Flock Only: Giveaway of Kathy Stevens’ “Animal Camp”

Dear Flock,
Mariann and I have spent the past 8 days on a “workation” in Provincetown, Massachusetts, followed by an impromptu overnight stop in Newport, Rhode Island. Though it was incredible and refreshing to get away, I must admit, the trip wound up being a little more “work” and a little less “ation” than I had hoped for. That said, I really love working on OHH, and I think I’d go a little insane if I took an actual hard stop from it. #PRIVATE#
OHH’s “Darling Ari” — a.k.a. Ari Solomon (who is also Mercy for Animals‘ Director of Communications) — was in town this week (from L.A.) to speak at a press conference regarding their breaking investigation inside Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Shortly after getting home yesterday, Ari surprised us by knocking on our door! Who does that anymore?! Needless to say, I thrusted a microphone into his face and demanded that he allow me to interview him for the news section of this weekend’s podcast. He obliged, thank goodness.
After the interview was over, the three of us — me, Mariann, and Ari — stayed up until all hours discussing pretty much everything under the sun. One thing we talked about was how even though it’s absolutely necessary for animal advocates to maintain personal and professional boundaries, we get off on working. It’s a huge privilege to be able to do this work, and thanks to all of you and your unending inspiration, there’s always something to report on from the world of animal rights. Actually, Jamie Kilstein from Citizen Radio mentioned this when he was on our show a few weeks ago, too. He and his partner Alison went on vacation and didn’t know what to do with themselves. So even though our trip was a bit angst-ridden (“GOTTA WRITE THIS! GOTTA EDIT THAT! GOTTA RECORD THIS! GOTTA FOLLOW UP ON THAT!”), the truth is, this is what we signed up for 3 1/2 years ago when we started Our Hen House, and I have no idea how I got so lucky to do what I love all the time (and I mean all the time) — work that hopefully fulfills my life mission. And I’m also so lucky to have such a talented team of compatriots who help OHH tick — Mariann (of course), Danielle, Cassandra, Liz, Ben, and some incredibly talented writers.
And yet, of course, I’m now buried in catching up. Oh, and I’m nervous today because tonight I’ll be performing in Mortified — that show where I read, verbatim, from my middle school journals. It’s sort of like a glimpse into my psyche. No wonder it’s called “Mortified.” EEK!
But I digress. In addition to Darling Ari joining us this weekend on our show, our special feature interview is with Kathy Stevens, from Catskill Animal Sanctuary. I adore Kathy, and I have no idea why it’s taken us so long to have her on the show. What I think is particularly special about CAS is that they have such a strong focus on humane education, as well as on teaching people (of all levels) to cook vegan food. They make it accessible and fun, while explaining the dire importance of embracing veganism. Kathy has a background in education (she was also a school principal, which I find so friggin’ cool!), and she has effectively combined her passion for animal rights with her history in education. Her interview, airing this Saturday on Episode 179, will — I’m sure — move you to tears and to action. And, let me tell you, the woman knows how to tell a story! Wait until you hear about some of the heartbreaking/heartwarming animal residents with whom she resides.
Kathy has a new book out, too. Well, actually, it’s a revised and expanded version of a book she published a few years ago (but this one is bigger and better). It’s called Animal Camp: Reflections on a Decade of Love, Hope, and Veganism at Catskill Animal Sanctuary. And since we love you, our darling flock, we’re giving away a copy today, just for you. To win, simply leave a comment below and tell us about something that gives you hope. Dorky, right? I know, but as I mentioned, I’m nervous today, and I need some positivity and a few “OHHugs” (<– Cassandra, our editor, coined that). Let’s make each other feel good, eh?
You have one week to enter. So you have until Thursday, June 20, 2013 at midnight EDT to leave a comment. Be sure to leave your email address in the form when you submit your comment. This is, needless to say, only open to flock members. One entry per household, please.
I’m going to close this letter by sharing with you a photo of what I’m looking at right now. We got back from our trip yesterday afternoon and we haven’t really had time to unpack our bags yet. Here’s our sweet Rose making sure that we don’t take any workations again anytime soon. (She did come with us, by the way. But apparently she’d rather stay put here in Manhattan.)

xo jasmin