Dearest Readers,

If you are a regular reader and "commenter" of my blog, let me just say that this post is not geared towards you. I consider you all as my friends and I truly value what you say. I appreciate your input and I look forward to hearing from you always. Thanks for letting me tell you my stories and my thoughts and thanks for your support. 

I'm really not sure where to start. Lately, I've heard a few stories of people who have been looking at my blog and...um...how shall we say it, not being so enamored at what I've been posting. Of course, these people do not leave comments but choose to spread their words around in other forms. 

Look. I know what I talk about sometimes might ruffle some feathers. I especially know what people's thoughts and actions usually are when it comes to me discussing my veganism. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, I'm sorry. I do not mean or try to attack anyone when I post these, and I keep all your feelings in consideration when I write. I really do.

I know veganism is, to some people, "far out there" or "so extreme." I know it might be a difficult concept to grasp, especially when you've known me for many years, and especially when I come from the background that I do. You might think that I am weird or different now, but I'm really not. What I hope you consider and realize when you think about veganism, is that to me, it is something I hold very dear to my heart.

Boiled down, veganism is very simple. It is taking the same care and consideration we all feel for animals (such as our beloved pets) and applying it to every animal, including those who are forced to produce food for us and those raised to be on our dinner plates. To you, it might seem like I'm being weird in trying to avoid foods that are very common in our diet. To me, this belief is an action on what I've really felt my whole life. My decision to be vegan was not easy, by any means. And frankly, it was these types of reactions that I feared the most. 

But what I hope you understand is that my decision to be vegan is hugely based on my interpretation of the Word of Wisdom and what many scriptures, prophets, and church leaders have said about the treatment of animals and the earth. To me, it is very spiritual and personal. I know that many people make ethical decisions that are largely based on religious beliefs, such as one's stance on abortion. (I hope you don't think I'm combining the two issues here, I'm just trying to make a point.) Me choosing not to eat meat, dairy or eggs is just that--an ethical decision largely based on my religious beliefs and morals. When these beliefs are criticized and mocked, especially behind my back, I can't tell you how much it hurts.

Now I'm really not trying to play the victim here, I take responsibility for the fact that I have a blog. I'm posting these thoughts and feelings for people to read and I would like for you to read them. I know that in a way, I'm making myself a target. That's something that I accept before I publish my piece. What I ask is that if you should disagree or want to talk about something, that you post a comment, send an email, or give me a call (most of you probably have my number). I realize that the internet isn't always the best place to work things out, but it is certainly better than what has been filtered through four different people. 

To most people, veganism would probably be considered a political topic. And it is, in a way. That's probably why people can feel uncomfortable about it. What I attempt is to try to remain as neutral as possible when discussing things, because no one wants to read something that will make them mad. 

That brings me to the topic of my "politics" label. I really am not claiming to know anything about politics, and frankly, I don't care half of the time. I really don't feel like I have to defend those posts because they are what they are. If you think that I am, in some way or another, obsessed with a man on my politics page, then you are mistaken. Even so, what would be wrong with having pride in our president?

I guess what I'm asking is that if you read my blog, please be respectful. I like to talk about and discuss issues on here and I don't expect everyone to agree with me. If you don't, talk to me instead of everyone else about it. After all, I am the one with these thoughts and ideas. If you think what I write about is too weird or upsets you too much, maybe it might be best if you didn't read my blog. It doesn't do you or I any good if you read these things and hold grudges. 

All the best, 

Candice