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Val
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Oct 18, 2011 01:09AM
Thank you, Rachel!! :) (In those cases I really *can't* keep my mouth shut! ;) )
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Ok I think I posted my last pumpkin recipe, lol...at least until November! Although I still have some pumpkin left over, I might make some pumpkin oatmeal tomorrow. Mmm...you know your a foodie when you are thinking about breakfast the night before! haha
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Lee,yes, isn't it!? I know, most European countries have banned the tail & ear clipping for dogs many, many years ago (thank Heaven!!!) but here in Italy they still do it. There's one famous Sicilian breed called 'Cane Corso' http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/canecorso...
and unfortunately many still think they must look like this! (I think the ears are no longer allowed to be clipped here in Italy either).
I just find the idea appalling to cut anything off a poor animal and justifying that when it's done young enough, they don't feel it!? WTF, the nerves aren't there yet? Hello!..
Don't even get me started on de-clawing cats! I never even heard of that procedure until I met my husband and learned it's quite common in the USA!.. Thankfully it's completely forbidden all over Europe! (In Japan they cut dogs' vocal cords in order to not have complaints from other tenants or neighbors..)
Humans just come up with the worst ideas when it comes to animals!.. :(
Yes, it's hard not to get worked up over things one feels compassionate about!..
What I find hard too sometimes is to chose whether or not to say something to someone who claims that all of their milk/cheese/eggs is coming from 'happy cows' or 'happy chicken', relying on the words 'organic' or 'cage free' where we all know, that doesn't mean *anything* really!..
What do you do? Do you try to educate those people or just think your piece?
Emszy wrote: "That is awful about the puppy tails! I can't imagine why people would still want/need to do that. I can imagine how you would have become distressed! I would have too.I think they would miss you i..."
Aw thank you for saying that, Emszy!
While I don't have much faith in the people, I'd like to think there is maybe one that thinks about what I said.. Either way, in those cases I just can't be quiet! It's just very sad to see how animals are being treated especially also in a military community like here! People buy or take animals only to leave them behind once they're getting ready to leave and claiming that things came up too quickly etc. which is a big BS! Usually one knows 9-6 months in advance where the next duty station will be and has *plenty* of time to plan accordingly, get paperwork done etc. In the end convenience and money is often the issue (heavier dogs can cost up to 1.000$ to fly commercial.. vs. on a military plane -with only 5 spaces for animals on each flight- 300$!) and it just makes me sick! To me, my cats (and dogs if we would have some) are family members that I could never leave behind like it's a 'thing'!
The particular person who posted the question had come by my house a week or two before to buy something from me and told me they left their 5-6 yr. old German Shepherd in the USA as it was "too complicated" to get him with them.. For that you'll have to know, all military members are allowed to have 2 animals accompany them on a new duty station, unless it's a station where *no* animals are allowed!! Yet soon after that woman told me about it, they bought a puppy here!.. I don't even want to know if this poor puppy will make it with them back to the US once it's a full grown 100 lbs + full grown dog!.. :(
Hey Ladies...Blog technical question. Are you seeing my comments? I have been having SO many issues with being able to make comments on other blogs. I googled and troubleshooted and found out that google is having this issue and they are working on it. They suggested I download Google Chrome browser and I did...but now whenever I ever I comment, it shows up for a minute then disappears.
Farrah wrote: "Hey Ladies...Blog technical question. Are you seeing my comments? I have been having SO many issues with being able to make comments on other blogs. I googled and troubleshooted and found out that..."Farrah, What a pain. But, yes, I'm seeing your comments. I see one that you made today. I hope it gets straightened out on your end!
Ok thanks. Yeah, it is annoying. And there are so many wonderful blogs out there. I was just on randommofo and can just read so many...so many creative, talented vegan bloggers out there!
Farrah, What's randommofo's URL? Thanks.
:) Warning...it is addicting. But even though there are SO many blogs out there...I found one blog by this woman...http://simplytink.blogspot.com/ who was actually standing in front of me at the vegfest in DC! LOL! We were both standing in line waiting for our 30 Day Vegan Challenge books to be signed.
Mod
Emszy,see for us military members cats don't cost as much but dogs do, depending on the weight. (Cane Corsos for ex. have to have a crate built as no regular transportation crate is big enough for them -same goes for Great Danes.) I get it that it's a lot of $, of course it is! We wouldn't just have it "left over" but that's something one knows before getting a dog of a big size! That's my whole issue with those people! They see a puppy and think "Aww, look how cute!" followed by "I want one!", not thinking of further consequences!
Like you said, once you take in an animal, you've made a commitment! [Unless it ends up harming your family, especially kids, that's another story IMO]
Farrah wrote: "Hehe I think the comparison with the nun suggesting the best place to find a hooker is HILARIOUS! LOVE IT. As far as what the "ethical" vegetarian did...I understand your frustration. We have f..."
Me too... an in a Catholic country. Ouch!
Betsy,I know, right? I thought, it would make things perfectly clear how I feel! ;)
(By the way, I've never seen so many hookers on the side of the street like here! They're all from Africa or Heaven knows what other countries.., poor girls, all imported by the Mafia..)
Val wrote: "Betsy,I know, right? I thought, it would make things perfectly clear how I feel! ;)
(By the way, I've never seen so many hookers on the side of the street like here! They're all from Africa or Hea..."
Yes indeed!
Are there really? That's truly tragic. I still have your message sitting in my in-box to reply to. I'm saving it for dessert and I've not gotten to dessert here lately!
Oh yes, unfortunately almost on every street 3-4. I had to explain to my kids already 3 yrs ago what they are doing there *sigh*.. (Well.. kid friendly, of course, not the entire truth!..) They're referred to as 'Umbrella girls' here as they always sit under one and sadly have no way to escape as I've heard the Mafia has taken their passports etc. and also threaten their families who're left behind.. What a sad existence, isn't it!?..Anyway, no stress with your reply, I knew you said you're sick and figured you're just very busy on top of that! ;) Even more so I appreciate you telling me though! :D
Val wrote: "Emszy,see for us military members cats don't cost as much but dogs do, depending on the weight. (Cane Corsos for ex. have to have a crate built as no regular transportation crate is big enough for..."
Makes me sad for the big guys. We currently have two Great Danes (one is mixed with some kind of hound dog but is brindle and looks just like our other one) and an Australian Shepherd. My husband is the president of our SPCA and I have been a dog walker in the past, and there are mostly big dogs turned in, including Great Danes. Not as many as you might think, though, because most people are thoughtful enough to make the "great" and "big" connection. Not so much with labs, shepherds, etc. The staff frequently hears, "He got too big." Or another favorite, "We had a baby." By the way, we are a military town too with the largest Naval air station in the world right here in Norfolk, VA. And, yes, military families that get relocated sometimes turn dogs in, but plenty of other folks do too. When people ask me, though, if one needs a big house and yard for a Great Dane, my answer is always the same, "No, you need a big sofa!" They mature quickly because they don't live as long as other breeds (just 9-11 years), and they become lie-abouts. Minnie is about to be 3 and she only gets rambunctious at certain times of the day--she loves to build what I call "dog nests" out of pillows and snuggle in or cuddle up with Huff. Huffie, who is 8, will only get a wild hair and break away from me occasionally, usually when someone passes us on a skateboard, while we're walking. The big guys are a bit harder for someone my size to handle in situations like that, but so far, so good. I suppose I would take any size dog that needed a home, but I'm partial to the big guys. Our smallest was our first: a beagle mix.
Val wrote: "Rachel wrote: "That is, if it's not too stressful ... take care of yourself first, of course!"Sorry, I only saw this now after I already replied! ;)
See, I think, the problem is, I do get worked ..."
I'm the same way, Rachel! Sometimes I feel my skin is way too thin. I felt that way this summer--experienced significant psychic distress--based on an ongoing hostile and thinly veiled series of insult-"attacks" on my values on a public FB group because my husband isn't vegan!!! My husband is a grown man and can do what he wants!) Intellectually, I knew the person was an extremist, but it affected me deeply which makes me wonder about myself as much as her! I left the group, but still think of it from time to time.
Oh Betsy,yes, I'm very familiar with Norfolk, VA! Well, better say that it has the largest US Navy base. We only started our journey to Sicily from there and stayed a few days in the lodge before out flight.
If we wouldn't retire from here, chances would be that we'd have gone there next! Bummer to think we could have met IRL then!!!
I grew up with Great Danes myself and agree on the couch factor! LOL Though my parents always bought them a real people's mattress(es) instead which had its spot in the living room next to the couches.
As to the animals, the sad thing is, our base is so small, we don't have any facility that takes animals in! There used to be one, but for some reason they closed it...
The sad thing is, most people who don't want their pet (especially big dog) any longer, just abandon them.. They drive out somewhere and let it run or better say drive way.. :(
Don't get me started on the "We had a baby" statement! Makes me soo mad!!! My parents had a Great Dane b4 I was born and asked their pediatrician for advice. He said "Put the carrier down, let the dog smell her." Well they did that, Ulrike, the dog (female) licked across my face and from then on I was hers! My mom told me stories how she would go to the store [picture small village in Germany in the mid 70's] and leave the stroller + dog outside and Ulrike protected me, wouldn't let anyone go near a certain radius. She just 'grinned' a toothy grin and people knew not to step closer! LOL As far as I remember she was the most gentle 'giant' I've known!!! <3
PS: I'm so sorry to hear about your stress after the incident on a FB group page with an extremist!!! I'm the same way and things get to me soo quickly and literally under my skin!.. :(
Val wrote: "Oh Betsy,yes, I'm very familiar with Norfolk, VA! Well, better say that it has the largest US Navy base. We only started our journey to Sicily from there and stayed a few days in the lodge before ..."
Oh, yes, important correction: U.S.(!) base. Wouldn't that be amazing to be in fora few short nigths and I didn't know you kills me! Can you imagine abandoning an animal? That scenario would haunt me the rest of my life. I got chills reading about you canine guard and companion. What a wise doctor!
Val wrote: "PS: I'm so sorry to hear about your stress after the incident on a FB group page with an extremist!!! I'm the same way and things get to me soo quickly and literally under my skin!.. :("Thank you, Val, for understanding. It makes me feel a bit silly, but it was unsettling. It was almost like antagonizing stalking. And I was always SO polite and positive until I hit "delete" and "unjoined" that group. We need to start a virtual support/therapy group for those of us who are a little too susceptible to other people's negative influence! I loved your Dr. Seuss quote. :)
Well, I'm a culprit because I just posted a "chatty" message over the "introduce yourself" thread, but just a reminder that this thread is set up to make a list of "vegan related blogs" so perhaps we can carry over this conversation to one of the chat threads, or feel free to start a new chat thread. It's not a biggie and it's okay to continue here if that's what works for everybody, but the idea of this thread was to be able to view a list of vegan related blogs.
Lisa,thank you for the reminder! *blush*
I understand, we got carried away here and off 'target' for the blogs.
I'll see if there's another chat thread where we can continue. (Betsy, I'll 'see' you in the other thread then! ;) )
WOW doing Nanowrimo AND blogging is quite the literary challenge, and oh yeah...working on my own novel. Finally got a new post up there and it is a yummy one. I used hemp seeds, and I really like them. Check it out, let me know what you think. I love your input ladies. :)
Farrah wrote: "WOW doing Nanowrimo AND blogging is quite the literary challenge, and oh yeah...working on my own novel. Finally got a new post up there and it is a yummy one. I used hemp seeds, and I really like ..."Farrah, you're amazing! I was going to do Nanowrimo this year - signed up and everything. BUT swap-bot has taken over my life. Haha...so it's going to wait after all. It's really a bit of a relief because I'm really enjoying mail art and other sorts of snail mail correspondence. I also have a talk on veganism to prepare for in December.
Blogging has also taken a backseat recently, but I hope to post sometime soon :)
Haha I don't know about amazing Cassie, but thanks. More like a bit overwhelmed but managing :)What is Swap-bot?
That is awesome about the talk on veganism! Where are you giving it?
I actually ran into some strange nonsense on facebook. My vegan friends and non-vegan friends are feuding over one my posts. This seems to happen a lot. And it has resulted in my getting text messages of raw meat. Although I know it is a joke, it is also upsetting to see how much my friends don't really support this new change.
Like everyone is thinking...oh when she goes back she will be normal again. BUT...they don't get that I am not going back.
My blogpost tonight was kind of about that. I appreciate your input ladies as this is the Non-food post and as new vegan I want to send a good message of compassion.
Let me know what you think. All of you have become such a wonderful support team and knowledge base for this new vegan.
I really want to say thank you so much. :)
Farrah wrote: All of you have become such a wonderful support team and knowledge base for this new vegan. I really want to say thank you so much. :) "
Farrah, So glad you find this group and our members so supportive. Farrah, You have been a huge asset to this group. So, thank you for your input.
P.S. And I love your blog post. I hope it helps your non-vegan friends understand your pov.
Farrah, Swap Bot is a website you can join for free and send snail mail and packages to other members. I thought of joining but am too security-minded to put my address up there. I understand fully what you have run into on Facebook. I have been administrator for some time on a huge Vegetarian page there with nearly 200,000 members as well as 3 other pages for vegans and we have been plagued with trolls coming in and posting all sorts of meat photos and rude comments. I am always having to remove their posts and ban them. We also have feuds where dairy and egg users feel "threatened" and "attacked" if you post a link about the health problems caused by dairy and eggs and if you post an undercover video of the abuse in the dairy and egg industry. Recently I had a huge fuss on my www.facebook.com/VegetarianVeganVillage page with someone who wanted to promote meat. Yesterday, I posted on my two personal Facebook pages (Terri Merritts with 5,000 friends and Terri Lynn Merritts with around 1,200 friends) about free-range turkeys being abused and two people threw fits and one defriended me. You certainly have support here (and on my Village if you choose to join it) of vegans who are always available to support you. I think you are pretty fantastic!
I second what Terri said.Farrah, you are fantastic! As are the other lovely ladies (and we do have some men, here, too!) participating in this group.
I have posted about my woes on facebook before, include my dear childhood friend who unfriended me more than 2 years ago because of an exchange regarding the cruelties involved with egg-laying hens.
After I went vegan, she even posted photos of herself, slaughtering bunnies, with blood splattering everywhere, on our private friends page ... !!! This was only viewable by the few of us who are in this close-knit group from childhood (actually this was before facebook), and I didn't have to say anything ... the other omni girls right away protested that they DID NOT WANT such gruesome pictures in our private friends album book. I must admit, I never actually opened the album to look at the pictures, because I was grossed out by the mere thought of it, but I did see the "cover pic" and it looked pretty bad. So I dunno ... maybe for some reason, I am better off without that "friend" in my life. But geez ... we had been friends since kindergarten, I don't understand why the topic of me going vegan had to be such a big thorn in her side. I'm sure you all can imagine how hurtful this whole experience has been.
*sigh*
So Farrah, I totally understand. Although .. I'm sorry, can you remind me, what is the link to your blog so I can read your post? I get mixed up with so many different blogs, I need a reminder of what the URL for your blog is. :) THANK YOU!
Oh my goodness, Rachel. That is awful. I agree- I love the members of this group. What a fantastic set of people and friends we have here. Rachel, I am a longtime animal rights activist and rescuer and a lifelong vegan. About a year ago, I was attacked by at least 11 friends who also did rescue and they mocked me on my own page, posted meat photos and recipes on my personal page, and one of them sent threatening messages saying she was going to eat ME. She sent the same thing to another vegan friend. I had to break it off with all of them. Some of these people I have known since first grade. It is very hurtful and I am so sorry that happened to you. You are better off without those sort of people. We want to hold on to old friendships but sometimes they become toxic and not worth holding on to.
Rachel, That is so hurtful. If you click on Farrah's avatar you'll get sent to her profile page. On that page is a link to her blog/her website: http://carrottopvegan.blogspot.com/
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Aww thanks ladies, so sweet! Yeah, that is why I posted the paragraph on my blog about compassion and peace. I know that some people have a bad taste for organizations like Peta because they are more aggressive but at the end of the day, it really is about compassion. People feel because I choose to be a vegan, I must be "more" compassionate and that is not the case. I mean, let's face it, my husband and I got into a little tiff this morning, and I laughed because I really wasn't feeling too compassionate about the whole thing, even jokin...I might have more compassion if you were a puppy hun! LOL. We are human and not perfect.
But people miss the point. It is about a starting point. Start now with something, anything. Make a donation, volunteer at a shelter, wear a T-shirt, anything if it is something you are passionate about. Me, becoming vegan is just one small step. But yet, many think it is the end of who I am. For me, it is a new beginning of a better me. I just wish my friends could see that.
I agree, Lee. I dropped them because of their behavior. We should never cling to the past if people have become so cruel.
Farrah, I wanted you to know that I not only have subscribed to your blog but I have it on my Facebook pages (I have two- Terri Merritts has 5,000 friends so I also have Terri Lynn Merritts which now has an additional 1,200 friends), I tweeted it on both Twitter accounts, and I have posted it to the pages I administer on Facebook- Vegetarian Vegan Village (2,800 people), Veggie Love Planet (Over 9,000 people) and Vegetarian (185,000 people). You have a great blog and I would love to see lots of people read it.
TerriThank you so much. I am going to look on Facebook today and join your pages as well. For some reason all the social media sites are slow today. Goodreads, Twitter, and my FB was a bit lagging. Odd. But I want to see your FB pages.
Hey ladies...who is up for another food challenge? I love "cooking" with ya'll! :)
Mod
Actually your muffins inspired me and I have been thinking about doing a few blog posts about inexpensive food gifts to give for the holidays. I read on JLgoesVegan (I think, I read so many good blogs) about how food is a form of activism. I am thinking of including some vegan nosh in gifts this year :)Want to do a post like that?
Mod
Yeah I think it will be fun and appropriate for the season ahead. I am going to do a little research maybe find out what other cultures give as food gifts. I definitely want to try some vegan fudge making this year!
Mod
Since we are all going to be crazy for Thanksgiving...want to do it the weekend of December 2nd? This way we can plan, prepare, and shop?
Mod
Vegan Cooking & Cookbooks
Books mentioned in this topic
Triumph of the Lentil: Soy-Free Vegan Wholefoods for all Appetites (other topics)Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock (other topics)
Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock (other topics)
Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock (other topics)
Vegan Yum Yum: Decadent (But Doable) Animal-Free Recipes for Entertaining and Everyday (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Terry Hope Romero (other topics)Lauren Ulm (other topics)
Melanie Joy (other topics)
Josephine Bellaccomo (other topics)
