Celebrations Galore Today!

Hi, Everybody!

 

Yes, I am writing a blog post on a Sunday, but with good reason: You see, February 22 is a very special day in my family. It was on this day two years ago that my Auntie Cherri became a hero. You all know the story of how my Auntie Cherri went to the aide of one Summer Lily Bloom (and I still say that is a beautiful name), and in the process, helped deliver a beautiful baby girl. You also know that Mrs. Bloom was so grateful that she named her daughter Cheryl Lynn. And while I’m on that subject, I find it quite apropos that Mrs. Bloom chose Cheryl Lynn; notwithstanding that the little baby girl is named after my Auntie Cherri, she is also named after my Great Gramma Lynn. And even more so than that, Cheryl Lynn is a famous 70s songstress who had the hit song “Got to Be Real.”

I truly believe that Mrs. Bloom knew exactly what she was doing.

And lest I forget, little Cheryl Lynn is officially two years old today… and yes, I am aware that I used an old photo from when she was five months old, but this is still a good photo. If I remember correctly, this picture was taken on the Fourth of July 2013. I remember teasing Auntie Cherri about wanting to have another child, and she almost cussed… hahaha! But seriously, y’all: Take a look at how Auntie Cherri is cradling her little namesake—just too cute for words, I tell ya!

Well, I hate to cut today’s blog post short, but I’ve got to get back to studying for my upcoming finals. I cannot believe that we’re almost out of February… it seemed like yesterday that we just kicked off this new year.

Until next time, y’all be good.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy Birthday, Big Homey!

Hi, Everyone!

I’m sure y’all noticed the picture of my Cousin Candace and OSW superstar Chris “The Hammer” Walker, which was taken about five years ago. Well, as usual, I do have a modus operandi for posting this photo in today’s blog post: Today is Chris Walker’s birthday, and seeing as how I am a huge fan of his, I decided to celebrate Big Homey’s birthday in this very special blog post.

So, here’s the story on the OSW superstar affectionately known as Big Homey: He was born and raised in Okolona, Mississippi, and he is also a Rust College alumnus... imagine that, y’all—my favorite wrestler is a fellow Bearcat! Anyway, his career began in the Ol’ Skool Wrestling promotion at the Homecoming 2007 pay-per-view, when he defeated the dangerously cunning Derrick Mercy. Almost immediately, the OSW SuperFans jumped on the Big Homey bandwagon. I can tell you that I grew to like Big Homey because of the fact that he is a native Mississippian, but also, he is the same true-to-life, down-to-earth good guy off-screen as he is on screen.

Big Homey’s first championship was the OSW Tag Team Title, which he won twice with fellow Rust College alum Ken Rivers. The held the title for three months until they dropped them to Team Syko. After a failed attempt to regain the straps in a rematch, Walker and Rivers went their separate ways. The following week, Big Homey decided to fully embrace his singles career, and in doing so, he debuted two new moves in his arsenal: the Misunderstanding Lariat and the “Mind Over Matter” diving headbutt. However, it was at Homecoming 2008 that Big Homey cemented his status in the OSW, when he forced the 6’5” 450-pound Mastodon to tap out to the Rust College Rack, thus winning his first OSW Intercontinental Championship. The Hammerman went on to defend the I.C. Title for five months straight, before dropping it to Max Mayhem at SummerSlam 2008. This loss notwithstanding, Big Homey continued to show that he was definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Some fans believe that 2009 was Big Homey’s year, as he found himself a love interest in one Summer Reign, and later went on to win the 2009 King of Ring, thus renaming himself the “Big Ol’ King.” After an injury sidelined him in August 2009, Big Homey made his return to the OSW in October 2009 and emphatically declared that there was one big championship that he was looking for—the OSW World Heavyweight Title, which at the time was held by R.C. Longhorn. Well, it took some serious dedication and stamina, but eventually Big Homey became the #1 contender to Mr. Longhorn’s title at Homecoming 2010, and he finally achieved his crowning achievement! Incidentally, Big Homey debuted a new finishing move called the “Crowning Achievement” in order to win the biggest match of his career and his first OSW World Heavyweight Championship.

If today’s blog post is not an inclination that I am a big ol’ fan of Big Homey, then I don’t know how to convince you… hahaha! One thing is for certain however—whether he has the gold or not, you just can’t stop “The Reign!”


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

The Evolution of Natasha Renee Stewart

Hi, Everyone!

I just wanted to state for the record that it is a beautiful winter wonderland out here in Holly Springs. That’s right, y’all—it did itself some surefire snowing out here in Bearcat Country!

So, I decided to write this particular blog post because: 1) It’s been on my mind, 2) Some of my fellow Rustites have been talking about this change in my character, and 3) I’ve kinda noticed the change myself.

Yesterday evening, I was heading to my dorm after a good run around the track, and I bumped into this girl named Azalea (yes, she’s named about the flower). She’ll be graduating with me, Ruby, Craig, and Theo next year. Anyway, as I entered my dorm, Azalea came up to me and said that I looked different. Now honestly, I thought she was talking about the fact that I’m at 145 pounds… and incidentally, that’s the reason why I’ve been hitting the Rust gym and the track. In any event, I actually did point that out to her, to which she said, “No, that ain’t it, Honey—it’s all in your character. When we started here at Rust two years ago, I noticed that you were very quiet and you kept to yourself. Lately though, you’ve been this big social butterfly—just all over the place with it.”

I assured Azalea that I was still the same quiet little Natasha Renee Stewart that she met two years ago, and she turned right back and said, “No, I know that you’re still the same Natasha, but there’s something totally different about you. Let’s just say that you’re my role model. Girl, you’re sexy and you know it, and I wanna be like you when I grow up!”

I chuckled and brushed off Azalea’s comments, and headed to my dorm room. When I walked past Ruby’s mirror, I backed up a couple steps and looked at my reflection. Instantly, I winked, blew a kiss and shook my hips, then I said: “That’s one sexy ass Vipress in that reflection!”

And that’s when Azalea’s comments replayed in my mind. She was basically saying that I have evolved into this confident young woman who knows my worth. I’ve always known that I have so much to offer this world—and it’s not just about my goal to teach. I recognize that I am a powerful, sexy woman with plenty of charisma, confidence, and character. Yes, I my name is Natasha Renee Stewart, and that makes me a dangerous woman! Heck, I’m not just sexy and smart—I’m silly, sensible, sensitive, spontaneous, sweet, and sensual. At the risk of sounding conceited, I’m every boy’s fantasy and every man’s dream! I can hold a conversation about wrestling and football, and I can keep it classy all at the same time.

Yes, it’s true: There is absolutely no conceit in my family—I’ve got it all… hahahaha!

Like my Aunt Cherri keeps telling me: The most dangerous woman in the world, is the one who truly knows her worth.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Remembering Silver Belle

Hi, Everyone!

 

Today’s very special blog post is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas—today would be her 88^th Birthday today, but we all know that she is celebrating in style up in Heaven.

Mrs. Douglas is the reason why the Joneses and the Douglases have formed such a strong union; as a matter of fact, my Gramma Jewel christened Mrs. Douglas as “Silver Belle” on account of her beautiful silver grey hair. I have it on great authority that Mrs. Douglas and Gramma Jewel had christened each other as sisters, considering that they didn’t officially meet until 1991. When they finally did meet, it was all over but the shoutin’! Mrs. Douglas and Gramma Jewel immediately clicked, with the common bond being centered around one Mr. D.

I also was thrilled to learn that Ms. Silver Belle had a great love for school, so much so, that she pretended to be a teacher of her dolls and stuffed animals. I guess it’s safe to say that Ms. Silver Belle found her calling at a young age! Oh, and Mr. D told me personally that Ms. Silver Bell was the first in her family to be class valedictorian in elementary, high school, and college.

Ms. Silver Belle was as a Third Grade teacher at Gopher State Elementary School for 40 years, and within those years, she treated her Third Graders as though they were her very own children. Her love for teaching stretched far beyond the four walls of the classroom; Ms. Silver Belle was a Sunday School teacher for the Women’s Class, and she was a choir director for about ten years or so.

Ms. Silver Belle passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012, but she left behind such a great legacy that cannot even be remotely emulated, much less matched. She actually comes from a generation of teachers; her father was a teacher, her youngest son [Mr. D] is entering his twenty-second year as a teacher, and her youngest granddaughter Nicole is working as a substitute teacher for the Culver City School District.

I find it amazing that, even though she’s in Heaven now, Ms. Silver Belle taught me some valuable lessons, and they’re pretty much the same lessons that my Grampa Clark taught me. For one thing, Ms. Silver Belle taught me—reminded me, if you will—that I should continue to be the best that I can be, in whatever I do.

In closing today’s blog post, there’s just one thing that I would just like to say:

Long Live The Legacy of Mrs. Sylvia Douglas!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Celebrating Valentine's Day With My Peeps

Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!

Yes, as that old song suggests, love is in the air, everywhere you look around. And just like the singer Mr. John Paul Young, I don’t know if I’m being foolish or wise, but I do know that I feel loved.

This afternoon, I exchanged Valentine gifts with two people whom I love like my very own family—my sista from anotha mista Ruby, and the Neo One himself. All we did was order some pizzas, wings and other snacks, and we watched a couple of sappy romance movies in the lobby of Emma Elzy. I suggested this Hallmark movie called In My Dreams, Ruby suggested Beauty and the Beast, and Neo Theo chose his personal favorite Hitch. And while I’m thinking about it, I just want to state for the record that I have new respect for Valentine’s Day. Yes, I’m single, but so what? I can still celebrate this day with the ones I love and with those who I know love me. Ordinarily, I would be at home with my mom and dad, and we would celebrate with a great big ol’ Valentine breakfast, but I enjoyed chillin’ with my Rust College peeps. Yes, I know—I’m always chillin’ with Ruby and Theo, but this is the first time that the three of us have actually celebrated Valentine’s Day together, and it was freakin’ fantastic!

I also want to say that I got a Valentine present from one Craig Dixon as well. Y’all remember Craig—he’s studying to be an elementary teacher as well. I know I haven’t talked too much about Craig, but trust me when I tell you that he is still in the picture. I’m not gonna go into too much detail, but I will say that we’ve decided to just be friends and see what happens from here.

Well, I reckon I had better close up this here blog post, but I’ll be back with another gooden in the very near future. Until then, y’all take care, and enjoy the rest of your Valentine’s Day.


Smooches,

Natasha

21 Reasons to Be Grateful

Hi, Everyone!

It’s three days after my birthday (yes, I’m still celebrating), and I was just thinking: Around this time last year, I had a blog post where I mentioned twenty interesting tidbits about little ol’ me. I thought about doing that again this year, but I couldn’t think of anything brand-new. However, I decided to do something different for today’s very special birthday blog post—this time, I’m gonna list twenty-one things that I am grateful for:

 

1.    I am grateful to have lived to see another birthday.

2.    I am grateful to have been blessed with a beautifully charismatic mom and dad.

3.    I am grateful for my Gramma Jewel and all of her knowledge and wisdom.

4.    I am grateful for the college experience known as Rust College.

5.    I am grateful to have found my sista from another mista, Ruby Jean Hudspeth.

6.    I am grateful for my little brother from another mother, Theodore Campbell.

7.    I am grateful for the drive, desire, and passion that I have to be the best damn kindergarten teacher in the whole world.

8.    I am grateful that I come from a lineage of strong, sexy women!

9.    I am grateful for the fact that I am 4’11” and 140 pounds.

10.  I am grateful to have such a deep passion for learning.

11.  I am grateful that I know my worth as a young woman.

12.  I am grateful for little subtleties, such as a ladybug landing on my arm, a snowflake landing on my nose, and a butterfly in my hair.

13.  I am grateful for hot chocolate with marshmallows.

14.  I am grateful for my Uncle Ronnie’s corny jokes—to this day, they still make me laugh.

15.  I am grateful for the honor of following in my Grampa Clark’s footsteps.

16.  I am grateful that I am not allergic to peanut butter and strawberries.

17.  I am grateful to know that the man of my dreams is out there looking for me.

18.  I am grateful to know that my dad thinks so much of  me that he dedicated a special song to me—“Special Lady” by Ray, Goodman, and Brown.

19.  I am grateful for knowing the secret to true happiness.

20.  I am grateful that I can back up my words with my actions.

21.  I am grateful for being Natasha Renee Stewart.

 

And there it is, y’all—these are just twenty-one reasons why I am truly grateful. Trust me, there are other reasons, but because of my birthday yesterday, I narrowed the list to only 21… hahaha!

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


Smooches,
Natasha

The Number 21 Looks So Sexy On Me!

Hi, Everybody!

 

First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you for making me feel so special on yesterday. I truly appreciate all of the birthday wishes, the greetings, and the prayers. As usual, my family showed up and showed out in ways that I couldn’t imagine—and I’m always grateful for them—but I was especially surprised when I watched yesterday’s episode of the talk show Holla At’cha Girls, and the lovely hostesses acknowledged me by name on the air. I gotta admit—I was feeling some kinda way when Miss Kim looked into the main camera with that beautiful beaming smile and said: “Happy Birthday, Ladybug!”

That right there is nothing but Bearcat Love. Thanks again, my sisters… muah!

Well, it goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway: I had a great birthday yesterday. It all began when I discovered that my 1pm class was cancelled until tomorrow, which was more than enough incentive to celebrate the big 2-1 as I only know how. For starters, Ruby’s mom and dad went all out and cooked a birthday dinner that I will never forget—steak, shrimp, broccoli, loaded baked potato, and banana pudding.

And it was at that moment when I realized that I gained twenty pounds just looking at that dinner… hahaha!

Anyway, around 5pm yesterday evening, there was a knock on the door—and y’all could imagine how surprised I was when Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Keith, and Cousin Jade stepped inside. In the famous words of my Gramma Jewel, I was a queen for a day!

And when I returned to my dorm, my voicemail was filled with so many birthday greetings from my mom and dad to Gramma Jewel, to even a surprising birthday song from Great Aunt Donna! As usual, she hit all kinds of wrong notes, but I was willing to survive those twenty seconds of a busted eardrum. It’s so sad that those twenty seconds were two minutes too long, though… hahahahaha!

All in all, I had a fantastic birthday. There’s just one question that remains: What plans do I have for Valentine’s Day?


Smooches,
Natasha

Finally, The Big 2-1 Has Arrived!

Hi, Everyone!

 

I want to start off today’s blog post by singing:

 

Happy Birthday to me.

Happy Birthday to me.

Happy 21^st Birthday, Yours Truly.

Happy Birthday to… ME!!!

 

 

That’s right, y’all—I’ve got plenty reason to celebrate because the big 2-1 has finally arrived! I don’t know if y’all can tell, but I am ultra excited… hahahahahaha! Hell, the proof is in the pudding; after all, check out that hot picture of me in my peppermint sundress… and yes, I was feeling rather sexy that day… hahaha! To be honest, I took this picture over the summer; it was right after my family reunion but right before I returned to Rust. And incidentally, I would like to thank my Cousin Trisha for her great photography skills. She caught the real me—sweet, silly, sexy, sensual, and sensitive.

 

I know some of you have read that last sentence and said to yourselves: “There’s no conceit in Natasha’s family—she’s got it all!” If you’ve thought that, then you’re half-right. Remember this: It’s not conceit if you can back it up, and judging by my photo, I can damn sure back it up in more ways than one… hahaha!

In all seriousness, though, I recognize that any birthday is worth celebrating, but I am truly grateful to be allowed the opportunity to celebrate my big 2-1. There’s a song by the Winans that says: “Millions didn’t make it, but I was one of the ones who did.” Well, that’s just how I feel right now. I know for a fact that the greatest birthday present is the fact that I am here and I am celebrating another day. I am humble, I am honored, and I am overjoyed to see twenty-one years.

 

With that said, it’s time to start celebrating with my peeps. I’ll holla at y’all later!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

The Second Year of the Post-Mother Fields Era

“Smurfette, I think I should tell you that Mother Fields passed away this afternoon.”

 

 

 

 

Hi, Everyone!

It was on this very day, two years ago, that my mom uttered those haunting words. Even though it was just two years ago, they still feel like it just happened.

I have regaled you all with wonderful stories about the late great Mrs. Harriette Fields, who was a respected figure and a decorated fixture at my church back home in Southern Cali. I still remember my dad’s lighthearted joke: “We can’t get to Heaven by works alone, but by the work that Mother Fields has done here around the church, I betcha anything that her name’s already in the Lamb’s Book of Life!”

In a way, my dad had a point—Mother Fields did so much around the church. She was on the Mothers’ Board, the Trustee Board, and she was also a spiritual advisor and Sunday School teacher to the young adult women of St. Matthew Baptist Church. However, of all the young women to nurture and pass on wisdom to, Mother Fields chose little ol’ me (pardon the expression). And while she never boasted about her works in the church, I loved how Mother Fields would humbly smile and nod whenever she was recognized for something.

Around this time last year, I made a statement that it has already been recorded that only the righteous will see God, and that Mother Fields earned her righteousness a long time ago… and I still stand behind my statement. In my eyes, Mother Fields was the perfect example of a lady. Now, don’t get me wrong—I have some real strong examples in my mom, my aunts, and my Gramma Jewel, but they’re all in a class all by themselves. In terms of looking outside the bloodline, Mother Fields was the epitome of a lady, and she carried herself as such.

Lately, whenever I think about Mother Fields, I think about the very last time I saw her—Sunday, December 30, 2012. Service had just ended, and everyone was showering me with well-wishes, seeing as how I was due back at Rust to complete my freshman year. When I turned to exit, there was Mother Fields, waiting patiently. Aside from a monetary gift and some good advice on living life, the last thing she said to me was: “Keep up the good work and stick it out to the very, very end. I love you, Dearie.”

And that is the only picture that we took together, and it means a whole lot more to me now.

In closing today’s blog post, I just want to say: Mother Fields, I still miss you, my friend, but I know that you’re in a much better place. Thank you for those many years of advice, and for choosing me out of the proverbial pack. Until we meet again, I love you lots.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Looking Forward to the Big 2-1!

Hi, Everyone!

 

So, today is February 2, 2015, and as you can tell by the title of today’s blog post (and yes, I had to post this sexy photo of me… LOL!), I am very excited about a special event that’s taking place in my life—as a matter of fact, this special event takes place next Tuesday. Yes, I will be celebrating another birthday, but this isn’t just any ordinary birthday—this is my 21^st Birthday.

Now, the unwritten rule is that when one turns twenty-one, they hit up all the bars and clubs and start trying out these drinks… my name is Natasha Renee Stewart, and I ain’t about to do all of that! I wouldn’t mind checking out the club scene, but from what I hear, it sounds like I’m not missing anything.

Ruby and Theo asked me how I would like to celebrate my big 2-1, and to be honest with y’all, there’s only one thing I would like to do: If anything, I would like to be back home celebrating my twenty-first with my mom and dad… but when I accepted admission to Rust back in April of 2012, I knew there would be certain sacrifices that I would need to make, so it’s all good. Besides, I know that, no matter the residence, I am surrounded by all kinds of family.

And let me just go on record and speak from the heart: There is only one birthday present that I would love to have (outside of a couple of days in Southern Cali): I wish to live to see my twenty-first birthday. Really and truly, that’s all I want. Of course, I would like a couple more sundresses, but I can always get those myself… hahaha!

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


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha