Here’s what you can do – Stop. Just stop. Do some research – it’s all out there on the internet. Start with the resources page on my site if you like, but if not, there are so many more sites and resources. Find what works for you – Read books and articles, watch films, go to a restaurant and try a vegan dish or learn to cook a few simple things in your own kitchen. Plan a romantic vegan meal for you and your love and see how you both feel afterward. Repeat as necessary.

Yes, I’m calling you out right now! If you consider yourself an animal lover or an advocate for those less fortunate than you, you can choose to stop contributing to the extreme suffering of animals and humans.

Vegans aren’t perfect. I don’t know a single one who claims to be. What I’m saying is that you have the ability to get in line with your beliefs. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you have the power to stop and take another path.

Love, love, love.

*************************************

Do you know I haven’t done an episode of The Traveling Vegetarian since 2007? All my shows were self-funded and well, the money ran out. I would love to do more. I would love to document more vegan adventures around the world, but it all takes cash and opportunity. I’m sure it’s out there, but if you’re wondering why I’m not doing shows or writing as many travel blogs, that’s why…

I don’t do that. But I feel compelled to say that while I can laugh at myself as much as the next person, when you joke to me about how much you love bacon or foie gras, it really does tear me up a little inside. What I don’t think most people realize is that for many vegans like me, killing a pig for your taste buds is not much, if at all, different than killing and eating a dog, or even a human being. I try not to put myself above animals. I don’t believe that they are here for us to use and abuse.

Every once in a while I post something on my Facebook page about animal abuse. I don’t do it all the time, but sometimes a video or article will really grab me and I feel it’s worth sharing. I will always be indebted to PETA for sending me that magazine with photographs of animal abuse that caused me to go vegetarian many years ago, so you never know when a message will touch someone.

What’s interesting is how few people comment on these links, or even bother to watch them. I have thousands of friends on Facebook and when I post certain things, I get tons of views and comments. Not so with the animal videos.

If you are unable to watch what really goes on in factory farms and slaughterhouses, shouldn’t you at least reconsider what you put in your body?

I know lots of people who tell me they only eat animals from “humane” farms, yet they order meat in restaurants all the time. And really, what is a humane farm anyway? Most of these animals, even if they may have actually eaten things nature intended them to eat and their feet have actually touched grass, end up in the same slaughterhouses as the factory farmed animals. Really, don’t kid yourself. If you order meat, dairy, etc., you are paying someone to abuse an animal. Period.

I really, truly believe that so much of the violence in our society starts with how we treat our animals. If we continue to ignore the way our fellow earthlings are treated and what that does to those who torture and consume these wonderful creatures, we are doing ourselves and our world a disservice.

Veganism is pure joy to me. I am so thankful for the way I look and feel and to know that with the things I eat, wear, etc., I am voting for a more compassionate world. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. I do realize though, that everyone is on their own path, and that’s why I don’t judge others for making different decisions than the ones I make.

I love you just the way you are and I love to laugh and be happy, just as you do. I’m not asking you to change for me. I really can endure a lot. But please consider my feelings when you make jokes about killing my friends.

What I love about this song is that the message is absolutely universal.  I was so honored to sing it at the Animal Rights Conference 2010 during the morning plenary featuring vegan Congressman Dennis Kucinich. What an opportunity!

If you would like to hear and/or purchase “Love All,” please click here.  I will be filming a video for this song soon for Harmony Records.

Thank you so much for your support!

There are three upcoming events I want to publicize. On Wednesday, September 29th, Tayst is having a VEGANstravaganza, which will be a five course dinner with wine pairings. Wow! I’ve had the privilege of tasting Jeremy Barlow’s vegan creations and I have very high expectations about this dinner. Anyone want to treat?

UPDATE:  Due to overwhelming response and the event selling out with a HUGE waiting list (yay!!!), Tayst has added a second vegan dinner on October 16th at 6:30.  Call for reservations now!

I’m also very excited to announce a screening of the movie Forks Over Knives at The Belcourt on October 6th at 7:00.  I am SO excited to finally see this film.  I have been hearing about it for months and I am such a huge fan of the doctors featured.  I’m sure it’s going to be great.  Don’t miss this opportunity!

Farm Sanctuary is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. President and co-founder Gene Baur is an incredible man and he and the sanctuary have done so much to care for animals and raise awareness about factory farming, etc.  There is a Walk for Farm Animals that benefits Farm Sanctuary in Nashville on October 3rd.  You can register to participate here.

Go, Nashville!

Vegan Panna Cotta at Tayst

My 3 song CD is printed and ready! It includes the songs “Let Go,” “Love All” and “Be Here Now.” It costs $5 plus $1 to cover shipping costs if you’d like to receive one in the mail. Otherwise, just grab me when you see me out and about or at one of my upcoming performances. I’ll be singing at the Music City Center for Spiritual Living on June 27th and at the Nashville Center for Spiritual Living on July 4th.

My business address:

2817 W End Ave Ste 126-118
Nashville, TN 37203

Also, with the help of my amazing videographer friend Kevin Kaz, I have submitted a video audition for Oprah’s Your OWN Show Contest. If you would be so kind, please view the video and vote if you like the concept and would like to see my show on the Oprah Winfrey Network. I’m very excited about this opportunity and I can’t wait to expose amazing authors, filmmakers, vegan chefs, positive musicians, etc. to the rest of the world!

Thank you so much!

Love,

Yvonne

Photo by Karen Alisa

It all starts at 7:00 PM at the Unity Church for Positive Living in Old Hickory, TN.  All donations and proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Hands on Nashville.  See you there!

How can you help? Check out these links for more information:

Middle TN Red Cross
Nashvillest.com
Hands On Nashville

For more photos of the disaster, check out president raygun’s Flickr page. Also, check out this video on YouTube.

Positive thoughts for Middle Tennessee, the areas affected by the oil spill (and the world in general) are also much appreciated.  Thank you!

Here in Nashville, we can finally get the Go Max Go bars, which are amazing.  We have several places to buy Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss and Purely Decadent coconut milk ice cream and we have several options for vegan baked goods.

Vegan junk food lovers (and those of us who eat really healthily most of the time, but splurge every once in a while) in the Nashville area, rejoice again!

Word on the street is that Whole Foods in Nashville will start carrying Daiya vegan cheese soon, but in the meantime, Lazzaroli Pasta in the Germantown area has the Italian blend.  I just bought a pound the other day!  Lazzaroli’s will also make vegan pasta for you if you give them 24 hours notice.  I hear it’s awesome, and Tom told me yesterday he’s thinking of filling some ravioli with Daiya and other yummy vegan stuff.  Give him a call if you’re interested.  Sure sounds good to me!

I also have heard good things about the vegan donuts at Get Sconed in Murfreesboro.  I swear I’m going to get down there soon to try them, but I just haven’t been in the mood for all that sugar, flour and oil…  Still, I can’t help but feel like Middle Tennessee deserves a big pat on the back.  I tell people all the time that it’s not a bad place to be vegan, but hardly anyone seems to believe me.  Sure, it’s not California, but we’re making progress!

Now tell me again how I’m missing out on anything by being vegan?  Ok, convenience?  Yeah, sometimes.  But incredible, delicious food?  Nope.

My Daiya from Lazzaroli

Not only do I own at least seventy pairs of non-leather shoes, I also have a whole bunch of handbags as well.  Some of my favorites are by Matt & Nat and Crystalyn Kae.  (Not all Crystalyn Kae bags are vegan, so check before you buy.  Better yet, why not write to the company and request that they go vegan!)

One great thing about vegan fashion today is its evolution to more eco-friendly materials.  PVC isn’t exactly the best stuff to wear or carry around with you, but animal skins aren’t exactly eco-friendly either when you consider the methane given off by all those cows, the pesticides that end up in the water and earth around factory farms and the chemicals used to tan the leather.  Still, brands like Crystalyn Kae use glazed fabrics, which look and feel like leather and there are always products made of canvas, hemp, etc. to be found.  Matt & Nat is now lining their purses with recycled water bottles.

A simple Google search makes it all easier than ever to keep your accessories in line with your ethics.

Vegan Drinks Nashville is happening!  Come to the Bound’ry on Tuesday, February 2nd from 7-9 pm to meet, network and socialize with other Nashville vegans.   The Bound’ry will be working with us on vegan drink specials and appetizers.   If you’re vegan or even veg-curious, I hope you’ll join us!

For more information on Vegan Drinks, click here.  If you’d like to help, invite friends, etc., please see our Facebook page.  See you there!