What Juliane’s Saying…

Dear Colleen,

I have been listening to your podcast nonstop since I found it about two weeks ago. I am a senior at Western Connecticut State University and I went vegetarian a year ago. I was bullied into eating turkey on Thanksgiving by my loving, yet stubborn mother who then decided that because “vegetarians eat fish” I could eat lobster for Christmas. I had to walk out of the room when my mom put the living lobsters into a pot. After dinner my brother and sister dissected the lobsters eyeballs while laughing maniacally (I’m still not sure why they found this so amusing). I was clearly mortified, and that’s when I realized that I wanted to go vegan… again. I had tried being vegan about two years prior after reading Skinny Bitch, but my family told me I could never give up meat and they would never try to accommodate me, so I gave up altogether. This past Christmas they told me I could never really be a vegan, and I’ve been wavering back and forth between eating fish, being a vegetarian, and a vegan ever since.

I find it very challenging to remain a vegan because my only vegan support comes from my girlfriend, Shelly. She actually went vegan last November when I was too attached to cheese and went vegetarian instead. We’ve been cooking together and trying new recipes since I went vegan in December! What’s funny is that we both “came out” a short time after going vegan — and her parents are upset with her desire to live a vegan lifestyle, but couldn’t care less about her being lesbian (my parents freaked out about both, but that’s another story). Apparently being lesbian is OK, but eating a plant-based diet just isn’t acceptablel! Anyway, listening to your podcast has been a complete affirmation and an immeasurable support to both Shelly and me.

I found your podcast by picking up Vegan’s Daily Companion. Shelly and I found your books on a vegan table display at a book store. Funny enough, a few weeks later Shelly and I bought each other your book for our 7 or 8 month anniversary! I’ve been reading that book daily, which has become a significant support. When I looked more of your work up online and found out that you have a podcast, I was stoked. Your podcast is so inspiring! Thank you for all that you do, for your big heart, and for keeping all of us informed about the truth!

I know that what Compassionate Cooks stands for holds the potential to be life-altering for many many people. I want to stand behind a cause like that!

Hope you’re having a wonderful day!

Juliane