Tag: dailyprompt

Housing & Homelessness

• The global housing crisis leaves millions without stable shelter.
• Rising costs and lack of affordable options are seen as failures of policy and planning.

When I’m deep into my work at home—whether I’m crafting candles, writing, or just keeping life in motion—music and mindful videos play a big part in setting the tone. If I’m in a music mood, Gospel is my go-to. There’s something powerful and grounding about melodies that speak to the soul. It lifts me up without pulling me away, allowing my spirit to stay engaged and my hands to keep moving.

But most days, it’s YouTube that becomes my background companion. I gravitate toward creators who share their candle-making journeys, those who speak with spiritual intention, and voices that soothe me rather than distract me. I’ve learned that it’s all about finding content that doesn’t demand my eyes—because once I start looking up at the screen, I lose my flow.

Listening without watching has become a skill. It allows me to stay rooted in my tasks while still filling my space with inspiration. There’s a special kind of harmony in hearing someone speak from the heart while your own hands are busy with purpose. That’s how I stay connected. That’s how I stay focused.

One of my favorite board games of all time is Clue. I played it for the first time with my family, and it was hands down the most fun and interesting game I’ve ever experienced. The thrill of collecting clues to figure out who killed who, in what room, with which weapon—it was like stepping into a mystery novel come to life.

Even as a kid, I had an eye for solving things. Whether I was watching TV or trying to piece together what was happening in a movie, I was always drawn to uncovering secrets and hidden motives. Playing Clue was like unlocking that same curiosity in real time. Every dice roll, every accusation, every card drawn lit up that detective side of me.

It wasn’t just about the game—it was the joy of sharing laughs, strategy, and “a-ha!” moments with my family. That first time playing Clue wasn’t just entertainment; it reminded me how much I love figuring out the story behind the story. And honestly? That little girl with big questions and a sharp mind is still a part of me today.

Lately, I’ve been craving a meal that feels like home. Not just in taste—but in spirit. I want to make:

• Cabbage mixed with collard greens, because both deserve a seat at the table. They’re earthy, tender, and packed with wisdom—just like the voices I grew up listening to in my childhood kitchen.
• Fried Chicken, with crispy skin and seasoned just right. The kind that crackles with love and whispers, “Baby, sit down and rest a while.”
• Golden Cornbread, fresh from the oven, with edges just a little crisp and a heart that crumbles warm in your hand. A slice of peace that pairs perfectly with everything.

There’s a certain joy that comes with having a grandbaby—not just the kind that calls you Grandma, but the kind with four legs, soulful eyes, and a tail that does half the talking.

Brendan is my daughter’s Black Lab, and calling him “funny” barely scratches the surface. He studies me like I’m his favorite subject. It’s as if he knows what I’m thinking before I even say a word. There’s a rhythm to our connection—a silent understanding that only comes from deep affection.

I spend a few weeks at my daughter’s house, soaking in every moment with him. We fall into our own routine: laughs, cuddles, long gazes, and little conversations in the language only we speak. Then it’s time for me to head home, and the quiet is loud. I miss him more than I expect—more than I admit sometimes.

But every time I come back, Brendan makes sure I know I was missed just as much. The tail wags faster. The kisses come quicker. The joy is tangible. It’s love, pure and sweet.

This little love story between me and my grandbaby dog is a reminder: connection isn’t always spoken. Sometimes it’s in shared glances, gentle nudges, and the simple joy of being known.

There’s a kind of magic that happens when you find yourself doing something you truly love—so much that you lose track of time. For me, that magic lives in blogging and preparing content for my YouTube channel IamCree, set to launch this September. I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement each time I think about stepping into the lane of purpose that’s always waited patiently for me.

My life’s journey has been painted with vibrant strokes of service, community, and connection. I spent years working in both elementary and high schools, surrounded by children whose laughter, honesty, and potential lit up my world. Those days weren’t just jobs—they were callings. I poured into young lives, helping guide them with love, consistency, and the kind of encouragement every child deserves.

For 15 years, I also worked ringing up customers and working in self-checkout at Walmart. That may seem like an unexpected chapter, but it was one rich with conversations, familiar faces, and everyday moments that taught me the beauty of people. I saw the elderly man who always carried exact change, the young mother juggling kids and coupons, the teenager nervous about his first card transaction. They were stories—and I was listening.

Now, I know deep in my soul that YouTube is where I’m called to amplify my voice. It’s the platform where I’ll communicate, inspire, encourage, and touch hundreds of thousands. It’s no longer just an idea—it’s a vision unfolding.

And let’s not forget my love for candles 🕯️. I’m a proud candle maker. There’s something special about crafting scents that feel like comfort, nostalgia, or joy in a jar. Candle making taught me that even quiet creativity can speak loudly when it’s done with love.

I’m not just chasing dreams anymore—I’m catching them. And with every blog post, video, and candle, I hope to pass that spark on to someone else. Because everyone deserves to lose track of time doing what they were born to do.

https://www.youtube.com/@Iamlacrease/videos

Since having a stroke definitely security. A new chapter has begun and Im loving it.

Every day brings something different. I’m learning. Adventure is coming later.