Happy #85, Auntie Thel!

Hi, Everybody!

In today’s blog post, I’m would like to recognize a very special young lady—Mrs. Thelma Jean Davis.

All things considered, I have known Mother Davis all my life; she is my Gramma Jewel’s best friend of over thirty years… matter of fact, Gramma Jewel refers to Mother Davis as her “sista from anotha mista.” In that same respect, Mother Davis has become honorary auntie and a second grandmother—she is just the sweetest lady that I’ve ever met, and she is truly a joy to be around. Most recently, I’ve christened Mother Davis as my Auntie Thel.

There’s a big reason why I’m making such a fuss about Auntie Thel: She is officially 85 years old today!

I just want to say that I thank God for the gift of Auntie Thel. As I stated earlier, she is just the sweetest personality, and a joy to be around. Granted, I’ve only really gotten to know her in such a short period of time, but within that short time, I am as crazy about her as I am my Gramma Jewel… and while it’s on my mind, I must make mention: During my freshman year at Rust, Auntie Thel called me every Thursday, if for nothing but to say hello. Now, I remember when we had a phone conversation that lasted about an hour and a half—she gave me some sound advice about boys. I’m not at liberty to repeat what she said, but I can tell y’all that some cussing was involved… hahahaha!

Oh, yeah—I think I posted a blog two years ago where I had the honor of kickin’ it with Gramma Jewel and Mother Davis, and I was thoroughly entertained by their rendition of “You Know How We Do It” by Ice Cube… matter of fact, Becky was with me when it happened. I remember dropping my head and trying to keep from bustin’ out laughing when Mother Davis turned to my Gramma Jewel and said, “Uh-uh, Viv—turn that up; that’s the Cube!” And then she rolled down her window and started boppin’ to the beat.

I said it then, and I’m saying it now: Thelma and Louise ain’t got nothin’ on Auntie Thel and Gramma Jewel!

Y’all may have noticed that I fluctuate in calling her Auntie Thel Mother Davis, but she is still that same sweet, stern lady, and no matter which name I use, she still gives me a warm smile, a big hug, and a gentle “Hey, Tasha-Dear!”

As I close today’s blog post, I would just like to say:

Auntie Thel, this is your day, so live it up to the max, like I know you will. You’re a shining star, no matter who you are. Happy #85, and I love you lots!

 

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

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

In Celebration of Moms Everywhere, Especially Mine!

Hi, Everyone!

Seeing as how Mother’s Day 2014 is upon us, I thought I would use today’s blog post to celebrate all moms out there—especially mine!

Remember that sweet little lady in your neighborhood? She lived next door to you, three houses down from you, or maybe even across the street from you. Her name may have been Rosie, Thelma, Vivian, Edna, Lynn, Jo Ann, or Hannah, but no child dared to call her by her first name unless they “put a handler on it.”

She was not only respectful, but she was also respected, by young folks, old folks, and everyone else in between. She was sweet as the pies she was known to bake, yet just as strict when the situation called for it. She kept you company for hours on end—a ten minute visit wound up lasting two hours, but it didn’t matter because she was always a great company-keeper. If she could help out in any way possible, she would do so out of the goodness of her heart. If she didn’t have it, then she would direct you to the one who did.

Of her many characteristics, she was very, very humble. She never boasted about what she could do for others, nor did announce that she was a Christian—you knew that she was a Christian on account of her walk matched her talk. She was the kind of woman who made you feel welcomed when she invited you in her home, and regardless of whether you were hungry or not, she would take you in the kitchen and “fix you a little something to eat.” Whether it was a hamburger or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, she could throw down in that kitchen. And Lord have mercy—you could literally taste the love in all of her desserts.

Whether or not she had children of her own, she adopted full grown adults as her sons and daughters, and she looked at their children as her nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. If she liked you, she called you “Baby” or “Sweetheart.” Sometimes she spoke in third person, and when she did, you knew that she was serious. More often than not, she mispronounced words, but she still made perfect sense. She listened with an attentive ear and didn’t give any advice unless she felt it was warranted. In giving advice, she would let you know about the goodness of The Lord, and would encourage (or remind) you to “put all yo trust in Him.” She never judged you for your wrongdoing, but she cared enough to tell you when you were wrong. She was Mom’s best friend and confidante; they talked for hours on end, either on the phone or on the porch. As corny as this sounds, little babies and puppy dogs just adored her. She wasn’t ashamed of her age, nor did she mind growing old, “so long as I do it gracefully.”

And on that note, I would like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, my aunts, my grandmother, and all of the honorary moms in my life. I love you truly.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy Birthday, Auntie Brenda!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is short, sweet, and to the point:

Bright on so many levels… and beautiful, too!

Radiant and glamorous with it.

Easy-going and gentle-hearted.

Never seen without her precious smile.

Delightfully dedicated to delivering tender-loving care to all she meets.

Always passionate about making sure her littlest patients are well taken care of.

Happy 47^th Birthday to my fantabulous auntie—and a damn good pediatric nurse to boot (please excuse my language… LOL).

Love you lots, Auntie Brenda. May The Good Lord continue to bless and keep you on this day, forever, and always.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Good News Back Home In Cali!

Hi, Everyone!

As you can tell by the title of today’s blog post, there is good news back home in Cali.

Check this out: The news back home is that there will be a special Hall of Fame ceremony for five recently retired Sapp Elementary teachers. That’s right, y’all—my Grampa Clark, alongside his colleagues Mrs. Betty Bradley, Mr. Mike “Thundera” Thompson, Mrs. Cynthia Harvey, and Mr. Hal Arthur, will all be inducted into a very special teachers’ hall of fame on Saturday, December 21, 2013, in my hometown. I tell y’all: This news couldn’t have come at a better time, especially considering that I’ll be heading home next Friday, once my finals are done. And lest I forget: Gramma Jewel already put in the RSVP for all of us to attend this extravagant gala of extravagant proportions.

Just in case y’all can’t tell, I wanna state for the record that I am supercalafragitasticalidociusly excited… or whatever that word is that Mary Poppins said in that movie!

My excitement notwithstanding, I have an extra bit of added incentive for attending the first-ever Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame: I remember hearing somewhere or reading somewhere that in order to truly enjoy what you do, you must become immersed in it. For example: I’m studying to be a teacher, so I need to associate myself with those things that will help me become a great teacher. Y’all already know that I attended Mr. Arthur’s retirement celebration this past summer, and it was spectacular. I mean, the outpouring of love and encouragement that was shown by Mr. Arthur’s peers, colleagues, friends, family, and even some of his former students… I still get chills everytime I think about that one man (he’s 44 years old now) who got up and spoke about how Mr. Arthur really went the distance to help him. I told my mom that I wanted to be that kinda teacher.

Oh, and check this here out as well: It has been decided by my family that my Uncle Anthony accepts the award on behalf of my Grampa Clark. Originally, Gramma Jewel was gonna accept the honors, but she changed her mind and suggest that Uncle Anthony take her place. Well, it was no surprise to me that Uncle Anthony accepted the responsibility—I’m sure he’s gonna do a great job in paying tribute to the patriarch of the entire Jones Family. I reckon I’ll call him sometime this evening and see how he’s doing on his acceptance speech. If he needs any pointers, I got an “A” in my Fundamentals of Speech class last year—Uncle Anthony can always ask for my help… hahahaha!

Well, y’all, it’s time to go, but I’ll holla at y’all later. If I hear more about the Hall of Fame ceremony, I’ll be sure to let y’all know, but until then, y’all take care and be good.

Smooches,

Natasha

Another Milestone for Auntie Cherri

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’ve decided to take a break from the norm that is known as my life, and put the spotlight on someone else for a change… hahaha!

Who am I kiddin’—I always share the spotlight with others, so that’s no big surprise.

The purpose of today’s blog post, though, revolves around a phone conversation that I had just a few minutes ago with my Auntie Cherri. If y’all recall, it was just six months ago when she saved a pregnant woman’s life, and also helped deliver the woman’s baby’s in the process. Auntie Cherri was also recognized for being a Good Samaritan at a ceremony just one week later.

Well, check this out, y’all: Here it is, some six months later, and Auntie Cherri has been asked to be the very first guest on a brand-new television show in L.A., in which she’s gonna tell her story about what happened on that fateful day of February 22.

All I’ve got to say is: YAY, AUNTIE CHERRI!!!

I feel so honored to be the first somebody with whom Auntie Cherri has called and shared the news. I’m sure she’s already told Gramma Jewel, and there’s no doubt that Uncle Alex knows all about it, but yet and still, I feel honored to have been shared this great news. I just know that Auntie Cherri is gonna make me proud, and if I know her like I do, she’s either gonna wear her plum purple suit, or her fuchsia suit. I suggested for her to wear the fuchsia suit on account of it brings out her personality a little bit more. The fuchsia suit exemplifies that Auntie Cherri is a youthful, vibrant, and sexy go-getter who can show you a whole lot better than she can tell you. I guess great minds still think alike, because Auntie Cherri chuckled and said to me: “I was gonna wear my fuchsia suit anyway, Miss Tasha!”

I sure wish I could be out there to celebrate this great milestone in my family, if for nothing but to fly out to L.A. that weekend and see Aunt Cherri answer all of the host’s questions. Oh, well—I just know that Gramma Jewel is gonna be there to represent, and I already know that Uncle Alex, Cousin Nessa, and Cousin Calvin will be there in full force. I think Auntie Cherri said that the show will be debuting in about two weeks, but I can tell that she’s both honored and excited to be the very first guest on a brand-new talk show.

As I close today’s blog post, all I’ve got to say is: GO GET ‘EM, AUNT CHERRI—AND CONGRATULATIONS ONE MO’ GINN!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha