Saturday, December 31, 2011

One Final Kick in the Ass for 2011

My beloved Boo died suddenly tonight, having lived with Cinnamon and me only since 6 November this year.
I am beyond devastated and utterly angry at yet one more loss in my life I have to endure, just in time for New Years Eve. Why, why, why? Who did I piss off in the universe to warrant this incessant sorrow? I am beyond grief. I am just worn out. My heart hurts so much...

Friday, December 30, 2011

2011

I should warn my reader that as I write this I am having white wine and various hor doevres so forgive me if I get a little maudlin. It is that time of year when we look back on our lives and try to figure out just where the hell we are going. This time last year I wrote in this blog how thrilled I was to kiss 2010 goodbye. I am sorry to say I must say the same for 2011. How sad and bitterly ironic that the Year of the Rabbit should have such a terrible year for me. I lost my beloved rabbit Woodstock, and moved out of my husband's life into a condo, apparently much to his great joy (you would never know I lived in that lovely townhouse if you visited it today.) I sit here relieved this year is all but done but i also fear for the future. My beloved Boo has already had surgery for bladder stones and may have molar issues ahead. My Cinnamon is starting to exhibit signs of what I call old timers' disease. She will sit, staring into space for minutes at a time rocking her body ever so slightly back and forth. They are my family here now, and just the mere hint off a health issue with them scares the dickens out of me.

So where will I be this time next year? How will I be feeling? I certainly hope better than I do now. I don't like fear and uncertainty and I feel both of these in spades. I know I must take charge of my life--the question is, how? In what direction? The only dreams I ever had died with my marriage and there is such a void, it is difficult to imagine how I can possibly fill it. Being vegan doesn't even console me as it once did. I don't have much energy or will to cook like I once did, for all the marvelous vegan cookbooks I have. I eat convenient vegan food--and that is not good. Yet to do more, to make a lot of work for myself in concocting fancy vegan meals just for me, seems to be a great waste of time and resources.

In sum, I don't know what the hell I want. I only know I love my rabbits and want to be there for them always. They are why I still get up every morning. Hard to say right now what I would do without them. I need them so. Boo and Cinnamon will get me through 2012, just as they pulled me through the last month. Maybe--just maybe--2012 will be the year my heart starts to heel from losing Woodstock. Now and for always he will thrive in my lonely heart, my dear sweet bun.

Raise a glass--welcome 2012. Please be better than 2011.

PLEASE....

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Welcome Christmas


For personal reasons, this year I am more inclined to relate more to the Grinch or to Ebenezeer Scrooge BEFORE his transformation than cheery Christmas well-wishers. It is hard to be merry when your whole life has turned upside down, you feel alone, and even though months have passed since the relationship was semi-officially declared over, you feel betrayed and rejected by the one person you thought would love you till death you did part, per the sacred wedding vows (well, sacred to me--apparently to many people, they are perceived to be mere suggestions.) That one person used to be my best friend too, which only deepens the pain. I lost two people in a way, two in one body. Both out of my life this Christmas. Bah!

Still, somehow, I managed to welcome Christmas today, just as the Grinch eventually did when he heard the singing from Whoville. My bunny Boo is the Who, as it were, who has managed to keep me smiling through my all-too-frequent tears. He is a rabbit I suspect was destined to help me through this holiday (though the surgery for his bladder stones and sudden illness did not do my high stress levels any good, let me tell you.) He is so warm and patient (albeit a bit stubborn when it comes to taking his Cisapride!) and eager to please. His blue eyes melt my heart when I look at him. With his--and his mate Cinnamon's--company, I can get through this day. Not that I don't miss people, I do--but my rabbits and I will make this as special a day as we can. It is after all Boo's first Christmas with me, so it must not be a day soaked with tears. Bring on the bunny hugs--but this vegan will pass on the roast beast.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Sunday, December 18, 2011

My favorite Things 2011


It's that time of year again to list those items or places that have been added to my favorites list.

(1) Busy Bunny's Cardboard Christmas Tree (see picture). I have little doubt Busy Bunny is sold out of these gems. About a foot tall, this tree is the easiest you will ever set up and your rabbits will love nibbling on the "branches". (visit this site at http://busybunny.com/).

(2)The Dyson's Digital Slim vacuum is compact, fits anywhere and has incredible power. Perfect for apartment/condo living and if you have pets. It's bagless and can be used on carpet and hardwood floor. This is no cheap vacuum (ca $300) but is considerably less expensive than other Dyson models.I love the fact I can keep it charging and hang it on a wall. It is truly slim, takes up little space--a BIG plus for me.

(3)There are veggie burgers and then there is Gardein's Beefless Burger. Outstanding! As good as many brands may be, you know when you are eating a veggie burger that you are a eating a veggie burger. But Gardein's beefless burger does seem to have the beef! By far this is THE best burger substitute. Get a bun, spread on some ketchup, plop on a slab of red onion and some lettuce, add the Gardein burger and you will believe someone is trying to sabotage your vegan diet. Really. They are THAT good.

(4) Sophie's Kitchen vegan calamari. I plan to have this on Christmas Eve, served with my homemade marinara sauce. Yummy! And I will add in Sophie's Kitchen shrimp too. Night of the Two Vegan Fishes. Ho, ho, ho!

(5) I know I have placed this on my list in the past, but I must add again Pangea, the Vegan Store. They were a blessing to have as I worked on building up my vegan larder in my new condo. They saved the day just recently when I needed vegan Worcestershire sauce. Their delivery and service are prompt and first rate.

(6)Sweet Chocolate Dream chocolate bars, conveniently found at my local Safeway. Gluten and dairy free, the creamy sweet flavor takes like milk chocolate but it isn't. What it is is very very yummy, a nice indulgence to have all year round.

(7) 1-800-FLOWERS Happy Hour Collection. There is nothing like receiving flowers in the form of a cocktail. For Christmas, the Peppermint Martini is outstanding (comes with two candy canes!) but you can also order the Apple Martini Bouquet, the Lemon Drop, and the Margarita Bouquet. Treat yourself. If nothing else, they add a nice decorative touch to your rooms.

(8) Mom's Organic Market. When I recently learned this supermarket opened a store in the town next to mine, I wanted to dance a jig! Cheaper than Whole Foods, Mom's Organic Market also has the most extensive choices of products for vegans and vegetarians. So many choices indeed that I find it hard to go in there and just come out with a few items.

Well, that is all I have for this year. Hope you all have a merry merry, and get what you want for Christmas. Most importantly, stay healthy and be kind to one another.

The Hoppy Vegan

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

My Christmas Spirit


If I am grateful for anything in this emotionally tumultuous year, it is for this little white Holland lop, Boo. He truly is my Christmas spirit. On my lowest days, he always makes me smile. He is funny and sweet and affectionate as any sentient being can be. This evening, as I lay on the floor with him and Cinnamon, he pranced over and licked my cheek. Whenever I come home, he rushes over to the gate of his area to greet me. And even more importantly, he makes my Cinnamon one happy gal. She adores him and HATES sharing him with me. So when Boo and I are having cuddles, she stays discreetly away, sitting in bunny slipper mode, but always watching, waiting for her turn. And as it had been when she was with Woodstock, I am no longer allowed to stroke her ears. That is a privilige allowed only to Boo. As it should be, I know. But I can't keep myself from stealing him from her for at least a few minutes. He is the light in my life at this dark time in my life. If anyone will get me through this blue Christmas, it will be this little white rabbit named Boo.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Boo and Cinnamon - Update

I think the photo says it all.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My Christmas Wish List

I'm not asking for too much this year, am I? Read my list, let me know what you think.

What I Want For Christmas

1. For every rabbit to find a good home
2. For omnivores to really think about how their diet affects the animals and the earth and to take a step or two toward adopting the vegan life
3. For those who abuse animals to pay a heavier price
4. For my bunnies Boo and Cinnamon to share a long happy life together (they both deserve it.)
5. For Whole Foods or Mom's Organic Market to offer home delivery (I can dream, can't I?)
6. For more financial support of RabbitWise, Inc.
7. For good health so I can be a good dependable bunny mom
8. For Michael Buble to sing a song just to me (I said I can dream!!! :). )
9. That no more species get added to the extinction list
10. For my family and friends to stay healthy and be happy
11. The strength to write my book or story about my Bridge rabbit Woodstock without breaking down every ten seconds
12. For patience and strength to move on with my life, leaving my broken heart behind.
13. For animal shelters to go out of business for lack of occupants
14. For Michael Vick to get his -- no, I won't go there.
15. For peace on earth, good will toward every living sentient being.

And one more thing...I want more Christmas cards! Snail mail beats the electronic stuff every time.

The Hoppy Vegan