Well, 2014—I'll Holla At'cha!

Happy Wednesday Afternoon, Everybody!

 

Well, y’all—it’s about that time again! If you are reading this, then that means that you are counted among those who have made it to the last day of the year 2014. That’s right, y’all—it’s my annual New Year’s Eve blog post, where I look back and reflect on some of the highlights of the year.

 

You know, when I first started this particular blog post two years ago, I only had five milestones worth mentioning, and just a year ago today, I had ten milestones. This year, I only have five milestones. Nevertheless, this was a great year for me. Sure it had its twists and turns (just like preceding years, but that’s nothing new), but overall this year was very good to this little Vipress… hahaha!

 

It goes without saying, but in today’s blog post, I am going to highlight the Top Five Moments of 2014 in a special “Year In Review.” So, let’s get on down with the getdown.

 

 

#5: HOWIE & JESSICA’S BABY BOY WAS BORN ON GRAMPA CLARK’S 80^th BIRTHDAY

Neither the Douglases nor me and my family will ever forget August 13, 2014—this was the day that we threw a posthumous birthday celebration for what would have been Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday. However, the celebration continued when Mr. D called to let us know that Jessica Dawn gave birth to a six pound eleven ounce baby boy named Michael Winston Douglas. I haven’t yet had the chance to meet the little guy, but when I do, I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures. I want the little fella to know just how honored he to share August 13 with my legendary Grampa Clark.

 

#4: THE DAY I REALIZED MY WORTH

Coming off the heels of a very heartbreaking situation a little over a year ago, I carried that mess into this year, but it didn’t last very long. I soon realized that such an unpleasant moment should not define who I am. After all, I am Natasha Renee Stewart, and I am a strong, sexy woman with so much to offer. With that said, Ruby Red and Neo Theo were by my side as I packed up every single remnant of that unpleasantness in a big box, and sent all that crap flying into the nearest dumpster, never to be seen again. I still find it amazing that I allowed inanimate objects to try and overrule me, but I managed to pull through and rise above that ugly mess. I am also grateful that Ruby and Theo were there as my back-up support.

 

#3: NEO THEO WAS MY SECRET ADMIRER ALL ALONG!

And speaking of the Neo One, y’all could imagine my shock when it was finally revealed that he was my secret admirer all along. It is often said that it’s the individual whom you least expect (and that statement is pretty dang obvious), but I never would’ve expected my secret admirer to be Theodore James Campbell—and he did in such a sweet, debonair way! Things have somewhat simmered between then and now, and for all we know, this may only have been for a season, but this much I know: Theo and I still have a remarkable friendship that will no doubt withstand the test of time.

 

#2: MRS. INGRID MARTIN

Ever since I started my blog posts, I have shared with you my love and appreciation for my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid Martin. As I may have shared with you, she and I are about the same height, and we both shared a joke about that, too. I am also happy to report that Mrs. Martin celebrated her 72^nd Birthday this past April, and she is in the middle of her thirty-ninth year of teaching kindergarteners. She also told me that she cannot wait to see me walk that aisle and earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education; she followed that up by saying: “Yes, Sweetie—I read your mind, and I am honored that you would invite me.”

 

AND THE NUMBER ONE MOMENT OF 2014:
THE JONES FAMILY REUNION—BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Yes, indeed—ain’t no party like a Jones Family party ‘cuz… well, y’all know the rest! It goes without saying, but I had so much fun with my peeps this summer. I really can’t pick a favorite highlight out of this particular moment because it was truly all that and then some. I was highly entertained by Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Cousin Jade performing their version of “Rappers Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang. I certainly had a blast when I was in the “audience” as Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie squared off in their version of Family Feud. And yes, I had more than just a few chuckles when Gramma Jewel finally got Great Aunt Donna to stop singing… actually, all of us were laughing at that. And of course, there was the ride to Ruleville, Mississippi to see the birth home of our eldest matriarchs. As an aspiring teacher, I am really loving history, especially my history. I still get chills when I learn that my family’s history started in a little-bitty house in the Mississippi, made its way through Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and ultimately in Los Angeles, California. Gramma Jewel penned it perfectly: Started from the Delta, now we’re here!

 

 

And there y’all have it—these are the Top Five moments of this year!

 

For the record, y’all shoulda known that my family reunion would be the Number One highlight. I mean, come now, y’all—we had put so much thought and planning into making this the best damn reunion that we have decided to make it an annual summer tradition. As a matter of fact, we are in the process of planning Jones Family Reunion 2015, and Uncle Alex and Auntie Cherri have already volunteered to open their doors!

 

Lest I forget, if there is an honorable mention, it would have to be two moments that took place in the wrestling world: 1) The Undertaker is now 21-1 at WrestleMania, and 2) The Ultimate Warrior passed away after finally being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame just two days prior.

 

And as I close this final blog post of 2014, I would like to say this one last thing: Whatever happened to you this year, just forget all about it and press forward—after all, we are literally less than twelve hours away from a brand-new year, and the best is yet to come!

 

If The Lord says the same, I’ll see y’all tomorrow next year!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

 

Reflective Thinking On New Year's Eve Eve

Happy New Year’s Eve… Eve, Y’all!

 

Yes, you all read that correctly—today is New Year’s Eve Eve, and I also want to state for the record that I am not the originator of that phrase. I’m quite certain that someone else came up with that phrase long before I did. Remember, it is written that there is nothing new under the sun.

 

Well, today’s blog post promises to be a gooden—but then again, when have I ever written a bad blog post? In any event, it looks like it’s about that time to do some more reflective thinking, as is evident by the title of today’s blog post.

 

For whatever reason (Lord only knows why), I woke up at around six o’clock this morning, and I was unable to go back to sleep. I just lay there in the bed and looked up at the ceiling. Since I was wide awake, I started thinking about my inevitable return to Rust, and right then and there, I realized that I grown some more… maybe not in stature, but more mentally than anything.

 

Gramma Jewel was absolutely right—time surely brings about a change. For those of you who knew me two years ago, I seriously dreaded leaving Southern California altogether when it was time for me to make my Rust debut. Fast forward to two years later at this present time, and I’m seriously excited about returning to Bearcat Country. I think I touched on this in yesterday’s blog post, but I have really grown and matured within such a short time… and I just realized that I have also grown spiritually as well.  Now, I will admit that I haven’t attended church service at Rust as much as I do when I’m at home, but I do make up for it with two hours of scripture reading and prayer. My Sunday morning routine at Rust has gotten so to where Ruby joins in with me, and those two hours turn into our own personal Bible Study.

 

I also thought about how I have been a lot more talkative as of late. My mom said that it used to be I would be a wallflower, but lately I’ve been the life of the party. I guess it has everything to do with the fact that I am focused on my goal of being the best damn kindergarten teacher in the world… and incidentally, I need to start thinking about my internship when I return to Rust next week. In any event, I have noticed that I’ve gone from a shy little introvert to an upbeat little extrovert (I’m still gonna be little; that ain’t gonna change… LOL!).

 

And my goodness—my attitude as of late! It seems as though everytime I’ve got to return to Rust, I embrace it, albeit bittersweetly. However, two years ago, I was kicking and screaming about wanting to stay home and transfer to at least a community college, but looking back on it in retrospect, I’m glad that I stuck with my decision and made the best of it. I’m still in shock that I’ll be graduating in about a year. It really seemed like yesterday that I was a freshman at Rust. Well, much like I said when I I did some reflective thinking last year: “I’m here to show the world, so bring it on!”

 

Until tomorrow, y’all take care!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Chillin' in this Chilly Cali Weather, Tho!

Hey, Y’all!

 

Would you believe that it is chilly out here in Southern California? I mean, it’s bright and sunny outside, but it’s a good fortysomething degrees right about now. The high for today is supposed to be somewhere in the low 60s, and then it’s supposed to rain tomorrow and Wednesday.

 

Well, if this is how 2014 is gonna close out for me, then so be it. Besides, I’ve kinda gotten used to the cold weather. I’m actually in my warm bed with my warm pajamas and my warm socks, and I’ve got a nice big cup of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere today… and that’s the first time I’ve ever uttered those words and meant it. Let’s face it—my time at Rust has helped me break out of my cocoon and become this social butterfly, so for me to say that I want to stay home (and actually mean it), that speaks volumes.

 

So, around this time next week, I’ll be back on the first plane to Memphis, and from there. I’ll be back to Bearcat Country… and I just reminded myself that I need to call Great Aunt Donna to pick me up from the airport. Just in case she can’t make it, I’ve got Auntie Gladys as the back-up. Either way, I gotta call them ahead of time. Can y’all believe that I’ve got one more year until I officially become a Rust College alumna? I mean, it seemed like yesterday that I was raising hell about leaving my hometown, and now… incidentally, I just thought about what Mother Fields told me before she passed away; she said, “Tasha-Darling, it won’t take but a blink of an eye, and you’ll be walkin’ that stage real soon.”

 

I didn’t think my senior year would come to me that quickly—I’m just sayin’!

 

Well, I reckon I’d better head close up today’s blog post, but I’ll be back tomorrow with another gooden. Until then, take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Christmas Spirit, Still In My Heart

Happy After Christmas, Everybody—and Happy Friday!

 

So, just like my pastor said in our Christmas service yesterday, the commercialization of Christmas has come and gone, but the true spirit of Christmas lies within the hearts of those who know the true meaning.

 

I trust that each and every last one-a-y’all had a great Christmas yesterday. Y’all already know that my greatest Christmas present involved spending time with my family. Incidentally, Christmas was celebrated with over at Mom and Dad’s house this go-round. Seeing as how we were the gracious hosts, we all had on our Santa hats, and we also invited our next door neighbor Mrs. Patterson over to celebrate with us. Usually, she goes to Detroit to visit her sister, but her sister passed away over the summer; as a matter of fact, Mrs. Patterson’s sister passed away just a week after my family reunion. So, you can imagine how gracious Mrs. Patterson was to have been invited to celebrate Christmas with the Stewarts.

 

Looks like a new Christmas tradition is starting with my fam and Mrs. Edna Jean Patterson!

 

And lest I forget, in addition to Mrs. Patterson celebrating Christmas with us, I received yet another precious Christmas present: I got a surprise visit from my old kindergarten teacher! That’s right, y’all—Mrs. Martin showed up at our doorstep, and she brought along some apple cider. Apparently, she made my mom and dad promise not to spill the beans about her coming to celebrate Christmas with us. Well, Mom and Dad did a damn good job of keeping that information very clandestine, because I was thoroughly, genuinely, and legitimately surprised.

 

I tell y’all—India.Arie was spot on when she talked about the little things, and the joy they bring.

 

Well, y’all, I had better close up today’s blog, but I’ll definitely holla at y’all tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care.

 

 

Smooches,
Natasha

A Special Christmas Flashback

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

In today’s special Christmas blog post, I wanted to give you all a present, from my heart to yours.
 This photo was taken in December of 1995, over at Uncle Anthony and Auntie Stephanie’s house. If you look on the right-hand side of this photo, you can see my mom holding me. I just had two more months before I turned two years old. I was an adorable little bug (those were my Uncle Ronnie’s words). I look at this picture and I see that I favored my dad in a lot of ways, but when I blossomed, I started to take after my mom.

And of course, there’s the most significant sight on this photo—Grampa Clark!

On behalf of my family, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

All I Want for Christmas...

What’s Up, Everybody!

 

Well, here it is—Christmas Eve, and I gotta be honest with y’all: I haven’t done one bit of Christmas shopping since I returned home this past Saturday. I haven’t even bought Christmas cards. I reckon it’s too late to do anything about it now, but then again, I can probably run to a couple of department stores and get a couple of gift cards for a couple of folks—either that, or give them twenty dollars each. And then too, I can always make some custom made cards from my computer.

 

Natasha Renee, you’ve done it again!

 

As for my Christmas list, I don’t know if it’s maturity or if I’m getting old, but there’s really nothing that I want—from a materialistic standpoint, anyway. Let’s face it: I’ve already got clothes, shoes, a camcorder, and a laptop; there’s really nothing else material-wise that I would like… at least, nothing that I can think of right now, anyway. I think I have mentioned this several times in past blog posts, but I am a simple gal (and I don’t mean “simple-minded”). I’ve never cared about materialistic stuff—I mean, it’s fun to have, but at the end of the day, it’s just stuff. Basically, I’m saying: Whatever my family decides to get me, I’ll be gracious and grateful enough for whatever it is. After all, the greatest Christmas present I’ve received is that of my wonderful wacky family. Yes, I know I brag on my family a lot, but I can do that because they’re my family.

 

And now that I think about it, there is one thing that I would like to have for Christmas, but that request won’t come true until I go to Heaven one day… yes, I’m referring to my Grampa Clark. Yes, it’s been eighteen years, and we have moved on, but yet and still, his presence is terribly missed. However, his memories and his legacy are very strong within us.

 

Okay, y’all—I guess I had better get up and get these gift cards ready for my fam… either that or twenty dollars for everybody. Either way, all my peeps are getting a Christmas present from me.

 

Until next time, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Maturation of the Vipress

Happy Tuesday, Everybody!

I know that I’m only twenty years old, but in this year alone, I’ve learned that sometimes you can lose interest in something that you love, especially when you’ve taken a rather lengthy hiatus. However, if you still have the passion that lies within you, then you will find some kinda way to rekindle that fire and get back up on that horse. In my case, I haven’t written a blog post in so long that I’ve almost forgotten how to write one… hahaha! However, I love telling you all about my adventures as a college student, and I also love posting blog updates.

With that said, let’s get on down with today’s blog post.

I just realized that it has officially been well over a year that my heart was broken by someone who claimed that they really loved me. This person was a fellow high school graduate, and he swore up and down that he wanted to be with me; he said that there was no one else in the world who could compare to me. Well, that all changed when, on December 20, 2013, he admitted that he had fallen in love with another woman. Now, I will give this fella credit—at least he didn’t lie about it. He’s was very honest with me, and while it really hurt me, in hindsight I do appreciate that he thought enough of me to tell me the ugly ass truth.

I was just sitting up here reading my blog post entitled “How Can I Ease The Pain?” Yes, that title was inspired by a song from one Lisa Fischer… and incidentally, my Uncle Ronnie loved him some Lisa Fischer, but that’s another story for another day. In any event, I remember when I asked the question of “why.” I questioned why I felt so sad, so disappointed, so heartbroken. I remember even feeling jealous of my mom and dad, my aunts and uncles, and even my Gramma Jewel (she and Mr. Hawkins have been dating for almost two years now). But I remember a conversation that my dad had with me. I still remember his soft, comforting words:

“Honey Bee, I want you to know that there is a guy out there looking for a sweetheart like you, but until he shows up, I’m keeping the keys to your heart.”

Here it is, just a little over a year since that ugly incident, and I tell y’all: I FEEL FREAKIN’ FANTASTIC!!!

I can actually sit back and laugh on that incident now. Granted, I still wish that it never happened, but that’s just my human side cutting up. Like my dad said, the right man will come along when the time is right. Ray Hernandez was just a thing of the past, and this is his loss. And my Auntie Cherri said it best: “The time will come when that fella will look back and realize that he made the biggest mistake of his life by ditching a princess for a sleazy slimy slut!”

Yeah, my Auntie Cherri still don’t mince no words… hahaha!

But anyway, it’s so comforting to know that I am a young woman who knows my worth. I am smart, I am sexy, and I am spontaneous. There’s a man out there who is waiting for me, just so he can get down on one knee and ask me to be his wife and the mother of our children. Yes, I do believe that will happen someday, but I ain’t gonna settle for no trash (I am my Auntie Cherri’s niece, don’tcha know)!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care and be good.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

There's Still No Place Like Home!

Happy Monday, Everybody!Well, I kept my promise… hahaha! I told y’all that I would post another blog update before the year was up. Seeing as how I’m home for a good two weeks, that’s probably all I’m gonna be doing. I don’t know if I mentioned it in Friday’s blog post, but I’m due to return to Bearcat Country on the first Monday of the new year. I’m excited to return and finish up my junior year, but until then, I’m gonna take advantage of this much deserved and very needed Christmas vacation.

And for the record: Be it ever so humble, there’s still no place like home.

By the way: I want to state for the record that time really does bring about a change. I am sititng here in my bed, typing up this blog post, and for once in my life, I do not have the television on. My mom and dad thought that I was sick, but I am perfectly normal (whatever that entails… LOL!). I guess I don’t want to watch any television right now… hey, I’m capable of changing some of my characteristics!

In Friday’s blog post, I stated that I was some kinda busy, and that’s no lie! Y’all know that I love to spend time with Ruby and Theo, but when the second module started, I barely had time for my peeps… okay, I didn’t have any time for my peeps. There were quite a few times that I would just make a beeline straight to my dorm room and plop down face first on my bed. There was even one instance where Ruby was telling me about one of her classes, and according to her, my ass was knocked out! She even said that I was doing me some hellified snoring. Well, hell—I was tired, so what did she expect?! Seriously, though: It was not my intent to fall asleep on her, but I don’t think it would’ve been so bad if I hadn’t slept on her for more than one occasion.

I’m tellin’ y’all—this past first semester was really hellacious, but in the end, I persevered and pulled through. I guess I’m saying that it was really worth the sacrifices because I resulted in a 4.0 GPA just in this semester alone. I don’t know my overall GPA off the bat, but I do know that it’s at least a 3.5 or higher.

Well, I reckon I had better close this blog post and see what my mom and dad are up to. I shall holla at y’all later on this week. Until then, take care and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Los Angeles... I'M HERE!!!

Hi, Everybody!

Guess who made their return to Los Angeles just last night? I’ll give y’all a couple of clues:

1.  She stands four feet eleven inches tall.

2.  She’s often known as “The Vipress.”

3.  She just completed the first half of her junior year at Rust.

 

Okay, I admit that those clues are way too easy—and yes, it goes without saying, but I am back here in Los Angeles to be with my peeps for a couple of weeks.  My plane arrived yesterday evening around 6pm L.A. time… and I notice that I say this everytime I come back for a vacation, but it sure feels good to be back home! I have no idea how the year 2014 is gonna close out, but I can guarantee that it will end on a positive note.

I also just realized that my last blog post was about two months ago, when I acknoweldged Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie’s respective birthdays. It didn’t matter how busy I was—there was absolutely no way that I was about to miss out on Gramma Jewel’s 79th and Great Aunt Reesie’s 77th.

 

And as it relates to my sporatic blog posts, I wanna tell y’all something: I was planning on at least a weekly post, but college life grabbed me so suddenly it made my head spin. Seriously, y'all—there were times where I didn’t know if I was coming or going, or even stopping to rest. Amidst the chaos and turmoil known as college life, though, y’all will be happy to know that I managed to pull straight A’s throughout this first semester. I will amdit that these past four months in academia were truly a struggle, but I survived it, and y’all can ask Ruby and Theo—they’ll testify to the fact that I was some kinda busy this semester. Hell, I barely had time to kick it with them in the cafeteria, and this includes weekends. So, when I tell y’all that this here Christmas break is well deserved, trust and believe me when I tell y’all—this here Christmas break is well damn deserved!

Well, I reckon I’ll be closing this blog post, but I do plan on talking to y’all at least one more time before the year is up. Until then, y’all take care, and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha