Beauty After Everything is Used

 

A couple weeks ago, we found a Calabarzon Exhibit in the mall while buying a snack. 

I told the lady that we will just check out the fair while she cooked our orders.

I found a booth that caught my eye. 

Specifically these: 

Then I looked to the right and found these:

I went to look at the accessories and the lady said that they were all made with cacao shells. 

And the bags were made with cacao leaves.

 

Cacao shells? Nibs? Leaves?

I was hooked!

For one, my son and I love cacao. 

Aside from chocolate, we have tea, nibs, and tablea, a local product that is 100% cacao. (My food platform features some recipes using tablea.) 

And now I can wear them?

And there’s a story behind the pieces?

Of course, I had to get a few. 

These beautiful things taught me to look for beauty after everything is used. 

After the fruit is taken.
After the shell is emptied.
After what was once valuable is set aside.

Because even then—

there is still something left.

Not waste.
Not excess.
But potential.

Something quiet.
Something waiting to be seen again.

And maybe that’s what I’m learning now.

To look again.
Before I discard.
Before I move on.
Before I decide something has nothing left to give.

Because sometimes—

the story doesn’t end when something is used.

Sometimes,
that’s where it begins.

—-

With elegance and quiet fire,
Lady E

Founder, Glow by Lady E 
An editorial space for stories, art, and intentional living