Sunday, April 26, 2009, was the first annual Veggie Pride Parade in LA! (If it wasn’t for Melisser, I wouldn’t have remembered [my mind has been so focused in getting my portfolio ready, I've been so absent from everything else]) The event began at 11:00 AM, where everyone could enjoy some live music, eat freshly cooked vegan meals, buy veggie apparel/accessories/books, get info on the inhumane treatment of animals, and just chill amongst other awesome veggie people in the nice cool weather. There were those who dressed in costume, which added a fun spark when scanning the crowd. While roaming around I bumped into Hugger Food, Leo Flowers, Melisser & Strummer, Kim (she had a booth for selling her baked treats. I’m a HUGE fan of her peanut butter cookies), and Jennifer (whom I finally got to meet! She is incredibly sweet with a good taste in music).
The march then started at 12:00 PM. People honked their horns when passing by and the crowd chanted and sang , informing the world the right way of being green. We walked from Washington Blvd (in Culver City) to Venice and back again. (sorry about the video being so crappy. My camera’s uber old, but at least you can make out what’s going on) Along the way, we spoke to cool people and befriended many (although this one lady bitched me because I put a Happy Cow sticker on an electrical booth. She called it “Vandalizing property and giving vegans a bad reputation.” Eh. Whatever. I’m not going to get on my soap box). Towards the end of the march Jen and I ended up carrying a banner that said “Stick up for chickens! Go vegan!” I absolutely enjoyed it. I loved the people, the support, and the friendly atmosphere. It could have been a lot more organized, but it’s the first time that it’s been done here in LA. I have a feeling that next year is going to be a whole lot better. It was great to see familiar faces again and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys sometime soon!
Hands down the best costume at the parade. This guy deserved an award. A walking cube of tofu, you can’t beat that.
I bought things here and there, eventually I went broke. I wanted to get a magnet (the one pictured below), but ended up not having enough money for the tax (damn raised taxes–9.25%!). This woman standing next to me said that she would cover the rest of the cost and I just couldn’t let her do that, but she kept insisting and forced the money in my hand. So, because of her, I now own this magnet in my room. I couldn’t stop thanking her, I wanted to cry tears of joy because of her kindness. You, lady, are freakn FABULOUS! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I believe in Karma and she will definitely get something amazing out of life.
Images ™ J. Afsoon A.
While everyone else was on spring break, I still had class at Art Center which involved 80 master/anatomy drawings and a final due on Wednesday. So I didn’t get to relax until thursday.
I went out with my Sweedish friend to Flore. It had a very home-y atmosphere and nice weather, plus fab service (the guy kept refilling my friend’s coffee every time she took a sip!). I had scrambled tofu (although…I think, Follow Your Heart’s is a lot better) and my buddy had a TuNo melt sandy-widge. Both were yum! Although I’m not a fan of tempeh, that wasn’t a bad TuNo melt. Speaking of sandy-widges…I have yet to try the Reuben at FYH! Check out To Eat and Live in LA’s review, sounds pret-ty darn good!
I also ordered a chocolate cupcake (because I have a MAJOR sweet tooth). That was incredibly rich and smooth. The cake just melts in your mouth while the frosting lathers your taste buds with sugary goodness. I will come back for the cupcakes!
Then we chilled at her place for a bit and I met all her incredibly adorable adopted doggies and fat (but beautiful) cat.
After, we went walking around Silverlake–looking at antique/vintage shops, until it was time for us to go our seperate ways (she had to go feed some frogs, don’t ask).
On friday, I hung out with my (recently turned vegan and Earthlings activist) cousin. We went out to M Cafe in Culver City. Very clean, but I wasn’t a fan of some of the people who were eating inside (gave me the head-to-toe look, well you know what? Go stick it up your ass). All the sweets looked sooooo good (I didn’t buy one due to the fact that my pants weren’t fitting like they used to. Hee-hee. But I’m good now, keep the sweets coming, baby!)!
I got an interesting quinoa salad with beets and a bean salad. Both of them were scrumptious. I’d absolutely come back for those dishes again (and the cute guy that works there).
Later, after walking around the stores and little shops, we went back to his place and made some dinner. I was his “sioux chef,” so that was fun. We made spaghetti with a tempeh (I know! Tempeh two days in a row, but I couldn’t even taste it!) tomato mushroom sauce, a cabbage salad, and had So Delicious chocolate peanut butter ice cream (I thought it was going to have a more peanut butter taste, which it didn’t and was greatly disappointed by) for dessert.
Next weekend is Veggie Pride LA! So I’ll keep you posted on that when it rolls around.
Images ™ J. Afsoon A.
Filed under: Art, class, pictures | Tags: Art, Art Progress, class, pictures, Update
Images ™ J. Afsoon A.
