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

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

Cousin Calvin Asks for My Advice!

Happy Saturday, Everybody!

 

It was a little over two months ago when I told y’all about the dilemma in which my Cousin Calvin found himself. If you recall, he’s got a huge crush on one Karen Michelle Duncan, but at the same time, he likes this other girl named Jasmine.  He found himself able to talk to Jasmine with ease, but he was a stuttering mess around Kevin. Well, not much has changed since then, but would you believe that I actually got a phone call from Cousin Calvin about an hour ago?

 

“Tasha, I need some advice, and you’re the first person that I called,” he said with conviction.

Well, y’all already know me by now—I immediately let Cousin Calvin know how flattered I was that he chose me as his counselor of sorts. I mean, he could’ve gone to Gramma Jewel, Auntie Cherri, Uncle Alex… hell, he could’ve even gone to Cousin Vanessa, or even Cousin Becky, but he chose me from whom to get advice…

 

I’m serious, y’all—I am really touched!

 

Well, anyway, here’s the latest: Cousin Calvin met up with the Jasmine girl this afternoon for a little luncheon, and he told me that Jasmine was a wonderful soul, but in the midst of their conversation, he discovered that she meant absolutely nothing to him.

 

“Don’t get me wrong—Jasmine is a great gal,” Cousin Calvin stated. “She’s a fun person to be around and she’s everything that I’m looking for in a woman; it’s just that she’s not the one for me.”

 

Of course, I asked Cousin Calvin why Jasmine meant nothing to him, and here was his response:

 

“Well, Tasha, I remembered what you had told me when I first told you about my dilemma. You made mention that I was only physically attracted to Jasmine. I thought about that, and I discovered that you were absolutely right. Plus, Jasmine told me herself that she’s not the one for me, but she wanted me to invite her to my wedding, just so she can tell my future wife how great a guy I am.”

 

I let Cousin Calvin know that Jasmine was simply a guardian angel who was sent to protect Calvin’s heart until the right woman came along… and as far as I’m concerned, that right woman is Miss Karen! Oh, yes—I remain very adamant in my thinking, and it is because of my intuition that I strongly suggested to Cousin Calvin that he ask Karen out before it gets too late.

 

Well, I reckon I’d better end today’s blog post, but I’ll definitely keep y’all updated on Calvin and his romances… hahaha!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Latest News Stories, with Natasha Renee Stewart

Hi, Everybody!

Notwithstanding my internship at Carter Elementary, there is so much going on that I feel like I should be a newscaster on the KTLA Morning News.

First and foremost, the countdown is officially on! We are literally one week from celebrating my Gramma Jewel’s fourscore birthday. That’s right, y’all—in exactly seven days, my Gramma Jewel will be eighty years old! This past Saturday, my family and I had our last meeting, and we tied up any and all loose ends in order to put together a great celebration for our beloved matriarch. Now, I still can’t tell y’all what we planned, for fear that even the tiniest bit of information may get back to Gramma Jewel, but I can say that she will really love what we have in store for her.

In other news, I got another email from “he who shall not be named” yesterday evening, but I didn’t read it until I got home.  He begins by saying that Rust College must be keeping me pretty busy on account of he hadn’t heard from me in over a month. Just for the record, I love that he still thinks I’m back at Rust—I want that jackass to keep thinking that, too! My plan is working all too well, and that’s a good thing, because I still won’t allow myself to contact him until I feel damn good and ready. Now, check this out, y’all: He also decided to quote Tyrese’s new song and say that he is ashamed of himself for doing me wrong... and when I read that bullshit, I instantly holla’d. If he thinks that singing songs from Tyrese is gonna win me back, then he really needs to go and come again. Besides, my women’s intuition is still cuttin’ up sideways. Like I said a month ago: I was smart enough to forgive him, but I am not stupid enough to trust him. And yes, eventually I will make contact with him, but on my terms—and seeing as how he still believes I’m at Rust, I’m gonna see to it that his ass waits until mid-December.

Well, that’s all the news I have for this evening, but until next time, y’all keep it here for the latest updates… hahahaha!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

From the Frying Pan and Into the Fire!

Hi, Y’all!

Yes, it has certainly been a good minutes since I last holla’d at y’all, but as I mentioned in my last blog post, business has picked up at Carter Elementary, and I am loving every single last minute of it!

Check this out, y’all: Mrs. Martin has decided that we will take turns teaching the kindergarteners—she will teach on Mondays and Wednesdays, I will teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we will alternate on Fridays. We actually implemented this plan on last Friday. While I loved the idea, I actually suggested to Mrs. Martin that we both share Fridays; she could teach in the morning and I could teach in the afternoon, or vice-versa… and I’ll be doggone if Mrs. Martin didn’t say to me: “I was hoping you would say that, Dearie.”

Great minds still think alike, y’all!

Well, since today was my day… oh, y’all already know what I’m gonna say: I had so much fun teaching the little ones today. My lesson was all about the true meaning of friendship. While I didn’t get too deep into the subject (these are little children after all, but I still didn’t want to give them too much too fast), I like to believe that I taught them what they needed to know at the moment. Of course, I had to mention my peeps at Rust… hahahaha! And why not—I mean, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention Ruby and Azalea (I left Theo and Craig out for a specific reason). Some of the kindergarteners were curious as to which of my friends I liked the most, and I explained that there is no such thing as “who I like the most.” I was quick to point out that I am closer to Ruby than I am Azalea, but that doesn’t make Azalea any less my friend. I further explained that my friendship with Ruby is totally different from my friendship with Azalea, but they are both a huge part of my life, and I love them equally.

I actually marveled with delight when I saw the little ones actually nodding in approval—they understood the little that I gave them, and I was quite thrilled. In fact, I was so thrilled that I looked over at Mrs. Martin, and she simply smiled and nodded.

And yes, y’all already know what I’m gonna say, but what the hell—I’m gonna say it anyway: All of this hands-on experience is helping me reach my goal of becoming the best damn kindergarten teacher in history. I am also aware that I don’t have to be like my Grampa Clark, nor do I have to be like Mr. D, and I definitely don’t have to be like Mrs. Martin, but I can sure take their lesson and examples, alongside with that which I’ve learned at Rust, and I will definitely make my mark in history.

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

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Just A Quick Update For Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

Yes, I know that it’s been a week since I last holla’d at y’all, but I’m sure y’all can understand that I’ve become a busy bee up here at Carter Elementary. As the legendary Jim Ross would say: “Business has picked up.” For one thing, these little kindergarteners continue to wow me, and they also give me little reminders of yesteryear, when I was their age.

In other news, I got a couple of emails from all my peeps at Rust, all of whom have told me that they’ve somehow managed to continue through their Rust journey without me… and y’all already know that I let those so-and-so’s know that they’ve got hell to pay when I return. I haven’t told them yet, but I’m planning to make a surprise cameo appearance during this year’s homecoming/founder’s day. I’m actually going to check out some airline prices sometime this weekend, and of course I’m gonna have to check with Mrs. Martin and see if she will allow me that Friday off.

As you all can see, it’s still up in the air, but it never hurts to dream.

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

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

My First Blog Post Back, After Some Much Needed R&R

Hi, Everybody… and Happy New Fall Season!

Now, I know what you’re gonna say: “Natasha, it’s been a whole week since we last heard from you.” Where have you been, Girl? And how’s your internship coming along?”

Well, I’m gonna do like Paula Abdul and tell y’all straight up: This bright-eyed Vipress suffered from the worst case of burnout since my junior year at Rust… I mean, I was some kinda worn out on Friday! Usually, I head up to the library after I clock out from my internship, but lemme tell y’all something: After that dismissal bell rang on Friday, Mrs. Martin and I wished each other a good weekend, and then I got on the bus and headed straight home. Matter of fact, a sista was plumb tuckered out, so much so, that as soon as I got home on Friday evening, I walked right into my bedroom and just freakin’ crashed face first on my bed! I must’ve been some kinda tired, too, because the last thing I remember was closing my eyes, and before I knew it, I had a dream that the phone was ringing. Come to find out, the phone really was ringing—it was my dad. He had left a message saying that he was ordering food from Mr. Chuck’s restaurant on account of it was too hot to cook… and it most certainly was.

As for my internship at Carter Elementary, this is Week Four, and I’m learning more and more about what it takes to be a great teacher… and yes, the little ones are still the highlights of my day. I tell y’all—they are truly some little wonders. Everytime I converse with these kindergarteners or interact with them, I get a clearer understanding of why Mrs. Martin, Mr. D, and my Grampa Clark loved what they do. I can also put my Uncle Anthony on this list—he may not teach kindergarteners, but he is still a teacher.

Well, I reckon I’d better close up this here blog post, but I shall holla at y’all later on. Before I do, though, I gotta point out: I spent this past entire weekend catching up on some good ol’ fashioned R&R, and now I feel quite rejuvenated. Now, let’s see what the new fall season of 2015 has in store for us!

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

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha