Introduction

When we first decided on the title for this book, we debated over whether to call it, as it is today "How Mary and Frank and Friends Eat", or "What Mary and Frank and Friends Eat". To say "How" implies, at first glance, to be with a fork or spoon or even with our hands, where "What" would just naturally refer to food, and therefore would seem to be more appropriate. If we are talking only about food and recipes, that would be a different story, but this book speaks of a lifestyle as well as of food. Thus, we would not say, "What we live", but "How we live."

We live a life that is dedicated to love and compassion for all of God's creation. We live a life that feels the pain and suffering of all sentient beings, whether human or animal. We also live a life that appreciates the joys of everyday living. And it is in this light, that we cannot cause pain or suffering in one of God's created beings, for the purpose of pleasing another, least of all ourselves; thus we do our very best not to use any animal products.

So, "How Mary and Frank and Friends Eat", is a fun journey and guide to compassionate and healthful eating; that we and the animals around us may together enjoy the bountiful gifts of plant foods that God has given us. And in the writing of this book, we are hopefully offering you additional opportunities to enjoy the world around us.

Come! Join us on this journey. And, if you have some vegan recipes that you believe others would enjoy, please send them along. <flh@all-creatures.org>

With a heart filled with love and compassion, and a good appetite,

Mary T. Hoffman
Frank L. Hoffman