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

Happy #73, Mrs. Martin

Happy Sunday, Everybody!

There was no way that I was gonna let this day go by without acknowledging a woman who helped shape me into the smart, strong, and sexy woman that I am today… and I’m really trying my damnedest to be modest here (LOL)!

I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to my kindergarten teacher the legendary Mrs. Ingrid Diane Martin. When I spoke with her this morning, she boldly and gleefully announced: “I am a sensational 73 years old!”

That’s right, y’all—Mrs. Martin is threescore and ten plus three, and she’s still teaching kindergarteners up at Guiding Light Elementary School. She shows no signs of slowing down, and she prefers to keep on teaching until she decides it’s time to pass the chalk to her successor, whomever he or she may be.

I know that I have talked at length about Mrs. Martin in several of my past blog posts—and today’s post ain’t gonna be no different… hahaha!

Mrs. Martin is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and she is a mother of three daughters (all of whom are teachers themselves), a grandmother of nine, and a great grandmother of five. I am also happy to announce that Mrs. Martin and her husband have celebrating the fiftieth wedding anniversary… oh, and I failed to mention that her husband is a retired college professor from the University of Southern California, having taught Mass Communications for forty-plus years. The last letter I received from Mrs. Martin, she made mention that her husband retired this past December, but decided to come back and finish the rest of this semester, “all because of his love for teaching.”

I know that I’m all over the place with today’s blog post (like that’s anything new), but I just wanted to share a little glimpse of Mrs. Martin with y’all, just so you will know why I admire this woman so much. Like I’ve always said: I am always putting Mom, Auntie Cherri, and Gramma Jewel on a pedestal, but in case, Mrs. Martin deserves her very own pedestal. And coincidentally, especially on this day, Mrs. Martin gets to receive her props!

Once again, I wish you a very Happy #73, Mrs. Martin—love ya lots!

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Recognizing the Foundation of My Family

“It’s amazing how I—a smart, educated woman—was born on a day that was designated for fools.”

—Lynn Agnes Coleman, 1906-1984

 

 

Hi, Everyone!

 

If the aforementioned quote sounds familiar, then you’ve probably read my blog posts about my great grandmother, Lynn Agnes Coleman. Today, I take time out from my busy academic schedule and recognize what would have been her 109^th Birthday. Having said that, in honor of Great Gramma Lynn, I’m actually wearing my favorite long-sleeved lavender dress on today, and I’m also writing with a purple pen.

 

In case you missed that, Great Gramma Lynn loved purple!

 

And I just thought about a story that Gramma Jewel told with such fondness. She said that she and Great Aunt Reesie loved to stake out in the hallway and watch Great Gramma Lynn cook Sunday dinner. Great Gramma Lynn didn’t mind them watching, so long as they didn’t get in the way. Well, one particular Sunday, Gramma Jewel wanted to sneak a little batter from a mixing bowl… and this is where it gets funny: Gramma Jewel said she had carefully and remarkably snuck past Great Gramma Lynn and was about to sneak some batter, but Great Gramma Lynn grabbed her wooden spoon and almost popped Gramma Jewel with it. Gramma Jewel also pointed out that she was afraid of wooden spoons, even to this day… hahahaha!

 

Well, y’all, that’s today’s blog post, but in closing, I would like to say to wish a Happy #109 to Great Gramma Lynn. I know that she’s celebrating it real good up in Glory, but her legacy continues to live on through all of us.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Remembering Silver Belle

Hi, Everyone!

 

Today’s very special blog post is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas—today would be her 88^th Birthday today, but we all know that she is celebrating in style up in Heaven.

Mrs. Douglas is the reason why the Joneses and the Douglases have formed such a strong union; as a matter of fact, my Gramma Jewel christened Mrs. Douglas as “Silver Belle” on account of her beautiful silver grey hair. I have it on great authority that Mrs. Douglas and Gramma Jewel had christened each other as sisters, considering that they didn’t officially meet until 1991. When they finally did meet, it was all over but the shoutin’! Mrs. Douglas and Gramma Jewel immediately clicked, with the common bond being centered around one Mr. D.

I also was thrilled to learn that Ms. Silver Belle had a great love for school, so much so, that she pretended to be a teacher of her dolls and stuffed animals. I guess it’s safe to say that Ms. Silver Belle found her calling at a young age! Oh, and Mr. D told me personally that Ms. Silver Bell was the first in her family to be class valedictorian in elementary, high school, and college.

Ms. Silver Belle was as a Third Grade teacher at Gopher State Elementary School for 40 years, and within those years, she treated her Third Graders as though they were her very own children. Her love for teaching stretched far beyond the four walls of the classroom; Ms. Silver Belle was a Sunday School teacher for the Women’s Class, and she was a choir director for about ten years or so.

Ms. Silver Belle passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012, but she left behind such a great legacy that cannot even be remotely emulated, much less matched. She actually comes from a generation of teachers; her father was a teacher, her youngest son [Mr. D] is entering his twenty-second year as a teacher, and her youngest granddaughter Nicole is working as a substitute teacher for the Culver City School District.

I find it amazing that, even though she’s in Heaven now, Ms. Silver Belle taught me some valuable lessons, and they’re pretty much the same lessons that my Grampa Clark taught me. For one thing, Ms. Silver Belle taught me—reminded me, if you will—that I should continue to be the best that I can be, in whatever I do.

In closing today’s blog post, there’s just one thing that I would just like to say:

Long Live The Legacy of Mrs. Sylvia Douglas!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Second Year of the Post-Mother Fields Era

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

 

 

 

 

Hi, Everyone!

It was on this very day, two years ago, that my mom uttered those haunting words. Even though it was just two years ago, they still feel like it just happened.

I have regaled you all with wonderful stories about the late great Mrs. Harriette Fields, who was a respected figure and a decorated fixture at my church back home in Southern Cali. I still remember my dad’s lighthearted joke: “We can’t get to Heaven by works alone, but by the work that Mother Fields has done here around the church, I betcha anything that her name’s already in the Lamb’s Book of Life!”

In a way, my dad had a point—Mother Fields did so much around the church. She was on the Mothers’ Board, the Trustee Board, and she was also a spiritual advisor and Sunday School teacher to the young adult women of St. Matthew Baptist Church. However, of all the young women to nurture and pass on wisdom to, Mother Fields chose little ol’ me (pardon the expression). And while she never boasted about her works in the church, I loved how Mother Fields would humbly smile and nod whenever she was recognized for something.

Around this time last year, I made a statement that it has already been recorded that only the righteous will see God, and that Mother Fields earned her righteousness a long time ago… and I still stand behind my statement. In my eyes, Mother Fields was the perfect example of a lady. Now, don’t get me wrong—I have some real strong examples in my mom, my aunts, and my Gramma Jewel, but they’re all in a class all by themselves. In terms of looking outside the bloodline, Mother Fields was the epitome of a lady, and she carried herself as such.

Lately, whenever I think about Mother Fields, I think about the very last time I saw her—Sunday, December 30, 2012. Service had just ended, and everyone was showering me with well-wishes, seeing as how I was due back at Rust to complete my freshman year. When I turned to exit, there was Mother Fields, waiting patiently. Aside from a monetary gift and some good advice on living life, the last thing she said to me was: “Keep up the good work and stick it out to the very, very end. I love you, Dearie.”

And that is the only picture that we took together, and it means a whole lot more to me now.

In closing today’s blog post, I just want to say: Mother Fields, I still miss you, my friend, but I know that you’re in a much better place. Thank you for those many years of advice, and for choosing me out of the proverbial pack. Until we meet again, I love you lots.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Life and the Legacy of Clark Kenneth Jones

Hi, Everyone!

As you can probably tell, I’ve been some kinda busy learning the differences between social science and regular science. You know, if I’m gonna be a great teacher, I at least gotta learn it before I talk about it—at least that was the attitude that my Grampa Clark had.

And speaking of my Grampa Clark, he is the subject of today’s blog post.

I am happy to report that my family has decided to write a book all about the life and the legacy of the man known as Clark Kenneth Jones. I know I have shared my few little moments with you all… and yes, I am aware that though few and few between as those moments may be, they are still very precious. I’m just saying that I wish Grampa Clark could’ve stayed around a little longer so I could have a few more of those precious memories.

In any event, here’s how this book idea came about: About an hour ago, I was on the phone with my Aunt Cherri (who is still in the process of writing her autobiography), and while we were talking, she just all of a sudden shouted: “Hot Damn—there’s an idea that we can all participate in!”

Of course, I asked Auntie Cherri what all the excitement was all about, and she told me that she had just happened to be looking at a family photo that was taken back in 1978 (Auntie Cherri was ten years old, and my mom was only six) I had seen that picture once before; it was the time that Grampa Clark and Gramma Jewel moved to Sapphire Street. Well anyway, that photo inspired Auntie Cherri to start writing a book about Grampa Clark’s life and legacy, and all of us who knew and loved him, will have an opportunity to contribute—and y’all already know that I’m all for this idea! Matter of fact, while Auntie Cherri was telling me her idea, I started brainstorming ideas to how Grampa Clark’s influence and legacy guided me to my dream of being a kindergarten teacher.

Uh-oh, y’all—I’ve got another brainstorm!

I’m gonna have to talk to Auntie Cherri this weekend, but I would love to write the forward or the introduction to this book project. I want to include the definition of the word “legacy,” and put a picture of the entire family with the definition… hell, I’ll holla at y’all later—I want to get started on it right now!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

A Special Christmas Flashback

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

In today’s special Christmas blog post, I wanted to give you all a present, from my heart to yours.
 This photo was taken in December of 1995, over at Uncle Anthony and Auntie Stephanie’s house. If you look on the right-hand side of this photo, you can see my mom holding me. I just had two more months before I turned two years old. I was an adorable little bug (those were my Uncle Ronnie’s words). I look at this picture and I see that I favored my dad in a lot of ways, but when I blossomed, I started to take after my mom.

And of course, there’s the most significant sight on this photo—Grampa Clark!

On behalf of my family, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

All I Want for Christmas...

What’s Up, Everybody!

 

Well, here it is—Christmas Eve, and I gotta be honest with y’all: I haven’t done one bit of Christmas shopping since I returned home this past Saturday. I haven’t even bought Christmas cards. I reckon it’s too late to do anything about it now, but then again, I can probably run to a couple of department stores and get a couple of gift cards for a couple of folks—either that, or give them twenty dollars each. And then too, I can always make some custom made cards from my computer.

 

Natasha Renee, you’ve done it again!

 

As for my Christmas list, I don’t know if it’s maturity or if I’m getting old, but there’s really nothing that I want—from a materialistic standpoint, anyway. Let’s face it: I’ve already got clothes, shoes, a camcorder, and a laptop; there’s really nothing else material-wise that I would like… at least, nothing that I can think of right now, anyway. I think I have mentioned this several times in past blog posts, but I am a simple gal (and I don’t mean “simple-minded”). I’ve never cared about materialistic stuff—I mean, it’s fun to have, but at the end of the day, it’s just stuff. Basically, I’m saying: Whatever my family decides to get me, I’ll be gracious and grateful enough for whatever it is. After all, the greatest Christmas present I’ve received is that of my wonderful wacky family. Yes, I know I brag on my family a lot, but I can do that because they’re my family.

 

And now that I think about it, there is one thing that I would like to have for Christmas, but that request won’t come true until I go to Heaven one day… yes, I’m referring to my Grampa Clark. Yes, it’s been eighteen years, and we have moved on, but yet and still, his presence is terribly missed. However, his memories and his legacy are very strong within us.

 

Okay, y’all—I guess I had better get up and get these gift cards ready for my fam… either that or twenty dollars for everybody. Either way, all my peeps are getting a Christmas present from me.

 

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

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Remembering Grampa Clark's 80th Birthday

Hi, Everybody!

Well, today is August 13, 2014, and there’s no sense in fighting the inevitable. Each and every one of us knew that this day would come, but we don’t shed any tears… okay, we have tears of laughter, but that’s about it. Other than that, my family looks back on this very day with great fondness on account of today is a special milestone in our family. It is on this day that we celebrate the life, the love, and the legacy of our original partriarch. To me, he was Grampa; to my mom, he was Daddy; to my Gramma Jewel, he was Dallin; to my Cousin Jade, he was Uncle; and to my Great Aunt Donna, he was Big Brother.

That’s right, y’all—I’m talking about the legendary Mr. Clark Kenneth Jones!

If he didn’t have to go to Heaven so soon, Grampa Clark would’ve been 80 years old today. As we sat around at breakfast today, we reminisced about all of the great things that he did, not just for his family, but also for those with whom he came in contact. I’ve already shared my favorite Grampa Clark story with you on multiple occasions—how he would change the words of the TV show That Girl and dedicate it to me… that’s a memory that I will never forget in my heart. Of course, Gramma Jewel fondly recalls the thirty-four years that she was married to Grampa Clark, and even though she has moved on, she still recognizes her wedding anniversary and Grampa Clark’s birthday; after all, she can never forget her first true love.

And then of course, there was the Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame celebration this past December, where my Uncle Anthony accepted the award and gave such a heartwarming and heartfelt speech that you would’ve thought Grampa Clark was in the room with us.

Those who knew my Grampa Clark can tell you: It didn’t matter if it was five years or five minutes—Grampa Clark loved to make you feel important, but he also loved to make you feel loved. I wish I had had the chance to really know him a little better, but the few little memories that I have of him still serve as a testament to his character. As for the rest of the family, they can smile in great fondness over the way he taught them how to drive, how to cook a decent cheeseburger, and in my Cousin Jade’s case, she will never forget how he walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. Grampa Clark was just that kinda guy!

In closing today’s blog post, I would like to say: There’s no better way to celebrate my Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday than with a fond memory, and his legendary quote:

YOU BETTER KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!!!

Happy #80, Grampa Clark—I already know that you’re still celebrating, so I’ll just say… I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

The Streak Has Officially Ended!

Hi, Everybody!

A wrestling fan always remembers where they were when certain pivotal moments take place. Well, I will never forget where I was and what I was doing when I found out that the Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania streak was broken just last night.

Although I didn’t watch WrestleMania at all last night, I was kept up to speed by round-the-clock updates. I was on my laptop refreshing my browser every fifteen minutes, and I seem to remember around 8pm CST, Undertaker was about to face Brock Lesnar. Well, I knew it would be a pretty lengthy match, so I waited about twenty minutes, then I hit F5 to refresh my browser. Much to my surprise, I received an error message, and for some reason, I had a feeling that it was bad news. I closed my screen and reopened the website I was on, and I received another error message. Five minutes later, Neo Theo called.

“Tasha, you and Ruby are not gonna believe this,” he said, almost despondently. “Are y’all sittin’ down?”

I was already lying down on my bed, so I just sat up. I told Ruby to brace herself for some shocking news—and what a shock it was!

“Well, y’all, Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak is officially broken,” Theo lamented. “Brock Lesnar has defeated the Undertaker.”

Ruby and I were shocked, to say the least—after all, up until yesterday evening, Undertaker’s undefeated streak was unbreakable. The Streak in and of itself is legendary, and now, it has a blemish.

Theo went on to tell Ruby and me that from what he read, thousands of wrestling fans were thoroughly pissed off behind this decision. Well, to be honest, I’m more shocked than anything. First of all, regardless of what others believe and perceive, the bottom line is that the streak is broken. It doesn’t matter who broke it—all that matters is that an historic event has taken place in the annals of professional wrestling. No true wrestling will ever forget where they were and what they were doing when they saw 21-1 flash across the screen. I know I certainly won’t.

One last thing in closing: There have been talks about Undertaker having his last hurrah in the wrestling business. Well, even at the ripe age of twenty, I know that Mr. Booga Red (as my Gramma Jewel loves to call him) has had one helluva career. The very first time I saw Undertaker wrestle, he was in a First Blood Match against Stone Cold Steve Austin in the summer of 1999. Overall, though, my favorite Undertaker moment is WrestleMania 23, when he defeated Batista for the World Heavyweight Title. If this truly is Undertaker’s last hurrah, then I just want to say: Thanks for entertaining me, Taker! You will forever be known as the conscience of the WWE.

And lest I forget: Long Live The Streak!

Hugs & Kisses,

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

The Legacy of Lynn Agnes Coleman

Happy Friday, Everybody!

As I promised on yesterday, I have a very special blog post for all-a-y’all, and just like mail carriers and pizza drivers, I do deliver. With that said, I am dedicating today’s blog post to a legendary figure in my family, my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

I’ve been wanting to dedicate a blog post to my Great grandmother for the longest time, and I also find it quite apropos that this is Black History Month—it’s amazing how things work out like that! You know, I’ve always admired the contributions of legends such as Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, and First Lady Michelle Obama, but it makes me that much more special to know that there are prominent figures in my very own family… and Great Gramma Lynn is one of those figures!

Great Gramma Lynn was born an only child on April 1, 1906 in Ruleville, Mississippi, to Horace & Bernice Brown. The other day, I made mention about the struggle of receiving a great education for African-Americans. Well, Great Gramma Lynn was a pioneer in her day, as she was the very first one in my family to not only further her education past Sixth Grade, but she also became the first family member in history to attend a higher learning institution. I know I have shared on countless occasions that Great Gramma Lynn planted the seed of furthering education; well, in so doing, she birthed the Rust College legacy, having graduated from Rust in 1928 with a degree in Sociology.

From the lovely reflections that I hear from Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, my mom, and my aunts and uncles, I can tell that Great Gramma Lynn was truly a legend in her own time. Allow me to be bold enough to make this statement: Long before there was the Vipress (LOL), there was Great Gramma Lynn! She was stern but sweet, hard-hitting but soft-spoken, and according to Gramma Jewel, she was quick with a wooden spoon… hahaha! I’ve even heard stories of how Great Gramma Lynn rarely got angry, but when she did, it was nothin’ nice. However, she was a devoted woman—to God first and her husband and two daughters second. She worked very hard to make sure that her family got the best of the best, and she was also a sharp dresser!

And I know I’ve shared this story numerous times, but I love it just as much: Everytime Great Gramma Lynn’s birthday came around, she would say: “I still find it ironic that I, a smart and educated woman, would be born on a day designed for fools!”

Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord on July 23, 1984, where she was surrounded by Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Grampa Clark. It was said that after she made a peaceful transition, her likeness was formed in the clouds, thus solidifying that she had truly made it over.

Today, Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live throughout all of the women in my family—and when I say “all,” I mean ALL! Y’all know that we adopted Becky last year... and that reminds me: Becky’s thinking about changing her name to either Jones or Coleman, as an homage to us.

I guess Great Gramma Lynn’s words of wisdom still ring true: “Goodheartedness produces goodheartedness—it gives above and beyond, and it never asks for anything in return, because it gives straight from the heart.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Continuing & Cementing A Sapp Legacy

My Gramma Jewel and Mrs. Winifred Wilson,
prinicpal of Sapp Elementary.

Good Friday Afternoon, Everybody!

This is the final Friday of the month of September, and I thought I would dedicate this particular blog post to no one else but my dear sweet Gramma Jewel.

I may have mentioned this once upon a time (I recognize that I am prone to déjà vu moments), but my Gramma Jewel has returned to the workforce. After spending at least twenty years in the nursing field and an additional twelve years as the church secretary, my Gramma Jewel has decided that she still has plenty left in the tank. Y’all, my Gramma Jewel is the announcing lady and the school nurse at W.L. Sapp Elementary School—yes, the same Sapp Elementary which my late Grampa Clark taught kindergarteners.

How did this come about, you may ask? Well, it actually began around this time last year, when my Gramma Jewel stepped foot on the grounds of Wiley L. Sapp Elementary School for the first time since the Eighth Grade Class of 2000 dedicated their graduation to my Grampa Clark’s memory. All that Gramma Jewel planned on doing was just stopping by to say hello to Principal Wilson and the faculty and staff. Gramma Jewel admitted that she had an added incentive as well: In knowing the legacy that my Grampa Clark left at Sapp Elementary, Gramma Jewel decided to check out the auditorium that was dedicated to my darling grandfather.

And here we are, thirteen years later!

The auditorium is still standing, and Grampa Clark’s cheesy photo is still hanging center stage. His legacy is still alive and well at Sapp Elementary. Morals and respect are still being taught alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic. And as a bonus, Gramma Jewel has taken it upon herself to not only continue Grampa Clark’s legacy, but also cement her own. Everytime I call her, I can hear the joy in her voice when she talks about those little kiddies and their fresh-faced smiles. Gramma Jewel told me this one story about a little boy who wanted to go home because he wasn’t feeling too well. Gramma Jewel said that she took his temperature and discovered that everything was normal, then she told the little boy to take his behind back to his classroom and quit playing like he was sick. Gramma Jewel then went on to say that the little boy dropped his head in shame and walked back to his classroom.

That sounds about right—Gramma Jewel has always been a detective of sorts.

Well, all I’ve got to say is this: I am glad that Gramma Jewel has rekindled her purpose in life. I don’t think she would have ever imagined working at Sapp Elementary, but as she always tells us: “Look at how God worked it out for her!”

Kudos to you, Gramma Jewel—and just know that Grampa Clark is happy for you, too. God Bless!

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

Mr. D Celebrates 20 Years at Sapp Elementary

Happy Saturday, Everybody!

I’ve got a good blog post for y’all today!

I broke the news in yesterday’s blog that Mr. Bret Douglas, a very good friend to my family, celebrated a milestone in his life. Well, seeing as how today is September 7, 2013, today marks exactly twenty years that Mr. D has taught kindergarteners at Sapp Elementary School. Earlier this morning (well, it was about 10am PST back in Cali), I called Mr. D and wished him a Happy 20^th Sapp Anniversary, and he just chuckled and said, “Oh, thanks a bunch, Miss Natasha. I am so honored that you took time out from your college life to call and think of me, don’tcha know.”

I may have mentioned it briefly in yesterday’s blog post, but my Grampa Clark was the catalyst in Mr. D having the job that he has today. You see, my Grampa Clark was such a devoted kindergarten teacher that he didn’t want to retire all willy-nilly. His goal was to make sure that his successor was just as devoted and dedicated to the little kiddies as he was. Well, imagine my Grampa Clark’s surprise when Mr. D mentioned that he once taught kindergarten class in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Grampa Clark pulled a few strings, but Mr. D was still treated as a potential candidate, especially when he scored an interview with Principal Wilson. The story continues that when Mr. D was called for a second interview, he was grilled by all the Sapp faculty and staff, but he was more so grilled by Grampa Clark. And then, during a Christmas party in 1992 (hosted by Grampa Clark and Gramma Jewel, of course) Grampa Clark invited the faculty and staff. Now, check this out, y’all: It was at this particular Christmas party that Grampa Clark officially announced his retirement, and in the process recognized Mr. D as his successor.

And the rest is history.

When I spoke to Mr. D this morning, I could hear the joy and nostalgia in his voice as he reflected on his very first day on the job twenty years ago.

“I still remember it like it happened yesterday, don’tcha know,” he said gladly. “I was quite overwhelmed by how well I was accepted by the faculty, staff, and students. It was barely three minutes that I stepped onto the schoolgrounds, and everyone spoke to me as though I had been their colleague for twenty years—which is ironic, considering that now it actually has been twenty years.  Anyway, I remember my very first ‘Back to School’ assembly, in which your Grampa Clark announced his retirement from teaching, then introduced me as his successor. And Natasha, let me say: When your grandpa introduced me, he wasn’t shy about it! He said: ‘And now, ladies and gentlemen, little boys and little girls, and my fellow colleagues, it is an honor of honorable proportions that I pass the torch of kindergarten teacher.  Please welcome along with me—my successor, my neighbor, and my friend, Mr. Bert ‘Don’t Call Me Kirk’ Douglas!’”

I just laughed and said: “Yeah, that’s sounds like my Grampa Clark, all right!”

In the twenty years that Mr. D has taught at Sapp Elementary, he has won Teacher of the Year three consecutive times (1996, 1997, and 1998). He’s also won Newcomer of the Year in 1993, and he’s also the reason why the auditorium at Sapp Elementary is now known as the Clark Kenneth Jones Memorial Auditorium. Mr. D went on to explain to me that my Grampa Clark was such a heavy influence and a great part of the Sapp Family that “he just had to be immortalized in some kinda way, don’tcha know.”

Well, I can say on behalf of my family that we are forever grateful that Sapp Elementary has never forgotten my Grampa Clark—heck, I don’t think they really want to.

Okay, y’all—I’m done for today. I’m gonna close up this here blog post, but I’ll holla at y’all on Monday. Until then, y’all take care and be good.

And Mr. D—I want to say one more time: Congratulations on your 20 Years at Sapp!!!

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