My Secret Admirer Is Really Impressing Me!

Hi, Everyone!

I want to start off this blog post by saying that I am most certainly flattered… and I also want it stated for the record that I’m gonna have to wrap up Ruby in some duct tape if she don’t shut up!

Yes, the previous introduction has everything to do with my secret admirer. As you know, I received my second letter from him on yesterday afternoon, and it was just as sweet as the first one. Once again, I am at a loss for words that someone has a crush on me, and I am truly honored; at the same time, though, I wish I had a tiny clue as to who this brotha may very well be. Now, Ruby swears up and down that it’s Richard Cornelius, to which I very politely told her to shut the hell up. Besides, Ruby already knows who my mystery man is, and she made it emphatically clear that she was sworn to secrecy by this guy. That statement alone lets me further know that it damn sure ain’t none of Richard—we all know that it was around this time last year that he screwed up any and all chances of getting to know me better.

And yes, y’all—I will go on record to say that I did ask Ruby to give me a touch of a clue as to who my secret admirer could be. All Ruby said was that he is in our graduating class, and that she promised this guy that she wouldn’t spill the beans; she did, however, tell me that she encouraged the brotha to follow his heart and do what he feels is necessary to genuinely wow me.

Sounds like Ruby’s trying to school this fella on how to win my heart, in a manner of speaking of course… hahaha!

Well, I really hate to cut this blog post short, but there’s a matter of my Fine Arts paper that needs to be completed. I’ll be sure to run it by you all before I turn it into my class tomorrow morning. Until then, y’all take care and have a “gooden.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Secret Admirer Strikes Again!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is short, sweet, and to the point—and with good reason.

Okay, so check this out, y’all: I’m coming back from my Intro to Social Sciences class—which I am thoroughly enjoying, by the way—and as soon as I walk into my dorm room, I see an envelope with my name on it. Y’all, my secret admirer is back at it again. Just listen to this:

Dear Natasha:

While I admit that I am not a poet, nor am I a singer, I think the great Dwele was describing you perfectly when he said, “You are more than a pretty-faced girl with a curvy shape—you’re full of substance, not shallow at all, and you’re not conceited. If I may be so bold to say: You’re like a record in a studio—they don’t make ‘em like you no mo’.

I promise you that I am working up the courage to talk to you face-to-face. I only ask that you please be patient with me, as I have been known to be incredibly shy; however, once I am able to break from this shell, I will be brave and bold enough to approach you.

Sincerely,

One Hopeless Romantic

All I can say is simply: WOW!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Excitement in Bearcat Country Once Again!

Good Day, Good People!

There is excitement in the air once again in Bearcat Country, and while I admit that I am not a detective, I believe that this extra excitement may have something to do with Founders Weekend taking place on November 8-10, 2013… yes, that’s just a little over a week away, and I gotta find something good to wear.

If you recall, I had a blast at my very first Founders Weekend last year; I got to see the coronation of Miss Rust 2012-13, and I gotta say that it was a lovely coronation! Let’s put it this way: It was like a royal, regal ceremony for a lovely lady to represent all of Rust College. I haven’t decided yet on whether or not I’ll throw my hat into the ring for the Miss Rust title, but I have been giving it some thought, and I must say that I am very interested.

Also, last year’s Founders Weekend was where I met Gramma Jewel’s college roommate and my brand-new honorary auntie, Ms. Gladys Williams. I’m still shocked at how she knew who I was, just by looking at me; if I remember correctly, she said that I had those Delta Jewel eyes… and I just remembered: I need to call Auntie Gladys and see if she’ll be attending this year’s Founders Weekend. I also gotta call Great Aunt Reesie and see if she’s gonna be there as well.

Well, I really hate to cut this blog post short, but I’m still working on my paper for my Fine Arts class. I’ve decided to write about the greatest artwork in history—God’s Sunsets. This was actually brought to my attention when I was looking at the picture of me and Ray at Santa Monica Pier this past summer. Now, I’m not gonna use the picture of me and Ray for obvious reasons, so I’ll have to find another picture of a sunset.

Hey, my instructor said to use any type of artwork, and God’s sunsets are the greatest forms of art that I’ve ever seen.

Okay, y’all—I gotta go, but I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Remembering Marcia Wallace

Thanks for entertaining us, Ms. Wallace!

Good Monday Afternoon, Everybody!

Before I begin today’s blog post, I want to take this time out to acknowledge the sudden passing of actress Marcia Wallace.

This past Saturday, October 26, 2013, Ms. Wallace passed away at the age of 70 years old. While my Gramma Jewel may remember her as the witty secretary on The Bob Newhart Show back in the day, I remember her as the voice of Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons. Truth be told, y’all—Mrs. Krabappel was my favorite character, probably more so because she was a teacher. In hindsight, I can see clearly that Ms. Wallace truly brought Mrs. Krabappel to life. I’m pretty sure that the producers of The Simpsons will do some kinda of tribute to the memory of Ms. Wallace, and perhaps even retire her Mrs. Krabappel character, but whatever they do, I will most definitely come back to watch that particular episode.

Having said my piece, there’s only one thing left to say: Thanks for the memories, Ms. Wallace!

Well, y’all—ain’t much to talk about today. It’s another day in the life of a Rustite, and all is well. Of course, there’s still the mystery of my secret admirer, but since I don’t have any new clues as to who he is, I’ve given it a rest and decided to go on with my life, per se. Besides, I can’t let anything distract me from this project in my Fine Arts class. Check this out: I’ve got to write a two-page critique of a painting or some type of artwork—I’ve gotta explain its strengths, weaknesses, and all that good stuff. This is gonna be a challenge for sure, because I don’t know how to critique anything, and what’s so kiddin’ about it, I cringe at the word “critique” on account of it sounds too much like the word “critic.” Fortunately, the assignment is due this Friday, so I’ll have to find some type of artwork that I truly love.

Y’all be sure to say a prayer for your girl—this assignment sounds like it’s gonna be a toughie!

Well, it looks like I’m gonna have to close this post so I can get started on my Fine Arts project, but I’ll definitely be talkin’ to y’all tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care, and have a good rest-of-the-day.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Special Surprise from My Sweetie Pie

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and I just got the sweetest letter from my Southern Cali sweetie—Ray Hernandez. I find this kinda ironic, considering that I have a mystery man up here at Rust who is admiring me from afar.

Anyway, in this particular letter, Ray makes mention that he hasn’t heard from me in a while, and vice-versa, so he decided to catch up with me to see how I’m doing, and to send me a copy of a picture that we had taken over the summer. And I must say that it’s a really cute picture of us together; it’s a picture of the two of us at the Santa Monica Pier, and I look like I’m in Heaven, don’t I… hahaha! I mean, the way that Ray has his arms around my waist, and the fact that I’m kinda nuzzled up close to him, and I look like I’m just melting—y’all can’t blame me for feeling how I felt that afternoon!

But I digress.

I’m actually glad that Ray is still thinking of me, considering that I’m halfway across the country. And no, that does not mean that I haven’t been thinking about him—it just means that I’ve been occupying my time with what truly matters such as my studies and my life as a Rustite. For instance, next weekend is Rust College Founders’ Day, and considering the fun that I had last year, y’all can just as well bet that I’m gonna repeat it this go-round. As a matter of fact, I need to call Auntie Gladys and see if she’s coming up here next weekend; it would be cool to hand out with her for Founders’ Day. I already know that Gramma Jewel won’t be able to make it, but I do have to wonder if Great Aunt Reesie will show up as well.

And again, I digress.

Well, if y’all will excuse me, I had better get to writing a reply to my Southern Cali sweetie pie. I’ll holla at y’all on Monday, but until then, y’all have a great rest-of-the-weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Still In Search of Mystery Man

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Yes, as y’all can see, today’s Freestyle Friday blog post is dedicated to my secret admirer, whoever he may be.

I’m sorry, y’all—I know that I should let this go, but I can’t help being a curious little kitten. And yes, I am aware of the metaphor that I used, and I am also aware of what curiosity did to the cat, but yet and still, I’m like that man in the Dirty Harry movie: I GOTSTA KNOW!!!

I’ve been retracing my steps and taking everything at face value—I’ve been acting like a detective for real, y’all. So, let’s see what we know so far: It is already etched in stone that the mystery man is a fellow Rustite, and we know that he personally handed this sweet little letter to Ruby. And there’s the obvious clue—Ruby knows who my mystery man is, but she gave him her word that she would not spill the beans; she wants me to be legitimately surprised.

With that said, my mind is racing over who this fella could be, and I’m gonna drive myself crazy if I keep thinking about it. What do you do when you’ve got only so many clues to go on? And let’s not forget, Ruby has been sworn to secrecy. Now, while I do respect that Ruby’s keeping her word, I also understand that she is like a sister to me, and this suspense is just downright dirty!

Yet and still, Ruby ain’t sayin’ a word. I do admire her adamant consistency, though.

Well, there’s really nothing else for me to do right now—and hell, I’ve been reading this same damn letter ever since Wednesday. Like I said the other day, this guy has to be a true gentleman on account of the songs that he used to describe how he feels about little ol’ me… yes, I’m blushing again, but you can’t blame me—I’m still not used to having admirers and all.

Okay, y’all—time for me to close up this blog post and call it a day. I shall return tomorrow with another blog post, but until then, y’all take care and have a great one!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Already Set Plans for Thanksgiving, Y'all!

L-R: Cousin Jade, Great Aunt Reesie, and Cousin Erica.

Hi, Everyone!

Yes, this is a picture of my Great Aunt Reesie with my cousins Jade and my Erica. This should serve as symbolism as to where I will be celebrating Thanksgiving 2013 this year. That’s right, y’all—I’m hittin’ up Nashville this go-round! If you recall, I spent my very first out-of-state Thanksgiving at my Great Aunt Donna’s last year. Well, I’ve already called Great Aunt Reesie and put in my reservations for this year, and in turn, Great Aunt Reesie told me that she’s gonna have a full house this Thanksgiving on account of—and these are her exact words—“I’ve got my granddaughter coming home from college for the very first time, and this’ll also be the very first Thanksgiving in a long time where I can ask Keith to carve the turkey!”

You know what—I had plumb forgotten that Cousin Keith is back from Afghanistan… for good! To be honest, I’m so used to hearing about him now that I feel as though he never left. I mean, I was there when he surprised Cousin Erica at her high school graduation, but up until Great Aunt Reesie had mentioned Cousin Keith by name, I really hadn’t given it another thought about his eight year absence away from us. Nevertheless, Cousin Keith is back home, and back home for good—and that’s the bottom line, because yours truly said so!

I had mentioned this in my blog posted a little over a year ago, entitled “Greetings from Great Aunt Reesie’s.” I had talked about the irony of me being a city girl, yet getting adjusted to the country life. When I spent my first weekend with Great Aunt Reesie, I instantly found true appreciation to the quiet, country ambience. I’m still crazy about the trees with the sunset-colored leaves. And of course, Great Aunt Reesie’s gorgeous apple tree should be producing fruit right now, and hopefully I’ll get to pick some this go-round.

Well, I guess I had better get going—I’m still trying to decipher this secret admirer mystery! IN the meantime, y’all take it easy, and I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Perhaps Detective Columbo Can Help Me Out!

Hi, Everyone!

I’m already sure that the title to today’s blog post is self-explanatory, so I’m just gonna say this: I sure need Detective Columbo here to help me out!

You know, Columbo could solve any case. I happened to watch an episode with my Auntie Brenda a couple of years ago. Columbo had already solved the mystery to the cases, but he would just worry the hell out of the suspect until they eventually came clean. Well, I need Columbo to help me solve the mystery of my secret admirer.

Yes, I realize that this secret admirer fiasco just happened only yesterday, but the suspense is really driving me crazy—I gotta know this brotha’s identity! Now, here’s the obvious answer: It’s definitely someone up here at Rust. I know, I know—I catch on quick, don’t I? Hahaha! Now that I think about it, I’ve gotta stand back and say, “Well, Duh!” Of course it’s someone up here at Rust. I mean, it sure as hell can’t be Ray on account of he’s back home in Cali… and come to think of it, it’s been a minute since I last heard from Ray; I trust that all is well with him. But anyway, I’ve done a process of elimination, and I know clearly that it’s not Craig. For one thing, I know his handwriting, and besides, he already handed me a letter last month which told me how he felt about me. And Ruby suggested that it may be Richard Cornelius (see blog post dated 9/5/2012), and I immediately told Ruby that she needs her ass whupped! Besides, I sincerely and seriously doubt if Richard even knows how to write… but that’s another story for another day. Besides, this letter was remarkably and legibly handwritten—for a guy, anyway.

Well, I honestly don’t know who my secret admirer can be, but I will say this much: Whoever the mystery man is, he’s sure gotten me blushing already. At the same time, I pray that this is not some sort of wild goose chase, let alone some sick game where someone is playing with my emotions… but I’m gonna rule that option right now. Besides, if this is some sick trick, then I’m gonna have to transform into my Vipress character, and that ain’t whatcha want!

Okay, Mystery Man—I know that you will reveal yourself to me in due time, but until then, I’m gonna try to be as patient as humanly possible.

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Who Is My Secret Admirer?

Hi, Everybody!

Y’all are not gonna believe this—I’ve got a secret admirer!

I had gotten out of my Intro to Humanities class about five minutes late, and I just knew that Ruby and Theo were already in the cafeteria waiting on me, so I just headed to my dorm room to get my books for my next class, then I rushed to the cafeteria to meet up with my peeps. Upon doing so, Ruby had this big Cheshire Cat grin on her face, and Theo just crossed his arms and grinned. Having known them for about a year now, I knew that they were up to something, so I told them to just come on with it and spill the beans. Ruby simply handed me a letter with my name on it, promising me that she hadn’t even so much as unfolded it. Well, I opened the letter, and that’s when I discovered that I have a secret admirer.

Whoever my secret admirer is, he sure writes very well. Just listen to this:

Dear Natasha,

First of all, please forgive me for this letter. You would think that I would be mature enough to talk to you up close and personal, as opposed to going back to elementary school and writing these mystery letters; after all, I am in a higher learning institution. But the truth is, everytime I try to approach you, my heart tries to jump out of my chest and I freeze up. Heck, I even tried rehearsing what I want to say to you, but I can’t talk to save my life, hence the reason for this letter.

You see, Natasha, my friends try to tell me what to say to you, but I can only speak from the heart: Whenever I see you, that song by Case comes to mind, particularly the hook. Now, although I already know your name is Natasha, I still call you lovely. And yes, sometimes I do think to myself: “Damn, I wish we could chill, but if we can’t, you’re still lovely to me.” Another song comes to mind when I think of you; the lyrics are as follows: “I’m not tryin’ to pressure you, but I just can’t stop thinkin’ about you. You don’t even really have to be my girlfriend… although that would be sweet.”

Okay, I played around with the lyrics, but you get my point.

Here’s hoping that one day I can work up the courage to one day talk to you and meet you face-to-face, but until then, just know that I do have a crush on you.

Sincerely,

One Hopeless Romantic

All I’ve got to say is this: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, someone likes me!

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

More Persuasion from Mrs. Lyan

Good Monday Afternoon, Everybody!

Do y’all remember sometime about six months ago, when I told y’all about a conversation that I had with one Mrs. Lanie Nyan, the Admissions Counselor here at Rust? In case you don’t remember, allow me to refresh your memory: Mrs. Lanie Nyan is a very devoted and very proud AKA; she had read my blog post on April 8, where I talked about my high interest and consideration in joining a sorority.

Okay, now that y’all remember, allow me to tell y’all: Mrs. Nyan ain’t givin’ up on me!

After my Into to Social Sciences class this afternoon, I was heading back to my dorm, and on the way I met up with Mrs. Nyan. As usual, we exchanged greetings and pleasantries, and then Mrs. Nyan asked me about my academic career—i.e., my finals from the first module. When I told her that I scored a perfect 4.0 GPA for the first module of my sophomore year, she congratulated me, and then she said: “The Theta Upsilon chapter is always looking for intelligent ladies such as yourself.”

Well, I don’t need to be knocked over by a turnip truck to know that Mrs. Nyan was speaking subliminally to me, and it was no coincidence that she was wearing her salmon pink and apple green jacket.

“Like I told you back in April, you have the final decision,” Mrs. Nyan said with a big grin. “But I still believe that you would be perfect for AKA. I would truly consider it an honor to call you my soror—but of course, no pressure.”

I thanked Mrs. Nyan for her compliment, and I also let her know that while I had yet to make my mind up, I would be making a decision pretty soon.

Does it come as a surprise to any of you that Mrs. Nyan is highly promoting AKA to me? I mean, this is the second time that she has approached me and talked to me extensively about her beloved pink-and-green. And to be honest, y’all, I am still in the middle of an impasse because I am truly feeling Zeta Phi Beta on account of the royal white and blue. Hell, I’ve even got my name picked out if I do decide to become a Zeta, but I’m gonna keep that name clandestine… unless I’ve already mentioned that name in a previous blog post.

And I still have yet to hear from the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta, but then again, maybe they’re waiting on me to approach them.

Well, I had best get going, but let me say this: I still haven’t made my mind up yet, and to be honest, I don’t even know if I really want to join a sorority, what with so much going on with me as it is. This is one of those moments where I really have to take it to The Lord in prayer.

Until tomorrow, y’all.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Oh, To Be Back in Southern Cali...

Hi, Everyone!

So, here it is—a beautiful Saturday afternoon upon the campus of Rust College, and I am absolutely lovin’ every minute of it. Granted, I don’t have Ruby or Theo with me, but it’s all good; besides, it’s very rare that I have the dorm room to myself.

You know, I’ve been so caught up in the college life that today is the first day that I have actually (and officially) grown lonesome for Los Angeles. I ain’t lyin’, y’all—these classes and extracurricular activities have not really given me time to sit down and say that I miss Southern Cali. All that changed, though, when I got a call from my Auntie Stephanie. Right then and there, I started thinking about what I would be doing if I were back at home. By the way, I would’ve given anything to be there and support my Gramma Jewel as she sang the Mississippi Mass Choir’s rendition of “I’m Not Tired Yet.” I’m sure she did a great job—Mom and Dad told me that the Holy Spirit was high in the church throughout the service, yet it seemed to get even higher when Gramma Jewel got to singin’. I sho’ woulda love to have been there. It’s a good thing that my Uncle Ronnie recorded it, but it’s something about being there live and in person to see it for yourself. But anyway, all I need is just to survive these next 54 days, and I’ll be home again for Christmas. The only thing, though, is that I’ve practically accomplished everything that I set out to do when I returned home for the first time. What else is there for me to do this go-round?

Knowing me, I’ll find something to do, even if it’s just going to Jamba Juice and buying a strawberry-pineapple smoothie.

Well, y’all—let me go back to enjoying the rest of this weekend. Lemme tell y’all, though: I haven’t really done a whole lot, other than clean up the room, rearrange my closet, and do my laundry. I reckon I’ll head up to McNasty’s later on—either that, or go to KFC and get a family meal deal or something. I’ll make my mind up between now and sunset, but until then, I’m just gonna revel in this peaceful quiet silence.

I’ll holla at y’all on Monday. Love ya!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

So Glad It's Friday, Y'all!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

In the famous words of my Auntie Cherri: “Friday just couldn’t get here no quicker, could it?”

After a week of convoluted craziness—not to mention the fact that everything is happening so fast—I have truly earned this weekend. I was ready for this weekend on last weekend, if that makes any sense… hahaha! Lemme tell y’all: I just had my last class (Intro to Social Sciences), and much like that ol’ skool song, this class has got me goin’ in circles. Seriously, y’all—what’s a sista to do? My mind is already in a whirlpool! I just need a little hope, or just one small thing to cling to.

Oh, great—now the damn song is stuck in my head. I’m gonna have to go on YouTube and listen to the link.

Okay, I’ll level with y’all: Into to Social Sciences is not that bad, but it’s no cakewalk, either. I think I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that I always seem to have one class per module that gives me a run for my money. I’ve also noticed a pattern—those aforementioned difficult classes almost always seem to involve math and science. Last module, when I was taking that PRAX I Seminar class, it revealed that I’m stronger in English, Art, and Public Speaking than I am in math and science. Thank God that I know basic arithmetic, though—and then again, there may come a time in the not-too-distant future where my kindergarteners are gonna learn algebraic equations and stuff.

May The Good Lord Up Above have mercy on my soul if I have to teach algebra to a five-year-old… but then again, stranger things have happened, though I don’t know when.

Well, I guess I had better close this blog post and start to enjoy my weekend—Ruby is going home for the weekend, and Theo’s roommate invited him to dinner at his mom’s house, so I’m gonna be all by myself. I probably need a little break from my peeps anyway; after all, it is proven that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I really don’t know what I’m gonna do this weekend, but I know that I will enjoy it, whatever it is.

Until next time…

Smooches,
Natasha

Results of Final Exams, Plus Other News!

Hi, Everyone!

I think it goes without saying, but y’all already know me—I’m gonna boldly announce it to the world:

I, Natasha Renee Stewart, knocked my Foundations of Education final exam out the ballpark yesterday evening, and just this morning, I aced my Biblical Studies final exam—and yes, I’m three-for-three, as I successful completed my PRAX I Seminar class just about an hour ago!

Oh yeah, y’all—I’m on a roll, and the only one who can stop me is some chick named Natasha Renee Stewart. And I haven’t yet showed any signs of slowin’ down, either. To prove my point, I also aced my Spanish final; hell, I even got the extra credit questions correctly.

I want to thank each and every last one of y’all for keeping me in your prayers, especially as it related to my PRAX I Seminar class. I tell y’all, those finals last week were pretty tough, but I pulled through and came out a winner… that’s right, y’all—my finals were last week after all!

Lemme tell y’all what happened: I made a mistake in listening to Ruby. What had happened was (LOL), she was reading the schedule from last year’s final exams. Thank goodness that I listened to my instructors, and in turn, checked out the schedule for myself. If I had worn a hat like the Skipper, y’all already know that Ruby would have to play the role of Gilligan… hahaha! And yes, this also means that the second module had officially started this past Monday.

But it’s all good, though—there wasn’t too much harm done, because as I mentioned, I did take my finals, and I do have straight A’s this past module.

So, seeing as how I have officially started the second module three days ago, I can let y’all know what’s up: I’m taking Fine Arts at 8am, Into to Humanities at 10:30am, and Intro to Social Sciences at 1pm. I am also glad to announce that I’m taking Intro to Humanities with my homey Neo Theo. I’m not taking any classes with Ruby, though, but that’s all fine and well. I tell y’all this much: I seem to be out of my comfort zone this time—academically, that is. I always seem to get at least one class per module where that challenges me to the utmost, and in this case, Intro to Social Sciences is that class. I thought I pointed out that I don’t do well in mathematics or science; I’ve constantly stated emphatically that English and Art are my strong points. If the PRAX I Seminar last module hasn’t proven that already, then I don’t know what to tell y’all. Nevertheless, I am up for the challenge, and I’m also here to show the world, so… BRING IT ON!!!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Happy #76, Great Aunt Reesie!

Hi, Everyone!

Before I begin today’s blog post, I have an important announcement to make.

I would like to wish a Happy 76^th Birthday to my great aunt, Theresa Bernice Coleman, otherwise known affectionately to me as Great Aunt Reesie. I know I say this about every woman in my family who is older than me, but I mean it when I say: I pray that I look just as good as you when I hit my 70s. Now, I’m not gonna rush anything, but I still aspire to be a sexy silver-haired senior citizen… yeah, I said it! And to back up my claim, y’all can take a look at this picture of my Great Aunt Reesie; this picture was taken last year when I paid a visit to Nashville after my first module as a freshman had ended. I can hear the fellas now: “Damn, Natasha—your great aunt is fine!”

Well, it’s genetics, Baby—what can I say?

Well, I really hate to cut this blog short, but I had better get some last-minute reading for this chapter in my Intro to Social Sciences class, and I shall holla at y’all tomorrow. Until then, keep your girl lifted up in prayer.

And one last thing in closing: HAPPY #76, GREAT AUNT REESIE!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy #78, Gramma Jewel!

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Today is a very special day for a woman by the name of Mrs. Vivian Jewel Jones… that’s right, y’all—my Gramma Jewel is celebrating her 78^th Birthday today, and I am like, superexcited for her.

In celebration of my Gramma Jewel’s #78, I’ve decided to take today’s blog post and dedicate “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” to the woman affectionately known as the “Delta Jewel.” For those of you who don’t know, Digable Planets is one of my Gramma Jewel’s favorite rap groups; her favorite lyrics of the song is the part where Butterfly says: “The Puba of the Styles like miles and sh...” Gramma Jewel sings that part with so much life and energy… oh, and she also likes the part where Ladybug Mecca says:  “If it’s the sh... we’ll lift it off the plastic!”

What can I say—Gramma Jewel is just tight like dat!

 In any event, here is her favorite rap song of all times. Once again: Happy #78, Gramma Jewel—and celebrate it like I know you will. God bless you, and I love you lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Bring On Those Finals, Baby!

Happy Monday, Y’all!

Well, judging by the picture that I have for today’s blog post, y’all already know what’s up with me this week. I also trust that y’all got the message from my Gramma Jewel—and I do humbly apologize for this past Saturday. Truth is, a sista’s still buckled down for finals.

I could understand if this was my first rodeo, but I’ve been down this road before; as a matter of fact, it was just last year when I made my debut at Rust. I had a very successful freshman year here in Bearcat Country, and I’m looking forward to an even greater sophomore year. So far it’s been great—challenging as all get-up and go, but great nonetheless. And while I’m taking care not to jump too far ahead of myself, I wanna let y’all know that I am planning on taking a trip to Memphis and spend the weekend with my Great Aunt Donna after I pass the finals… that’s right—I’m speaking it into existence! I’ve already talked to my Great Aunt Donna yesterday afternoon, and I made it known that I would like to stay with her once I confidently walk out of my last class. I already know that she’s gonna try to sing—y’all already know the running joke in our family as it relates to Great Aunt Donna not quitting her day job… hahahaha!

By the way: Remind me to share a blockbuster story sometime this week with you all, but until then, y’all take care, and remember to keep your girl lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Can I Holla At My Girls?

Happy Friday, Everybody!

And seeing as how today is Friday, y’all know what that means: It’s time for my very special exclusive “Freestyle Friday” blog post. Today, the topic is focused on this brand-new talk show that has everybody talking; the show is appropriately entitled Holla At’cha Girls!

Perhaps this is a little bias on my part—and I’ve already made peace with the fact that it is—but I love the fact that all four hostesses are Rust College graduates. I also adore the fact that these four foxy females are educated, down-to-earth, and most importantly, Christian women. In a world where role models are scarce, I appreciate the fact that Miss Kim, Miss Alicia, Miss Ivana, and Miss Danita—all of whom are married—epitomize the word “lady.” The very first time I saw their show, I was hooked. Most recently, they did a show where the topic was all about encouragement, but they took the topic to another level and asked this question: “What happens when the encourager is the one who needs encouragement?”

I would have loved to call in and talked to the ladies on this very topic, because there is someone in my life who unquestionably epitomizes encouragement—my Gramma Jewel. As long as I’ve been in the world (in other words, ever since I was born), I have always known my Gramma Jewel to do her best to encourage others, be they family, friend, or stranger. Gramma Jewel has always lent a listening ear, given a kind word, and her hugs and kisses are truly second to none. Heck, you can ask Becky Morgan about her experience with Gramma Jewel, and she’ll tell you all about how she has been inspired and encouraged by that dear sweet silver-haired lady. However, don’t get it twisted—Gramma Jewel has had moments where she’s needed a listening ear, a kind word, and a big hug and kiss of her own. I’ve always known her to be a tough cookie, but sometimes the toughest cookie will crumble just a little. Well, anyway: The ladies responded to the question by saying that the encourager should always look unto the hills from whence cometh their help, as per Psalm 121:1.

There was never a better answer to that question than the aforementioned.

Well, I guess I had better get going, but I want to say that it is certainly a wonderful feeling to see four fellow Rustites on television, and representing in a classy manner. Keep up the good work, ladies—and maybe one day I’ll get to holla at y’all!

Until next time, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Time To Buckle Down for Final Exams!

Happy Thursday, Everybody!

Well, we are officially one week away from the final exams, and as you can tell, I am ready, Baby!

I’m taking a look at my schedule, and my finals actually start on next Wednesday—that’s when I take my Foundations of Education class; then on next Thursday, I’ve got Biblical Studies at 8am, and PRAX I Seminar at 1pm; and on next Friday, I take my Spanish class. I’m tellin’ y’all—I am stoked for my finals, particularly my PRAX I Seminar. Speaking of which, I know I haven’t really talked about the aforementioned class as much as I have my others, but in taking that seminar class, I’ve learned a lot about myself as a future teacher. It was discovered that I am stronger in English and History than I am in Mathematics… hell, I coulda told them that—and I did! But anyway, my instructor also pointed out that I have an incredible gift of holding someone’s attention; if I recall correctly, my instructor said that I’m the type of teacher that does not have to raise my voice—well, not yet, anyway!

So basically, I’m telling you all that, because of your prayers and encouragement, I am exceeding in this PRAX I Seminar class.

In other news, I show my Spanish instructor the blog that I posted on yesterday, and she told me that, despite a couple grammatical errors here and there, I did a great job. Matter of fact, she said: “¡Muy excelente, Senorita Stewart!” And then, from what I interpreted, she said that I should consider posting more blogs in español, as a means of retaining what I learned.

Tengo una pregunta: ¿Cómo se dice "Hot Damn!" en español? Hahahaha!

Well, I hate to cut this blog short, y’all, but I gotta get going. Besides, I gotta start bucklin’ down and preparing to study for my finals. Yes, I am aware that finals are next week, but as my Grampa Clark always says—and this time, I gonna say it in español: “¡No voy a ser mediocre, voy a utilizar mi todo!”

Sorry, but that was as close as I could get to saying what Grampa Clark would really say… hahaha!

Hasta Mañana, Peeps!

Smooches,

Natasha

My First Blog Post, Written En Español

Feliz miércoles, todo el mundo!

I'm going to do something different on the blog today. Just go ahead and read the next paragraph, if you will.

Voy a tratar de tomar entrada en el blog de ​​hoy a "whole nutha level." Mi misión es escribir al menos un párrafo en español, y aquí es mi incentivo adicional : Viendo como está programado mi examen final en mi clase de español para el próximo jueves ( 17 de octubre), estoy en modo de estudio. Hasta ahora, tengo una "A " en la clase, y deseo que en mantener ese grado. Mi instructor ya sugirió que me inscriba en la clase de Español II, indicó además que hablo español con grand precisión. Yo di gracias a mi instructor para su cumplido, y yo también le dije que lo mejor que pude que he conservado la mayor parte de lo que aprendí en la escuela secundaria. Naturalmente, tuve una conversación con mi instructor en español, bueno, a lo mejor de mi capacidad, de todos modos.

Wow, esto es increíble que yo escribí un párrafo completo en español ! Sin embargo, debo admitir que tuve un poco de ayuda de Google Translate, pero sólo un poco de ayuda. Yo creo que voy a seguir este blog hasta el final, es decir, voy a terminar lo que empecé.

Actualmente, todo esto es de las noticias que tengo para hoy. Lo sé, lo sé: "Qué pena, Natasha" Pero, tiene que admitir que me merezco crédito para ir a la distancia y probar algo diferente con mi blog. Desde mi primer día en la clase de español, siempre he querido probar publicar un blog en español y como se puede ver, he enseñado !

Bueno, eso es todas las noticias de hoy, pero voy a volver mañana con una marca nueva entrada en el blog. Hasta luego, y tener un buen día.

Abrazos y besos,

Natasha