Freedom To Speak, Beauty To See, Blessings To Share

CashApp: Cheesiepeesie

https://youtube.com/@askvelvet?si=JUKwdje25y6_8LM-

https://gofund.me/308e1dc89

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:03

From the porch to the couch or wherever I be. Real talk my way, real life. Yeah, that's me. Keeping it real, no scripts, no filters. Just say how I feel, no gimmicks, no fillers. Now that you've got the vibe, welcome to the show. Sit back, relax, let the stories flow. Laugh a little, think a little, stay for a while. Real conversations, velvet style. Good morning, good morning. It's a little chilly Sunday morning, not extremely cold, but just cold enough to make you turn that heat back on. And yes, I've had to do that for the past few days. But you know what? It still feels good out here. I'm sitting on my front porch, wrapped up in my pajamas and my bathrobe, just taking in the morning air, listening to the birds chirp, watching the cars roll down the street, seeing people in the neighborhood starting their day, some getting ready for church, some just moving around. And me, I'm just sitting here taking it all in. And as I sit here, I'm reminded of something. Even when it's a little chilly, today is still beautiful. And I'm thankful. You know, one of the things I really appreciate is being able to come on my podcast and just share my real day-to-day life with you all. Because the truth is, on a lot of my social media, I have to be very careful about what I say. I try to share these kinds of moments on the next door app. You know, just checking in with my neighbors, sharing gratitude, talking about everyday life, but I've noticed something. They don't really allow you to just be. They call it spamming. They regulate your voice, and now my account has been suspended again, this time until the middle of April. And honestly, this is the second time. So at this point, I've made a decision. When I get access back to my account, I'm going to shut it down. Because if you can't express yourself freely, if you can't just share a simple moment of gratitude or daily life without being censored, then it's not worth it. I don't say anything harmful, I don't spread negativity, I just share life. And that's the beauty of this space right here. My podcast. Here, I can speak freely, I can be real, I can be me, I can share my opinions. And speaking of my neighborhood, I actually have something positive to share. We finally got a clothing store in the neighborhood. It's called Borrow Time Clothing, and it's on Sheriff Road. And I had the chance to go in and meet the owners. It's a black couple, black owned business, and I love to see that. Not only that, but they're also going to be opening up a restaurant and delis. So now we're looking at two eateries in the neighborhood and a clothing store, all right here where we live. The Deanwood neighborhood. And that's something we've needed. I went inside, looked around a bit, and from what I can see already, it's going to be really nice. They've got t-shirts now, and they said they're bringing in sweatpants, shoes, and more clothing. Their grand opening is April 1st, and I'm definitely going to try to go back and support. Now I'm not sure how it's going to do in the neighborhood, but I truly hope it does well, because this is the kind of growth we need. Places where people don't have to go far to get what they need. Businesses that actually pour back into the community. So I'm excited, I really am, and I can't wait to go back and see how everything comes together. Before we go any further, let's take a moment. Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for waking us up this morning and allowing us to see another beautiful Sunday, even if it's a little chilly. Thank you for the simple things, the fresh air, the sound of birds, the quiet moments, and the peace that comes with just being still. Thank you, Lord, for growth, not just in our personal lives, but in our communities for new beginnings, new businesses, and new opportunities. Lord, I ask that you cover everyone listening right now. Bring peace to their minds, comfort to their hearts, and strength for whatever they may be facing. Bless the works of our hands and bless those who are stepping out on faith like these new businesses owners. Trying to build something meaningful. Remind us to find beauty in every day, even in the small moments, and give us the courage to stand in our truth, to be ourselves unapologetically and to walk in peace no matter what spaces try to silence us. In Jesus' name, amen. So as I sit out here on my front porch this morning, just soaking it all in, I just want to remind you, take a moment today, step outside if you can, breathe in the air, listen to the world around you, because even in the chill, there's still beauty. And if you enjoy moments like this and you want to support the podcast, you can always tap that support button or send support through my GoFundMe or Cash App. The link is in the description. And as always, thank you for being here with me. This is Ask Velvet Podcast, and I'll see you next time. Probably right here on my front porch.