Seriously … how does one start a chapter like this, especially when so many people are involved? When I started to put this book together the ‘idea’ seemed simple enough, but it wasn’t long before I realised it takes a community to put one together. Someone is merely the transmitter.
To my Ma and Pa, I can never thank you enough for believing in me, for propelling me forward when I stalled, for listening to the whinge-filled phone calls, and for never making me feel you weren’t there. Even when I accused you of that, I knew otherwise. From the moment the details of this book deal were whispered into your ears, you have been nothing but supportive. I am so glad I chose you to lead me into and through this life. There are some decisions we question, but this one I never will. Thank you.
To Scott, the vegan man I love and finally got to marry, I feel I have known you many lifetimes and being together feels so natural and our love has never wavered. Saying ‘I love you’ is something we do many times a day. He encourages me. He believes in my ideas that he sometimes claims are based on (his words) ‘unicorns and fairies’. But the fact is, he respects my choices, he supports me 100 per cent and is behind me every step of the way. He is the rock I lean on when struggling and the person I go to for those wonderful hugs that make me feel safe and loved. I adore this man and will undoubtedly meet with him in many lifetimes to come. We have much to accomplish together. How blessed I am to have him in my life. Thank you sweetheart for all you do. I love you.
To my sister Sian that cracked the whip and got this book truly moving. I guess being the mother of two young children gives you the voice of authority no matter what. But in all honesty what you did was make me find time in the 36-hour day to put this together. You pushed from the very moment the thought entered your mind, and I doubt there was ever really any turning back. I didn’t stand a chance, did I? Thank you. (www.theveganpantry.com.au)
To my chief recipe tester, Jacqui Edgecombe, who stuck with it even when things got messy and her own life got hectic. has juggled her own amazing career as a recognised and accomplished cellist whilst supporting her husband, performing and running her own business. In between the cracks she still managed to find the time to dissect and critique my poorly written recipes to help shape them into something recognisable and to produce a tasty end result. That was some crazy fun. Thanks J. (www.stringfever.com.au)
A big thanks to my ‘bestie’, Chris (and her husband Mick that hid behind the apron), for getting involved so enthusiastically as a recipe tester and seeking out products you didn’t even know existed. Getting the family involved was an extra bonus for me as it offered so much more feedback. For as long as I have known you, you have always given your time so generously and offered me unconditional friendship, support, laughter and light. Thank you for being involved. I couldn’t imagine you not being a part of this for so many reasons, but as a non-vegan your input was crucial. It was needed to ensure everyone could make this food, enjoy this food and realise how good fear-free food is. Thanks mate.
Brought together through a little red hen, my world and Enza’s collided when the grief of loss had overtaken us both. It was through sharing a friendship that ours was forged, a friendship that grew based on a mutual desire to see more compassion brought into this world and agreeing one of the ways to do this was through food. You worked tirelessly as a recipe tester. I am grateful for the hand of friendship you extended and then set out to help change this world for the better with me. Here’s to hoping my friend and thank you.
Spend enough time around animals and you will see they know whom they can and can’t trust. A heartfelt thanks to Tamara Kenneally for being someone animals want to be around and feel comfortable with. These traits (that we all possess if we want to tap into them) have shone through in the photographs in this book. Not to mention good old raw talent. Thanks Tamara for helping to bring our Narnia to print. (www.tamarakenneallyphotography.com)
There are so many people that contributed to this book by propping me up when all I wanted to do was lie down. You know who you are, and I want to thank you for being such wonderful friends. And then there is my cyber village community. I don’t think it unusual in this day and age to recognise the many people from all over the world that meet with me each day via social media and lovingly persisted that this book come to fruition. You offered input and answered my questions when I was in doubt. You are all very important to me because we have all laughed and cried together. I find that very special. Thanks for treading the pathway with me
Sometimes a stranger starts to walk alongside you and with time spent, they become a friend. I couldn’t not say thanks to Dr Ben Porter from the Shepparton Veterinary Clinic for never giving up on our animal family when they have been in need. He plays an important role in keeping the communities here happy and healthy. His role in our lives shows the importance of trust and relationships between humans and the animal kingdom. Thanks Ben for knowing that ‘there isn’t a cure’ and that ‘one has just not been found yet’. (And thanks also for volunteering so selflessly to taste test all the food. You really took one for the team didn’t you?).