Penn Station NYC

NYC’s version of a pumpkin patch. Happy Autumn!

Be on the lookout for splashes of color that excite and delight Madison Square Park, Reflecting Pond, New York City.

Autumn in New York City

My new addiction: walking along the East River. With views like this I’m sure you understand.

Always a feast for the eyes

Macy’s Holiday Windows. I Believe…Do You?

A long time ago I worked here. My office was 3 windows from the left, above the arch. I happen to know all my dinosaurs thanks to this place. 

Nature’s beauty

Autumn: A Saturday afternoon stroll in Central Park

With no plan in mind, I followed no path but was guided by the beauty.

This photograph is available in 8” x 10” and 5” x 7” frame-able prints. Signed on the back by me.

Autumn in New York: View Through the Trees

My only goal in this stroll was to see and feel beauty. I was rewarded.

I must admit I was hoping for some more foliage happening for Central Park walk. But catching this in its beginning moments made me smile.

Iconic cast iron bridge in Central Park. It’s made many a cameo in movies. Never more beautiful than in autumn.

There are so many paths to take.

Gem of Central Park…the Ramble

One of my favorites. Girasole in Italian.

A reminder that life is still going on outside

Life everywhere

After a rain storm here in NYC, I headed out to run some errands and this caught my eye.

Generations of my family have taken a ride on the Cyclone. We celebrated my grandfather’s 70th birthday doing just that! Payback for all those trips he made for us which always included a ride on the Cyclone and of course a Nathan’s hot dog!

Conservatory Gardens, Central Park

A walk along the East River afforded me this shining moment

Headed to a dentist appointment I had a few extra minutes to stop & take this view in. Happy to capture it and share with you.

I’m making an exception to my Italy/New York City only rule for this shot. Waking through the woods, we picked these for dinner later that evening. They are too beautiful to exclude.

Sunflowers are one of my favorites. Do you know how to say sunflower in Italian? It girasole.

Steeple Chase - Grandparents & Parents rode this ride back in the day. Serious family history in this spot.

She’s so powerful. Breathe her in.

Wait for the shot…always

The contrast of elements co-existing: the simplicity of the flower & the wrought iron gate not impeding it’s pass. Metaphor for life.

New York Life Building during a very pretty sunset

Harbor Cruise on a Summer Night with fellow Travel Bloggers & Travel Planners

Taken from the Freedom Tower on a rainy day, which also happened to be my birthday. Salute!

The views of New York City are spectacular from up here!

One of the most popular spots in Central Park.

If you haven’t taken the ferry from Manhattan to Rockaway yet (or vice versa) may I recommend you putting it on your bucket list?

It is nothing short of spectacular!

I took this photo in August of 2012, just before Super Storm Sandy. This particular view, which lasted for generations (4 of my own family) no longer exists.

The High Line is a special place. The beauty of flowers set against the old railroad tracks literally stopped me, well, in my tracks and I had to capture the moment. Flowers, Iron, Steel

This was actually part of an assignment I did for a class at ICP (International Center of Photograph) & was my professor’s favorite. And for that it stays in the collection.

So many elements combined.

A last minute decision to hop on the ferry to Rockaway to catch the sun set. Timing is everything

I happened to be early for an appointment. As I took a twirl around the block I came upon this lovely contradiction.

No words necessary

Shopping in Midtown and caught this dandy doodle on the side of a building. Life in NYC…never dull!

Pine Bank Arch is one of Central Park's few remaining cast iron bridges. It was rescued from decline and lovingly restored in the 1980s.

Graffiti & can you spot the Nutella? I did not stage this.

There’s a storm brewing.

After swimming in the ocean all day. Chilling & waiting for this reward.

Love a bubble

I took this photo a month before 9/11. Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge had always been on my bucket list. So, one morning I grabbed my camera and headed downtown. In just a few short weeks, they were gone forever.

Graffiti artists’ landscape

There’s life behind those windows

Taken on a snowy evening walk through Madison Square Park in New York City

Sun setting and the ferry dropped us off just in time for a quick dip in the ocean.

A snowy New York City commute through Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District

The fist snow of the year is so special.

This was my Mother’s favorite photo of mine. And for that reason it will forever be included in my collection. Magic…Magia

Snow strolls are one of my favorite things.

The random collection of snow within the city landscape

Silence

Have you taken a twirl?

Such a big hug of brilliant color!

No filters here. How you see it is how it looked. Beauty.

The most photographed bridge in Firenze.

The light, it changes throughout the day, every day. This is one of the many gifts that Firenze gives to you without asking for anything in return.

Oh this color….meraviglioso!

Got to attend a grape harvest in Tuscany

Even the skies above Firenze are filled with the possibility of miracles.

Piazzale Michelangelo provides views of Firenze that will light up your insides and make you so very grateful for your eyesight.

I was sitting at my dining room table in San Frediano. It had been raining most of the day so I decided to stay in with un bicchiere di vino and do some writing. At one point I looked up and out the window…

Two days after Christmas I flew to Firenze. I wanted to experience the season in my other home & celebrate Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) with my Firenze family. If only I could sing opera!

Visiting friends who took me on a tour of Chianti. Road trip!

These grow wildly everywhere in Toscana. Dots of yellow all along the landscape.

Each one has its own personality

Ponte Santa Trinita in Firenze is adorned with 4 ornamental statues of the Seasons, added in 1608, as part of the wedding celebrations of Cosimo II de' Medici & Maria Magdalena of Austria. This is Giovanni Caccini's Autunno (Autumn).

The blue of Firenze always delights my soul.

Dopo la colazione, after breakfast, at Casa Tolentino (a former monastery) in Napoli, I took a walk in the garden. There had been a light rainstorm and the air was fresh with the promise of the start to a new day.

Sharing its name with the main railway station and the famous 600 year old famous store.

People ask me if I only had 1 day in Firenze what would I do? The answer is always, I would walk the Arno. For me it is my elixir. It is magic.

Classic and beautiful views that take your breath away

I love the walk along the Oltrarno side of Firenze. That’s the Chiesa di Ognissanti across the way.

Beauty everywhere…Look up…Look down…Look sideways.

Took a walk to the Giardino delle Rose (rose garden) the other day and was rewarded with this beautiful view of Firenze

Between the blue sky and the blue Arno is my Heaven…Firenze

There’s a happiness that builds from deep within when I stand in this favorite spot of mine, and a smile like no other graces my face.

Such beauties

The first time I lived in Firenze the internet had not yet been invented. I’d take my paper, pen, letters from home, Walkman (lol I know). First I’d go for a run: 2 bridges over and 2 bridges back. Then I’d sit on Ponte Santa Trinita for hours writing my letters to family and friends back in NYC.

I was there so much even my Italian friends started calling it Ponte Patrizia (senza Santa - a story for another day)

I could spend the rest of my life here

I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely woman who grows these peonies as a hobby in Chianti. Stunningly beautiful.

A look out my window in San Frediano. Especially delightful when the raindrops bounce.

The Clouds Parted & I Believe I Heard Angels Singing

Without any planning, my friend Nico & I found ourselves in Napoli at the same time. Knowing the city so much better than I, he took me on a walking tour. The visit to Quartieri Spagnoli was my absolute favorite. Life here is filled with a range of emotions that hits you at your very core. I feel that this image captures some sense of it.

I had the pleasure of visiting Cortona with my friend Lisa, who knows this special place inside & out. What a treat!

The day was so magical. I did my best in trying to capture it in my November 2017 Blog. I invite you to read more by clicking HERE.

Don’t stop at Piazzale Michelangelo. If you keeping going up you will be rewarded immensely.

I had the pleasure of visiting Cortona with my friend Lisa, who knows this special place inside & out. What a treat!

The day was so magical. I did my best in trying to capture it in my November 2017 Blog. I invite you to read more by clicking HERE.

I’d pass this spot daily on my way to the caffe. Not once did I see someone sit in this chair, or be in this piazza for that matter. It holds a certain sense of enchantment.

I had the pleasure of visiting Cortona with my friend Lisa, who knows this special place inside & out. What a treat!

The day was so magical. I did my best in trying to capture it in my November 2017 Blog. I invite you to read more by clicking HERE.

One of the 4 sculptures - Estate by Giovanni Caccini

Ok - so my friend’s villa had a chapel in it at one point. After being de-sanctified it became her dining room. She kept the angels that adorned the ancient walls & had them restored.

This photo served as my Christmas card last year. I see this and all I can think of is…Christmas dinner…I want to have Christmas dinner here with everyone I love! Speriamo a presto!

In all the times I’ve lived & vacationed in Firenze, I never knew about the cemetery, even though poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning is buried here.

A dear friend & fellow photographer, brought me here for a day of introspection and photographing from the heart.

Ahhh Cappella di Pazzi…this chapel holds more than a special place in my heart. It encompasses my my ver soul. It involves a loving homage to my mother that began without an unknowing visit the year before.

For an in-depth exploration and to feel all the feels, I invite you to visit the blog I write in honor of my Mom by clicking HERE.

Down the street from my San Frediano apartment…

Walking home from dinner with friends, immersed in conversation, I decided to look up. Always look up.

I have yet to get inside this Church. A good reason to go back!

About those colors of Firenze!

Bici!

Random life

This bridge & I have had quite the relationship. On it I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve even fallen & bruised myself quite colorfully. It’s complicated…but we do share a mutual respect and love for one another.

Every afternoon La Signora would peek out at the world. When I first moved in across the way she ignored me. But soon after we would nod & wave and share a buonasera!

Fav bridge in all of Firenze. Oh how I would love to transport myself to this very spot. My heart smiles beyond measure.

A back view of this miraculous cathedral.

I wanted to show a side of The Duomo that is sometimes overlooked. We all love the cupola, but the back of the church deserves recognition, as it is beautiful, distinct and magical. I took this photo while walking home from Italian language class. It inspired me and made me smile and I hope it does the same for you.

A very unassuming via from the other side, as most are either walking along the Arno or Via dei Bardi. But what a treat if you venture up..or down…I have dreams about this via.

I took myself to the opera one night. An intimate evening in the Oltrarno.

I had the pleasure of visiting Cortona with my friend Lisa, who knows this special place inside & out. What a treat!

The day was so magical. I did my best in trying to capture it in my November 2017 Blog. I invite you to read more by clicking HERE.

I can hear the sound of the Vespa as it echoes off the buildings in the piazzas.

Have you been?

This place comes to you in layers and delights all of your senses.

A must visit!

There’s a serious story to this spot. Perhaps one day I’ll write a blog about it. Til then, if you buy me a glass of wine I do dare tell.

Enzo’s Favorite

I’ve visited SMN many times over the years. In 2016 I had a experience that I can only describe as ‘out-of-body.’ One day I will write a blog about it. In the meantime, if you buy me a glass of wine, I’ll tell it to you in person.

Meraviglioso!

I’ve said this before. The in-between place where blue sky and blue Arno meet..il mio paradiso…Firenze!

There are so many breathtaking details. Grazie mille Filippo Brunelleschi!

Have you been? I wrote a little something about this in PatriciaG Loves Italy Blog: Have You Met Clet?

Something that comes so naturally each evening while walking the bridges of Firenze.

Beauty! I’ve always been drawn to this church. Little did I know one day I’d live close by.

This photo was taken on one of my most favorite days in Firenze ever. The light, the colors, the sounds…they all combined to light up my entire being. All I could say all day was thank you, grazie, thank you, grazie!

Funny, I used to use these stairs for exercise when I first lived in Firenze back in the 90’s. Decades later my apartment would be at the bottom of these stairs.

Taking random streets. Turn left, turn right…just follow the cobblestones.

Yes, this is exactly how it looks. No filters or enhancements necessary here. Mamma mia! Che meraviglia!

Marble sea horses emerging from the Sea-God, Neptune’s fountain. It was recently restored. I think this means I must go back. Si??

This has something to do with my ‘out of body’ experience I speak of in another SMN photo.

Perhaps a blog for another day, or if you buy me a glass of wine, I’ll talk!

A book, an espresso and birds singing in the background. What else does one need?

Oh David, you flirt!

A copy of Michelangelo’s David is in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy. At a certain time of the day, the sun casts intriguing shadows. I was lucky enough to have been there at the right time to capture this.

I love getting lost in the streets of Florence. There is always something waiting around the corner that will take your breath away and make you feel alive.

Just realizing I’ve never had a ride in one of these. Must return!

A place of healing for me. An unexpected visit to this villa provided the solace I needed after my mother’s passing. My friend never knew until I shared it in a 2016 blog: The Healing Touch of Chianti which was also featured in Chianti Poesia.

Post-Pranzo walk

Love the splash of red here

I’ve been lighting candles in front of the Blessed Mother statue for decades. It’s my go-to place when answers seem to evade me. See following photo of the statue I speak of.

I’ve come here for decades. When I am undecided or immersed in confusion I come to light a candle and to open up to guidance.

My favorite piazza in Roma!

Grazie Michelangelo!

Can you hear the sounds of Firenze looking at this photo? Vespas, coffee cups clinking, church bells ringing, conversations from within the walls of these palazzi?

Classic Ischia

Another Vintage PatriciaG Photo. I took this when living in Firenze in the 90’s. The thrift store is no longer there. However this photo lives on in my New York City apartment, large & framed and still begging the question, what’s beyond that bici?

Have you taken a twirl?

This photo has remained in my collection since the early 90’s.

The first time I lived in Firenze the internet had not yet been discovered. I’d take my paper & pen, letters from home, along with my Walkman (lol I know). First I’d go for a run: 2 bridges over and 2 bridges back. Then I’d sit on Ponte Santa Trinita for hours writing my letters to family and friends back in NYC.

I was there so much even my Italian friends started calling it Ponte Patrizia (senza Santa - a story for another day)

Looking out the window from my apartment on Via San Niccolo. Anybody out & about?

Is there anything better?

There’s nothing quite like a classic Napoletana pizza. And this one did not disappoint. Deliziosa!

Delighted to have the Greenmarket at Union Square nearby. Thank you farmers!

Negroni and Nibblies. Life is good!

My favorite breakfast in Firenze

A great way to end a meal or just to delight your palate.

As we walked through the garden, my friend picked this for me. It remained in my Firenze kitchen until I returned to NYC. Peace/Friendship/Amicizia

Happy to share the recipe

Breakfast in Firenze

Ending a delish holiday meal, or just as a special treat. Don’t forget the 3 coffee beans for health, happiness and prosperity.

Family’s coming for Christmas…Love

Love this season and all the deliciousness that pumpkins bring. Happy Autumn!

My fav autumn soup. Take the best ingredients for chicken soup and then bake them in a pumpkin shell. Yea, it’s fabulous!

If you’d like a bit of story behind this, the recipe & instructions on how to make this all happen, I invite you to visit my October 28, 2015 blog by clicking HERE.

Bucket list - Vendemmia in Toscana. Check!

Taken from the Freedom Tower on a rainy day, which also happened to be my birthday. Salute!

Me, Negroni, some early evening journaling & serious people-watching in Piazza della Signoria. Buona serata!

I’m making an exception to my Italy/New York City only rule for this shot. Waking through the woods, we picked these for dinner later that evening. They are too beautiful to exclude.

Garlic in Tuscany

Dessert after a barbecue in Toscana. La Dolce Vita veramente!

If you’d like to see how the rest of the day went, I invite you to visit my blog “A Peak Into Pranzo” by clicking HERE.

This is what grocery shopping (fare la spesa) looks like in Firenze.

Photo shoot: One of my photographing loves is of food…in case you hadn’t already noticed (wink)

We had planned to go to a ristorante for pranzo. But then we looked around & realized we were already seated in perfection. A special day with a dear friend of over 20 years!

Berries and then some. Everything looks better on Mom’s silver tray.

A quick ragu topped with Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse - the best!

Feast your eyes & your palate on this focaccia!

Morning Market visit

Party at my house after this photo shoot!

Family recipe done right by my brother Anthony for St. Patrick’s Day.

Shopping at Sant’Ambrogio Market

My Amici Fiorentini are always feeding me. So I decided to invite them to Palazzo Patrizia. Friends from Napoli had just gifted me with this delicious pasta & I couldn’t wait to share.

Morning shopping (fare la spesa) at Sant’Ambrogia mercato.

A friend recently turned me on to this place and it is delish!

Thanksgiving 2020

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a timeless tradition in NYC. A fun reminder to be thankful for all that we have in our lives.

Getting ready for the Fall Season which brings us some fun holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Who else loves this time of year? And pumpkin pie - oh yea!

The highlight of the Holiday Season in NYC

If you find yourself in Grand Central, always look up

I still visit Macy’s during Christmas. Once he arrives after Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s a must to go see Santa!

In honor of my Mother. I took this the year before my Mother passed. It was after Christmas and the moment I took it I knew it would be next year’s Christmas card. I didn’t know at the time that I’d have a new Angel in Heaven and that this image would become an homage to my Mother.

Purchase Photo Note Cards HERE

Toy Soldier at 30 Rock

Two days after Christmas I flew to Firenze. I wanted to experience the season in my other home & celebrate Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) with my Firenze family. If only I could sing opera!

Purchase photo Notecards HERE

This photo has been in my collection for decades. Each time I think of retiring it I remember the visits to Rockefeller Center when all of my family was here. It was tradition for all of us to go see the tree, then we’d go back to my neighborhood for the best Dim Sum ever in NYC! For this reason, it will forever remain in my collection.

Oh Prometheus you are even more gorgeous during the Holiday Season! This has been my go-to Christmas card quite a few times. He never gets old, just more fabulous!

Purchase Photo Notecards HERE

In all the times I’ve lived & vacationed in Firenze, I never knew about the cemetery, even though poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning is buried here.

A dear friend & fellow photographer, brought me here for a day of introspection and photographing from the heart.

This has made it into the Christmas card collection as well.

Walking home instead of taking the subway. Outside views of Grand Central Terminal.

Purchase Photo Notecards HERE

Ok - so my friend’s villa had a chapel in it at one point. After being de-sanctified it became her dining room. She kept the angels that adorned the ancient walls & had them restored.

This photo served as my Christmas card last year. I see this and all I can think of is…Christmas dinner…I want to have Christmas dinner here with everyone I love! Speriamo a presto!

One of my father’s favorite Christmas songs was The Little Drummer Boy. My father celebrated Christmas BIG! He made it so very special for us. Every time I see a reference to this little drummer I think of my Dad and how his love for Christmas was passed along to me and my siblings. Grateful!

Purchase Photo Notecards HERE

Christmas windows in New York City are always a special and illuminating experience.

Available in Photo Note Cards

Walking through due piazzi I came upon this wall of love & kisses.

She’s so powerful. Breathe her in.

Every holiday was a celebration

Mom had a hat for these squirrels for every occasion. Here they’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Erin Go Bragh!