The True Act of Forgiveness

Hi, Everybody!

Today’s blog post is quite interesting… and that’s just putting it mildly!

Y’all ain’t gonna believe this crazy dream I had last night. Here’s what happened: I was walking along this long road in the middle of seemingly nowhere. The sky was filled with storm clouds, but there wasn’t so much as a drizzle, let alone a downpour. Anyway, as I continued walking along this path, I heard someone in the distance cry out for help. I raced over to the sound of the distressed voice, where I came across this deep, dark pit. When I looked down into the pit—y’all ain’t gonna believe this—it was none other than Ray Hernandez!

Yes, the same Ray Hernandez who broke my heart!

Anyway, I remember grabbing a rope from seemingly out of thin air and threw one end to him while I tied the other end to a large oak tree. When Ray climbed to the surface, I pulled him out of the pit, where he crawled towards the tree and collapsed. He thanked me for saving his life, and I simply nodded and said to him: “It’s okay—you’re forgiven.”

The strangest thing, though: When I woke up this morning, I clearly shouted out: “I forgive you, Ray!”

Since it was loud enough for Ruby to hear, she explained that the dream I had had was merely a sign that I had officially let go of my hurt and fears. I kinda understand what she meant by that, but I’m still a little lost as to the part about my “officially letting go,” especially considering that I had stated a week or so ago that I understood my worth as a young woman, and that I set the little boy free to do whatever the hell he wanted.

Well, I called Gramma Jewel this evening, and she broke it down for me, as only she could—Gramma Jewel basically said that although I had given myself time to heal, the anger that I still harbored would not allow me to forgive Ray. Only after I stopped being angry and understood my worth did I have that dream where I officially forgave Ray.

I tell y’all—Gramma Jewel be breakin’ it down for a sista!

Okay, it’s time for me to close up this here blog post, but I’ll be hollin’ at y’all tomorrow. I will say this, though: All things considered, I feel like I lost fifty pounds… emotionally, that is!

Smooches,

Natasha

Another Note from My Secret Admirer

Happy Monday, Everybody!

So, I got another sweet little letter from my secret admirer. Just listen to this:

Dearest Natasha:

It has come to my attention that you may have plans for Valentine’s Day. If this is the case, then I hope that you are treated like the special lady that you are. In the meantime, I hope you are available the day after Valentine’s Day, because I think it’s time to finally unveil my identity. Yes, Natasha—four months is long enough, and to be honest, I really don’t know how I managed to keep my identity such a secret, but somehow I did it.

Before I close this letter, I must paraphrase the lyrics of an oldie but a goodie:

Why do I keep my mind on you all the time?

And I don’t even know you.

Why do I feel this way, thinking about you everyday?

And I don’t even know you.

I’ll take you in my arms, and fill you with all of my charm.

I wanna take to the sky on a natural high,

Hopefully one day, it will be you and I.

Take to the sky on a natural high…

Oh, what the hell! Natasha, you’re too sweet of a lady for me to keep beating around the bush with you. Here’s the truth: Plain and simple, I like you!

Sincerely,

Your Secret Admirer

It’s nice to see that my mystery man kept it simple in this letter, considering that I already know he likes me. It also sounds like he will reveal his true identity on the day after Valentine’s Day, if not the day of. Well, I’m a pretty patient gal—I can hold out for another three weeks, give or take.

Until tomorrow, y’all have a gooden.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Snippet from Auntie Cherri's Book

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I would like to wish a Happy 47^th Birthday to my cousin Jade Freeman. Keep on shinin’ bright like the diamond that you are, Cuzzo!

So, I got an email from my Auntie Cherri around 7:30am CST this morning. She asked me to revise and proofread a particular section of her upcoming autobiography, of which she has yet to find a title. Well, I admit that I didn’t really proofread Auntie Cherri’s work on account of I was too busy reading about the time she saved a pregnant woman’s life… that’s right—she’s gonna put that story in her book.

Anyway, check out what Auntie Cherri had to say on that fateful day.

It was Friday, February 22, 2013, and I had a feeling that it would just be one of those days. It all began when I woke up late, meaning that I had no time to make my lunch. On top of that, I didn’t have any more strawberry granola bars for breakfast. This meant that my stomach would be growling like mad up until lunchtime. Oh, well—I did have some money to get a sandwich at the nearby deli.

When 11:30 a.m. came around, I clocked out so quickly that I almost forgot my purse and cellphone. On my way out the door, I let my supervisor know that I would be gone for an hour. I awaited the crosswalk signal to turn green, literally—or perhaps figuratively—tasting that barbecue chicken cheesesteak sandwich with buffalo fries. Just the thought of that sandwich made my stomach growl so loudly that it sounded like a dog was nearby.

Finally, the light turned green, and I started across the street. In my peripheral vision, I saw some awkward movement to my left. When I turned to my left, a pregnant woman was walking rather slowly. I took a good look at her, and noticed that her eyes looked pretty glazed over. I asked if she was okay, and to my surprise, she was about to collapse.

Not even giving it a second thought, I dropped below her and carried her safely across the street. Once we were safely across, I lay her gently on the sidewalk and asked one of the passers-by to call the paramedics I checked for a pulse. Remarkably, the woman not only had a pulse, but she was also waking up. In the process of awakening, however, she screamed something serious. As it turned out, she had immediately gone into labor.

Speaking both as a reader and as her niece, I feel that Auntie Cherri is doing the right thing by putting this event into her story. I felt like I was right there with her, from the time she left the house to the time she clocked out for lunch. Keep in mind, though: This is only a snippet of Auntie Cherri’s story; we all know that she saved the lady’s life and delivered her baby, but what happened after that? Did Auntie Cherri ever get her barbecue chicken cheesesteak? How did it feel to be interviewed on the news?

The answer to these and many other questions, just as soon as Auntie Cherri gets her book published. Right now, she’s got writer’s block and hasn’t really written anything since Christmas, but she has at least gone back and dusted off this particular section of her autobiography.

Until next time, y’all have a good rest-of-the-weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflecting on the Sapp Hall of Fame Ceremony



The legends of Sapp Elementary, with Principal Wilson (centered in black and silver).



Happy Friday, Everybody!

Well, like I promised y’all yesterday, I’ve got a greaten for today—just go ahead and check it out!

Even though we are twenty-four days into this new year, I must reflect on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013. It was on that aforementioned night that Sapp Elementary had their Hall of Fame ceremony, thus honoring five great legendary teachers who made their mark in the lives and hearts of every Sappster. What made this night so special for my family was that my Uncle Anthony was chosen and volunteered to accept an award on behalf of my Grampa Clark. And I must also make mention of Grampa Clark’s colleagues: Mrs. Betty Bradley, who taught Second Graders for fourteen years; Mr. Mike Thundera, who taught Eighth Graders for twenty-three years; Mrs. Cynthia Harvey, who taught First Graders for twenty-seven years; and Mr. Hal Arthur, who taught Third Graders for thirty-six years.

What I loved the most about this ceremony was that Mr. Arthur, Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Thundera, and Mrs. Bradley acknowledged my Grampa Clark in their appreciation speeches—and why not? I mean, after all, he was their colleague… or as they all said it, he was their big brother. I also liked how each legend mentioned the children; as a matter of fact, it was Mr. Arthur who said it best: “A real teacher gives a damn about the kids, regardless of whatever!”

Oh, and I should also point out that the Sapp Elementary Family saved Grampa Clark for last. As a matter of fact, when Mr. D got up to induct Grampa Clark, everyone in the Promenade Room at Marina Del Rey Marriott began to cheer. Finally, Uncle Anthony stood up and accepted the Hall of Fame Award, and in doing so, gave such a heartfelt speech that it felt like Grampa Clark was sitting right in that room with us all.

Uncle Anthony talked about the sacrifices and the dedication that it takes to being a loyal teacher—after all, he himself teaches Eighth Graders at Robert L. Johnson Elementary. Well, anyway, Uncle Anthony talked about how Grampa Clark would come home virtually every day with stories about a “fresh-faced youngster who made his day that much sweeter.” Finally, after accepting the Hall of Fame award, Uncle Anthony concluded his speech by holding up the award and declaring a la Grampa Clark: “You betta know that’s right!”

Suffice to say, it was a very beautiful ceremony, and I am glad that I was able to witness it. And I already know that Cousin Lionel, Cousin Calvin, and Cousin Matthew were all extra thrilled to meet singer Tiffany Summers! But anyway, the Sapp Hall of Fame ceremony is yet more proof that I have a whole lot to look forward to when I become a teacher.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Perspective on Popularity

Hi, Everyone!

Well, I promised that I would post a blog today, but I never promised that it would be at least five hundred words. I’m gonna try to make an attempt at it, though—so here goes everything!

Yesterday evening, I was watching a clip on YouTube in which one Mean Gene Okerlund was interviewing the legendary Randy “Macho Man” Savage. After the interview was over, Mean Gene said: “Some are born into greatness, while others have it thrust upon them—and some others steal it. Which have we seen? It’s not for me to decide.”

I said all that to say this: Ever since my Rust College debut a little over a year ago, I have noticed that the guys have been giving me a lot of attention. I hate to bring up that jerk-ass Richard Cornelius, but unfortunately I’ve got to. And then of course, there was Mr. Hernandez from my high school days… but that’s neither here nor there. Lately, however, I’ve got fellow Rustite and future college alum Craig Dixon crushin’ after me; we’ve been chattin’ it up for a minute now. And then there’s my secret admirer whose identity has still yet to be revealed—and Ruby still has kept the name clandestine; she ain’t spillin’ the beans at all! I gotta give Ruby credit for keeping a secret; she’s really good at that.

Now, as it relates to what Mean Gene said about popularity and greatness, I guess if I had to choose, I would say that it has been thrust upon me. While I’m only nineteen years old, I’ve never really fashioned myself as a popular chick. I will freely admit that in high school, I was no Halle Berry, nor was I Gabrielle Union—and I sure as heck ain’t no Tina Turner! Hell, I’ll go y’all one better and say that I’m not even my mom or my Auntie Cherri! I have always been Natasha Renee Stewart, the petite little background chick, and I like it that way. And while I’m thinking about it, I want to once again reiterate something that I mentioned last year: I came to Rust College to learn how to be the best damn kindergarten teacher in the world. Granted, I do appreciate the attention that I’ve been getting, but I am not setting out to be the most popular chick in Bearcat Country… okay, so I’ve thrown my name in the hat for Miss Rust College 2015-16, but that’s only because I want a challenge. Besides, according to my dad and my uncles, I’m a knockout anyway!

Well, I guess I’d better close this post, but I’ll be back tomorrow with a “greaten!” You read correctly—it’s not a gooden, but it’s a greaten!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Spending A Day with Craig Dixon

Hi, Everyone!

There’s a reason why I didn’t have a blog post yesterday, and that reason has everything to do with one Craig Dixon—you see, I spent practically the whole day with him. I’ve already told y’all that we are both taking Language Arts K-8 together, so let me just tell y’all about our day yesterday.

We had just left Language Arts K-8 class, and it was time for lunch, but I had to head to my dorm to get my books for my Spanish II at 1pm. Well, not only did Craig walk me to my dorm, but he waited on me in the lobby. So, as we were heading to the cafeteria, Craig instantly saw Ruby and Theo; he knew that I always kick it with my peeps at lunch, so he decided to escort me to my seat, then he pulled my chair out for me and told me that he would holla at me later for a study session in the library—we’ve been studying for an upcoming test.

Anyway, later on that evening, Craig and I finished our study session, then he just reached out and kissed me on my cheek. I was both shocked and appreciative, but I was also curious. For the record, I always knew that Craig liked me—he was quite vocal about that fact about five months ago—but I had to ask of his incentive for kissing me on the cheek. Well, Craig smiled at me and gave me two legitimate reasons why he kissed me:

1) Just Because

2) See Reason #1

My response: “Awwwwwwwwwww, Craig—that’s so sweet.”

And then, Craig told me something that totally surprised me—he said that he could tell that I was protecting my heart on account of a past hurt. He told me that he noticed my “somewhat standoffish attitude” during our first day in Language Arts K-8 class two weeks ago. He also let me know that any man foolish enough to break my heart would surely get kicked in the ass… yes, those were Craig’s exact words, and that was very sweet of him to say.

I guess my reputation at Rust is pretty well-known!

Well, y’all, I had better get going, but I shall holla at y’all tomorrow.

Peace Out!
Natasha

In Loving Memory of Russell "The Professor" Johnson

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

As you can see, today’s blog post is dedicated to the loving memory of Russell David Johnson, whom we all came to know and love as Dr. Roy Hinkley—a.k.a. the professor from Gilligan’s Island.

Mr. Johnson was 89 years old when he passed away in his sleep this past Thursday at his home in Bainbridge Island, Washington. When word got out about his passing the other day, I immediately went to Google so I could find a decent picture of Mr. Johnson portraying the lovable professor… and this was the best picture I could find! The reason why I don’t particularly care for this picture is because of the episode itself. You see, Professor Hinkley was trying to convince his fellow castaways that voodoo was nothing more than silly superstition, and while he was explaining this, he wound up being hypnotized by a voodoo priest.

Ironic, ain’t it? Well, here’s some more irony for you: I actually love that episode!

My other favorite episode is where Mr. & Mrs. Howell explain to Professor Hinkley that Gilligan and Skipper somehow found themselves pasted to the S.S. Minnow, thanks in part to some glue that Gilligan had made. Well, Professor Hinkley explains to the Howells that the glue is permanent and there is nothing on the island that can dissolve it. Professor Hinkley then goes on to say: “Do you what that would take? It would take a polyester derivative of an organic hydroxide molecule.” Well, upon hearing this, Mrs. Howell looks away in disgust, while Mr. Howell scolds Professor Hinkley: “Watch your language! You’re in the presence of a lady!”

The whole scene is funny to me, all things considered—and check this out: Professor Hinkley actually apologizes for his “language” (such as the case was)… hahahaha!

And speaking of his language, it was reported that Mr. Johnson requested that the scientific jargon and intellectual lingo be legitimate in order to play the role of such a knowledgeable character. Now, that is what I call true passion for developing one’s character.

Now, I am aware that Mr. Johnson was in various movies and dramas, and even some westerns; however, he will forever in my heart be known as Professor Hinkley. I surely hope he’s having fun up there with Gilligan, the Skipper, too, and the millionaire and his wife.

Thanks for the knowledge, Professor Hinkley—and thank you for your great acting skills, Mr. Johnson!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha