Monday, February 16, 2009

Bookworming My Way Through February

Ack! It's been forever since I've posted. What's really keeping me busy is that I joined a local vegan study group..we're reading up on animal rights. We're covering all the big names in animal rights literature. Peter Singer..vegan or not? We're debating. Francione I can deal with..easier read. Regan..good lord, we were all complaining up a storm of how complicated his writing is. I never took any philosophy course in college and now I can say I know why. There is something maddening about debating the philosophy of animal rights when you well, could just be out there actually saving animals! However, don't get me wrong..there is most certainly goodness in discussing different philosophies and how to apply them.

So why exactly am I doing this to myself? Well, I've been vegetarian for 16 years now (1993)! It's hard to believe even as I type this. 16 years? Am I really that old? I've been vegan for three years now. It's flown by. Yet in all this time I never once read up on vegan/vegetarian theory I'm embarrassed to say! So when the Vegan Society of Boston advertised a vegan animal rights study group, I decided, let's do it. Besides, it's research for my pending squirrel book..of which I hope to include a subtle (or not so subtle!) vegan message.

Now for "fun" reading, I picked up a very sweet read today: The Emotional Lives of Animals. Wow, this is a very powerful book. I've only read a little and I'm sucked in. If you love animals, please check this book out..you will not regret it!

So what are the squirrels up to? Well, they haven't really had much time for us lately. They are still very very fat. Not my fault. The little buggers are ignoring me because it seems that someone (or some "ones") in the apartment building across the street has noticed Squirrelly's nest and undoubtedly with coy glances from my squirrels, this person has been seduced into leaving snacks out for Squirrelly and her kids. Even the postman is onto it. H. was standing by the tree the other day looking for Squirrelly or the kids and the postman remarked to H. that there is a family of three squirrels living in the tree. H. of course had to correct him that it's actually four squirrels (that's a lot of fat squirrel stuffed into that tree!). My squirrels are like those well-connected people who know everyone. Well, everyone with snacks specifically!

Other than that, not much a-happening besides lots of vegan baking and cooking. So where's the pictures? I just got a new mac and I'm sort of in that uncomfortable place of using both the new and old computer at the same time...so pictures soon, I promise!

7 comments:

Tara said...

Wow, good for you for joining a vegan study group! I've missed your posts but I'm very impressed. Glad to hear that the fat little squirrels are still doing well!

River (Wing-It Vegan) said...

You're writing a squirrel book? I want it! I LOVE the little furries!

That's awesome that you've joined a vegan study group! I didn't even know that existed.

Thanks for your sweet comment, I'm glad you saw arrows! :)

Anonymous said...

I wish I could get a group formed where I live. It's one thing to read the theory and have your opinions, but it's so much more interesting to debate it and talk with others! I really want to read that Francione book.

Jen Treehugger said...

I'm guessing from your description that The Emotional Lives of Animals is a nice book? Not one that will make me cry. Or is it!!??
I'll look forward to your Squirrel book, I heart Squirrels too.
:)

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! That study group sonds really interesting, I think Francione is the best of them all. Oh, and you should read Bob Torres' "Making a killing" if I can make a suggestion.
BTW. Do you already know when you're coming to Germany?

Jes said...

Sounds like a fun and interesting reading group! I've never read much about veg theory, but it does seem like a good idea.

Jen Treehugger said...

I haven't bought anything new so far though I am going to succomb and buy myself a camera because I miss taking photos SO MUCH!
I'm going to check out the secondhand shop first though. I have been tempted a few times but resisted the temptation, I never realised how happy buying crap used to make me!
LOL!
Books are just a tease aren't they!!
Thankfully there are plenty of places round here where I can buy secondhand books from - I don't think I'd manage otherwise! And books are SO insanely expensive to buy new anyway!