Happy #19 To Me!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog is a very special Sunday Edition, and I promise you—it’s truly a gooden!

As you know, today is my 19^th birthday—yes, I am officially one day older and perhaps a little bit wiser. I admit that I was feeling a little sad on account of I was away from my family, but I was in for a big surprise when I came home from church this afternoon. And check this out: Ruby knew all about it!

So, I was chillin’ in the cafeteria with Ruby and Theo, thanking them for the wonderful pre-birthday celebration that they gave me on yesterday. All of a sudden, Ruby looked up and nodded, then she told me to close my eyes. When I asked her why, she just told me to trust her. I went along with the ordeal and closed my eyes. About a minute later, I heard what I perceived as a harmonious choir singing “Happy Birthday” to me. When I opened my eyes… Heaven help me—it was Mom & Dad, Rebecca, Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, Cousin Erica, Great Aunt Donna, Gramma Jewel’s best friend Mother Thelma Davis, and Gramma Jewel herself!

I don’t know if I pointed this out or not, but I’m a bit of a crybaby, so needless to say, I had tears of joy upon seeing my family. I’m tellin’ y’all—Niagara Falls had nothin’ on me.

Overall, seeing my family was the greatest birthday present that I could ever receive. I guess having Ray to come along would have been the icing on the cake, pardon the pun. Oh, and speaking of Ray, he gave me a birthday present via my mom and dad—it was a sweet card and a ladybug clip for my hair. He also wrote me a note which simply read: “February 14—get ready!”

Oh, I’m blushing again!

Anyway, I will never forget my 19^th birthday, especially when I know that there are people in my life who really and truly care about me. Of course, I have to give all thanks, praises, glory, and credit to where it is most certainly due: Thank You, Lord, allowing me to see another birthday. Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with such a wonderful family. Thank You, Lord, for making me feel special.

Now, if y’all will excuse me, I think I’m gonna have another piece of birthday cake!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Introducing Natasha

Hi, Everyone!

My name is Natasha Renee Stewart, and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California on February 10, 1994 to Benjamin and Danielle Stewart. I am their only child, which I believe is both a blessing and a curse… LOL! I say that because I would have loved to have a younger brother or sister, but Mom and Dad said that I was enough joy for them—well, that’s what they said.

Okay, on to the lecture at hand.

I recently graduated from Charlie LaBon High School on Friday, June 22, 2012, and I am studying to be a teacher. I want to teach kindergarteners, just like my Grampa Clark did. To tell you the truth, I have a lot riding on my shoulders. I am the last grandchild to attend college, and in that same light, I am the only grandchild to attend Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. I am aware of the distance between Holly Springs and Los Angeles, but I am willing to go all the way.

This is only Day 2 of my journey here at Rust College, and I must say—it’s not disappointing me one iota. After braving spur-of-the-moment thunderstorms and humid heat all day, I am finally in my dorm room of E.L. Rust Hall, literally sitting underneath the air conditioner that is on full-blast. I also have a large ice cold glass of sweet tea and a semi-frozen orange Powerade, just in case. I didn’t realize that it could get so hot out here in Mississippi. I thought I had left a heat wave in L.A., but I’m serving notice that there is no comparison—Mississippi’s heat makes L.A. feel like a deep freezer.

I’ve gotta be honest with you all: This has been the most trying week of my life.

Yes, I am aware that I am only 18 years old, but I’m just sayin’, though: That homesickness hit me real hard—I’m talking about hours before I had to go to the airport! I’m a little better than I was, but I must admit that I am still homesick.  I’m also nervous and scared, only because I don’t know anyone out here. However, Gramma Jewel got me a gospel CD entitled “Encouragement On Your Journey,” and one of the songs on the CD is “Trust Me” by Richard Smallwood. That’s actually my favorite song, and I’ve been singing it all day. It’s kinda ironic, too, because that was the last song we sang at my church this past Sunday during our Choir Day celebration.

Well, that’s enough news for now. I gotta go, but I promise you that we will be in touch. After all, this may be my journey, but I want to share it with you all. Later, Peeps!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha