Hello everyone!
I just joined Happy cow today! I am looking forward to getting to know you.
I tried going vegan last August, but was not prepared enough & I slipped back into old habits.
I am in a better place now with a lot less stress than last summer.
I consider myself a vegetarian for now, but I am taking steps to be vegan.
I will be starting a month-long vegan pledge on June 1st. It is through vegansociety.com.
I live in rural Missouri, about 1 1/2 hours northeast of Kansas City.
I do not know of anyone else living near me that is vegetarian or vegan.
My family will not be much support, but, at least, they won't ridicule me or joke about my decision.
My husband is not joining me in this lifestyle (yet). I'm hoping through eating some vegan cooking that he will eventually make that decision. I hate the fact that some of our money will be going to support the animal-killing industry, but everyone has to come to this decision in their own time.
Thank you for having me here!
Have a blessed day!
: )
Angela

Hi Angela!
Welcome to the group. Congrats on your decision to go vegan over time. Gradual changes are sometimes the most long lasting and permanent.
It can be hard when everyone around you is eating and living a different lifestyle. If there's any kind of local veg or animal rights group near you, join it. Or if not, start one!
That's what a friend of mine did.

As far as encouraging others to follow in your veg footsteps, just presenting yummy food is often the best defense. Not everyone cares about the plight of animals unfortunately. But, feed them great food and there will be less argument. :-)

I find the wealth of vegan cookbooks and blogs out there to be a great resource. If you'd like some suggestions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Blessings to you!
Valerie (aka juliansmoma)

Thank you for the welcome and the encouragement!
It is greatly appreciated!
: )
Angela

Hi Angela,

I'm new too (both Vegan and on the site). One recommendation, in talking to your husband about health (veganism) would be to rent/buy Forks over Knives. It's a good documentary that had me thinking for a long while about my health and not eating meat.

It may not push him over the edge, but it may be a good introduction. Then, I have to agree, you can give him good (vegan) food. This may win him over.

We'll pray for you,
Dustin

P.S. If you think it's hard starting out in Missouri, I'm in Japan. I'm sure there are some heath food stores around here, but I don't read japanese. ;-)