Comments on: A tiny sand dollar

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:45:29 +0000

I think you are absolutely right in your comment. The world is a bit funky and sometimes forming opinions is based on tearing apart another person’s beliefs. I guess this is why it is important to make sure that a belief is rock-solid before one holds true to it. Being a part of a minority is a strange and often icy experience. Your insight was right-on.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:31:44 +0000

I enjoyed learning more about your own experience with this often controversial subject. I do think people assume if you are a vegan then you are somewhat primitive or backward or radical. This is also why I have learned to not debate this or let it become an issue of conversation. Most people find it threatening to even think about the implications of this life choice. I would bet there are vegans or vegetarians throughout history that will never be known or identified for this very reason.

By: debraann

debraann — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 01:53:56 +0000

I’m really proud of you! You’ve made a life decision and you’ve lived by it. Sometimes I think people in general look for a reason to get the focus off themselves and place it on someone else. The universe seems just a wee bit funky lately so maybe it was just a universal thing. Too many people with too many questions and no answers so they doubt other people’s answers! Blessings and be happy!

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:20:33 +0000

I have been a vegetarian for 25 years now (also for ethical reasons), my husband is a meat and potatoes guy, (but skip the potatoes). He has been amazed at how people have challenged me over the years. I, like you, don’t preach….I let the meat eaters be. However, they were always asking why, saying my answers didn’t make sense, etc. Over the years I’ve gotten less of that. Maybe it’s just people’s way of figuring out something new. Poke at it with a stick and see what happens. On the other hand, my husband, who knows a vegetarian well, was very surprised when we we had dinner with my vegan friend. I guess he expected her to be a radical idiot. He said he was surprised she was so intelligent and well spoken, lol! So maybe your guests were just speaking their prejudice, which of course has no relation to reality. Regardless, as a guest in your home, it was unbelievably rude of them to say anything at all.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:27:47 +0000

A giant heart is as special and endearing as a gentle one! You are my alter ego. I am always drawn to people with exuberance and infectious laughter because my own is so quiet. People only know I am laughing by looking at me. The dear aunt I was named for was a personality like yours. People loved being around her because of her outward joy, enthusiasm, and unforgettable laugh. So if you enjoy a gentle fix, I enjoy a giant and boisterous heart. I would say that is true compatibility. Your words touched my heart. Sincerely.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:16:58 +0000

Yes! Why “Can’t we all get along?” I also have a lot of foibles! But of course that is what makes us unique and interesting even though sometimes they can be annoying. I actually like these people. They are well read, current, and lively, so perhaps an aggressive countenance is better than pablum. I would rather have the experience of an edge than a yawn. I think the key is really knowing how to handle this with grace and humor, and I tend to take things to heart way too much. That is definitely a foible of mine! Your words were full of great insight and comfort. Reading everyone’s responses confirms in my mind that it really is nice getting older and having a chance to reflect and let go of some things that are really not worthy of much consideration.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:04:53 +0000

Your carefully wrought wisdom on this subject was very illuminating and true. I know we all face so many difficult choices in this world these days. And you are so right that making a choice amidst all the choices or even whether to make one at all indeed complicates our lives. My guess is that the people who read this blog and others of a similar genre are like-minded people, and it is really such a comforting thing to know that we are pretty much on the same page in terms of our integrity and visions. What did women do before blogging??? How I wish I had access to this format when my children were all small and I felt isolated as a stay-at-home mom. It would have given my world a whole new perspective. Thank you for your caring.

By: mendofleur

mendofleur — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:57:01 +0000

I think I might be getting a little crusty around the edges for protection when it comes to this subject and any exposure. How nice though to get such warm and caring responses from people as you. I think it is a way of learning as we go along.

By: Vicky

Vicky — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:40:52 +0000

I can’t imagine anyone being so crass around you, because you are so gentle. At least that is the feeling I get from your blog. I enjoy a moment of gentle in my day when I come here. [i tend to be loud and boisterous, but have a giant heart]

By: Pat Sieler

Pat Sieler — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:08:56 +0000

How very difficult. As I get older, I find that I am more accepting of other’s foibles (I am not saying that about being a vegan) and I expect others to accept mine. And I do have a lot of foibles. But as a younger person, the ego seems to need to band to collective thinking as a camoflage for those sensitive areas that are nascent but needing protection. But that is the problem of being young. I am sure I was totally obnoxious with my opinions and attitudes. Hopefully I now stand on surety.
All I can wish for you is that they love you enough to put their attitudes aside.
As Rodney King said “Can’t we all get along?”