Last Blog Post... of January 2014!

Happy Friday, Everyone!

So, as y’all are aware, today is Friday, January 31, 2014, and that brings to mind a certain someone who is celebrating their 78^th Birthday today…

Happy Birthday, Great Aunt Donna—and please don’t try to sing… hahaha! Seriously, though: Celebrate your #78 like I know you can. I love you lots!

Well, seeing as how we have reached the last day of January 2014, it’s time to do some celebrating. As you know, I’ve got a birthday coming up in literally ten days—if The Lord allows me February 10, 2014, then I will have lived two decades on this earth. Yes, in ten days’ time, I will officially hit the big 2-0! Hey, this is a big deal for a little lady like me; it means that I will no longer be in my teens, but I’ll also have a year before I’m legal… hahaha! Now, I don’t know if my mom and dad are gonna pay a surprise visit like they did last year, nor do I know if my peeps in Memphis and Nashville have something in store, but I do know that they love me a whole lot. Truthfully, I don’t want to do anything special for my birthday—if anything, I would be satisfied with a double cheeseburger with chili cheese fries, and some chocolate cake and butter pecan ice cream… y’all forget that I’m a simple gal.

In other news, I did write and mail off my letter to Mrs. Martin, my kindergarten teacher. I forgot most of what I had written to her, but I do remember mentioning that I would be out of school in about three months, and that I would be more than delighted to speak to her kindergarteners when I make my return this summer. As I may have mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, I didn’t get a chance to meet up with my favorite (and only) kindergarten teacher on account of some personal and family-related stuff—and I did apologize to her for my absent-mindedness, but hopefully there’s an opportunity for us to meet up for once. I also mentioned yesterday that, sometime soon or in the not-too-distant future, I will dedicate a blog post to Mrs. Ingrid Martin, the lady who helped shape me into the woman that I am today.

Okay, y’all—that’s it for today, but I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Until then, y’all have a great one!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Early Preparation for Summer Vacation, Tho!

Hi, All!

So, I’m sure y’all read the title of today’s blog post and thought to yourselves: “Natasha know she be on it!” And I bet that’s exactly how y’all said it, too… hahaha!

Well, anyway, I figure that there is no time like the present to plan ahead for my upcoming summer vacation. Yes, I am aware that my summer vacation officially starts on May 31, 2014 (immediately after summer school ends), but y’all know how I like to plan ahead!

The biggest news in my family right now revolves around our family reunion, which will take place in about seven months’ time. I know that I mentioned this on more than two occasions, but considering that our last reunion was around Gramma Jewel’s 76^th Birthday, it’s time to get excited all over again! I’m already excited because I’m finally gonna get a chance to visit the birthplace of my Gramma Jewel and my Great Aunt Reesie… that’s right, y’all—our family reunion will be held in Ruleville, Mississippi! Seeing as how Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie (also known as Double-Double Trouble, and that’s another story for another day) are the matriarchs of the family, they decided upon their birthplace as the setting for our gathering. We’re gonna start in Nashville, Tennessee, then meet up in Memphis, and finally caravan to Ruleville, Mississippi. Y’all may hear me talk about this some more until this grandtastical event finally comes to pass—and by then, I’ll be talking about in even greater detail!

My family reunion notwithstanding, I’m also excited about going back to Cali, but this time for an even better reason: You see, I got a letter from my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Ingrid Martin last week, and she explained that she is looking forward to me showing to talk to her class once I’m out of school. Upon reading her letter, I got to thinking how Mrs. Martin and I were supposed to meet up this past December, but my schedule was a little discombobulated. Therefore, if The Lord allow us the opportunity, we can meet up this summer. And while it’s fresh on my mind right now, I had better start writing a reply to my favorite (and only) kindergarten teacher. Oh, and yes, y’all—one day soon, I’ll be dedicating a blog post to Mrs. Martin, just so y’all can really get to know her.

 

So, as you can see, my summer vacation is shaping up real good… not only that, but thinking about the summer has kinda warmed me up mentally, given that it’s still freakin’ cold out here!

Until tomorrow, y’all have a gooden.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Brief (And Chilly) Blog Post, Tho!

Hello, All!

First of all, I want y’all to know that that this here cold weather did not hinder me from going to class today. As a matter of fact, that is the only reason why I went outside the comfortable warmth known as my dorm room. And seeing as how my last class was Spanish II, yo quiero decir que es muy frío aquí en Bearcat Country.

Shoot, lemme take it a step higher: ¡Hace muy, muy frío!

I’m really sorry, y’all, but there’s really no news for y’all today, other than it’s freakin’ cold out here. And if you notice, I don’t even have a visual aid for this blog post. Do y’all know that it was fifteen freakin’ degrees last night in Holly Springs?! I don’t even wanna talk about the wind chill factor—just know that your girl was bundled up and sittin’ directly in front of Ruby’s space heater! Perhaps Holly Springs forgot the memo, but I’m not used to temperatures going any lower than 38 degrees. Did they forget that I’m a Cali girl? I think my Southern Cali accent has proven that once or twice… well, long before I started talking like Tennessee native, I had a Cali accent, which is no accent at all.

Oh, well—I guess I’ll just have the weather this here storm as best as I can, and yes, a pun is most definitely intended!

Until tomorrow, y’all stay warm—and you too, Cali! I understand y’all are gonna have some chilly days ahead of you.

Frozen Hugs & Chilly Kisses,

Natasha

The True Act of Forgiveness

Hi, Everybody!

Today’s blog post is quite interesting… and that’s just putting it mildly!

Y’all ain’t gonna believe this crazy dream I had last night. Here’s what happened: I was walking along this long road in the middle of seemingly nowhere. The sky was filled with storm clouds, but there wasn’t so much as a drizzle, let alone a downpour. Anyway, as I continued walking along this path, I heard someone in the distance cry out for help. I raced over to the sound of the distressed voice, where I came across this deep, dark pit. When I looked down into the pit—y’all ain’t gonna believe this—it was none other than Ray Hernandez!

Yes, the same Ray Hernandez who broke my heart!

Anyway, I remember grabbing a rope from seemingly out of thin air and threw one end to him while I tied the other end to a large oak tree. When Ray climbed to the surface, I pulled him out of the pit, where he crawled towards the tree and collapsed. He thanked me for saving his life, and I simply nodded and said to him: “It’s okay—you’re forgiven.”

The strangest thing, though: When I woke up this morning, I clearly shouted out: “I forgive you, Ray!”

Since it was loud enough for Ruby to hear, she explained that the dream I had had was merely a sign that I had officially let go of my hurt and fears. I kinda understand what she meant by that, but I’m still a little lost as to the part about my “officially letting go,” especially considering that I had stated a week or so ago that I understood my worth as a young woman, and that I set the little boy free to do whatever the hell he wanted.

Well, I called Gramma Jewel this evening, and she broke it down for me, as only she could—Gramma Jewel basically said that although I had given myself time to heal, the anger that I still harbored would not allow me to forgive Ray. Only after I stopped being angry and understood my worth did I have that dream where I officially forgave Ray.

I tell y’all—Gramma Jewel be breakin’ it down for a sista!

Okay, it’s time for me to close up this here blog post, but I’ll be hollin’ at y’all tomorrow. I will say this, though: All things considered, I feel like I lost fifty pounds… emotionally, that is!

Smooches,

Natasha

Another Note from My Secret Admirer

Happy Monday, Everybody!

So, I got another sweet little letter from my secret admirer. Just listen to this:

Dearest Natasha:

It has come to my attention that you may have plans for Valentine’s Day. If this is the case, then I hope that you are treated like the special lady that you are. In the meantime, I hope you are available the day after Valentine’s Day, because I think it’s time to finally unveil my identity. Yes, Natasha—four months is long enough, and to be honest, I really don’t know how I managed to keep my identity such a secret, but somehow I did it.

Before I close this letter, I must paraphrase the lyrics of an oldie but a goodie:

Why do I keep my mind on you all the time?

And I don’t even know you.

Why do I feel this way, thinking about you everyday?

And I don’t even know you.

I’ll take you in my arms, and fill you with all of my charm.

I wanna take to the sky on a natural high,

Hopefully one day, it will be you and I.

Take to the sky on a natural high…

Oh, what the hell! Natasha, you’re too sweet of a lady for me to keep beating around the bush with you. Here’s the truth: Plain and simple, I like you!

Sincerely,

Your Secret Admirer

It’s nice to see that my mystery man kept it simple in this letter, considering that I already know he likes me. It also sounds like he will reveal his true identity on the day after Valentine’s Day, if not the day of. Well, I’m a pretty patient gal—I can hold out for another three weeks, give or take.

Until tomorrow, y’all have a gooden.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Snippet from Auntie Cherri's Book

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I would like to wish a Happy 47^th Birthday to my cousin Jade Freeman. Keep on shinin’ bright like the diamond that you are, Cuzzo!

So, I got an email from my Auntie Cherri around 7:30am CST this morning. She asked me to revise and proofread a particular section of her upcoming autobiography, of which she has yet to find a title. Well, I admit that I didn’t really proofread Auntie Cherri’s work on account of I was too busy reading about the time she saved a pregnant woman’s life… that’s right—she’s gonna put that story in her book.

Anyway, check out what Auntie Cherri had to say on that fateful day.

It was Friday, February 22, 2013, and I had a feeling that it would just be one of those days. It all began when I woke up late, meaning that I had no time to make my lunch. On top of that, I didn’t have any more strawberry granola bars for breakfast. This meant that my stomach would be growling like mad up until lunchtime. Oh, well—I did have some money to get a sandwich at the nearby deli.

When 11:30 a.m. came around, I clocked out so quickly that I almost forgot my purse and cellphone. On my way out the door, I let my supervisor know that I would be gone for an hour. I awaited the crosswalk signal to turn green, literally—or perhaps figuratively—tasting that barbecue chicken cheesesteak sandwich with buffalo fries. Just the thought of that sandwich made my stomach growl so loudly that it sounded like a dog was nearby.

Finally, the light turned green, and I started across the street. In my peripheral vision, I saw some awkward movement to my left. When I turned to my left, a pregnant woman was walking rather slowly. I took a good look at her, and noticed that her eyes looked pretty glazed over. I asked if she was okay, and to my surprise, she was about to collapse.

Not even giving it a second thought, I dropped below her and carried her safely across the street. Once we were safely across, I lay her gently on the sidewalk and asked one of the passers-by to call the paramedics I checked for a pulse. Remarkably, the woman not only had a pulse, but she was also waking up. In the process of awakening, however, she screamed something serious. As it turned out, she had immediately gone into labor.

Speaking both as a reader and as her niece, I feel that Auntie Cherri is doing the right thing by putting this event into her story. I felt like I was right there with her, from the time she left the house to the time she clocked out for lunch. Keep in mind, though: This is only a snippet of Auntie Cherri’s story; we all know that she saved the lady’s life and delivered her baby, but what happened after that? Did Auntie Cherri ever get her barbecue chicken cheesesteak? How did it feel to be interviewed on the news?

The answer to these and many other questions, just as soon as Auntie Cherri gets her book published. Right now, she’s got writer’s block and hasn’t really written anything since Christmas, but she has at least gone back and dusted off this particular section of her autobiography.

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

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflecting on the Sapp Hall of Fame Ceremony



The legends of Sapp Elementary, with Principal Wilson (centered in black and silver).



Happy Friday, Everybody!

Well, like I promised y’all yesterday, I’ve got a greaten for today—just go ahead and check it out!

Even though we are twenty-four days into this new year, I must reflect on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013. It was on that aforementioned night that Sapp Elementary had their Hall of Fame ceremony, thus honoring five great legendary teachers who made their mark in the lives and hearts of every Sappster. What made this night so special for my family was that my Uncle Anthony was chosen and volunteered to accept an award on behalf of my Grampa Clark. And I must also make mention of Grampa Clark’s colleagues: Mrs. Betty Bradley, who taught Second Graders for fourteen years; Mr. Mike Thundera, who taught Eighth Graders for twenty-three years; Mrs. Cynthia Harvey, who taught First Graders for twenty-seven years; and Mr. Hal Arthur, who taught Third Graders for thirty-six years.

What I loved the most about this ceremony was that Mr. Arthur, Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Thundera, and Mrs. Bradley acknowledged my Grampa Clark in their appreciation speeches—and why not? I mean, after all, he was their colleague… or as they all said it, he was their big brother. I also liked how each legend mentioned the children; as a matter of fact, it was Mr. Arthur who said it best: “A real teacher gives a damn about the kids, regardless of whatever!”

Oh, and I should also point out that the Sapp Elementary Family saved Grampa Clark for last. As a matter of fact, when Mr. D got up to induct Grampa Clark, everyone in the Promenade Room at Marina Del Rey Marriott began to cheer. Finally, Uncle Anthony stood up and accepted the Hall of Fame Award, and in doing so, gave such a heartfelt speech that it felt like Grampa Clark was sitting right in that room with us all.

Uncle Anthony talked about the sacrifices and the dedication that it takes to being a loyal teacher—after all, he himself teaches Eighth Graders at Robert L. Johnson Elementary. Well, anyway, Uncle Anthony talked about how Grampa Clark would come home virtually every day with stories about a “fresh-faced youngster who made his day that much sweeter.” Finally, after accepting the Hall of Fame award, Uncle Anthony concluded his speech by holding up the award and declaring a la Grampa Clark: “You betta know that’s right!”

Suffice to say, it was a very beautiful ceremony, and I am glad that I was able to witness it. And I already know that Cousin Lionel, Cousin Calvin, and Cousin Matthew were all extra thrilled to meet singer Tiffany Summers! But anyway, the Sapp Hall of Fame ceremony is yet more proof that I have a whole lot to look forward to when I become a teacher.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Perspective on Popularity

Hi, Everyone!

Well, I promised that I would post a blog today, but I never promised that it would be at least five hundred words. I’m gonna try to make an attempt at it, though—so here goes everything!

Yesterday evening, I was watching a clip on YouTube in which one Mean Gene Okerlund was interviewing the legendary Randy “Macho Man” Savage. After the interview was over, Mean Gene said: “Some are born into greatness, while others have it thrust upon them—and some others steal it. Which have we seen? It’s not for me to decide.”

I said all that to say this: Ever since my Rust College debut a little over a year ago, I have noticed that the guys have been giving me a lot of attention. I hate to bring up that jerk-ass Richard Cornelius, but unfortunately I’ve got to. And then of course, there was Mr. Hernandez from my high school days… but that’s neither here nor there. Lately, however, I’ve got fellow Rustite and future college alum Craig Dixon crushin’ after me; we’ve been chattin’ it up for a minute now. And then there’s my secret admirer whose identity has still yet to be revealed—and Ruby still has kept the name clandestine; she ain’t spillin’ the beans at all! I gotta give Ruby credit for keeping a secret; she’s really good at that.

Now, as it relates to what Mean Gene said about popularity and greatness, I guess if I had to choose, I would say that it has been thrust upon me. While I’m only nineteen years old, I’ve never really fashioned myself as a popular chick. I will freely admit that in high school, I was no Halle Berry, nor was I Gabrielle Union—and I sure as heck ain’t no Tina Turner! Hell, I’ll go y’all one better and say that I’m not even my mom or my Auntie Cherri! I have always been Natasha Renee Stewart, the petite little background chick, and I like it that way. And while I’m thinking about it, I want to once again reiterate something that I mentioned last year: I came to Rust College to learn how to be the best damn kindergarten teacher in the world. Granted, I do appreciate the attention that I’ve been getting, but I am not setting out to be the most popular chick in Bearcat Country… okay, so I’ve thrown my name in the hat for Miss Rust College 2015-16, but that’s only because I want a challenge. Besides, according to my dad and my uncles, I’m a knockout anyway!

Well, I guess I’d better close this post, but I’ll be back tomorrow with a “greaten!” You read correctly—it’s not a gooden, but it’s a greaten!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Spending A Day with Craig Dixon

Hi, Everyone!

There’s a reason why I didn’t have a blog post yesterday, and that reason has everything to do with one Craig Dixon—you see, I spent practically the whole day with him. I’ve already told y’all that we are both taking Language Arts K-8 together, so let me just tell y’all about our day yesterday.

We had just left Language Arts K-8 class, and it was time for lunch, but I had to head to my dorm to get my books for my Spanish II at 1pm. Well, not only did Craig walk me to my dorm, but he waited on me in the lobby. So, as we were heading to the cafeteria, Craig instantly saw Ruby and Theo; he knew that I always kick it with my peeps at lunch, so he decided to escort me to my seat, then he pulled my chair out for me and told me that he would holla at me later for a study session in the library—we’ve been studying for an upcoming test.

Anyway, later on that evening, Craig and I finished our study session, then he just reached out and kissed me on my cheek. I was both shocked and appreciative, but I was also curious. For the record, I always knew that Craig liked me—he was quite vocal about that fact about five months ago—but I had to ask of his incentive for kissing me on the cheek. Well, Craig smiled at me and gave me two legitimate reasons why he kissed me:

1) Just Because

2) See Reason #1

My response: “Awwwwwwwwwww, Craig—that’s so sweet.”

And then, Craig told me something that totally surprised me—he said that he could tell that I was protecting my heart on account of a past hurt. He told me that he noticed my “somewhat standoffish attitude” during our first day in Language Arts K-8 class two weeks ago. He also let me know that any man foolish enough to break my heart would surely get kicked in the ass… yes, those were Craig’s exact words, and that was very sweet of him to say.

I guess my reputation at Rust is pretty well-known!

Well, y’all, I had better get going, but I shall holla at y’all tomorrow.

Peace Out!
Natasha

In Loving Memory of Russell "The Professor" Johnson

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

As you can see, today’s blog post is dedicated to the loving memory of Russell David Johnson, whom we all came to know and love as Dr. Roy Hinkley—a.k.a. the professor from Gilligan’s Island.

Mr. Johnson was 89 years old when he passed away in his sleep this past Thursday at his home in Bainbridge Island, Washington. When word got out about his passing the other day, I immediately went to Google so I could find a decent picture of Mr. Johnson portraying the lovable professor… and this was the best picture I could find! The reason why I don’t particularly care for this picture is because of the episode itself. You see, Professor Hinkley was trying to convince his fellow castaways that voodoo was nothing more than silly superstition, and while he was explaining this, he wound up being hypnotized by a voodoo priest.

Ironic, ain’t it? Well, here’s some more irony for you: I actually love that episode!

My other favorite episode is where Mr. & Mrs. Howell explain to Professor Hinkley that Gilligan and Skipper somehow found themselves pasted to the S.S. Minnow, thanks in part to some glue that Gilligan had made. Well, Professor Hinkley explains to the Howells that the glue is permanent and there is nothing on the island that can dissolve it. Professor Hinkley then goes on to say: “Do you what that would take? It would take a polyester derivative of an organic hydroxide molecule.” Well, upon hearing this, Mrs. Howell looks away in disgust, while Mr. Howell scolds Professor Hinkley: “Watch your language! You’re in the presence of a lady!”

The whole scene is funny to me, all things considered—and check this out: Professor Hinkley actually apologizes for his “language” (such as the case was)… hahahaha!

And speaking of his language, it was reported that Mr. Johnson requested that the scientific jargon and intellectual lingo be legitimate in order to play the role of such a knowledgeable character. Now, that is what I call true passion for developing one’s character.

Now, I am aware that Mr. Johnson was in various movies and dramas, and even some westerns; however, he will forever in my heart be known as Professor Hinkley. I surely hope he’s having fun up there with Gilligan, the Skipper, too, and the millionaire and his wife.

Thanks for the knowledge, Professor Hinkley—and thank you for your great acting skills, Mr. Johnson!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Twenty-Two More Interesting Trivia

Happy Friday, Everyone!

This is a very special Freestyle Friday blog post. In continuation with Last Saturday’s post about trivial tidbits, here are twenty-two more for you. Check these out:

·         Thomas Edison one tried to invent a helicopter engine that ran on gunpowder. He was forced to end the experiments… after blowing up his lab.

·         It is completely impossible for a person to recite the letters of the alphabet without moving their lips or tongue; all letters sound the same.

·         In 1796, the state of Franklin changed its name to Tennessee. In 1861, the state of Kanawha changed its name to West Virginia.

·         Kids laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

·         Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime… and it was purchased by his brother, Theo.

·         The first American novel to ever to sell one million copies was Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was published in 1852.

·         Natural gas has no odor, but it can still be smelled, since scent is artificially added to it as a means of detecting leaks.

·         Sherlock Holmes never said “Elementary, my dear Watson,” and Captain Kirk never said “Beam me up, Scotty.”

·         In 1938, the two creators of Superman sold all the right to the character and the concept for $130.

·         The first-ever video on MTV was The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.” The first by an African-American artist: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”

·         In the Gilligan’s Island series, the skipper’s name is Jonas Grumby, and the professor’s name is Roy Hinkley. Their names were used only once—in the pilot.

·         The green rooster on the front of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes is actually named Cornelius. He made his debut in 1957, and is still on boxes today.

·         The top hat was so controversial that, when its inventor first wore it out in public in 1797, he was arrested for disturbing the peace.

·         “The whole nine yards” refers to the string of bullets used with airplane-mounted guns during World War I, which were 27 feet (nine yards) long.

·         Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is too narrow to be seen from space. One can, however, see the Hoover Dam and the Giza Pyramids.

·         It snows more in the Grand Canyon than it does in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The largest natural snowflake ever recorded was fifteen inches wide.

·         The only real people to be Pez heads were Paul Revere, Daniel Boone, and Betsy Ross, issued in the 1970s, and the Orange County Choppers, in 2006.

·         The word “oink” for the sound of a pig is “ood” in Thai, “snork” in Afrikaans, “chro” in Czech, “buu” in Japanese, and “hulu” in Mandarin.

·         The fastest moving muscle in the human body is the one that opens and closes the eyelid… “As fast as the blink of an eye!”

·         The first postage stamp, called the “One Penny Black,” was issued in 1840 and featured a portrait of the young Queen Victoria.

·         Abandoned titles for The Great Gatsby included “Trimalchio in West Egg,” “Under the Red, White, and Blue,” and “The High-Bouncing Lover.”

·         The longest airport runway in the world (3.4 miles) is at Bamda Airport in Tibet. It is also the highest (altitude of 2.7 miles).

The reason why I boldfaced Item #11 is because I already knew that one, particularly because of watching Gilligan’s Island with my fam and friends.

I also want to thank my fellow Southern Cali native Nikki Douglas for this information. Perhaps one day, I will throw these tidbits of information in one of my lessons and quiz my future kindergarten class, just to see if they were really paying attention to me… hahaha!

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

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Secret Admirer Returns... In A Manner of Speaking!

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

So, check this out, y’all… well, as you can tell by the title of today’s blog post, my secret admirer has—for lack of a much better term—made his first appearance of 2014. He presented me with a letter via Ruby, and I gotta say, this is perhaps the most sweetest letter that he’s ever given me.

And yes, I am aware that “most sweetest” is a touch redundant, but that’s how sweet it is. Just listen to this:

Dearest Natasha:

Even though we are sixteen days in, I still would like to wish you a Happy New Year. I hope that your 2014 will be just as great as this past year, if not better.

And now for the real reason behind this letter: You see, everyone looks to live happily ever after long before they check out what happened once upon a time, and it’s very easy to pretend that you’re not pretending—that is, until the naked truth makes itself known. Now, I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I do know this much: You are totally different from these other girls… as a matter of fact, you’re not a girl—you’re a woman. I’ve seen how you carry yourself, and I like it! I like how you have confidence in yourself; it shows in the way you walk and talk. You’ve got a no-nonsense side that is second-to-none, and I like how you have a silly, playful side as well. It goes without saying, Natasha, but you’re a total package.

I don’t know what your plans are for Valentine’s Day, and if I am too late, then that’s just a cross that I’ll have to bear. Nevertheless, I am a man of my word, and I want to get you a small gift, just to let you know that I think you are truly special.

Until next time, you have a great day, and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Your Secret Admirer

So, it appears that I’m finally gonna meet my secret admirer in about four weeks’ time. I truly hope this is not a game, because my heart cannot afford to be played with. I’ve already said that I refuse to be a fool again, and besides, it’s gonna take a very special guy to figure out the combination to my heart. That’s right, folks—my heart is still on lockdown! Granted, Craig is a nice guy, and this secret admirer is quite a charmer as well, but for now, I cannot take a chance on another heartbreak. I truly hope they both understand.

Nevertheless, I do enjoy the attention… a lot!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Catch-22

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is a continuation from yesterday afternoon.

So, check this out: On the way to our Spanish II class this afternoon, Ruby and Theo were teasing me about my “new boyfriend” Craig Dixon. I emphatically stated that Craig was not my boyfriend, nor would I string him along and play with his heart. Almost as soon as I said that, Theo asked me if I still had any reminders of that silly boy back in Cali, to which I responded that I only had one—the Share Bear Care Bear that he got me for Valentine’s Day last year.

Well, y’all ought know Ruby’s personality by now—she emphatically confessed on my behalf that I still had all of Ray’s love letters, cards, and the ladybug clip for my hair. Ruby then made it clear to Theo that she had suggested on numerous occasions that I get rid of everything that reminded me of my past. I assured Ruby and Theo that all of my past was stuffed in a box, especially the Care Bear.

It was then that Theo dropped some serious knowledge on me. He caught me by my arm and said, “Now, Natasha, I remember reading in the Bible about a time where the Israelites were instructed to leave nothing alive, but they didn’t. If I remember correctly, they left the Philistines alone, and that one small remnant came back to haunt them. Natasha, as a concerned friend, I wanna say to you: Please don’t be as stiffnecked as those Israelites were—I’m just sayin’.”

Ruby affirmed Theo’s comments with a simple “Mmmmmm-hmmmmm!”

Now, I’m not denying that Ruby and Theo care for me, nor am I denying that they have my best interest in mind, but here’s the problem that I have: While I have set Ray free and I’ve thrown everything into a box, I’m still debating on whether or not I should throw everything away. You see, while I have moved on, I cannot deny that I had some great memories of the times I spent with Ray, and the Share Bear Care Bear is but one of those memories. And then, there’s the constant weighing of pros and cons that I have going on in my mind. I don’t mind letting go, but I don’t want to let go of everything. Ruby and Theo say that I should throw everything out at once, and they also suggested that when I return to L.A. for the summer, I go back to the “video studio” and edit anything and everything related to Ray. Now, I’ve already made a promise to myself that I will not go in that box for any reason, but at the same time, I’m thinking about what Theo said about the remnant of the Philistine that haunted the Israelites.

I’m so confused—please say a prayer for your girl!

Until next time, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Vipress Is Back, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

Some of you may be wondering about the backstory behind the title of today’s blog post—well, allow me to explain.

Yesterday evening, I had a deep phone conversation with my Auntie Cherri, and I was telling her that fellow Rustite and aspiring teacher Craig Dixon asked me to be his Valentine. She asked me if I accepted, to which I affirmed that I did so, but rather reluctantly. Well, Auntie Cherri told me that I did the right thing by accepting Craig’s sweet little request. She said that by accepting Craig’s invitation to be his Valentine, I showed that I am allowing my emotional scars to heal. She also said something that I hope she puts in her upcoming book:

“Tasha, I’m gonna tell you just like I tell Vanessa—the most dangerous woman in the world is one who knows her worth.”

As soon as Auntie Cherri told me that, I got to thinking about my blog post from just this past Thursday. There’s a gospel song that talks about how you sometimes need to encourage yourself. Well, if y’all remember, I started to regain my confidence once I remembered that I am Natasha Renee Stewart—Mom’s little Smurfette, Dad’s little Honey Bee, Gramma Jewel’s little Bright Eyes, and one-third of the Tripod. I am also four feet eleven inches tall, with dark brown hair, gorgeous brown eyes, a beautiful smile that would make Mona Lisa a touch envious, and a figure that puts an hourglass to shame!

Okay, that may be overembellishing a little bit, and I may be tooting my own horn, but let’s face it: I know my worth as a woman, and I should never forget that. Besides, Auntie Cherri told me about a song from the late great Luther Vandross called “Too Far Down.” I looked that song up on YouTube this morning, and after listening to it, I feel so much better. To summarize the song, the message is simply this: It’s okay to be sad and it’s okay to cry, but don’t be so down in the dumps to where you’ve hit the point of no return.

Well, y’all—I’ll be damned before I get depressed and fall too far down. As long as I’ve got my family and friends, and of course with God on my side, I’ll make it.

I now close today’s blog post with the last few lines of that encouraging song by Luther Vandross:

Pick yourself up—if you’re lost, you’ll be found,

But if you don’t care, you’re just too far down.

I know you feel so left out, pushed around,

But nevertheless, don’t go too far down.

Y’all have a great day, and I’ll holla tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Return of the Tripod

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is rather short, sweet, and to the point.

I forgot to tell y’all that the Tripod is back together in class again—Ruby, Theo, and I are taking Spanish II together, and it’s so ironic how Theo and I are sitting in one row with Ruby sitting in the row next to us. The last time we all took a class together was our Intro to Computers class in our freshman year. I remember it so well—all things considered—because that jackass Richard Cornelius was in class with us. It was also in that very computer class where Theo christened me as the Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-ss. Yes, I am aware that such a memory was not that long ago, but it still holds a precious spot in my heart.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that, seeing as how this particular Spanish class is at a second level, our instructor has told us that a majority of our class will be group assignments. Well, I don’t think I need to tell y’all that the Tripod is locked in tight… that is, unless our instructor says otherwise. Ruby, Theo, and I are hoping that we get to become a team, but if not, then we can at least still have our study sessions.

I really want to apologize for this lackluster blog post, but there really is nothing to talk about today. I tell y’all what—give me until tomorrow, and I promise that I will have a helluva blog post for each and every last one of you.

Until tomorrow, y’all enjoy your afternoon.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha