The Compassion Experiment

This weekend was Critters Gone Country at the OMHS, and though the weather chose not to cooperate fully, the damp weather couldn't dampen our spirits. This year there were a ton of vendors, including a Vegetarian/Vegan vendor that I completely missed! We spent a lot of $$$, tried to win a giant scratching post, and had a good time. Everyone worked really hard getting this thing together, and they all did an amazing job. No word on how much was raised, but I expect that it was a good year. Last year at Critters, the OMHS had to be closed to the public, but this year, the place was buzzing. People were everywhere (for better, or worse!), and all the cats in Room C got a lot of attention, making all the hard work we did to get it ready, worth it. Speaking of worth it: I was in Room C, getting cuddles from some amazing cats (see: Crosby, Leo and Avalanche), when a lady came into the room and gave me a look. She said: "You're a volunteer here, right?" I said: "Actuall...

A year ago, this cat was sitting in a cage at the OMHS, waiting for a new home. Now look at him. Can you say, happy ending? Good for you Stash! Now the good news: (Okay, there is a ton...) On Monday all the cats from the trailer at the OMHS were transferred into Room C (which had been closed to the public for over a year), and the room will be open for Critters Gone Country which will be held this Sunday, Oct 3rd, at the baseball diamond beside the OMHS. From this point on, the room will be open to the public, in addition to Rooms A and B. This is very exciting! I was so happy to put all those healthy, happy cats in there. (I didn't do it alone, all the usual suspects were there, and it went smooth). This Sunday, October 3rd, please come out and support the animals, and the OMHS. It's the cool thing to do, didn't you know? October 2 nd is World Vegetarian Day. I did not know this. For those who can make it, there will be a Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake-Off at the Harbourfro...

One of the great things that have come out of The Compassion Experiment, has been all the new discoveries. One good decision (see: to become compassionate eaters), has led to so many new and wonderful things, it has been unbelievable. Where are you going with this? Good question! We spent this past weekend in total bliss, at Sugar Ridge Retreat, and had the time of our lives. "We're having, the time of our lives...", kept running through my head, kind of funny, but annoying at the same time. In the end we had a hell of a good time, and can't wait to go back. http://www.sugarridge.ca/ The Cabin: Our cabin had four beds, and windows all around. We had a little heater that was so powerful, a little was a lot. We were warm and cozy, we had a great view out the windows, and were greeted each morning, by a smiling sun. The meals: All the meals were homemade and super delicious. It was like eating at home, but without the work. It was amazing not having to compromise on tast...

Aaaaaand... we're back!! The Veggie Food Festival, has come and went, and we had an awesome time! My favorite part: the eating . I'm talking mouth watering carrot cake, unbelievably good Rice Palau and Chana Masala, and the food we took home, has been just as good. And the choices, wow, more than you can imagine, and it is all guilt free. Nice. We were amazed at the amount of vendors and products that we were familiar with, it was really cool. We spent a lot of $$$, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. The Veggie food festival is our x-mas. There was a lot of people, but no pushing and shoving. The crowd is pretty mellow, but the enthusiasm of the people, and their dedication to their causes, is inspiring. The crowd last year was pretty big, but this year, the crowd has to have doubled, it was pretty crazy, but it is exciting to see so many people who think like you, act like you do, eat like you do, I think this is a way of life that is going to continue to grow exp...

The Subway Challenge We hadn't been to a Subway since we had made the switch to a Compassionate lifestyle, but this past Saturday night, we were hungry, we were lazy, and it was late, so we made our return. We walked in the door, and that Subway smell hit us like only a fresh bakery can. Sadly though, there isn't a heck of a lot of choice for herbivores, let alone, Compassionate ones, at Subway. Prior to this experiment my Sub of choice was the Spicy Italian, it's the only sub I've eaten there for years. B has always eaten the Veggie Sub, so for her, the choice was a no brainer. But for me, a Veggie Sub, are you kidding me ? In my former life, I never, ever, ever, would have eaten a Veggie Sub. Never. The question is, would I be able to walk out of there without my beloved sub? Incredibly, yes. Okay, it was tough, real tough, but I did it! Turns out the Veggie is real tasty, and it didn't feel like anything was missing. The Subway experience is all about packing yo...

The Compassion Experiment: Words Put !nto Action I was recently asked what I thought about the Toronto Humane Society cases being thrown out of court. I said: tune into the blog to find out. This is a pretty good rant. Here is my response: A lot of good came out of this situation, and as much as I hate how irresponsible they were to the animals, you can't change the past. Their name is mud, and everyone knows who they are and what they have done. The Toronto Humane Society is much better off today because of this, and the animals will be treated very well for the foreseeable future. Because everyone is watching now. Do you like delicious food? Try this: Yummy Compassion Granola You will need: 6 cups of Oats 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup of oil 3/4 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1 cup pecans 1/3 cup maple syrup 1 1/2 tsp vanilla Preheat oven to 350 Spread the oats on a baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer the oats to a large bowl and add the sugar, wheat germ, seeds, an...

Life is for living. Much to my surprise, and delight, this year I was nominated for a Media Arts Award. When the night came, the award show atmosphere made for an unforgettable, and amazing experience. It was surreal, and more emotional then I would have ever thought possible. Thanks to the Oakville Arts Council for the nod, and to Stephanie and Michael for making the videos, they did an amazing job! Click here , and look for the picture of me. Click and play. Enjoy! Today's Parallel's 'Of Wisdom': "What did I have to lose?" - Mic P Animals saved today: 5 Animals saved to date: 431 Note: we realize these numbers are not a true representation, but in our minds, this helps to visualize the damage we are causing when we eat animal by-products. Disclaimer: This blog is for entertainment purposes only. We do not aim to criticize people, just ideas. We are only interested in bringing to light, ideas that could help make the world a better place. That's it. It...