Wedding Bells, and a Broom

Below is a very invigorating post by my dear friend Sarah about her honeymoon in Fiji.
Here are photos from her wedding, a gorgeous ceremony on May 12 in the wine region of Southern California. One of the most interesting moments in the ceremony was the "jumping the broom," an old African tradition brought to America by slaves. In lieu of rings, the bride and groom would jump over a broom to signify their marriage.
In addition to the broom photo, there's a shot of Sarah and the groom, Steve Patterson, an emergency room doctor; me and fellow bridesmaid Reigan; and Sarah, her folks and her seven brothers (yes, seven!). (JM)

Spirited Fijians!

Posted by Sarah Patterson
Los Angeles is a far cry from the islands of Fiji. Having just returned from a ten day honeymoon in God's best kept secret I am longing for a daydream to kidnap me from this fast tracked lifestyle in the states and return me to the days of fresh coconut drinks, pristine diving, water taxis and kava! Fiji is a blissful destination comprised of six main island groups totaling over 300 islands. My husband and I spent majority of our time on two islands of the Northern island cluster, Vanua Levu and Matangi where we experienced Mother Nature in her finest. Natural hot springs within the city of Savu Savu, the explosion of color in the ocean life found on the rainbow reef and the majestic waterfalls found within the Garden Island of Taveuni is just a sampling of the abundant beauty. Life among the villages appear content yet filled with laughter and spirit. Fijians have a special presence, whether you are engaged in conversation with a local or just observing from afar you capture this presence. We were fortunate enough to travel through two local villages and witness a true simplicity. We drank tea and kava with the village chief while we dined on tapioca tree delights. A tour through the local school illustrated the stark reality that science and art would not be brought to the area unless financial support was generated. Moved by the harmonious singing of the church goers, our Sunday service in the village was quite impressionable. Children were my favorite, often found running barefoot and laughing, into one home and out another as if the whole village were raising them.
It is not everyday that we encounter such beauty or spirit, but everyday we certainly can be reminded of the interaction. This honeymoon pushed me into a place of not only pure relaxation but, a place of stillness and contentment. The islands hypnotize your nerves allowing you to roam without shoes, walk without fear and run with reckless abandon. Feeling a little strained? Trapped inside your own self? Spend the cash, endure the 10.5 hour plane ride and head to Fiji. Stay in an accomodation with an outdoor shower and let the stars bathe your stress away, let the geckos provide you with free entertainment and treat yourself to the ripe fruits of the island! Vinaka! (LA-SP)