personal anthem. I’ll tell you this much: I really believe that I put a lot of heart and soul into this speech on account of I think I wept a little. Truth be told—Michael Bolton’s “Go The Distance” really suits me very well, and I want to show that in my speech class this afternoon.

Notwithstanding my Auntie Cherri’s celebrity status, there’s more good news back home in Cali: It has been brought to my attention that my Gramma Jewel is volunteering as a nurse at Sapp Elementary... yes, the same Sapp Elementary where my Grampa Clark devoted 16 years as a kindergarten teacher before passing the torch to our family friend Mr. D! Anyway, Gramma Jewel told me over the weekend that she has an opportunity to become a full-time nurse, providing she does well in her one-month volunteering work. She told me that her first day on the job was interesting, in that she hadn’t been on the job for fifteen minutes, and she tended to a little girl that skinned her knee. The way Gramma Jewel told the story of how she explained to the little girl about the “stinging stuff” would hurt and help… it reminded me of when I skinned my knee as a little girl. As a matter of fact, I still kinda have a little scar on my knee after all these years.

I truly believe that Gramma Jewel has been revitalized by her volunteering job. Think about it: She was a nurse for about 17 years at the Culver City Children’s Hospital, until she retired in 1994. However, she was quick to point out to me that—and these are her exact words—“nursin’ is still in my blood, Baby!” So, I truly believe that Gramma Jewel will be up at Sapp Elementary as a full-time employee real soon. Besides, she’s been talking about how The Lord has blessed her golden years and the vigor of a teenage girl, so this change will do her some good. And then too, what are the odds that she's working side by side (in a manner of speaking) with Mr. D?

Gramma Jewel, you tell me this all the time, so it’s my turn to tell you: What God has for you, is for you. Just keep on trustin’ and believin’, Baby—your blessing is definitely on its way!

Well, let me go ahead and get to my Grammar & Comp II class. Until tomorrow, y’all…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Personal Theme Song

Hi, Everyone!

As I promised on yesterday, this is the speech that I’m going to give tomorrow in my speech class. Check it out:

“‘Go The Distance’ by Michael Bolton is my personal anthem. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Bolton sang this song with his whole heart and soul, the lyrics to the song describe my current situation: Born a native Los Angeleno, I am a current (and temporary) resident of Holly Springs, Mississippi, as I am a full-time student at Rust College. In the second verse of ‘Go The Distance,’ Mr. Bolton describes my situation as ‘an unknown road to embrace my fate.’ No doubt that this road has many inevitable detours and stop signs, and even some potholes, but the ultimate goal/destination is my graduation in 2016, and eventually my hero’s welcome when I return to Los Angeles, California.”

And then I go on to explain in full detail what the lyrics of “Go The Distance” mean to me. For instance, there is another verse that says: “To look beyond the glory is the hardest part, for a hero’s strength is measured by his heart.” I go on to compare this particular verse to Philippians 3:14, where Paul tells us to “press toward the mark for the prize.” In other words, a real true hero realizes that he or she has to focus on what’s in front of them (the mark) before they get to their destination (the prize).

Oh, I’m still lovin’ every minute of my speech class.

By the way: Y’all already know that I had to use a photo of Michael Bolton and “Go The Distance” in this blog to drive home my point!

Well, that’s enough news for today. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Third Module Miracle!

Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out: I got an interesting phone call from my mom yesterday evening, congratulating me for my straight A’s. I honestly had no idea what she was talking about, but I still thanked her. After a good hour-long convo, I started questioning when the third module report cards came out. Well, according to Ruby, they were mailed off week. Of course, this meant that I had received my copy in my mailbox; the only caveat was that I hadn’t checked my mail in a week.

Y’all, I am happy to report that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, did in fact receive straight A’s in the third module!

You wanna talk about genuinely overjoyed and flabbergasted—the way I screamed, you would’ve thought I had broken my arm! Now, I already knew that I would pass my African Diaspora II class, but when I saw that I got an “A” in Geometry & Trigonometry, I was just done. Y’all know that math has never been my favorite subject, and I remember posting in a recent blog that I was not gonna leave that trigonometry class with anything less than a C. I promise y’all—I never expected to get an A.

As has been my custom, I shouted and danced all the way back to my dorm… and when I returned to my room, I played Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s entrance theme twice, and then I played “Go The Distance” by Michael Bolton twice!

Now, I also want you all to know that, in the midst of my personal celebration, I thanked and praised God for that Geometry & Trigonometry miracle. And of course, I gave Theo a thank-you kiss on the cheek; after all, he was my tutor throughout the whole ordeal. I also let Theo know that a thank-you present was coming his way, but he told me that a kiss on the cheek was enough gratitude.

Be that as it may, I am a woman of my word—Theo’s gettin’ a thank-you present from me.

Well, y’all, I shall holla at y’all tomorrow. I made mention of “Go The Distance” by Michael Bolton earlier, and that means I had better get my speech prepared for this Wednesday. I’ll give y’all a sneak preview of my speech tomorrow, but until then, take care and God Bless.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Officially Burnt Out!

Hi, Everyone!

I don’t know if I’m still trying to get adjusted to springing forward, or maybe I’ve been working too hard all this week, but whatever the case, I’ve been some kinda tired… actually, it’s a little from Column A, and a little from Column B. Any other Friday night, Ruby and I would go kickin’ it with Theo, and we would just hang out by the library and chill. However, yesterday evening, I plopped down on my bed and rested. How tired was I? I was so tired that I didn’t even call Mom or Gramma Jewel—that’s tired, fa sho’!

Well, I’m feeling a lot better now. Granted, I’m not well-rested, but I can manage. I think today I’m just gonna walk around on the track—hell, I need to do that anyway. I haven’t weighed myself since Thanksgiving, but I think I’m at or around 140 pounds. Again I want to reiterate: I don’t mind being curvy, thick, and sexy, but I’ll be damned before I wind up being 150 pounds. Remember, I’m four-foot-eleven—too much weight is not good for someone with my height.

Oh, I gotta tell y’all: My speech on my vices yesterday went well. I spoke within ten minutes about how I’m a tad braggadocious, I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and at times, I can be vindictive. When I spoke about that last vice, someone mentioned that I will forever be remembered as “Vipress,” to which I said: “And you bet not forget it, Hon!”

I could’ve easily mentioned that I am also a bit jealous, but since the assignment called for three vices, I adhered to the instructions… kinda! Since I’m somewhat of a perfectionist, I did make mention of this to the class.

Well, y’all, I had better get going. Besides, I’ve got another speech to prepare for. This one is entitled: “My Personal Anthem.” In this particular assignment, I have to pick a song that I have personally made as my theme and explain why. This assignment is gonna be easy on account of I already chose my theme song: “Go The Distance” by Michael Bolton. This speech is due on March 20, but I’ll give you all a sneak preview before then.

By the way: Have you all come to the conclusion that I love Fundamentals of Speech? I’m just askin’!

Until Monday, y’all have a good rest-of-the-weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha