As the Seasons Change

Early morning awaits with a delightful crispness in the air. I have pulled out my favorite black cashmere sweater. It is the one that I wear over and over again, as a layering piece. It will be a staple in my everyday wear for the foreseeable next six months. When I think back, I recollect that I have had a black cashmere sweater in my wardrobe repertoire for at least the past 25 years. Does anyone else have pieces in their collections that they wear like a uniform?

We belong everywhere and nowhere when we have the strength and the courage to stand alone in our own beliefs. This thought provoking idea is what has encouraged me in so many areas of my life. I’m not one to hold onto the weighted emotions of difficult situations and the feelings they elicit. I choose, rather to challenge myself to heal and to grow beyond the constraints that would otherwise hold me back.

I want the people around me and those who inspire me to succeed. This elevates my environment and my life beyond anything I can imagine on my own.

This past week I have seen and experienced this to be true in so many serendipitous ways. Just when I thought my life was getting stagnant, I actually felt and saw the movement begin.

It started with the delivery of a special textile. I had thought I would never be able to secure the last of this dead stock fabric. Then all at once everything fell into place, and the next thing I knew, it was sitting in my work studio. I invested in my small artisan business in a big way! At first it scared me, and then I got excited!

Simultaneously, a shipment of some amazing CBD coffee arrived! I cannot wait to share this coffee with you in an upcoming blog post.

From there, someone very special in my life has stepped way out of his comfort zone and is embarking upon new adventures. I wish him all the happiness and joy he can hold! I just know this Joy will spill over into Life in so many beautiful ways.

Finally, my son was awarded the work opportunity he has been desiring!

The wheel has been put into motion. The new cycle has begun.

I read a quote from Theodore Roosevelt called The Man in the Arena.

For me, this speaks volumes about the VULNERABILITIES we all have within ourselves. It also asks the hard question of why do we suppress and numb our vulnerabilities in the face of our own desires and attempts at successful outcomes? Conversely, why do we allow our vulnerabilities to dictate over our passions? Being vulnerable and courageous, in tandem, can create the most potent of energy combinations.

Perhaps we are afraid to show up and be seen because it puts the spotlight on us. Of course we will be seen when we allow ourselves to share passions, ideas and creativity! This spotlight requires that we are willing to accept that we will garner the criticism that comes from within the arena. Critics abound. We have to stand tall and strong in the knowledge of who we are. No one can take us off course unless we allow it.

Isn’t this what being ALIVE is all about?

Would we bargain away the experience of being alive for the washed out version or the appearance of it?

My answer is a solid “NO”‼️

So many of my inspirations for La Zingara Designs have come from my natural ability to observe and understand how beauty and functionality are connected.

Alive by Diana Amato

“As I embark upon this night’s journey with my heart upon my sleeve and my palm open to receive,

My eyes cannot see the forest floor beneath as I walk towards the world awaiting,

There is no fear or unwanted voices amongst the bramble and crackle of my assured footsteps upon the path,

There exists the feeling of being ALIVE.”

We have arrived in this season of Harvest; Mother Nature’s grand finale bursting in its last colors before the winter sets in. The nights are longer and colder. There is a little bit of mystery that envelops each evening as the sun begins it’s descent, creating elongated shadows.

Food preparation alters its course as I am reminded of all things comforting and cozy. There are pot roasts coming out of my oven along with popovers, smeared with butter. Slow cooking soups bubble away on the stovetop, while the aroma of bread baking in the oven permeates the house. There is a second cup of coffee in the late morning hours accompanied by fresh morning scones waiting to be eaten. As it goes, there is a lot to be grateful for.

My list is long and full.

✨As always, I wish you Peace, Love and Light✨