Hello, L.A., My Old Friend!

Well, it goes without saying, but finally, “The Vipress” has come back… home!

Our flight arrived in L.A. around 4:30pm PST this afternoon, and I gotta tell y’all: I’m still suffering from bittersweet emotions. I’m glad that I have accomplished my academic goals and all, but no one told me that I was gonna suffer from Bearcat withdrawal. Look, I’ve barely been home, and already I miss Rust College so much. If I was back at Rust, I would be finishing up the first week of Summer School, and I’d be hanging out with my peeps. We’d either kick it at the Hudspeths or we’d be in Memphis chillin’ at the mall or with my Auntie Gladys.

Nevertheless, that old saying still holds true: Be it ever so humble, there is still no place like home, and I am glad to be back!

Well, I really hate to cut this blog post short one today, but I gotta do so—a sista is tired and hungry, and Mom and Dad ordered pizza and chicken wings, and we’re gonna do some serious snacking tonight! Well, at least I let y’all to know that I made it back to the Golden State safely.

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

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Thank You So Much, Rust College!

Well, y’all—this is it!

First of all, I wish to point out that we have made it to Blog Post #700, and it’s quite apropos that this particular blog post would fall on my last day here in the South. In about two hours or so, I’ll be boarding a plane with my mom, dad, Cousin Becky, and Gramma Jewel, and we’ll all be heading back to Southern Cali. Y’all already know what this means to me—no more frequent flyer miles, no more college living, no more road trips to Memphis, and no more visits with my Great Aunt Reesie. It is officially over, and I am saddened by it.

Yesterday evening, I had one more get-together with Ruby, Azalea, Craig, and Theo, and we had a real good cryfest. All things considered, it’s hard to turn off four years of friendship! The five of us were all but joined at the hip, and we shared a lot of our time together. We had a lotta fun times, and we even had some not-so-fun times, but we got through them all together. Truth be told, y’all: Ruby, Azalea, Theo, and Craig are the very first best friends that I’ve ever had. They’re more than just my Rust College alum—they’re my family, and they always will be! So, suffice it to say that when we met up for one more round yesterday evening, a lot of tears were shed and a lot of hugs were given.

I told y’all that I’m fickle… and I’m also a big ol’ softie!

Well, I reckon I’d better close up this blog post and get ready to head to the Memphis Airport one mo’ ginn, but I just want to say that Mississippi and Tennessee were great hosts for this little ol’ city gal. I have learned so much in these past four years, and not just within the confines of Rust College either—I learned a lot about myself, and I learned a lot about life. I am definitely the richer for my Southern experience. It’s just a shame that it’s got to come to a close.

Now That I Am An Official Rust College Alumna...

Hi, Everybody!

Even though my commencement was a mere three days ago, I still feel the excitement in the air now that I am officially a Rust College alumna. The reason why y’all didn’t hear from me at all yesterday was because I spent most of the day packing up and moving my things out of Emma Elzy Hall. I’ll be heading back to L.A. this Friday, which I count as a blessing on account of I’m just not ready to say goodbye just yet.

I kinda touched base on it a couple days ago in my late Saturday evening blog post, but I don’t think I went into full detail. I omitted the fact that I suffered a minor anxiety attack. Thankfully, I was lying down on my bed when it happened. I just started hyperventilating and my heart was racing like crazy. Let me ask y’all a question: Have you ever hoped, wished, and prayed for a dream to come true, and when that dream did come true, how did you feel? Well, lemme tell y’all: When I realized that I was just mere moments away from my commencement ceremony, all of those emotions that I had my freshman year returned maybe ten times worse! I think I had stated that it was the same emotions but a different scenario—well, the pomp and circumstance is over, but those emotions never left me. When I packed up my last item and zipped up my suitcase, I got hit real hard by reality. I actually had to look around the room for a couple of minutes. My days as a Rust College student are officially over, and I am now about to enter the real world, if I haven’t done so already.

Since I’ve moved out, I’m staying with my Great Aunt Donna until I leave this Friday… and now that I think about it, Neo Theo is leaving this Friday as well. I reckon we’ll meet up with each other at the airport. My fellow alumni have got to meet one last time before we officially go our separate ways… and we will, too!

Until next time, y’all take care, and I’ll holla at’cha later.


Smooches,
Natasha

I Done Did It!

Well, Y’all—I DONE DID IT!!!

As of yesterday afternoon, I am an official graduate of Rust College, Class of2016… and dammit—it feels fan-freakin-tastic!

Now, y’all already know that my family cut a shine during my commencement ceremony. When I stepped up on that platform and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, the first voice I heard was that of my mom’s. Yes, y’all—Mama beat Gramma Jewel to the punch! My mom was all like, “You just go ‘head on, Tasha-Girl, wit’cho bad self!” And to tell y’all the truth, I was not at all embarrassed; in fact, I pointed directly at her and blew her a kiss, and as I headed back to my seat, my entire support group was literally chanting “Natasha! Natasha!” And right then and there, I imitated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and soaked in the cheers.

What can I say? My family knows me all too well, and vice-versa.

After the ceremony ended, I caught up with the rest of my peeps, and we just got together in one big group circle and cheered. Of course, we took a couple of selfies, and then we met up with our families. Y’all should’ve seen the look on my Gramma Jewel’s face—I could tell that my commencement meant so much to her, especially considering that she is a Class of 1957 Bearcat. Technically speaking, the Bearcat legacy ended with my Great Aunt Reesie in 1959—well since I rekindled that fire, that leaves room for future generations in my family to keep the legacy alive.

And I want to say right now: My entire family notwithstanding, I was not at all surprised to see my former kindergarten teacher Mrs. Martin, nor was I surprised to see Pastor and Mrs. Clark, Mother Davis, and Brother Hawkins. However, I was really taken by surprise when I saw Mr. & Mrs. D and Pastor & Mrs. Rich in attendance. And what a thrill it was for me to introduce Mrs. Martin to Mr. D… and y’all already know that Gramma Jewel took a picture of me, Mr. D, Mrs. Martin, and my fellow alumnus Craig.

You know, I would love to talk about every little detail that took place yesterday afternoon, but we would be all day. With that said, I’m gonna have to cut today’s blog post short, but I promise that I’ll have more to talk about in the days (and probably weeks) to come. Until then, y’all take care and be good.


Smooches,
Natasha

I Am So Scared Right Now!

Hi, Y’all!

So, I’m back from my evening festivities as a graduating senior, and I’ve decided to write a little somethin’-somethin’ right now, because I may not get this chance tomorrow.

Can I be honest with y’all? I have officially come to grips with reality—I am a fickle little girl. Four years ago, when I first arrived at Rust, I was kvetching about how I wanted to go back to L.A., or at least transfer to USC after I completed my freshman year. Well, here it is, four years later, and I’m kvetching again, but for a different reason: I just realized that I am closer now than I’ve ever been, and I don’t wanna leave Mississippi. Yes, I know that this was only temporary, but as y’all know, I’ve made some great friends and I’ve got some great memories stored up in such a short time. I can’t deny it any longer, y’all—Rust College has become such a huge part of my life, and I am eternally grateful for every experience, both academically and personally.

In addition to everything else, the scenarios have changed, but my emotions are still the same—I am scared out of my mind, y’all!

Oh, sure—I’ve got a great future ahead of me, but what scares me is the fact that I’m about to go to the next level. Once I receive my Bachelor’s Degree tomorrow, it’s all over. No more dorm rooms, no more assemblies, no more talent shows, no more evening runs at McNasty’s, and no more kickin’ it with my peeps at our table in the cafeteria. When I return to Southern Cali this Thursday, I won’t find another group of people like Theo, Ruby, Azalea, and Craig. Everything will be different… well, even more so than it already is.

I tell y’all—just when I get out of one storm, here comes another storm.

Well, this is it, y’all! For obvious reasons, you may not be hearing from me tomorrow, but I guarantee that you’ll hear from me sometime on Monday. In the meantime, please keep me lifted up in prayer—I’d really appreciate it.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Clock is Really Ticking Away, Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

Well, as y’all can see, today is Saturday, April 23, 2016, and y’all already know what that means—I am getting closer and closer to tomorrow. When I woke up this morning, I had a touch of a panic attack. Fortunately, I recognized it and immediately started practicing my breathing exercises, then Ruby gave me a glass of water and Azalea started fanning me like I had a hot flash or something… hahaha!

So, earlier this afternoon, I and my fellow Class of 2016 had our graduation rehearsal, and I gotta say that my peeps and I got some of our silliness out! The Dean of Students called our names by major, so I was somewhere towards the end. Would y’all believe that when Neo Theo’s name was called, he actually moonwalked halfway down the aisle and did the Michael Jackson yell and everything… hahaha! Then, when Ruby’s name was called, she sashayed down the aisle like a supermodel, blowing kisses and doing the queen’s wave. Azalea’s name was called next, but instead of reciting her poem (as per her plan from a few days ago), she started singing “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins.

And of course, when they got to the Elementary Education majors, Craig’s name was called first, and he ran down the aisle yelling “Yes! Yes! Yes!” like Daniel Bryan. And to save the best for last—little ol’ me! When I heard my name, I kept true to my word and imitated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—I thrusted a fist in the air while Theo, Ruby, Craig, and Azalea chanted “Vipress.” Most surprisingly, the Dean of Students was rather tolerant, but he did caution us to be serious come the actual graduation.

Suffice it to say, we had a successful graduation rehearsal… and for the record, I did ask if I could wear some plum shoes; I drove home the fact that my shoes would be dark. Well, the Dean said that he appreciated my efforts, but the shoe colors were etched in stone.

Well, at least I tried.

So, now I’m back in my room with Ruby and Azalea, but we’ve got the senior service of blessing and consecration at 6pm CST. Now, I have it on great authority that Brother Hawkins will be accompanying Mom, Dad, and Gramma Jewel this evening when we have the reception at Dr. Beckley’s house. Oh, snap—my peeps will get to meet the man that my uncles have affectionately nicknamed “Brother Hawk!” I keep tryin’ to tell Rust that they ain’t ready for my family—when we throws a party, we throws a party!

Okay, y’all—I gotta get ready for the consecration ceremony. I’ll try to holla at’cha if I can, but until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

The Last Friday Freestyle... Before Graduation!

Hey, Y’all!

Before I get into today’s blog post, I do want to announce that I am two days away from my graduation from Rust College. The excitement is definitely in the air, and it seems that every second that passes by, I am that much closer to receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. And I have it on great authority that my entire family has safely arrived from L.A. and are chillin’ in Memphis right now. I also have been informed that Pastor and Mrs. Clark’s flight should be landing sometime this afternoon or this evening. I gotta give my pastor and first lady credit—they said that they would be in attendance at my graduation, and doggone it if they didn’t keep their word. I gotta admit, though, that there’s one person who is missing in the equation, and that’s Mother Harriette Fields… but then again, she’s got the best seat in the house up there in Glory!

Oh, and I’ve already picked up my cap and gown this morning, which garnered yet another signature on my card. Now, check this out: Tomorrow is the actual graduation rehearsal, and y’all already know that my peeps and I are gonna practice strutting up the stage—heck, we may even cut a jig or two… hahahaha! All kidding aside, though, I do have a touch of a problem with the dress apparel: According to protocol, the ladies are to wear black or navy shoes, no jewelry, and little makeup. Now, I don’t wear a lot of makeup anyway, nor do I wear any jewelry other than my earrings. However, I was planning on wearing my lavender shoes to match the dress that I’m gonna wear on Sunday. Now, I don’t mind following protocol, but I hope that Rust is ready to hear me grumble about how my shoes don’t match my dress—I’m just sayin’!

In other news, this has been a rather trying week for the entertainment world. It is often said that certain terms of events happen in threes—well, we lost three entertainers within the course of five days. It began this past Sunday when Doris Roberts (who played Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond) passed away at age 90, then Joanie Laurer (best known by wrestling fans as Chyna) passed away two days ago at age 46, and then Prince (the legend who sang Purple Rain) passed away just yesterday morning at age 57. On behalf of my family, we send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of these three greats.

Well, I guess that’s gonna do for today. If anything else comes up, I’ll be sure to let y’all know; otherwise, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Either way, y’all will be hearing from me soon, but until then, y’all take care and be good.


Smooches,
Natasha

Seventy Years of Sisterhood

Hi, Y’all!

Yes, I am back with another gooden for y’all—and I promise that it is a real gooden!

There is a very special milestone that my Gramma Jewel is celebrating today. You see, it was on this day in 1946 that my Gramma Jewel became best friends with one Ms. Millie Vanderkellen. As the story goes, these two ladies grew up in the Mississippi Delta, and though they grew up in different backgrounds, their friendship has always remained strong and steadfast through these seventy years. As a matter of fact, Gramma Jewel has made it clear on several occasions—and I can quote her on this—that long before Auntie Gladys and Auntie Thel, there was Ms. Millie Ann Vanderkellen.

The sisterhood that Gramma Jewel and Auntie Millie share was inspired by the foundation of friendship and trust laid down by my great grandparents and Auntie Millie’s mom and dad. Both ladies shared how they were somewhat sheltered by the evils and hatred of the world, yet they noticed how their respective parents boldly stood out against bigotry and prejudice. Of course, their actions led them to be relatively exiled, but it was Auntie Millie’s dad who stated that he would rather lose a lot of phonies than lose “one damn good friend in Gregory Otis Coleman.”

And as you can see in the picture, Gramma Jewel and Auntie Millie have continued to keep that legacy alive to this very day.

In closing this blog post, I would like to say that I am grateful to have Auntie Millie as part of my family. She is such a fun lady, and she’s got some spunk in her, too… but then again, that’s from years of hanging around Gramma Jewel!

Congratulations, Ladies—and may God bless y’all with many more years.


Smooches,
Natasha

A Surprise Appearance from the Fam

Hi, Y’all!

So, guess who showed up in Bearcat Country this morning and surprised me!

That’s right, y’all—with my graduation just three days away, I am happy to report that my mom and dad, Cousin Becky, and Gramma Jewel have finally arrived, and they brought along Mother Davis and Brother Hawkins! Oh, I sure hope that Rust is ready for the rowdy rambunctiousness that my peeps are gonna deliver come Sunday, because it is officially on and crack-a-lackin’!

Mom told me that their flight landed in Memphis about 7:30am CST, and they got their rental car and made a beeline to see little old me. At the risk of sounding all mushy, they really know how to make a gal feel special! And yes, my peeps got to converse with my family once again… and Neo Theo was doing some hellified flirting with Becky!

I really can’t tell who’s more excited out of the five of us. I mean, I’ve got a reason to be excited on account of I’m the one that’s walking that aisle to get my Bachelor’s Degree in three days. Then again, my mom and dad have a reason to be excited because I’m their onliest child and they’ve invested so much in me. And then again, Gramma Jewel’s got more than enough reason to be excited; after all, I’m the last grandchild in the family to graduate from college. Even more so than that, though, I will officially be Gramma Jewel’s fellow alumna in a mere three days, and I already know that this means so much to Gramma Jewel. And then too, Becky’s got a reason to be excited because she’ll be graduating from Chamberlain University around this time next year—and y’all already know that we’re gonna show up and show out when she receives her Bachelor’s Degree.

So, in essence, we all have legitimate individual and collective reasons to be excited for my graduation… and now that I think about it, Gramma Jewel once said that when one person graduates from college, the whole family graduates. Well, I can only imagine what’s gonna happen in three days’ time when Mrs. Martin and Pastor & Mrs. Clark join in with my family. Like I said: I sure hope that Rust College is ready for the Joneses, because when we celebrates, we celebrates!

Well, that’s gonna do it for now. Until tomorrow, y’all take care and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

More Than Friends—They're My Brothers and Sisters!

Hi, Everybody!

No surprises here—we are officially four days away from my big day! And just for the record, y’all can expect more of the same until the big day finally arrives.

So, this afternoon, I was chillin’ with my peeps in the cafeteria, and the roundtable discussion involved exchanging phone numbers and email addresses immediately, because we needed to keep in touch. Well, it was then that Neo Theo—who will be receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism—took down everybody’s name, number, and email address, and made it his mission to email us with the pertinent information.

And then, Ruby took it upon herself to ask us a very important question: “Graduation notwithstanding, what is your most memorable moment here at Rust?”

Well, I had to think long and hard about my answer, mainly because I had stored up so many memories within these past four years in Bearcat Country. With that said, I opted to go last while I listened to everyone else. Imagine my surprise when all four of my friends said that their most memorable moment was meeting “some sassy chick named Natasha Renee Stewart.” I was flattered, to say the least, as Ruby chimed in and said, “Tasha-Girl, you just don’t know how blessed we are to know you. I mean, to think—you could’ve chosen to attend any college in all of California, but you chose Rust College. Tasha, on behalf of the ‘Peep Patrol,’ I just want you to know that we love you so very much. Southern Cali’s loss was Rust College’s gain, and we are so glad to call you sister and friend.”

If Ruby ‘nim was trying to mess with my heartstrings, then they were doing a damn good job.

“Now, Tasha, we know that you’re mushy,” Ruby continued. “But we feel that we should give you your flowers now—you are truly one of a kind.”

So, there I was, smiling modestly and trying my damnedest not to so much as sniffle, but that didn’t work out too well. I promised Ruby that I would beat the hell out of her for making me show my mushy side, and of course she laughed at my comment.

But then it was my turn, and I basically said that I couldn’t really narrow it down to one memory because the Rust College experience was all that and then some. And of course, one of the experiences involved bonding with four individuals named Ruby Jean Hudspeth, Theodore James Campbell, Craig Michael Dixon, and Azalea Cherie Thomas… and right then and there, I presented them with their very own report cards, where I gave them each an A-plus for their time, talent, and friendship. And because I’m gonna be a kindergarten teacher, I gave them all stars and happy faces. It should come as no surprise that they enjoyed their gifts and were very appreciated, then Azalea said, “See, Tasha—this is why we are blessed to know you.”

My Gramma Jewel always said, “Let the life I live, speak for me.” Well, it goes without saying, but according to my peeps, the life that I’m living thus far is speaking in great volumes.

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


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Preppin' Up for Graduation!

Hey, Y’all!

So, with graduation coming up in just five days, my peeps and I were chillin’ in the cafeteria this afternoon at our favorite table that we sat for all four years here at Rust, and we have decided to make grand entrances when we receive our respective Bachelor’s Degrees. Check this out, y’all: Ruby is gonna strut like a supermodel, Azalea is gonna recite an original poem called “About Damn Time,” and I’m gonna imitate Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson! As for the fellas, Neo Theo says that he’s gonna moonwalk across the stage and back to his seat, and Craig is gonna run around the auditorium and shout “Yes! Yes! Yes!” a la Daniel Bryan.

And of course, y’all know we’re only kidding—or are we? Hahahaha!

But seriously, the topic of the week has revolved around the fact that our graduation is rapidly approaching us. Now, I know that I made mention of it a couple days ago, but it bears repeating: It seemed like yesterday that Ruby, Theo, Craig, Azalea, and I were all little naïve freshmen trying to find out where we fit in. And here’s the amazing thing about our four-year journey together: All five of us are only children, but throughout our time at Rust, we became brothers and sisters. And considering that we never joined a Greek organization (though we have the chance to do so if we go to grad school), we wore a lot of blue and white, so much so, that we were considered honorary Zetas and Sigmas.

And while we were yet reminiscing, I was hit in the face with an idea: Seeing as how I consider Ruby, Theo, Craig, and Azalea to be my brothers and sisters, I’ve got to show them just how much they mean to me… matter of fact, let me close up this blog post, and I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Graduation is Right Around the Corner!

Hey, Y’all!

Well, it sure has been one crazy day today, what with these exit interviews and collecting signatures and all, but I stand on record to say that it is all well worth it, considering that my graduation is right around the corner. I am literally six days away from walking that aisle and achieving my greatest academic achievement to date.

This evening, I was chillin’ in the cafeteria with my peeps, and we were all talking about the memories that we gained in these four short years. Of course, I brought up how I began as a timid little freshman girl who planned on being a introvert, but I soon discovered that my plan was shot to hell when I hung around Ruby Jean Hudspeth, who has proven to be the sister that I never had. And of course, there’s my other homegirl Azalea, who is more quiet than I am… and that’s saying a helluva lot!

Oh, and I talked to my mom and dad this afternoon. They wanted me to know that they already got their tickets, and they’re flying out here by Thursday evening or Friday morning. Now, y’all already know that my Gramma Jewel is making her way down here as well—she ain’t gonna miss my graduation for anything in the world. I think she’s heading out this way by Thursday morning. In case y’all forgot: When my family celebrates, we celebrates!

Well, that’s all the news that I’ve got for now, but I’ll be talking to y’all sometime tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Eight Days Away, Y'all!

Hey, Y’all!

Oh my word—I cannot believe that in eight days, I will officially earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Rust College! Some tell me: Where in the world did all that time go? It seemed like yesterday that I was a mere college freshman, making my debut to Bearcat Country, and now we have arrived to this point. I can tell that I’m very excited about the great milestone in my life, but I gotta admit that there’s a part of me that is a little emotional right now. Let’s face it—I have some great memories and greater friends  in my four years here at Rust, and even more so than that, I’ve grown quite accustomed to the Southern ways, in particular my Southern drawl that I cannot seem to get rid of… and quite honestly, I like my Southern accent!

Yet and still, I miss my Southern Cali home, and I’ll be back home soon.

So, according to my schedule, I’ve got an exit interview to take care of this upcoming Monday, and I’ve got all these events and activities that are mandatory for a graduating senior to attend… for a moment, I was hyperventilating  because it just occurred to me that I am graduating in eight days. Lord have mercy on my soul—this is what I’ve dreamed about for so long, and the moment of truth is right around the corner.

Well, I hate to cut this blog post short, but I gotta get going—Ruby, Azalea, and I are gonna take a trip to Memphis this afternoon, if for nothing but to celebrate our sisterly bond. I’ll holla at y’all later, but until then, take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy #74, Mrs. Martin!

Hi, Y’all!

 

So, today’s blog post is dedicated to my former kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid D. Martin, and it is quite apropos that I talk about Mrs. Martin on account of today is her birthday—she is 74 years young today!

 

Naturally, I called her around 10am CST this morning and left a birthday message on her voicemail, and she just now called me back to thank me for thinking of her. Now, check this out, y’all: Mrs. Martin stated rather emphatically that she’s gonna be there on Sunday, April 24, 2016 to see me receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education… that’s right, y’all—Mrs. Martin is gonna be making a cameo appearance, as well as making her debut in Bearcat Country. As you know, I mailed off the invitations about two weeks ago, and of course I had to send one to Mrs. Martin… and y’all already know that I am just tickled pink about this! Let’s just put it this way: When your former kindergarten teacher goes out of her way to see one of her students graduate from an out-of-state college, you gotta be very special—well, I am very special to Mrs. Martin.

 

Okay, y’all—I had best get going, but y’all take it easy, and I’ll holla at y’all later on. Until next time, y’all take care and be good.

 

Oh, and Mrs. Martin—HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, ONE MO’ GINN!!!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses

Natasha