I Done Did It!

Well, Y’all—I DONE DID IT!!!

As of yesterday afternoon, I am an official graduate of Rust College, Class of2016… and dammit—it feels fan-freakin-tastic!

Now, y’all already know that my family cut a shine during my commencement ceremony. When I stepped up on that platform and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, the first voice I heard was that of my mom’s. Yes, y’all—Mama beat Gramma Jewel to the punch! My mom was all like, “You just go ‘head on, Tasha-Girl, wit’cho bad self!” And to tell y’all the truth, I was not at all embarrassed; in fact, I pointed directly at her and blew her a kiss, and as I headed back to my seat, my entire support group was literally chanting “Natasha! Natasha!” And right then and there, I imitated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and soaked in the cheers.

What can I say? My family knows me all too well, and vice-versa.

After the ceremony ended, I caught up with the rest of my peeps, and we just got together in one big group circle and cheered. Of course, we took a couple of selfies, and then we met up with our families. Y’all should’ve seen the look on my Gramma Jewel’s face—I could tell that my commencement meant so much to her, especially considering that she is a Class of 1957 Bearcat. Technically speaking, the Bearcat legacy ended with my Great Aunt Reesie in 1959—well since I rekindled that fire, that leaves room for future generations in my family to keep the legacy alive.

And I want to say right now: My entire family notwithstanding, I was not at all surprised to see my former kindergarten teacher Mrs. Martin, nor was I surprised to see Pastor and Mrs. Clark, Mother Davis, and Brother Hawkins. However, I was really taken by surprise when I saw Mr. & Mrs. D and Pastor & Mrs. Rich in attendance. And what a thrill it was for me to introduce Mrs. Martin to Mr. D… and y’all already know that Gramma Jewel took a picture of me, Mr. D, Mrs. Martin, and my fellow alumnus Craig.

You know, I would love to talk about every little detail that took place yesterday afternoon, but we would be all day. With that said, I’m gonna have to cut today’s blog post short, but I promise that I’ll have more to talk about in the days (and probably weeks) to come. Until then, y’all take care and be good.


Smooches,
Natasha

The Clock is Really Ticking Away, Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

Well, as y’all can see, today is Saturday, April 23, 2016, and y’all already know what that means—I am getting closer and closer to tomorrow. When I woke up this morning, I had a touch of a panic attack. Fortunately, I recognized it and immediately started practicing my breathing exercises, then Ruby gave me a glass of water and Azalea started fanning me like I had a hot flash or something… hahaha!

So, earlier this afternoon, I and my fellow Class of 2016 had our graduation rehearsal, and I gotta say that my peeps and I got some of our silliness out! The Dean of Students called our names by major, so I was somewhere towards the end. Would y’all believe that when Neo Theo’s name was called, he actually moonwalked halfway down the aisle and did the Michael Jackson yell and everything… hahaha! Then, when Ruby’s name was called, she sashayed down the aisle like a supermodel, blowing kisses and doing the queen’s wave. Azalea’s name was called next, but instead of reciting her poem (as per her plan from a few days ago), she started singing “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins.

And of course, when they got to the Elementary Education majors, Craig’s name was called first, and he ran down the aisle yelling “Yes! Yes! Yes!” like Daniel Bryan. And to save the best for last—little ol’ me! When I heard my name, I kept true to my word and imitated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—I thrusted a fist in the air while Theo, Ruby, Craig, and Azalea chanted “Vipress.” Most surprisingly, the Dean of Students was rather tolerant, but he did caution us to be serious come the actual graduation.

Suffice it to say, we had a successful graduation rehearsal… and for the record, I did ask if I could wear some plum shoes; I drove home the fact that my shoes would be dark. Well, the Dean said that he appreciated my efforts, but the shoe colors were etched in stone.

Well, at least I tried.

So, now I’m back in my room with Ruby and Azalea, but we’ve got the senior service of blessing and consecration at 6pm CST. Now, I have it on great authority that Brother Hawkins will be accompanying Mom, Dad, and Gramma Jewel this evening when we have the reception at Dr. Beckley’s house. Oh, snap—my peeps will get to meet the man that my uncles have affectionately nicknamed “Brother Hawk!” I keep tryin’ to tell Rust that they ain’t ready for my family—when we throws a party, we throws a party!

Okay, y’all—I gotta get ready for the consecration ceremony. I’ll try to holla at’cha if I can, but until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

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

A Surprise Appearance from the Fam

Hi, Y’all!

So, guess who showed up in Bearcat Country this morning and surprised me!

That’s right, y’all—with my graduation just three days away, I am happy to report that my mom and dad, Cousin Becky, and Gramma Jewel have finally arrived, and they brought along Mother Davis and Brother Hawkins! Oh, I sure hope that Rust is ready for the rowdy rambunctiousness that my peeps are gonna deliver come Sunday, because it is officially on and crack-a-lackin’!

Mom told me that their flight landed in Memphis about 7:30am CST, and they got their rental car and made a beeline to see little old me. At the risk of sounding all mushy, they really know how to make a gal feel special! And yes, my peeps got to converse with my family once again… and Neo Theo was doing some hellified flirting with Becky!

I really can’t tell who’s more excited out of the five of us. I mean, I’ve got a reason to be excited on account of I’m the one that’s walking that aisle to get my Bachelor’s Degree in three days. Then again, my mom and dad have a reason to be excited because I’m their onliest child and they’ve invested so much in me. And then again, Gramma Jewel’s got more than enough reason to be excited; after all, I’m the last grandchild in the family to graduate from college. Even more so than that, though, I will officially be Gramma Jewel’s fellow alumna in a mere three days, and I already know that this means so much to Gramma Jewel. And then too, Becky’s got a reason to be excited because she’ll be graduating from Chamberlain University around this time next year—and y’all already know that we’re gonna show up and show out when she receives her Bachelor’s Degree.

So, in essence, we all have legitimate individual and collective reasons to be excited for my graduation… and now that I think about it, Gramma Jewel once said that when one person graduates from college, the whole family graduates. Well, I can only imagine what’s gonna happen in three days’ time when Mrs. Martin and Pastor & Mrs. Clark join in with my family. Like I said: I sure hope that Rust College is ready for the Joneses, because when we celebrates, we celebrates!

Well, that’s gonna do it for now. Until tomorrow, y’all take care and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

More Than Friends—They're My Brothers and Sisters!

Hi, Everybody!

No surprises here—we are officially four days away from my big day! And just for the record, y’all can expect more of the same until the big day finally arrives.

So, this afternoon, I was chillin’ with my peeps in the cafeteria, and the roundtable discussion involved exchanging phone numbers and email addresses immediately, because we needed to keep in touch. Well, it was then that Neo Theo—who will be receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism—took down everybody’s name, number, and email address, and made it his mission to email us with the pertinent information.

And then, Ruby took it upon herself to ask us a very important question: “Graduation notwithstanding, what is your most memorable moment here at Rust?”

Well, I had to think long and hard about my answer, mainly because I had stored up so many memories within these past four years in Bearcat Country. With that said, I opted to go last while I listened to everyone else. Imagine my surprise when all four of my friends said that their most memorable moment was meeting “some sassy chick named Natasha Renee Stewart.” I was flattered, to say the least, as Ruby chimed in and said, “Tasha-Girl, you just don’t know how blessed we are to know you. I mean, to think—you could’ve chosen to attend any college in all of California, but you chose Rust College. Tasha, on behalf of the ‘Peep Patrol,’ I just want you to know that we love you so very much. Southern Cali’s loss was Rust College’s gain, and we are so glad to call you sister and friend.”

If Ruby ‘nim was trying to mess with my heartstrings, then they were doing a damn good job.

“Now, Tasha, we know that you’re mushy,” Ruby continued. “But we feel that we should give you your flowers now—you are truly one of a kind.”

So, there I was, smiling modestly and trying my damnedest not to so much as sniffle, but that didn’t work out too well. I promised Ruby that I would beat the hell out of her for making me show my mushy side, and of course she laughed at my comment.

But then it was my turn, and I basically said that I couldn’t really narrow it down to one memory because the Rust College experience was all that and then some. And of course, one of the experiences involved bonding with four individuals named Ruby Jean Hudspeth, Theodore James Campbell, Craig Michael Dixon, and Azalea Cherie Thomas… and right then and there, I presented them with their very own report cards, where I gave them each an A-plus for their time, talent, and friendship. And because I’m gonna be a kindergarten teacher, I gave them all stars and happy faces. It should come as no surprise that they enjoyed their gifts and were very appreciated, then Azalea said, “See, Tasha—this is why we are blessed to know you.”

My Gramma Jewel always said, “Let the life I live, speak for me.” Well, it goes without saying, but according to my peeps, the life that I’m living thus far is speaking in great volumes.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Happy #74, Mrs. Martin!

Hi, Y’all!

 

So, today’s blog post is dedicated to my former kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid D. Martin, and it is quite apropos that I talk about Mrs. Martin on account of today is her birthday—she is 74 years young today!

 

Naturally, I called her around 10am CST this morning and left a birthday message on her voicemail, and she just now called me back to thank me for thinking of her. Now, check this out, y’all: Mrs. Martin stated rather emphatically that she’s gonna be there on Sunday, April 24, 2016 to see me receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education… that’s right, y’all—Mrs. Martin is gonna be making a cameo appearance, as well as making her debut in Bearcat Country. As you know, I mailed off the invitations about two weeks ago, and of course I had to send one to Mrs. Martin… and y’all already know that I am just tickled pink about this! Let’s just put it this way: When your former kindergarten teacher goes out of her way to see one of her students graduate from an out-of-state college, you gotta be very special—well, I am very special to Mrs. Martin.

 

Okay, y’all—I had best get going, but y’all take it easy, and I’ll holla at y’all later on. Until next time, y’all take care and be good.

 

Oh, and Mrs. Martin—HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, ONE MO’ GINN!!!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses

Natasha

Has Christmas Come Upon Us Already?

Hi, Everybody—and Happy Christmas Eve!

Before I kick off today’s blog post, I would like to send my prayers and well-wishes to my peeps in Holly Springs, Mississippi and the surrounding areas. I got an email yesterday evening from my girl Ruby, and she informed me that a tornado caused some significant damage. I’m looking at the pictures on the news right now, and I am heavy-hearted right now. I am glad to know that Ruby ‘nim are alive and well, but at the same time, my heart goes out to those who lost homes and loved ones… and it doesn’t help matters any that all of this happened right before Christmas. Yes, I realize that everything happens for a reason—and yes, God always knows what He’s doing—but I’m just in mourning for my home away from home. Once again, my prayers go out to those who are suffering loss right now.

Notwithstanding my heavy heart, I am still shocked that Christmas just rolled up on us all of a sudden. Where did all that time go? I mean, seriously—wasn’t it just New Year’s Day? It just feels like 2015 is all one big blur, like it was here one minute and then all of a sudden… poof! Well, ready or not, here comes Christmas… and then a couple more days, we’ll be entering a brand-new year, all in that order. Thankfully, both of these holidays are a week apart… hahahaha! And while I’m on the subject of Christmas, I’ve been taking a look at my Christmas list, and I notice that it’s gotten shorter over the years. It has gotten to the point where I don’t really want anything for Christmas—materialistically speaking, that is. At the same time, there is one particular Christmas present that I would like… I guess you can say that it’s my heart’s desire, and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Well, I reckon that I’ll close out today’s blog post, but I’ll holla at’cha on Saturday. Until then, y’all take care, and have a very Merry Christmas.


Smooches,
Natasha

Thanks for Everything, Carter Elementary!

Well, y’all—the inevitable has happened!

The first semester at Carter Elementary has officially come to pass, and I gotta say: I had a great time with Mrs. Martin and her kindergarten class. I would like to thank Carter Elementary for a wonderful three months. And I know that I’ve said this a lot, but it’s worth saying again: I learned a great deal from both Mrs. Martin and her little kiddies. If anything, the kiddies contributed a helluva whole lot, as they helped me get one more step closer to my goal of becoming the best damn kindergarten teacher in the world. And of course, Mrs. Martin is in a class all by herself—she’s just simply the best.

And I gotta tell y’all: I must’ve done something right again, because Mrs. Martin and the kindergarteners gave me the sweetest little send-off, right in the middle of our Christmas party. They got me a Christmas basket and a big thank-you card with all of their signatures on it. Now, I had to make a promise to the little ones that I would not open my present until Christmas, and I’m gonna stick by that promise. However, I never said anything about their sweet homemade greeting card. I tell y’all, those little kiddies really made me feel special, and I let them know that I would take my card back to Mississippi with me.

And I’m not gonna lie—I kinda wept a little, but that’s only because I was overwhelmed at all the love and appreciation that the little kiddies showed me. Matter of fact, young Henry mustered up all the strength he had and gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek. Of course, I returned the favor, but as a means to be fair, I gave all the little fellas a kiss on the forehead… hahahaha!

Well, now that this chapter in my life is complete, it’s time to prepare for Christmas, and afterwards it’ll be time to head back to Bearcat Country. Speaking of Rust, I got an email from Ruby, and she says that she is counting down the days until I make my much anticipated return. Well, I sure hope they’re ready for me, because I know I am!

Until next time, y’all take care and have a great rest-of-the-day.

Smooches,

Natasha

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

Still Ain't No Place Like Home, Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

Well, Thanksgiving 2015 is in the record books, but when you’re a Christian, the season of giving thanks is year round!

It should come as no surprise to y’all that I had a great time with my peeps yesterday afternoon… shoot, I had a blast! And why not—I mean, after all, it was my first Thanksgiving back home in Southern Cali, so it was a great big deal for me to be with my mom and dad, my aunts and uncles, and my Gramma Jewel.

And speaking of my Gramma Jewel, I want to state for the record that I have a newfound respect for her Thanksgiving tradition, which takes place after the big family dinner. You see, everything Thanksgiving, my Gramma Jewel asks for everyone to name at least one thing for which they are thankful. Well, it shouldn’t surprise any of you that Gramma Jewel goes first every year; she is the family matriarch after all. Gramma Jewel also makes it known that she is grateful for another year where she can spend time with her family. Everyone had some good reasons as to why they were thankful. Case in point: My mom professed how grateful she was for having me back home for another thanksgiving, and my dad expressed his gratitude for his queen and his princess.

And then it was my turn—and coincidentally, I was last.

I simply let my family know that I was extremely grateful to spend Thanksgiving 2015 with my Southern Cali family. I further expressed my appreciation for my Great Aunt Donna, Great Aunt Reesie, Auntie Gladys, and the Hudspeths for welcoming me into their homes during my time at Rust. It was then that my Auntie Brenda explained to me that home is always where the heart is, to which I replied that I must have plenty of homes across the country.

Afterwards, we played the Taboo game—it was me, Cousin Candace, Cousin Trisha, Cousin Vanessa, and Cousin Becky against Mom, Auntie Cherri, Auntie Brenda, Auntie Stephanie, and Auntie Glo. According to Uncle Alex, this was the battle of youth against experience, and I’m not afraid to admit that in the end, the experience prevailed over us youth. Granted, they cheated a little bit… hahahaha! I’m kidding, but Auntie Stephanie did admit that my team was in the lead by five, and then Cousin Trisha accidentally said one of the taboo words. I guess our youthful pride occurred before our fall… hahahaha!

Well, y’all, that’s gonna do it for me today. I’ll be sure to holla at y’all on Tuesday… and lest I forget, this Tuesday is the end of my internship. I cannot believe that fourteen weeks have already flown by. And speaking of my internship, I have to call my academic counselor on Wednesday and let her know that I will prepare my documentation and send it off in the mail by the end of this week.

And after looking at my catalog, I see that I have only one class left, and I will officially be done… WOO-HOO!!!

Until next time, y’all take care!

Smooches,

Natasha

Happy #77, Auntie Millie!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

 

Join me in wishing a very special Happy Birthday to Ms. Mildred Ann Vanderkellen—or as I’ve come to know her, “Aunt Millie.” She is 77 years old today.

I got the opportunity to meet Aunt Millie at our family reunion last year, and I found out for myself that she is definitely one in a million… and that probably explains why my Uncle Ronnie refers to her as “One in a Millie Ann” (a little play on words). Truth be told, though—Aunt Millie is a real live genuine sweetheart; she’s like a combination of Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island and Blanche Devereaux from The Golden Girls.

Aunt Millie is a Mississippi Delta gal, just like my Gramma Jewel… matter of fact, Aunt Millie was born and raised in Indianola, which is right down the road from Ruleville. Aunt Millie told me the story of how she didn’t know the definition of a friend until she met my Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie. Though it may be hard to tell in her picture, Aunt Millie was an incredibly shy gal—that is, until she befriended my grandmother and my great aunt. And to this very day, that friendship is as strong as ever.

 

And of course, I’ve got to celebrate Aunt Millie the best way I know how—in the form of her favorite song… BOOM SHAKA-LAKA-LAKA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Aunt Millie! Celebrate it well, and live it up!

 

 

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

Time to Celebrate Great Aunt Reesie!

The celebrations just keep on keepin’ on, y’all!

Today is Friday, October 16, 2015, and I happen to know that a certain lady in my family by the name of Theresa Bernice Coleman is excited about this day.

Just in case y’all missed that, today is my Great Aunt Reesie’s birthday—she is officially 78 years old.

Much like I did with yesterday afternoon’s blog post, I am going to share ten fun factoids about my beloved Great Aunt Reesie:

 

1. In all of her seventy-eight years, she is affectionately known as “Reesie” by family, friends, and strangers. She’s only been called by her birth name once, and that was on the day that she graduated from college.

2. As it relates to college, Great Aunt Reesie graduated from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi—Class of 1959, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

3. Great Aunt Reesie has admitted on more than one occasion that she always considered Gramma Jewel to be her role model.

4. Great Aunt Reesie has only been in one fight at school; she was in Second Grade at the time, but she helped Gramma Jewel beat up a Sixth Grade girl.

5. You know it’s summertime when you see Great Aunt Reesie wearing her sun visors.

6. Even though Great Aunt Reesie is only two years and one day younger than Gramma Jewel, there is a running joke in our family that they’re actually twins.

7. As quiet and reserved as Great Aunt Reesie may be, she has a very strong competitive side. Such was the case when she challenged Gramma Jewel to a bake-off three years ago.

8. Great Aunt Reesie has one child, whom she named Jade Diamond, as a tribute to Gramma Jewel.

9. Great Aunt Reesie served as the principal of Willow Oak Elementary School from 1977 to 2005. Within that time, she only missed a total of two weeks.

10. Great Aunt Reesie loves anything and everything purple—y’all should see her bedroom, her wardrobe, and her jewelry.

 

And as an honorable mention: Here is Great Aunt Reesie’s favorite song… her leitmotif, if you will.

 

 

Happy #78, Great Aunt Reesie—celebrate it well, and celebrate it in style!

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Vivian Jewel Jones: 80 Years and Still Sparklin', Baby!

Well, y’all—I’ve been talking about this day seemingly forever, and it has finally arrived!

Fourscore years ago on this very day, a beautiful baby girl was born to Gregory & Lynn Coleman. The doctors made a comment that this beautiful baby girl sparkled like a precious jewel, and thus she was christened Vivian Jewel.

That’s right—my Gramma Jewel is officially eighty years old today!

Seeing as how this is her very special day, y’all already know that I’m dedicating today’s blog post to her. In writing this blog post, I realize that I could very easily mention eighty fun factoids about my beautiful grandmother, but I’ve decided to mention only twenty… and here they are:

 

 

1.     The name Vivian is Greek for “vivacious and lively,” and every man, woman, and child can attest to the fact that Gramma Jewel definitely lives up to her name.

2.       Gramma Jewel stands only five-foot-three, but her genuinely big heart makes her at least seven feet tall.

3.       One of Gramma Jewel’s favorite sayings is: “I was born, raised, and educated in the state of Mississippi.”

4.       Her nickname is “Delta Jewel,” which was given to her by her father.

5.       Gramma Jewel is a proud Bearcat; she graduated from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi—Class of 1957, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

6.       In an ironic twist of fate, Gramma Jewel met and fell in love with the late Clark Kenneth Jones after the two were in a minor car collision. The two ultimately were wed on June 2, 1962.

7.       Gramma Jewel will tell you in a heartbeat that her favorite gifts are her five rambunctious but lovable children—Anthony Thomas, Ronald Lawrence, Cheryl Yvette, Gregory Joseph, and Danielle Renee.

8.       There is a reason why I call her “Gramma Jewel,” and it has everything to do with the fact that I am one of her “Magnificent Seven.” She picked the perfect nickname for Candace Cassandra, Lionel Clark, Vanessa Joyce, Calvin James, Matthew Edward, Patricia Lynn, and of course—yours truly.

9.       Gramma Jewel’s favorite hymn is “Near The Cross.” She actually sang this song at Great Gramma Lynn’s homegoing celebration.

10.   Don’t let Gramma Jewel’s height, age, and silver-grey hair fool you—she has been known open a good number cans of whoop-ass when someone has pissed her off.

11.   Gramma Jewel lives by this credo: “Ain’t no ugly folks in our family, and if there are, then that’s on them!”

12.   In her eighty years of living, Gramma Jewel only has three best friends: Mildred Ann Vanderkellen (childhood friend), Gladys Lorraine Nelson (college friend), and Thelma Jean Davis (church friend). Whenever these four ladies get together, it’s an automatic party.

13.   Gramma Jewel loves rap music. Some of her favorite rap songs are: “You Know How We Do It” by Ice Cube, “How Ya Do Dat Dere” by Master P, and “Rappers Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang.

14.   Gramma Jewel debuted her strawberry seven-up cake in a 1997 Baking Contest… and she won the grand prize!

15.   Gramma Jewel’s childhood mentor was Mrs. Shirley Ruth Madison, a lady who lived across the street from her back in Ruleville.

16.   Gramma Jewel convinced a mugger to turn himself in to the police, and all she used was her sweet, loving voice.

17.   Gramma Jewel got her fifteen minutes of fame in the spring of 2010. She, my Cousin Candace, and the Douglases were in front row at the Ol’ Skool Wrestling Homecoming pay-per-view, and she looked like she was having a grand ol’ time!

18.   Gramma Jewel has had three pastors in her lifetime: Reverend Thurmond Marshall at the Solid Rock Methodist Church in Ruleville, Mississippi; Reverend Frank Austin at the Ark of Safety Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee; and Reverend Stanley D. Richardson at the First Baptist Church of Culver City, California.

19.   Of all that Gramma Jewel has accomplished, she says that her greatest achievement is getting an opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face… and I can testify that she does a great job in that department.

20.   Gramma Jewel doesn’t believe in high-heeled shoes or pierced ears—they are just not for her.

 

And there y’all have it!

In closing this very special blog post, I want to dedicate this song to my beautiful grandmother, Mrs. Vivian Jewel Jones.

 

 

 

 HAPPY #80, GRAMMA JEWEL—I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
 

Smooches,
Natasha

Countdown to Jones Family Reunion 2015

Happy Saturday, Everybody!

Wouldn’t you know it—it just occurred to me that today is August 1, 2015. That might explain why I feel so refreshed… and I’m also a little sore from yesterday’s field trip. I know that running and walking is great exercise, but I was not prepared for that impromptu hike at Griffith Park, but then again, I reckon that could be counted as physical education.

Hot Damn—there’s a creative idea!

So, here’s the latest news: As you can tell by the photo in today’s blog post, my family is getting ready for our family reunion next weekend, and as per the plan from last year, my Auntie Cherri and Uncle Alex will be the gracious hosts. I sure hope Long Beach is ready, because the Joneses are gonna party like it’s on sale for $19.99… hahaha! I heard Apu from The Simpsons tell that corny joke, but y’all get what I’m sayin’.

Now, in addition to this year’s reunion being held at Uncle Alex and Auntie Cherri’s, I’ve got some great news: On Sunday, August 9, 2015, our girl Rebecca Ann Morgan will be getting baptized!

Naturally, we are very excited for her, considering that she only told us just about a week ago. She said that she had been conversing with Pastor Rich for the past couple months, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA as she completed this, her sophomore year. Becky told us that she wanted this year’s family reunion to be something to truly remember, and she figured that her baptism would be the perfect way to celebrate our family this year.

Now, y’all already know that all of us Joneses will be there en masse, front row and center, dressed to the nines, and in full force to witness such a special moment in Becky’s life!

In the three years that I’ve known Becky, I am still proud of her. I consider her my inspiration, and I am truly impressed with her testimony, which she lives every day. We don’t need to talk about where she’s been—we already know that. Besides, what truly matters is that she knows where she’s going, and I for one am glad to help her along the way.

It’s really gonna be exciting to see her get baptized on August 9, and I’m gonna make sure that I bring my camera and my camcorder on that great day!

Well, y’all—that’s just about gonna do it for me. I shall holla at y’all later, but in the meantime, y’all take real good care of yourselves.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha