I'm In The "Final Exam" Zone, Y'all!

Good Monday Afternoon, Y’all!

As you all can tell by the title of today’s blog post, I’ve got a couple days left until my final exams, and I am in the zone! Though I haven’t talked much about my academic life up here at Rust, I can assure that I have not be caught slippin’—my grades are still as strong as they ever have been. As a matter of fact, I’m still bustin’ out those A’s in both classes… heck, let me put it this way: ¡Estoy haciendo muy bien en ambas clases!

Basically, I just said that I’m doing very well in both classes. And for the record, I tried to find a third class for this module, but as you probably guessed, I was unsuccessful in doing so. I’m cool with it, though—I’ll just find an extra class to take for the next module.

In the meantime in between time, I am quite focused on my final exams for this week. I don’t know if I mentioned it or not, but I take my Language Arts K-8 final this Thursday at 10:30am CST, and I take my Spanish II final on Friday at 8am CST. My original plan is to remain focused on my Language Arts final, mainly because I have a feeling that my Spanish II final will be muy muy facil. At the same time, I don’t wanna mess around and not study for Spanish II at all. I’m probably gonna study a little bit for it tomorrow, but for now, I’m gonna focus on my Language Arts K-8.

With that said, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

This Day in My Family's History

Auntie Cherri and Ms. Summer Bloom, the grateful woman
whose life was saved just one year ago today.

Happy Saturday, Everybody!

I think it’s pretty obvious to you all that my family is known for immortalizing certain milestones, especially if we played a role in the moments.

Well, this day is no different.

Today marks exactly one year that my Auntie Cherri became a hero. Although the fanfare, the publicity and the accolades have died down, none of us will ever forget the random act of kindness and senseless act of beauty that Auntie Cherri displayed on that fateful day. As a matter of fact, when interviewed by the Culver City Gazette (I read the article online), Auntie Cherri was quoted as saying that all of the recognition she had received doesn’t mean much to her, she stands firm and strong in how she feels.

We all know about how my Auntie Cherri literally carried a semi-conscious pregnant woman across the street to safety, and then helped deliver the woman’s baby. Since that fateful day exactly one year ago, Auntie Cherri has been looked upon as a humble-hearted hero, despite continuously stating that that if there was no reward or recognition involved, she still would have reached out to the woman. Well, it seemed like everytime Auntie Cherri showed her humble side, she was awarded that much more. It began at a ceremony on March 2, 2013, when she received the Good Samaritan Award, and in from there, she was the very first guest of the premiering Dennis Hughes Show in late September 2013. However, Auntie Cherri says that the greatest accolade she received was when the woman showed her gratitude by naming her daughter Cheryl Lynn, and then asking Auntie Cherri to be her namesake’s godmother. I could tell by the look in Auntie Cherri’s eyes—she was more than honored to be chosen as a godmother!

And it shouldn’t surprise any of y’all (because it didn’t surprise us) that Auntie Cherri not only accepted the request, but she also volunteered to be a mentor to the woman.

So, on this very special day, I just want to express how good it feels to be the niece of Mrs. Cheryl Yvette Cunningham… and might I add: Auntie Cherri looks just darling in this photo right here; look at how she’s holding her little namesake so comfortably. And the little princess is resting so soundly, so sweetly.

As I close this blog, I have only one thing left to say:

CONGRATULATIONS, AUNTIE CHERRI—I SALUTE YOU, ONE MO’ GINN!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Freestyle Friday: I'm Violet!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

It’s been a minute since I’ve had a Friday Freestyle blog post—this is where I just pick a topic to talk about.

 

Today’s topic is about a quiz that I had taken just yesterday evening. Just for the record, it was not a pop quiz—it was one of those personality quizzes that you take just to pass the time away.

So, the name of this quiz was called: “What Is Your Personality Color?” Now, everyone knows that my favorite color is purple (technically lavender), and for some strange reason, I had known ahead of time that after I finished this particular quiz, the results would be around the ballpark of purple.

Well, y’all—I was right on the money! Judging by my answers, my personality color is: Violet!

And here are the results of the quiz:

“You dream big and you don't back down from your ideas and goals. You are a visionary who wants to change things. And unlike most visionaries, you actually have the charm, charisma, and flair for drama that inspires others into action.

In love, you are very passionate but quite scattered. You're too busy with your dreams to give someone all your time. Your ideal partner is someone who buys into your vision. You want someone who is willing to work by your side.

At work, it is never about the money, no matter how much dough you are offered. In fact, throwing money at you may insult you. You work to change the world, even if it's one person at a time. If your work doesn't have meaning, you'll lose interest.”

I find it amazing that the commentary was darn near spot on. Yes, I do want to change the world, one person at a time—that’s exactly why I desire to be a teacher… and I’ll be damned if the quiz results did not say that I am passionate but scattered when it comes to love. It’s also nice to know that I’ve been blessed with that certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to being the best teacher in the world.

Now, y’all already know that I’m gonna take another one of these quizzes, which you can find on blogthings.com! Yes, I think I may have found something to occupy my time when I’m bored… hahaha!

Well, y’all—with that said, it’s time for me to go, but y’all already know that I’ll be back tomorrow with another brand-new blog post. Until tomorrow, y’all have a gooden.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Preparing for Finals, and a Tribute to Viscera

Hi, Everyone!

It’s about that time again, y’all—I am officially one week away from taking my final exams.

Since the start of the Third Module, I’ve done exceptionally well in my two classes. My love for teaching has really been on display in my Language Arts K-8 class, and as for my Spanish II class… well, let me put it this way: Mi profesor dice que lo estoy haciendo tan bien, ella está cuestionando si realmente soy una chica de Cali. Mi profesor de español también dice que tengo una habilidad natural para enseñar una clase de español en el futuro.

I only have one thing to say: Très bien pour moi!  Hahaha!

Well, I really don’t have anything else to talk about today, so I’m just gonna close up this here blog post and start all over again tomorrow. I know, I know—it’s very rare that I post short blog, and I guess there really is a first time for everything. Besides, as I previously mentioned, I’ve got finals coming up next week. I can tell you this, though: When I get into my studying mode, I’m unstoppable… next week ain’t gonna be no different than any other time!

Oh, before I close today’s blog post, I do need to make an announcement: On behalf of my family, we would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of wrestler Nelson Frazier, Jr., who passed away this past Tuesday. When I first started watching wrestling, I knew him by his Viscera persona, but my mom and dad knew him better as King Mabel. He was only 43 years old, y’all—as a matter of fact, he had just celebrated his birthday on Valentine’s Day. One thing’s for certain: Whether he was the fun-loving hip-hop rapper, the mean hip-hop king, a member of the Corporate Ministry, or even the scary Big Daddy V, my family will most definitely miss him.

Thanks for the memories, Big Vis!

Peace Out, Y’all!
Natasha

So, What Happens Next?

Hi, Everyone!

I know a couple of y’all looked at the subject title of today’s blog post and probably said to yourselves: “Aw, hell—here she goes again!”

Well, y’all can’t really blame me for thinking about the wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend that I had experienced? I mean, let’s face it: I’m still new to this romance thing, and it’s very exciting to me. Yes, I have been down this road before, but for some reason, this weekend was truly special to me. Given that I had placed my heart under lock and key, I am really impressed that Neo Theo knew the combination. Yes, y’all—I am willing to admit that he really wowed me over these past four months with his sweet and subtle letters; it just goes to show that simplicity really does work.

And I may as well go ahead and tell y’all the truth: I kinda have a crush on Neo Theo… yes, you read it correctly—my feelings for Theo are mutual!

However, I still must ask myself that proverbial question: Where do we go from here?

Notwithstanding my feelings for Theo (which I have kept to myself—I haven’t even told Ruby, and she’s my best friend), I still remain focused and adamant as it relates to obtaining my academic goals and my dream to become the greatest kindergarten teacher since my Grampa Clark and Mrs. Ingrid Martin. Yet and still, I am very excited to know that Theo and I share the same sentiments about one another; it makes it that much more exciting and thrilling. And perhaps I’m being too overly cautious, but I still have my heart under lock and key. The last thing I want (much less need) is to jump headfirst into an empty pool and start professing my love—I’ve made that mistake before and I just don’t wanna be a fool again. I’d much rather protect my heart and keep my feelings to myself until the time is right.

Well, that just about does it for today. I’ll be back tomorrow with a brand-new blog post, but until then, y’all take care and take it light… and remember to keep a sista lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflecting On This Past Weekend's Revelation

Hi, Everyone!

Seeing as how yesterday was President’s Day, I decided to give y’all a rest from my escapades. Nevertheless, I trust that you all had a great weekend.

Well, just in case you didn’t get the news from my February 15 blog post, my secret admirer is the Neo One himself, Theo Campbell! I’m sitting here reflecting on the events of this past weekend, and I gotta say: I honestly had no idea that Theo was my mystery man. Now, I’m quite certain that the signs were all there, and even I admitted that I knew he kinda had a crush on me, but this puts everything into perspective. This goes back to that old saying about hindsight being 20/20!

And I just thought about something else—the clues were in the very first letter that Theo had written me. I tell y’all, it’s amazing how things come back full circle. If y’all remember my blog post from October 22, 2013, wherein Theo had used a verse from the song “Lovely” by Case… and I also thought about how Ruby never uttered a word to me; she didn’t even give me a hint of a hint. I gotta give Ruby credit for sticking to her guns, although she did tell me this past Saturday that I would “really be some kinda surprised” upon the revelation.

And Ruby wasn’t just whistlin’ “Dixie,” either!

So, now that the revelation has come to pass, where do Theo and I go from here? Is the thrill gone? Do I allow myself to be pursued by Theo? Will Theo and I go out on a couple of dates, or will everything just be as it was before the revelation? Hell, will Theo and I still remain friends? Come on, now, y’all—even I know that moments can get a bit tense and awkward after the line has been crossed. And then again, I don’t really have anything to worry about; after all, I’m still on my own personal mission to graduate from Rust, and I still have dreams and aspirations on being the best damn kindergarten teacher in the world. I’m not saying that I don’t have any room for romance—I’m just saying that right now, I’ve got goals that I need to accomplish.

We’ll just have to see how this plays out—in the meantime, y’all continue to pray for a sista.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

It Was Theo All Along!

Hi, Everyone!

All this time, my secret admirer was Neo Theo—WOW!!!

I am shocked, to say the least, and I am also flattered. Admittedly, I kinda had a feeling that “the Neo One” had a touch of a crush on me, but then too, he’s always referred to me as his big little sister. Now that he has revealed himself to be my secret admirer, I am just utterly speechless… I mean, I have absolutely no speech.

And yet, I am still flattered. I mean, to think that all this time, Neo Theo’s really likes me.

Now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense. I’m thinking back to just last month, when Theo gave me a kiss above my eye—a girl notices these things. It was right after that unpleasantness back home (which I said I would never bring up again), and despite my keeping clandestine about the situation, Theo must’ve picked up a vibe from me that I was still sad. I’ll never forget how he just hugged me real tight, without saying a word; he didn’t even so much as hum. And of course, as I mentioned, there was the kiss that he gave me above my right eye. I never told him how I appreciative I was for him being there for me, and perhaps I didn’t need to. Perhaps the fact that I hugged Theo back was gratitude in and of itself.

Well, anyway, the way Theo revealed himself as my admirer was so sweet, so cute, and so original—it really made me feel special. Sometime around noon CST, Theo himself told me that my secret admirer sent a message to him to give to me; he would meet me in the lobby of Emma Elzy around 4:30pm CST. Well, y’all know me—I like to be on time for stuff, so seeing as how I reside in Emma Elzy Hall, I waited out in the lobby five minutes ahead of schedule. About ten minutes later, Theo himself comes by with some lavender roses and some peanut butter cookies. When I asked him what the occasion was, he started singing “Lovely” by Case.

And that’s when I realized that Neo Theo was my secret admirer!

As y’all already know, I was so touched—y’all already know that Theo deserved a big kiss, but I gave him a kiss on the cheek, plus one above his right eye.

So now, a new question arises: Where do we go from here? Only time will tell.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Sweet, Simple Valentine's Day

Hi, Everyone… and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Before I get to the “juicy” part of today’s blog post, I want y’all to know that I received the sweetest Valentine phone call this morning, from a corny couple named Benjamin & Danielle Stewart—and now y’all know where I get my corniness from! In any event, they called me around 9am CST my time and sang “You Are So Beautiful to Me,” and they were in great harmony, too. Granted, my mom and dad are no Ashford & Simpson, but they did a pretty damn good job with their duet. Of course, I was just grinnin’ and blushin’ away, but I did thank them for thinking of me. And while I didn’t openly admit it, I especially liked the part where my dad sang the high note toward the end of the song.

I also got a sweet Valentine card in the mail from my Gramma Jewel, alongside forty dollars (which I will not be spending anytime soon). On the front of the card is a heart-shaped peach, and on the inside it reads: “Bright Eyes, you’re the peachiest. Happy Hearts Day, my love.”

And now we come to the coup de gras—Craig’s special Valentine surprise for me.

Let me first of all state for the record that I did not expect Craig to get me anything more than a card and a little bag of Valentine M&Ms, mainly because that’s all that I had to give him, but I gotta tell y’all: Craig went out for a sista! He gave me a card with butterflies fluttering around a heart, some Valentine M&Ms cookies, and five peach roses.

“I know it’s not much, but it’s the best that I have for a lovely lady like you,” Craig said, all shyly.

Well, I was grateful that he even thought enough of me to begin with, so naturally I gave him an appreciative thank-you kiss on the cheek. Later on, he treated me to Pizza Hut, just the two of us… oh, and it was at Pizza Hut that Craig told me that I was his Valentine’s Day gift. Suffice it to say, he thanked me with a kiss on my cheek.

My Auntie Gloria was right—Simplicity Works!

So, in a nutshell, I had a great Valentine’s Day, and I also learned that people don’t necessarily have to be nice to you, so when they are, one should at least show one’s appreciation towards the nice gesture. As for me, I truly appreciate the love that I felt on this day—of course, I am loved every day, but I guess I mean to say that Craig really made me feel special. I’m not saying that we’re officially an item, but I am saying that he really showed that he was a gentleman, and he did it so effortlessly.

Yes, y’all—I’m basically saying that I was bit turned on by Craig actions!

Until tomorrow, when I find out the identity of my secret admirer…

Smooches,

Natasha

Finally, Snow Fell At Rust!

Hi, Everyone!

I was so caught up in the excitement of getting one final letter from my secret admirer yesterday that I forgot to mention something very pivotal in my life…

FINALLY, I SAW SNOW IN BEARCAT COUNTRY!!!

And it was so beautiful. It looked just like this.

Hey, y’all forget—I’m a Cali girl and I don’t see too much (if any) snow that often, except in the mountains behind the Downtown L.A. skyline. But anyway, it was just awesome to see that beautiful white snow fall upon the earth. Y’all know that I called my mom and dad to tell them—it was just an awesome thing for me to witness!

That’s all that I wanted to share with y’all today. I’ll holla at’cha tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

One Final Note from My Secret Admirer

Hi, Everyone!

So, I just received my last letter from my secret admirer… well it’s not a letter, per se—it’s more like a short and sweet note. Just listen to this:

Hi, Natasha:

Seeing as how we are just two days away from Valentine’s Day, I wanted to send you one last letter.

I wish nothing but the very best for you. I also want to let you know that I appreciate your patience over these past four months, and as promised, I will finally reveal my identity to you this Saturday. Your roommate Ruby told me that you love surprises, so I truly hope this surprise touches your heart. Until then, take care and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Your Secret Admirer

I want y’all to know that, while I am still intrigued and interested, I’ve actually given up on figuring out who my mystery man may be. I would just rather be legitimately surprised on Saturday… and for the record, I want my secret admirer to know that I’ve got a big surprise for him as well—an appreciative heart and a big thank-you kiss.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Now That I'm 20...

Hi, Everyone!

So, here it is, Tuesday, February 11, 2014, and I feel grandtastic!

As of yesterday, my teen years are officially over, and I have crossed that threshold into the tantalizing twenties. And today’s blog post couldn’t be any more apropos—seeing as how I am officially twenty years (and one day) old, I would like to share twenty things that y’all may or may not know about me.

Here we go:


1.  All things considered, my first name (Natasha) is Russian, meaning “born at Christmas,” and my middle name (Renee) is French for “reborn.”

 

2.  The most money I ever splurged was thirty dollars, and that was when I went to Knott’s Berry Farm last summer with my Uncle Ronnie, Auntie Brenda, and Cousin Lionel.

 

3.  My very first best friend just happens to be my fellow Rustite and future Class of 2016 alumna—Ruby Jean Hudspeth.

 

4.  I absolutely, unconditionally love my height and weight… as long as I don’t go over 145 pounds!

 

5.  I know for a fact that I’ve got a great set of hips—this may sound like bragging, but I know it to be true!

 

6.  Although I’ve grown up in a Christian home, there is a part of me that is very superstitious. However, I am asking God to help me with that.

 

7.  Thanks in part to my mom, my favorite color is purple.

 

8.  I model myself after the women in my family—I’ve got my Gramma Jewel’s sweet and friendly demeanor, my mom’s poise and panache, my Auntie Cherri’s bold and daring sex appeal, my Auntie Stephanie’s style and profile, my Auntie Brenda’s loyalty and dedication, and my Auntie Gloria’s shy and quiet looks.

 

9.  The first person I ever cussed out was a girl up here at Rust that tried to play my homey Neo Theo for a fool.

 

10.  My favorite number is ten!

 

11.  Up until I was sixteen years old, I wanted to change my name to Natasha Renee Huxtable on account of I love The Cosby Show.

 

12.  I registered to vote on my eighteenth birthday.

 

13.  My dream vacation is Honolulu, Hawaii.

 

14.  I first fell in love with wrestling/sports entertainment when I was five years old; my very first pay-per-view was SummerSlam 1999, where Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, and Triple H were fighting for the championship.

 

15.  My passion for teaching has magnified that much greater because of my love for learning and trivia.

 

16.  I love cloudy days, rainy days, and snowy days—separate from each other, of course.

 

17.  There was a time when I thought that anyone with the last name Stewart was related to me.

 

18.  Despite the fact that I am an only child, I treat my cousins as though they are my brothers and sisters.

 

19.  Although I was two years old, my last memory of my Grampa Clark was two weeks before he died; he lifted me in the air and pretended to drop me, and I remember giggling like crazy.

 

20.  In my sophomore year at LaBon High School, I dressed up like my Gramma Jewel for a costume contest, and I won!

 

 

And there y’all have it!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Officially 20 Years Old!

Well, y’all—I made it! I am officially 20 years old today!

This morning, Ruby asked me how it felt to be “the great 2-0,” to which I responded that I don’t look or feel any different. If anything, I’m still the same gal that I’ve always been—I’m just another year older, and probably a touch wiser than before.

I tell y’all, I feel absolutely fantastic, and I am also grateful to God that He allowed me to see my twentieth birthday. When I woke up this morning, the first thing I did was drop to my knees and thank The Lord for this day, then I took a big deep breath and did my best impersonation of Lil’ Jon and the Eastside Boys… hahaha! Oh, and incidentally, I got a present in the mail this afternoon from my mom and dad—they had actually mailed it off on Thursday, and it showed up right on time today. I want to state for the record once again that my mom and dad are such cornballs; they made a home movie with my camcorder, and they sang their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday to You,” combined with a touch of “In Da Club” by 50 Cent, and then they sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” but instead wished me a happy birthday.

It was a very cute birthday video, and y’all already know that I called them and showed my most greatest appreciation.

And y’all already know that Ruby and Theo made me feel like a celebrity. As a matter of fact, Ruby’s parents made me a special birthday dinner and a birthday cake, and it was all delicious! I’m tellin’ y’all—Mr. and Mrs. Hudspeth threw down in that kitchen; they made steak and chicken, with loaded baked potatoes, green salad, corn on the cob, and garlic bread. I tell y’all, it was like being at home with my family! Speaking of family, y’all also know that I got a call from Gramma Jewel—y’all already know that she was not about to let this day slip by without her acknowledging my greatest milestone to date.

Well, they say that all good things must come to an end, so with that said, I’ve got to close up this evening’s blog post. I would like to once again thank each and every one of you for your birthday wishes, birthday prayers, and birthday songs—y’all really know how to make a gal feel special.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Awaiting the Great 2-0, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it’s Sunday, February 9, 2014, and I am literally twelve hours away from celebrating my 20^th Birthday.

I’ve been sitting here in my dorm room, thinking about all the stuff that has happened to me in these past nineteen years, and I gotta tell y’all: All things considered, life has been really good to me thus far. Of course, there are some incidences that I wished never happened (and don’t worry—I’m not gonna travel down that road again), but the bottom line is that I made it through, thanks be to God. In that same light, if it was up to me, there would be no such thing as pain and sorrow, nor would there be any heartbreak and disappointment. However, since it’s not up to me and I don’t have that kind of power, I’ve gotta roll with it and keep on keepin’ on.

I really don’t have a lot to talk about today, especially considering that it’s Sunday, and I haven’t gone to church… actually, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen the inside of a church. I’m not gonna lie, y’all—the last time I went to church was around the time I spent Thanksgiving with Great Aunt Reesie ‘Nim. Yes, I know that is a shame, but I’d much rather tell y’all the truth than lie to y’all. Besides, I feel that I more than make up for it when I go home for my summer vacations and my Christmas breaks, and I always make sure that I read a couple of Bible scriptures and meditate for two hours in the morning on Sundays out here—Ruby’s my witness.

Yet and still, there is nothing like that real experience of sitting in a church and hearing the sermons from the preacher.

Okay, y’all—I reckon I’d better get goin’, but I’ll holla at y’all sometime tomorrow, and I promise that you’ll get an in-depth review on how I spent my birthday.

Smooches,

Natasha

Happy Birthday, Uncle Ronnie!

Good Saturday Morning, Y’all!

I’m just gonna cut right to the chase in today’s blog post and say…

Happy 48th Birthday to my Uncle Ronnie!

My Uncle Ronnie is the coolest—he’s always got a big smile on his face, and he’s always one to make people laugh, even if it’s at his own expense. Now, I will admit that Uncle Ronnie is a touch corny and even a bit mischievous, but he makes it work for him. Besides, it is well documented that Uncle Ronnie is his daddy’s son; he got his charisma from Grampa Clark!

I remember a story told to me in which Uncle Ronnie was about twelve years old. It was a Sunday morning and everyone was getting ready for church… well, all except Uncle Ronnie. Well, Gramma Jewel was under the impression that Uncle Ronnie was sick, so she ran upstairs to see what was up. Much to Gramma Jewel’s shock and chagrin, Uncle Ronnie was lying in the bed and watching cartoons. Naturally, Gramma Jewel demanded to know why Uncle Ronnie was not ready for church, to which Uncle Ronnie answered: “Well, Mom, I learned in my religion class that God is omnipresent, meaning that He’s everywhere at the same time, so there’s really no need to go to church every Sunday.”

Now, y’all already know that Gramma Jewel was not about to accept that answer—and Uncle Ronnie himself admitted that he was not expecting the rebuttal that he received. He said that Gramma Jewel chuckled rather ominously, then she put her hands on her hips and said: You’re absolutely right—God is everywhere, but I know that yo ass betta be ready for church in the next ten minutes!”

Suffice to say, Uncle Ronnie got up and got ready for church—quick, fast, and in a hurry!

There’s another story that Uncle Ronnie tried his absolute bestest to prank phone call Gramma Jewel about seven years ago. Gramma Jewel admitted that she would’ve never known it was Uncle Ronnie had he not broke out laughing. And y’all already know that Gramma Jewel told Uncle Ronnie not to quit his day job.

Well, that concludes today’s blog post, but before I do, I want to say once again: Happy Birthday, Uncle Ronnie, and celebrate it well. Love you lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Legacy of Lynn Agnes Coleman

Happy Friday, Everybody!

As I promised on yesterday, I have a very special blog post for all-a-y’all, and just like mail carriers and pizza drivers, I do deliver. With that said, I am dedicating today’s blog post to a legendary figure in my family, my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

I’ve been wanting to dedicate a blog post to my Great grandmother for the longest time, and I also find it quite apropos that this is Black History Month—it’s amazing how things work out like that! You know, I’ve always admired the contributions of legends such as Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, and First Lady Michelle Obama, but it makes me that much more special to know that there are prominent figures in my very own family… and Great Gramma Lynn is one of those figures!

Great Gramma Lynn was born an only child on April 1, 1906 in Ruleville, Mississippi, to Horace & Bernice Brown. The other day, I made mention about the struggle of receiving a great education for African-Americans. Well, Great Gramma Lynn was a pioneer in her day, as she was the very first one in my family to not only further her education past Sixth Grade, but she also became the first family member in history to attend a higher learning institution. I know I have shared on countless occasions that Great Gramma Lynn planted the seed of furthering education; well, in so doing, she birthed the Rust College legacy, having graduated from Rust in 1928 with a degree in Sociology.

From the lovely reflections that I hear from Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, my mom, and my aunts and uncles, I can tell that Great Gramma Lynn was truly a legend in her own time. Allow me to be bold enough to make this statement: Long before there was the Vipress (LOL), there was Great Gramma Lynn! She was stern but sweet, hard-hitting but soft-spoken, and according to Gramma Jewel, she was quick with a wooden spoon… hahaha! I’ve even heard stories of how Great Gramma Lynn rarely got angry, but when she did, it was nothin’ nice. However, she was a devoted woman—to God first and her husband and two daughters second. She worked very hard to make sure that her family got the best of the best, and she was also a sharp dresser!

And I know I’ve shared this story numerous times, but I love it just as much: Everytime Great Gramma Lynn’s birthday came around, she would say: “I still find it ironic that I, a smart and educated woman, would be born on a day designed for fools!”

Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord on July 23, 1984, where she was surrounded by Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Grampa Clark. It was said that after she made a peaceful transition, her likeness was formed in the clouds, thus solidifying that she had truly made it over.

Today, Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live throughout all of the women in my family—and when I say “all,” I mean ALL! Y’all know that we adopted Becky last year... and that reminds me: Becky’s thinking about changing her name to either Jones or Coleman, as an homage to us.

I guess Great Gramma Lynn’s words of wisdom still ring true: “Goodheartedness produces goodheartedness—it gives above and beyond, and it never asks for anything in return, because it gives straight from the heart.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Countdown Until My Birthday

Hi, Everyone!

Well, I’m starting to feel a little better after that bad cold that I received on last Saturday. I’m still very careful not to go outside unless it’s time for my classes, but I’m not as stuffy and nasally as I was earlier in the week. And it’s kinda apropos that I’m starting to feel better, especially considering that I have a birthday coming up.

And speaking of my birthday, we are officially four days away until the big event. I am like, so totally ultra-excited that I’ll be turning 20 years old! I really don’t know what I would like to do for my birthday, nor do I have any plans for a party—if anything, I will be happy just to see another birthday.

That’s actually all the news I’ve got for today, but I promise that I’ll have a real good blog post for tomorrow. Until then, y’all have a gooden.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

More Profound Knowledge About Rust College

Hi, Everyone!

My great-great grandmother Bernice Brown was once quoted as saying: “The only way you stop learning is when The Heavenly Father calls you from earth to Glory.”

Well, as y’all know, we are in Black History Month, and as an aspiring teacher, I have gained this thirst for knowledge and trivia… you know, I really don’t know where I’m going with this introduction, so I’m just gonna cut right to the chase: Do y’all remember a blog post from September, in which I talked about the history of Rust College? I had made mention of and further explained why Rust was first to give some learning unto those who were set free… well, special thanks to a fellow Rustite who graduated Class of 1999, I learned something else.

Check this out, y’all: Before the Civil War, higher education for African Americans was darn near nonexistent. Those who did receive schooling, such as Frederick Douglass, often studied in clandestine and oftentimes hostile settings. Some were even forced to teach themselves, period! I was also surprised to learn that most historically black colleges and universities (or HBCUs for short) were established after the Civil War, and most are located in former slave states and territories. It’s no secret that HBCUs are the backbone of higher education for African Americans, and continue to produce present and future leaders, doctors, and educators.

And, in addition to everything else mentioned, Rust College is the oldest HBCU in the state of Mississippi—I’m talking about the overall state of Mississippi.

The NBC theme still rings true to this day: The more you know…

Until tomorrow, y’all have a gooden!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha