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 @ 11:33 am
Random personal insights are actually MY FAVORITE! I will happily check in for these any time!
March 15, 2016 @ 11:34 am
Thank you for being brave, speaking out against cruelty, loving your cat and being hilarious! I always look forward to your posts and now I’m going to go download that book!
March 15, 2016 @ 11:39 am
I had to stop and walk away after seeing those pictures of those poor cats in those horrible cages. I’m at work and if I started crying it would ruin my makeup and I would look like a freak. But I totally agree with your stand on this and poor Elvis, she is so beautiful, it makes me so sad to know she is so sick. I lost my own cat suddenly and I think it was on purpose but I can’t prove that and I don’t know which way is worse, knowing it’s coming or to be shocked with a sudden death but either way is bad and I wish only comfort and peace to you and your hubs.
March 15, 2016 @ 11:40 am
Self should be very proud.
I took my daughter to the Ringling Bros. Circus once. (It was a work thing) My daughter was so appalled & cried because the animals all looked so sad. We left early & have never gone back since.
We have never met but my heart leaps for joy whenever you post a pic of Elvis. If prayers & warm wishes cured cancer then your Elvis would live forever.
My parents had 4 cats at this time last year & then went down to 1 in just a few months. Each loss was crushing but my dad took the loss of Chloe his siamese the hardest. She was his feline soulmate. As in she would sit on his shoulder like a parrot while he walked around. If you know anything about Siamese cat then you know how vocal they are. Chloe was no exception. We called her Screamy McPete lol.
My dad has stage 4 cancer & Chloe’s death was devastating for him. My mother isn’t happy without a glaring of cats and when the time was right for her she went to a local no kill cat shelter. She met a pair of Norwegian Forest Cats, brothers that couldn’t be separated & fell in love. My dad didn’t want more cats. He really didn’t want more long haired cats & he definitely did not want males.
Eventually he agreed to at least meet them & fell in love. I now have 2 new fur brothers: Dusty & Robbie.
My dad says they were exactly what he needed and they are NOT a replacement for Chloe but they helped him with his grief in ways he never thought possible. Chloe was not a snuggled at night despite her obsession with my dad. But Dusty lays on my dad’s chest & rests his head on the tumor on my dad’s neck & Purrs my dad to sleep. He has comforted my dad in so many ways & he keeps saying they came into each other’s lives at just the right time.
When time comes for Elvis to cross the Rainbow Bridge your readers will be there for you. If you don’t post for a while & take the time you need we won’t forget about you & will still be here when you come back.
I lost my feline soulmate 24 years ago. I missed 4 days of work & cried for weeks. I still miss her. Sorry for the ramblings.
I hope you will find the comfort you’ll need when the time comes whether it’s from Paul, the Arkansas GFT or someday when you are ready in another furbaby.
March 15, 2016 @ 11:49 am
You know I love you and your blog, virtual friendship is a thing, I looked it up! Adding some of your interests outside of GFT and home decor is what makes friendships great!
My heart breaks to know of any animal abuse, circus animals, test animals, pets paired with abusive owners, (pet owners—I have horrible violent thoughts about what I’d do to them if I could). Anyway, I can see by the fact that I’ve had to scroll through 2 pages of adoring fan mail to leave a comment, that all agree with your new plan! It will be fun, as always, count me in.
xo,
Karen
Karen
March 15, 2016 @ 11:53 am
It’s you I love. I am interested in you. It’s really weird to have someone who feels like a best friend to tell me all the things she is thinking about. And just like my real life best friend, I am interested in everything you think. Just because we are friends. ( The friendship is a little one sided, but what the heck, you know?) And I appreciate knowing about the circus animals.
March 15, 2016 @ 11:57 am
You are wonderful! Never stop posting! Too many of us adore your words and projects to count!
March 15, 2016 @ 12:01 pm
You have brought me LAUGH out LOUD mornings…and HOLD your HEART days…today, I hold my heart. Surrounded by my dogs. Elvis is beautiful….TIGERS and LIONS deserve to LIVE…free. thank you. x
March 15, 2016 @ 12:02 pm
Ok listen….YOU ARE GREAT. When your post shows up in my e-mail I skip all the others in my In-box and go straight to yours. I love your quirkiness and your clever way with words.
I totally understand what you’re saying about your concerns about wanting to please everyone. I think the most interesting people are the ones that have the courage to be themselves. Tell your adorable Self that she is exactly what the blogging world needs.
Oh, and thank you for your work on behalf of animals. I will follow up on some
of your links!!!!!
March 15, 2016 @ 12:04 pm
Oh, my dear, you could write about watching paint dry and I’d enjoy it.
You’re doing so wonderfully by Elvis. What a lucky cat.
March 15, 2016 @ 12:06 pm
I love your blog. I’ve loved it since the Kingdom mirror. I love everything about you and hope you never stop sharing yourself with us. However often that might be. I really appreciate the info about circus animals. I’ve never liked that I don’t like zoos either. I’ll be keeping you, Paul and Elvis on my thoughts.
March 15, 2016 @ 12:14 pm
Your writing is witty, entertaining, and I look forward to each post. Thank you for sharing the things you care about. Keep it up!
March 15, 2016 @ 12:17 pm
Always do what YOU think is right and don’t worry about what other people are going to think. No matter what you do, there are going to be people who are critical, but in the end we all have to live with ourselves. 🙂
March 15, 2016 @ 12:18 pm
I admire people who stand up for what they believe. I love your happy, fun posts on decorating, but that is not the only thing to life. Kudos to you for trying to make life better for others.
March 15, 2016 @ 12:21 pm
You’re that friend who basically talks about that one thing you love and does it in an interesting and fun way……………..and then she talks about something entirely different and you realize she is probably your most fascinating friend with lots of layers (insert that whole onion metaphor) and you can’t wait to hear what else she has to say. Oh, and she has a fabulous husband and an adorable cat, not to mention great taste (as evidenced by your fabulous husband and cat named Elvis) and fashion sense in all things GFT and smallFT.
March 15, 2016 @ 12:22 pm
The most liberating thing I was ever told is that at any given time, half the people in the room won’t like you so you may as well do you. Bending yourself into a pretzel to please everyone just isn’t effective and gives you the cramp. I don’t have to like everything you write or embrace every cause you are passionate about in order to love you!
March 15, 2016 @ 12:26 pm
Victoria Elizabeth, you have my favorite name should I rename myself. You are awesome. I don’t believe I have commented on your posts before, however, I admire you and love everything. You are a blessing!
March 15, 2016 @ 12:30 pm
I love your blog, your ramblings…………………..I think your enthusiasm is great, your exploits (cool word isn’t it) are fun, thank you for sharing. Don’t worry about us, just post what you want, let us know what you have found/bought/stolen so we can delight in it. Otherwise, do what you want, do it when you can, and keep being you!
March 15, 2016 @ 12:31 pm
1) LOVE your blog
2) As with the vast majority of audiences, it’s an exchange of energy between us. We’re on your side and we want you to succeed, ’cause it makes it more enjoyable for us. Those who thrive on conflict have probably already moved on.
3) Brava, brava, brava on your work with abused animals, a great passion of mine as well.
4) You’re adorable. No, really.
March 15, 2016 @ 12:31 pm
First, I love your blog and I think you should say anything you want. Can’t wait to find out about the GFT. Also, I think not liking people to leave animals in cages for their whole life is also a good thing. Personally, I rarely go to zoos and never go to the circus (although I am tempted by Cirque du Soleil – but not for animals). That said, I know that some people like to go to see the animals. It might help people be more aware of what’s out there and even care more about animals in far off places. Not so great for the animals in the zoos but maybe helpful for other ones? I don’t know.
Anyway, hypothetically, assuming that you were willing to soften your stance on no animals in the circus, what would they have to do to make it so you would be okay with it? And if so, do zoos hold up to that standard? Do they need to do anything?
I completely agree on the baby tiger mascot. Who are these people? I thought young people today were supposed to be more aware of these things. (sorry – sometimes I rant too). 🙂
By the way, I’m not trying to attack you. I’m just seeing a lot of ‘my way or the highway’ talk these days and I’m curious if that’s a thing or something. I’m wondering if there’s a middle ground.
Marjory