Bourne Again Brennan*

I have some very exciting news to share! I am currently in the process of creating my own line of all-natural body oils and butters that will be available in the near future. As you know, I’m a strong believer and supporter in nature-made quality over man-made quantity and can guarantee no use of animal products, BPA plastic, dyes, genetically-modified ingredients, preservatives, or sulfates.

I will have three variations of all-natural, Vitamin A, B, D, and E-rich body oils (Citrus Grove, Honey Almond, and No Fragrence, with Aloe + Green Tea in the works) in two different sizes, 4 oz. and 8 oz. I will also have all-natural, raw, unrefined, and antioxidant-rich Shea Butter direct from Ghana and pure, unrefined Cocoa Butter in 8 oz. jars. If there is any demand for all-natural facial exfoliants or poison ivy oatmeal soap (i.e. Burt’s Bees—of which I love), I certainly wouln’t mind having to make some of that as well. Hint hint. Hope this finds you all well and I’ll be sure to keep you updated! :)

Well, friends, this is it. My life is calling and I’ve decided to listen. I will be taking a 31 day sabbatical from the internet, television, and cell phones (of which, I have already been doing for the past month.) “Why?” you may ask. Well, it’s quite simple. 

Technology has become the downfall of our society; especially for Generation X. Everything must be bigger, better, and faster. We’ve lost all touch with reality and one another. We’ve lost our ability for patience and simple conversation. We communicate through text messages, instant messaging, and social media; anything but, Heaven forbid, face-to-face interaction.

I’ve noticed that many people still subscribe to this false notion or illusion of time. “Don’t worry, you’re young. You have plenty of time.” But do we? Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. I’ve realized that if you want do something, anything, now is the time. The longer you wait, the less likely it is to happen. There are so many things that I’d like to do with my life and I know that I will not step out of my comfort zone to explore the world if I do not first remove that which confines me. I see this not as a means of giving up something, but as a time for gaining something. It’s time for change; time to go back to the basics and live life before excessive complications, stress, or anxiety. It’s time to discover myself and find my true passions in life.

Rest assured that this is not about ceasing contact with friends and loved ones. Many say I will be missed, but how many are willing stay in touch when a little effort is required? Either way, I’ll find out. I urge any and all of you to call, write, or set up a time to get together, as I’d love to hear from you. This is your opportunity as well.

In the mean time, I’ll be disabling wall comments as to keep this post at the top. Private messages will still be engaged, but please keep in mind that I will not receive them until April. I can be reached on my home phone at (406)245-3374 and receive snail mail at 2871 Silverwood St. Billings, MT 59102. USA.

I wish nothing but the best for you all over the next month.

Love and respect,

Brennan 

“One day you will realize that for your life to change for the better, you must first change for the better.” —Leon Brown

My on-the-fly recipe for insanely delicious green juice!

1 head celery
1 cucumber
3 whole carrots
1 apple or grapefruit (or both)
1 bunch spinach
1 bunch kale

Make sure to thoroughly pre-wash. Enjoy! :)

travegan:

by Deborah Dunham

Thanksgiving is coming up, and if you are part of a family with vegans and meat eaters, this could prove to be a stressful time of year. Sometimes vegans, as passionate as they are about animal rights, can come off as preachy or “holier than thou.” On the other hand, meat eaters can be viewed as callous and ignorant to those who abstain from animal products. So can the two ever get along and live–and dine–in harmony? If so, what exactly is the best way to do that without adding tension between family or friends? To find out, we talked with Jenny Brown, animal rights activist and founder and director of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary in upstate New York and author of The Lucky Ones, My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals.

The reason I wanted to talk with you is because I like your approach to veganism and animal rights activism. In your book and on social media, you tend to be more positive than others. How would you describe your approach to your mission or rescuing and protecting animals?

My approach is to remember that we are all indoctrinated as children to believe that some animals are simply here for our use and consumption. I was once an animal-loving meat eater which, of course, is a contradiction in terms. We strive to show people how similar farmed animals are to the dogs and cats we all know and love–in intelligence, individuality, pleasure-seeking and avoidance of harm and pain. Doing this in a way that doesn’t alienate or accuse is an art form and one that I’ll be working on until my last breath. Staying positive and inclusive is key in getting our message across effectively.

Is it hard not to respond with anger or judgment sometimes when you see someone eating meat or dairy?

I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t bother me, but wouldn’t most people be bothered by seeing someone eat cat or dog? In my eyes and those of many, there is no difference. A life is a life and when we have no nutritional need to eat animals, I mostly just feel sad for the animal that died for that meal and for the lack of compassion towards farmed animals in our society in general. But judgement and anger are not effective tools for helping animals, and it’s never a good idea to talk about eating animals while someone is eating animals. You’ll only be met with the sam

What, if anything, do you say to family or friends if they eat animal products in front of you?

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