Blockbuster News Regarding Cousin Calvin and Miss Karen

Hi, Everybody!

Yes, I’m back again, and I’ve got a very special update. There was absolutely no way that I was gonna let this day slide by without sharing this great blockbuster news.

So, my Cousin Calvin called me about an hour ago, and he was so excited about something—in fact, he was so excited that he was a touch incoherent. When I asked him to repeat himself, he was still kinda garbled, but I managed to make out the words “Karen,” “date,” and “yes.”

And it took less than a microsecond for me to understand why Cousin Calvin was so excited—apparently he worked up the nerve to ask Miss Karen out on a date, and she said yes.

“You were right, Tasha—I had nothing to be worried about!” he exclaimed joyously. “I can’t lie, though—I really was expecting her to say no. She really threw me for a loop when she said yes. I can finally rest my mind at ease.”

I want to go on record and said that I am so happy for Cousin Calvin! Not only did he face his fears and push through, but he got the answer that I know he was praying for. As you may know, Cousin Calvin has had a crush on Miss Karen for a good minute or so… and quiet as it’s kept, I believe that Miss Karen has feelings for my cornball cousin. Now, I realize that I’m gonna be biased when I say this (after all, Calvin is my cousin), but it must be said: Calvin is one helluva guy, and any woman would be grateful to have him as a future husband. And yes, I realize that Calvin and Karen are going out on their first date, but knowing Calvin like I do, he’s gonna do everything he can to make Karen feel special.

And lest I forget, their first date is tomorrow evening. Even though I know in my heart that they’re gonna have a great time, my prayers go out to both of them.

Until next time, y’all take care, and I’ll holla at y’all later.


Smooches,
Natasha

I Got A Call from Winston!

Hi, Everybody!

 

So, a full week has passed since I last spoke to y’all, and we have officially entered Week Nine of my internship at Carter Elementary. And there’s no surprises here, folks—much like the first eight weeks, the little kindergarteners did not disappoint me. At the same time, they wore a sista completely out, so much so, that I decided to take all of last week off. That’s right, y’all—I think I used every ounce of my energy… hell, about an hour ago, I walked into the house, and I just dropped all my stuff on the living room floor and collapsed in a heap onto the couch. I just lay there and listened to the sounds of the peaceful tranquility that is known as my neighborhood.

 

Maybe fifteen minutes later, the phone rang. I mustered up enough strength to answer it, and I’m glad I did—it was Winston, the guy who makes my turkey bacon avocado sandwich! Just like that, I perked up as if I was given a double dose of Vitamin B12, then we set up our plans for our date this Saturday.

 

“I just got on break, and I decided to give you a call,” he said. “I know it’s not the traditional way of calling…”

 

“But the bottom line is, you called,” I smiled. “And you’ll have to forgive me, Winston, because I surely forgot that I gave you my number.”

 

“Now, Miss Natasha—you’re too young to be forgetting things,” he chuckled.

 

In any event, Winston asked me if I had a specific place in mind for our date this Friday, and I told him that I didn’t have any preference. I did mention that I hadn’t gone bowling in a minute, to which he enthusiastically declared: “Well, bowling it is, then! I’ll keep in contact with you throughout the week, and I promise you that we’re gonna have a grand ol’ time.”

 

Now, I’m not gonna lie to y’all—I never thought that I would get this excited about a date ever again. I know it’s only Monday and I’ve got to get through the rest of this week, but I am really looking forward to my date with Winston this Saturday. At the same time, I’m a little nervous, and I’m also a little leery. Yes, I am aware that I cannot punish Winston for the way that some other jackass mistreated me, but at the same time, I cannot help but to be very protective of my heart.

 

I’ll definitely keep y’all posted, but until next time, continue to pray for a sista.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Is Winston Reawakening My Romantic Side?

Hi, Everybody!

I know it’s been a minute since I last talked about Winston, and that’s only because I’ve been busy with my internship and the plans for my Gramma Jewel’s eightieth birthday. However, I want y’all to know that I haven’t been so busy to where I couldn’t visit my favorite sandwich shop; the only caveat is that the last few times that I visited, Winston had either finished his shift or taken a day off.

Well, all that changed this afternoon after having completed another successful day at my internship.

I want y’all to know that I did have a back-up plan just in case I didn’t see Winston—I was gonna order a chipotle barbecue chicken sandwich. Well, to quote my Gramma Jewel, imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw that I was the “onliest” customer in the shop. And on top of that, Winston was on his shift! I’m not gonna lie to y’all: My little heart skipped a beat or two when I saw him, and then I chuckled within myself, because I Knew that there was no need for me to order my alternative sandwich.

“Hey, Stranger!” Winston said with a big smile. “It’s been a minutes since I made your turkey bacon avocado with mayo and honey mustanrd.”

I know that I was blushing because I actually heard myself giggling uncontrollably.

Anyway, while Winston was making my sandwich, we had a very nice conversation. He asked me to give him a status on my internship, and I told him how I learn a little something each day from the little ones. I had Winston laughing when I told him about these two little fellas who—bless their little hearts—compete for my affection every chance they get. Winston laughed a little, then he said, “Well, you’ve got to be a very special lady if kindergarteners are fighting over you. Don’t be surprised if one of them asks you out on a date… and speaking of which, whatcha got goin’ on for October 30?”

Okay, y’all—I didn’t expect that question from Winston, but I liked how he slid it in the conversation. And perhaps my women’s intuition was on point, because for some reason, I knew that he was asking me out on a date. I didn’t want to keep him waiting, so I said, “Well, I don’t have anything planned for next weekend, and I would love to go out with you.”

At that point, Winston actually shouted, “Hot Damn!”

I simply chuckled at his reaction, and then I gave him my phone number. I also gave him a heads-up that my mom and dad are very tradition when it comes to me. Winston nodded and said, “I understand—my mom and dad are just as ol’ skool with it, too.”

Could it be that Winston has reawakened my romantic side? Only time will tell.




Smooches,
Natasha

Winston Strikes Again!

Hi, Everybody!

 

I trust that you all had a wonderfully fantastic Saturday—I know I did!

Do y’all remember a blog post from a couple of weeks ago about a guy I met named Winston? Well, check this out: I had another encounter with him today.

This afternoon, my mom decided that she and I should go out and celebrate our Mother & Daughter relationship, considering that I’m home from college. First, we had breakfast at IHOP, and then we went to the mall and did a little shopping, and later we took a little trip to Manhattan Beach and just walked around for a while. Around four o’clock or so, we got a little hungry, so I told her about a sandwich shop that I frequent every now and again… and yes, I told her that the sandwiches are the bomb-diggity!

Well, as soon as we walked inside—lo and behold—it was Winston!

Now, call it a woman’s intuition, but I saw how his face lit up when he saw me; it was as if he had been expecting me or something. Case in point: When it was my turn to order, Winston smiled at me and said, “Hello, Stranger—long time no see. Lemme guess: Your usual with bacon, avocado, ranch dressing, and Swiss cheese.”

“Why, yes—that’s correct!” I said, shocked. “How’d you know?”

Winston chuckled, then he said, “Well, there are only three sandwiches that you order, and they all depend on your mood—the barbecue roast beef sandwich, the Caesar chicken sandwich, and the turkey club sub. And judging by the look on your lovely mother’s face, I can tell that she’s interested in the barbecue roast beef sandwich.”

My mom and I looked at each other, totally impressed at what we heard. My mom then took out a five dollar bill and said, “Young man, you didn’t have to work so hard to earn a tip—I would’ve given you one anyway.”

Winston grinned kinda sheepishly and thanked my mom, then he finished making our sandwiches and rang up our order, which I paid for.

Now, here’s the funny part: Mom and I had just sat down and said our grace, and I noticed that there were three peanut butter cookies in our meal. I knew that Mom had ordered one chocolate chip walnut cookie, and I ordered one white chocolate macadamia nut cookie, so why did we have three peanut butter cookies? Well, I went up to Winston and was about to correct the error, but Winston said, “Don’t worry about it—they’re on me. Besides, I know how much you like peanut butter.”

All I could say was: “Awwwwwwww—thank you! That’s really sweet.”

Y’all know that my mom teased me mercilessly about Winston being my crush—matter of fact, my mom said something about Winston using the right kinda bait to hook me. I simply laughed off my mom’s comments…

But y’all do know that I’m gonna go back and holla at Winston sometime this week, right? Hahahahaha!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Was He Flirting With Me?

Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out, y’all: I think I may have an admirer.

Notice that I said that I think I have an admirer. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, nor do I want to read too much into it, but judging by this fella’s actions this afternoon, I could very well be this guy’s crush. All I know about this fella is that his name is Winston, and he works at the sandwich shop that I frequent after I leave work.

Here’s what happened: After I clocked out of work this afternoon, I headed over to the sandwich shop to get my usual—turkey bacon avocado with Swiss cheese, mayo, and honey mustard. Anyway, while in the process of making my sandwich, Brother Winston was also making small talk with me… and yes, I obliged. He simply asked me how my day was going, and I merely responded that I had “a productively great day.” He then smiles and says: “Well, it’ll get better tomorrow—wink-wink!”

I actually thought that was a funny albeit corny joke, and I laughed.

So then, after ringing up my order, the fella says, “You know, Miss, I know that I just met you, but I can tell that you’re a teacher. You look like you’ve got the patience of Job, which is the most important characteristic that a teacher must have. As a matter of fact, you must be a kindergarten teacher.”

My eyes lit up, y’all!

“Um, how did you know I was studying to be a kindergarten teacher?” I inquired.

Without a hesitation, Brother Winston says to me: “Well, for one thing, you’ve got a great big heart, which suggests that you have a great big love for children. Not only that, but you’ve got to be a big kid at heart yourself. And dare I say, you’ve got an adorable baby face.”

And right then and there, I could feel my cheeks getting full and red—and believe me when I tell you: I was not the least bit embarrassed. I was very flattered!

Y’all do know that I’m going back to the sandwich shop tomorrow, right? Hahahahaha!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Cousin Calvin's Dilemma

Happy Monday, Everybody!

Now, y’all should already know by now: Whenever I have an interesting subject title (such as the one you see right now), y’all automatically know it’s a gooden!

So, my cousin Calvin picked me up from work this afternoon, and treated me to lunch… good ol’ Calvin! Anyway, he had a great story to tell me.

“Tasha, I’ve been hit by love,” he says with a cheesy grin.

Apparently, he has become totally smitten over one Karen Michelle Duncan, a girl who lives two houses down from my Gramma Jewel.

Now, I’m gonna be flat-out honest with y’all: I can really see Miss Karen in a long-term relationship with my cousin Calvin. I’ve held conversations with Miss Karen over the years, and she is definitely a rare breed. Much like me, Miss Karen is in college, and she is ten months away from graduating. She’s career-oriented, ambitious, and she’s willing to work toward her dreams.

Here’s the other jewel in the story: Miss Karen knows that she has piqued the interest of my lovestricken cousin; this was actually evident in last year’s Sapphire Street Block Party. If I remember correctly, Calvin took one look at Miss Karen, and that was all she wrote.

Now, here’s the dramatic part of this story: Calvin is having a hard time trying to figure out why he’s a stuttering mess whenever he’s around Karen, yet he can recite the Declaration of Independence when he’s around this other girl named Jasmine. Of course, I teased Calvin a little bit, but I had a very logical answer for him. I let Calvin know that he was maturing into an intelligent young man. You see, while I have never met this Jasmine chick, I can tell that she sounds like Ginger Grant, whereas Miss Karen is the epitome of Mary Ann Summers… and yes, I made references to Gilligan’s Island. Call it insight, call it a woman’s intuition, call it a hunch—the bottom line is this: I truly believe that Karen is the one for Calvin.

Now, in terms of Calvin’s difference of demeanor around both women, it’s a very simple explanation: You see, Calvin’s feelings for this Jasmine chick are nothing more than a physical attraction, hence the reason why he’s so comfortable around her. However, Karen is clearly a woman after Calvin’s own heart. Again, I have never met Jasmine—and for all I know, she’s probably a cool chick—but from what I gather, Karen is Calvin’s ideal. In the same light, the reason why Calvin is a stuttering mess around Karen is because he doesn’t want to come off as foolish or nonsensical. I assured Calvin that if Karen is anything like the women in our family (true-to-life, down-to-earth, and real from the heart), then she would appreciate Calvin a great deal if he just stays true to who he is.

By the way: Isn’t that a cute picture of Calvin and Karen?

I’ll let y’all know how this romance story pans out, but until then, y’all take care, and say a prayer for my cousin Calvin.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Secret Admirer Is Really Impressing Me!

Hi, Everyone!

I want to start off this blog post by saying that I am most certainly flattered… and I also want it stated for the record that I’m gonna have to wrap up Ruby in some duct tape if she don’t shut up!

Yes, the previous introduction has everything to do with my secret admirer. As you know, I received my second letter from him on yesterday afternoon, and it was just as sweet as the first one. Once again, I am at a loss for words that someone has a crush on me, and I am truly honored; at the same time, though, I wish I had a tiny clue as to who this brotha may very well be. Now, Ruby swears up and down that it’s Richard Cornelius, to which I very politely told her to shut the hell up. Besides, Ruby already knows who my mystery man is, and she made it emphatically clear that she was sworn to secrecy by this guy. That statement alone lets me further know that it damn sure ain’t none of Richard—we all know that it was around this time last year that he screwed up any and all chances of getting to know me better.

And yes, y’all—I will go on record to say that I did ask Ruby to give me a touch of a clue as to who my secret admirer could be. All Ruby said was that he is in our graduating class, and that she promised this guy that she wouldn’t spill the beans; she did, however, tell me that she encouraged the brotha to follow his heart and do what he feels is necessary to genuinely wow me.

Sounds like Ruby’s trying to school this fella on how to win my heart, in a manner of speaking of course… hahaha!

Well, I really hate to cut this blog post short, but there’s a matter of my Fine Arts paper that needs to be completed. I’ll be sure to run it by you all before I turn it into my class tomorrow morning. Until then, y’all take care and have a “gooden.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Special Surprise from My Sweetie Pie

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and I just got the sweetest letter from my Southern Cali sweetie—Ray Hernandez. I find this kinda ironic, considering that I have a mystery man up here at Rust who is admiring me from afar.

Anyway, in this particular letter, Ray makes mention that he hasn’t heard from me in a while, and vice-versa, so he decided to catch up with me to see how I’m doing, and to send me a copy of a picture that we had taken over the summer. And I must say that it’s a really cute picture of us together; it’s a picture of the two of us at the Santa Monica Pier, and I look like I’m in Heaven, don’t I… hahaha! I mean, the way that Ray has his arms around my waist, and the fact that I’m kinda nuzzled up close to him, and I look like I’m just melting—y’all can’t blame me for feeling how I felt that afternoon!

But I digress.

I’m actually glad that Ray is still thinking of me, considering that I’m halfway across the country. And no, that does not mean that I haven’t been thinking about him—it just means that I’ve been occupying my time with what truly matters such as my studies and my life as a Rustite. For instance, next weekend is Rust College Founders’ Day, and considering the fun that I had last year, y’all can just as well bet that I’m gonna repeat it this go-round. As a matter of fact, I need to call Auntie Gladys and see if she’s coming up here next weekend; it would be cool to hand out with her for Founders’ Day. I already know that Gramma Jewel won’t be able to make it, but I do have to wonder if Great Aunt Reesie will show up as well.

And again, I digress.

Well, if y’all will excuse me, I had better get to writing a reply to my Southern Cali sweetie pie. I’ll holla at y’all on Monday, but until then, y’all have a great rest-of-the-weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Is Craig Sweet On Me?

Hi, Everybody!

I’m still trying to figure what happened yesterday evening.

So, check this out, y’all: I may have mentioned a guy named Craig; he’s in my Foundations of Education, and he makes it his business to walk me to my dorm after class ends. Well, yesterday evening was no different—after class ended (and by the way, I’ll find out the results of my paper come this Monday), Craig walked me back to my dorm like usual, and we were actually talking about our respective familial ties to Rust College. And then all of a sudden, Craig catches my hand and kisses me on the cheek!

Now, I want to state for the record that I am not complaining one iota—as a matter of fact, I am very impressed that Craig showed initiative, but yet and still, I’m kinda shocked behind the whole thing; I mean, it just happened so fast. Well, I did ask Craig to explain his reasons for his actions, and he says to me: “Natasha, I’ve been watching you, and I can tell that you are different from these other chicks. You’re a different lady—you’re the kinda lady who carries herself as a woman should, and such a woman should be treated like she carries herself. And the other reason is that… well, I think you’re gorgeous.”

So, there I am, in the lobby of Emma Elzy Hall, just blushin’ like crazy, and I know I’ve got this big ass smile on my face because I can feel the muscles in my cheeks tightening up. Here’s the funny thing: I knew to thank him for the compliment, but the words just couldn’t come out. And I’ll be dipped—Craig looks at me and says: “You’re welcome.”

Am I to believe that Craig read my mind?

Well, the fact remains that Craig was bold enough to tell me that he likes me, but now I’m all confused—like that’s some big surprise! For one thing, I’m not used to receiving all of this attention from the fellas. Tell me: What is a sista to do?

One thing’s for certain: I am so totally lovin’ the attention that I’m gettin’!

Smooches,

Natasha

Floatin' On Cloud Nine, Y'all!

I still can’t get over it, y’all!

I’m trying to actually piece together in my mind the events that have transpired over the weekend. Try as I might to believe it, but I’m still in a state of shock—I, Natasha Renee Stewart, have a boyfriend!

If y’all thought I was giddy before, y’all shoulda seen me all day yesterday. It’s as if a whole new world has opened up for me. Skies are brighter, birds sing louder, and cheeseburgers taste that much more delicious. And I would like for someone to explain to me why every song on the radio describe how I feel right now? Check this out: I heard “Rock With U” by Ashanti, “Someone to Love You” by Ruff Endz, and “If You Ask Me To” by Patti LaBelle.

I tell y’all—I’ve never felt this way before, and I love it!

Now, I do want to state for the record that I have every right to be excited because stuff like this usually doesn’t happen to little ol’ me. Again, I am by no means ugly, but at the same time, I am no Halle Berry either. Hell, I’m not even Princess Tiana… and she’s a cartoon character, for cryin’ out loud! But yet and still, there is a guy out there—other than my dad, uncles, and cousins—who thinks that I am truly special, and in this past year alone, he has shown that through his actions.

I also want to state for the record that I am not talkin’ about marriage—I’m still a young girl with a bright future. Besides, Gramma Jewel gave me a long sermon last night, and her subject was entitled: “The Forest Has Other Things Other Than Trees.” She basically told me that I should take care not to waste all my time on Ray, and vice-versa. She even told me about her relationship with her fellow church member Bro. Hawkins; they’ve been dating for about six months now, and only this past weekend did they talk about being an exclusive couple. Gramma Jewel admitted that she enjoyed Bro. Hawkins’ company, but even at her age, she wasn’t about to rush into anything serious unless she got confirmation from The Lord Himself.

And the record still holds true: When Gramma Jewel is right, she’s right! I keep tellin’ y’all—Gramma Jewel’s got plenty wisdom for all who will listen. I admire, appreciate, respect, and value her wisdom and experience.

However, I am still willing to give this exclusive relationship my best effort. Let’s just see what develops, shall we?


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Wow! What A Weekend!

Hi, Everyone!

I think the title of today’s blog is pretty self-explanatory, but yes—it was definitely one of those type of weekends where everything just seemed perfect. For one thing, I want y’all to know that my dad enjoyed the Father’s Day poem that I made for him yesterday. He was so thrilled that he picked me up in the air, much like he used to do when I was little. The fact that my dad picked me up in the air (albeit for a short second) let me know that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

And that was just the beginning—wait until Daddy sees what I’ve got in store for him on his very special day next Sunday. That’s right, y’all—my dad’s got a birthday in seven days.

In other news, I had a great date with Ray on Saturday—and ladies, I want y’all to know that he’s still a gentleman! He got my mom some lavender roses, and he gave me a long-stemmed red-and-yellow rose; he explained that the red and yellow rose symbolized falling in love.

Ooh, he’s such a romantic!

Long story short: Much like our first date, Ray treated me to Fatburger, and later we went bowling. This time, though, much like we had discussed, it was two out of three falls. I won the first round 215-210, and Ray won the second round 260-250. The third and final round was very close… I mean, it really could’ve gone either way. Ray and I were both knockin’ out those strikes until the final frame, when all but two pins fell. They were on opposite sides of each other, and I could only knock down one. Upon seeing this, Ray looked at me and grinned, then he knocked down all but one pin. He picked up the spare, though, and in so doing, won the final round 291-290. Ray could’ve easily gloated, but instead he chose to bow humbly and raise my arm in a congratulatory fashion. He also said that he was willing to grant me a rematch if I ever wanted one. I told him to enjoy his victory, because I would be ready next week.

Oh, by the way: Ray loved his birthday brownies and peanut butter cookies, but he said that the greatest birthday present he ever received was to see me back home for longer than three weeks. Of course, this made me blush, and then he gave me a sweet kiss that caused me to turn redder than the sweetest rose. Needless to say, Ray and I made it officially official: We are exclusively boyfriend and girlfriend! We talked about our relationship and what we wanted out of it, and we both agreed that we gotta put something in it to expect positive results.

Wow, I can’t believe it—I finally have a boyfriend!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Theo's Admirer

Hi, Everyone! Long time, no holla!

 

So, check this out, y’all: Neo Theo has a not-so-secret admirer!

 

Here’s the skinny: Ruby, Theo, and I were at our usual spot in the cafeteria, just talking about random stuff. It was then that some girl walked past our table and started flirting with Theo—she batted her eyes and did that flirtatious little wave and everything. Theo waved back and continued talking to us. When Ruby and I inquired about the girl, Theo only mentioned that her name was Olivia and she was in his Physical Science class.

 

A couple of minutes later, the girl walked up to our table and asked Theo for the time. Ruby and I looked at each other and chuckled quietly while Theo told the girl that it was 12:30pm. The girl thanked Theo, squeezed his shoulder, and walked away, only to look back and grin rather shyly. I don’t think Theo was really paying attention, but Ruby and I sure were.

 

“Theo, are you blind and deaf?” Ruby asked. “That girl is seriously checkin’ you out.”

 

“Nah, she’s just being friendly, is all,” Theo answered innocently.

 

“Theo, take it from two girls who have flirted with guys before,” I said. “That girl was tryin’ to get you to notice her. Why do you think she asked you for the time? She was askin’ you if you had time for her.”

 

“And believe me—Tasha knows what she’s talkin’ about,” Ruby chuckled.

 

Before I could react to Ruby’s comments, she stopped me in my tracks and said, “Your venom doesn’t work on me, Vipress. Besides, you know I ain’t lyin’.”

 

Could it be that there’s a “romance” in the making between Theo and this Olivia chick? I don’t know much about her, other than she’s in the same dorm as me and Ruby. I’ll tell you this, though: Just as Theo is protective of me and Ruby, so are we protective of him. Miss Olivia had better recognize… and on behalf of Ruby, I’m just sayin’!

 

Until tomorrow, y’all take it light!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha