A Greater Appreciation for Southern Cali

Hi, Everyone!

Ever since my return to Southern Cali, I’ve had a newfound love, respect, and admiration for my hometown. Having said that, I’m dedicating today’s blog to beautiful Los Angeles, California.

Although it was about two weeks ago, I hold Saturday, June 1, 2013 close to my heart. When I stepped off that plane and got my luggage, I knew I was back home. It was more than just because I was at LAX Airport, and it was so much more than the Pacific Standard Time—it was mainly because of the little things. When my mom and dad treated me to IHOP, I asked them to take a picture of me leaning against a palm tree. They teased me like crazy, but they did grant my request and take the picture of me posing against—as they so put it—“a little ol’ palm tree.” And of course, on the way home, I could see the Hollywood sign, given that it was kinda hazy all day.

“Ah, the good ol’ Hollywood sign—how I’ve missed you,” I marveled as Mom and Dad continued to poke fun at me.

Why did I raise up such a fuss over the Hollywood sign and a palm tree? Well, my answer is simple: Much like my girl India.Arie sang a few years back, there is so much joy in the little things. For some reason, talking on the phone with Gramma Jewel while I’m out here means that much more to me than it does when I’m away at college. I can’t explain it, but perhaps those of you who attended an out-of-state college know what I’m talking about.  

And y’all already know that I’ve been craving Fatburger ever since January!

It’s funny I mention that because Ruby teased me constantly about my Fatburger cravings; one time she accused me of being pregnant. Now, I want to state for the record that my cravings were not that intense, but y’all gotta understand: There isn’t one Fatburger stand within so much as five miles from Rust College… hell, I sincerely doubt there’s even one in Memphis, and I’ve been all through Memphis! Oh, well—the bottom line is that I’m back home now, and I can enjoy a delicious Fatburger, as well as the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park Observatory, Long Beach, and the “coop de gracie” of it all—Gramma Jewel’s place!

It’s like I said back around this time last year: You can take me out of Cali, but you damn sure can’t take Cali out of me—and that’s the bottom line, because Natasha Renee Stewart said so!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha