On A Southern Cali Afternoon

Happy Thursday Afternoon, Everybody!

I want to state for the record that I had a blast yesterday! I feel so much better after getting out of the house for a little while—it was exhilarating, I tell ya… hahaha!

Okay, I’m overexaggerating as always, but I really did enjoy the few hours that I spent away from the house. I took the bus up to the mall and walked around in a couple of stores, simply admiring stuff that I would love to own someday soon. I also had my large Philly Chicken Cheesesteak combo, with fries and a root beer—I did it big, y’all! And I kinda got tickled because I thought about what my Uncle Ronnie would say: “Dang, Girl—that’s a big ol’ lunch for a little ol’ lady!”

Well, anyway, after my big lunch, I walked around for a bit and looked in a few more stores, then I bought my strawberry pineapple smoothie and a chocolate chip brownie, and finally I left. This time, though, I walked back home. Yes, it would’ve been easier if I had taken the bus home; after all, it’s just a fifteen minute ride by bus. However, I chose to walk on account of I had had that big ol’ cheesesteak—and plus, I developed a passion for walking at least three times a week at Rust. It took me a little over a half hour to get home, and I was enjoying every moment of it. And y’all wanna know what else is funny: Remember yesterday’s blog, when I quoted Deniece Williams? Well, will someone explain to me why I sang the whole song from beginning to end—and I was in my own little world, too!

Whispering in his ear, my magic potion for lo-o-o-o-ve.

Telling him I’m sincere, and that there’s nothing too good for us.

Now, I will freely admit that I’m no Deniece Williams, but I also know that I ain’t none of my Great Aunt Donna, either, so it was all good… hahaha! As a matter of fact, when I arrived home safely, my mom’s next door neighbor Mrs. Patterson referred to me as “Little Deniece Jr.”

I would’ve liked to have gone out again today, but my feet and my legs are still a little tender from yesterday’s workout regimen. I’ve done the next best thing, though: I’m outside in my mom and dad’s backyard, just enjoying the ambience of it all. I’ve got a blanket on the grass and I’m just layin’ under the avocado tree, looking up at the sky. It’s pretty quiet out here, too, with the exception of a light breeze going through the trees and Mrs. Patterson’s dog barking joyfully at me.

Well, that just about does it for today’s blog. I’m gonna enjoy the rest of this beautiful ambience—I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

I Just Gotta Be Free!

Happy Wednesday, Everybody!

So, I decided to be bold and daring today—I’m gonna head to the mall around noontime today.

Look, y’all gotta understand: While I am extremely glad to be home, these four walls seem to be closing in on me, and I think I’m suffering from claustrophobia. Hell, I guess that’s what happens when you’re so acclimated to being out of what was once your comfort zone. I told y’all that Rust College has officially spoiled me. Ever since last August, my eyes have been open to a whole new world out there. I think it was Ice Cube ‘nim who said: “The world is mine, now back up, because I gotsta get mine before I act up!”

Then again, my girl Deniece Williams said it best a long time: “I’ve just got to be free… free… FREE!!!”

And even though I’m practically an adult, I’m still a responsible adult—and besides, I’m still living with my mom and dad, and my name ain’t nowhere on the deed to the house. I said all that to say this: I’ve called both my mom and dad and asked for their permission, and they both gave me the green light to go to the mall. Oh, y’all heard me—I asked both of my parents, and they both said yes! You see, in my family, the rule is this: Mom and Dad still have the final say, and no matter how old I am, I am still their child. I am also aware that if one said yes and the other said no, then I’d still be stuck within these four walls—straight simple! I ain’t gotta like it, nor do I have to love it, but I can do two things: nothing and accept it!

And just in case you’re wondering why I have a picture of the Bunkers in today’s blog, it’s because I’m paying homage to the late Jean Stapleton, who passed away just last Friday. By the way, the tribute that Antenna TV gave yesterday was beautifully done. I think I mentioned it yesterday, but my Aunt Glo has some of those same Edith Bunker qualities… and for the record, so does Gramma Jewel; she emulates Edith Bunker’s voice whenever she greets someone with her trademark “Hey, Baby—how you doin’!”

Oh, shoot—it’s time for me to close this blog up and head out, if only for a little while. I’m just gonna go to the mall and walk around, maybe buy a couple of things. I do know that I’m gonna treat myself to a Philly Chicken Cheesesteak combo whilst I’m up there, and I gotta get a strawberry pineapple smoothie as well… but that’s for later on.

I might holla at y’all later on, but if I don’t, then y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha