Saturday, January 19, 2013

who will love a little sparrow?

Like most folk I'm familiar enough with the more classic hits of Simon and Garfunkel, but when I heard the simple yet hauntingly beautiful Sparrow, I knew I had to share:

 

Sparrow*

Who will love a little Sparrow?

Who's traveled far and cries for rest?
"Not I," said the Oak Tree,
"I won't share my branches with
no sparrow's nest,
And my blanket of leaves won't warm
her cold breast."

Who will love a little Sparrow
And who will speak a kindly word?
"Not I," said the Swan,
"The entire idea is utterly absurd,
I'd be laughed at and scorned if the
other Swans heard."

Who will take pity in his heart,
And who will feed a starving sparrow?
"Not I," said the Golden Wheat,
"I would if I could but I cannot I know,
I need all my grain to prosper and grow."

Who will love a little Sparrow?
Will no one write her eulogy?
"I will," said the Earth,
"For all I've created returns unto me,
From dust were ye made and dust ye shall be."

♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪

Greed, vanity, and hypocrisy abound. So, who will love the little sparrows? 

* from their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3AM, released October 19, 1964

Comments

veganelder said...

Believe it or not I have this album...it was one of the first I ever purchased. The Earth is the mother of us all and we are foolishly harming our mother. And I will love the sparrows...but I can't make everyone do so. It's an excellent song.

have gone vegan said in reply to veganelder...

It sure is. And cool that it was one of your first albums! Hopefully over time more of us will come to love the sparrows...

Rebecca Stucki said...

Believe it or not, I had this album, too! I played it frequently - a lot of great songs. This sounds like a more recent recording, though - maybe something they sang during a reunion concert? Their voices don't have the perfect clarity I remember.

have gone vegan said in reply to Rebecca Stucki...

Hey Rebecca, thanks for stopping by. Yes, this was a live recording done in 1967, so not as smooth sounding as on their album but still highly enjoyable methinks! :)

Bea Elliott said...

From my teen years I had "I Am a Rock" memorized forward and back... I was good even then at brick walling myself from others. I heard the sparrow song but didn't know more than that single line. Goes to show how that "rock mentality" also injures the possessor.

Thank you for a long overdue chance at further enlightenment via the voice and lyrics of this multi-talented duo. The song and video are absolutely beautiful! <3

have gone vegan said in reply to Bea Elliott...

Hi Bea, glad you like the song and video as much as I do. When I first heard the song (only a few weeks back), I was transfixed and couldn't believe I'd never heard it before! It's utterly beautiful, and I love the message. And whoever put the video together did a great job. So thanks for the fave, and for promoting it. Everyone should hear this! :)

Red Lories said...

Thank you for posting this song!! I saved a baby sparrow 3 months ago and started soft release a month ago. She comes back every day to feed and hang out with me. Sadly, I've to leave in 2 weeks...I've asked someone to leave food out for her but I'm still very worried. Today I saw a feral cat got one of her friends and it breaks my heart that I cannot protect my little friend anymore. And yes, I'm thinking about going vegan - I feel so connected to this little creature that has no worth in this world. For a few times now, the morning after a stormy night, she would snuggle in my palm as if to tell me it was a bad night. But she wants to be free and should be. Who will love a little sparrow? I WILL!!

have gone vegan said in reply to Red Lories...

Aw, I'm so glad you managed to save one of our feathered friends -- good for you! And I hope she manages to stay safe while you're gone. It's always a worry, isn't it?

And awesome news that you're thinking of going vegan! There's lots of resources online to help you with that, but feel free to ask for assistance on this blog as well. :)

Red Lories said in reply to have gone vegan...

This is an excellent site - keep it up! I'll take small steps first, not eating meat is easy but the others will take some time. It turns out that my sparrow is a boy :)

have gone vegan said in reply to Red Lories...

Ah, a boy bird! Hope HE'LL stay safe.

Yes, it's dairy and cheese that for some are the hardest. Cheese in particular is addictive because of the casein! Thankfully there are good vegan cheeses now like Daiya -- one of my faves. :)

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Saturday, July 14, 2012

7 daily questions vegans could ask themselves

 What kind of lamb


Also a good question, but not quite what I had in mind. Below are seven sets of questions -- one for each day of the week.

====================

  1. What one step can I take today to increase public awareness of the plight of farmed animals? What is the best way for me to help spread the word? How can I help someone else connect the dots?

 

  1. How can I be the best ambassador possible for veganism? How can I show that being vegan is the healthiest, most responsible and most compassionate way of being? How can I be more welcoming to new vegans and vegans-to-be?

 

  1. What specific skills and strengths can I bring to the table to forward the cause of animal liberation? Because doing what you're good at, and what you enjoy, will make you more effective.

 

  1. What can I do to show that animal rights are human rights as well? How can I show the intersections between human and animal oppressions? How can I demonstrate the various ways they're linked?

 

  1. How can I help bridge the gap between vegans and non-vegans? (Or between different factions of vegans?) How can I show where there's common ground?

 

  1. How can I protect myself from fatigue and burnout so I'm stronger for the long haul? What would stop me from being vegan? What can I learn from detractors of our cause?

 

  1. How can I be proactive instead of reactive? How can I highlight gains rather than losses? How can I move from focusing on problems to developing solutions?

========================

Obviously, questions are a lot easier to ask than answer (and more fun in my opinion), so I'll leave the hard work of actually answering them up to you. ;)

Comments

Krissa said...

All very good questions. The only one I can answer right off the top of my head is part of #6. The only thing that would stop me being vegan is if it were to save the life or prevent some kind of torture to a loved one or if I were 'required' to physically or psychologically torture another living creature (excluding child/'animal' molesters, rapists, murderers - those kinds of people) or be vegan. Neither of those choices will present itself so I'm safe. I don't know exactly what prevents others, besides unawareness. But then, what about those who know, but just go on and participate in the cruelty anyway? Which is where all the other questions come in and why they're so crucial. When I think back on my 'animal lover' days...before I was vegan...it just kind of blows my mind because I knew...I hadn't seen photos or anything, but I knew. And yet there I was doing it, too. What stopped me back then? I just don't know. As for what can we learn from detractors of basic decency. I have no idea about that either. That's a very generous outlook and question.

Debbie said...

Question #2 worries me. Am I a good ambassador? What if I’m the only vegan someone has ever talked to? Am I setting a positive example of a very easy way to live? While I am sick far, far less than I was before going vegan I still feel guilty if I catch a cold or something because I don’t want anyone to think it is because I’m vegan. Am I gracious when I go out to eat with others or do I come off as demanding when I ask questions about something on the menu? I just don’t know. I try to be a good ambassador but I’m not perfect.

veganelder said...

Question number 4 addresses an issue that intrigues me. There seems to be a lot of fog surrounding this.

Tom said...

As always, really helpful food for thought. Thank you. We sometimes become so happily ensconced in our vegan bubble that we forget how much work there is out there to be done.

Bea Elliott said...

Great list! I think I'm working my way backwards on it. #10 used to be the most challenging new habit to develop. Reacting (negatively or defensively) is very easy to do. And it certainly doesn't accomplish much.

The way I "cured" myself when I dealt with derogatory remarks about us AR/vegan "wackos" was to not take it personally. It's either a defense mechanism in them or just a lack of knowledge. I sure don't want to prove them right by flying off the handle! Better to stay collected and focused on the issues and not be sensitive to the misconceptions. Like I said... Most of the time, it's not personal - So I try not to make it so.

#9 - #1 solutions are in the works! ;)

Thanks everyone for your input! These questions are, of course, ones that I struggle with all the time. And my apologies for being so late in replying -- where has this month gone?!

@Krissa: For me, the only thing that would stop me from being vegan I think, is if I were to be convinced that veganism was hurting animals more than actually helping them -- that another approach would be of greater benefit. As for detractors? I think it's vital to be aware of how they view us, of the arguments they put forth and the questions they have, because ultimately they're the ones we're trying to reach and convince. Also there's a bit of a "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" strategy involved there, snort.

@Debbie: This question worries me too. Especially when I get riled up reading some online article and end up leaving caustic remarks, which no doubt do more harm than good. Gotta watch that temper of mine! And I hate getting colds now because invariably someone will link it to my being vegan. Grrr!

@veganelder: One of my favourite examples to cite for question #4 is domestic violence because there's such a clear link between the two. Where there's domestic assault, there's very likely animal cruelty as well. Studies show that many women don't leave abusive situations because they fear for the safety of their pets. That their pets have been hurt or have been threatened with violence as a means of control. That children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to be cruel to animals, and so forth. This is a subject worthy of its own post sometime, but also a good way to start the conversation about how helping animals helps humans too.

@Tom: Thanks. Yep, the vegan bubble is alive and well, and perhaps a bit too comfortable. Although veganism is making great strides in becoming more mainstream, reading online comments helps me remember how we're still regarded as a wacky minority by most.

@Bea: Being reactive is something I still have to work on. A lot! And sadly, an issue that probably interferes with every other question on the list. Hmmm, I definitely need to start answering these questions for myself. :)

Bettina said...

Hi there!

I'm so delighted to find these questions from you. I'm not vegan but have decided to act on my values to commit to a vegan lunch for a month. Usually when I hang out with vegans I feel guilty for being 'only' vegetarian, so I'm happy to see that you speak in the language of 'bridging the gap' rather than everyone's got to be 'all vegan, all the time'. It's a journey for me, and I want to get there someday.

have gone vegan said in reply to Bettina...

Hey Bettina! Thanks for dropping by, and welcome to the vegan journey. And it IS a journey, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise, snort. There's lots of resources online that can help (a number of places offer free vegan starter kits, for example), and tons of recipe and how-to-be-vegan books (I've got a bunch listed in the sidebar), so committing to vegan lunches for a month is definitely doable. And kudos to you for starting! Bon appetit!! :)

p.s. if you ever have any questions, just fire away...

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Friday, June 1, 2012

50 hodgepodge thoughts on living well

 This was written the other day when I thought about turning 50 in October. I decided to put it all down as inspiration hit because I often regret not writing things down as I think of them. I've admitted to not always being punctual, and it's true I'm sometimes late, but I'm also sometimes early, so why wait with posting until I'm actually fifty? ;)

Um, it's not really related to veganism per se, but I thought you might enjoy anyway.

 

 ===========================

 

  1. don't let anyone else tell you who you are unless they've legitimately earned your trust
  2. accept their input, but reserve the right to dismiss if it doesn't ring true
  3. learn to like yourself (you know what you need to improve on, but don't beat yourself up)
  4. don't let anyone else beat you up either, whether physically, emotionally, verbally, sexually, financially, or spiritually
  5. find a purpose, YOUR purpose, and keep looking for it if you have to until you find one that fits. You'll know when it does.
  6. figure out what you're good at, figure out what you're passionate about, and let the two become acquainted
  7. accept your past but know it doesn't define you
  8. become your own best friend and ally
  9. stay self-focused, but don't become self-centered 
  10. you can't change anyone except yourself (but by providing information or insight you may be able to help others help change themselves)
  11. be kind, be compassionate, and know we're all connected
  12. be a mentor (or at least a supporter)
  13. try to leave this world a better place
  14. define success for yourself
  15. be true to yourself, before being true to the world
  16. know that everything WILL pass
  17. be creative (whether literally in creating offspring, or preferably in how you live, how you connect to the world, and in leaving your mark on this world)
  18. know that being vegan is a spiritual task even if you identify as atheist
  19. become comfortable in not knowing all the answers
  20. comfort yourself by becoming better in asking the right questions
  21. decide for yourself what is true
  22. question authority because it has never been more relevant
  23. reading is as essential to life as breathing; do it every day
  24. forgive yourself
  25. forgive others (especially if they know not what they do), but only when ready
  26. know that you have much to contribute
  27. become a good steward
  28. try your best, but know that anything worth doing is worth doing badly
  29. always ask, What is the best use of my time right now?
  30. become a recovering pessimist
  31. better yet, become an idealistic realist
  32. think of happiness as a byproduct rather than an aim
  33. recognize that money is only a tool, a form of energy if you wish
  34. many rules are meant to be broken, but know rules well before you break them
  35. be mindful of what and whom you eat
  36. vote with your fork every day
  37. travel light (figuratively, metaphorically and literally)
  38. be grateful that your companion animal has chosen you
  39. live up to their expectations and exceed them when you can
  40. see how some of the best words are i words -- ideas, ideals, imagine, inform, inspire, illuminate, innovate, intuitive, introspection, insightful, intention, integrity...
  41. be aware of all the ways in which you're extremely lucky
  42. express gratitude daily
  43. remember that all families are complex and multi-layered
  44. honour your children as well as your parents
  45. realize there are three versions to every story: yours, mine, and the truth
  46. it's easier to be reactive than proactive, but easy is not usually best
  47. focus on the things you want more of, rather than less of
  48. fear not living well -- however you define well -- rather than death itself
  49. always be kind (notice how 'kin' is part of kind, and because all beings ARE kin, we need to be kind to all)
  50. know that love IS the answer

 

=================================

 

Comments

Jill said...

"figure out what you're good at, figure out what you're passionate about, and let the two become acquainted" - what a great line! Happy early birthday!

Krissa said...

Thanks for sharing this! Lots of good insight and lots to think about.

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Saturday, March 10, 2012

top ten reasons to go vegan

 In a comment on my previous top ten carnist phrases/excuses that drive me crazy post, I mentioned that I might compile a vegan list as well, so here goes. The Top Ten Reasons to go vegan are:

  1. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  2. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  3. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  4. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  5. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  6. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  7. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  8. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  9. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us
  10. other animals shouldn't have to suffer and die for us

 

  1. it's better for personal health
  2. it's better for the environment
  3. it has the potential to increase global peace
  4. it has the potential to decrease global hunger
  5. it'll expand culinary experience (your palate will thank you!)

There you go, my hand-picked top ten, snort. I included reasons 11-15, but really, they could easily be thought of as benefits primarily for human animals as opposed to reasons per se. Because what struck me as I was Googling top ten lists was how many did not have animals at the TOP of their list. Human concerns such as living longer, better, healthier and even sexier, for Pete's sake, seemed to crowd out concern for other sentient beings. Well, as nice as those things may be, they're not the primary reason I became vegan. For me, it's all about the top ten. Okay, I can see why these lists would be put together the way they are to entice others to join the fold, but we know better, eh? ;)

Comments

Krissa said...

"Because I said so". Ha. That's the reason my parents gave us as kids for a lot of things. ... I don't know statistically how many folks become vegan because of a reason they were given by another human. I tend to think that most of us who find the right path are led there by non-humans. But I could be wrong. I do know that if we try to convince our fellow man who aren't vegan to become so, we have to use arguments that give *them* something. They won't do it for the other animals if they're still in the mind set of having to be argued into it. That's just my opinion and I could be wrong about that, too. But what I'm getting at is, the main factors to motivate someone are monetary/vanity/sex because that sadly is what's most important to most of our kind. That being said, the reason I can think of that would motivate at least plenty of women is that:

16. Your skin will look better.

There's others, but I think that one would bring a lot of people around all by itself. And what I wish people would do is just try it. Start off by telling themselves, "ok, I'm not committing to this forever, I'm going to try it for 6 months and if I don't like it I can go back.". Because if people would really try that, I think a huge percentage of them would stick around. If they aren't doing it from personal conviction, they might not remain lifelong vegans, but I think there's a good chance that many would. So I wonder what a good way to motivate people to do it on a trial basis would be.

have gone vegan said in reply to Krissa...

Yeah, I think there has to be an opening of the heart and mind before a person goes vegan. And I too will rattle off the health, environmental and global benefits in addition to the primary goal of eradicating animal use and abuse when talking to folk.

As for a trial basis, I know there are 30-day vegan challenges around, and that's probably a good way for people to get exposed to veganism if they feel they can't make a long-term commitment yet. So maybe we need to promote that avenue more?

veganelder said...

I really like number 4 and number 3 and numbers 1,2,5,6,7,8,9 and 10...the others are sort of side effects of not being a lousy citizen of the community of life. :-)

Great post...you're back in the groove. :-)

have gone vegan said in reply to veganelder...

Back in? You mean I was out? ;)

veganelder said...

Only in terms of frequency, not in terms of excellence. :-)

have gone vegan said in reply to veganelder...

So much for groovin'. Had to fill in (full-time!) for other people at work. Talk about cutting into blogging time, sigh... But thanks Vee. :)

Bea Elliott said...

Number 1 is the best reason of all - Everything else is just a bonus. Thanks for sharing a great thought! ;)

have gone vegan said in reply to Bea Elliott...

I agree about number 1 and the bonuses. Thanks Bea!

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