Rust College... I'M HERE!!!

Hi, Everybody!

 

I tell y’all—this Bray Wyatt character from WWE is really an intriguing individual. I loved how he lights up his lantern and then he whispers the name of the city, and after announcing his arrival, he blows out the lantern. The thing that I find weird is that he relights the lantern just to head out to the ring, and yet, for some reason, it still works!

And yes, I guess you can say that Mr. Wyatt’s catchphrase helped inspire the title of today’s blog post. It certainly goes without saying, but I’m back up here at Rust after having one helluva spectacular summer vacation... and while I’m on the subject of my summer vacation, I just want to take this time out and express my love to my family for creating such a grandtastical family reunion. We truly had us some fun lo these past couple weeks. I reckon I’m gonna have to make a commemorative booklet or something, just to immortalize all the fun that we had.

Oh, and I wanna state for the record that Gramma Jewel’s childhood friend Ms. Millie is as cool as the other side of a pillow. I’m actually gonna have to interview her for a future blog post—that lady is so cool. I need to also mention that Uncle Ronnie had a childhood crush on Ms. Millie, and… well, some things just never change—Uncle Ronnie still has a touch of a crush on Ms. Millie!

But anyway, back to the lecture at hand: I am back up here at Rust College, and I am ready to start my junior year. Ruby and I actually moved in over the weekend… and I need to quickly mention that my mom and dad have finally met Mr. & Mrs. Hudspeth, and all four of ‘em instantly got on a first name basis. Y’all kow what this means, don’tcha—Ruby and I are officially sisters for life!

As far as my classes go, I’ve taken a look at my schedule, and I see that I’ve got some classes that I already know ain’t gonna be no cakewalk… and the improper grammar is highly merited in this case. Just in the first module alone, I’m taking Diagnosis and Treatment of Reading Disabilities, Early Literature Instructions Part II, and Measurement & Evaluation. Now, mind you: I said that these three courses are only for the first module, but I forgot to mention that class starts this Wednesday. I get a feeling that y’all ain’t gonna be hearing from me as much as before. As challenging as that may sound, I’m taking for the second module: Human Growth Development and Diversity, Literature in the Schools, and Praxis Seminar II.

Y’all, it ain’t lookin’ good—I’m requesting y’alls prayers immediately.

Well, I reckon it’s time to close up this blog post, but I’m serious—keep your girl lifted up in prayer, because these classes sound like they’re gonna need my undivided attention.

 

 

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

Congratulations to Howie & Jessica Douglas!

Hi, Everybody!

Let me preface today’s blog post by mentioning that this news is three days overdue. I humbly apologize for being so late, but with all of the excitement going on in my life thus far, y’all can’t really blame me. Nevertheless, I have a very important announcement to make:

I, NATASHA RENEE STEWART, HAVE OFFICIALLY BECOME AN HONORARY AUNTIE!!!

And how apropos that we received this news on the day that we celebrated what would’ve been Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday.You see, my Gramma Jewel’s next door neighbors Bret & Susie Douglas (a.k.a. Mr. & Mrs. D) are grandparents once again. It was just this past Wednesday that Mr. D delivered the news via text message to my Gramma Jewel. The message was that his daughter-in-law Jessica had given birth to a bouncing baby boy. The little fella made his debut at 3:21pm PST, and he weighed in at six pounds and eleven ounces. What’s the little guy’s name: Michael Winston Douglas!

Now, I did a little research (I am an aspiring teacher after all), and I have come to the conclusion that Howie and Jessica couldn’t have picked a better name. You see, Michael is Hebrew for “Who is like God,” and Winston is derived from the Old English, meaning “Joy Stone.” Y’all already know that I’m gonna write all of this down and mail it to Howie and Jessica, just as soon as I return to Bearcat Country.

I tell y’all—I am so excited for the entire Douglas Family. I know that Mr. D is tickled pink about being a granddad one mo’ ginn, and I have no doubt that Mrs. D is just struttin’ her stuff all across Southern Cali. And as I mentioned, Gramma Jewel is ultra-excited on account of her brand-new godson was born on the very day that Grampa Clark would’ve been 80 years old. I’ve got to wonder, y’all: Did Uncle Clark know in advance that this was gonna happen? I mean, he’s right up there in Glory, so I’m kinda thinking that he may have seen our Heavenly Father weaving His divine plan into action, and lo and behold—here comes young Michael Winston!

I really wish I could go home, if only for a little while, just to see the little guy. I bet he’s so cute, too! Oh, well—I reckon I can hold out until Christmas vacation, but he’ll probably be grown by then… hahaha!

Until next time, y’all take it easy—and again I say: Congratulations, Howie & Jessica!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

And A Great Time Was Surely Had By All!

Happy Friday, Y’all!

 



Here we are—every last one of us!

Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m kinda sad that the fun is about to come to a close. I truly had myself some fun this summer, from meeting up with my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Martin to my fantastically blessed family reunion… I really wish that I was a writer or a magazine publisher on account of I want to immortalize the fun that I had. And I want y’all to keep in mind that this is only one picture that you’re looking at right now—we took plenty of pictures over the weekend. There’s one picture that my Auntie Cherri took of Gramma Jewel taking the initiative to save everyone’s hearing… let me help y’all read between the lines: Great Aunt Donna was about to sing “Put On A Happy Face,” and she was already butchering the song. Right before she was about to hit the grand finale part, Gramma Jewel immediately covered her mouth and said, “Uh-uh! We ain’t havin’ this today!”

Explain to me why everybody (with the exception of Great Aunt Donna) applauded… hahaha!

And I know I told y’all this the other day, but I also enjoyed my visit to Ruleville. I think I mentioned this in a previous blog post, but I truly felt like I was living in a time in history when I saw the old house that Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie were raised up in. I honestly thought that Gramma Jewel was kidding when she said that she grew up in a small house—I got to see for myself that she wasn’t just whistlin’ Dixie. Her old house consisted of two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, and somehow they all connected to one another. Y’all should’ve seen the look on Gramma Jewel’s face when she looked around and fondly remembered the time she brought Grampa Clark over to meet Great Gramma Lynn and Great Grampa Gregory… “I was so scared for your Grampa Clark,” she recounted. “But he kept assuring me that he was willing to withstand a grilling from Great Grampa Gregory because he loved me just that much.”

And of course, I said: “Awwwwwwwwwwww!”

Well, that’s enough reminiscing for today—I’ve got a busy day ahead of me tomorrow. I called my girl Ruby earlier this morning, and seeing as how all returning Rustites have to check in no later than this Sunday, we’ve arranged to meet up and get a dorm in Emma Elzy… YAY!!! And I just thought about something: Gramma Jewel, Mama, and Daddy get a chance to meet Ruby’s parents for once—this is gonna be so damn cool!

Okay, y’all—I gotta go for real this time. Holla!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Back To School Preparations

Hey, Y’all!

 

Well, they say that all good things must come to an end, and I reckon that my family reunion is no different.

 

I’m dedicating today’s blog post to my Cousin Erica, who as we speak, is moved in her dorm at Fisk University—she officially begins her sophomore year. I think classes start for her on Monday. She’s all excited because she has decided that she wants to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, but she doesn’t know if she wants to teach elementary, junior high, or high school students. One thing’s for certain, though: She comes from a long line of educators, from Grampa Clark to Uncle Anthony, so she’s definitely on the right track.

 

As for me, I move back to Bearcat Country this Sunday—I told y’all that my family reunion was such perfect timing! It’s such a smooth transition from Southern Cali to Nashville, and ultimately back to Holly Springs. I am also happy to report (just in case y’all forgot) that I am officially an advanced junior. I’ve already pre-registered for my classes, so I’ve got nothing to do except get my schedule printed out, and I’m good to go. By the way, I just reminded myself that I need to call my girl Ruby so we can get a dorm room reserved, preferably in Emma Elzy. Yes, y’all—I am ultra excited because I’m so close to my dream, and it won’t be long until I walk that aisle to finally hold my Bachelor’s Degree in my hands!

 

   

Well, I reckon I had better close this here journal entry and call it a night, but I’ll holla at y’all real soon. Until then, take care and God Bless.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Remembering Grampa Clark's 80th Birthday

Hi, Everybody!

Well, today is August 13, 2014, and there’s no sense in fighting the inevitable. Each and every one of us knew that this day would come, but we don’t shed any tears… okay, we have tears of laughter, but that’s about it. Other than that, my family looks back on this very day with great fondness on account of today is a special milestone in our family. It is on this day that we celebrate the life, the love, and the legacy of our original partriarch. To me, he was Grampa; to my mom, he was Daddy; to my Gramma Jewel, he was Dallin; to my Cousin Jade, he was Uncle; and to my Great Aunt Donna, he was Big Brother.

That’s right, y’all—I’m talking about the legendary Mr. Clark Kenneth Jones!

If he didn’t have to go to Heaven so soon, Grampa Clark would’ve been 80 years old today. As we sat around at breakfast today, we reminisced about all of the great things that he did, not just for his family, but also for those with whom he came in contact. I’ve already shared my favorite Grampa Clark story with you on multiple occasions—how he would change the words of the TV show That Girl and dedicate it to me… that’s a memory that I will never forget in my heart. Of course, Gramma Jewel fondly recalls the thirty-four years that she was married to Grampa Clark, and even though she has moved on, she still recognizes her wedding anniversary and Grampa Clark’s birthday; after all, she can never forget her first true love.

And then of course, there was the Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame celebration this past December, where my Uncle Anthony accepted the award and gave such a heartwarming and heartfelt speech that you would’ve thought Grampa Clark was in the room with us.

Those who knew my Grampa Clark can tell you: It didn’t matter if it was five years or five minutes—Grampa Clark loved to make you feel important, but he also loved to make you feel loved. I wish I had had the chance to really know him a little better, but the few little memories that I have of him still serve as a testament to his character. As for the rest of the family, they can smile in great fondness over the way he taught them how to drive, how to cook a decent cheeseburger, and in my Cousin Jade’s case, she will never forget how he walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. Grampa Clark was just that kinda guy!

In closing today’s blog post, I would like to say: There’s no better way to celebrate my Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday than with a fond memory, and his legendary quote:

YOU BETTER KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!!!

Happy #80, Grampa Clark—I already know that you’re still celebrating, so I’ll just say… I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Back To Where It All Began

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it certainly goes without saying, but I am having a terrifical time with my family… and yes, I did in fact say TERRIFICAL—that just shows you how great a time I’m having.

I’ll be sure to post some pictures in due time, but I at least had to deliver an updated blog post to let y’all know how things were going. First of all, this past Saturday’s get-together at Great Aunt Reesie’s was just freakin’ fan-great-tastic! I truly enjoyed myself… and for the record, Becky had an even greater time than I did (if that’s even possible). We ha already adopted Becky into our family last year, but after soaking in Nashville and Memphis, I am happy to report that Becky is officially an honorary Southern gal! How do I know this? Well, let’s just say that she’s beginning to talk like my Gramma Jewel. I ain’t lyin’, y’all—Becky messed around and dropped some Southern dialect on Cousin Lionel; she said: “Lionel, ya reckon you can be a dear and give a gal another glass of sweet tea?” Even my mom turned around and was like: “What the hell?!” Hahaha! And Becky had to giggle herself when she realized what she said.

We also finally took that trip to the Mississippi Delta—particularly Ruleville, Mississippi. It was quite surprising to discover that the house where my Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie grew up in, is still standing. I think Gramma Jewel was more impressed than the rest of us, mainly because that was her first home, “and heck—even the ol’ oak tree is still standin’ tall,” she marveled. I gotta admit that I was very impressed because I was looking at history. Come to find out, Great Gramma Lynn never sold the house; she bequeathed it to Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie, both of whom pitched in to get the house restored to brand-new over the years. They also made a proclamation: “This house is part of your history—this house belongs to all-a-y’all. This house was bought, paid for, and owned by your great grandfather Gregory, especially during an era where so much was going on back in the day.”

And y’all probably know me by now—I am so honored to be a part of family history. I mean, to think that my great grandfather actually bought and owned property during the era of segregation and the Great Depression… that is just so phenomenal!

Okay, y’all—I gotta close it up for today, but I’ll be catchin’ up with you on tomorrow. Peace Out!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Beat Don't Stop, And The Fun Never Ends!

Hi, Everyone!

 

Well, as you can tell by the title, the Joneses are still livin’ it up. As I said yesterday, if it’s a crime to have this much fun, then y’all should just go ahead, gather us all up, and throw the book at us!

So, as per the plan, we all fellowshipped at Gramma Jewel’s old stomping grounds—Ark of Safety Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and I want to state for the record that I had me a real good ol’ time today. The service was real good, and I’m talking from Sunday School all the way to the afternoon luncheon. You see, it was Friends & Family Day at Gramma Jewel’s old church—and incidentally, Great Aunt Donna was rather excited that all of us were en masse, because the person with the most invitees would win a golden trophy and a hundred dollars.

Yes, I know what y’all are thinking: “It’s a shame that Great Aunt Donna was in it for the money.”

Well, y’all may be right, but to be honest, I’m glad we were able to help her win… hahaha!

Also, Gramma Jewel received the biggest surprise of all: Her former pastor, the Reverend Franklin J. Austin, remembered her from way back when… oh, and lest I forget, Pastor Austin celebrated his 102^nd Birthday just last week! Yes, y’all—I actually met a man who is in his hundreds, and he don’t look a day over sixty. And get this: He has full use of all five senses, he’s quick-witted, and he’s still driving! Pastor Austin’s great granddaughter told us that on a bad day, he drives seventy-five miles per hour… hahaha!

Please forgive the tangent, y’all, but I said all of that to say that Gramma Jewel was quite ecstatic to learn that her pastor is not only alive and well, but that he actually remembered her. Matter of fact, he referred to Gramma Jewel as “Little Miss Vivian,” and the fact that Gramma Jewel’s eyes lit up was enough of a sign.

I do apologize if this blog post is all over the place, but y’all really can’t blame me—I mean, I haven’t had this much fun since my summer vacation just last year.

Until next time, I’ll holla at y’all later.




Smooches,
Natasha

It's A Family Affair!

Hey, Y’all—and Greetings from Auntie Reesie’s!

Well, as you can tell by the photo, it’s on and crack-a-lackin’ out here in Nashville, Tennessee! Now, mind you: This is only one of many photos that I was able to add on to my blog post, and in case you’re wondering, the party is still goin’ on! One thing that I’ve learned about my family (and I’m only twenty years old), is that us Joneses definitely rocks the party that rocks the body! Real talk, y’all—our family reunion is off the charts, for real, tho!

 

I don’t even know where to begin, but I can tell you that we are having so much fun. I want to state for the record: If it is a crime to have entirely too much fun at a family reunion, then y’all may as well come by Auntie Reesie’s house, and lock us all up and throw away the key… hahaha!

 

About an hour ago, we had our own dance-off around Auntie Reesie’s backyard. First, we did the Cupid Shuffle, and yes—Gramma Jewel tore it up! Then afterwards, we did the Mississippi Slide… you cha-cha with your right, you cha-cha with your left, back it up, and jump! And finally, we did the Wobble… let me rephrase that: The women between Erica’s age and Auntie Stephanie’s age did the Wobble! Yes, Gramma Jewel is still adamant on her refusal to even try to learn it. And then, Cousin Keith requested that we form a Conga line. After it was agreed upon, my mom jumped up and volunteered to be the leader.

 

I’m tellin’ y’all—we’re havin’ us a good time on this day, and it will continue on tomorrow when we head down to Memphis at Great Aunt Donna’s church (which is Gramma Jewel’s old church). Now, check this out: I just found out that Great Aunt Donna’s church is having a special Friends & Family Day celebration tomorrow, and considering that we’re still in the midst of our family reunion, y’all already know that we’re all gonna be dressed to the nines!

 

Okay, y’all—I gotta get goin’ back to the fun, but I at least wanted to give y’all an update about what’s been going on so far at Great Aunt Reesie’s. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to holla at y’all sometime tomorrow, but until then, y’all take it light.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My First Friday Back in Tennessee

Happy Friday, Everybody!

 

Well, here I am, just waking up from a good night’s sleep, right here in Nashville, Tennessee (crowd cheers)! I can’t believe I’m gonna say this again, but it sure feels good to be back in the South again—all things considered, of course.

 

Check this out, y’all: The weatherman said that there’s gonna be a good chance of some thunderstorms this evening and tomorrow, but they will clear up likely by Sunday. And as you may have guessed, it is some kinda muggy hot out here. It still amazes me how it can be ninetysomething degrees and we can have a thunderstorm, but that’s Tennessee for you. I’ve kinda gotten used to it, to tell you the truth.

 

Nevertheless, Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie have made it perfectly clear that whether it rains or shines, our family reunion festivities will still kick off. Matter of fact, Gramma Jewel said: “If we gotta make room in Aunt Reesie’s house and move some things around, then so be it!”

 

I also must point out that Becky is just overly gleeful. This is actually her first real time out here with my entire family. Granted, she got a sneak preview of Southern living when she visited me last year, but this time, it is for real. I told Becky that she was acting like a tourist, and she said, “Well, technically, I am a tourist!” I’m serious, y’all—she’s been taking pictures of just about everything. She even took a picture of Great Aunt Reesie’s apple tree out in the backyard.

 

So, the plan for today is to head down to Memphis this evening for a fried fish and spaghetti dinner over at Great Aunt Donna’s house. This is what Uncle Alex called our “Inaugural Fmaily Dinner,” and just to let y’all know how big a deal it is, Gramma Jewel’s best friend from college (that’s right—Mrs. Gladys Nelson) is gonna grace us with her presence… then again, she’s practically family already, so she might as well come on down and celebrate with us.

 

Speaking of which, I had better close up this blog post and get myself ready—after all, I don’t wanna be left out of the family festivities. With that said, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow… that is, if I’m not too busy having so much fun.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Memphis, Tennessee... WE'RE HERE!!!

Hi, Y’all!

Yes, the title says it all—I am here, and I am so totally ready for my family reunion! Our flight arrived around 8am CST this morning in Memphis, and right after we got our rental van, we hit the road and actually stopped for breakfast first. Afterwards, we hit the highway to head on over to Great Aunt Donna’s house. Gramma Jewel, Mother Davis, and Becky are actually in Nashville as we speak (we’re all gonna assemble in Memphis later on this evening for dinner); their flight arrived in Nashville a little bit earlier than our flight, but the bottom line is… WE’RE HERE!!!

And I want to state for the record: I never thought I would actually say this and mean it, but it feels damn good to be back in Memphis, Tennessee!

By the way, for those of you who are wrestling fans like I am (although I must admit that I haven’t watched it as much), y’all probably already put two and two together, what with the subject title of today’s blog post and this way-too-cool photo of Bray Wyatt and his peeps. Speaking of Mr. Wyatt, I need someone to help me out here: He is a sinister character who speaks in riddles, and he also speaks with a forked tongue, yet as creepy as he is, he is somewhat intriguing to me. Usually, I cheer for the good guys, but lately I have found myself cheering for this creepy dude. What’s up with that?

I guess I’ll have to figure that out at a later time. In the meantime, all I know is that the Jones Family is all present and accounted for, and I guarantee you that it’s about to go down when we go to Ryan’s later on this evening. I’ve a feeling that we’re gonna shut the place down again, y’all. Two years ago, it was only me, Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica… this go-round, it’s the whole family. I sure hope that Ryan’s is ready for the whole familial faction, because we are on our way!

With that said, I reckon I’d better close up this blog post, but I’ll be hollin’ at y’all real soon. Until then, y’all take care, and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Well, Y'all... It's About to Go Down!

Hi, Everyone!

First thing’s first: Happy Birthday, Cousin Erica—and welcome to the Twenties Club! I’ll be seeing you this weekend, and we’re gonna kick it ol’ skool!

That’s right, y’all—it’s about to come to pass! After almost a whole year of talking about it, my family reunion finally takes place this weekend. Mom, Dad, and I will be leaving on Wednesday evening to head back to where it all began. I am so excited for so many reasons: 1) I get to be around my entire family, 2) I’ll be back in time to start my junior year at Rust College, and 3) I finally get to see the town where my Gramma Jewel was born—Ruleville, Mississippi. I really can’t wait to see the house that Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie grew up in. They talk about their town with so much love and nostalgia that I kinda wish I was born in Ruleville… hahaha!

By the way: This is the t-shirt design that my mom came up with. It’s real simple, and the message comes across great. The red star represents the exact location of Ruleville, and that beautiful flower is Mississippi’s state flower—the magnolia. Now, I gotta let y'all know something important, though—Gramma Jewel came up with the theme: “Back to Where It All Began.”

Oh, and from what I understand, my fellow Rustite Auntie Gladys (Class of 1957) has agreed to open her doors to us for the inaugural dinner—either that, or we’re all going to Ryan’s to “shut the place down” again. That was so much fun… matter of fact, that was just two years ago. I was just starting my freshman year at Rust, and Gramma Jewel came down to celebrate her birthday with Great Aunt Reesie (I had finals that week). I spent my module break chillin’ with my fam, and we were at Ryan’s until a little after closing. I hope we get to do that again!

Okay, y’all—this will be the last blog post until this Thursday. I plan on carving out some time to give y’all a special blog post with as much results as possible. Until then, y’all be good to yourselves and each other.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha