Carli Davidson Photography

My fiance pointed out this photographer to me today and I was amazed at how captivating her photos were. The ones I really enjoyed the most were of the animals. Oregon photographer, Carli Davidson, is not just at taking photos but she is an animal trainer and caretaker as well. This enables her to really get to know her subjects and capture their inner being. Carli is also a freelance photographer for the Oregon Zoo. I also must add that she is one fine unique woman.

I simply adore the subjects she has had the honor to photograph. The series of the disabled animals made me cry. So beautiful. It kills me that there are animals who suffer from stuff like that. But its nice to see and know that there are some who are taken care of. These photographs really made me feel something when looking at them. I can only hope you feel the same. Animals rule!

Here are some of my favorites I had to share:

Why I Like Animals

I just finished reading Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's book Vegan's Daily Companion and I have to say it was great. Not only was it inpsiring but breathtakingly honest and sincere. From the photos to the content, I enjoyed every minute of it. There was one text in particular that resonated with me a little more than the others. It's an essay by Laura Moretti called I Like Animals. Upon reading this I sat back and took a deep breathe. Her words were beautiful, truthful and written with such strenth and confidence. I agree with her 100% and feel she couldn't have said it better.

So I had to share it because I feel you should all have the honor to read it. This world was created out of indiscribable magic and all beings were put here for a reason. I can guarantee that none were created just so they can be tortured, murdered and eaten by a species less true, loving and unique. Us humans are meant to live in peace with our fellow Earthlings. Mother Nature gives us both what we need to survive and live well. Joining hands with our furry friends and four legged buddies is how a beautiful world prospers. We are not better than they are. Our rights do not consist of overpowering their existance. To live in harmony, we all must know our place in the world and that each of us are only a tiny piece of the whole puzzle.

I Like Animals by Laura Moretti

"Why do you suppose you like animals so much?" was the million-dollar question put to me Christmas Eve (and one I hadn't provoked). I knew my family was expecting me to say something like, "I like animals because they're cute and cuddly and furry and fun to play with." But instead I said, "I like animals because they are honest."

My observation triggered a facetious comment from one of my brothers. “About what?"--as if honesty were merely about telling the truth, and everyone knows animals can't talk! His notation was met with hearty laughter; for once, they thought they'd repaid me for all the discomfort I'd caused them at other family gatherings.

"I like that animals don't pretend to be someone they're not," I continued in my reply, hushing the crowd. "To quote a phrase, 'Dogs don't lie about love.' Animals don't fake their feelings. I like that they're emotionally fearless."

We were lounging on sofas and armchairs after our feast and present opening. Coffee was being served, so I seized the opportunity. "I like animals," I added, "because they only take out of life what they need. They don't abuse their environment, annihilate species, pollute their water, contaminate the air they breathe. They don't build weapons of mass destruction and use them against others-particularly members of their own species. I like animals because they have no use for those things, or for war or terrorism. They don't build nations around genocide."

My uncle seemed momentarily lost in thought. He had been born and raised in New York City. "That's because they don't know any better," a brother-in-law argued. "They don't do those things because they don't know how."

"A pride of lions doesn't get together," I countered him, "and decide how to exterminate zebras-their very source of nourishment. I don't think it's because they don't know how. I think it's because it's counter-productive." They laughed. "

I also like animals," I continued," because they don't punish themselves for their perceived inadequacies. They don't dwell on things of the past, nor use them as excuses for behavior in the present. And they don't plan to live some day in the future, they live today, this moment, fully, completely, and purely. I like animals because they live their lives with so much more freedom than humans live theirs."

"That's because they don't think," one of my cousins offered.

"Is that the difference?" I wondered. "'I think therefore I'm cruel, destructive, insecure, abusive?' You meant to say they don't think the way we think." The room had become strangely quiet. I was amazed at how closely my family was listening, despite the occasional grunt to the contrary.

"I like animals because they don't bow down to imaginary gods they've created, nor annihilate each other in the name of those gods; gods, they say, who are all-knowing and all-loving and just. I like animals because they only know how to give unconditional love and implicit trust. I mean, animals either extend those things to you or they don't; there are no shades of gray. They have the best of what makes us human and, as one observer put it, "none of our vices.'" "And thank God," someone injected.

"Lastly," I added, remembering why I was an animal rights activist, "Animals are the most victimized living creatures on earth; more than children, more than women, more than people of color. Our prejudice enables us to exploit and use them, as scientific tools and expendable commodities, and to eat them. We do to them any atrocity our creative minds can summon. We justify our cruelties; we have to or we can't commit them. I like animals because they don't do to themselves or to others the things we do to them. And they don't make excuses for unethical actions because they don't commit unethical acts."

"And finally," I finished, "I like animals because they're not hypocrites. They don't say one thing and do another. They are, as I've said, honest. Animals-not humans-are the best this planet has to offer." And, interestingly enough, despite my soapbox rant, not a one of them made a snide comment or a hint of laughter. The conversation actually rolled into shared stories of animals they've known, stories of animal loyalty and intelligence, their humor and innocence. And it was me who'd become the listener with the occasional comment: "Now, if only humans could only be, well, like animals." And that is why I fight the good fight; I rise on behalf of the best among us.”

Wedding Series: Tips, Advice & Wedding Journal to the Rescue

This Valentine's Day I got engaged and it was sweet, intimate and unexpected. Even though I knew it was coming, I never thought Danny would pop the question on Valentine's Day. So I am very excited to plan my wedding and go through this process with him. Unfortunately, it can be stressful at times.

Here are some tips and advice for your wedding that may help you along the way. I also share my secret to planning any event or future endeavors - a journal. Keeping a wedding journal is smart, fun and inspiring. It allows you to be more organized and create something beautiful in the process.



Venue
Booking the venue is the first step. After about 4 months of research we narrowed it down to four places. This is something I highly recommend you do. Research your ass off! If there was ever a good time to do it, it's now. Don't just pick a place because you like how it looks or someone else recommended it. It's smart to know all the options you may have. I must have researched every place on long island, brooklyn, queens and nyc! There are just so many places you never even thought of! That is what research is for.

First, figure out what kind of wedding you want. Is it traditional, non-traditional? Do you want to be around nature or a city atmosphere? Ask yourself these questions and more. Search wedding and design magazines for venues you think are beautiful or interesting and cut them out. Add them to your journal for inspiration. These images will help lead the way.

I always knew I wanted a spring wedding outside so I am surrounded by nature. Beautiful colors, flowers in bloom, nice warm weather - and if animals could be there too, than great! That is why our two choices are a vineyard in Riverhead and a farm museum in Floral Park. Both fit Danny and I perfectly.

Once you know what you want it gets much easier. Narrow down the choices and contact the ones that are within your budget. Make appointments to go check them out and choose the one that is best. Make sure you have all the details before you sign the contract and mark everything down in your wedding journal to keep track of any changes.



Caterers
If you plan to book a hall or traditional venue for your big day than the food is all included in the package. It does make it easier on you, however, you are quite limited to some of the ideas you may have. For example, the venue already has a style or look. Changing that up is not really going to happen. In almost all cases, their decor is the decor that will be used for your wedding.

Most of the time the caterers handle the food, liquor, rentals and decor. However, in my case, we are choosing a more DIY event so our caterers are pretty much just taking care of the food and only some rental items. One might think this is crazy but I disagree. It is all a matter of preference. Since our wedding is an informal gathering on a Sunday afternoon, we did not feel it was necessary for all the frou frou benefits like a huge waitstaff, passed hors d'oeuvres and a full service bar. Remember, you don't have to do what everyone else does. It's your wedding!

Just make sure you let the caterers know what you want. They will always try to sell you a big fancy event. This is what discouraged me from even having the wedding at all! The more I received proposals, the more I wanted to cry. They were way too pricey, too overdone and not at all what we wanted. One sent me a menu choice with 90% meat. Having told her we wanted to serve all vegetarian/vegan food, this really got on my nerves. Was she even listening to me!



Decor
Choosing a venue that is a blank slate allows you to have more freedom. Being a designer, I wouldn't have it any other way. Knowing that I will be the one who is designing all the decor for my wedding makes me the happiest girl in the world. Plus, I get to show my guests what kind of event I can really create. It just might bring me some business! You never know, right? So, having the freedom to decorate and use any materials I want, will make all the difference in the end.

I have a pretty good idea what I want to do but it never hurts to search for inspiration. This is yet another reason to have a wedding journal. Whenever I see good ideas that make sense, I cut them out or write them down in my journal. This will also help caterers to see what you want. They will most likely have ideas as well, which is fine. Take all you can get! Just don't let them stray you away from what you truly want.



Pick a color scheme and go from there. The season you are having your event in will help guide you. Ours will be in May so spring it is! Filled with rustic elements, pastels like baby blue and pink and the natural tones of the wood of the barn, our decor will fit with its surroundings and make sense. All the fun elements that bring it to life will set the tone of the entire day.

Remember to think outside the box. Instead of traditional centerpieces with flower bouquets try using succulents or small plants. Even a few flowers in unique vases or jars will look beautiful. What about earthy elements like moss, rocks and branches? Just because you don't overdo the decor and have elaborate and expensive elements, doesn't mean your wedding will look cheap and flimsy. Believe me! I have seen weddings that cost thousands and they didn't really look that great. It's simply a matter of taste.



Extras
Nowadays, people don't hand out favors but sending your guests home with a little something to remember the day by is not a crime. It doesn't have to be expensive but giving something small can put smiles on their faces. I recommend making a donation in their names as well. Pick an issue that means a lot to you and let your guests know you've made a donation in their honor.

I have come across so many cool ideas and have pretty much decided on ours. But the main thing you want to keep in mind is most people throw them out. So you want to give something they can either eat, use or recycle. I love the seed idea. Giving back to the Earth is the best gift in my eyes!



The elements that are for you and your partner are most important. The guestbook should be simple, pretty and have the space for your guests to share their thoughts on your big day. There are a lot of different ways to do this. Again, jot down your ideas and take any images you find in magazines and add them to your journal. I am so excited to design our guestbook. Yet another thing on my to do list.

Then you have fun elements you can always add to the event. It can be different stations where guests can get creative or places they can spread the love back to you. Whatever elements you choose, remember to keep them tied into your theme or they will stand out like a sore thumb. You want everything to look like it was meant to be there. No event can be 100% perfect but it can sure as hell be close!



Your wedding day will be great. Just focus, relax and give yourself enough time to plan. The wedding journal should help with a lot of it considering it organizes everything and keeps it in one place. People will think you are one smart cookie when they check it out. Mine has become my best friend in this whole process. Plus, just putting it together is so much fun.

Whatever you choose for yours, just make it work for you. Since mine is an eco notebook (of course!) it had no pockets. So I just made my own with decorative paper and special envelopes for loose papers. It looks cute and adds some character. Use all sorts of clips to keep things in place as well.



The main thing when planning your wedding is to stay true to who you both are. This event shows the world what you and your partner stand for. Your day should be a clear representation of your likes and dislikes, style and beliefs. Ours will be a natural organic event that celebrates love, animals and the Earth. Using eco-friendly products and methods and sticking to our morals, we will be pleased to share the special day with our friends and loved ones. It will also show everyone the path we choose to take, together, as we move forward in life. Now that's a perfect wedding day!

Tis the Season for Gift Giving

I love the holidays. Not because I get gifts but because I love giving them. I have been known to get the best gifts so I wanted to share some of the products I have seen so that you too can spread the love brilliantly. The key to gift giving is getting something that fits the person you are giving it to. Something you know they will love. It doesn't have to be pricey - not all expensive gifts are great. Its the thought that counts!

So here are some of my best picks for the season. Happy Shopping!

Robot Alarm Clocks
These would be great for someone who loves retro toys and appreciates anything vintage. The glow in the dark hands make it easy to see at night and there is a battery included. Both are $75.



Nostalgic Tin Collectibles
I absolutely love these! What collector wouldn't agree that these tin vintage toys are awesome. They are totally affordable too. For under $70 you can get both! The rocket ride is my favorite.



Pillars of Heaven Nativity
When I saw this it made me smile. Now I am not a religious person but this would be a great gift for someone who is. Think Grandma or Grandpa for this one. I think its a nice way to modernize the nativity. It may be $100 but this is something that will be treasured for seasons to come.



Cheese Boards
Look out cheese lovers! These cheese boards are modern and fresh and are great to give hosts. The set comes with chalk and two mouse shaped knives and for $70 it's a gift that will never be forgotten. To go a less pricier route get them the mousetrap board. Not only is this little guy cute but it will spark up a conversation at any event. At only $29 it will make you smile too!



Candles to Die For
These are some of coolest and prettiest candles I have found. I love them and I know you will too!

The Beeswax Rock Candles are not only natural 100% beeswax they look like real rocks. A great gift for anyone who loves nature and for only $19 for the set you can get them for everyone!



These Woodland Creature Candles are adorable. Hand painted and finely molded, they come in a set of 4. For $14 you will want to buy them for yourself too!



The Patch NYC Whale Candle is a great gift for any art lover. Made with jasmine, patchouli and basil fragrances and sells for $32. The candles also come with a skull, fedora, owl, stag and pipe.



Plants, Plants and More Plants
For all those who love nature, I do!, you will totally love these. All of them make fantastic gifts and the bonus is they will appreciate them everyday.

The Oasis Garden is nice to get someone who maybe doesn't have the memory or the time to take care of plants. Because they are succulents they don't have to be watered much and they are all packaged up perfect and ready to go. I couldn't believe it was only $39! You also get a 3 day shipping upgrade for free.



Air plants are so friggin cool. That is why I thought these Grapevine Air Plant Gardens were beautiful and unique. The plants were placed in old vine trunks as their new home and hopefully they will sent off to a new home for the holidays. The small one is $29 and the large is $39. Not bad for timeless pieces of history.



The Living EcoSphere is the ultimate gift for those who appreciate life and the Earth. This unusual self sustaining eco - system lives within handblown glass and requires little attention. It contains plants, live shrimp, algae and microorganisms and at $89 you can count on it being a luxury item.



Eco-Friendly Gifts
Everyone has some friends that live green and healthy. These are some great finds they will love, use and really appreciate. Heck, everyone will!

I love these Bobble Water Bottles because they are small enough to fit in your bag, affordable and totally green. They are made from recycled PET, are 100% recyclable & BPA free and come with a filter. Just fill it up and drink! You can't go wrong for $10. They come in blue, pink and green.



These two are perfect for those country lovers who appreciate handmade appeal. Rene Rooster and Daphne Duck are made from recycled French newspapers and cement bags and starch that is locally grown. Made by Haitian artists they represent fair trade and good ole handmade art. Starting from $39 they are worth every penny.



Sold as a set these beautiful Recycled Windshield Wine Glasses are the perfect gift for that wine loving couple. They are handmade in Columbia and have a slight green hue. No one would think they are only $22! But hurry because there is only a limited amount of these available.



Calling all baseball fans! This might be one of the ultimate gifts for that sports fan who appreciates the game. I think it would be great to give to Dads but would be nice for anyone who loves baseball. The Ballpark Pens are made from salvaged stadium seats of historic ballparks and come boxed up with a certificate of authenticity. Prices range from $140 - $260 and you choose from a list of stadiums.



Jewelry
What girl doesn't like jewelry? Even some men do! I am not one to wear lots of ritzy stuff but I do love necklaces. Here are some pretty pieces that any woman will adore and some the men will love you for buying.

These sterling silver Love Letter Charms are gorgeous. Designed by Lori Bonn, these filigree charms come with an 18" chain and will make the perfect gift for Mom's or a best friend. They sell for $70 and will last a lifetime.



For the guy who likes to get dressed up why not give him the gift of sin. These Seven Deadly Sins Cufflinks are cool, unique and won't burn a hole in your wallet. Designed by the famous cartoonist Mort Gerberg everyone will be sure to love these. They are $34 each and $195 for the whole set.



For that woman who prefers simple jewelry this Sterling Silver Bee Necklace will win her over. The pendant is 1.2" and the chain can be adjusted from 16" - 18". Right now its on sale for only $28 but is on backorder till January 22nd. Who's says you can't give gifts after Christmas.



Here is a cool gift for artsy types who appreciate vintage things. The Typewriter Key Necklace is unique and comes personalized with a typewriter key set in sterling silver. They are handmade in the USA and Mexico and use authentic keys from the 20's to the 40's. It sells for $50 and is eco-friendly too!



Stocking Stuffers

Kimono Key Chains
These cute animal key chains have a handmade feel and Japanese style design. Each are $17 but you can buy all three for $39! Find them at Eastern Serenity.



The Sock Monkey ornament is not only adorable but will bring the kid out in everyone. It's 7 1/2" and only $12 which makes it the perfect stocking stuffer.



Perfect for any girl these Kimono Sachet Trios are made from Japanese children's costumes. They are filled with roses, orange blossoms and violets and topped with the traditional knot. They are also made in the USA and come in pink or green. You get 3 for $38.



Its getting cold out there! Everyone and their Mother could use some chap stick this winter season. Hurraw Lip Balm is all natural, vegan and made with raw fair trade ingredients. You can't get any better than that! It comes in tons of flavors and is only $3.79 so get shopping.



I hope these products inspire you this holiday season. Stay tuned for more gift ideas coming soon! You didn't think I forgot about kids and pets did you??? Nope. Until next time...

A True American

Lately, I have been thinking about the way people think and behave. Specifically, in this country we call America. So what does it mean to be an American? Is it gaining success and getting rich? Is it owning a home with the white picked fence? Is it having a family? Is it about speaking your mind and standing up for what you believe in? Is it protecting your country?

Really. What does it mean?

So you come here to chase the American dream. Here in the land of the free. A land where dreams can come true. What people thought was once was a great life, is now surpassed with greed, ignorance and stupidity. The simple life of happiness is lost and forgotten. Somewhere in the middle of then and now, the American people have shown their title disgrace and disrespect.

When we are kids we are taught this country's history and the many events that made it what it is today. Some great and some horrific. Between war, racism, violence, murder and hate, it's hard to see through it all. The way people and animals have been treated is certainly not something to celebrate.

Love, happiness and peace. This is what really matters. Being aware of how to help, share and spread that positivity is crucial to our species evolving. We need to learn that killing doesn't get us anywhere. It only sets us back and continues to halt our true survival. Why aren't people learning by now? In order to have a successful, healthy and prosperous future, we must love and respect all beings.

It's important to know, the way of life years ago is not the way of life today. Instead of seeking the simple undertones of how happiness can be, we all want more. Some people are so damn greedy they have way more than enough. Others lie, cheat and steal to get there. No one deserves to make billions, I don't care how talented or smart you are. In a country where you have the richest of all, there just shouldn't be homelessness and starvation. Period.

Is this what an American really is?

People live many lifestyles. All will try to convince you their way is the best way. I say, if you believe in something that is positive and doesn't harm others than great. But sadly, most lifestyles are the opposite. Religion, for example, is a vast category of brainwashing, sin, lies, rape, hypocrisy and misguided tales. On the other hand, it teaches self respect, strength, responsibility, love, faith and hope. How do you see through all the haze?

There is a good fraction of people who feel its important to make a difference in the world, so they strive for happiness through love and positivity. However, you also have a lot of people that either don't care or are not aware of what they can do to help. Then you have people who are so blinded by ignorance that their very existence is an embarrassment to us all.

The fact of the matter is, you can live any way you want. It is a free country after all. But should our lifestyles follow guidelines? Sort of like the 7 Deadly Sins, I feel we should all live by certain rules. I know most of us don't like rules but lets face it, without them nothing would run smoothly. There is no need to go crazy and whip out the tablets here. Just a few simple facts to keep us all in line.

First of all, we do not need to kill to survive.
Taking advantage of beings that do not have the same power as us is evil, unappreciative and most of all heartless. But we do it every God damn day. Death is in your supermarket and eventually winds up on your plate. Innocence is stolen and the weak are raped. Souls are truly lost. Machinery takes lives while the blood drips from our hands. Is this America?

Secondly, we need to learn when enough is enough.
How much more money can you make when you already have millions? How much more damage can you do to the planet? How much of our natural resources do we need to waste? How many Happy Meals can we shove down our kids throats? How many more animals can we torture and kill for fashion? Isn't the millions of animals we kill a year enough? Why do we continue to find more species to eat and more ways to torture them?

Third, be positive and be aware.
Why is it so hard for everyone to be kind to each other. People should want to help others and make sure we all succeed. We are all equal. People don't realize by living a certain way they support horrible things. They choose to separate themselves from their choices so they don't have to live knowing the truth. That's just sad.

Finally, we need to understand cause and effect.
When you put bad people into government, it will all crumble to the ground. When we eat toxic food we will get fat and sick. When we spend money carelessly, we end up with nothing but debt. When we take wild animals and teach them tricks they will eventually get even. When everything in your life is filled with drugs and alcohol you will soon learn that it's actually filled with nothing.

If we stay true to these, I think we can finally move in a better direction. All we really have is the Earth and each other. This planet is our number one resource for life. It gives us food, shelter, shade, air and water and most of us just take advantage of it all. We need to appreciate the beauty in what's around us. Not just the planet but in each other as well. We are amazing creatures - look how far we have come!

Now look beside you. There right by your side is an adorable little creature who brings joy and happiness to your life. Pets have unconditional love, something we humans can't truly grasp like they can. Now look beyond your dog or cat and you will see millions of animals that are simply amazing. Whether they live on a farm or in the wild, they are deserving of life as much as we are. We don't realize that we need them here in order for "life" to continue. So instead of eating a steak or shooting a dear, put the fork and gun down for once and see the beauty of it all.

So what does it mean to be American?

Being American means you are strong and brave.
It means standing up for equality.
It means we are free.
Free to be ourselves in a world free from hate.
It means we have the right to speak our minds.
It means we are loyal to all beings because we value life.

Being an American is being alive and appreciating the air we breathe.
Believing in ourselves and knowing we can make a difference in the world.

One by one, hand in hand, we certainly can.

Walk for Animals

Today I attended Farm Sanctuary's annual Walk for Animals in Northport. Coordinator Deb Hollm lead the walk this year and thanks to her we were able to show our support for the cause. There was a turn out of about 50 people and the fundraisers of the group totaled close to $2000! Its good to know there are people out there that want to make a difference.





The Walk for Animals is held all over the states and has been more successful each year.  All money raised goes to helping abused animals and allows Farm Sanctuary to keep doing what it does best. The main message of the event is to spread awareness about factory farming, how animals are treated and how it affects the environment.  It is doing great damage to the planet and the animals who suffer don't deserve it.



There were a couple of passerby's that took pamphlets and stopped out of interest which is always a good thing.  Despite the chilly morning, we completed our 2 mile route successfully. People of all ages came out for the event and showed their support and pride for the cause. Hopefully, we made the residents of Northport think about the issue and become more aware of the problems that affect us all.  





Living a cruelty-free life is a happy one.  Knowing in your heart that all Earthlings matter leads you down a guilt-free and harmonious path that will someday change the world.

My Visit to the Farm Sanctuary

I recently took a trip to Watkins Glen, NY to visit the Farm Sanctuary. I was very excited about this trip because I have been looking into the sanctuary for some time now and am very pleased with what they are doing to save farm animals. As my boyfriend and I drove up the dirt road to the entrance I was anxious to walk along the green grassy hills and meet all the animals. The education director, Michelle, was very nice to have set up a tour even though it was not a normal tour day. Our guide for the day was Renee, a well informative woman who expressed her love for animals with every word she uttered and every move she made. You could just see and feel how much they meant to her. Being a vegan since she was ten years old clearly proves her dedication and passion for the cause.





We first entered the People Barn where they hold all educational classes and films. The displays were nothing less of the truth and were shown in a manner that enabled the viewer to understand the issues on a unique level. Showing the gestation crates pigs are forced to live in, battery cages which hens are sadly constricted and veal crates that confine baby cows to a life of solitude away from its mother are all ways in which farm factories torture and harm all these adorable animals. Can you imagine yourself living in conditions like these? Its worse than being in jail. With no room to stretch or breathe freely how can any living creature be healthy and happy? They can't.







I enjoyed the area for children, Kids Korner, where they can learn the truth about the food industry and see for themselves that the way animals are treated is wrong and needs to stop. On Saturdays they also feature films so people can have a more visual sense of what is going on. Interaction is a major part of information and there is plenty of it at the Farm Sanctuary. The people are very nice and informative and make sure you enjoy your visit. There is also a bed and breakfast on the sanctuary where people can stay overnight. With all the surrounding beauty it would be hard not to! I am sure the vegan breakfast they serve all the guests are surely delicious as well.





My tour enabled me to get close to the animals and really get a sense of who they were. The cows were so peaceful. Laying around eating grass and happy as can be. This is where they belong. We then moved on to the sheep and goats which was one of the best parts of the tour. They were so playful and welcoming it was unreal. Head butts galore! One in particular really liked Danny and I and kept trying to push us over. So awesome. I will never forget the two goats laying together by the food. They were so sweet with each other. You see even animals have best friends!





Next up were the chickens and turkeys. I have to say I was surprised by the personalities of these birds. If you are one to think they do not have unique traits you are wrong. There was a great sense of togetherness as well as comedy. They all just went on with their day which for some was laying eggs. I never saw a turkey egg before, never mind seeing a turkey lay one! It was so cool. There was one female turkey who insisted we all hear its unique gobble and others that had such beautiful feathers I swear they were showing them off. Such character they all had. Especially, the big man! He so wanted me to take photos! You can see it in his eyes that he liked the attention. His head felt like a brain!





On the way to the pigs we stopped by the ducks, geese and more birds who were totally living it up. This is where I found a hen that was pulling off the cutest moves. She was giving herself a dust bath and rubbing her head into the earth. So cute! I have footage of this that you will have to wait to see but trust me, it was adorable. Renee said they do this often. Who knew? Maybe if we focused on learning about THEM instead of what they can do for us we would know what interesting creatures they really are.



Last but not least, we made a visit to the piggies! I love pigs and always wanted a piglet for a pet. These pigs were far from piglets though. Weighing up to 2000 pounds, these guys had the life. Most of them were laying around napping and one was digging in the hay for food. This made me laugh because the whole time we were there his head was buried in the hay. So funny! The smiles on all their faces made my soul light up with happiness. These kind creatures are so sweet and innocent. You just want to lay with them all day. Their bellies are super soft and I loved how they adjusted their bodies to get comfy. It reminded me of my dog Olive when she is trying to sleep. An animal will always be an animal whether they are our pets or not. They all have personalities and unique characteristics we should all be able to see. I am one lucky girl to have witnessed it all in one day!



Here are some facts I wanted to share with you. These and more can be obtained from the Farm Sanctuary website and literature in the People Barn.

- More than 50% of forests and rain forests worldwide have already been cleared for livestock grazing or animal feed crops.
- Livestock rearing results in the production of methane and nitrous oxide, gases known to contribute significantly to global
warming. Manure saturated fields introduce contaminants into the environment and water supply resulting in disease, sick-
ness and pollution.
- Children who eat a vegetarian diet live healthier lives because their diet prevents cancer, obesity, high blood pressure and
diabetes to name a few. They tend to live longer as well. A plant based diet gives them the essential nutrients to grow such
as fiber, antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
- Over 70% of U.S. grain and 80% of corn is fed to farm animals rather than people. This amount can feed approximately
800 million hungry people.
- Factory farms are breeding grounds for harmful pathogens like salmonella and e. coli.
- Farm animals are usually prevented from engaging in instinctual behavior and live only a fraction of their natural lives.
- Approximately 10 billion farm animals needlessly die every year to fuel the food industry.
- Perceived as "threats" to human activity, vast numbers of coyote, prairie dogs and other wild animals who "interfere" with
livestock are killed every year by the Federal Government.
- More than 70% of the world's fish species are either fully exploited or depleted and researchers have warned that all fish
may be gone by the year 2048 if overfishing trends continue.

These facts themselves should want you to change and start living a better life. Not just for yourself but for all living creatures. If you don't think the way animals are treated in the food industry is wrong than I would question your self worth. It would be obvious to me that you don't think too highly of yourself. You see, whether you like it or not, we need the Earth to live. It does not need us. That's for sure! All we have done is destroy it. Animals are a part of the Earth, as we are. We are all earthlings. Just because we are human does not give us the right to take over and control everything we touch. Nor does it give us the power to torture and kill innocent beings for pleasure. And yes, if you eat meat than you take pleasure in its death. Sorry but its true.

You know the truth and you decide to support the horrible acts that go on everyday. I mean, damn, you are eating the results! I hope that the more you read and the more you see you can one day stand up to the food industry and big business and take control of what you put in your body. Stand up for yourself and all living beings by choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet and live a healthier, happier, guilt - free life. Like I said before, it was the best decision of my life. I choose to live positive and not support torture, disease and death. Unlike a lot of other people, I enjoy seeing animals happy. They are amazing creatures with hearts and souls that deserve the chance to live. I will forever spread the truth and support LIFE over greed and selfishness. I cross my fingers that one day you will all do the same.



For more information about the Farm Sanctuary and these issues you can visit their website: Farm Sanctuary

I will be posting my experience at the sanctuary in the next few days on Revolt TV. I will keep everyone posted!