A Sweet Homage to Grampa Clark

Hi, Everybody!

So, as y’all are probably aware by now, August 13 s a very special day in my family… matter of fact, as far as my family is concerned, August 13 may as well be a national holiday.

You see, it was on this very day, eighty-one years ago, that my legendary grandfather Clark Kenneth Jones was born.

As a tribute to my Grampa Clark, I decided to do something different this year. It’s no secret that My Grampa Clark was a big fan of Luther Vandross. Heck, I know for a fact that Grampa Clark had his own personal Top Ten list of favorite Luther songs… and then again,  I have my own Top Ten Luther list!

Having said that, I will close out today’s blog post by wishing a Happy Heavenly #81 to my Grampa Clark, and by playing his all-time favorite Luther hit: “Power of Love/Love Power.”

I love you, Grampa Clark!

 

 

 

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Dedication to My Mom & Dad

Hi, Everybody!

 

Well, it goes without saying, but today’s blog post is very special to me, mainly because I’m dedicating it to one of the cutest couples that I’ve ever known—Benjamin & Danielle Stewart.

Yes, I am aware that I have dedicated plenty of blog posts to my mom and dad in the past, but hell—I can dedicate another one to them! I do, however, want to put out a disclaimer: Just in case this blog post is somewhat reminiscent of its predecessors, that’s only because I’m speaking the truth. It has been said that the truth is so special that it can be told over and over again, and it’ll never get old.

There is also a modus operandi for today’s blog post: You see, in the two and half years that I’ve been up here at Rust, I have made it known that I truly love my mom and dad, and I still hold true to my claim that they are indeed the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. It’s no secret that I have such a strong relationship with my mom and dad, but ever since I’ve been away from them, I have a newfound appreciation for them. I guess it’s true that absence really makes the heart grow fonder, because everytime I step off that plane at LAX and run into my daddy’s arms, I hug him real tight and I give him a kiss on the cheek and pretend that I’m stuck. And then there’s my mom—lately we’ve done this thing where we met forehead to forehead, and simultaneously raise our eyebrows. And I also realized that my mom and I share the same middle name… matter of fact, my mom gave me her middle name as a tribute to her legacy, plus the name Renee is French for “reborn.”

That probably explains why my Uncle Ronnie calls me “Born Again… Again!”

Well, there y’all have it—another blog post dedicated to my mom and dad. I’m almost certain that I’m gonna dedicate another blog post to them in the very near future, but for now, today is their day. And of course, y’all can expect a future blog post dedicated to my entire family. Yes, I am aware that I talk about them a lot, and I am also aware that I put them on a pedestal, but I realize the blessing that I have in having them in my life. I also realize that there are people right now who would love to be in my shoes—some grew up in single parent homes while others don’t know their parents at all. This is just all the more reason to be grateful for Benjamin & Danielle Stewart.

Mom & Dad, it goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway—I LOVE Y’ALL!!!


Smooches,

Natasha

Recognizing the 108th Birthday of An Icon

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is very special, because it was on the day that my great grandmother, Lynn Agnes Coleman, was born. If she were alive today, she would be 108 years old.

I think I mentioned in several past blog posts that everytime my Great Gramma Lynn’s birthday rolled around, she would say: “It never ceases to amaze me how a smart, educated woman like myself would be born on a day that is purely designated for fools!” I’ve even talked about how she was a pioneer in my family. The legacy of continuing education began with Great Gramma Lynn. Oh, sure—there were other women who broke barriers back in the day, but it does my heart proud to know that I am a descendant of a woman who not only broke barriers, but also paved the way for everyone in my family to continue our education and be the best that we could be. It also does my heart good and well to know that the Rust College legacy and lineage began with my Great Gramma Lynn.

I could go on and on about the precious legacy of my great grandmother, but I’d much rather let you read all about her in a blog that I posted a couple months ago, simply entitled “The Legacy of Lynn Agnes Coleman.” Oh, but one thing that I do need to mention: Great Gramma Lynn’s favorite color was purple, and it makes so much sense, considering that my favorite color is lavender.

So, I guess there was a hidden agenda as to why I chose the purple flower for today’s blog post—either that, or Great Gramma Lynn’s spirit is speaking through me.

Smooches,

Natasha

Congratulations, Paul Bearer!

Hi, Everyone!

Y’all ain’t gonna believe this, but Rust College is workin’ a sista! Therefore, today’s blog post is gonna be a short one. It’s amazing that I managed to somehow carve out some time out—and rightfully so. After all, today’s blog post is dedicated to a guy who did so much in the wrestling business, yet was taken away from us too soon.

It was exactly one year ago today that we bid farewell to one Mr. William Alvin Moody, who passed away at just 58 years old. Everyone in the wrestling world knew Mr. Moody better as the legendary Paul Bearer. With his ghostly facial expressions and his over-the-top excitement in his voice, Paul Bearer is most definitely a household name… OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH, YYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Here it is a year later, and it was just brought to my attention that Mr. Moody will be inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame.

Though it is not yet known who will induct him (I hope Kane and Undertaker both do the honors), I must say that Mr. Moody is truly deserving of such an accolade. Although I know him better as Paul Bearer, I am aware of his Percy Pringle III persona, thanks in part to YouTube and other wrestling historians. My favorite Paul Bearer memory would have to be the time that he returned to the WWE in the year 2000, to accompany Kane’s triumphant return.

Congratulations, Mr. Moody—you have officially been immortalized in the annals of professional wrestling… OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH, YYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Officially One Full Year Without Mother Fields

Hi, Y’all!

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for not posting a blog on yesterday. You see, what had happened was… hahahaha!

But seriously, aside from my classes and a couple of pop quizzes, I spent most of my day in the bed yesterday. For the first time in my already illustrious Rust College career, I caught a bad cold. Actually I caught it sometime on Saturday evening. Fortunately, I managed to stop it before it could get any worse, and I thank God that I didn’t have the flu! So, needless to say, I was in the bed all day Sunday, stocked up with orange juice, hot tea, chicken soup, and Nyquil. I’m feeling a lot better today, but even still, I’m not leaving my dorm room until it’s time for class tomorrow.

And as you can see by the title of today’s blog post, it is officially one full year that we bid farewell to a wonderful woman, Mrs. Harriette Fields. I remember that fateful day quite vividly, in particular the tone that my mom had when she called me. I had assumed that she was tired from having worked all day, but I never would’ve suspected that she would drop some shockingly bittersweet news on me like she did. I still remember those words that stuck me in the heart like a thumbtack:

“Smurfette, I think I should tell you that Mother Fields passed away this afternoon.”

I was already laying on my bed, but I sat bolt upright when I heard those words. I didn’t quite know what to do, much less think or say, but I do know that the news of Mothers Fields’ passing threw me for a loop. Now, while I didn’t cry a river of tears, I did weep, only because I knew that Mother Fields’ presence would be (and still is) truly missed. As I mentioned in a dedicatory blog post, Mrs. Fields was a decorated fixture in the St. Matthew Baptist Church. My dad even joked that if one could get to Heaven by their works in the church, then Mother Fields’ name was already in the Lamb’s Book of Life… hahaha! Well, I know this much is true: It has already been recorded that none but the righteous shall see God, and in my humble opinion, Mother Fields earned her righteousness a long time ago.

Okay, y’all—I had better get some more rest, but I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow with another special blog post. Take care.

Smooches,

Natasha

In Loving Memory of Russell "The Professor" Johnson

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

As you can see, today’s blog post is dedicated to the loving memory of Russell David Johnson, whom we all came to know and love as Dr. Roy Hinkley—a.k.a. the professor from Gilligan’s Island.

Mr. Johnson was 89 years old when he passed away in his sleep this past Thursday at his home in Bainbridge Island, Washington. When word got out about his passing the other day, I immediately went to Google so I could find a decent picture of Mr. Johnson portraying the lovable professor… and this was the best picture I could find! The reason why I don’t particularly care for this picture is because of the episode itself. You see, Professor Hinkley was trying to convince his fellow castaways that voodoo was nothing more than silly superstition, and while he was explaining this, he wound up being hypnotized by a voodoo priest.

Ironic, ain’t it? Well, here’s some more irony for you: I actually love that episode!

My other favorite episode is where Mr. & Mrs. Howell explain to Professor Hinkley that Gilligan and Skipper somehow found themselves pasted to the S.S. Minnow, thanks in part to some glue that Gilligan had made. Well, Professor Hinkley explains to the Howells that the glue is permanent and there is nothing on the island that can dissolve it. Professor Hinkley then goes on to say: “Do you what that would take? It would take a polyester derivative of an organic hydroxide molecule.” Well, upon hearing this, Mrs. Howell looks away in disgust, while Mr. Howell scolds Professor Hinkley: “Watch your language! You’re in the presence of a lady!”

The whole scene is funny to me, all things considered—and check this out: Professor Hinkley actually apologizes for his “language” (such as the case was)… hahahaha!

And speaking of his language, it was reported that Mr. Johnson requested that the scientific jargon and intellectual lingo be legitimate in order to play the role of such a knowledgeable character. Now, that is what I call true passion for developing one’s character.

Now, I am aware that Mr. Johnson was in various movies and dramas, and even some westerns; however, he will forever in my heart be known as Professor Hinkley. I surely hope he’s having fun up there with Gilligan, the Skipper, too, and the millionaire and his wife.

Thanks for the knowledge, Professor Hinkley—and thank you for your great acting skills, Mr. Johnson!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Remembering Marcia Wallace

Thanks for entertaining us, Ms. Wallace!

Good Monday Afternoon, Everybody!

Before I begin today’s blog post, I want to take this time out to acknowledge the sudden passing of actress Marcia Wallace.

This past Saturday, October 26, 2013, Ms. Wallace passed away at the age of 70 years old. While my Gramma Jewel may remember her as the witty secretary on The Bob Newhart Show back in the day, I remember her as the voice of Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons. Truth be told, y’all—Mrs. Krabappel was my favorite character, probably more so because she was a teacher. In hindsight, I can see clearly that Ms. Wallace truly brought Mrs. Krabappel to life. I’m pretty sure that the producers of The Simpsons will do some kinda of tribute to the memory of Ms. Wallace, and perhaps even retire her Mrs. Krabappel character, but whatever they do, I will most definitely come back to watch that particular episode.

Having said my piece, there’s only one thing left to say: Thanks for the memories, Ms. Wallace!

Well, y’all—ain’t much to talk about today. It’s another day in the life of a Rustite, and all is well. Of course, there’s still the mystery of my secret admirer, but since I don’t have any new clues as to who he is, I’ve given it a rest and decided to go on with my life, per se. Besides, I can’t let anything distract me from this project in my Fine Arts class. Check this out: I’ve got to write a two-page critique of a painting or some type of artwork—I’ve gotta explain its strengths, weaknesses, and all that good stuff. This is gonna be a challenge for sure, because I don’t know how to critique anything, and what’s so kiddin’ about it, I cringe at the word “critique” on account of it sounds too much like the word “critic.” Fortunately, the assignment is due this Friday, so I’ll have to find some type of artwork that I truly love.

Y’all be sure to say a prayer for your girl—this assignment sounds like it’s gonna be a toughie!

Well, it looks like I’m gonna have to close this post so I can get started on my Fine Arts project, but I’ll definitely be talkin’ to y’all tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care, and have a good rest-of-the-day.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Freestyle/Flashback Friday: Remembering Eight Simple Rules

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Uh-oh… did I say Friday? Well, y’all know what that means—it’s time for Freestyle Friday. This time, however, I’m gonna change it to Flashback Friday.

This past Tuesday, I dedicated a blog post to the memory of one of the greatest actors of all time, John Ritter. I had already know about his work as Jack Tripper from Three’s Company, and his excellent voice work as Clifford, the Big Red Dog; however, it was his role as Paul Hennessy on the very first season of Eight Simple Rules that truly won me over.

I clearly remember one of the earlier episodes (obviously from Season One) in which the Paul Hennessy character had to drop some deep knowledge. Here was the scene: Mr. Hennessy’s eldest daughter Bridgette (played by Kaley Cuoco) was going out on a date, and the gentleman honked the horn to let her know that he had arrived. Well, Mr. Hennessy wouldn’t let Bridgette so much as go to the door, much less leave; instead he let the boy sweat it out. Eventually, the boy got out of his car and rang the doorbell, to which Mr. Hennessy opened the door and said to the boy: “The next time you drive up to my house and honk your horn, you had better be delivering a pizza or a package because you’re sure as hell not picking up anything here!”

I remember laughing so hard at that statement, but my own dad didn’t help matters when he added his two cents. My dad was all like: “Damn right! Who the hell he think he is, honkin’ horns? Go ‘head on, Paul—teach that boy!”

John Ritter made me believe that he was Paul Hennessy—the look, the style, and even the mannerisms. After the success of the first season, I was definitely looking forward to seeing the Paul Hennessy character drop some more knowledge in the second season, but alas, that was not to be. Granted, ABC Television played the first three episodes of Season Two in which Mr. Ritter was a part, but afterwards the show took a huge turn and focused on the family trying to cope with the loss of their lovable patriarch. The surviving cast members did a damn good job in having life imitate art, and try as they might, they just couldn’t do it without Mr. Ritter and his unique gift. I give them an A+ for continuing the show, but even I knew that it was suffering without the patriarch. Nevertheless, I want to give a shout-out to Katey Sagal, Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, Martin Spanjers, David Spade, and James Garner for a job well done.

Okay, y’all—since the weekend is officially upon us, I had best get going. Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve kicked it with my homies Ruby Red and Neo Theo. We’ve been talking about wither a road trip to Memphis or another movie night in the Emma Elzy lobby. Incidentally, both Ruby and Theo have been talking about my summer home movie, and they want to see it one mo’ ginn. To be honest, I had forgotten all about that home movie up until Theo brought it up… okay, I guess we can watch it again!

Until next time, y’all take care—Smooches!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

In Loving Memory of John Ritter

Hi, Everyone!

Notwithstanding the fact that I join our nation in a moment of commemoration on the horrible events of 9/11, today’s blog post is dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest actors of all time—Jonathan Southworth Ritter.

Thanks to nostalgic television shows, I know about the legendary role that Mr. Ritter played as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company. I also knew him as the voice of Clifford, the Big Red Dog. However, I grew to love him as Paul Hennessy from ABC’s Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. I watched the latter show religiously, marveling over how Mr. Hennessy was so strict yet so loving to his two daughters and one son.

And then on September 11, 2003, I received the shocking news that John Ritter had passed away at the age of 54 years old.

Although I was nine years old at the time, I remember very vividly how my heart broke into pieces upon learning of Mr. Ritter’s sudden passing. I went to school the very next day, crying my little eyes out. I really didn’t know how to explain to my Fourth Grade teacher that I was saddened upon the loss of Mr. Ritter. Let’s face it: While I didn’t know him personally, I felt like I knew him. Truth be told, y’all, losing Mr. Ritter was like losing a family member or a very close friend. I tell you what, though: Only after talking to my Gramma Jewel later on that day did I feel a little better. Gramma Jewel explained to me that my feelings were normal, and that I just showed that I had a big heart. She also said: “Tasha, if it’s any consolation to ya, I’m sure that John Ritter is smilin’ down on you, so grateful to have such a loyal fan like you.”

Gramma Jewel was right—I did feel a little better, but I knew that it would not be the same when I watched Eight Simple Rules.

Here it is, ten years later, and I’m still missing the entertaining antics of John Ritter. Thankfully, we’ve got YouTube and the Three’s Company DVD sets, but yet and still, it’s not the same. I wish I had had a chance to meet him before he left us so soon, but as Gramma Jewel always says: “That’s just the way it goes, and so it goes.” Nevertheless, I am grateful that I took time out to dedicate a blog post to one of the greatest actors of all time… and while I’m thinking about it, Mr. D reminds me so much of John Ritter—the look, the style, the happy-go-lucky attitude, and the corny sense of humor. I guess in a way, I have my own version of Mr. Ritter, in the form of Mr. D!

As I close this blog, I just want to say: THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, MR. RITTER—I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Recognizing Grampa Clark's 79th Birthday

Happy Tuesday, Everybody!

Today’s blog is very special, because it’s dedicated to a very special man in my family. Even though he’s living the good life in Glory, I still recognize that today would have been his 79^th Birthday.

Of course, I’m talking about my grandfather, Clark Kenneth Jones!

I know that I introduced my Grampa Clark to you all on a number of occasions. I may have even shared a classic cherished moment that I had right before he passed away. I was two years old at the time, but I clearly remember my Grampa Clark picking me up and lifting me high above his head, then suddenly “dropping” me. I also remember him singing the theme song to the nostalgic TV show That Girl, and referring to me as such. Those are the only things that I remember about my Grampa Clark—again, considering I was only two years old—but I still cherish those very memories in my heart.

The following is an excerpt from Grampa Clark’s obituary that I would like to share with you all:

In 1976, Clark moved his family to Los Angeles, California, where he and his family united with First Baptist Church of Culver City. In 1977, Clark witnessed his dream come true when he was appointed kindergarten teacher at Sapp Elementary School. Known as one of the original pillars of the Sapp Elementary Family, Clark founded the school’s motto: “Shaping the kids of today for tomorrow.” His mission was to reach at least one child, and he exceeded his mission after several students referred to him as their “most favoritest teacher in the whole wide world.” When Clark retired in June 1993, he was succeeded by next door neighbor and best friend Bret Douglas.

Clark was such a joy to be around, and was anything but shy. He was also a big kid at heart who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved and lived life, up to the fullest and beyond. Clark also was a huge wrestling fan, and loved to throw Christmas parties and host Fourth of July celebrations.

When I read the part about my Grampa Clark being “anything but shy,” I had to chuckle on account of because that statement is the bona fide truth. I have watched home movies and skimmed through the pages of many photo albums for myself to know that my Grampa Clark was quite the gregarious fella. He loved to have fun, even if it was at his own expense. Case in point: There’s a home movie from Fourth of July 1994, where Grampa Clark creatively combined a barbecue/fish fry with a mortgage burning ceremony (I was barely five months old at the time). In the movie, Grampa Clark was pretending to instigate an argument with Gramma Jewel, Mrs. D, and Mrs. Duncan over some cornbread. The pretend argument then escalates into laughter, as the ladies triple team my poor little grandfather, and everyone is just bustin’ up laughing. Knowing that he is completely outnumbered, Grampa Clark shouts out: “Well, y’all was the ones who wanted to know where the cornbread was—hell!” And then everybody busted out laughin’ again.

Yep, that was Grampa Clark in a nutshell!

Well, I guess I had better get going and close this blog up… and just by the nostalgic memories of my grandfather, I’ve been hit with a brainstorm: I’ve got more footage for my Grampa Clark homage! Let me get on it, but I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

And by the way: Happy 79^th Birthday, Grampa Clark—I love you lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Ode to Great Gramma Lynn

Hello, Everybody!

Today, I am willing to take a break from the norm and dedicate this blog to someone very special—my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

It was exactly 29 years ago on this very day that my Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord. Though I never met her personally, I feel in my spirit like we were introduced years ago. If y’all remember, I had written a paper in my Grammar & Comp I class on about my Great Gramma Lynn, and I received an “A” on it. I’ve seen pictures of Great Gramma Lynn, and I could tell that she was just the most vibrant woman with a beautiful spirit.

My Gramma Jewel was witness to Great Gramma Lynn’s transition, and she recounts everything that happened on that fateful day. The following is an excerpt from Gramma Jewel’s memoirs:

It was very peaceful in Mama’s hospital room. I happened to glance out the window and see the clouds fill the afternoon Nashville sky. A bird landed on the window of Mama’s hospital room and tweeted its sweet song.

“I’m ready when You are, O Lord!” Mama called out, squeezing our hands as if she wanted us to guide her to the pearly gates.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I still had a smile on my face. Reesie tried in vain to fight back her tears, as she looked at Mama and said, “Give my love to Daddy when you get up there.”

“I will, Sweetheart,” Mama whispered. “And thank you for takin’ such good care of me. The Lord gon’ bless you real good for that.”

Mama then turned to me with a great big smile and said, “My sweet, stubborn little Delta Jewel—you are definitely your mama’s child. Continue sparklin’, Baby.”

And then she lightly bopped me on the top of my head. I just chuckled and said, “Thanks, Mama.”

I thought about the Bible verse that talks about the twinkling of an eye—that’s exactly how quick it was when Mama went home to Glory. She first mentioned something about a marvelous light, and then she closed her eyes. Once Mama took her last breath, Reesie and I nodded at each other.

“I think she made it home safely, Jewel,” Reesie said, trying not to break down.

“I know she did,” I replied as I closed my eyes and leaned into Clark’s hug.

When Clark, Reesie, and I left the hospital, we looked up at the cloudy sky and saw an image of Mama’s face—just more affirmation that Mama made it over.

That is such a beautiful story, and everytime I hear it, I get chills. I mean, to witness a transition from this life to life everlasting, and then to see Great Gramma Lynn’s likeness in the clouds—I’m very sure that Gramma Jewel, Grampa Clark, and Great Aunt Reesie will forever cherish such a poignant, peaceful memory.

There’s only one way to close this blog: Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live on in each and every one of us. As I mentioned once or twice, I’m sure that she’s up there in Heaven, with a great big smile on her face!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Three's Company Reunion at Rust!

Hi, Everyone!

 

So, yesterday evening, Ruby and I went to visit Theo at Davage Smith Hall, and we decided to sit in the lobby and watch television, especially seeing as how the lobby was vacant. Lo and behold—it was an episode of Three’s Company. All things considered, it was a really good episode. I honestly don’t remember the double entendres or the ridiculously funny puns as a child, but I sure noticed them this go-round.

Anyway, after the show ended, the three of us decided to head over to KFC and chill out. We discussed at length—and maybe even ad nauseum—the whole premise of Three’s Company. Theo boldly admitted that he didn’t have a problem sharing an apartment with two women, to which Ruby and I just looked at him and scoffed. Ruby then brought up an excellent point: A huge problem would arise in that the guy would probably favor one woman over the other, which would cause some serious dissention.

Finally, I brought up an interesting point of my own: In a roundabout way, the three of us pay homage to Three’s Company anyway. I mean, think about it—Theo automatically makes a great Jack Tripper… and by the way, all three of us emphatically agreed to that statement. As for me, I make one helluva Janet Wood on account of I’m simple, sweet, and straight to the point. However, Ruby made it perfectly clear—and these were her exact words: “I’ll be damned before y’all make me play the role of Chrissy Snow. Matter of fact, I make a better Mrs. Roper than I do Chrissy!” We all laughed, and then Ruby decided that she would be Terri Alden, to which Theo said, “So, you’re just gonna come on the show all late and sh**!”

It was a real fun discussion in which we agree that Three’s Company was “a cool show with such a simple storyline, and of course we decided to take a group picture when we returned to the campus. Y’all already know that Jack—I mean, Theo was in pure heavenly bliss after having been surrounded by such gorgeous beauties! Hahahaha! But seriously, it’s nice to know that Ruby and I made Theo’s day, all things considered.

Well, anyway, let me go ahead and close this blog, but before I do, let me just say one last thing:

Down at our rendezvous, Three’s Company, too!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

An Homage to Grampa Clark

Hi, Everyone!

Today is August 31, 2012. Sixteen years ago on this very day, my grandfather Clark Kenneth Jones passed away. I was only two years old at the time, but I knew something was wrong because my mom was crying a lot. My dad tried to explain it to me in the simplest way possible; he said that Jesus moved Grampa Clark into his brand-new house. It wasn’t until I got older that I understood what he meant.

My fondest memory of my Grampa Clark was always when he lifted me high in the air and pretended to drop me, just to hear me giggle out of excitement. Afterwards, he would kiss me on the nose and call me “Bright Eyes.”

I may have mentioned this in one of my previous blog posts—and forgive me for my many déjà vu moments—but I am pulling double duty, per se. Aside from being the first in my family to attend Rust College since my Gramma Jewel and my Great Aunt Reesie, I am studying to be a kindergarten teacher like my Grampa Clark. I always wanted to be a teacher because over the years, I have had teachers who showed that they really cared about me. I know that my Grampa Clark is up there in Heaven with a big grin on his face, and he’s probably saying, “Go get ‘em, Bright Eyes!”

By the way, here is a picture of my Grampa Clark when he won the 1992 Teacher of the Year award at Sapp Elementary. As you can see, he really loved his job. His greatest award was hearing a student tell him that he was “the bestest teacher in the whole wide world.”

Grampa Clark, I promise that I will not let you down. I’m dedicating my Bearcat experience to your memory. After I graduate and land my teaching job, I pray that I’m at least a quarter of the teacher that you were. I love you.

Until next time, you guys.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha