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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What I’m reading:
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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What I’m watching:
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!
March 15, 2016 @ 10:43 am
I follow you on facebook and instagram because of your blog! As someone said before me, we might not always agree, but that is more than OK, it’s life. I love you for giving me the term “GFT” and helping The Husband understand the concept! You know, if you lived nearby, I’d be over with a coffee cake and a hug! xoxox
March 15, 2016 @ 10:43 am
Stay true to yourself and ignore the haters! I get excited every time one of your posts pops up in my email!
March 15, 2016 @ 10:44 am
I find your blog interesting and amusing, and it’s great to see another facet of your personality. While I really enjoy the funny, entertaining posts, I like seeing something more serious for a change. Keep doing what you’re doing!
March 15, 2016 @ 10:44 am
I don’t go to the circus. on top of that, I gave up eating veal when I heard about how the baby calves are treated. I tried being vegetarian and then vegan. but my body dislikes soy, and there is a diabetes thing with eating grains…. anyhow, now I spend my life feeling guilty about almost all food I eat. I try to buy a lot of humanely raised meat, and have my own chickens for eggs. but there is more. we’re the folks who picked the produce paid fairly ? what is the carbon footprint cost of eating watermelon in winter ? pesticides, herbicides, GMO . and was my carrot grown in the desert on a 24 hour sprinkler system ? monocrops murder lots of mice and are bad for the planet. everything has a cost. thank you , Victoria, for bringing me smiles. I am good at worrying, and have forgotten how to have fun.
I feel bad for all life not treated well.
March 15, 2016 @ 11:17 am
Not sure what you mean with the diabetic thing with eating grains, but a vegan diet doesn’t need to be a grain-heavy diet.
Vegan + diabetic works! Read Gabriel Cousens “There is a Cure of Diabetes”.
I was vegetarian since the early teen years, and vegan since HS (so, 13ish years). Also hypoglycemic at a young age (before going veg), and now LADA Type 1.5 diabetic. When I eat poorly, I need more insulin (duh), but a whole foods mostly raw vegan diet + regular exercise means I need half as much insulin. Just saying.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:47 am
I have been reading your blog for quite some time but have never posted a comment. Just want to say, and I may be speaking for others, that I read your blog because of YOU! Your antics, funny, crazy, or sad, it’s your personality that draws people in not just subject matter. Granted, my spirit animal is craigslist as well and I have an obsession with GFT but, at the end of the day, those are just things we have in common. Reading your blog is like catching up with a friend and I hope you’ll continue to share whatever your heart desires with your unseen friends. ?
March 15, 2016 @ 10:48 am
This is my favorite piece of anything you have written! I love your honesty and vulnerability. I’ve spent the last year on a journey of self-discovery and I found that my willingness to be my authentic self has driven away a few people, but they were quickly replaced with twice as many true, loyal friends who “get me” even on my lowest days. Best of luck to you, VBE, and keep being you – no one does it better!
March 15, 2016 @ 10:57 am
Sorry!! Sorry! I messed up your initials. Oh, the challenges of being an imperfect human! Thank you for always making me laugh, VEB. You are amazing.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:48 am
I read your every skillfully crafted word. I follow you on Facebook . I follow you on Instagram (did not know I was supposed to push the “heart button” but I will from now on).
The only circus we attend is Cirque du Soleil which is animal free.
I don’t always get your taste (I’m so not GFT) but love your passion for them. As long as I don’t have to help Paul load them in the car or carry them upstairs.
I am a VEB fan.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:49 am
Animal abuse of any kind makes me weep for the future of humanity. You can do no wrong in my opinion.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:49 am
Regarding Elvis, we had our very sick cat put down at home, and of course it was terribly sad. But I’d not have done it any other way. We had bought a lilac bush for the garden, so she lives on in the tree. Our daughter’s new kitten is named Lila in tribute to Sparkle. Also we went to a ceramic shop and painted a couple of tiles for Sparkle and they mark her grave in the garden. And thus she’s with us still.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:51 am
I have two thoughts… First, it’s your blog, so write what you want. You can’t please everyone and you can’t make people like you. Second, I’m with you 100% on the circus issue. It’s horrific. Keep up the good work. Oh, and sorry about Elvis. 🙂
March 15, 2016 @ 10:53 am
Good for you! Love reading about your Craigslist finds, but I keep following because your humor, personality and good heart comes across. Your love of animals is a part of that and if you have the platform to share then you should! Animal cruelty is something we should all do something about. I read an eye opening book, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer about the reality of factory farming 5 years ago and havent eaten an animal since! I highly recommend it!
March 15, 2016 @ 10:54 am
I just “met” you yesterday. Pretty sure I love you. In a totally non-creepy way. You write what you want and we will be here!
March 15, 2016 @ 9:29 pm
Weird….my sentiments exactly! You share my name as well. You and Victoria are super cool.
Cheers,
Melissa (Krouse)
March 15, 2016 @ 10:54 am
I completely understand the fear of “what if people don’t like this?”. And I am praying that when the time comes, Elvis goes gently into that night… And that one day, you will be back together… Many prayers for your entire family, animals and all. ((hugs) (
March 15, 2016 @ 10:56 am
We have 6 children. In the past we have heard nags from them about their friends getting to go to the circus. I absolutely can not stand animal cruelty!!! We have discussed animal abuse and neglect with the children that are old enough to understand and now they try to talk their friends out of going to the circus….thanks for being brave enough to post this blog:)
March 15, 2016 @ 10:57 am
VEB – you’ve been my GFT role model for quite a while now, your Paul my Paul’s DIY role model (including-especially his how to keep it sane and together methodology). Your love and care for Elvis is nothing short of awesome. I personally think you’re close to perfect and I have to work at not asking my 37yo daughter why she can’t be more like you. But WOW – now I KNOW you’re perfect, perfectly balanced and perfectly wonderful…bless you a gajillion times for your efforts on behalf of circus animals especially the cruelly caged big cats.
March 15, 2016 @ 10:57 am
It doesn’t matter what you write, I love your sense of humor and writing style. And I am thrilled to learn about new aspects of your life and being! Keep on sharing!
March 15, 2016 @ 10:57 am
I will read whatever you write, bring it on! Variety is good.
I wanted to tell you that you are doing everything right with Elvis, and to tell you about our Missy’s last day. She was a 21 year old tuxedo kitty, arthritis, kidney failure, and just plain old. She loved laying in the sun so a bit of the morning was spent finding strips of it in our sunroom. Our vet was scheduled to come late in the afternoon to put her down so I stayed home to enjoy my last time with her. We went outside together; I had been letting her walk around the yard the last few summers with me by her side. Her arthritis slowed her down considerable so I wasn’t worried any more about her running off and jumping a fence, she would just ample around smelling everything. That morning, she trekked across the wet grass, lifting her back legs high but keeping her nose in the grass, it was hilarious. I took lots of video. She was deaf but a talker and seemed to respond to my voice. Maow. About 4 pm the vet let me know she was available, I gave Missy a lorazepam and waited. I didn’t want her to realize what was happening. She slowly climbed her stairs up to the her favorite sunny afternoon window and stretched out. I sat next to her so I could pet her warm black fur, my husband let the vet in and she snuck up on Missy with the first shot. A few minutes later, the IV and final breath. It was actually quite a beautiful thing, very peaceful and warm. She was our first cat and outlived 4 others through the years, and she was my best friend. Oh no, I’m crying again. Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you that Elvis’ last day will be a beautiful thing for you and to wish you love on that day.
March 15, 2016 @ 11:00 am
WARNING: overly-wordy coffee-induced comment ahead!!!
Once again, I am moved by one of your posts. Yes, I said ‘moved’. And please indulge me for a sec while I comment on the reason for that, (aware that some feeble minded person might ask ‘how could a woman you don’t even know and who worships GFTs actually move you, Jule?’, but that’s only due to their obliviousness). So back to my reason that your posts ‘move me’ in spite of sounding like a prune ad: you always write from a personal place, and without the feeling that your posts are overly edited and scrutinized for some kind of ambiguous blogger ethic. Even when you’re talking about something seemingly frivolous to any clueless souls that don’t appreciate GFTs, your words are real and obviously come from a place of personal authenticity. I like that about a person, and that’s how I’ve always determined my friendships in life. Your words are spoken from your ‘realness’ – thanks for sharing your animal cruelty stance today! – and for me create a feeling of being friends. If you were my neighbor, I’d be the one tossing little dog treats at your bedroom window early on a Saturday morning to get you to go with me to check out a wild deal at a flea market an hour away. And you’d probably go. In a crazy and stressful world filled with 24 hour news, aging pets and parents and my own striving and lust for life, I always have a great post popping up from Elizabeth. I laugh at the skilled, sharp wit, admire the GFT wisdom, get a little peanut and jealous over the latest craigslist score and feel more energized and passionate in general……And obviously am moved to write long winded comments at the bottom of your page. Thanks for always sharing, please know your literary efforts are always appreciated by this gal in Michigan.
March 15, 2016 @ 11:01 am
Go on with your bad self and don’t worry about pleasing all of the people all of the time…it can’t be done…
March 15, 2016 @ 11:05 am
I definitely started reading you because of my deep and abiding love of home decor info and photos, but I kept reading you because of your fabulous writing, wit and (most importantly to a former copy editor) EXCELLENT grammar and spelling! 🙂 I look forward to reading anything you write! Thank you for writing about this heartbreaking issue. I admire your ability to do it in such a readable way, too. (Oh, and thanks for inspiring me to finish reading Smiley’s trilogy – I read Some Luck a while ago, but never quite made it to the others – but now my interest is renewed!)