Results of My Date with Winston Campbell

Okay, I just got home, and I know y’all want to know about my date with one Winston Campbell, so here goes:



For starters, Winston is a very punctual so-and-so; he told me that he would be by to get me at 3pm, and doggone it if he didn’t. Like a true gentleman would, he reintroduced himself to my mom, and reminded her about the barbecue roast beef sandwich that she was raving about. And then, it was time for Winston to meet my dad. I could tell that Winston was a touch nervous, but I think he played it off pretty well; he gave my dad a firm handshake and perfect eye contact, and promised that he would have me home no later than the time appointed by my dad.

Now, y’all already know that my dad took full advantage of that—he looked Winston in the eye and said, “My daughter had best be on the stoop by 10:30pm.”

To be honest, my date with Winston really didn’t feel like a date at all. If anything, it felt like I was back with my peeps at Rust. In truth, all we did was kick it at Buffalo Wild Wings at Howard Hughes Promenade, and we had a conversation about our respective futures.

Now, here’s what I liked about our “date,” such as it was: Winston was giving me this real puzzled look, and of course, I asked him if I had something on my face. Well, Winston says to me, “I can tell that you’ve been hurt before. I don’t need to know the details—I just wanna know whose ass I gotta whup?”

I chuckled a little, then I told him that I had indeed been hurt a couple years ago, but I had since moved on. I assured Winston that I was not about to let a hurtful past ruin my future, much less my life… and that’s when Winston told me a little about his past hurt. Just like me, he didn’t go into detail with it, but he was adamant in that he wanted to give up on women altogether, “and then you came along and changed all that, Natasha.”

I simply grinned bashfully and batted my eyes.

Well, anyway—after our visit at Buffalo Wild Wings, Winston treated me to a cherry pineapple slushie, and then he remembered that I had mentioned bowling. I assured him that we could do that some other time, to which he talked about checking his schedule to see when he would have another free Saturday, because he wants to see just how good a bowler I really am. Never one to back down from a challenge, I pointed at him and said, “It’s on and crack-a-lackin’!”

Afterwards, Winston made sure that I got home safely—matter of fact, he got me home at 9:30pm. Not only that, but Winston went the distance; he ushered me into my house, and let my mom and dad know that he was a man of his word. I know that my dad is a pretty macho guy, and he would never admit this, but he was impressed by Winston.

That’s all the news for now, but I’ll holla at y’all later.




Smooches,

Natasha

Preparation for My Date Tomorrow with Winston

Hi, Everybody!

So, I’m back with a brand-new blog post, and of course, the subject at hand revolves around my date with Winston tomorrow. I think I mentioned this the other day, but I am so excited about tomorrow. I reckon I’ve been in dating seclusion long enough, and it’s time for me to come out of hibernation… hahaha! Tomorrow is really special to me because it’s truly the first time in a long time that I’ve been on a date. Yet and still, there’s a part of me that begging me not to play the fool again.

Yes, I’m referring to that unpleasantness from two years ago.

For those of you who’ve never suffered a broken heart, I applaud you, and I pray that you never have to go through such a painful experience. Aretha Franklin put it best in a song from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack when she said that it hurts like hell—and she sho’ wasn’t lyin’! And yes, I am aware that it would be foolish to punish Winston for the transgressions of “he who shall not be named,” but at the same time, I’m still a touch leery of my heart. Even though I’ve since moved on, I don’t wanna be a fool ever again.

And at the same time, I’m still excited about going out with Winston; matter of fact, I’ve already picked out what I’m gonna wear tomorrow. I’ve decided on my favorite lavender with a pink blouse. I trust that Winston will not disappoint me, and I also believe that I’m gonna have a great time.

Okay, y’all—that concludes today’s blog post. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow evening when I come home from my date with Winston. Until then, say a prayer for a sista.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

I Got A Call from Winston!

Hi, Everybody!

 

So, a full week has passed since I last spoke to y’all, and we have officially entered Week Nine of my internship at Carter Elementary. And there’s no surprises here, folks—much like the first eight weeks, the little kindergarteners did not disappoint me. At the same time, they wore a sista completely out, so much so, that I decided to take all of last week off. That’s right, y’all—I think I used every ounce of my energy… hell, about an hour ago, I walked into the house, and I just dropped all my stuff on the living room floor and collapsed in a heap onto the couch. I just lay there and listened to the sounds of the peaceful tranquility that is known as my neighborhood.

 

Maybe fifteen minutes later, the phone rang. I mustered up enough strength to answer it, and I’m glad I did—it was Winston, the guy who makes my turkey bacon avocado sandwich! Just like that, I perked up as if I was given a double dose of Vitamin B12, then we set up our plans for our date this Saturday.

 

“I just got on break, and I decided to give you a call,” he said. “I know it’s not the traditional way of calling…”

 

“But the bottom line is, you called,” I smiled. “And you’ll have to forgive me, Winston, because I surely forgot that I gave you my number.”

 

“Now, Miss Natasha—you’re too young to be forgetting things,” he chuckled.

 

In any event, Winston asked me if I had a specific place in mind for our date this Friday, and I told him that I didn’t have any preference. I did mention that I hadn’t gone bowling in a minute, to which he enthusiastically declared: “Well, bowling it is, then! I’ll keep in contact with you throughout the week, and I promise you that we’re gonna have a grand ol’ time.”

 

Now, I’m not gonna lie to y’all—I never thought that I would get this excited about a date ever again. I know it’s only Monday and I’ve got to get through the rest of this week, but I am really looking forward to my date with Winston this Saturday. At the same time, I’m a little nervous, and I’m also a little leery. Yes, I am aware that I cannot punish Winston for the way that some other jackass mistreated me, but at the same time, I cannot help but to be very protective of my heart.

 

I’ll definitely keep y’all posted, but until next time, continue to pray for a sista.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Big Birthday Weekend Surprise for Gramma Jewel

Well, y’all—the Joneses did it again!

Gramma Jewel was sho’nuff surprised yesterday evening. And now that the festivities are over, I can finally let the cat out of the bag: The entire family put together a surprise birthday party for the sweet, silver-haired lady with the plum purple glasses.

Now, some of you may be wondering how we could keep such a surprise away from Gramma Jewel, considering that she’s got such keen insight on everything—well, let me say that it wasn’t easy, but I came up with the idea of calling her friend Mr. Hawkins, and when I let him know what was up, he was all in. He had Gramma Jewel thinking that he was taking her out to dinner, to the point where he asked her to get all dolled up for such the occasion. Well, we had our party stationed at the DoubleTree Hotel in Torrance, and when Mr. Hawkins untied Gramma Jewel’s blindfold and saw everybody from Great Aunt Reesie to Great Aunt Donna, to even her childhood friend Ms. Vanderkellen… I tell y’all, Gramma Jewel looked up to Heaven and thought this was it… hahahaha!

It was nothing but a Delta Jewel party this evening, with all of Gramma Jewel’s favorite songs from practically every genre… shoot, we even played some of her favorite rap songs. I could tell that Gramma Jewel was legitimately surprised, as well as flattered and emotional—matter of fact, she was grinning from ear to ear when she saw our “This Is Your Life” sketch, hosted by Auntie Cherri… and I know for a fact that Gramma Jewel was very entertained by my impersonation of her! She was some kinda tickled when I said, “Now, Baby, we ain’t gon’ be havin’ nunna this here!”

Of course, when our beloved  guest of honor began to speak, we gave her a standing ovation. Gramma Jewel admitted that she was touched, flattered, and filled with so much joy, considering all the trouble that we went through just to make her day so special. Gramma Jewel went on to say that she would never forget this night, because it was further proof that she was truly loved.

And so, “Operation: Delta Jewel #80” has officially come to pass, but if I know Gramma Jewel, she’s gonna celebrate this whole entire month… and maybe I’m showing a touch of bias, but I just want to say that this surprise birthday party couldn’t have happened to a sweeter lady.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Time to Celebrate Great Aunt Reesie!

The celebrations just keep on keepin’ on, y’all!

Today is Friday, October 16, 2015, and I happen to know that a certain lady in my family by the name of Theresa Bernice Coleman is excited about this day.

Just in case y’all missed that, today is my Great Aunt Reesie’s birthday—she is officially 78 years old.

Much like I did with yesterday afternoon’s blog post, I am going to share ten fun factoids about my beloved Great Aunt Reesie:

 

1. In all of her seventy-eight years, she is affectionately known as “Reesie” by family, friends, and strangers. She’s only been called by her birth name once, and that was on the day that she graduated from college.

2. As it relates to college, Great Aunt Reesie graduated from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi—Class of 1959, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

3. Great Aunt Reesie has admitted on more than one occasion that she always considered Gramma Jewel to be her role model.

4. Great Aunt Reesie has only been in one fight at school; she was in Second Grade at the time, but she helped Gramma Jewel beat up a Sixth Grade girl.

5. You know it’s summertime when you see Great Aunt Reesie wearing her sun visors.

6. Even though Great Aunt Reesie is only two years and one day younger than Gramma Jewel, there is a running joke in our family that they’re actually twins.

7. As quiet and reserved as Great Aunt Reesie may be, she has a very strong competitive side. Such was the case when she challenged Gramma Jewel to a bake-off three years ago.

8. Great Aunt Reesie has one child, whom she named Jade Diamond, as a tribute to Gramma Jewel.

9. Great Aunt Reesie served as the principal of Willow Oak Elementary School from 1977 to 2005. Within that time, she only missed a total of two weeks.

10. Great Aunt Reesie loves anything and everything purple—y’all should see her bedroom, her wardrobe, and her jewelry.

 

And as an honorable mention: Here is Great Aunt Reesie’s favorite song… her leitmotif, if you will.

 

 

Happy #78, Great Aunt Reesie—celebrate it well, and celebrate it in style!

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Vivian Jewel Jones: 80 Years and Still Sparklin', Baby!

Well, y’all—I’ve been talking about this day seemingly forever, and it has finally arrived!

Fourscore years ago on this very day, a beautiful baby girl was born to Gregory & Lynn Coleman. The doctors made a comment that this beautiful baby girl sparkled like a precious jewel, and thus she was christened Vivian Jewel.

That’s right—my Gramma Jewel is officially eighty years old today!

Seeing as how this is her very special day, y’all already know that I’m dedicating today’s blog post to her. In writing this blog post, I realize that I could very easily mention eighty fun factoids about my beautiful grandmother, but I’ve decided to mention only twenty… and here they are:

 

 

1.     The name Vivian is Greek for “vivacious and lively,” and every man, woman, and child can attest to the fact that Gramma Jewel definitely lives up to her name.

2.       Gramma Jewel stands only five-foot-three, but her genuinely big heart makes her at least seven feet tall.

3.       One of Gramma Jewel’s favorite sayings is: “I was born, raised, and educated in the state of Mississippi.”

4.       Her nickname is “Delta Jewel,” which was given to her by her father.

5.       Gramma Jewel is a proud Bearcat; she graduated from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi—Class of 1957, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

6.       In an ironic twist of fate, Gramma Jewel met and fell in love with the late Clark Kenneth Jones after the two were in a minor car collision. The two ultimately were wed on June 2, 1962.

7.       Gramma Jewel will tell you in a heartbeat that her favorite gifts are her five rambunctious but lovable children—Anthony Thomas, Ronald Lawrence, Cheryl Yvette, Gregory Joseph, and Danielle Renee.

8.       There is a reason why I call her “Gramma Jewel,” and it has everything to do with the fact that I am one of her “Magnificent Seven.” She picked the perfect nickname for Candace Cassandra, Lionel Clark, Vanessa Joyce, Calvin James, Matthew Edward, Patricia Lynn, and of course—yours truly.

9.       Gramma Jewel’s favorite hymn is “Near The Cross.” She actually sang this song at Great Gramma Lynn’s homegoing celebration.

10.   Don’t let Gramma Jewel’s height, age, and silver-grey hair fool you—she has been known open a good number cans of whoop-ass when someone has pissed her off.

11.   Gramma Jewel lives by this credo: “Ain’t no ugly folks in our family, and if there are, then that’s on them!”

12.   In her eighty years of living, Gramma Jewel only has three best friends: Mildred Ann Vanderkellen (childhood friend), Gladys Lorraine Nelson (college friend), and Thelma Jean Davis (church friend). Whenever these four ladies get together, it’s an automatic party.

13.   Gramma Jewel loves rap music. Some of her favorite rap songs are: “You Know How We Do It” by Ice Cube, “How Ya Do Dat Dere” by Master P, and “Rappers Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang.

14.   Gramma Jewel debuted her strawberry seven-up cake in a 1997 Baking Contest… and she won the grand prize!

15.   Gramma Jewel’s childhood mentor was Mrs. Shirley Ruth Madison, a lady who lived across the street from her back in Ruleville.

16.   Gramma Jewel convinced a mugger to turn himself in to the police, and all she used was her sweet, loving voice.

17.   Gramma Jewel got her fifteen minutes of fame in the spring of 2010. She, my Cousin Candace, and the Douglases were in front row at the Ol’ Skool Wrestling Homecoming pay-per-view, and she looked like she was having a grand ol’ time!

18.   Gramma Jewel has had three pastors in her lifetime: Reverend Thurmond Marshall at the Solid Rock Methodist Church in Ruleville, Mississippi; Reverend Frank Austin at the Ark of Safety Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee; and Reverend Stanley D. Richardson at the First Baptist Church of Culver City, California.

19.   Of all that Gramma Jewel has accomplished, she says that her greatest achievement is getting an opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face… and I can testify that she does a great job in that department.

20.   Gramma Jewel doesn’t believe in high-heeled shoes or pierced ears—they are just not for her.

 

And there y’all have it!

In closing this very special blog post, I want to dedicate this song to my beautiful grandmother, Mrs. Vivian Jewel Jones.

 

 

 

 HAPPY #80, GRAMMA JEWEL—I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
 

Smooches,
Natasha

Is Winston Reawakening My Romantic Side?

Hi, Everybody!

I know it’s been a minute since I last talked about Winston, and that’s only because I’ve been busy with my internship and the plans for my Gramma Jewel’s eightieth birthday. However, I want y’all to know that I haven’t been so busy to where I couldn’t visit my favorite sandwich shop; the only caveat is that the last few times that I visited, Winston had either finished his shift or taken a day off.

Well, all that changed this afternoon after having completed another successful day at my internship.

I want y’all to know that I did have a back-up plan just in case I didn’t see Winston—I was gonna order a chipotle barbecue chicken sandwich. Well, to quote my Gramma Jewel, imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw that I was the “onliest” customer in the shop. And on top of that, Winston was on his shift! I’m not gonna lie to y’all: My little heart skipped a beat or two when I saw him, and then I chuckled within myself, because I Knew that there was no need for me to order my alternative sandwich.

“Hey, Stranger!” Winston said with a big smile. “It’s been a minutes since I made your turkey bacon avocado with mayo and honey mustanrd.”

I know that I was blushing because I actually heard myself giggling uncontrollably.

Anyway, while Winston was making my sandwich, we had a very nice conversation. He asked me to give him a status on my internship, and I told him how I learn a little something each day from the little ones. I had Winston laughing when I told him about these two little fellas who—bless their little hearts—compete for my affection every chance they get. Winston laughed a little, then he said, “Well, you’ve got to be a very special lady if kindergarteners are fighting over you. Don’t be surprised if one of them asks you out on a date… and speaking of which, whatcha got goin’ on for October 30?”

Okay, y’all—I didn’t expect that question from Winston, but I liked how he slid it in the conversation. And perhaps my women’s intuition was on point, because for some reason, I knew that he was asking me out on a date. I didn’t want to keep him waiting, so I said, “Well, I don’t have anything planned for next weekend, and I would love to go out with you.”

At that point, Winston actually shouted, “Hot Damn!”

I simply chuckled at his reaction, and then I gave him my phone number. I also gave him a heads-up that my mom and dad are very tradition when it comes to me. Winston nodded and said, “I understand—my mom and dad are just as ol’ skool with it, too.”

Could it be that Winston has reawakened my romantic side? Only time will tell.




Smooches,
Natasha

Cousin Calvin Asks for My Advice!

Happy Saturday, Everybody!

 

It was a little over two months ago when I told y’all about the dilemma in which my Cousin Calvin found himself. If you recall, he’s got a huge crush on one Karen Michelle Duncan, but at the same time, he likes this other girl named Jasmine.  He found himself able to talk to Jasmine with ease, but he was a stuttering mess around Kevin. Well, not much has changed since then, but would you believe that I actually got a phone call from Cousin Calvin about an hour ago?

 

“Tasha, I need some advice, and you’re the first person that I called,” he said with conviction.

Well, y’all already know me by now—I immediately let Cousin Calvin know how flattered I was that he chose me as his counselor of sorts. I mean, he could’ve gone to Gramma Jewel, Auntie Cherri, Uncle Alex… hell, he could’ve even gone to Cousin Vanessa, or even Cousin Becky, but he chose me from whom to get advice…

 

I’m serious, y’all—I am really touched!

 

Well, anyway, here’s the latest: Cousin Calvin met up with the Jasmine girl this afternoon for a little luncheon, and he told me that Jasmine was a wonderful soul, but in the midst of their conversation, he discovered that she meant absolutely nothing to him.

 

“Don’t get me wrong—Jasmine is a great gal,” Cousin Calvin stated. “She’s a fun person to be around and she’s everything that I’m looking for in a woman; it’s just that she’s not the one for me.”

 

Of course, I asked Cousin Calvin why Jasmine meant nothing to him, and here was his response:

 

“Well, Tasha, I remembered what you had told me when I first told you about my dilemma. You made mention that I was only physically attracted to Jasmine. I thought about that, and I discovered that you were absolutely right. Plus, Jasmine told me herself that she’s not the one for me, but she wanted me to invite her to my wedding, just so she can tell my future wife how great a guy I am.”

 

I let Cousin Calvin know that Jasmine was simply a guardian angel who was sent to protect Calvin’s heart until the right woman came along… and as far as I’m concerned, that right woman is Miss Karen! Oh, yes—I remain very adamant in my thinking, and it is because of my intuition that I strongly suggested to Cousin Calvin that he ask Karen out before it gets too late.

 

Well, I reckon I’d better end today’s blog post, but I’ll definitely keep y’all updated on Calvin and his romances… hahaha!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Latest News Stories, with Natasha Renee Stewart

Hi, Everybody!

Notwithstanding my internship at Carter Elementary, there is so much going on that I feel like I should be a newscaster on the KTLA Morning News.

First and foremost, the countdown is officially on! We are literally one week from celebrating my Gramma Jewel’s fourscore birthday. That’s right, y’all—in exactly seven days, my Gramma Jewel will be eighty years old! This past Saturday, my family and I had our last meeting, and we tied up any and all loose ends in order to put together a great celebration for our beloved matriarch. Now, I still can’t tell y’all what we planned, for fear that even the tiniest bit of information may get back to Gramma Jewel, but I can say that she will really love what we have in store for her.

In other news, I got another email from “he who shall not be named” yesterday evening, but I didn’t read it until I got home.  He begins by saying that Rust College must be keeping me pretty busy on account of he hadn’t heard from me in over a month. Just for the record, I love that he still thinks I’m back at Rust—I want that jackass to keep thinking that, too! My plan is working all too well, and that’s a good thing, because I still won’t allow myself to contact him until I feel damn good and ready. Now, check this out, y’all: He also decided to quote Tyrese’s new song and say that he is ashamed of himself for doing me wrong... and when I read that bullshit, I instantly holla’d. If he thinks that singing songs from Tyrese is gonna win me back, then he really needs to go and come again. Besides, my women’s intuition is still cuttin’ up sideways. Like I said a month ago: I was smart enough to forgive him, but I am not stupid enough to trust him. And yes, eventually I will make contact with him, but on my terms—and seeing as how he still believes I’m at Rust, I’m gonna see to it that his ass waits until mid-December.

Well, that’s all the news I have for this evening, but until next time, y’all keep it here for the latest updates… hahahaha!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

From the Frying Pan and Into the Fire!

Hi, Y’all!

Yes, it has certainly been a good minutes since I last holla’d at y’all, but as I mentioned in my last blog post, business has picked up at Carter Elementary, and I am loving every single last minute of it!

Check this out, y’all: Mrs. Martin has decided that we will take turns teaching the kindergarteners—she will teach on Mondays and Wednesdays, I will teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we will alternate on Fridays. We actually implemented this plan on last Friday. While I loved the idea, I actually suggested to Mrs. Martin that we both share Fridays; she could teach in the morning and I could teach in the afternoon, or vice-versa… and I’ll be doggone if Mrs. Martin didn’t say to me: “I was hoping you would say that, Dearie.”

Great minds still think alike, y’all!

Well, since today was my day… oh, y’all already know what I’m gonna say: I had so much fun teaching the little ones today. My lesson was all about the true meaning of friendship. While I didn’t get too deep into the subject (these are little children after all, but I still didn’t want to give them too much too fast), I like to believe that I taught them what they needed to know at the moment. Of course, I had to mention my peeps at Rust… hahahaha! And why not—I mean, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention Ruby and Azalea (I left Theo and Craig out for a specific reason). Some of the kindergarteners were curious as to which of my friends I liked the most, and I explained that there is no such thing as “who I like the most.” I was quick to point out that I am closer to Ruby than I am Azalea, but that doesn’t make Azalea any less my friend. I further explained that my friendship with Ruby is totally different from my friendship with Azalea, but they are both a huge part of my life, and I love them equally.

I actually marveled with delight when I saw the little ones actually nodding in approval—they understood the little that I gave them, and I was quite thrilled. In fact, I was so thrilled that I looked over at Mrs. Martin, and she simply smiled and nodded.

And yes, y’all already know what I’m gonna say, but what the hell—I’m gonna say it anyway: All of this hands-on experience is helping me reach my goal of becoming the best damn kindergarten teacher in history. I am also aware that I don’t have to be like my Grampa Clark, nor do I have to be like Mr. D, and I definitely don’t have to be like Mrs. Martin, but I can sure take their lesson and examples, alongside with that which I’ve learned at Rust, and I will definitely make my mark in history.

Until next time, y’all take it easy, and I’ll holla at y’all later.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha