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 @ 6:35 pm
I think you are delightful. ‘Nuff said.
March 15, 2016 @ 6:36 pm
Please keep being you!
March 15, 2016 @ 6:36 pm
I love your blog!
March 15, 2016 @ 6:57 pm
I started following you because you’re funny (really funny). I get your sense of humor and every time I read your blog I laugh out loud. What I really love, though, what keeps me coming back (beside GFTs) and your lovely home, is You! Your respect and love for Paul and Elvis always comes through, and so it was no surprise to see this side of you. Good for you for speaking out on a topic that needs to be seen by as many people as possible. These and other animal cruelties are hard to see, but if we don’t speak out when change is needed, how will we make it stop? So, write what you need to write, Victoria, I’m not going anywhere.
March 15, 2016 @ 7:04 pm
You never disappoint.
March 15, 2016 @ 7:09 pm
Love you just the way you are! You look like my sister, you share my family’s sense of humor, you’re intelligent, loving, and talented. I love GFTs and your house. I love cats, have one of my own named Franchi, and admire that you are active in big cat rescue. As a retired English teacher, I appreciate being able to read your blog without wishing I could correct the copy (and thanks for the book review). I’m watching Mad Men on Netflix because of you–OMG! People who read your blog and don’t get you, well–just blow them off and get on with your thing. Love…love…
March 15, 2016 @ 7:16 pm
I’ll add my voice to the countless others who have already said similar things. I stop by your blog on a regular basis because I like reading what you write, whatever you happen to be writing about. The things you describe feeling in regard to your new-found internet audience sound reminiscent of what I have occasionally experienced in my own personal usage of social media. There can be a real pressure we feel to perform for others in some ways and to kind of market ourselves to the masses. You seem to have discovered the secret that it has taken me a long time to discover in my own life: some people will like you and some people won’t, and that’s okay. I hope that you will keep writing, but I hope that you will write for yourself first. There’s just not a lot of sense in doing this if you aren’t enjoying it. So write from your heart. I’ll keep you, Paul, and Elvis in my prayers.
March 15, 2016 @ 7:17 pm
I have been a long time boycotter of circuses for the very reasons you so eloquently laid out here. Thank you for doing so and also for the suggestions for taking action in other ways.
As for the rest off your post, My favorite pastime, besides slaving over my restoration, is reading good novels. Always love hearing about what books others enjoyed.
So- THANK YOU!
Try not to care so much about the opinion of others. There are enough ways for everyone to have one. Embrace yours, my darling:)
March 15, 2016 @ 7:24 pm
Dear VEB,
I adore you, dahling. Born in Lansdowne, lived 37 years in da Burgh of Pitt. You can do no wrong, my lovely. Carry 0n
March 15, 2016 @ 7:37 pm
Victoria, first let me say that I’m sorry some of your readers try to dump their issues in your lap. It i d your blog and you get to write about ANYTHING you want! The rest of us are just along for the ride. And if we dont like it, we have permission to locate the exit
and disembark. I love everything you write! I only wish you were my best friend in real life and not just in my imagination! Also, I want Paul. So, basically two disappointments associated with your blog. I think i can live with that. Keep up the good work Sister!
March 15, 2016 @ 7:37 pm
I hope all of the positive people are right when they say we are getting better as a species,kinder and more informed but boy as a political junkie watching the Circus taking place in the march toward a change of government my courage deserts me and I dread the future that leaves the decision making to some of these Clowns. They run for power,position and money and could not care less for man or beast. Oy Vey! On a happier note I enjoy everything you write and I will sign all of the petitions. My sons-now in their fifties were the children who never ever went to Zoos or Animal shows of any kind. They grew up to be animal lovers and kind men. Keep raising your Flag Victoria –its a very very good thing.
March 15, 2016 @ 7:59 pm
I love your blog. Let me say that again. I love your blog. I have to say it twice because you will never find my approval on Facebook, Instagram or any other form of tweet or twit/twat. But be assured that although I am a social media dinosaur, (and intend to remain one) you still always have my approval.
March 15, 2016 @ 8:20 pm
I read every word you write. I dont comment because, well, you have thousands o fcomments, why would you need more? However, if you are going to be freaked out about writing what you want on your own blog, (the horror!) I must chime in and say stop it! I love how you write and I am as fascinated by the books you read and Elvis as much as GFTs.
March 15, 2016 @ 8:21 pm
And I edit very poorly. Another reason for not commenting!
March 15, 2016 @ 8:35 pm
I love your blog and I am delighted that you love and care deeply about animals ( including your beautiful Elvis, of course. ) It’s the icing on the cake !
March 15, 2016 @ 8:53 pm
I not so secretly want to be bff’s with you! I love that you have so many interests, you share how you find your ideas, amazing GFT finds, and all your craft projects! You’re little time lapse videos of you all bringing home your goodies are just too good! I for one get excited when I see you’ve made a new post and have yet to be disappointed (as if the thought had even crossed my mind). Keep on doing you.
March 15, 2016 @ 8:56 pm
I also love GFT’s though I can’t hoard them anymore due to downsizing after my husband’s death. I am living vicariously through you now. More importantly, I hate animal abuse OF ANY KIND!!!! So thank you for speaking out in their behalf. You can’t please all the people all the time, so carry on as your own quirky self. You make me smile. God bless.
March 15, 2016 @ 9:02 pm
I’m with you . I hate circuses and zoos. I’d like to lock all those people up in cages for a few months. Paul’s right about Elvis being in the white pudge pantsuit stage now. . At least your Elvis doesn’t sweat or do those stupid Karate chops and half-assed kicks. I hope things don’t get too hard for your boy. I went through the exact same disease with my cat love. The steroids worked for a while. Good days he wanted to be in my lap all day, bad days he’d sort of go within himself and just sit facing a wall. the long goodbye. Sending love
March 15, 2016 @ 9:17 pm
V, No matter what, where and when you write. It’s all good and funny. I get the animal thing. I’m on a lot of the rescue site’s that at times can make a sane person crazy, let alone an insane person……anyway it’s all heart breaking. From circus animals to effin people in my town who drop dogs off out in the country to get rid of them. When I hear of these things I just about go ballistic. If there is room to comment on these sites I give them a tongue lashing. I was kicked off a website for getting into an argument with a woman who was trying to find a home for her eighteen year old cat. I won’t say what I said to her, but I was so mad I thought I was going to have a stroke. Anyway, good for you for fighting for what you believe in. Keep writing because you are very gifted and funny.
March 15, 2016 @ 9:37 pm
Oh silly Victoria. Didn’t you know? We don’t like you because you entertain us, although you do that well and we do enjoy it. We like you because we are fascinated in the way you see and describe the world around you. We want to hear your views on circus animals. And other thoughts and feelings as well. You really have a talent for describing and observing that makes you a really good writer. And Elvis really does look wonderful.