 One more year has passed, I just celebrated my 4th wedding anniversary! You know I always prepare a special post for the occasion, but this time I did so much more, I felt the need to renew my vows, and I wanted to share this magical moment with you today. Obviously, I couldn't celebrate an event like this without being perfectly myself, which means, designer dress, makeup and accessories! And as a nod, I chose to wear the nail polish, lipstick, earrings and shoes from my Solo Wedding in Santorini...(Check again my previous articles Shoes Forever & Solo Wedding-Behind the Scenes). Shoes: Louboutin - Dress: Anne Fontaine - Bone Cuff: Elsa Peretti for Tiffany - Bracelet: Adolfo Dominguez - Earrings: Cassandra Lynn Bridal - Crown: Forever New - Beauty: Chanel, Dior, M.A.C. “Love yourself to change the world. " L. I loved this moment alone to take some time for myself and prepare. However, I was nervous, I had decided this time to share this intimate experience of my life, I was going to take my vows on the Internet… If you follow me on my social media, you must have seen my video, to watch or watch again so: It's funny, I still remember every detail of my wedding, the memories are still so fresh, yet I had forgotten how empowering it was to take my vows, so full of meaning and transformation. I feel rejuvenated, revived, and even more protected and guided by the Universe. Once again, I have just filled my heart and soul with love, peace and joy, convinced that the best is yet to come ... Very sensitive in nature, I couldn't help but shed a few tears right after. And after so much emotion, I obviously needed a little comfort. No churros to celebrate my birthday this year, but I made myself a chocolate cake for the occasion! I also received some pretty flowers from my family, and since in France, 4 years it’s the Wax Anniversary, I lit a beautiful candle as a sign of new life ... (Apparently flowers in the US & silk in the UK). When I put my ring on my finger 4 years ago, I said these words: "This ring is the symbol of my rebirth, a promise that I will understand myself more in order to become a better person." And what a rebirth ... So many amazing things have happened in my life since:
I’m so thankful for my family, friends and all the people who have supported me since my Solo Wedding in Santorini. I never would have believed such an adventure was possible. Reread my Articles:
And all my wedding posts available here: LINK. "Open your heart to open your mind!" L. And at the end of this article, the song that accompanied me to the altar on May 27, 2017 ... Have a wonderful week everyone! Love & Joy, L.
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While some are starting to reschedule trips, me for example! I thought that a summary of my articles on the subject would be welcome. Indeed, in 3 years, I’ve already shared many of my magnificent travels. Maybe this gives you some ideas for your next vacation 😉 Obviously, I start with my country of heart, Greece, which witnessed my self-marriage, but also the birth of my book My Solo Wedding in Santorini: Santorini Pyrgos (Santorini) Honeymoon (Santorini) Rainy day in Athens Series Crete For lovers of cities, museums and architecture: But also: The other country that is dear to me because I lived there for 7 wonderful years, Australia: Australia Melbourne Cup Christmas in Brisbane Moreton Island Palm Cove North Stradbroke Island In the Air 3 (Sydney) And then the exotic destinations, you know how much I love the sea and the ocean: Las Palmas (Canaries) Madagascar Fiji Other amazing places: Without forgetting where I grew up, the French Alps: Childhood. And at the end of the article, my last video: Go with the Flow. Where I explain that I lived in 7 different countries in the world and that none of them was part of a plan ... Because that's how I see my life, seize the moment, live the moment and let the universe guide me to discover all the beauty and magic of our beautiful planet! Don't forget to think of me on May 27, it’ll be the 4th anniversary of my solo wedding 😉 Have a wonderful week everyone! Love & Joy, L. Last time I took you to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, to Fiji. On this Ascension long weekend, it seemed appropriate to show you another jewel of Christian architecture, and what is an unrecognised basilica and yet highly prestigious in many ways. You know how much I love to share with you my interest in architecture, art, and history ... The Basilica of Sainte Clotilde of Reims, bears the name of Queen Clotilde, Queen of the Franks and wife of King Clovis, whom she converted to Christianity. Clovis, remember that is the name of the champagne at my Solo Wedding in Santorini (reread the article). This magnificent basilica, in Greek cross shape, surmounted by a dome, was built between 1896 and 1905, by Alphonse Gosset, architect from Reims, with a national and even international reputation since he participated in competitions abroad (like one for New York). Neo-Byzantine in style, he was inspired in particular by the model of Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul (Turkey) that I had the chance to visit. This very fashionable style in the 19th century, also reached its peak with the construction of the incredible Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Much more modest in size than St Remi Basilica or Reims Cathedral, and of course Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, it’s no less majestic from floor to ceiling. Whether it’s the tiling with fleur-de-lys and doves, or the stained-glass windows depicting Joan of Arc and the baptism of Clovis. Or the incredible ceiling under the dome which symbolises the celestial vault. You will not remain indifferent ... What I love most about this basilica is its baptistery. Isolated next to the entrance, circular in shape and carefully decorated, it was used for baptism. Moreover, the Basilica of St. Clotilde was originally erected to celebrate the 1,400 years of the baptism of Clovis, a baptism which took place at the Basilica of St Remi, remember my article. But what makes all the richness of this basilica are the relics kept in its crypt! It represents 1,600 Saints of France with 403 reliquaries and 2,100 relics. Photos weren't allowed, but the video at the end of the article gives you a guided tour (but it's in French, anyway images speak for themselves). My previous articles on Reims and its region: Here again my video with the Cathedral of Reims in the background! Read also:
Have a luminous week everyone! Love & Joy, L.  While checking my travel photos, I came across May 2014, during my trip to Fiji. Incredible holidays, I lived in the Pacific Ocean for a long time, so it was easy for me to visit exotic archipelagos, only 4 hours by plane from Brisbane, Fiji is a popular destination for Australians. For sure, from Europe or the US, it becomes more adventurous. That’s why this week I wanted to share its treasures with you. This country located in the Pacific Ocean includes more than 300 islands of which only 100 are inhabited, representing a total population of 936,000 inhabitants. Of course, when you think of Fiji, you visualise the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, and don't worry, you’ll be amazed! Nothing better than a boat to fully enjoy, can you feel the sea air?? The coastline stretches over 1,129 km (701mi) for a country with an area of 18,333 km2 (7,078 sq. mi). Although covered with tropical forests, the islands are also mountainous with the highest peak reaching an altitude of 1,324m. But I also took the opportunity to visit the local market in Suva, the country's capital on the main island: Viti Levu. It’s always very interesting to discover local products, you learn a lot about cultures. And in Fiji, there's a very popular root, from a plant native to the Western Pacific called Kava, and related to the pepper tree. When crushed into powder, it makes a preparation for infusion, keep that in mind because I’ll talk about it later in this article 😉 What I also love is visiting villages, it's very interactive, they are all different, you learn so much about customs and traditions, and I've even been to a pottery village. You know how much I love this craft, reread Cretan Pottery. Fiji has preserved its traditional art and cultural heritage, handicrafts such as pottery, cloth, wood carving, jewellery continue to be passed down in the villages from generation to generation. Made from clay and sand, potteries often have a utilitarian use. Handcrafted, they dry in the sun before being heated over a fire containing coconut shells and bamboo. If there’s one memory that marked me more than the others, it was the connection with the locals. In the chapter Moral of my book My Solo Wedding in Santorini, I explained I liked participating in charitable projects. I had the opportunity to make a donation for one of the villages on the island of Viti Levu, for the construction of a small infirmary. No significant amount, but to them it was a blessing. Most of the inhabitants were working and were not present in the village at this time of the day, but the Chief asked the children - who were at school - to come to thank and honour me. I spent several hours, sitting in the village hall, drinking kava, the famous drink mentioned above, very sour and spicy, with an earthy taste and with anaesthetic and relaxing properties, quite a program ... As a guest, you can’t say no, as it’s a sign of respect and friendship. Experiencing strange things, that’s also a part of discovering new cultures. I also listened to them play music and sing, but most of all I danced with the children! One of the happiest moments of my life, I’m still very moved when I talk about it. Receiving so much kindness, love and joy from complete strangers is what makes the beauty of our humanity. You understood, if you have paid attention to the photos, whether on a boat or in a village, music and dancing are omnipresent in Fijian culture, I love this. And after so much emotion, it's time to relax and enjoy the shows offered at sunset ...
No doubt I have a special connection to the Pacific Ocean, and I can't wait to go on a plane to discover new beautiful places ... In the meantime, I'll just watch Vaiana again, the Disney movie I talked about in my article Merry Christmas 2020. And also, a great video at the end of the article, a change of scenery in your living room 😉 You can also read my previous articles about Fiji: And thank you to the InterContinental Fiji, who made my stay and all my excursions unforgettable! No article next Saturday, I’ll be very busy, I have to attend several seminars including one with his Holiness the Dalai Lama 😊 Next article: Saturday May 15th Have a wonderful month of May everyone! Love & Joy, L. |
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