Sacramento VegFest 2012

(Photos by Mark Storm Photography)

I was excited to go to the Sacramento VegFest this past weekend for my birthday.  Yes, it was small, but very well attended.  Chef AJ (above) demonstrates how to make easy raw chocolate peanut butter date bon-bons to an entertained crowd.  Ending her demo with a special rendition of "Love Will Keep Us Together," her comedic energy kept everyone laughing and energized until the very end.  The bon-bons were very rich and yummy too.

Chef Brooke Preston of Green Boheme was there, and we tasted samples of a very delicious carrot ginger cashew soup.  Unfortunately, we missed her demo, but she did end up winning two awards for her raw vegan food!

Another notable was the meat-free products from Fry's Vegetarian.  The samples of Beef-Style Chunky Strips and Chicken-Style Nuggets were delicious, and should be available now or soon at your local Whole Foods and health food stores.  They tout products that have no meat, egg, or dairy, are non-GMO, and have no artificial colors or preservatives, or hydrogenated fats.  I haven't checked the pricing, but they are imported from South Africa and have been popular in Europe and other countries.

The nice people at V-Dog gave us a free sample of their vegan dog food.  My picky wolf hybrids and Jack Russell don't particularly like it, but we have been informed that they are coming out with a new and improved formula soon.  I'm anxious to see if they'll give it a paws up!

Chef Dawna Destafeno of Azna Gluten Free, was working hard to serve attendees free samples of her delicious gluten free Italian bread.  She also won an award for her soy-free vegan lasagna.

Overall, we had a lot of fun hanging out with fellow veggies, and it was a nice treat to get out of the house for my birthday!  Thanks, Mark, for taking me and becoming VegFest's official photographer for the day!

The Groundhog's Shadow

When Groundhog Phil felt a cold winter chill, he ventured out from his hole.

Slowly with care, sniffing ground and the air, he emerged from the crumbly knoll.

Every year he would pose with a quivering nose, to feel for winter’s harsh sting.

For if it were true, it was a groundhog’s cue, to fall into a deep sleep ‘til Spring.

“Are those snowflakes up there, dancing on air?” asked Phil in a state of confusion.

He crept further to see if it truly could be, a sign of winter or just an illusion.

The sun on his back casted a shadow of black, for which Phil was just not prepared.

Living underground, where only dirt was abound, made him touchy, nervous, and scared.

Phil leapt up in fright at the very sight of the shadowy figure in tow.

Wherever he went, right-left-circumvent! - the shadow just would not let go!

Running circles in panic and feeling quite manic, Phil scurried back towards his den.

But then he stumbled as something rumbled, in the sky where he looked up again.

A grayish cloud covered the sun like a shroud, and made Phil’s shadow disappear.

“Don’t be a fool!” said a voice so cruel.  “The only thing that can hurt you is fear.”

Phil shook as he took a look, up at the angry puff.

“But what of lightning and all things frightening, like monsters and aliens and stuff?”

“A life full of stress only works to oppress,” said the thunderous cloud.

“Who knows what you could achieve if only you believe, that you are brave, wise, and proud!”

Phil was in awe as he saw, an image of himself that he never knew.

He felt inspirations for aspirations, and his excitement and confidence grew!

He would not fear again, leaving his den, for a whole new world awaited.

Experiences around could surely be found, and this fact could not be debated!

Phil proudly stood as tall as he could, and proclaimed without a shake,

“Bravely I will stay above ground today, and progress I will surely make!”

The cloud was beaming and light came streaming, as it drifted away from the sun.

Phil’s shadow was there, but he shrugged without care, and so his new life had begun!

Spring was a thing that came early that year, to reward a groundhog’s revelation.

All beings were touched by the story so much, that they came together in a great celebration!

Original Poem by DJ Karma 2012

Coconut body, almond ears, pecan feet, coconut flake teeth and eyes, and raisin eyeballs

Quick Coconut Agar Pudding...
For the recipe, go to:
 Veggie Kids Blog   

There's a nice interview about me there too :-)

Hey, what's kicking?  7 months down / 2 to go!


Happy Groundhog's Day!