Former NBC Palm Springs anchor and Desert Health columnist Janet Zappala is keeping busy these days as a full-time nonni and award-winning children’s book author. In her third book in the Guapo’s Stories series, the cast of characters grows to include her granddaughter Valentina and her pup, T.J. Zappala spends most of her time in South Florida, where her son and family live, but her heart remains in the Coachella Valley, home to the real-life barnyard buddies behind her book. Most of them are at the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue (CVHR), a cause close to her heart. Zappala will be in town to host the nonprofit's annual fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Historic J & J Ranch in La Quinta. In her latest adventure, “Guapo and the Mystery of Goodness Grove,” the furry friends learn how acts of kindness can inspire positive growth. The picture book for ages 3 to 8 also features a scowling coyote and a valuable lesson from Guapo on how to handle such bullies. “It’s really important to me that my books matter to children in some lasting way,” says Zappala. Each teaches valuable lessons through lovable characters. “It’s one thing to tell children how to be kind, or how to handle a bully; it’s another to show them.” The book's main characters are inspired by real-life rescue animals, and photos of each appear on the final pages. The rescue serves as a safe haven for animals, mostly horses, that have been abandoned, abused or brought there because their owners couldn’t care for them anymore. They’re given a second chance, and some are even used as therapy for CVHR’s veterans’ program (Desert Health May/June 2018). The rescue also has an exceptional children’s program, adds Zappala. “Kids learn how to care for horses; they read books to the horses; they even enjoy artwork that the horses actually paint for them!” Guapo’s Stories make perfect holiday presents for the little ones. All are invited to join Zappala and CVHR at their holiday fundraiser for barbecue, music, line dancing and a silent auction benefiting all their furry friends. Guapo’s Stories are available on www.amazon.com. For more information visit www.guapostales.com. For tickets to the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue fundraiser taking place Dec. 12, 3:30-7:30 p.m., at the Historic J & J Ranch in La Quinta, visit www.cvhorserescue.org. While no one can fully understand what it is like to lose a partner or spouse, hearing from others who have walked a similar path can be comforting. In “Mourning Pages: A Widow’s Journey of Healing,” Palm Desert resident Bryna Blum shares experiences to help those grieving realize they will come through the pain. “As I look back on my first year without him, it feels like I was almost unconscious,” she says. But much was learned, and journaling helped her heal as much as her words are helping others. “Mourning Pages” is a light, easy read with shared experiences by numerous contributors, words of inspiration, learned recommendations, suggested readings and even heartfelt poetry. I chatted with Blum to learn more: What inspired you to write this book? BB: I previously took a workshop that required us to write three pages about anything first thing in the morning. We called them our “morning pages.” At the end of the 12week course, I presented an essay about losing my first husband. The class fell silent when I finished reading, so I felt it was something people needed. This led to a grief support group, where others shared their stories, which I vowed to include in the book I would write someday. What have you heard from readers? BB: One woman told me that my words gave her permission to finally cry. Another told me that one of the letters I included made it okay for her to like being alone and enjoying life after her husband died. Another used a journaling prompt to write a letter to her husband, saying the things she could never say to him. The book is helping people unburden themselves. That’s very humbling for me. What is the most important advice you’d like to share with others experiencing loss? BB: This may sound like platitudes, but I'd remind people to be gentle with themselves, not to judge what they’re feeling and to accept support from people who care, because support is a gift. Do you move beyond mourning, or does it stay with you forever? BB: Everyone processes grief differently. There is no right or wrong way. I think it depends on the relationship. I was a young widow in a very loving relationship. He will remain in my heart forever because I have wonderful memories. And do you feel it is OK to move beyond the grief? BB: Absolutely. Someone once told me it was his time to go, so I could grow. As much as I didn’t like hearing that, I have grown in a myriad of ways. There is life after. To learn more about Mourning Pages and Bryna Blum, visit www.widowsjournal.com. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2026 Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 22 CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION 760-679-3355 Jenny Johnson CEO, Registered Nurse Home Care Nurse Care Management Concierge Nursing You are more than a client, you are family. Less worry. Less overwhelm. More peace of mind. Author Janet Zappala A Widow’s Words of Healing By Lauren Del Sarto Author Bryna Blum Guapo and Friends Return Zappala’s children’s book series grows By Lauren Del Sarto
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA1MjUy