The Unraveling, or Why I Love My Sister

Photo © Callie Peters Photography
I am deeply missing my little sister right now.

As I write to you all, I am listening to "
Letting Go," an original song written by the talented, beautiful, kind, and hilarious young lady I call my sis. Whitney, or Whit or Whitchkin, as I like to call her, was born about five years after me, but you would never know it. Because when we are together, our ages melt into one and the same - because my sister is my best friend. Always has been, always will.


Whit and I have been through a lot in the nearly twenty-three years we've existed together, and besides my going off to college in NYC, one of the biggest life changes we steered our way through was my transition to a vegan lifestyle two and a half years ago. Always supportive, and never one to judge, my sister has cheered me on as I navigate the waters of life as an animal activist - during the tough times, like when I was trying to balance two animal advocacy jobs at the same time, or the fun times, like when I went to my very first “Veggie Prom” and got nominated for Prom Court. She’s been an avid reader of the blog, a constant fan of any new plant-based dishes I create, and an insanely awesome listener and cheerleader when I begin to feel overwhelmed by all of the abuse out there that exists for animals. She has even gone so far as to go vegetarian herself as a result of my efforts, and she’s recently been dipping her toes into the world of vegan eating as well. Basically, she’s the kind of sister you hope for, wish for, want so badly. And I get to have her.


At Woodstock Sanctuary in 2009.
Funny enough, hoping, wishing, and wanting a baby sister was something I did like it was my job as a little girl. I would beg and plead on long car rides to my mom, saying in a stretched, desperate plea, “Mommy, please bring me a baby sister - please!!” All of this was much to the chagrin and annoyance of my little brother, who usually accompanied me in the backseat of the car during these moments. 


(Sorry Jon.)


So, on this day, I am missing my sister terribly. And missing always leads to listening - specifically, listening to her gorgeous, haunting, moving, and colorful songs. Because my sister is a tremendous singer/songwriter. It’s her passion, her dream, her hobby, her love, and her favorite thing to do. My sister has been belting out tunes since she was in diapers, and it makes perfect sense, since my mom named her the very name that would lead to a life of performing. My awesome sister is named after another singer you may know - Whitney freakin’ Houston.  


The Unraveling is Whitney Wolf’s new EP. It’s filled with five beautiful, unique, and personal songs that celebrate and challenge life and loves, old and new. Her vocals are a splash of smooth, a dash of jazz, and a heaping spoonful of folk, and she balances all of this seamlessly with imaginative lyrics that leap off of the computer and into your heart. From bubbly, poppy hits like “The Park” and “Like You Like That” to the mellow, soulful ballad “Letting Go,” Whitney has earned her spot as a gifted, provocative, and intelligent new voice to emerge in the world of music. Basically, The Unraveling is my biggest reason to smile right now.  Besides my sister, of course.





And you - yes, YOU, my amazing, kiss-worthy blog readers - have the opportunity to listen to The Unraveling and learn more about Whitney Wolf, the amazing songstress who I affectionately call sis. Just go to www.whitneywolfmusic.com to check her out. I promise, you will become as enchanted with Whit as I have alway been.


Love you, Whitchkin.

Who is your biggest reason to smile today? I encourage you to find them, hug them, and tell them you love them. If you are separated between miles, a Skype hug will do! Of course, cooking them a vegan meal won’t hurt.


Speaking of vegan meals, here is Whitney's favorite vegan recipe. Enjoy!


Veggie Chili

WestSoy Seitan Strips, ripped into smaller chunks, or Gimme Lean soy crumbles
2 cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 clove of garlic, smashed and chopped
Packet (or 1/2 packet) of your favorite Taco Seasoning
1-2 tomatoes, diced
Water (according to taco seasoning directions)
Olive oil for cooking

Brown seitan or soy crumbles in a little olive oil on medium heat in a pan. Place aside on a plate. In the same pan, cook garlic until aromatic. Add onion and cook through until a little soft. Add peppers and cook through until a little soft. Add tomatoes and heat through. Add beans, and add back in your veggie meat, and mix around. Add taco seasoning and water according to seasoning's directions. Keep cooking on low heat until everything reached a "chili" like texture. Eat in a big bowl with some toasted bread or tortillas. 

Comments

Myra Wolf said…
Wow, what can I say.. I feel so emotional right now. You see I remember that car ride and how much you prayed for a little sister, even though you and Jon were stuck like glue together. If Jon had been a girl, his name would have been Whitney (lol).
I am off to NY tomorrow to see Whit in her a show with her band that evening. Jon is coming down from Boston to see it too and yor Dad. I keep having to remind myself you and Steve will not be there. You no longer live in NY. You are on what seems like the other side of the moon. I love you forever...like you for always...and Happy Father's Day to Steve and his Reni, Vickie, Gus and Jumper!! Xoxoxo
Myra Wolf said…
Sorry did not have my glasses on when I wrote that ..heh
Anonymous said…
Your sister has a very nice voice. You have all the reason in the world to be proud of her and it's nice to see what a strong bond you have with your siblings!
I just think you have such a beautiful way of putting EVERYTHING. I enjoy reading your blog. You are such a wonderful gal, and a terrific artist :)
Sierra said…
I LOVE your sister's music....I am going to buy the album right now! And if your sister is reading....MORE please! ;)
wow....thank you for your post, i have linked to my own site,,,,,,
Whitney Wolf said…
Thanks everyone for your kind comments :) You can check my website out at: www.whitneywolfmusic.com, and can also purchase the CD now on iTunes if you like. Thanks again!