Happy #44, Daddy-O!

Hi, Everybody!

Today is a special day for a very special gentleman who I love with all my heart. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and he is a graduate of the University of Memphis, where he met and subsequently married one Danielle Renee Jones. To this union was born a sweet little girl, whom they named Natasha Renee Stewart… hahahaha!

That’s right, y’all—I’m talking about my father, Benjamin David Stewart!

I more or less gave a tribute to my dad a couple of days ago in the form of a pre-Father’s Day blog post, but what the heck—since it’s my dad’s special day today, I can give him another tribute if I want to. Besides, he still holds the record of being the greatest daddy in the universe, and on top of that, today is my daddy’s forty-fourth birthday.

I mentioned this in a blog post two years ago on this very day, and it still holds true: One of the things that I love about my dad, is that he goes out of his way to make sure that I have a smile on face, regardless of whether or not I’m already in a good mood. I still recall how he called me every day during my freshman year at Rust, and I still laugh at how excited he was when I told him about the time I had to kick some jerk square in his jewels, and I’ll never forget how excited he was to see me during my Christmas vacation. It was as if it was meant for him to pick me up from the airport that day.

When I asked my dad what he wanted for his birthday, he started singing “Biggest Part of Me” by Ambrosia, and then he segued into “Special Lady” by Ray, Goodman, and Brown. Daddy then told me that as far as he was concerned, Mom and I were the greatest birthday presents that he ever received. If I remember correctly, he said: “I realized only three years ago that you and your mother make my life worth living. God knew what He was doing when He blessed your mom to be my rib, and then He sent you down to be my HoneyBee. And as far as I’m concerned, you and your mother are the gifts that keep on givin’.”

Awwwwwwwwww, Daddy’s just a big man with a big heart—he’s a big ol’ soft teddy bear, if you will!

Well, with that said, there’s only one way to close this blog post:

HAPPY #44, DADDY-O—I’M GLAD THAT I MAKE YOUR LIFE WORTHWHILE!!!


Smooches,
Natasha

Ode to Daddy-O

Hi, Everybody!

I trust that you’re all enjoying your warm, sunny Saturday afternoon—I know I am!

Before I jump into today’s blog post, I would like to first of all apologize for neglecting you all this past week. The last time y’all heard from me, I had given my own special tribute to the legendary Virgil Riley Runnels, whom we all knew and loved as “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes—if ya weeeeeeeeeeeee, Baby! In any event, I promise that I have a very valid reason for not updating my blog this past week: You see, I’ve been out looking for a part-time job, just to make a little money, is all. I’ve got more to this story, but y’all are gonna have to wait until Monday… that’s right, y’all—I’m makin’ y’all wait until this Monday!

In the meantime in between time, I wanna dedicate today’s very special Father’s Day edition blog post to all of the great men in my life, particularly my father, Benjamin David Stewart—and yes, that’s the main reason for this special selfie of me and my Daddy-O.

As y’all know, tomorrow is Father’s Day, and I am eternally grateful for having such a great dad. Yes, I realize that every kid says that about their day, but I know for a fact that my is the best daddy in the entire universe. He’s a gentle man and a gentleman—a gentle giant, if you will (sorry, I couldn’t help myself)! He’s just a big ol’ teddy bear when it comes to me and my mom… matter of fact, my dad has stated on several occasions that he would do whatever he could to make sure that we were safe. He has proven that on more than one occasion. I still remember how he never left my mom’s side when she pulled a muscle in her leg a couple years ago—he actually took off from work, just to nurse my mom back to health. And it was during that same year (two months later, if you will… hahahahaha!) that my dad did everything he could to heal my broken heart. I still remember his sweet words: “Honey Bee, long before you were born, I fell in love with you, and ever since then, you had me sititn’ on top of the world, and I ain’t come back down yet.”

Who could ask for a greater love than that?

In conclusion, I would just like to say that I don’t really need a special day to show how much I love my dad, especially when I show him just how appreciative I am of him. At the same time, I still would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to my daddy, and let him know that his little Honey Bee loves him to the utmost and beyond.

 

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

True Love Is So Beautiful!

Good Saturday Morning, Everybody!

I just want to state for the record: I absolutely LOVE my daddy—he is truly the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be!

As you know, it was in yesterday’s blog post where I mentioned that my daddy would be treating me to a day of a personal celebration. He treated me to breakfast at IHOP, then he took me to the Griffith Park Observatory, where we just walked around and chilled… and yes, we event took a picture in front of the Hollywood sign—like, way out in front (hahaha)!

And then, my dad sat me down and told me something that I know I will forever cherish. Hugging me as tight as he could, he looked me straight in the eyes and said: “Now, Honey Bee—I know that you had your heart broken last week, and you probably feel alone in the world, but I want you to understand me clearly when I say this: As long as I’m your daddy, you’ll never be alone. Natasha Renee Stewart, you are a very special gal and an exciting little lady. Truth be told—long before you were born, I fell in love with you, and when you were finally born some twenty years ago, you had me sititn’ on top of the world, and I ain’t come back down yet.”

Daddy really made me blush in appreciation when he said that, but he wasn’t done.

“Now, I want you to know that you did right when you let Brotha Ray go—it takes a real strong, mature-minded woman to release a brotha. I know you feel like you shoulda done something else, but you did exactly what you needed to do. And trust me when I tell ya: Brotha Ray is gonna realize that he made a horrible mistake… matter of fact, he’s probably kickin’ his own ass right now, but when this new girl drops him like a bad habit, he’s gonna come runnin’ back to you. Oh, and one other thing: While your heart is healing, I want you to know that there is a guy out there looking for a sweetheart like you. Until he shows up, though, I’m gonna keep the keys to your heart. Speaking of which, I would be honored if you were to be my Valentine.”

My daddy is such a sweetie pie, isn’t he? And I don’t need to tell y’all how appreciative I was to hear him speak from his heart like he did. Heck, I probably don’t even need to mention that he made me cry—but they were tears of appreciation.

Well, I guess I’d better close up this blog post and see what the rest of this day will bring about, but until then, y’all take care, and have a good rest-of-the-day.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Daddy & Daughter Convo That I'll Never Forget

Happy Monday, Everyone!

So, I had a great conversation with my dad last night, and I can’t lie—it brought tears to my eyes.

It started off like a regular conversation, with my dad asking me how college life was treating me and all, and of course I had to ask if he and Mom were being on their “best behavior.” I also made sure to tell my dad that about my exclusive Psalm paper, in which I received an A+. He was quick to congratulate me, then he insisted that I mail a copy to Pastor & Mrs. Clark sometime this week.

And then it happened.

Somewhere in the midst of the conversation, my dad began to tell me how he cradled me in his arms for the very first time. “You were barely four hours old,” he reminisced. “But you were just the cutest little lady this side of the Mississippi.” My dad then went on to tell me how he had always wanted a girl, just because he always wanted a princess of his own. He tried in vain to hide his glee when he said that God blessed he and my mom with a beautiful bubbly little baby girl on February 10, 1994. Naturally, upon hearing such a statement, I started to blush.

My dad then went on to tell how he noticed my maturation level in just a short period of time; according to my dad, I grew more spiritually and mentally mature than anything else. As I listened to his every word, I could literally hear the joy in his voice when he called me a very special young woman with a future as bright as my eyes, yet at the same time, he guaranteed that no matter how old I got, I would always be his little honeybee. As a matter of fact, if I could quote my dad, he said: “You could live to be a hundred and fifty-two—you’ll always be my precious little honeybee, and that ain’t gonna never change. I really don’t know what happened to the time, though—it seemed like yesterday you were three years old and I was lifting you high in the air like you were Simba from The Lion King. You even promised that you wouldn’t grow up so fast. Oh, well—I guess you couldn’t stay a toddler forever. Nevertheless, Honeybee, always remember that I love you and I’m proud of you, and I always will be.”

I couldn’t help but shed a couple of tears upon hearing how much joy I brought to my daddy’s life over the years, considering that I may have grown up quicker than he expected. It’s also nice to know that my dad considers me his hero… y’all gotta learn to read between the lines! But anyway, I’m feeling so great after that conversation with my dad yesterday evening. I only wish that I was there in L.A. with him when he was giving me this speech, just so I could give him a great big hug and one of my butterfly kisses on his cheek.

Oh, well—that’s gonna be the first thing I do when I return to Cali for the Christmas vacation!

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

Smooches,

Natasha

Happy Birthday to My Daddy

Today’s blog is a very special one… then again, aren’t they all special? Hahaha!

Anyway, today’s blog is special for one reason and one reason only: Today we celebrate a certain very special man in my life. He and I met on February 10, 1994, and it’s been love at first sight ever since. This gentleman always goes out of his way to make me feel loved, be it a big teddy bear hug, pinching my nose and going “honk-honk,” or giving me a kiss on the cheek and pretending to be stuck.

That very special man’s name is Benjamin David Stewart, and today is his 42^nd Birthday.

One of the things that I love about my dad—and I think I mentioned this more often than not—is that he goes out of his way to make sure that I have a smile on face, regardless of whether or not I’m already having a good day. Truth be told: During my recent freshman year at Rust, it was Daddy who called me more than Mom… and I’m not keepin’ score at all; I’m merely stating the obvious. I can also recall the joy in voice when I told him how I kicked some jerk in his jewels, and I’ll never forget how excited he was to see me during my Christmas vacation. It seemed so apropos for him to pick me up from the airport; we talked all the way from LAX to the house, where Mom and Gramma Jewel were awaiting me.

For almost my entire life, I have taken into account that Dad has a particular song that he chose as his life’s anthem: “Biggest Part of Me” by Ambrosia. He says that he chose that song because whenever he hears it, he thinks of three special women in his life—and these are his exact words: his “Cinnamon Sugar” (Mom), his little HoneyBee (yours truly), and his favorite Crowned Jewel (Gramma Jewel). He also says that he chose the nickname “HoneyBee” for me on account of the time I was in kindergarten and I played a honeybee in a play.

A couple of other cool tidbits about my dad: His favorite color is green, he is a huge fan of Michael McDonald, and he loves chocolate chip ice cream.

In closing this blog, I simply say: Happy Birthday, Daddy—I Love You Lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Let The Summertime Officially Begin, Baby!

Summer-Summer-Summertime—so just sit back and unwind.
Here it is—a groove slightly transformed, just a bit of the break from the norm.
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony… and if it ain’t broke, then don’t try to fix it!

Happy Monday, Everybody!

Yes, I am aware that the aforementioned lyrics come from a song that is about four years older than I am, but y’all already know that I’m a fan of ol’ skool. I fell in love with this song thirteen years ago, and it has become my personal summer anthem ever since. As a matter of fact, I play it every first Monday in the month of June.

By the way, I would like to apologize for yesterday. I had every single intent to post a blog after I came home from church, but Mom and Dad took me to visit my Auntie Cherri & Uncle Alex, and my cousins Nessa and Calvin in Long Beach—and y’all already know that I had a blast! I sincerely love being around my family, and while I’m thinking about it, I wanna let y’all know that it is indeed official: Auntie Cherri and Uncle Alex confirmed that they are hosting this year’s Fourth of July Barbecue Bash. And guess what—I’m in charge of the decorations! I’m so excited to be a part of such a family project… I’m working on some color schemes and ideas right now. I wonder, though: Should we go all patriotic, or should we use an orange, yellow, and purple theme? We’ve got the whole month to prepare, and we may have a conference meeting sometime in the next couple weeks.

And just in case you’re wondering if I’ve spoken to Ray since my return, let me assure you that I’m gonna call him this afternoon. I would’ve called him on Saturday, but I was all swept up in this party that Mom and Dad threw in my honor. I will definitely call Ray this afternoon or this evening, though.

As far as what plans I have for today, I have none. As a matter of fact, I’m just gonna chill out at home for the next two days. I do plan on hangin’ out with my cousins this Wednesday, but right now, I’m just enjoying the ambience that is—right now. I just had breakfast (two big bowls of Frosted Flakes and some toast with butter and honey), and now I’m chillin’ in the living room, watching What’s Love Got To Do With It on DVD.

I’m gonna cut this blog surprisingly short today, but I’lll holla at y’all tomorrow. Bye!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Finally, The Vipress Has Come Back Home!

Greetings from beautiful Los Angeles, California, Y’all!

First of all, I would like to say: Happy 54^th Birthday to my godmother, Susie Douglas (a.k.a. “Mrs. D”). Celebrate it well, celebrate the whole month, and celebrate in style. May God continue to bless and keep you forever and always. Oh, and I love your hairstyle, Lady!

Well, y’all can only imagine how I feel being back at home, and I am so ready to make the most of these three long summer months. And check this out: When I arrived at LAX this morning at 10:30am and picked up my bags from baggage claim, I stepped outside and sat down on a bench. Just that quickly, I heard an all-too-familiar Southern voice call out: “Tasha Renee, get in this car, Girl!”

I looked up and saw Mom poking her head out of the passenger’s side of that grey Toyota 4-Runner, with Dad just noddin’ and grinnin’ away. I hurriedly grabbed my bags and threw them in the back, then Dad treated me and Mom to IHOP. We got home around a quarter to one, and I didn’t even unpack my bags—I just lay them by my closet door and plopped down on my bed, where I took a good long nap.

I only woke up about fifteen minutes ago, and I see that it’s almost 4pm PST right now. Dad’s still throwing me a “Welcome Back” party, so I guess I had better get ready for it. I’m still trying to get back into the Southern Cali groove of things, but that won’t take too long. Heck, I haven’t even called Ray to let him know that I’m back home, but I’ll call him later on this evening. Right now, I’m just gonna relish in the fact that… FINALLY, THE VIPRESS HAS COME BACK… HOME!!!

Well, let me go ahead and close up this blog post… oh, while it’s on my mind, I just want to say that I find it so apropos that the first blog for the month of June and my return to the Golden State coincided with one another—I couldn’t ask for anything more.

In any event, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow when I come home from church… and tomorrow is Communion Sunday, isn’t it?

Oh, Cali—you haven’t changed a bit.

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good one!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Special Message From My Daddy

Hi, Everyone!

So, this afternoon, I got a phone call from my dad, and from his voice, I could tell that he was just filled with overexcitement about something.

“It’s on and poppin’ come June 1, Honey Bee!” he said.

“What’s happenin’ on June 1, Dad?” I asked curiously.

“You’re what’s happenin’, Doll!” he answered joyfully. “In about two and a half weeks’ time, you will be making that very much anticipated return to the Golden State, your hometown—Los Angeles, California. And trust me when I tell ya, Doll: Daddy’s got some plans in store for you!”

You know, I gotta say—I am touched. My daddy is crazy about me. Long before there was Ray Hernandez (yeah, I said it), there was Benjamin David Stewart, the original man in my life… hell, he was the first man that I ever knew, and that says a whole lot. You know, my great grandfather made a big fuss about Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie, and my Grampa Clark made an even bigger fuss over my mom and my Auntie Cherri… and come to think of it, every man in my family (dating back to my great-great grandfather) has made a big ol’ fuss about the ladies. What can I say? We’re just super special like that!

Forgive me for digressing like I did, but I’m back now, and my point in all of this is quite simple: I think it’s cute that my daddy is turning my big return into some sort of a national holiday; it makes it that much better, considering that I’m a Daddy’s Girl. You know, now that I think of it, my daddy has always been cute like that—he’s a real doll, he is! He’s talking about throwing a “Welcome Back” party for me, but look y’all: He tells me that he wants me to “act like I didn’t know anything about it.” Matter of fact, he says, “I know that’s gonna take a whole lot of acting on your part, Honey Bee, but do whatcha gotta do. Hell, lay it on real thicklike if you gotta!”

And you know what—just because he’s my daddy, I will oversell the hell out of this would-be surprise party!

Well, y’all, that’s gonna do it for today. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha