Creating Community

Sunday Saunters

Just when I thought I was exhausting every creative and marketing avenue of my small business, two wonderful things opened up for me. Both created opportunities to expand myself and my business through COMMUNITY COLLABORATION.

I have spent a lot of time over the past few weeks studying how other small businesses operate. By paying close attention to what is working effectively and what has become redundant, I have been able to break through a couple of my blockages and take great strides forward. Change is necessary in order for growth to occur. That is when life begins to really become vibrant and everything starts to flourish.

It was through an act of friendship and support that I was reminded of just how valuable and inspiring it is to have a network and community of beautiful people who are willing to embrace someone else’s creative talents. I truly believe in sharing my platform here with artists, creatives and good FRIENDS!

I was invited by @contessa_and_her_pig to share my creative passion for La Zingara Designs on her wonderful Blog,

https://thevintagecontessa.blog/

Please take a moment to pop over to Elizabeth’s Blog. I promise that you will experience first hand how this special lady brings people together from all over the world through her authentic voice.

I do my best thinking very early in the morning hours. To experience the sunrise here in the northern part of La Vegas is not only stunning visually, but also, truly awe inspiring.

In these early morning hours, I watch the Divine Artist paint magical mountains and vistas. The sky above me is limitless in its beauty and its Grace.

Since implementing a few Live Shows on Instagram, I have been able to overcome a few of my insecurities about showcasing and describing my La Zingara creations. It is not easy for me to put my artistic skills “out there” on display. I will say, however, that it is becoming something I am looking forward to more and more. My son has been such a great ideas guy behind the scenes. He talks and breaks down the technical and digital side of things for me, with ease. I’m very appreciative of his insights.

Like all things in Life, good things take time. And GREAT THINGS take a little longer. I don’t mind taking my time when I am creating these La Zingara Handbags, Crossbody Straps and Interchangeable Leather Handles. When I am finally able to pull all of the components together with these pieces, the final product is simply beautiful. These pieces are as individual and unique as we are. I recently told a good friend that I believe there is a La Zingara Handbag and Strap for just about everyone.

Fables and Folklore in Recipes

As I segue into this post’s recipe, you will understand why I believe that GREAT things take a lot of time!

Ratafià is a liqueur from the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is traditionally flavored with dark summer cherries. The cherries are picked at their peak ripeness from late June to early July.

Whether the translation lends itself to ratifying an agreement or

“Pax Rata Fiat”,

meaning peace is made, this special liqueur represents binding agreements that seal peace and bring harmony.

The process of making Ratafià starts with washing and removing the stems and pits from 4 lbs. of summer cherries. The cherries and 3 bottles of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a red wine from Abruzzo, are then combined with 3 cinnamon sticks in a glass container large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

Believe it or not, for 40 days, I lovingly placed this jar outside, directly in the sun and heat!!! Every evening I brought it inside to rest.

After 40 days, which happened to be on my birthday this year, I filtered the liquid through a sturdy piece of cheesecloth 3 times. (I saved the cherries for another use! Don’t throw them away! Next time I’ll share how to turn them into the best Amarena Cherries for use in baking and cocktails!)

I then added 2 1/4 cups of sugar and 3/4 of a bottle of Grappa to the wine mixture, whisking gently until all of the sugar dissolved.

I filled seven 18 ounce glass bottles with 5 cherries each and the liqueur to the top. I used bottles that have screw-on tops to keep the liqueur airtight.

This is the part where great things take a little longer! The Ratafià is now sitting in a cool dark place for another 60-70 days. We will wait until the Christmas season to try the first sip!

A little over three months ago I started following Suzanne on Instagram. She is a former opera singer turned designer, who is originally from Las Vegas. And she is about to become a mamma for the first time! Give her a follow! Her creations are amazing and so elegant!

I hope this new week will bring you a lot of happiness and inspiration. Let me know what you think of the Ratafià Liqueur! Would you try making it next summer?

“The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world.” Bill Bullard