The VEB Review — everyone is entitled to my opinion.
For the entire life of my blog, I have struggled to post once a week… my anxiety about hitting publish on anything less than rocket science is severe.
But I have to let this anxiety go because THIS IS NOT THE NEW YORKER.
If you were confused, feel free to excuse yourself.
Today I am going to air out some random facets of my brain… If this sounds boring, go read my post about repurposed kitchen island inspiration, or Pilar Guzman’s kitchen… OR go tour this restored Philadelphia mansion.
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Even though this is my blog, and I decide when I show up, and what I say when I do… there is an awareness of the scrutiny-of-strangers, and the impossibility-of-pleasing-everyone, and the fear of inadvertently making an ass of myself through some gross failure of judgment (or just my general personality), and most of all the commandment that I NEVER BORE YOU.
Combine this with the fleeting-attention-span-of-the-internet… and also the occasional unhappiness of people who don’t like what I’ve written/feel I have failed them personally/and apparently have had an entire lifetime where everything they have ever encountered has been made specifically for their enjoyment, and my blog is their first experience otherwise.
All of this can feel complicated. Like the dance of the seven veils… but with the added requirement that I pay website-hosting fees and hope that you will follow me on Facebook and vote that you like me on Instagram… because what I write doesn’t actually matter if no one validates me in the most impersonal way possible.
The feeling of finding something special: you. A community of people who share my love of the absurd and Giant Fancy Things… has sort of left me paralyzed to NOT DISAPPOINT YOU.
Which has turned into rigidity against trying anything new. And let me tell you something— I AM AWESOME AT RIGIDITY.
Inflexibility is my happy place!
But I guess I’ve finally gained some clarity about the fact that I write free content on the internet along with 37 million other blogs… and that my that failure to write EXACTLY what every single person is expecting is not equivalent to a huge catastrophe.
It took me a while to realize this, because you people are, without exaggeration, the very best thing that has ever happened to me… even the ones who don’t like me are doing me the accidental favor of allowing me to align my Self with Oscar Wilde… Self is pleased!
Anyway. All of this is to say that once in a while, I’d like to write about some things that are frivolous/interesting/time wasting/funny/important to me, but might not be utterly absorbing to you… I would love if you would hang in here with me while I add an occasional tangent to my general rotation.
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Some Luck, Jane Smiley: the first book in a trilogy that tells the history of the last 100 years in America, through a “typical” American family… it begins in 1920, and each chapter equals one year, through 1950… I really loved it and went on to the two sequels: Early Warning, and Golden Age. Neither of which were nearly as good as the first; I barely made it through the last out of respect for the scope of the project.
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Catastrophe, a UK series… The duo who play the main characters also wrote the show which is the sort of thing I really enjoy. I thought was snappy, light, fast, and tightly written… And also full of profanity, and, uh, more profanity. So, if that’s not your thing, skip it.
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Now for the exciting part where maybe I alienate you!!
WELCOME TO MY SOAP BOX: cat lady edition.
Recently I spent a lot of time standing out in front of the stadium in Philadelphia, thinking about the ways I have cheated my own belief system.
I have actively avoided sharing here, the thing that is most important to me; because your validation and enjoyment of my blog feels good and that is hard to gamble with.
But it is time for me to be the change I wish to see in the world– people saying loudly and unapologetically:
1. Animal suffering is evil.
2. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
What I’m doing: protesting animals in circuses.… SO MANY countries have banned animals in circuses, but the United States continues to allow it!
Here is a great article by the Humane Society that offers a concise overview of the realities of circus animal life. (There are NO images, graphic or otherwise, so please read and share it!!)
— Did you know that circus animals spend, on average, over 90% of their lives in chains or cages? Ringling’s own records show that animals can be chained for up to 60 to 100 hours straight. — Humane Society, Join The No Circus Movement
Knowing the sad lives these wild cats are living makes me want to curl up in a ball. OR set someone on fire… The middle ground is raising awareness that these animals are CAGED FOR LIFE… (if you are a rabid cat lady like me, here is a good article dedicated to wild cats in the circus.)
And it’s not just Ringling! There are SO MANY smaller circuses! Here is a list of the top EIGHT circuses; they have ALL been cited for animal welfare violations… regulations that are impossible to enforce, and nearly meaningless.
Circus animals LIVE in small, filthy travel cages with only enough room to stand and turn around… no matter freezing cold or sweltering heat, without regard for their basic care.
We can make a difference simply by SHARING information and encouraging people to NOT support circuses or any other “entertainment” that uses animals: severely emaciated tigers perform at state fairs, gas stations that double as road side tiger attractions, and this HS football team whose mascot is a LIVE baby tiger… every year they buy a new baby tiger. What happens to the old baby? Nothing good.
This is not a life for any living being.
How to make a difference:
- SPEAK OUT! Be a voice for animals! Tell your friends and use social media to SHARE INFORMATION!
- Read and sign petitions… it really does make a difference. *see below… (here are a few to start: petition Congress: End Wild Animals in Circuses, ask Ringling to retire all animals, petition to end HS mascot cub tradition)
- If the circus is coming to your town: start a conversation on your town’s social media pages. Comment on the circus’s facebook page asking them to stop using animals and send them to accredited sanctuaries!
- Write or tweet to the circus’s sponsors.
- Find a protest. (Philadelphia has TWO more circuses just in May! Protest here and here)
- Organize a protest.
- Write to your representatives to tell them you want them to ban circuses with animals in your county and state! Some cities like SanFrancisco have passed a ban… a proposed bill in PA, still has not passed.
- Tweet to @NicoleFeld —executive vice president of Ringling’s parent company—tell her you don’t think animal abuse is entertainment! Urge Ringling to take ALL the animals off the road and send them to TRUE sanctuaries.
*Ringling is planning to phase out elephant performances, due to public outcry, BUT NOT THE CAT AND OTHER ANIMAL PERFORMANCES.
Ok. I guess you got my point… if you’re still here, THANK YOU for reading. I know that it is painful to witness the suffering of animals, but if we don’t, WHO WILL?
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Elvis update.
Two Sundays ago, Elvis had her first hospice appointment. Her regular vet does not do in-home care and recommended someone who does nothing else.
When the time comes, I want Elvis to be put to sleep at home… and I want her to be comfortable with the person who does it. This is hard, because Elvis really hates new people. My plan is to get her acclimated beforehand.
Since the appointment, I’ve been two things: relived that I really liked the vet. And so, so, so smacked in the face with reality.
But she is still hanging in there! (Much to the surprise of all the doctors she has seen.) But she LOOKS better than she is… her fur is amazing, and she is still eating well and has not lost weight. Actually, she is a real pudgekins now– the steroids are making her chow down.
Paul says she is past the young-GI-Elvis phase, and is now in the too-many-pills-and-fried-peanut-butter-and-banana-sandwich phase of life.
Ok. That’s it… abrupt end. I am still working on the Arkansas GFT. When I have an update, you’ll be the first to know!
Elizabeth
March 16, 2016 @ 2:12 pm
Wow, FIVE pages of comments!? Clearly you’ve touched a lot of people and loyal readers, at that. Thank you for posting about the circus animals. They need us to advocate for them. I liked the book review, also. Just keep posting what you like, what you believe in. Virtual [air] hugs and kisses for Elvis.
Natalie
March 16, 2016 @ 4:51 pm
I am new to your blog Victoria, having come across it a couple weeks ago on Facebook (I believe it was), and immediately followed because I loved your humor and personality that came across in your posts. We too bought a “fixer upper” and are in the process of remodeling. We may have differing styles, but you know what?? I love that…variety is the spice of life! Keep up the great remodeling, activist work, and big loves to Elvis.
RedheadedCyclone
March 16, 2016 @ 5:45 pm
Not to be helpful (sorry, Paul!)
But; https://www.facebook.com/officialhsm/photos/a.855616191179788.1073741829.844486968959377/998486013559471/?type=3&theater
Antonia
March 16, 2016 @ 7:49 pm
For what it’s worth, I love your posts and am always happy to see a new one! I don’t think any blogger has made me laugh so much, but I also just really enjoy your writing style and am happy to read about anything you feel moved to muse on. I also share your love of animals and have signed all the petitions that you’ve linked to that I (as a non-US resident) can. And so many good thoughts for you and Elvis. To be loved and cared for so well is a wonderful gift for anyone – animal or human. She is very lucky to have you.
Jacqui
March 16, 2016 @ 9:16 pm
I love your tangents! Please keep turning ordinary subjects into fantastically entertaining reads just by saying things the way you say them and generally being your effortlessly interesting self!! xoxoxo
Ellie
March 16, 2016 @ 9:20 pm
I love everything about you.
TucsonPatty
March 17, 2016 @ 12:42 am
I love your blog and your sense of humor and your love of animals. I may not share the same amount of passion, but I am fully supportiveof your passion. I wish I had the wherewithall to support each of the worthy causes there are out there in our world, but we each have to pick our own battle. I support your battle!
I will not support circuses, and hope that makes your corner of the world a happier place!
You make my corner happier by being the person you are! Scritches for Elvis.
TucsonPatty
March 17, 2016 @ 12:46 am
Oh, yes, and…”As far as I know, YOU are delightful!” I love that!
Velia
March 17, 2016 @ 9:15 am
I too, look forward to your creative and humorous writings as do so many of your followers. Keep pounding the keyboard. Glad to hear Elvis is doing well considering the illness. Losing such a loving family member, which some refer to as pets, will be painful for some time, but your memories of him will help you along. Blessings to you..
JennyKenny
March 17, 2016 @ 2:39 pm
The fact that you care about the welfare of animals makes me like you even more! 🙂
Kitty
March 17, 2016 @ 4:20 pm
I love what you write, whenever you want to write.
Wishing you the best with Elvis.
Linda
March 17, 2016 @ 4:27 pm
There are a lot of blogs that I love to read when I get a chance, but yours is the only blog that I read every single post whether I have time or not! Kudos for sticking up for the things you’re passionate about! It’s your passion for GFT, life in general and anything else that I love reading. We’re a lot alike, so you help validate my craziness as being perfectly acceptable! Besides you usually find even bigger GFTs than I tend to so I can use your blog to point that out to my wonderful hubby & brother whenever they complain about my exceptionally wonderful, must be mine purchases! I think they’d benefit from your hubby starting a support blog on how to better enjoy dismantling and moving GFTs for their GFT obsessed wife and sister! I’m also keeping your Elvis in my thoughts & prayers. You and Elvis have both been a blessing to the other. We are experiencing a similar circumstance with our Boo kitty (who looks a lot like Elvis) and it’s so hard to come to terms that our journey together here will soon come to an end. I am thankful for the notice though since it is allowing me a little more time to really appreciate him and make the most of every day. I was just notified that a friend of ours is having to say goodbye to his only daughter which makes me want to wrap everyone that I care about in a big hug & secure them in copious amounts of bubble wrap. Appreciate today without fear of regret & continue to share all of the things you are passionate about! While you’re at it, please wear some bubble wrap for me and the abused cats (and others)!
LibraDesignEye
March 17, 2016 @ 4:44 pm
“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed.
But when we are silent, we are still afraid.
So, it is better to speak”
– – – poet Audre Lorde
Rock on Victoria.
Elvis is proud of you and so am I.
You know, the King had a personal chef in his last ten years who specialized in barbecue (his kids have the barbecue restaurant in Oklahoma to show for it). Perhaps that will inspire Paul to craft some of Elvis’ favorite tempations in her time remaining . . .
Perhaps she has plans to reincarnate as a puma in Great Smokies (nearer you) or a cougar in Yosemite (my fave near me). A big cat in a National Park .. that is the life! Besides, it combines your cat passion with my national wild places advocacy and wowsa . . . the idea was simply intended to console by providing you with an image of one kind of big cat heaven with her roaming fluffy, free and wild.
MamaBossintheLBC
March 17, 2016 @ 10:38 pm
I’m not an animal lover, not a cat person, but I wholeheartedly support what you’re doing here. Keep standing up for what you know is right.
Stacey
March 18, 2016 @ 8:20 am
What do you mean you’re not going to cater to my every whim and only write about what makes me happy? How very inconsiderate of you. 😉 Are you kidding me?! I am often baffled that that is the attitude of too many seemingly normal adults, but then society isn’t what it used to be and we don’t get to parade around in fancy hats, gloves, and matching handbags. Sigh… Keep being who you are and we will love you for it!
Ellen
March 18, 2016 @ 7:27 pm
This is a great post. I couldn’t agree more about the circus animals.
I had to laugh at one thing, though: for several years I had a blog titled EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO MY OPINION. Ha!
Jenn
March 19, 2016 @ 5:46 am
Hooray for Elvis! I had been very, very worried when we did not hear from you for a bit. You’re quite allowed to take time for life, but we’ll be happy to read basically anything you like. If someone is uninterested, they can go fly a kite and I don’t think I’d like to know anyone who’s uninterested in kindness and respect for animals anyways.
We found a hospice vet to be an invaluable resource for our sweet Lilly when going through mammary catcer and chemo last year, and you are so smart to allow Elvis to familiarize herself with this important person. You’re a very good cat mom and our hearts have been with you, Paul, and Elvis for some time on this sad journey.
Liz Faria
March 19, 2016 @ 2:16 pm
Good for you! I respect your willingness to talk about something personal to you even if it may alienate some unknown readers. It’s your voice people come for. Keep it up!
Tamisha
March 21, 2016 @ 4:29 pm
I don’t know how I never discovered your blog until today, but I’ve spent my entire sick day reading it thoroughly. A soulmate who adores GFT, my soul sister!!! As someone who has a) lived in while renovating an old house, b) a passion for collecting things I don’t need and won’t fix and c) attempted to blog about it, I think you could be my new best friend. I’ve wasted hours laughing at your wit and passion for collecting anything that was ever gilded. And to think, I could have spent the day rewatching the entire Harry Potter series. Good Job!
Mandy
March 28, 2016 @ 5:31 pm
I totally get the paralyzing fear but honestly you’re awesome no matter what you’re writing about! I originally “tuned in” because of the renovations and the GFTs, but I was also charmed and amused by your personality, and that holds true whether you’re writing about GFTs, home restoration, tours of historic properties, Elvis updates, soapbox moments, wedding recollections, TV and book”reviews”, holiday decor, etc… and I can confidently rattle that list off even though I favor different soapboxes than you, am not a fan of cats (but I love my dogs and must say that Elvis is very charming and I love seeing pictures/ hearing updates about her), and don’t have exactly the same taste in literature as you. Point is I love your blog and I’m sure there are a whole herd of people like me! So keep it up, you’re damn delightful
PS, please excuse the run-on scentences, my computer is having issues and if I took the time to wrestle with it and fix them I might endup killing it