It’s not that I woke up one day and suddenly decided to embrace the minimalist lifestyle.  No, the dye was cast after the innocuous, or so we thought, decision to watch a documentary on the local on-demand-channel.  We chose to view “Food, Inc.”, a movie we knew nothing about.

So we watched.  My husband observed the movie from a more detached vantage point while I watched with increasing horror and dismay. Having been a vegetarian for over thirty years, by the end of those 93 minutes, I had adopted a vegan diet and a leather-free life-style. It was like a light-switch.  One minute, egg/dairy eating leather-wearing vegetarian, the next minute, not.

The next day, I went to my closet and began pulling things out.

Good-bye salmon-colored designer sandals with the Lucite-bubble heel; good-bye taupe knee-high, western-style boots; good-bye aqua-hued, faux-crocodile mules; good-bye woven red leather chunk-heel sandals; good-bye black maryjane flats with the leather flower on the ankle strap which I had purchased at a summer sale while in Paris.  Good-bye dark chocolate brown boots with the sharply-tapered toe.

Good-bye red leather gloves lined with gray fur.

Good-bye numerous leather coats and suede jackets and elegant handbags and turquoise padded opera-style wallet that snapped shut with a resounding click.

It was with a mixture of relief (mostly) and regret (a twinge) that I donated all of these items to Dress for Success, a nonprofit group which provides professional clothing to help low-income women successfully enter the workforce. It took more than one trip.

It was done. And I looked in my closet, and could breathe more easily.  And then I caught sight of a light brown box.  In the corner. Barely noticeable. With the words “Christian Louboutin” on the lid.

I pulled out the box, removed the box top, and saw the beige suede pointy-toed ankle boots with the decorative criss-cross detail and the 3-1/2” spiky heels.  And the iconic red soles.  Barely scratched from use, because I had only worn them two times.  And I knew they had to go.  Too dressy for the work place, I needed to find a place other than Dress for Success for them to reside.

So, I put the boots on e-bay.  It was my first attempt at selling anything on this site.  I felt ambivalent about the thought of profiting from the death of an animal.  Perhaps this was evident in some way, because after two days, there was no sign of interest.  So I lowered the asking price by 85%.  Still, no sale. I took them off of e-bay.

Next, I offered them, gratis, to my very stylish neighbor.  She was was convinced that they would not fit, but suggested I bring them over in the hope of giving them to another friend.  Before calling the friend, my neighbor tried them on.  They fit.  She did a little dance of joy. These boots will never touch the feet of her friend.

And this is how I came to give away my nearly-new Christian Louboutin boots.

You may recall my post about switching to veganism earlier this year. After being a long-time vegetarian, watching Michael Pollan’s film Food, Inc. was all it took to convince me to forsake consumption of all animal products from that day forward.

I also readily gave away my collection of leather coats, shoes, boots, belts and handbags to a wonderful charity called Dress for Success.

But there were two items I was unsure what to do with: cashmere sweaters and silk clothing.

Wool sweaters were not the issue. When I discovered that the process of shearing the sheep can be quite inhumane, it was an easy decision to give my wool sweaters away.

Cashmere is a slightly different story.  The cashmere undercoat is typically hand-combed from the underbellies of the cashmere goats in the spring.  As the weather warms, more cashmere is combed from the goats during the natural shedding process. The process is traditionally very labor-intensive, but also relatively humane. And yet,

The majority of cashmere is produced in China, India, Pakistan, and Central Asia, where animal welfare standards are inconsistent. There are also growing problems with overgrazing due to cashmere production, contributing to desertification in Asia and  reducing the quality of life of both the goats and the local human population. The environmental costs of transport must also be taken into consideration when purchasing foreign cashmere.  (via hubpages).

In other words, it is not a simple matter.

So, here’s my dilemma. With the approaching cold months of winter, what should I do with my cashmere sweaters? Knowing what I now know, is it ethical for me to continue wearing the sweaters? Does it make sense to spend money on non-wool sweaters (e.g., cotton or synthetic microfleece) when I have a closet full of perfectly good sweaters?

What is the environmental toll of growing cotton or manufacturing microfibers? And what about the expense of shelling out for new items to replace perfectly good garments? But, by wearing the cashmere sweaters, am I inadvertently contributing to the suffering of animals?

This is where the veganism versus minimalism and sustainability issues intersect. My sweaters were a significant financial investment made over several years, even decades, of time. Others were gifts, with sentimental value. Further, cashmere only gets softer over time, and there is no reason a well-cared for sweater should not last twenty years, or more. Is it sustainable to give them away when they have so many more years of use? And how many sweaters does one person need?

The same concerns apply to my silk sweaters and scarves. I bought these things long before I knew that the larvae of silk worms were boiled in their cocoons to obtain the silk threads. And I don’t intend to purchase silk in the future. But again, the question remains: What should I do with the silk items I already own? Silk long underwear is the best, most lightweight winter undergarment I have ever found. Is it morally wrong to continue wearing silk, or is it better to buy synthetic replacements.

And, lest this come across as a whiny, oh-poor-her, she-has-too-many-cashmere-sweaters rant, please recognize that I am not alone with my questions. As more and more people around the world come to grips with the intersection of minimalism and sustainability and veganism, this is one of the many questions that need to be addressed. It is a matter of trying to live with integrity and congruity.

So, I am asking you for your advice. What do you think? Please leave me a comment below. Thank you!

image: © 2010. Christianna Pierce.

I’m happy to report that I have successfully completed my self-imposed 60 with 60 photography challenge.  In this challenge, I aimed to post 60 photos using a 60mm prime lens. My hope was that by imposing limitations on my gear, and by having a numerical goal, I would tap into a new vein of creativity (i.e., get out of a creative rut) and perhaps get to know that particular lens better.

Specifics:  Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8 micro lens mounted on a Nikon D7000 body

Time:  September 8-September 25 (18 days total)

Results: The main purpose of the challenge was self-discovery.  However, I did manage to capture some images that I am proud of (as well as some that are admittedly so-so). You can see the whole collection of 60 images by clicking on the image, below:

60 with 60

There were pluses and minuses to this challenge.  On the positive side, using one lens made shooting simple.  I could just grab my camera and go, without needing to ponder which lens to bring.

Secondly, using a single prime lens ensured that I needed to have active footwork.  I had to physically walk to and from a subject to get the correct composition, rather than letting a zoom lens do all the heavy lifting.

Thirdly, by taking the lens decision out of the equation, I was free to focus more on lighting and composition.  I was able to be more thoughtful in my approach.

And, finally, I did learn a lot about this particular lens. While it is fairly fast (f/2.8), it is not as fast as the 50mm (f/1.4) and I missed some shots due to low light.  Also, it is a fairly large lens, and the camera/lens combo was not easily tossed into my handbag. For an everyday lens, I would prefer something smaller and lighter (again, noting the 50 mm f/1.4).

There where were additional downsides to this challenge as well:

First of all, I grew weary of this lens!  I thrive on variety, and limiting myself to one lens proved to be far more challenging (and I might even say, annoying) than I could have anticipated.

And the number: Sixty!  S-I-X-T-Y is a LOT of images.  When I first came up with the idea of 60 with 60, I confess that I was more enamored of the catchy name for the challenge and less concerned with the actual number. I’ve never participated in a challenge, self-imposed or otherwise, with such a large number of images, and I learned my lesson from this.

Finally, it was frustrating to be prevented from using the best lens for the job.  For instance, while this lens is touted as a macro lens, and it does a fair enough job at close-ups, it doesn’t hold a candle to the 105mm for sharpness and detail. When taking photos of flowers, I had to resist my perfectionistic streak and use the camera at hand. Knowing I could have achieved a better image with a different lens was a challenge in itself.

Having said that, challenges by their very nature are opportunities for growth.  They force us out of our comfort zone and encourage to try new things and to be innovative and creative.  I am glad I did this challenge because it helped me stay focused on a theme and it made me shoot images nearly every day. I am already looking forward to my next challenge.

I’d love to hear about your photographic self-challenges. Are there any you would like to share?  Or do you have any suggestions for me to try?  I welcome your thoughts and insights.

The jasmine blossoms
try their best to cover up
the peeling white paint

Yes, another haiku. I couldn’t resist! This jasmine-covered archway stands in front of a yard near our house. I love that it tells such a story of hope and decay, beauty and neglect.

As always, please feel free to share you own original haikus in a comment, below.

xoxo’s,
Christianna

image: taken with Nikon d700, 50mm lens, aperture 4.5, ISO 200, shutter speed 1/100 second

I’ve always been partial to lacecap hydrangeas. Have you ever looked closely at a lacecap blossom? It’s like having two-flowers-in-one. There are the itty-bitty individual florets in the center (i.e., the lace) and the beautifully-colored larger petals around the perimeter (i.e., the cap).

Wishing you a day filled with opportunities to stop and notice the beauty all around you, no matter how inconsequential it may first appear…

image: taken with Nikon d7000 camera, 105 mm lens, ISO 200, aperture 7.1, shutter speed 1/60 second

The yellow petals
arranged like rays of the sun
greeted the new day.

In my mind, the connection between haiku,  photography and mindfulness runs deep. I will be talking about haiku in greater depth in an upcoming post, but for now I’d like to remind you of the basic form of haiku:

line 1: 5 syllables

line 2:  7 syllables

line 3:  5 syllables

Of course, there are many variations on this theme, but, in general, this is the format taught in American elementary schools and the one I grew up with.  Writing haiku can be contemplative, entertaining, humorous, insightful and deep.  Sometimes all at the same time.

When is the last time you tried your hand at writing a haiku poem?  I’d love to have you share your favorite creations.  If you need help getting started, here is a very random opening line for you to add to:

The kitten’s soft purr…

and, for dog-lovers:

The puppy’s wet nose…

Now it’s your turn.  Can you add a line with 7 syllables and a line with 5 syllables to complete the haiku? Please feel free to share your haiku(s) in a comment, below, if you feel inspired to do so.

Have fun!  I look forward to hearing from you!

image: taken with Nikon d7000 camera, micro-Nikkor 60 mm lens, aperture f/3, ISO 200, shutter speed 1/40 second

A thoughtful friend recently gifted us with us these freshly-picked Oregon (perhaps Rainier variety?) cherries.  Whenever I see a bowl of cherries, I am reminded of humorist Erma Bombeck’s book titled, “If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?”

Erma’s books were among the very first “grown-up” humor books I remember reading.  I used to pull her books from my mother’s well-stocked shelves and let the books fall open to random funny passages.  Some (many, probably) things went over my head, but I found plenty to laugh about in her books. The titles alone are comedic gold:

The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank;

I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression;

All I Know About Animal Behavior I learned in Loehmann’s Dressing Room;

and my all-time personal favorite title: When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It’s Time to Go Home.

It is a tribute to Erma’s writing style and sense of humor that I could enjoy her writing as a young teenager.  How much more, now that I have two grown sons and have a few more decades of living under my belt, do I appreciate her witty sayings and wise observations.

Here are some classic Erma quotes to help you start your week with a smile:

I was against coed dorms from the beginning.  Not because it was a sensuous supermarket, but because I felt if anyone ever saw my son’s bedroom in its natural state, I’d never get the kid married off and now my worst fears have been realized.


My kids always perceived the bathroom as a place where you wait it out until all the groceries are unloaded from the car.


Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

Have a great week!

image: taken with Nikon d7000 camera, 50mm lens, aperture f/1.8,  ISO 200, shutter speed 1/100 second.

Your response to the free version of my Healthy Eating Rules e-book that I offered to people with cancer has been very encouraging! I now realize people are hungry (yes, pun intended!) for the information contained in this book. You have let me know that the book is helpful and has made a difference, and nothing could please me more. Thank you!

In light of that, I have decided to make the e-book free to you and everyone else who would like a copy. From day one, my main purpose in writing the book has been to get the information to as many people as possible, and I have never wanted price to be a barrier.

Therefore, as of today, the e-book is now available, free of charge, with my compliments. You don’t even need to provide your email address to get the book. Simply click here or on the image of the book in the sidebar and the book will be available for instant download to your computer.

I only suggest that if you find the e-book useful, you forward the information to your tribe so that they might have access to it as well. And, as always, I love hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or sending me a tweet.

I’m happy to share in this way, and I sincerely wish you the best possible health.

Warmly,

Christianna

Check it out! Just click on the book below to see all of the pages.

(Update:  the e-book is now available free to everyone).

Do you know somebody with cancer?

Or do you, perhaps, have cancer yourself?

If so, I would like to give you a free copy of my new e-book: Healthy Eating Rules: Find Good Health at the End of Your Fork. You may download it for yourself or give the download link to a loved one who is dealing with cancer.

You see, I am no stranger to cancer. My sister, brother, father and mother have all had cancer. My father and siblings are cancer survivors. My mother was not so fortunate. She died from a brain tumor at the age of 64. If she had had access to the information contained in this book, perhaps she would still be alive.  It’s impossible to know.

What I do know is that the food we put into our bodies has a direct impact on our ability to ward off serious illness. In particular, a whole food, plant-based diet offers one of the single most important means of both preventing and reversing cancer.

In honor of my mother, and as a show of support for others in a similar position, I am offering a complimentary copy of my e-book. If you have cancer, or know a cancer patient whom you’d like to share the e-book with, simply click on the image of the e-book in the sidebar or click here. The book will download as a .pdf (note:  no email address is required.  Simply click “save file” when asked).

May you be happy and may you be well.

Warmly,
Christianna

Today I would like to share one of my favorite “serendipity” recipes with you.  The inspiration came from a mention in the FatFree Vegan Recipes forum regarding the use of sweet potatoes in smoothies. When I tried my hand at a similar recipe, it came out very thick and “creamy,” much more like a yogurt than a smoothie.

There is something about the cooked starch of the sweet potato that gives body and texture to the product.  And the natural caramelization process during baking yields a sweet, slightly molasses-like flavor.

My recipe is made with three simple ingredients, is naturally low-fat,  is super-easy to make, and tastes delicious.

Feel free to improvise with ingredients you have on hand.  A friend of mine tried it with Coconut Milk beverage and said it was “yum!” The one thing to be sure to include is the sweet potato.

Vegan Sweet Potato “Yogurt”

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baked, cooled, peeled sweet potato

• 3/4 to 1 cup non-dairy milk, depending on desired thickness (I prefer unsweetened Almond milk)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit (such as raspberries, blueberries, banana, mango, etc.)

Method:

Bake sweet potato at 400 degrees for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender. Allow to cool.  Peel skin of sweet potato with your fingers.

Place sweet potato, non-dairy milk and fruit in a high-speed blender and whirl until smooth.

Serve immediately. Can be stored in tightly-covered container in refrigerator for 1-2 days.  This is delicious eaten as-is, or served over granola cereal. This would also make a fabulous food for babies and young children.

Your turn: if you try this recipe, or a variation, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Be sure to leave me a comment or share your recipe below!