Strangely, I rarely buy things when I come to Guatemala, a country popular with markets filled with skilled local handicraft. I do always go to the markets, mostly to bring new people to shop, but I just enjoy looking. I've bought the odd thing here and there (a light-blue and white wool blanket, a hammock, a purple cloth notebook, etc) but nothing related to personal style. Then, this last trip in March, a dear friend bought this lovely handmade bag for me from one of the markets in Antigua. The leather is a very soft higher-quality leather and the body of the bag is a typical material and design that many indigenous women have on their shirts. As a person that generally is wary of too much color, I loved this instantly. It is a piece that is not abundantly versatile, but when it works, I think it works well. I also receive more compliments on this bag then anything I have ever worn in my life, so basically, it gives me an excuse to talk about Guatemala all of the time.
Comfortable mohair mix sweater: boohoo.com cage leather flats: Steve Madden "Ditaa"
Also, I love much of what this writer writes. I really value this thought, because it is difficult for me to understand why people use the idea of destiny as an excuse to not take charge of one's life. We have the ability to make decisions for a reason and we have the opportunity to control the outcome of our lives with our way to pray, our way to see, our way to treat others, our way to carry ourselves, our way to speak, and our way to love.
I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfill our destiny, but our fate is sealed.
P. Coelho
-AB
