I did go vegan for a couple years after that. I did a terrible job balancing my diet and started to lose muscle mass. I prefer a plant-based diet but my body didn't agree. A yoga guru told me that there's no such thing as death, which made me feel less like a jerk about eating meat (especially chickens) again. But you do you, LoLo.
A holistic physician told me that I need to eat meat (pork and chicken) along with lots of sea food, vegetables, and grains, of course. She said it's because I'm of Scandinavian heritage. If I lived alone, I would probably just eat salad, fish, and grains, but we do eat what that doc suggested.
I read somewhere that potatoes are actually good for us! The local organic farm just put tiny red freshly-harvested potatoes on their "honor system" stand. We just sheet pan roast them tossed in olive oil. Heaven!
What an enlightening experience. I have always been associated with cats and dogs but never chickens and this makes me want to learn more about chickens. What a wonderful writing and thank you for sharing. The Crochet Chicken is beautiful!
I've never thought of h!aving a spirit animal, although I love the idea of it. I love animals and find them all fascinating. Some I'm afraid of, but chickens isn't one of them. I had chickens on Fox Island, WA and I loved them, although in retrospect, I never thought of them knowing me or my face. I wish I had! What a great story, Ilona.
Ilona- Buying things we don’t need is definitely an American thing, you’re right. But I love the attitude and humor infused in this piece from the very beginning.
Ah, too bad I can't upload a photo. A couple of weeks ago I was on a farm with my friend Neil who was taking photos of the owner, her daughter, her two massive horses, two loving dogs and a slew of small bread chickens. I held one and was surprised at how she leaned into my chest and stayed nestled in my arms. What a sweet feeling. So I know what you mean about the feeling of Susie in your arms. It's quite delicious... her lovingness, that is. Thanks for the sweet post. A great reminder how animals open our hearts., Ilona.
What fun! I love chickens and remember fondly when my grandmother would get chicks on the farm. We would marvel at their small yellow furry bodies scurrying around and how fast they grew. Fresh eggs are the best.
What a joyful post! My grandmother had chickens, and now one of my neighbours does (even though I live on the edge of the city). I love their determined little personalities.
Ilona, this is amazing! I just got to my unread newsletters today, after a busy week, and found out you wrote about Spirit Animals. This week, after the heavy Ted Bundy piece last week, I felt like posting a wildlife piece again, and chose a formerly published piece about encountering a coyote face to face on the trail. When published originally, the essay was called "A Perfect Day for Chanterelles," but while walking/meditating I got the "message" to title it Spirit Guide, as that's what it's really about. And I just posted it! I have always loved and adored chickens, but as I write elsewhere, they don't do well in wilderness habitats where predators can get through any kind of wall or cage! And my various spirit animals, "met" in meditation retreats and real life, are indeed cougar, bear, bald eagle, great blue heron, golden-crowned kinglets, winter wrens , Bigg's Orca - just some of the creatures around me here. Thanks for your great piece!
As a chicken admirer, you are in good company with Joyce Vance. Love the pictures.
In our next life, my wife and I have agreed that we will have a "rescue farm". Our spirit animal is the dog. Hardly unique or original. But our "Sophie" is the center of our universe. She was rescued in Tennessee and trucked up to Massachusetts where she is coddled endlessly.
Our farm would have several barns filled with dogs that were saved from kill shelters. The barns would surround a large "feeding pavilion" with an indoor pool for them to romp in.
And what farm would be complete without chickens? I am not sure they move me like a dog does. But I sure do love eggs - the perfect protein, IMO.
Oh shoot! You reminded me that I meant to put a hyperlink to Joyce Vance's newsletter in here. I saved one of her most recent ones for that purpose.
I love your next life's plan. An indoor pool would be amazing for the labs and the swimming breeds.
I think you need some one-on-one time with a chicken to really appreciate them. I at fresh eggs 30 years ago on country road in California, and I never forgot them!
When we lived in Maine, the guy across the street had chickens and we had the most delicious eggs ever - every week. Just like veggies, the fresher the better!
Awww. Another reason for me to go completely vegan.
"Did you know chickens can recognize over 100 different faces, including humans?
Our yoga friend was effusive about her chickens and their intelligence."
I did go vegan for a couple years after that. I did a terrible job balancing my diet and started to lose muscle mass. I prefer a plant-based diet but my body didn't agree. A yoga guru told me that there's no such thing as death, which made me feel less like a jerk about eating meat (especially chickens) again. But you do you, LoLo.
A holistic physician told me that I need to eat meat (pork and chicken) along with lots of sea food, vegetables, and grains, of course. She said it's because I'm of Scandinavian heritage. If I lived alone, I would probably just eat salad, fish, and grains, but we do eat what that doc suggested.
I have the same roots as you. I eat mostly fish and chicken plus veggies and grains. I love potatos too much.
I read somewhere that potatoes are actually good for us! The local organic farm just put tiny red freshly-harvested potatoes on their "honor system" stand. We just sheet pan roast them tossed in olive oil. Heaven!
Ah yes I understand. When I was vegan in college it was hard on my health.
Now just really limit my animal protein intake.
But if it weren't for my hubby I'd go vegetarian. He is just so judgmental.
I think there's a lot more info now about how to balance the nutrients.
I would probably work with a nutritionist if I did it again.
What an enlightening experience. I have always been associated with cats and dogs but never chickens and this makes me want to learn more about chickens. What a wonderful writing and thank you for sharing. The Crochet Chicken is beautiful!
Thanks, S.S.! You do need to experience a chicken up close and personal. Have you watched My Octopus Teacher? That is another interesting animal.
No I have not watched your Octopus Teacher. Where can I watch it? This is fascinating!!
You can find it on Netflix. Let me know what you think if you decide to watch it.
I've never thought of h!aving a spirit animal, although I love the idea of it. I love animals and find them all fascinating. Some I'm afraid of, but chickens isn't one of them. I had chickens on Fox Island, WA and I loved them, although in retrospect, I never thought of them knowing me or my face. I wish I had! What a great story, Ilona.
Yes, they know your face! Once I got to see Susie as a sentient being, everything shifted for me. Thanks for reading, friend!
Ilona- Buying things we don’t need is definitely an American thing, you’re right. But I love the attitude and humor infused in this piece from the very beginning.
Thanks for reading, Thalia. Demand for crocheted chickens is growing worldwide. I'm sure it will become as valuable as Bitcoin someday 🤣
Ah, too bad I can't upload a photo. A couple of weeks ago I was on a farm with my friend Neil who was taking photos of the owner, her daughter, her two massive horses, two loving dogs and a slew of small bread chickens. I held one and was surprised at how she leaned into my chest and stayed nestled in my arms. What a sweet feeling. So I know what you mean about the feeling of Susie in your arms. It's quite delicious... her lovingness, that is. Thanks for the sweet post. A great reminder how animals open our hearts., Ilona.
It is delicious! So glad you shared that with me. It's important to remember that all animals are sentient beings.
I am not an animal person. And I dare say that never held an animal before another than mice and frogs in lab.
Eek! Were they dead or alive? I’m afraid to know the answer.
“The chicken spirit animal brings messages of hope, encouragement, and inner strength.” - I read this and it sounds about right:)
Thank you for sharing that. Where did you find it?
😀
What fun! I love chickens and remember fondly when my grandmother would get chicks on the farm. We would marvel at their small yellow furry bodies scurrying around and how fast they grew. Fresh eggs are the best.
Aren't fresh eggs awesome??? Great to meet another chicken lover.
Yes there are! They are super smart, messengers to the spirit world, holding secret shades of violet in their darkness 💜
Yes, I noticed that deep purple color in their feathers. Thanks for sharing a line from your future poem.
😁
I feel an affinity for crows although I’ve never held one 😄
Crows are super interesting. There are plenty of those around to get to know!
I love this so much ❤️
Thanks:) I published my first poem on here last week and you and Corie are my inspo.
🥰
What a joyful post! My grandmother had chickens, and now one of my neighbours does (even though I live on the edge of the city). I love their determined little personalities.
Yes, chickens do convey determination. Whenever I meet new chickens, I love how they check me out!
Ilona, this is amazing! I just got to my unread newsletters today, after a busy week, and found out you wrote about Spirit Animals. This week, after the heavy Ted Bundy piece last week, I felt like posting a wildlife piece again, and chose a formerly published piece about encountering a coyote face to face on the trail. When published originally, the essay was called "A Perfect Day for Chanterelles," but while walking/meditating I got the "message" to title it Spirit Guide, as that's what it's really about. And I just posted it! I have always loved and adored chickens, but as I write elsewhere, they don't do well in wilderness habitats where predators can get through any kind of wall or cage! And my various spirit animals, "met" in meditation retreats and real life, are indeed cougar, bear, bald eagle, great blue heron, golden-crowned kinglets, winter wrens , Bigg's Orca - just some of the creatures around me here. Thanks for your great piece!
As a chicken admirer, you are in good company with Joyce Vance. Love the pictures.
In our next life, my wife and I have agreed that we will have a "rescue farm". Our spirit animal is the dog. Hardly unique or original. But our "Sophie" is the center of our universe. She was rescued in Tennessee and trucked up to Massachusetts where she is coddled endlessly.
Our farm would have several barns filled with dogs that were saved from kill shelters. The barns would surround a large "feeding pavilion" with an indoor pool for them to romp in.
And what farm would be complete without chickens? I am not sure they move me like a dog does. But I sure do love eggs - the perfect protein, IMO.
Oh shoot! You reminded me that I meant to put a hyperlink to Joyce Vance's newsletter in here. I saved one of her most recent ones for that purpose.
I love your next life's plan. An indoor pool would be amazing for the labs and the swimming breeds.
I think you need some one-on-one time with a chicken to really appreciate them. I at fresh eggs 30 years ago on country road in California, and I never forgot them!
When we lived in Maine, the guy across the street had chickens and we had the most delicious eggs ever - every week. Just like veggies, the fresher the better!
Glad you liked it! It is a tear-jerker.