Rockaway Twirl

A few weeks ago I decided I needed a bit of an adventure. Rejuvenation comes to me via water and so I knew my avventura would involve a twirl over to Rockaway, via the NYC Ferry.

I always experience some extra introspection when I view life from a distance, and seeing the Isle of Manhattan from that perspective certainly didn’t disappoint. And wow when we passed Coney Island, cue childhood memories, the promise of fun, and cousins’ visits!

Strolling along the boardwalk, and breathing in the ocean air, really energized my soul.

There have been some changes since my last visit. This stretch was closed last year with the Army Corps of Engineers working to prevent shore erosion. There’s a difference in the sandy beach with the incorporation of dunes, armor stone, and grass (which captures blowing sand), making Rockaway less vulnerable to possible future monster storms like Sandy. So keep off the dunes people!

I was pleasantly surprised to catch this photo exhibition starting at around 98th Street. Hello surfer in the snow - my kind of guy!

There are new concessions stands, adding to old favorites, like Rippers. In honor of my brother, it will always be special to me. And Caracas Arepa Bar … yummy … salivating as I type!

My visit was pre-Memorial Day and I don’t swim without lifeguards, so no mermaid twirls this time. Side note: I almost drowned twice in those waves. Surprisingly I didn’t choose fear after that, but I did develop a healthy respect for mother nature’s ocean. I did dip my toes in and walked along the shore line though. Did so with a promise that I’ll be back with my bad-mermaid-self. Oh there will be mermaid twirls in those waves!

One of my favorite signs was this one. I can’t believe it needs to be said but please don’t be a litterbug, and clean up after your nasty selves bitches!

Allora, summer is here. Have fun, be safe, think outside the box, and take yourself on small (or large) adventures. Big Love & Buon Weekend, PatriciaG

*** JULY 4TH SALE HAPPENING NOW AT PATRICIAG’S GIFT SHOP! ***
Headed to the beach? I’ve got you covered with my collection of beach towels, water bottles, can coolers, sun shades and more.
Click HERE to shop.

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Last Days for Garden on Fifth

Hi All … Ciao a Tutti,

I’m popping in quick this week because I know it’s a holiday weekend and focus is on being outdoors … but that’s why I’m touching base.

If you’re in town you may want to check out the last days (ends May 31st) of French Illustrator Charlotte Gestaut’s colorful ‘garden’ along Fifth Avenue. Thanks to Van Cleef & Arpels, flowers are blooming in sculpture, and adorned with live flowers, from 50th to 59th street.

They’re fun, they’re cute, and they provide a seat when you need to take a mini break from all the walking … ouch my feet need a moment.

I had fun stepping into, and around, the artist’s illustrations for some light-hearted moments, knowing that I’d be sharing them with you. Enjoy!

Buon weekend people. Big Love, PatriciaG

If you’re not already a subscriber to my Blog, I invite you to sign up - link below Comments. And while you’re there, I would absolutely love to hear from you so feel free to leave me a little somethin somethin in the Comments below.

One last thing … as you head out to bbq’s, parties, picnics I’d love it if you kept PatriciaG’s Gift Shop in mind. Bring a bottle of vino, prosecco or sparkling water in one of my decorative chillers, over 25 of them, each one capturing one of my favorite photos. Cheers! Salute!

New Tenants on Park Ave

Imagine my delight when I exited my office building and discovered that someone had been busy installing these hyper-realistic swimmer sculptures while I was toiling away indoors. Hello mermaid …

In a matter of hours Carole A. Feuerman’s playful swimmers took up residency on Park Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets and unlike most things here in the Apple they are stopping everyone in their tracks, including the most seasoned New Yorkers. “This exhibition is not just about art but about creating a moment of pause and reflection for the viewers.  A unique opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a surreal world of art,” said Feuerman.

I encourage you to go take a break from the hustle and bustle if you can. But in case you don’t have the chance to stop by, no worries - I got you!

“Survival of Serena”

“Bibi on the Ball”

“Strength”

“Justice”

“Pisces”

“New York City Slicker”

“Quan”

“The Golden Mean”

This one in particular looked very familiar. And I had a feeling that it was something that I had fallen in love with in Firenze back in 2015. So I went searching through my photos and sure enough I found this. I was on an architectural/art walk with a local professor and she brought us into the space. I was immediately drawn to it and was so incredibly moved by how peaceful I felt. Always a connection to Firenze. “Brooke with Beach Ball”

Firenze 2015

Wishing you a buon weekend my friends. I’m off to the pool. Big Love, PatriciaG

NOTE: With Memorial Day on the horizon summer is on everyone’s mind. PatriciaG’s Gift Shop has got you covered for beach, backyards, parties and more. Come on over for a visit. And I’d be so grateful if you shared my Blog and Gift Shop. Thanks so much! Grazie Mille!

Shop Here: Beach Towels, Wine Chillers, Outdoor & Lifestyle, Water Bottles, Travel Mugs, Can Coolers and so much more!

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Feuerman is an American sculptor and the only artist to make realistically painted outdoor sculptures. She is credited as being one of the founding members of the hyper-realistic art movement which started in the 1970s. This installation is debuting in conjunction with a solo show called Sea Idylls at the Galeries Bartoux on Central Park South.

Sidewalk Flowers, New York City

Many years ago, my ex-husband Tony and I had a friend visit us from Italy. We took him to Central Park, where he proceeded to take about 50 pictures of this one squirrel, capturing it from every angle.

We thought OK, well maybe he’s into squirrels. Or maybe he thought it was rare to have squirrels in NYC. It was only until more squirrels showed up, prompting a surprised expression on his face, that we realized he thought he had been witnessing something that was one-of-a-kind! Unico!

Recently, I thought of this story, as I started my “Sidewalk Flowers” series. It reminded me to look at something typical with a curious, new eye. Going in for a more intimate view, then stepping back to see the bigger picture of my surroundings provided an intriguing metaphor. Getting up-close and personal with challenges in our lives is necessary but can often become all encompassing. But then when you take a step back, and see the bigger picture, you realize the promise and the lesson that exists in that beauty of a nugget. And that my friends brings hope.

You know New York City is not just concrete, skyscrapers, grit, and crime (argh news media). New York has beauty, and nature is doing its thing while the rest of the city is bustling around it. 

You can buy into the beauty or you can buy into the rhetoric. And whether it’s generated from outside sources, or comes from within - it’s your choice.

And while you’re mulling that over have a look at these to give you an example of what I’m talking about.
(note: click on photos for a close-up view)

Buon Weekend and Big Love, PatriciaG

NOTE: Big Mother’s Day Sales are happening over at PatriciaG’s Gift Shop! I’m excited to tell you that I’ve added new artwork which means lots of new items! And I’d be so delighted if you shared the Blog and my Gift Shop with those you know and love. Thanks so much! Grazie Mille!

Purple Hyacinth Tote Bag



 

Show Me a Sign Numero Due (Part 2)

Checking out the easel signs was so much fun. That got me noticing some other scribbles, paintings, and graffitied works of art. I looked up and down and sideways. They were on buildings, poles, and sidewalks themselves! 

This group was a bit more gritty, and had me smiling at how “Very New York” they are. The PSA on the dog paws - ha! It actually got an out loud chuckle and “love it” from me!

The next few days I invite you to pick something in your community and take notice. It could be pink flowers, the start of budding trees, or even green cars! And maybe snap a picture or two.  Focusing on something brings you into the moment and there’s a fun shift that happens. I’d love for you to experience it. And if it feels right, please share in the comments section below.

Allora, sharing some of what caught my eye here. Hope you enjoy.

Happy Saturday, Buon Weekend and Big Love, PatriciaG

NOTE: Spring is happening over at PatriciaG’s Gift Shop! Are you doing some Spring cleaning, or setting up your backyards? We have a lot of fun, creative and eye-catching items over at the Shop. Come on over and take a look. And I’d be tickled pink if you shared with those you know and love. Thanks so much! Grazie Mille!

Show Me a Sign

I walk a lot here in New York City. Most of us who live and work here do. We easily clock in 2 to 3 miles without giving it any thought. In the process we can be bombarded with images and sensations, that we either become numb to or subliminally absorb.

Recently I’ve been taking note of the signs that populate the city’s sidewalks. They’ve lasted over time, even with the dawn of electronic and digital signage, these easels of creative messaging live on.

The more I’ve begun to pay attention, the more I see them as creative works of art. I decided to start photographing them, thus beginning an unintentional series … Show Me a Sign!

Here are some of my favs. Hope you enjoy!
(hint - you click on each image to enlarge for a closer look)

Please feel free to leave a comment below to let me know if you’ll be noticing the signs in your neck of the woods. Happy/Buon Weekend and Big Love, PatriciaG

PS: Next time I’ll be sharing more written, painted, scribbled, and graffitied works of art in other forms, so be sure to stay tuned.

HEADS UP: Spring is happening over at PatriciaG’s Gift Shop! New artwork, new items for your home, yard, and outdoor life! Come on over and take a look. And I’d be tickled pink if you shared with those you know and love. Thanks so much! Grazie Mille!

New Visitors to New York City

My intention was to share this blog on International Women’s Day, but I’m still working on blending Patricia-world and the new job, and navigation slowed a bit this week. It’s all part of the process and I’m loving it!

I want to introduce you to two new visitors who have arrived in the Madison Square Park area. Renowned Pakistani-American artist Shahzia Sikander has created this new project with the theme of women and justice called  “Havah … to breathe, air, life.” Through her work, the artist “confronts symbols of power and justice to examine long-standing practices and attitudes impeding the advancement of women.” (Madison Square Park Conservancy)

In Madison Square Park itself, you’ll find the glowing and golden 18-foot statue, Witness. Her steel hoop skirt is adorned in beautiful mosaic, inspired by the stained-glass ceiling in the nearby Appellate Division Courthouse, first department of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. 

Her hair is braided to resemble two ram horns, identified in many traditions as symbols of strength. 

And speaking of the courthouse, there’s a second golden and glowing statue as part of  “Havah … to breathe, air, life.” Her name is NOW and she’s located on the roof; therefore many people miss her, so look up! NOW rises from the base of a lotus plant, a symbol of wisdom. And she is the first female figure to be installed among a group of male lawmakers, including Confucius and Moses!

A small note of interest; both statues have a small ‘frill’ around the neckline, referring to the lace collar that Ruth Bader Ginsburg made famous.

Through her work, the artist aims to address the justice and injustice of women. Sikander says: “If we use art, media, and culture to reverse stereotypes about gender, race, immigrants, and the unfamiliar, the beliefs we pass on to future generations reflect the complex and dynamic world we live in.” 

If you happen to be in the area, take some time to breathe these lovelies in, and gain your own interpretation as you bear witness. As Sikander shares so eloquently: “Not only is the sculpture being witnessed by the crowd, but the sculpture itself is a witness to the unfolding of history in the present moment.”

If you want to learn more about “Havah … to breathe, air, life” click HERE. 

Happy Women’s History Month my Lovelies. Let’s always strive to lift one another in light and with Big Love, PatriciaG

NOTE: PatriciaG’s Gift Shop is open all year round and I’m adding new items all the time! There is always a SALE happening. Come on over and take a look. And I’d be tickled pink if you shared with those you know and love. Thanks so much! Grazie Mille!

Your Turn to Twirl ... Come Visit with Me

Hi All … Ciao a Tutti,

First I want to say a big THANK YOU … GRAZIE MILLE to those of you who take the time to read the Blog. I know your inbox must be crowded like mine, and I am honored. Also, I am truly grateful to those who shopped with me over at PatriciaG. You fill my Heart - for real!

In thinking about what I wanted to write this week, I decided to piggyback onto my theme of last week … JOY. Lately I find I’m staying close to my home, and heart, in search of what makes me smile. It’s been a few years since I’ve decorated my home. There have been a number of reasons, which don’t necessarily add value to this writing so I’m going skip them. However, suffice it to say that I am aware of the silver linings that challenges present. Not having the opportunity to decorate really made it significant this year. As I unpacked my cherished ornaments, decorations, and family heirlooms, I couldn’t help but feel the JOY well up in me. 

The more I enjoyed seeing them, the more I thought about sharing some snapshots with you. And so … I thought … why not invite you to have the twirl this week instead of me. So get your twirling shoes on and come have a visit with me. Welcome to my home …

May all your days be Merry and Bright. And may you find JOY in the simplest of cherished memories and gestures; both near and far.

Big Love, PatriciaG

If it feels right, I would enjoy hearing from you in the comments below ... what brings you JOY? Anything you’d like to share about this Holiday Season? 

PatriciaG’s Gift Shop is open all year round and I’m always adding new items. I’d appreciate it if you considered me for your gift buying options. Thank you…Grazie mille!

What Brings you Joy?

Wow can you believe Christmas Eve and Hanukkah are next week? Is time going by as fast for you as it is for me? I hope you’re getting everything done that you need, but also hoping you’re stopping to soak in some fa la la. 

We tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get it all done this time of year…the way we always do. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this, and opening up to the idea that maybe all of it doesn’t need to get done after all. Sure, we have some traditions that will always be sacred. But do we really need to do it all? As I sat with my “to-do” list I decided to ask myself …. does doing this bring me Joy or does it feel more like an obligation? This created a new list: the I don’t have to do it this year list. 

Once I gave myself that permission, it freed me up to go in search of Joy. I invite you to give that same permission to yourself and say "hey you know what I’m not doing that this year.” Or better yet, “ I AM doing that this year” because it’s fun and it brings me Joy. What’s the thing you love that tends to fall off the to-do list because you just couldn’t get to it? My advice, if I may, is to move it up to your top 5, and bounce the thing you’ve done out of obligation to make room. Or just shorten your list altogether!

For me, my goal is to spend time with people I love and enjoy their company. I am soaking up good conversation, sharing Christmas lights and decorations, baking, decorating my apartment with all my cherished ornaments and tchotchke’s, and handing out gift-wrapped socks to homeless people. I also have candy canes on hand, gifting them to strangers on the street who seem to need a smile and a generous gesture, giving them to delivery guys with their tips, or to the waitress at the caffè who provided some extra special service. Feel free to borrow if you’d like to give it a try. It’s quite joyful!

Sharing special moments and favored treats with family and friends brings me so much Joy. Sometimes it’s chocolate, or fruit, or baked goods. Sometimes it’s a bottle of wine or my fav for celebrating the arrival of a New Year…Prosecco! (ahhh memories of Italia). And so, I thought for this week’s PatriciaG’s Gift Shop share, I’d introduce my wine chillers. I’ve chosen a select group of my photographs to compliment that bottle you’ll be bringing to your hosts this Holiday Season. Click on the images below for full view.

Long after the cork has been popped, the wine chiller remains for future gatherings and celebrations. Please visit PatriciaG’s Gift Shop to see the full collection and more. 

Happy Holidays to All and Big Love, PatriciaG

Start shopping HERE

NOTE: 
* up to 25% off…Free Standard Shipping on orders $75+ with code Merry22
* Wine Chillers: feature my designs with 360 degree wraparound, are dishwasher safe, fit most standard 750ml bottles, keep wine cool for hours
* as always, it would jingle my bells if you shared this with family and friends. And I’d love it if you shared what brings you JOY in the comments section below. Grazie!

What's the Draw of the Jigsaw?

We had an official ‘puzzle board’ in our family back in the day. Our dad cut it on our grandfather’s table saw (a plumber by trade but a carpenter at heart) in the basement. It was perfectly sized for puzzles, small and large, and it provided us with many fun hours of family time. 

Lately I hear of more and more people enjoying jigsaw puzzles. It had me thinking, what’s the draw of the jigsaw? And so I did some digging and was surprised to find out that there are many benefits to spending time around the puzzle. Here are just a few things I discovered:

* Doing puzzles provides some great brain exercise since it exercises both the right and left sides. Right side being in charge of creativity, emotions and intuitive thinking; and the left is the logical, objective and methodical side. 

* Improves short-term memory. Damn I need to get me some puzzles. Finding myself in the kitchen and asking “why did I come in here?” is happening a lot more often lately. What about you?

* Research indicates that people who work on puzzles can have reduced risks for memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Doing puzzles gets the brain working and helps to cut down on the buildup of plaque that occurs with Alzheimer’s. Exercising the mind helps prevent cognitive decline.

* Relieves stress and improves mood: studies indicate that jigsaw puzzles stimulate the brain while simultaneously allowing us to relax our minds. Solving puzzles increases brain production of dopamine, which is responsible for regulating mood. It also affects memory, concentration, learning, and motivation. Dopamine is released every time we do a puzzle and even every time we put a piece in the right place it provides encouragement. Woo hoo!

* Improves problem solving skills: in solving the puzzles you take different trial and error approaches to solving the puzzle. These skills can be transferred to other areas of your life. 

* Jigsaw puzzles aren't just great for group interactions, they can also provide a quiet and meditative solo activity.

I’m excited to start clicking those puzzle pieces into place, watching the picture come together, and reaping all of these great benefits. And did you know that January is National Puzzle Month? It was news to me. To celebrate, I’ve launched a new collection of Jigsaw Puzzles. Below are just a few of the 30+ Jigsaw Puzzles available at PatriciaG’s Gift Shop. 

Happy Holiday Season and Big Love, PatriciaG

NOTE: 
- BIG SALES and FREE STANDARD SHIPPING are happening right NOW! Use code MERRY22
- Order by December 12th to receive in time for Christmas (with standard shipping)
- As always, it would jingle my bells if you shared this with family and friends. Grazie!

Start shopping HERE

Rockefeller Center and an Amusing Personal Story

This week we had the lighting of the 90th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Did you know that the first Christmas tree was erected in 1931? It was during the Depression-era when construction of Rockefeller Center was underway. Italian-immigrant-laborers pooled their money for a 20-foot balsam fir Christmas tree. (This year the tree is 82 feet tall!) They then decorated it with handmade garlands and ornaments made from tin cans.

Stock photo

The lighting of the tree signals the start of the Holiday Season here in NYC. It also brings up a memory of an amusing personal story.

One year, my sister Debbie came over to go Christmas tree shopping with me. We decided to see the tree at Rockefeller Center first, making it a Christmas tree extravaganza! We made our way up to Rockefeller Center, and oohed and ahhed, as one does, over the tree. It was quite the site to behold. After that we headed back downtown to my neighborhood to buy my tree. Well … after seeing the humungous tree at Rockefeller Center, it was hard to temper our enthusiasm, so we went for one of the largest trees on the lot, in front of Duane Reade that is. No lots in Manhattan, unless you want to park your car. 

Anyhoo, we excitedly carried it home, set it up in the metal tree stand, gave it a huge drink of water, and then waited for it to settle a bit before putting the lights on; while eating our cheeseburger deluxes delivered by Sunflower diner up the block.

And settle it did! Mamma mia! Now I must tell you, I live in a studio apartment here on the isle of Manhattan. Ok it’s considered a large studio, but it’s still a studio. As the tree began to settle it started taking up more and more space … so much so that we started to have to scale the wall just to pass by .… arms outstretched and hugging the wall. 

Wait … it gets better … The darn thing was too big for my small tree stand so it kept falling over. This continued for the next several days. I’d wake up in the morning and the tree would be on the floor. All the tipping over caused the water to drain from the stand. Missing out on all the fluids, the poor dear became dehydrated and got prematurely dry. When I’d pass by the tree, if I didn’t hug the wall enough to completely avoid it, my arm (or boob) would brush against it causing a whoosh of dried up pine needles cascading to the floor, creating a forest carpet in my Manhattan home. 

Needless to say my beautiful, large Christmas tree barely made it to Christmas, reaching curbside far too prematurely. And I was finding pine needles everywhere for the next 6 months! The moral of the story … never ever ever go see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree before buying your own. 

My sister and I have had so many laughs over the years about that night. Speaking of Debbie … segue alert here … I want to share a great Christmas gift idea that she shared with me this week. She was over at PatriciaG’s Gift Shop doing some holiday shopping and the brilliant thought came to her to pair up my matching Tote Bags and Throw Blankets. Wow why didn’t I think of that? Thanks Deb!! The tote can serve as a gift bag (great for those who prefer to skip the wrapping), then just roll up the matching blanket and tuck it right in. Debbie also suggested adding candy and even packets of hot chocolate. Oh how warm and cozy your loved ones will be.

Below are some sample matches of my Rockefeller Center Collection, but there are many designs, along with tons of other gifts. I invite you to come on over to PatriciaG’s Gift Shop and as always, it would jingle my bells if you shared with family and friends. Grazie!

Happy Holiday Season and Big Love, PatriciaG

Start shopping HERE!

NOTE: ORDERS NEED TO BE PLACED BY DECEMBER 12TH TO RECEIVE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS