The Light that is JOY

Recipe: Chocolate Espresso Martinis

I touched upon the idea of creating Joy by consciously choosing the way we see things in my last blog post. Perception is a key component to this process. The journey of Gratitude teaches us to look beyond what our ego is capable of seeing. Perhaps it is in the intangible that the tangible takes root.

The Thanksgiving Holiday last week really brought into focus that the simplest things really are incredibly beautiful. I anticipated my son’s arrival home with much excitement. Freshly laundered sheets, a batch of his favorite chocolate chip cookies, and an energy of calm were waiting for him as he entered the house. How is it that a young adult can be away from home for a short period of time and come home perceptively matured?

What I saw was a fantastic new haircut, but what I felt was his inner growth and happiness. And isn’t that what Moms across the globe want for their kids as they begin to explore their lives beyond the house they grew up in?

As the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade came to an end around noontime, we began our little celebration with Chocolate Espresso Martinis. For a short while the sun was shining and the skies were clear. Crazy winds began to pick up speed and we had to move inside. The almost 50 mile an hour winds were creating havoc in our backyard. Palm fronds were literally piercing the sky like swords. It was unbelievable!

Talk about the Winds of Change! It was right there before our eyes!

As with many special days, this one gave us time for relaxation and laughter, sharing of each other’s ideas and experiences, and most importantly, connecting in such a way that there was absolutely no question of the unconditional support and love we all have for each other. I’d say that it was a very special day to be able to tuck away in my heart.

Being present in the present moment is not something we are all good at. I know that I have to consciously stop myself at times from delving too far into the past and to slow my roll with my aspirations for the future.

I start my mornings with a beautiful cappuccino and a few minutes of focused thoughts. Some would call it meditating, while I like to call it

“My 5 For The Day”.

I think of five things that I see already taking shape in my life and I allow myself to nurture and feel the success of each one. For me, it brings into focus that which is working well in my life and also allows me to give less attention and energy to those things that are expiring.

One of the easiest ways for me to describe this is to make an analogy to the garden and the timing of the harvests. There are times during the year where there is so much work to be done. While at other times there is a patient waiting that must be respected. Not everything can happen in a day or even a season. Sometimes slow and steady progress is not only comforting but also, very rewarding.

On the Shop La Zingara page, which is found above, I have freshly updated all pieces currently in stock. The combination above is the newest. This is Le Stelle Tapestry Handbag paired with the Art Deco Crossbody Strap, which is accented with true black Tuscan leather and antique brass hardware.

A lot of the textiles used in the creation of these handmade pieces are repurposed vintage tapestry and upholstery fabrics. I painstakingly take the time to pattern match and mix fabrics to create a wonderful visual story. I chose to use solid brass hardware in all of my straps because I love the weight, look and feel of it in my hands. I hope you will find these pieces as magical as I do!

I will be sharing my Favorite pairings of La Zingara Tapestry Handbags and Crossbody Straps on my Instagram account @la_zingara_designs over the coming days of the Magical Holiday Season. There are so many ways to combine these pieces. I designed them specifically to be able to mix and match both the handbags and the crossbody straps. Simply, there are at least 3 choices of crossbody straps for each handbag.

Opening our eyes to the quiet miracles all around us gives us the perfect focus to see all of the gifts that ask for no recognition. Gratitude, Joy and Love bring into harmony the Light that is asking to be celebrated every single day.

“Where will La Zingara take You”