Today I met a New York Times Bestselling Author. That doesn’t happen every day! And I am SUCH a fan! I drove 2 hours to sit and listen, get a book signed, take a picture and even give him a gift of my CDs. I am the definition of a fan of Rip Esselstyn.
He’s a a former firefighter and triathlete and is a health activist and food writer. He wrote “The Engine 2 Diet” (which I bought and read), “My Beef With Meat” (which I bought and read), and is a collaborator with Whole Foods Market for the Engine 2 Plant-strong product line (which I eat). He’s an advocate of the whole-foods, plant-based diet, that avoids meat, fish, eggs, dairy, oil and processed foods. This movement has had a tremendous affect on my life. I know I’ll be missing some names here, but Rip is a part of my food family, along with greats like his father,Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Michael McGregor, Dr, Dean Ornish, Dr. Pam Popper. The list goes on and on. But I spend time with these people. I read their books, their blogs. I’m on their sites. I watch their youtube channels, subscribe to their email lists. Whatever they’re putting out, I plan on consuming because I believe their message is one of truth. And as my Daddy says, “Truth is truth 100% of the time.” Our facing or ignoring the truth doesn’t change its message or affect on us.
My food journey is long and winding. I was in an abusive relationship with cheese (as Rip says)... aren’t we all? I LOVED Mountain Dew. When I lived in New York I ate a turkey club AT LEAST once a week and Of COURSE greasy pizza. Growing up and into adulthood… three words… biscuits and gravy!!!!! YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!! I get how emotional food is, how it attaches you to the people you share life with and now most importantly I know and am understanding its power to shape your future self. Will that self be the healthiest and strongest possible best you?
I’m really spending so much time these days talking about this way of eating and way of life, I’m pretty convinced I’m going to start a new page on my website dedicated just to all things health and food. And I’m SOOOOOO excited about that. And to all of you who follow me closely, this isn’t a surprise :)
So today was GREAT! Rip was informative, gracious and super real. And I’m thankful as a fan to have been able to meet him! Thank you Rip!
But right now as I (once again) proclaim my fandom for all things “plant-strong,” I want to VERY LOUDLY proclaim my fandom for YOU! Being a fan myself today gave me an extra potent dose of gratefulness for the special ones who are there for me.
THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has EVER taken the time out of your life to drive to a show, who has purchased my music, listened and learned the words, who has let me into your life, your car, your living room. Thank you to everyone who has liked my Facebook page, followed me on Twitter or Instagram, subscribed to my Youtube channel, and watched and shared a video. Thank you to the ones who go the super extra mile and host a show/makes shows happen. THANK YOU for coming to speak to me after shows, for sharing your stories and tears and smiles with me, for wanting to take a picture, for bringing me heartfelt presents and letters. THANK YOU for open hearts and attentive faces and eyes when I’m sharing from stage. I see you. And your faces give me strength and joy and inspiration. Thank you for wearing t-shirts and wristbands and my handmade necklaces, for coming to online shows and hang outs. Thank you for posting on my page, my website, tweeting me and writing me emails. I need your encouragement and prayers. To everyone who sends and emails me letters, I read every word you write, and while I might be the slowest person on the planet in responding to you, I always have intentions of writing you back, and I will!
Thank you for letting me be vulnerable and real about my life, my thoughts, my faith, my questions, and my fears through songs.
All that to say, I consider you my FRIENDS and I am a HUGE FAN OF YOU! Thank you for supporting me when I had a record deal and when I didn’t. Thank you for listening to new music even when it’s not on the radio. Know that while you are letting me into moments of your day and life, that you are part of my day and life as well. And know that I still have SO MUCH MORE to say and sing and share :) It’s going to be a big year and I’m glad I have friends like you to be with me along the way.
So keep in touch with me via all the ways listed above and let’s keep journeying together.
With so much love,
Kerrie
PS- For those of you that want to know more about eating plant-strong, check out these AWESOME resources. And keep a look out for more in depth food posts… you know you love them!! (or love to hate them ;)
Read Rip Esselstyn’s books! “The Engine 2 Diet” and “My Beef With Meat” Check out his site!
And don't forget.........
