Vida Vegan Con 2015 and a Summertime Gazpacho
Good morning!
I have some very good news, with some very strange feelings.
Just a couple of days ago, I found out that I have been asked to speak at Vida Vegan Con May 2015 on Veganism, Body Image, Self-Esteem, ED Recovery, and how reading blogs & social media can influence all of the above. (registration starts tomorrow and is here). I have applied to many very cool things this year, but this one both takes the cake and shakes shit up inside of me. I want to discuss this, because transparency in blogging is what makes it worthwhile, don’t you think?
When I received my acceptance email, I cried. Not in the “OMG I am so happy I am crying” kind of way, but in the “OMG I wanted this so bad, but it is coming in a different form than I imagined and now I feel fucking terrified” kind of way. You see, a lot of my friends applied to speak at Vida Vegan Con and didn’t get in. Additionally, I had pictured myself giving the workshop with a co-facilitator, and because VVC will be focusing on solo presentations this year, I will not be able to. I felt guilty. Selfishly, I also felt really sad. I wanted the camaraderie and the support and the alternative perspective on that stage, but that wasn’t what was offered. It sucked a little bit to realize that.
What was offered, though, was a different kind of opportunity. I have been asked to stand on a stage and say a little something about a transformation from the hellish sickness that was my eating disorder, and into a place of connected compassion and love for myself and for other people who struggle. I have been offered a moment to lead a group of people in a conversation on what it means to embrace veganism as a tool for wellness, to empower those who still struggle to make the decision to move forward with a commitment to self. Actually, my talk doesn’t have much to do with me. My talk is a good thing to happen in the vegan and blog communities, and it occurred to me that I am simply honored to facilitate it.
Ah. That perspective shift was refreshing.
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Speaking of refreshing, let’s talk gazpacho.
The tomatoes in my little plot of land are JUST starting to pop off, and this recipe is the result of that. You can heat it up or leave it raw, depending on your preference (and your climate). It tastes like pure unbridled summer, and would be great with some hummus and rice crackers at a picnic. Get up on it!
| Summertime Gazpacho |
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- 2 Cups chopped tomatoes (I recommend cherry tomatoes)
- 1 cup cilantro
- ½ small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Serrano Pepper
- 1 Jalapeno
- ½ Tablespoon salt
- 1 ear corn (optional)
- 1 can black beans (optional)
- ½ avocado (optional)
- Pulse tomatoes, cilantro, onion, garlic, oil, apple cider vinegar, peppers, and salt in a blender. I like my soup relatively chunky, but you can make it as smooth as you like.
- Add in black beans and corn (but do not blend, these taste best whole)
- If you want a hot soup, heat over low heat until just warm enough
- Top with more bell pepper, corn, avocado and extra cilantro
Have a great day!
Congratulations on your acceptance to VVC! I’m looking forward to meeting my favorite vegan heroes, including you! :)
-Meredith
Thanks so much! I look forward to being there, for sure.
Congratulations at being asked to speak! I’m sorry to hear that it’s not in the format that you’d hoped for, but I’m glad that you’ll still be doing it. It’s so important for someone to be vocal about body imaged and related issues, especially considering how common it is at the moment to see someone using veganism as some kind of “get skinny quickly” diet. In my opinion, they’ve definitely picked the right person for the job. :)
Thanks so much!I am super excited to be there, of course. Just nervous! The encouragement really helps.