As some of you will know, Denise and I are vegan. Have been since roughly 2002-ish. There are times when vegan folks like to play 'I'm more vegan than thou' games, but this is really unproductive.

Recently, we have been re-vamping and re-assising and re-thinking our eating, our role in the world and how we do what we do. So, not just fanny-ing about because it's summer.

We have been eating tons of things from the Alicia Silverstone book, 'The Kind Diet', which is no diet at all (and why I like it). We've been using more and more organic, less and less processed and feeling freakin' AWESOME!!!

The umeboshi plums, while not my favorite tasty treat, really make you feel good, I don't quite know why, but, man, I love the yucky goodness. Oddly powerful.

Cut way back on coffee, and cut out pop, and switched from tonic water to soda water.

I did make my regular chocolate chip cookies today for a pot luck at work. I had to buy sugar to make them, and I threw out the left over sugar out, as it is too much temptation for me.

Oh, and how much do I love Daikon. Love it.

- Melina

*** I was writing this as a response to a comment but I'm going to add it to the blog to have my point of view as well.

So friggin' cool.

Wow, we had a fun day in the sun today. Went to the Membertou 400 celebration on the Halifax commons. Wasn't really down with the 'yay, he was baptized' thing. Not really loving the raping of a entire culture's soul, so that sucks. Some people were boycotting the celebrations for this reason. I can totally understand that. But I had to go where the drums and jingle-y dresses told me.

The bells on the dresses are added 1 for every day of the year. Was awesome.

Was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to see an actual pow wow, but I'll make sure I do next year. I just might have lost my mind, as I nearly did with the jingle dresses.

There were lots of wigwams with neat stuff inside, like basket-making and Mi'kmaq medicine and storytelling. Way cool, but, man was it hot. Burnt my scalp again.

Wigwams on the commons, way better than baseball.

Oh, and there was really amazing bead-work, prints and drums (sadly, made of animal skins, but I'm sure my neighbors are glad, no drumming for me).

Wish we had more time, but I think we really got loopy from the sun. We are night-people, after all.

Totally excited already for next year. I just hope I'll be able to contain myself at a Pow Wow. Mmmm, doubtful.

- Melina

Despite many blog posts that lament my teenage goth days/attempts, I am a total beach bum. And being a beach loving fool, I have my favorites. All have been on the lovely South Shore of Nova Scotia, Hurtles, you know I'm talking 'bout you. *wink, wink*

But, after last weekend, I've a new love in my heart. I was just innocently asked on an impromptu road trip with Denise's sister Diane. Was just going up to see their lovely niece Carol sing at Moncton University. Ok, make sure I have opera appropriate clothing, check. Snacks (lovely raw balls), check. Water and pops, check.

We had no idea that Diane had a plan, man. A plan that involved a beach. She would regret not telling us of this planned detour. She didn't realize we both love the beach.

So, we went to Port Elgin, checked out Bob's homeland and ate some great onion rings.

Then we were told we are going to Shediac, where their family had a summer cottage growing up. I was game, and was calm in the car till I realized that that meant we were going to a beach. The calm was gone. I keep squeaking,'Eeeeee, we're going to the beach, eeeeeee!!!'

Parlee Beach, you sexy beach. I barely noticed your silly, gaudy, facade. We went straight to the lovely beachy sands and waters.

Bliss, oh sheer bliss. Warm calm waters, clear and delicious. Nice sands, fine and plentiful. Stupid people out in the sun, on my beach. Mine, all mine. Rolled up my pants, Denise had her umbrella (yes, she is allergic to the sun) Diane took off her sandals. I decided I needed to go in to this beautiful water, so very warm.

We walked over away from the people, and I took off my pants and went in the water, and swam for as long as I could. BLISS. Was my new happy place, and I considered never leaving this beach. I could quit my job and live on the beach, right? Mmmm, chilly in winter though.

So, I love Parlee Beach. Love it! So pretty and warm. Just ignore the touristy stuff (though a restaurant is a good idea, when your living on the beach!). Love the beach. It'll love you back.

Here's to a fab summer, folks!!!

-Melina

Here is the link to the official website; Parlee Beach Provincial Park

Eric, mmmmm tasty

Ok, this could be mildly horrifying to some, funny to many others, but yeah, gotta say I'm feeling like a sexy lady. Why, you ask? Bloody good question. Let me think...

I think watching 'True Blood' has something to do with it. Have you seen Eric??? There is much eye candy on that freakin' show. Same with 'Vampire Diaries', what with the Damon and all. Sticking with the vampire theme (the BEST theme ever) 'Eclipse' is coming out soon, too. Eye candy indeed.

Damon, on the right

Wearing my contacts makes me feel like a lady. My glasses make me feel cruddy. So, being industrious and wearing them more often.

Also, applying a little make up is making me feel good too. And I actually like my haircut too. I'd love to go to my stylist Dave, but for cutting it myself, I'm rather pleased.

You know who they are

Denise and I are more active and planning meals ahead of time. Also, making meals and freezing them, so we are not tempted to eat crap. Even being vegan, you can still find crap to eat when you are tired and hungry.

The late Betty Page, with my hair, and oddly enough, my new swimsuit

Doing yoga makes me feel sexy, as I'm taking time for myself. Meditating is sooooo sexy. Cuz, it's your brain and stuff. ; )

Preforming well at work, and working some overtime makes me f

eel sexy, I'm making more money, reducing stress and reaching my goals. Weird.

Ummm, me, writing this blog, hahaha!

So, all this stuff together, makes for me feeling sexy. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

- Melina

Remember that episode of Sesame Street where the guy did the act spinning plates on the top of sticks? It must have made an impression in me because that's the image that comes to mind at the beginning of every weekend.

I work my job. I make jewellery and work on our Etsy shop. I am writing a novel and frequently feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. And I'm trying to be healthier, using bribery to get myself to work out on a regular basis.

Plate 1 , jewellery - spinspinspin. Plate 2, novel - spinnyspin. Extra hours at work, exercise, trying to see friends - spin spin SPIN! Oh, first one slowing down, must spin ....

Everyone feels this way, right? Sometimes it feels like there is no down time and if I didn't love the crative parts so much I would feel I have no life at all. But it all goes back to the ultimate dream, the goal listed in our profile.

That house in the country where I will be able to work full time at writing and jewellery and the creative stuff that I love.

~ Denise

The roll, of a knitting needle stripe,

You speak to my soul

I feel the un-straight lines

The layers, holding and strong.

Don't look at my hands,

They do bleed your name

Everyday, they bleed.

Interfacing, staying flat on flat,

I thread the needle, no knitting here

Button and un-button, how many

Roll on, the roll.

-Melina : D