There is just nothing quite like spending time with hundreds of like-minded people, sharing ideas and amazing meals, making and listening to music, finding creative new ways to spread messages of nutrition, cooking, animal rights, etc., and this year especially, celebrating LOVE!

I met Rae Sikora and JC Corcoran last year at the Pittsburgh Airport.  I was waiting for the shuttle to take me to Johnstown, PA and when I saw JC in a sweatshirt with VEGAN written on the front, I knew I had found my group.  I didn’t know any of these folks before, but they made me feel welcome right away.

Throughout the weekend I got to know them better by listening to Rae’s incredible talks and by visiting the Plant Peace Daily booth and chatting with them both.  I was struck by how Rae always seemed to address JC as “Mi Amor” or “My Love” every time she spoke to him.  Their love for each other was so apparent and incredibly beautiful.

This year I unfortunately didn’t get to share the shuttle ride with them, but as soon as I saw Rae when I arrived on campus, we exchanged hugs and kisses and I found out the most wonderful news:  She and JC were to be married on Saturday in the Adirondack Shelter on the UPJ campus.  They had met at Summerfest three years earlier, so it was completely fitting that they celebrate their love with their extended vegan family at the place where it all started.

The wedding was officiated by the amazing Howard Lyman, who is always an inspirational speaker.  Rae and JC wrote their own touching vows, which were heard for the first time by each other as they were being spoken out loud.

There was music, laughter, wine and a lovely cake made by the fabulous Dairy-Free Dessert Diva Fran Costigan, but even though it had the ingredients that characterize most weddings, this one stood out to me in so many ways from any I’ve ever attended.  Summerfest is an amazing family and I believe the love that Rae and JC share and radiate is enough to renew anyone’s faith in relationships and marriage.  It definitely had an effect on me and I know I’m not alone.

I am so honored to have been part of a such a beautiful celebration.  My very best wishes to Rae and JC, two of the most incredible people I know.

Peace.

I love being a part of the vegan community.  I truly, truly love it.  I don’t live in a place where there are a lot of vegans.  We don’t have any vegan restaurants here…yet.  I do know lots of fabulous, compassionate, wonderful people in Nashville and I’m not complaining, but going to festivals and events where you know most everyone there shares your knowledge and lifestyle is really an uplifting experience like no other.

For me, veganism isn’t about giving up anything.  Since I made this decision, I have only gained.  I feel better, I look better, I have more spiritual clarity and I’m part of a community that I absolutely adore.  What have I lost?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  I eat amazing food that energizes me and tastes great.  I eat more vegetables and whole foods than I ever have and I feel vibrant, healthy, strong and nourished.  It truly is the best decision I’ve ever made.

I don’t think I’m better than anyone else.  I try my best not to judge those who don’t feel the same way I do.  I believe everyone is on their own path and we all need to discover our own truths on our own time lines.  At the same time though, I also know that the way we’re living right now, especially in this country, is not sustainable.

So, I want to help.  I want to help the humans, the animals and the planet by doing what I feel is best for all and best for my own person.  I choose the world I want to live in with every meal I eat.  I will not force my views on others, but I will always be here to answer questions.

Thank you so much for reading.  I am so grateful for all of you.  ALL of you.