Once upon a Vegan

A Friend To Those With Feathers And Fur... That Was My Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Tue, 26 May 2015 23:17:00 +0000

Some have a healing touch... This was one of Darryl's gifts. From the time we met over 25 years ago he was the "doctor" for any ailment or injury sustained to human and non. A true people and animal lover who opened his home and wallet to those who were in need... He had a way of making things safe once you were in his care:

I remember so many instances (even before our "veg" journey) of him bringing home sad creatures who needed some TLC before they could be on their own... And those who stayed with us as a family usually did so at Darryl's insistence. He always welcomed another being to love. That was his gentle way... That was my guy.

For The Love Of Good Food & The Love Of Animals...

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Tue, 26 May 2015 23:16:00 +0000

I mentioned that my late husband was quite the cook in our house... He hardly skipped a beat when the house began eating friendlier. Darryl easily and cheerfully altered his recipes to reflect a kinder and healthier way of eating. He loved to cook... He loved to feed me and others...

I miss his delicious chili, his hearty soups, his Tofurky masterpieces, and his talent of seasoning everything in life with the special spice of joy... I miss the love (and food) he never grew tired of providing to me. A kinder or better man I never knew.

On Washing Away The Stench Of Dear Deer Blood...

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:01:00 +0000

My neighbors, not the vegan ones and not the ones who disliked my avocado tree (that has regrown like all get-out)... The ones who live right off the lake in a mini-mac from the 90's. The ones that hold a huge get together twice a year - Memorial Day being one of them. Mega-family travels down from the Carolina's, and I'm told a few of them "bring food" obtained through their "hobbies": Venison.

Now as my good friend Andy L. rightly points out... The smell of cooked blood during these holidays can be overwhelming (read: disgusting). My neighborhood is no exception with the stench of cooked dear deer blood and all the other species from other neighbor's grills.

So what's a vegan to do? Well I could stay inside... But I love my yard and the outdoors calls to me! And I have a wrap-around six-foot high fence that keeps my loved ones safe and maintains my privacy - Sadly it doesn't block out odors though. And as I look and ponder this fence, I notice it could use some sprucing up... There's nothing like the urgency of a (loud) pressure washer! Vroom!

But pressure washing can be a lot like raking - It's hard to know when to stop. First bushes must be hedged, the beds blown out... And while your at it... As long as the extension cords and hoses are completely unfurled, you might as well do the walkway, driveway, doors, windows, deck, garage floor, etc. etc. Now you get the idea. Yes?

This has all lead me to a week-long event of "playing in water", making lots of (annoying) sounds and best of all, my car has had to be parked right in view to road traffic... Maybe the clan of deer-killers got a good eye/ear full on their thee-day blood-cooking fest? One can only hope...

So for those reading who might enjoy the smell of cooked blood of any species - Please consider your neighbors. Not only those who wretch at the smell... But your nonhuman neighbors who's lives are stolen for your bizarre and unkind habits.

Me? I had portobellos on the grill with home made seitan - It was the best! ;)

Baby, we just gotta get you off the milk... Dairy is a killer!

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Thu, 29 May 2014 04:55:00 +0000

And who wants to bet this human mother doesn't even nurse her own? And that this mother is not even weaned herself?

It shouldn't come from a cow! Go Vegan.

Delicious Alternatives to an Intolerance of Dairy Cruelty

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Sat, 17 May 2014 04:36:00 +0000

The above video is from VeganGaymer - Vegan since late 2013 and a real dynamo in cranking out vegan advocacy videos and Health & Ethics blog posts! Hooray for one more cool guy on our side of social justice issues! ;)

In Honor Of The First Mother - Before Breath Was Capital

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Thu, 08 May 2014 13:44:00 +0000

There's lots of dates surrounding the eventual and official Mother's Day in 1914. Different groups worked on making this happen for decades before it did. But I'd like to look not at the first Mother's Day... But the First Mother instead.

I wonder sometime what it must have been like eons ago when each specific birth was critical to man's survival. A time when we were pushing our numbers just to diversify the genetic pool. A time when there were so few humans that each woman who bore another human was revered. Indeed... A time when all life-bringers were honored. Nurturing was a cherished gift.

What must it have been like for a First Mother who's numbers had now sufficiently expanded that the miracles of birth and life were commonized? What did she think when life itself was commodified? When breath became capital?

I see a First Mother who spoke loudly in protest of killing the creatures in the forests... A First Mother who pleaded with others in the tribe that trees and plants would sustain them. A First Mother who wept when the great aurochs were made unfree and held captive for the purposes of man. A First Mother who's dutiful gathering of sustenance was halted to tend to cattle instead... What did this First Mother think when she stole the milk from the goat or cow?

Cave painting of an aurochs bull in Lascaux, France

And what did this First Mother do when her husband, the keeper of chattel and cows, proposed the idea of not only consuming the milk but who made it necessary to steal the calf as well? I know this First Mother begged for the other mother... She begged for the child-calf... She wailed and sobbed and tried to reason. But the high priests and other men made mandates from a god who demanded burnt calves flesh... So her pleas met with no mercy.

And soon it was that the First Mother would have her own sons sacrificed to greed. To violence. To wars. And to death.

To all those who still honor the nurturing, life-worshiping vision of the First Mother - Thank you for doing so through your vegan choices.

Happy Mother's Day to those who never surrendered the idea of love or World Peace:

A Meme - The Hardest Part About Being Vegan...

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:13:00 +0000

Easter Bunnies For Sale! Down The Rabbit Hole Of Bad Ideas...

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 03:58:00 +0000

IN MY CAGE

by Mary Brandolino

It was colorful and fun
The new life that I'd begun
In my new cage.

I was just a little thing
When they brought me from the store
And they put me on the floor
In my cage.

They would take me out to play
Love and pet me all the time
Then at day's end I would climb
In my cage.

But as days and weeks went by
I saw less of them it seemed
Of their loving touch I dreamed
In my cage.

In the night outside their house
I felt sad and so neglected
Often scared and unprotected
In my cage.

In the dry or rainy weather
Sometimes hotter sometimes colder
I just sat there growing older
In my cage.

The cat and dog raced by me
Playing with each other only
While I sat there feeling lonely
In my cage.

Upon the fresh green grass
Children skipped and laughed all day
I could only watch them play
From my cage.

They used to take me out
And let me scamper in the sun
I no longer get to run
In my cage.

Once a cute and cuddly bunny
Like a little ball of cotton
Now I'm grown up and forgotten
In my cage.

I don't know what went wrong
At the home I did inhabit
I just grew to be a rabbit
In my cage.

But they've brought me to the pound
I was once loved and enjoyed
Now I wait to be destroyed
In my cage

Now that's a sad ending isn't it? You too can speak up about why it's such a bad idea to purchase rabbits (or chicks) for children by hopping over to this post at the VeganElder blogspot.

Or you can copy the letter below that was written by my vet Mitsie Vargas:

Around Easter, many pet stores stock up on hot items including live chicks and rabbits. These animals are often given to young children as presents. After Easter the number of relinquished rabbits and chicks overwhelms many shelters. The current proposed bill will result in extremely young and delicate chicks, ducks and bunnies being sold as Easter gifts. These fragile beings will also be dyed further inflicting unnecessary distress in these animals. The dyed appearance will cause them to be objectified and treated as toys, not as living beings.

Many folks think rabbits and chicks are low maintenance pets that only require a small cage and little attention. The truth is, they have special dietary and housing requirements. Rabbits need a balanced diet of pellets, fresh lettuce and other vegetables, and grass hays. They also require daily exercise and space enough to perform 3 consecutive hops in a cage. Chicks grow into chickens. They are omnivores but should be fed commercial chicken feed. They need roaming space outdoors. Roosters when they hit sexual maturity, have the potential to become aggressive. That small Easter gift of a bunny or chick can also pose a health hazard to your kids or end up victimized by young children. Young kids tend to be rougher and not understand that rabbits can easily break their backs when handled. Plus rabbits have long toenails that leave deep scratches especially if handled improperly. On the other hand, chicks can carry salmonella and E. coli that may cause serious diarrhea and possible death to young children.

Rabbits are the third most relinquished pets to animal shelters, which are usually equipped to handle only a few rabbits and rodents at a time. Most end up being euthanized. Rabbits and chickens that do not make it to a shelter are often released to the wild to fend for themselves and those that do not starve to death, become easy prey for predators in the wild.

This Easter season share in God's goodness and honor his creations by refusing to buy, give or accept live bunnies and chicks. Chocolate ones are delicious and do not result in any harm.

I can add another reason why most rabbits (and other delicate creatures) do poorly with most kids...

We all love the idyllic image of children with soft, devoted caresses lavished to their bunnies...

But let's face it... Most of the time kids would much rather play with their electronic gizmos and video games, and then the tearful poem is recited again. :'(

So instead of buying a bunny why not let your kids "assemble" one of many right here: Bunny Puzzles

Like the video says: Please treat the lives of others gently and respectfully. Go Vegan.

"Hopping" you have a very friendly Easter. ;)

In My Absence...

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 23:43:00 +0000

Will trying to avoid sitting on a black cat who occupies a black chair qualify as good enough reason to be so scarce in blog postings? I thought not... But it has to be a temporary excuse to explain my absence. I'm not ill, injured or "MIA" - Just super busy with assorted life events that I hope will conclude in the near future.

Till then... Maybe Oz can learn to type? :D

An Unconventional Holiday Wrap-Up ... Vegan Style

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 03:22:00 +0000

Almost twenty-five years ago my husband and I bought our first home. We were w-a-y over-stretched financially with all the things we wanted to change/improve "immediately". So... We did what many other new-home owners do - We both worked two jobs. These grueling hours extended through all major holidays from Thanksgiving well past New Years... That didn't stop us from decorating the tree and house though. Even if no one was home to enjoy and celebrate the donning of festivities - Our new home had been decked out just the same.

And so it was that these jobs kept us from taking down the merry and the holly for a considerable amount of time afterwards. We joked that we could have kept the tree up and decorated it with Valentines decor... And the "green" would be perfectly suited for St. Patrick's Day too! But - The decorations managed to get boxed up by February 12th. Barely. And so it happens every year since, that some stray Christmas memory lingers around... A card that comes late in the mail. A hidden, stray ornament... Even the persistent single strand of tinsel that escapes the vacuum cleaner till July makes wrapping up the holidays almost a year-round affair.

I'm not packing the Fa-La-La/Auld Lang Syne memories away just yet this time either. I've one more special gift to mention before I do. You see, I'm an extremely lucky person... As I've mentioned before my veterinarian is vegan (how cool is that?) and I also have the greatest fortune of having neighbors who are also vegan and wonderful bakers too!

On New Years Day we were given the most delicious Raw Vegan Cookie Dough Bites... And before long there were only three left so here's to putting away the last of the holiday cheer, this go-round.

Lastly, I'd love to say there was some influence from me that directed my neighbors to go Vegan Style... But nearly three years ago they came to me - Just like this: Vegan-aware and vegan-friendly. So who says things aren't changing for the better? Don't stop advocating. Don't stop telling speaking out... In ways you don't even realize, you're making a difference. It really is true that good people are listening! ;)

Speciesism - Our Prejudice Against Other Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 00:12:00 +0000

Speciesism The Movie is going to be no doubt, a conversation starter and eye-opener in the non-vegan world. I personally can't wait for it to be released at an event near me. In the meantime you can watch and share seven installments as follows:

1 of 7
2 of 7
3 of 7
4 of 7

5 of 7
6 of 7
And it concludes with 7 of 7

This issue is the ultimate test of our day. It's the pivotal last chance we have to live in a way that is consistent with our intent to civilize ourselves. Recognizing our prejudice against others is a first bold move to progressing as a culture. We must acknowledge the irrefutable evidence that harming others can never be justified. There are *no grounds* to deny nonhumans the benefit of equal fairness and equal kindness. Nothing justifies our use of anyone.

Please, if you are serious about following the values that you cannot argue against - Live as an ethical vegan.

Santa Lies & Humane Myths - A Gift Of Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:33:00 +0000

It's no secret that this season is celebrated as a holiday in many cultures. Even we secularists get all cheery and gleeful!

It's a perfect time to renew one's optimism in tomorrow while remembering our connections to the past.

Somewhere along the way most of us had figured out the myth of Santa... I don't know that it made the fun or celebrations any less happy knowing that truth. The lights, candles and glitter still sparkled. The pine and cinnamon scents still smelled inviting. The cards and gifts were still a delight to receive... And to give. Discovering that our parents ate "Santa's" cookies and hot-chocolate didn't scar many of us permanently. But what it might have done is to cause the first fissure that enabled us to question more untruths.

It's rather perverse to warp truth. It's an evil kind of trickery in lying to the vulnerable. All that trust we had put into the hands of adults to give us the tools necessary to function in a world where reason is critical, was betrayed... For - What? For "fun"? And still, it's much, much worse when the lies cover up harm to others...

The truth we found was that without the myths of the Easter Bunny - The spring flowers are just as colorful. Without the Tooth Fairy - The reward of "adult" teeth was just as exciting. Without believing in Cupid - Valentines is still special for lovers... Without a turkey - gratitude is ~~just as~~ - more so sincere. From St. Patrick's to Jack-O-Lanterns - We haven't missed much knowing the truth. In fact... Because we can think more critically - Reality becomes an even more valuable experience to participate in.

I'm writing this to give such a gift of liberating knowledge to some who might still be looking for this wealth that is more important than all the gold, incense and murr imaginable! I'm certain there's one more myth that most adults still carry around. They just haven't weaned themselves from the notion of "humane" meat, ("humane" dairy or "humane" eggs): But here's the truth unwrapped:

Just like Santa and Peter Cotton Tail - There's no such thing!

For those who still believe, here's reality from Webster’s New World Dictionary:
Hu·mane / hyoomáyn / adj. 1. having what are considered the best qualities of human beings; kind, tender, merciful, sympathetic, compassionate.

When you have the choice to kill someone or not... When you have the option to pay someone to stab someone else, or not... And you pick the killing part, where does that intentional snuffing of a healthy, sentient being fit into this *kind* act of slaughter? See what I mean?

I know... I know --- It's hard to let go of myths that our entire culture and species has embraced... We love us a good sacrifice! We even made special excuses to cling to them, like killing others was a "necessary evil". But even so:

When you start with a necessary evil, and then over time the necessity passes away, what's left?
― Matthew Scully, Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy

So no matter what your age you can still benefit from knowing the truth. It's offered as a gift. A little reminder that reality can still be ~~just as~~ more so pleasant than the lies... And just as okay to celebrate this holiday without the nativity - As it's ~~okay~~ fine, wonderful, terrific, BEST, to live without the sacrificed being too. ;)

No worries! You can celebrate these holidays without a deity and you can live your life without forsaking others. Please keep the genuine spirit of this goodwill season alive throughout a lifetime! Live ethically. Give the gift of compassion to others by going vegan! Kindness really is the greatest gift!

Art by Beth Redwood

ThanksVegan & Food For Kind Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:35:00 +0000

What a fantastic meal and celebration we had at the 8th Annual ThanksVegan event coordinated by Florida Voices for Animals! Robert Shepherd was the keynote speaker and you can read his moving essays here.

Robert D. Shepherd

It was a wonderful time with more delicious food than one could imagine. Best part was getting to be with friends who are dear but seldom seen.

Tucker & me

The poster you see behind us is one distributed by United Poultry Concerns. Many took advantage of this backdrop for cool photo-ops. The truth couldn't be more clear! We know that turkeys are too neat to eat, and no one at ThanksVegan missed out a bit!

Another one of these posters held a place of prominence at the library display that I previously mentioned I would do in the month of November. Of course the major focus was all about the turkeys and the many reasons they are best left off our plates:

I was pleased with the display... It looked festive and colorful. The message was clear that we ought to be kind:

Available in the lobby were brochures also provided by United Poultry Concerns. If people didn't get the message on the way in... They certainly could learn more on the way out.

I hope that all gentle folks had a wonderful holiday! Food for kind thought is always delicious - Isn't it? :)

Death With Pumpkin Pie? No Thanks.

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 04:27:00 +0000

Franny from Animal Place

In the Name of Tradition
By Heather Leughmyer

In a smothering sea of white
Gentle beauty is lost

Born and bred to be dinner

Whatever the cost.

Debeaked, detoed, crippled and weak

Disease running rampant

Your future is bleak.

In a huge sunless warehouse

Tens of thousands crammed tight

Kept like a secret

Out of mind, out of sight.

When your body is fattened

And you collapse from the weight

You are grabbed by rough hands

And sent to your fate.

Hung by your feet

Flapping and scared

Still conscious, confused

If only they cared.

Your neck is then slit

By a mechanized blade

As life drains from your body

You’re alone and afraid.

Another beside you

Misses the knife

Still conscious, she’s boiled

Slowly ending her life.

Andrea with rescued turkey hen Clove

Neatly you are packaged

Shipped to every store

Butterball makes money

Spent breeding millions more.

Behind the tidy shrink-wrap

Is a mutilated bird

Who had feelings and emotions

And cries that went unheard.

Emily and Beatrice the turkey

In the name of “tradition”

Tens of millions will die

Somehow their sad remains

Seem so wrong with pumpkin pie.

*****

You can observe a turkey. Hold a turkey. Pet a turkey.

You can adopt a turkey. Sponsor a turkey.

You can save a turkey. Liberate a turkey. Or rescue a turkey.

You can bathe a turkey.

Sing to a turkey. Train a turkey. Or feed a turkey.

Farm Sanctuary

And you can certainly love a turkey.

In fact, there are 46 million ways to honor turkeys!

But please, oh pretty please --- Don't ever, ever eat a turkey!

Pumpkin pie is much more delicious when served with kindness instead.

Vegan Celebrations and Lucky Black Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:46:00 +0000

I have the great luck to be able to celebrate my wedding anniversary between the yearly Veg Fest events in my area. This year on our 24th (but who's counting?), we attended the 4th annual Tampa Bay gathering located off the beautiful Hillsborough River. As usual there was delicious food, cool music and a full day of activities from petting friendly animals to watching videos and listening to informative speakers.

We got to see the popular film Vegucated. We also enjoyed Dr. Milton R. Mills give an interesting presentation about keeping our bodies (specifically our colons) healthy through eating plants. He addressed the serious topic of food choices in a humorous, easy to digest way. And Jane Velez-Mitchell was just a ball of energy and enthusiasm in her talk to motivate the audience to get active in helping animals.

The week after we went to the 8th annual Central Florida Veg Fest and as the announcement says it's an extremely family and pet friendly setting. We thoroughly enjoyed the talks presented by body builder, vegan-athlete-extraordinaire Robert Cheeke. And abolitionist speaker, educator and activist Elizabeth DeCoux gave a riveting and compelling talk on why justice to our fellow Earthlings is long overdue.

In both events there were great exhibits and lots of fun to be had. Along with the memories of sharing a special time with other compassionate people, we came home with a goodie bag filled with coupons, brochures, buttons, stickers and samples:

****************

Here's a happy me standing in front of the Take Your Blinders Off video truck operated by the amazing activist and animal vet Randall Cannon. His inexhaustible dedication is truly admirable.

The video Why Vegan from the EVOLVE campaign is one of my favorites for it's solid message of compassion and it's closing question asking "why aren't you vegan"? And I too would like to know - If you're not vegan - Why not?

So that was our very perfect two week anniversary celebration...

Here at home the time of black kitties is relevant again in my life. We're thrilled that this little guy made his way to us. We've named him Oz and he was found of all places, by a fruit and vegetable stand at a local market. When I first saw him, I picked him up and held him out to everyone around asking "Casa? Casa?"

For sure he had no takers and no home. As it turned out we learned his mother had tragically been run over and his only surviving sibling was rescued just that day.

Sweet little purring orphan - He truly was meant to be a member of our family.

For those who may not know... Black cats don't fare well this time of year. So lucky for us all, for so many reasons... He couldn't have come into our lives at a better time!

To Happy Anniversaries, Happy Kindness Festivals and Happy Halloweens... May our dreams of love, peace and hope all come true.

I Am the Vegan Activist - By Will Tuttle

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 02:30:00 +0000

I Am the Vegan Activist

By Will Tuttle

I am the vegan activist,
   My heart filled with the wish to relieve the horrible suffering
   Mysteriously inflicted on animals seen as food.
   Rising early, sitting in silence every day, listening within, opening... dilating....
I am the day-old calf at the organic dairy,
   Pulled from my mother by strong hard hands, while she moans and bellows.
   Alone in a tight crate, I shiver, hungry, nursing on the iron bars.
I am the little child, being spoon-fed my first solid food.
    I keep spitting it out, but it keeps coming back, relentlessly.
   “Eat this,” mommy says, “it’s mashed potato and calves’ liver—it’s good for you.”
I am the little girl, on the day it sinks in—
   “Hot dogs,” “hamburgers,” “bacon,” “eggs,” “veal,” “chicken,” “liver,” “fish sticks”—
   You mean, it’s animals I’ve been eating? A darkness enters my chest.
I am the young child, being taught how to fish.
   “Don’t worry, fish can’t feel any pain,” I’m told.
   “And even if they could, God gave ‘em to us to eat.”
   “Oh. O.K.”
I am in the dentist’s chair,
   Immobilized, while he pulls, pries, drills: oh, it hurts!
   Deep down, I know he’s doing it for my own good...
I am the calf at branding time, castrating time,
   The pig at ear-notching, tail-docking time,
   The chicken at beak-cutting time,
   Immobilized, while he cuts me, burns my flesh—oh, it hurts!
   Rough hands that hurt me, the horror of strong inescapable hurting hands!
I am the minister at the church barbecue,
   Laughing, happy, my flock spread around me,
   Chewing on the ribs of lambs, why, we’ve raised five hundred dollars here today!
I am the cowboy at the rodeo.
   “Shock him good, I want him runnin’!”
   A quick chase and lasso throw, jerk the rope, he’s flat and down;
   I drink the cheers.
I am the young cow—another rodeo.
   The ropes and blows and cages, suddenly a searing pain, like a knife,
   A door flies open, I run to escape. Sudden slamming twisting agony;
   Cheers and laughter.
I am the former vegetarian, I’ve been there.
   I’m not rigid and judgmental, and anyway:
   A person’s body is not defiled by what goes in the mouth, but by what comes out.
I am the slaughterhouse worker,
   Prodding and poking cows along with my knife and electro-shocker,
   Like I was prodded and kicked when I was a kid.
I am the slaughterhouse foreman,
   Enslaved by demands for profit and production
“Speed up the line!” we’re lagging—big trucks keep comin’, full of chickens.
I am the feedlot operator, fattening cattle.
   Belly hanging, back sore, joints aching, I sit down to a comforting steak.
“Anyway, it’s not what goes into a man’s mouth...”
I am the terrified dairy cow,
   Still young, just five years old, facing the slaughterhouse chute,
   The pain of the prod, the fear so thick I can smell it, the hard hands. . . .
I am the young fattened turkey,
   Grabbed by one leg and hung upside down,
   Ligaments torn, I hang in the moving line with the others:
   Helpless pain and terror.
I am the self-shining Light of Infinite Love,
   I welcome every turkey, pig, cow, duck, chicken, lobster, fish—
Not as animals, but as what they truly are—Myself.
The nightmare ordeal over, their pain-wracked bodies forever left,
I embrace them as the essence of what they are—
The Joy that springs at the heart of the Universe,
The only Life that is.
And I embrace my other beloved children, when it is their time:
The hardened slaughterhouse workers, the diseased housewives, the managers,
The scholars and ministers, the vegetarians and non-vegetarians,
The gorillas, the wolves, the pet cats and the hunted deer,
I open and embrace every being with eternal utter love,
And hold them forever as rays sent forth,
And embrace them when they return, as the heart of their own heart,
And they are judged only by themselves,
And are punished only by their own actions in the endless rounds of being,
Of learning and growing, of eventually understanding,
Of celebrating Me, the utter joy and perfection of Being,
The freedom shining in the heart of every being.
I am the vegan activist,
   My heart filled with knowing the perfection of being,
   And working hard to help relieve the horrible suffering

Mysteriously inflicted on animals seen as food.

More poetry by Will Tuttle

A Long-Lasting Goodbye To My Teco

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 20:13:00 +0000

In May I wrote about our dear Teco. Since then she has been diagnosed with cancer. The months we had hoped for have now passed into the inevitable days and hours to come. We've tried to make her as comfortable as possible as endless time will soon reclaim the body she is now trapped in. It was never a suitable place for such a perfect being as she is anyway.

Because such an illness is a slow one to culminate - We've been able to say our goodbyes many times over and over. This is a mixed blessing as you can imagine. But I wanted to remember her this way... Still alive, still aware and here in her physical presence. She still purrs in the pleasure of our human touch and that's the way I want her memory to remain by way of this living memorial post.

*****

Teco is and will always be the light and joy of my heart. If I could recall just a few of the things I'll treasure most, they'd be remembering her suckling habit that she kept well into her adult years... Her tolerance when we introduced new members to the family like Tucker...

And most recently a little black kitty we named Oz. Poor guy, he will be denied the benefit of big-sister-cat-lessons, play and all the love that Teco surely would have given to him under different circumstances.

I'll miss the loving way she'd groom and nap with her big-dog-brother Backus. Teco was never a miser with affection... And she was never a speciesist.

I'll miss her scampering foot patters down the hall in the morning as she announced to the house another fun day has begun! I'll miss her soft purrs at night resting in the folds of the sheets. ...

And her comical stick out tongue.

For everything in between she is and will always be a most ideal individual. She's been a pleasant distraction as I've tried to navigate around an often hostile world...

No matter what shade of blue, green or teal her eyes decided to shine in, there was always love looking back from them. She even treated the small lizards and frogs she caught in a soft manner. I don't think she's ever harmed a single one of them... I know so few humans that carry themselves with such gentleness and dignity as she.

I'll miss her tolerance and patience. Her curiosity. Her quiet intelligence that reminds me always to value the moment, because really... Among good friends, that's the only important thing.

She is the best. A companion and a teacher. I will never stop missing her or ever stop being grateful for the joy she's brought into my world. When her final time comes: I'll miss this feline girl-friend of mine to an unbearable degree... I thank you Dear Teco for being you and for letting us share the wonderful preciousness of your life. For us, sweet one, there never will be a last goodbye.

Compassion Hurts But Actions Heal

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:18:00 +0000

"Compassion hurts. When you feel connected to everything, you also feel responsible for everything. And you cannot turn away. Your destiny is bound with the destinies of others. You must either learn to carry the Universe or be crushed by it. You must grow strong enough to love the world, yet empty enough to sit down at the same table with its worst horrors.” ~Andrew Boyd

Sure it hurts to be aware... But not doing so hurts more.

Please, if you are not engaged in helping to heal the world... Ask yourself why not?

Some Weekend Entertainment à la Vegan Ninja Bunny

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:04:00 +0000

I hope you've planned for a great weekend ahead with lots of productive and/or fun things to do! If you run low on entertainment possibilities I'd highly recommend viewing the videos of sharp and spunky advocate, The Vegan Ninja Bunny.

Not eating chickens is good for your heart!

Dumping meat, dairy and eggs is great for your mind too!

Fruits and vegetables are healthy for your body!

Vegan Ninja Bunny is a clever gal who delivers her very important messages with a fresh style and snappy humor. Enjoy! :)

A Vegan Knows Empathy

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 23:09:00 +0000

A while ago my neighborhood had a series of burglaries. With the exception of one home being broken into with significant damage, there was nothing of great consequence stolen from anyone. We got robbed too. The first time it was small yard tools. The second time they took my black 50's bike with all the cool vegan stickers, an extension ladder and a pressure washer. For months there was a relentless succession of hits. It was extremely infuriating as you can imagine.

One evening past midnight, there was a noise across the street. When my husband and I went outside, we saw an unfamiliar truck in front of our neighbor's garage. The perpetrator spotted us and ran into his vehicle for a get-a-way. My husband yelled for me to call 911. But by then I was already in my car set to engage in hot pursuit. The chase lead us to a closed McDeath parking lot where I managed to pin his car. He had no choice but to flee on foot, and so he ran into an all-night Denny's. I shouted "call the police!", and I blocked the individual in the vestibule so he couldn't leave.

There we were together... An exhausted pair with clashing interests. I could see then that he was just a kid. A panicked, terrified, trapped kid. I too was shaken. All I could do was ask why he stole things from people who worked hard for what they had. People who weren't any better off than he was. I asked him about my bike too... I was angry! The kid pleaded with me. He begged. He took a handful of dollar bills out of his pocket and said "Please! I'll give you everything - Just let me go!". He was crying - sobbing tears of worry and desperation. He knew as well as I though, that everything was already set into motion. There were witnesses, and the sheriff was well on the way. I let him push me aside and he ran so fast and far that I lost sight of him.

The police arrived in less than a minute. After that, the helicopters were on air patrol searching for this scared, hopelessly troubled young man. I was instructed to wait in my car until someone could take my statement. Officers were everywhere. A K-9 unit sniffed the contents of the abandoned truck. The father of the boy arrived on the scene as well.

In the meantime I did a lot of thinking. I imagined what it must have been like to be this hunted thief. I thought about how terrified his eyes were. How crazed and frantic he was. How he pleaded with me to make the event disappear. I thought about how this was the worst moment in his life, and I felt sincerely sorry for him that he had poor chances and made bad choices. I know my worry was running along with him in whatever dark alley he was hiding in. I felt his trouble in a way that I didn't expect I would.

Initially I was confused as to why I felt such grief for someone who had violated my privacy and stolen my possessions. How and why did I feel sorry - for him? I was the victim!

My eyes wandered into the dimly lit, vacant McDonald's building. I stared at the counter. It appeared so sanitized in its smooth, stainless finishes. And then, as a vegan's mind might work sometimes... I thought about how this boy's pleading could very likely be the same as an animal in the hands of a slaughterer. They too cry desperately to be let go. They too beg for pity in their own language. And they too would give anything to be spared from harm. The struggle, fear and panic would be the same. But their cries for mercy go unheard by the slaughterer. I wondered how it could be that I could care so much for someone who had wronged me while those who killed the innocent weren't troubled at all to do so. I couldn't and still don't understand how effortlessly they can do the worst acts against those who are totally innocent. All so that other victims can serve their bodies on cold, polished steel. I thought of these things while in my car... And I sobbed for all of us.

My thoughts linked back to a troubled boy, desperate for money, and settling for any way to escape the chains of poverty. And that boy then became the man holding the knife upon the throat of an innocent. I felt sorry for the father who surely felt he'd failed his son. It had come full circle. I realized in that moment that the only ones that escape, are those who still have empathy.

Eventually I gave my statement, the cars and crowds cleared out, and the helicopters ended their search. When the sun rose the next morning that McDonald's parking lot wouldn't show a sign of a weary, pacing father, a boy running for his life, or a woman crying in her car for all the victims.

They'd find the boy a few days later, laying low at a friend's home. My bike was never recovered, as with most of the goods, they were all disbursed or pawned... But for what I learned about myself that night - What I discovered about who I am, I wouldn't give a hundred black 50's bikes for. I understood completely what being vegan means to me: Empathy.

Frans De Waal talks about Empathy
Center for Building a Culture of Empathy

FREE! Opportunity for Vegan Advocacy - At Your Local Library

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 13:24:00 +0000

Ever since I can remember, walking into a library filled me with excitement. All those books! All that knowledge and information! All those mysteries to unravel and new worlds to discover! And as the electronic age has advanced, libraries have kept the pace, by providing digital movies, music, and internet access. The concept of public libraries has a fascinating history, and they are no doubt one of the most successful publicly-funded institutions.

The library in my town had a humble beginning in 1907 with the lending of a few books on a drugstore shelf. Of course in the next century that modest first library was improved and expanded many times over. The most recent structure is pictured below. The Spanish-influenced architecture reflects the theme of the entire downtown renovation project. Of everything that has been made "new again" the library is the best feature yet.

Aside from the most helpful staff imaginable, the building site is ideally located, with plenty of parking, accessible hours and a totally modern facility within. In the common area there's a coffee house, a used book store and several bulletin boards for community use.

There's also a series of small cases --six in all-- where I placed vegan-related materials in during the month of March. It coordinated with a Florida Voices for Animals Meatless March campaign...

I divided the cases into three categories: the environment, human health and animal concerns.

In July I had one of the larger interior cases to display even more information. This time I highlighted all the vegan, animal-friendly, plant-based food options as well. In hindsight, I wished that I had included more books and that I had additional platforms to double the display area... But I took advantage of hanging and stacking items to make up for the lack of them. I wanted the "vegan options" to appear fun, varied, and abundant. Of course I realize that the majority of nutrition should come from fresh whole foods. Still, this was a good opportunity to show the alternative transitioning choices as well.

People showed a lot of interest while I set up the case. I struck up positive conversations with many who were curious to know "what's this about?". I checked back a few times to make sure the montage was okay. Each time I was pleased to find individuals in front of the case who were looking things over. And isn't it wonderful when good minds start to think?

I included small figurines of farmed animals next to the appropriate information about the lives they endure as "commodities". I hope this helped people question and want to discover more on their own.

The time it took to set up and break down the display was nominal compared to 31 days of public viewing. Where else can you get this kind of free space in a friendly, community setting to advocate our message? If you've got a library, you've got access to a great advocacy tool! Even if it's just placing brochures on the bulletin board... it's e-a-s-y outreach that's totally cost-free!

I've reserved a case again for November and would love suggestions! In the meantime I'm also wondering what would be involved in using one of the meeting/video rooms for a showing of the Gary Yourofsky presentation, Peaceable Kingdom, Earthlings or another relevant film... Thanks to the useful information at the Tribe of Heart site, I'll get all the help I need to plan such an event, and to learn how to conclude it with a productive Q*A session.

Good information is a valuable gift to seek and to share. Thanks to all who are vegan and spreading this urgent message in your own unique way!

Speaking of Ducks... And Sanctuary

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:22:00 +0000

Hooray for the animals saved from the butchers knife!

The video below shows the release of the goats, horses and birds rescued by Kudo, founder of ARM - the Animal Recovery Mission, during the latest bust of an illegal slaughterhouse in the Miami area.

What a great opportunity too to remind visitors who aren't yet vegan that just because something follows the constructions of law - It doesn't mean it's morally right.

What is true though is that these now liberated lives deserve their freedom just as much as anyone does.

I honestly don't know how folks who do these rescues manage... I don't know how those who offer sanctuary to the victims sort out the injustice of it all. There are so many left un-saved.

But this post was intended to pass on the good stuff... We who are vegan - We who know that every life matters should take the time to celebrate the happy news whenever it is found.

And sometimes we find sanctuary in song as does musical artist Daniel Redwood. I think his beautiful images, lyrics and tunes speaks to the heart of why care. And why it's right to.
Thanks to all who do.

Don't Duck Your Part in Being Kind

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 14:09:00 +0000

This video shows a duck family bravely crossing a highway. I dare you to watch it and not hold your breath a few times!

And in story books we can see similar events of nonhuman families just trying to negotiate the world of challenges we've put in their path:

From Make Way for Ducklings

Momma Mallard

And then there was this Dash Cam Video:

Now isn't it good to know that genuine kindness doesn't reside exclusively in story books?

Coincidentally, just a few days ago a pair of young Mallards (or Wood Ducks ?) wandered close enough for me to watch them for a bit - Here's what I can share of that thrilling experience:

I suppose my simple message is: Please don't "duck" from doing your part to make a better world... Life is full of perils for all of us. We're all in the middle of some road, somewhere. If we can observe in a peaceful way as others make their journey or if we can help them when there's trouble - It's a good day for everyone.

The Ultimate Whistle Blower: EARTHLINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:16:00 +0000

Do not protect from your eyes what they endure with their bodies.

Reviews of Earthlings

Watch Earthlings here.

Yes Luiz! You did do something beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (Bea Elliott) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:53:00 +0000

When I was first introduced to this video it had about 300 views... It now has over a million hits. This video has made the circuit on countless blogs, websites and internet news media. I'm certain you've seen it - But I just can't help but include it here as well. Why would I ever pass on the opportunity to share such pure joy?

Of course, I'm referring to Luiz Antonio, whose wisdom and sincerity is infectious!

Mom: Now eat your octopus gnocchi
Luiz: Ok mom. alright... This Octopus isn't real, right?
Mom: No.
Luiz: Then alright... He doesn't speak and he doesn't have a head, right?

I'm enamored by the way he sing-songs his case through the naming of other species:

Luiz: Octopus are animals...All of them are animals... Fish are animals... Octopus are animals... Chicken are animals... Cows are animals... Pigs are animals.
So...! When we eat animals they die!
I don't like that they die...
I like that they stay standing up.
These animals... you gotta take care of them... and not eat them!

We are all touched by you! Yes Luiz! You did do something beautiful!

Coincidentally I watched this video right behind a second listen to this Animal Rights Zone podcast that features an interview with Australian advocate and student/graduate of the World Peace Diet facilitator's course Gypsy Wulff. At about 8:30 minutes into the podcast Gypsy is speaking of her upcoming book Turning Points in Compassion. It's to be a collection of more than 50 personal experiences of fellow advocates. Gypsy Wulff also has a website by the same name. She truly is a remarkable woman.

As I listened to the podcast I was particularly tuned in when the question of how and why people eventually become awakened was asked. After acknowledging that every one's story is different Gypsy also states that "Many of the people talk about their childhood experiences, and how there were things that made them very uncomfortable. But because as children we are powerless to make our food choices, they gradually became unconscious about it and in their adult years they come back to it." Gypsy goes on to further endorse the idea that teaching compassion must begin in childhood. She also discusses how society (especially regarding the slaughter of animals) represses these early notions of justice and kindness by creating lies and myths. And so it goes that our instincts of fairness become swallowed, silenced and suppressed by these societal secrets.

One doesn't have to go far to see these myths in story books where cows "give" milk, sheep "give" wool and pigs "give" bacon. Further on it's evident that adults still cling to the dissonance by the perpetuation of "happy meat" and even the twisted portrayal of Suicide Food. Clearly we know what problems telling lies to children creates... How can we ever expect to raise a whole and healthy culture if we don't deal with children and our food issues honestly?

I hope every parent heeds Luiz's advice... We really shouldn't harm anyone. And with potatoes and rice and so very many more options we don't have to!

I also hope parents and other adults guide children to the books available at Turning Points in Compassion and to the sister-site Kindness is Kool. The mind awakening and life affirming materials there ought to set any child on a road to a healthy heart, mind and body. We all want a future with emotionally and ethically strong fellow humans like Luiz. Let's give them every chance to become such by the example of respecting our fellow creatures as well.