Janet Zappala’s leading loves have always been kids, critters and family. These days the former NBC Palm Springs anchor is bringing them all together as a celebrated children’s author and “Nonni” to two beautiful grandchildren. Her award-winning books share valuable lessons through friendships of rescued farm animals. Inspired by real events from the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue in Indio, the stories star a very large bovine named Guapo. Born with a white heart-shaped spot on his forehead, the gentle giant grew from an average-sized calf to one of the largest Holstein Friesians in the world. At six feet tall and 3,000 pounds, he is described by his rescuing caretaker, Lynn Jamerson, as “pure love, joy and sweetness.” Guapo’s best friend (in real life) is a pot-bellied pig named Mabel, which sets the scene for many heart-warming adventures that come to life through the Guapo’s Stories series. In Zappala’s second book, Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home, we meet Clay, a real horse at the CV Rescue, who comes to live with Guapo, Mabel, Bootsie the hen, Ricky the ram and others at Come Back Ranch. Upon arrival, Clay is sad and scared, so the others work together to make him feel more at home. Both kids and adults will enjoy the characters and their frisky antics, beautifully illustrated by Lara Calleja and co-written by Wendy Perkins. Zappala is also feeling at home once again with her recent return to the desert. The six-time Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist now splits her time between Rancho Mirage and Miami where her adorable grandkids reside. “It’s really nice to be back in the desert again,” she shared at our recent lunch. “My family and I have been coming here since I was a kid, and it has always been my second home. We love it because of the beauty, of course, but really because of the people.” It is great to have our friend and former Desert Health columnist back in the desert, and to see her thriving in her new career, and new life as a proud grandmother. Her first two books, Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing and Guapo’s Great Rescue: Clay Finds a Forever Home, are available online with her third in the series arriving in September. A portion of the proceeds support the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue. Del Sarto is founder and publisher of Desert Health and can be reached at Lauren@DesertHealthNews.com. Every year holiday joy permeates the air. Festive spirits inspire spreading more light to loved ones, friends, communities and to the world at large. I believe it’s possible to be joy-full all year long with help from several introspective insights. The word simcha in Hebrew is defined as “happiness” or “joy.” The term is used for any happy event, embodying the idea of rejoicing both personally and communally. However, there is a distinct difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is fleeting and is a part of the rainbow of human emotions. You buy a new car and happily drive away from the dealership when someone cuts you off. Your happy immediately turns into fear and or anger. Joy is different and encompasses a deeper, more soulful connection. It is lifegiving and life-sustaining. Joy is an invitation to live life fully, even during challenging times. Joy is truly adopting a “cup-half-full” attitude. InBringing Heaven Down To Earth: 365 Meditations of the Rebbe, author Tzvi Freeman quotes the Lubavitcher Rebbe (seventh in the lineage of Chabad rabbinic leaders): “There are many kinds of barriers. Those from within and those from without. Barriers between people. Barriers that prevent you from doing good things. Barriers of your own mind and your own hesitations. These are the barriers that exist simply because you are a limited being. Joy breaks through all barriers.” Here are a few ways to move beyond temporary happiness into living in joy: Dispel negative thoughts and live with positive intention. In Toward a More Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Sages, author Rabbi Simon Jacobson posits, “When you awake in the morning, while you are still lying in bed, think for a moment. What does it mean to be awake and alive?” Begin each day with a prayer, meditation or positive thought process. Thank your higher power for the new day. “Acknowledge your soul and the vibrancy and fortitude it provides. Think about what you would like to accomplish that would make this day a meaningful day. Train yourself to do this every morning and you will begin to see your life in a new, sharper focus." Be present and in the moment. Ruminating on the regrets of the past, wishing and hoping for an illusory future and/or harboring resentments can detour a joy-filled life. Joyful is a choice. Reach out to others. The Lubavitcher Rebbe said, “Think good, do good. It will be good.” Performing both random and intentional acts of kindness can bring the greatest joy to our lives! Stepping outside ourselves and giving to others can create very joyful experiences. Honor and practice self-acceptance. Appreciate the gifts you bring to the world! Breathe in the words “I am enough,” I’m valuable” and “I measure up.” It fills me with gratitude to be sharing this article with you today. May you all experience a more joy-full life starting today and lasting all year round! Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047. www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2026 Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 18 www.tranquilitysandshospice.com We are here to provide comprehensive support through your loved one’s transitional journey. Our array of hospice services provides comfort and care physically, emotionally and spiritually. Locally owned in the Coachella Valley ICU nurse owned On call 24/7 We are here to answer your questions Office (760) 565-1774 • Cell (951) 591-1982 patrickc@tranquilitysandshospice.com 74333 Highway 111, Suite 204 • Palm Desert tranquilitysandshospice.com Setting the Standard for Quality Care and Comfort Call to schedule a free evaluation Serving Desert Cities and surrounding areas including Idyllwild, Anza, Mountain Center, Twentynine Palms, Redlands and Salton Sea Accredited with the Accreditation Commission for Health Care Licensed by the State of California Certified by Medicare/Medi-Cal Stepping outside of ourselves and giving to others can create very joyful experiences. Zappala and her muse, Guapo, the gentle giant. Living Joyfully All Year Round By Amy Austin, PSYD, LMFT Guapo’s Great Rescue Catching up with Janet Zappala By Lauren Del Sarto
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