Results from Griffith Park Observatory

Hi, Everyone—and Happy Friday!

So, I just got home about an hour ago, and I’m gonna be honest with y’all: I AM STONE TIRED!!!

As y’all may know, today was the day that the Culver City Children’s Center went on a field trip to the Griffith Park Observatory… and let’s just say that I was reminded of my hyperactive curiosity and childlike innocence from when I a wee little one. Talk about having a great time—those kids were ultra excited! They were running around, acting as if they had never been at the observatory… well, technically, this was their first time at the observatory, so I kinda understand why they were running around the main courtyard, albeit in a circle. They were all inside the observatory, asking us to take pictures, and they really enjoyed the observatory show. And my goodness—when they saw the Hollywood sign up close and personal… well, I joined in with them! I won’t lie—I was a child all over again. I was like: “Ooh, you guys—the Hollywood sign!” And they were all like: “Wow!”

Of course, my supervisor just looked at me and laughed, to which I felt compelled to explain my fascination for the Hollywood sign. I can see it from outside my mom and dad’s backyard, but up at Griffith Park, the sign looks so grand when I’m that close to it.

Needless to say, those little ones had a great time, so much so, that they were talking about wanting to go back to observatory “really, really soon.” And on their behalf, I tried to convince my supervisor for another field trip back. Once again, she just looked at me and laughed, but she did promise another field trip elsewhere before the summer session ended in two weeks.

I tell y’all—if this is what I’ve got to experience when I become a kindergarten teacher, then I gladly welcome it! As I mentioned yesterday, everytime I interact with a child, I am that much closer to my dream. Thus far, I have gained so much knowledge in becoming a kindergarten teacher, and all that I have learned thus far is further preparing me for the main prize—my ultimate goal, if you will. Yes, I realize that this is only the beginning, but consider this: If I am this excited over this one month assignment, then you can bet your ass that I’m gonna be tickled pink on my first day of teaching kindergarteners!

In the meantime, though, I need a nice hot bath, a big delicious dinner, and a great night’s sleep.

Peace Out!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Long Time, No Holla!

Hi, Everyone!

Now, I know what some of y’all are thinking: Yes, it has been a minute since I last spoke to y’all—it’s been two weeks, to be exact—and yes, it has everything to do with my summer job. Believe me when I tell y’all—I’ve already been teased by my mom and dad on the matter. Coincidentally, just the other day, my dad said to my mom: “You know, Dani, ever since Tasha got this here summer job, she just done up and forgot about us.”

I knew they were merely teasing, but nevertheless I still had to tell my mom and dad that nothing about me has changed, with the exception of the fact that I am getting more knowledgeable in my field, and the fact that I am also on a payroll. Other than that, I’m still the same little Natasha Renee Stewart.

And trust me when I tell y’all—I am loving every last minute of my work! Granted, it’s only for another two weeks, but that’s okay. The bottom line is that I’m still earning a paycheck, and even more so than that, this teaching experience at the Culver City Children’s Center is a precursor to my dream of becoming the best damn kindergarten teacher in Southern California.

In other news, my Gramma Jewel and her block club celebrated their third annual Sapphire Street Block Party last Saturday. This year’s theme was: “Don’t Believe It—Just Watch!” And yes, y’all already know that the theme was inspired from the hit song “Uptown Funk.” Well, if the people didn’t believe that the third time was a charm for Sapphire Street, then I’m sure that they watched, and their doubts were ultimately destroyed. Oh, and as always, Gramma Jewel’s strawberry seven-up cake was a big hit. In addition to the legendary dessert, Mr. Chuck outdid himself with his Delta Burgers and Delta Chicken. That’s right, y’all—Mr. Chuck debuted a brand-new chicken sandwich that is just like the Delta Burger—it’s just that he uses fresh chicken patties. You have your choice of either fried or grilled, and it goes without saying, but I tried both… and they were freakin’ delicious!

Well, I hate to cut it short, but I’ve got a busy day ahead of me tomorrow; we’re taking the children on a little field trip to the Griffith Park Observatory. Y’all already know that I love that place, particularly because of the Hollywood sign. I’m probably gonna be just excited as the little ones, if not a little extra excited. In any event, I’ll give y’all an update on our trip tomorrow. In the meantime, yall take care and have a gooden.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Guess Who's Got A Summer Job!

Hi, Everyone!

Once again, my Gramma Jewel’s words of wisdom have proven true: Once you reallyhand your problems over to the Lord and really stop worrying, that’s when He steps in and blesses you.

I said all that to say this: I FINALLY HAVE A JOB!!!

I had forgotten that I gave my résumé to Howie’s wife Jessica when I came home last month, and I also forgot that she mentioned putting in a good word for me at her former employer, the Culver City Children’s Center. Lo and behold—she sure did deliver! You see, Jessica used to be a tutor as well as the assistant manager before she resigned and became the new Third Grade teacher at Sapp Elementary.

It was just last Friday that her former supervisor called me in for an interview this past Monday… and y’all already know that I was dressed to the nines! But anyway, I must’ve interviewed very well because I was called in this past Tuesday for a four-hour training, and I officially started working on yesterday.

This is only the second day, but I gotta tell y’all—this is very rewarding! I absolutely love what I do… oh, I need to mention: I am a data entry operator, and I also interact with the children at the center, which is a big bonus for me. My hours are 8:00am to 2:00pm, and believe me when I tell y’all that the time really flies. And considering that this job is in my field, I usually stay an extra two hours, which my boss counts as overtime.

What can I say—teaching is in my blood, Baby!

Well, I really hate to cut this short, but I’ve got a busy day ahead of me tomorrow. I’m actually going to be in a staff meeting in preparation for the summer camp games; my supervisor talked about putting me in charge of either the sing-along or the face painting. Either way, I’m all for it! Again, I recognize that it’s only been a couple days, but the fact that I’ve joined my mom and dad in the working world—it’s freakin’ sweet! Finally, I’ve got something to do with my time; this sure beats laying around the house and going stir crazy. I am still taken aback a bit, though, and that’s only because what I’ve prayed for has come to fruition. The only caveat is that this job is only until August 21, but it’s all good…

And I am also eternally grateful!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Thus Far, It's Been Worth It!

Hi, Everyone!

 

So, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lo these past few days—yes, I did in fact say “lo these past few days…” But anyway, in my thinking and reflecting, I gotta say that my journey thus far has been well worth it.

 

Around this time three years ago, I was on a college preparation shopping spree, as my mom and dad were helping me prepare to leave Los Angeles, California for Holly Springs, Mississippi. Yes, I knew beforehand what lied ahead when I accepted admission into Rust College, but at the same time, I had no idea what I would expect thus far. I remember the excitement and the sorrow, the anticipation and the angst, and the bittersweet feeling of having to leave my comfort zone in order to venture out into a brand-new world.

 

I have truly enjoyed my life as a college student thus far, and I already know that the best is yet to come in this, my final year at Rust. I have enjoyed criss-crossing these United States, albeit only from L.A. to Memphis by airplane, and then from Memphis to Mississippi by car. I’ve grown a great fondness and appreciation for life outside of Southern Cali, thanks in part to my Great Aunt Donna and my Great Aunt Reesie ‘nim. The Southern living has really been good to me lo these three years—and quiet as it’s kept, if I had my way, I would live in either Memphis or Nashville.

 

Hell, I’d even live in Olive Branch!

 

Then again, as the old saying goes: You can take me out of Cali, but you can’t take Cali out of me. I’m a native Los Angeleno through and through, but yet and still, my heart beats for that good ol’ Southern living.

 

To sum up this here blog post: My journey has definitely been well worth it, and when I finally obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in April of 2016, I know that I’m gonna rejoice all the more!

 

Take care, y’all!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Celebration Time for Momillennium

Uh-oh, y’all—it’s July 2, 2015, and it’s also my 600th blog post! Y’all know what that means: It’s time for a celebration of celebratory proportions!

It was forty-three years ago today in Memphis, Tennessee that my Grampa Clark and my Gramma Jewel were blessed with their fifth and final child—a baby girl whom they christened Danielle Renee. Over the years, this baby girl earned many nicknames from her loved ones. To Grampa Clark, she was “Reesie Junior;” to my aunts and uncles, she was “Dani;” to my cousins, she was “Aunt Dee;” and to my dad, she’s known as “The Queen.”

And y’all already know the special nickname that I give Momillennium… matter of fact, I just mentioned it! I’ve been referring to my mom as “Momillennium” ever since I was ten years old. Yes, I know that I merely combined “mom” and “millennium” to form this very unique word, but that’s only because my mom is a very unique lady. And even more so than that, my mommy is the greatest mother that The Lord could ever bless me with, and for that, I am truly grateful to Him.

I think I mentioned this once before, but it’s worth repeating again: My mom is simply the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be… and incidentally, I would like to wish Bret Hart a Happy #58. Imagine that, y’all—Bret Hart and my mom have something in common, and I guess it helps a little bit that my mom is also a Bret Hart fan.

In hindsight, I don’t think I did today’s blog post any justice, but I do hope that you all could see the unconditional love, respect, and admiration that I have for Momillennium. Shoot, we’re practically twins, all things considered… and that probably explains why she and I share the same middle name. You see, Renee is French for “reborn,” and it has been said on more than one occasion that I am my mother’s daughter. Well, let me just say that I humbly and graciously accept such a surefire compliment.

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

HAPPY #43 MOMILLENNIUM—I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!!!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

L.V. Forever!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is a very sentimental one, as you can tell by the title and the photo.

It was ten years ago today that we big farewell to the legendary Luther Ronzoni Vandross. I remember this day all too well because it was just one day before my mom’s birthday. I also remember exactly where I was on that fateful day: My dad took me to the mall so we could find the perfect birthday card and present for the queen of our family—Momillennium. It seemed like every store in the mall was playing a Luther song, to the point where my dad jokingly asked if it was “Luther Day.” Well, we didn’t think any more of it; we finished out birthday shopping for Mom (It only took two hours), then we left to get something to eat. As soon as we got in the car, we caught the last couple minutes of “If This World Were Mine,” and I confirmed with my dad that it had to have been Luther Day. At the very moment, the man on the radio said in a very somber tone: “For those of you who haven’t heard, we lost Luther Vandross this morning. Luther Vandross has passed away at the age of fifty-four years old.”

My dad actually pulled over and parked the car, just to take a moment to himself. I was thrown for a loop as well, considering that I was only eleven years old at the time. Heck, I’ll tell y’all the truth—I wept a little, because I just couldn’t believe that Luther was gone. I knew that he had had a serious health challenge in 2003, but last I had heard, he was getting better, slowly but surely. I guess he never fully recovered, and as my Gramma Jewel always says: The Lord saw fit to take His child home with Him.”

Ten years later today, and I make it a point to keep Luther’s legacy alive. I always make sure that I take a moment and stop to love, because the power of love is the greatest power of them all. And believe me when I tell y’all: It is never too much to show my family and friends how much I love them. Let’s put it this way: When they call on me, Baby, that’s when I’ll go runnin’ to them… and yes, I am still awaiting the day that my Prince Charming sweeps me off of my feet, but I don’t wanna be a fool—I’m willing to wait until that right guy comes along. Besides, there’s nothing better than love, and when someone truly loves you for all of you, that feeling is just so amazing.

Thanks for the memories, Luther!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha