Support Animals

19 Friday Jul 2019

Tags

animals, be kind, Donate, fundraiser, mercy for animals, support animals, vegan, vegetarian

Animals are amazing and never deserve to be harmed or abused. My whole life I have loved animals and once I opened my eyes to the horrors of the food industry and beyond I became vegetarian and never turned back. Over 10 years of dedication to prove my support in all areas of my life and I am proud and happy to be a part of the cause. I believe all earthlings deserve a life without harm, abuse, and death for no reason.

This year for my birthday I am raising money for Mercy For Animals and your contribution will make an impact, no matter how much you donate. Every little bit helps. Since 2018, MFA has potentially impacted 65.5 million animals through corporate animal welfare policies, 40.7 million through legislative policies, and spared 212,900 through institutional food policies. Help them do the good work and fight for animal rights everywhere.

You can donate at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/donate/383439689192954/

Inspiration Photo Friday: Being Thankful

29 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

belief, cruelty-free, earth, family, holiday, life, love, morals, thankful, thanks, thanksgiving, tradition, veg, vegan, vegetarian

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with delicious food, good times, and people you love. My husband and I started our own tradition about 4 years ago and love our peaceful holiday even more each year. My mother joined us for dinner this time, which was a nice bonus, and Dan’s parents visited with us earlier in the day. After our meal, we went to my cousin’s house for dessert, where the rest of my family was. It was a good day.

I decorated the table with harvest trinkets and kept within a country/rustic style. Simple and in the spirit of the holiday.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Being Thankful

This year, I tried some new recipes, all of which turned out awesome. The menu included Stuffed Peppers w/Brown Rice & Spinach in a Parmesan Mascarpone sauce, Green beans, Mashed Potatoes & Veg Gravy, Sweet Corn, and Tempeh Wheatballs. Yum!

Dessert at my cousin’s was fun and there was more than enough sweets to go around. And of course, its always nice to see family and catch up. We were home by 9pm and took the rest of the night to relax on the couch with our dogs and chill out.

You know, every day I am thankful for the great things in my life as well as all the amazing people. I am also grateful for change and new beginnings. The simple fact that Dan and I created our own tradition for the holiday, just makes it that much more special. It doesn’t bother me anymore that I am not sharing the infamous feast with all of our family because to us it’s more than just a holiday. We’ve chosen to stick by our beliefs and celebrate a cruelty-free Thanksgiving that we look forward to sharing with our future children. Being thankful for the Earth and everything it shares with us, is just the beginning.

{For any of my recipes, just contact me via email}

Inspiration Photo Friday: Love

08 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animal rights, animals, Benner's Farm, compassion, earth, farm, farm animals, farm life, Inspiration, love, photography, sheep, sheep love, value, vegan, vegetarian

A few weeks ago my husband and I visited Benner’s Farm here on the island with my best friend and her daughter. It was the first time we were there and I have to say its a really cute place. Of course, the animals were my favorite part. All were friendly and kind, like most animals are, and some had unique characteristics. So much fun.

Every time I am around a farm animal, I can’t help but think of the terrible things humans do to them around the world. They are commonly treated as if they are worth nothing. Well, that is certainly not true. Chickens, cows, goats, sheep, and horses are just some of the amazing creatures we can learn from. They can inspire us all.

How can someone hurt an animal that clearly expresses emotion and value? Even if you don’t do it with your own hands, eating meat is the same thing. You are supporting something that kills, destroys, and initially hurts you and your family. The animals rights /veg movement is one to truly consider, at least one to look into and learn about.

This photo below was taken at the farm. These two sheep were so beautiful together. Not only did they express love for each other, they did it publicly with no regard. Nothing in your face, just a gentle gesture of kindness and compassion. You can always count on animals to make you smile and these two had my heart a glow. I will forever be in love with the Earth’s creatures. They continue to surprise and inspire me day after day.

I just hope most of all, that the world can see what I see and make the connection of how important they truly are.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Animal Love

19 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

animals, chickens, cows, dogs, earth, farm, farm animals, health, love, nature, pigs, vegan, vegetarian

I have always been animal lover. Having various pets as a child, growing up around them was normal for me. I loved going to the zoo and watching movies about them and when I actually got to pet them and interact, it made my day. It really is no surprise I would be a vegetarian one day, it was just a matter of learning the facts and opening my eyes to what is really happening in this world.

It’s now going on four years and I am so happy I live this way. It has truly helped me to be more open and loving, even more than I was before, and pushed me to try new foods and healthier choices. The main thing this lifestyle has given me is the ability to love animals and the Earth much greater than I ever have. And I believe it will just get stronger as the years go by.

I just wanted to share this awesome feeling and hope to inspire all of you to appreciate the natural world around you as well as all the beautiful creatures living on it. My two dogs, Olive and Jenny, remind me everyday how amazing animals really are. They are my sunshine in the morning and my moon at night. They are loyal, loving, and very sweet. Not to mention, unique in their own ways. I just don’t know what I do without them.

My plan for the future is to have a small farm so I can give a few awesome animals a good home. I would love to have chickens, pigs, and maybe even a cow or two. Goats are pretty cool as well, I’m sure they would bring a little adventure to the group. A tiny pony would be a bonus! And of course I would love to have more dogs. If it wasn’t for my husband, I would have more now. I just love animals so much, I can’t resist wanting to take care of them and making sure they are safe and happy.

So, happy inspiration photo friday! I ask you all to open your eyes and hearts to the world of animals and really see them for what they are, amazing individuals who are just as important as we are. Imagine the world without them for just one minute. To me, that’s hell. And since we are surrounded by such incredible creatures, this surely must be heaven.

{Olive, 5 and Jenny, 3.5}
Inspiration Photo Friday: Animal Love