It's Delish Fish Week in NYC!

June 25, 2015

It's Sustainable Seafood Week in NYC! Seafood is such an important part of our meals and the word "sustainable" doesn't always pop up around it. It is necessary that we start a national conversation and educate ourselves.

We sometimes look for cheaper prices and celebrate that we bought shrimp, fillet, etc... for a ridiculously low price. But beware consumers, the pricetag is often indicative of the lack of quality, and in fact, the actual unhealthy status of some of our seafood.

That's why it is so cool that Sustainable Seafood Week is happening in NYC this week, and in other parts of the country throughout the next several months. What is SSW? In their own words: "Sustainable Seafood Week (SSW) is a culinary-fueled celebration launched in 2013 by Village Fishmonger NYC showcasing the efforts of local fishermen, chefs, organizations and communities to promote responsible sourcing of seafood." SSW helps to educate us by tracing the path fish takes to get to our plates. They bring everyone together; chefs, fishermen, industry professionals, and locals.

There has been an incredible lineup of seafood celebrations throughout the city. The next event is Friday, June 26th at Union Square Market. GrowNYC will be offering local seafood in the park. Chef Emily Peterson with hold shellfish cooking demonstrations from 11am - 1pm. All free and open to everyone! And dinner time will not only have some delish fish, but there will be live music and a beer & wine garden.

Saturday from 11am - 1pm the celebration moves to Brooklyn! Chef Emily Peterson joins Brooklyn Chef John Poiakoff in offering cooking demonstrations featuring local fish.

Educating ourselves is the key around putting healthy seafood in our bodies, while helping to sustain the ecology of our oceans and all waterways that fish inhabit.

For more information on Sustainable Seafood Week in NYC, and coming to other cities around the country, check out Sustainable Seafood Week.

And for an ahhhh moment, I'm including a mini video I took at Rockway Beach, NYC last summer.

Happy/Buon Weekend!!! Big Love, PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie! Most of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you see something on this site that isn't on Etsy, just shoot me an email and I'll make it available. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2015 Patricia Geremia

Strawberries & Asparagus are in Season Yo!

June 18, 2015

Hey All - riding on the heels of last week's blog, I'm inspired to continue my pursuit in eating sustainably, organically and seasonally.

This week I decided to choose one fruit and one veggie that is in season here in the Big Apple (pun intended) and I'm happy to report that 2 of my favs are on the "It List" right now. Strawberries (through July) and Asparagus.

A couple of notes on this - try to choose organic strawberries. Berries have some of the highest pesticide load, so it's kind of defeating the purpose. Asparagus has a low pesticide residue, so it's ok to eat conventionally grown in this case.

These are just two of the many seasonal goodies available. If you'd like to check out more in New York City and other parts of the country, check out: Sustainable.org's Seasonal Food Guide.

Enjoy. Buon Appetito. Have a great weekend! Big Love, PatriciaG

Food is Love and it's Sexy & Delicious

June 12, 2015

"Food is love and it's sexy & delicious. No willpower is needed. Just a desire to eat a variety of quality food, eat wisely, in moderation, and don't give it so much attention as far as worry goes. Food is meant to be enjoyed in a respectful and delectable way. It's not a cause to feel guilty, to abuse, to assuage emotions. It is meant to fuel our bodies and to be enjoyed - pure and simple."

Above is an entry I made in my journal while staying in Firenze last May. I recently came across it, almost by accident, but I know there are no accidents and I needed the reminder. Here in the U.S. we have a love/hate relationship with food. We put so many rules around it...what to eat, what not to eat...what is good...what is bad...We then eat it all and feel guilty about it, beat ourselves up, and get angry about it. I think this takes away from the very simple rule that we should all follow: eat a variety of good quality food and do so in moderation. Period. I realized during my stay in Italy that even though I was eating prosciutto, cheese, meat and drinking lots of Prosecco and vino, I was losing weight. The inflammation in my body ceased so much that my shoes and rings were big on me! In doing some research, talking to people, and paying close attention, I realized that all of the food I was eating was seasonal, coming from local resources. It wasn't flown in from far away lands. It was grown locally, thus reducing the need for pesticides, antibiotics, preservatives, etc...

I've tried to maintain that back here in New York City. I am fortunate to have easy access to healthy and sustainable food, with a wide variety of choices. Since I've made this effort I've managed to keep the weight off and continue to lose some more. I still have a way to go, but I'm doing it in a healthy and loving way.

I wanted to share this personal story with you because I want more people to break away from the guilt that we attach to food. I'm not saying one should eat prosciutto, etc... every day (although I would LOVE to) but I am saying to choose your food wisely. Educate yourself. Read labels. I recently did a blog on food labels "What's Up With Those Pesky PLU Stickers?" Check it out if you haven't. Don't just absorb what advertisers are telling you. Read..educate yourself by doing some research. Believe that you can attain your perfect weight and have a healthy body. It all starts in our mind, then the choices we make, then take the right action. It is our body, our health, our responsibility. Now go have a guilt-free gelato or some Frutta Erotica!

Happy/Buon Weekend. Big Love, PatriciaG

Beauty

June 5, 2015

Life sometimes throws us some curve balls that were unanticipated, disappointing and sometimes even devastating. These moments can upset our equilibrium on so many levels that we may find it difficult to put one foot in front of the other.

When these moments enter my life, I turn to beauty; especially the beauty of flowers. They continue to bloom without complaint, without deliberation, without hesitation. There is only one way, and that way is forward. I absorb the lesson they provide and their beauty provides a path that warms and heals my heart.

I'm sharing these sentiments in case you need to hear them in your own life right now. Also sharing just a few of the many beautiful flowers that have blessed my path. Some are from New York City and others from Tuscany. I invite you to go looking for the beauty in your own backyard and beyond. And when you find, breathe it all in deeply.

Buon Weekend & Big Love, PatriciaG

Kind of on the theme of what I'm saying here, I'm sharing one of my fav songs at the moment. L'Alba by Jovanotti. "Non si puo tornare in dietro. There is no going back." Davvero!

What's Up With Those Pesky PLU Stickers?

May 29, 2015

I recently wrote an article for the Eataly staff newsletter. I wrote about the PLU codes on our produce and was surprised to learn that many people don't know about these stickers. Sure the PLU code is helpful to the cashier at checkout time, but after that we usually just consider them to be a pesky nuisance to remove.

Not so.....The PLU code stickers give us an idea of how our fruits and veges are grown. Here are a few tips that I've pulled together that I hope will help:

All produce has its own code to begin with. For example, all broccolini will be labeled with code 3277.
A code with four numbers beginning with either the #3 or #4 means that the produce was grown "conventionally" or "traditionally." Now before you find these terms comforting in a nostalgic kind of way, I want you to know that this means that they were grown with pesticides, and the growers could have applied poisons to the food, including herbicides and synthetic fertilizer.
If there are five numbers in the code, beginning with "8", this tells us that our food has been geneticaly modified. So a GMO broccolini would be 83277. Now that being said, with the debate on all of this, and Monsanto lining the pockets of the powers that be, GMO's can still be snuck in under the 4 number codes described above. Bummer right?!
When there are five numbers in the code and it begins with "9" then we know the food has been grown organically. Yay! So an example of an organic green apple would be 94017.

Incidentally, the adhesive used to attach the stickers is considered to be food-grade.

In all categories, there is limited regulation, even with organic, so we must be diligent, and educate ourselves on what is going on with our food, and what we put in our bodies, and the bodies of our loved ones.

It would be great if we could always choose organic, but depending on where you live, and your budget, it's not always possible. We need to prioritize our organic purchases. Here is a list of the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and veges that you should always try to by organic:

Apples, Bell Peppers, Blueberries, Celery, Cucumbers, Grapes, Lettuce, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Spinach, Strawberries

My recommendation, especially this time of year, is to shop at farmers' markets and purchase locally as much as possible. The moral of this story is....know your PLU codes and live healthier and happier. Happy Weekend. Buon Weekend.

Big Love to You, PatriciaG

Gelato or Ice Cream?

May 22, 2015

Gelato or Ice Cream? I say...why choose? We can love both! But if you were wondering about some of the differences, I've put together a few notes that I thought you might find interesting:

Both gelato and ice cream start with a similar custard base.
Gelato tends to be more creamy and dense because it has a higher proportion of milk and lower proportion of cream and eggs (or no eggs at all).
Ice cream is required to have at least 10% milkfat. Most medium to high-end ice cream brands have more like 14% to 17% milkfat and is made with egg yolks.
Gelato is churned at a slow rate, incorporating less air and leaving the gelato dense.
Ice cream, on the other hand, is churned at a high speed to incorporate more air in the mixture.
Gelato is normally denser, and milkier in texture yet has a soft elastic texture, while ice cream is richer and creamier.
The temperature at which the two are served is different too. Ice cream is best served at about 10 degrees F. If gelato were served at that temperature it would be way too hard, and would lose that elastic texture we love. Gelato is normally served 15 degrees warmer than ice cream. If ice cream were served at the same temperature as gelato, it would melt and become soupy.
People tend to say that gelato is less fattening than ice cream, however, since the nutritional comparison is based on ounces, unless you serve yourself a smaller scoop of gelato, you may be consuming the same calories, fat and sugar as ice cream.

So now that we've equipped ourselves with some facts, I say blah blah blah and just eat what you like! It's Memorial Day Weekend here in America and for us it's the 'official' start of summer, so let the Gelato/Ice Cream eating begin!! (In moderation of course as it's also the start of bathing suit season!)

Big Love,

PatriciaG

This is just a small synopsis of the gelato vs ice cream debate. Feel free to do your own research for more in-depth comparisons. If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie! Most of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you see something on this site that isn't on Etsy, just shoot me an email and I'll make it available.

Revisiting Firenze this Week

May 15, 2015

I've been reading my journal from last year to have a revisit to Firenze. I love the beauty of journaling and taking photos. It allows me to travel back in time and relive precious moments, and reminds me of some I had forgotten. It also helps me to see the growth in my life, as well as monitor those places where I need to put in a little more work. Mostly, it allows me to smile at the good fortune I've had and this makes my heart sing.

On this day last year, I took a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo and visited San Miniato Church. I was also settling into my new apartment in a new neighborhood, San Niccolo. I'm sharing some photos, and a short video, (below) that I shot from the steps of San Miniato. Hopefully they will make you smile as well. You can see more Firenze photos in the Italy section.

Happy weekend to all. Big Love, PatriciaG

Here's that video I was telling you about.

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!

Most of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you see something on this site that isn't on Etsy, just shoot me an email and I'll make it available.

Revisiting Chianti & I Have A New Job!

May 8, 2015

Last year at this time I was breathing in the Tuscan air and living in complete Happy Heart Patricia. I had the great fortune to reconnect with my dear friend Laurence, who I hadn't seen in well over a decade. She and her husband invited me to stay at their villa in Tuscany. It was healing, delicious, fun, easy, extraordinarily beautiful (check out the video below) and one of my life's highlights. I will hold it, and them, in my heart forever.

As I revisit last year in my mind's eye, I've had some moments of longing and nostalgia. It is hard to not have a tug at one's heart after experiencing such beautiful moments. That trip started me on a journey where I knew my life must consist of t… — As I revisit last year in my mind's eye, I've had some moments of longing and nostalgia. It is hard to not have a tug at one's heart after experiencing such beautiful moments. That trip started me on a journey where I knew my life must consist of the two places I love...New York City and Italy...especially Firenze.
In working with my fabulous coach, JA (yay lady you are the best!!), and creating daily affirmations, journallng and meditating, I've manifested wonderful experiences in my life. The latest manifestation created is THE BEST job for myself here in the apple. I've started working for EatalyNY - or what I've always referred to as the Italian Food Museum. I get to practice my Italian - in talking with visitors from everywhere around the world, and I've begun making daily announcements over the loudspeaker. I get to sample all sorts of delicious Italian food. In fact it's a requirement of the job! Tough but someone has to do it. I know...cry me a river!
I'm not sure where it's all taking me, but I know and trust that these steps are continuing my journey in connecting New York City and Italia. I am feeling so blessed. Grazie Dio! Big Love, PatriciaG
Here's the video taken in Volpaia, Chianti that I spoke of earlier. It will make you inhale, exhale, smile and feel so good. Enjoy!

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!

Most of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you see something on this site that isn't on Etsy, just shoot me an email and I'll make it available.

Cherry Blossom Season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden!

April 24, 2015

Cherry Blossoms have arrived in Brooklyn! That means the Sakura Matsuri celebration is this weekend! I had the pleasure of attending this celebration of Japanese culture a couple of years ago and it was amazing. There will be Taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, Kabuki dance, Sarmurai sword demonstrations, Workshops for kids, Sweets, Treats and more! I highly recommend checking it out.

Happy Weekend! Buon fine settimana! Big Love, PatriciaG

For schedule and all other information, check out Brooklyn Botanic Garden

All of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop.

Statue of Liberty: Enlightening the World

April 17, 2015

Being a born-and-raised New Yorker it might seem surprising to some that I had never been to the Statue of Liberty before this week. Yes, that's right. In my own defense, I have to say that I am probably more the rule than the exception. In speaking with some of my fellow New Yorkers I find that many have not been to the see the main attractions of our beloved city; including this beautiful lady.

Why is it that we make the effort to visit all of the key sites while on vacation, but ignore the delicious nuggets in our own backyard?

I am making a concerted effort to change that, and this week I had the pleasure of visiting Lady Liberty. And...I am in love! She is beautiful, and strong, and my soul relates to everything that she stands for. She is welcoming! She is universal! She is an icon of freedom and independence!

I've taken her for granted all these years, being content with just passing her by on random ferry rides. But stepping onto Liberty Island, and climbing up into her pedestal, brought a renewed sense of desire to experience the new and to seek adventure, and to absorb and learn all there is to know about the wonders of my city and the world.

You don't need to travel to exotic lands to experience this. Although I'm all for travel!! But in between trips, go exploring in your own backyard. Do it this weekend. Be a tourist! Look at your familiar surroundings with new eyes, as if you were introducing them to a visitor that has never seen them before. Have fun! Happy Weekend! Buon fine settimana! Big Love, PatriciaG

(Un ragazzo urlava di gioia, "svegliarsi svegliarsi, si può vedere la Statua della Libertà, è possibile vedere la Statua della Libertà.")

If you feel like sharing your adventure, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below. And please feel free to pass this along to friends & family.

For more information on visiting Lady Liberty, click here: Liberty Enlightening the World.

As always, my copyrighted photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you don't see something you like from the website, just let me know and I'll make it available. Thanks for your patronage.

Spring is 'Almost' Here in NYC

April 10, 2015

Spring is being a very flirtatious and flighty visitor here in the Big Apple this year. For this reason, I thought it would be nice to revisit some of my past spring photos. Hope you enjoy.

For me, I'm ok with the cooler temps for now. They give me some additional time to shed some extra lbs...How is it that I lose weight in Italy and gain it here in NYC? A blog for another day.

In the meantime, I hope these photos make you feel warm and sunny and put a spring in your step. Pun shamefully and completely intended.

Happy Friday all. And no matter what the weather, go out and have fun this weekend! Big Love, PatriciaG

Check out more spring photos on my Seasons page. And if you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!

Most of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you see something on this site that isn't on Etsy, just shoot me an email and I'll make it available.

Cool Spot in the Hood

April 3, 2015

As many of you know, I am forever looking for my New York City - Firenze/Italia connection. I've found a lovely spot right in my own neighborhood called Vitis La Vineria at 284 Third Avenue. The owner, GianLuca is from Sardinia, and has set this place up to be very intimiate and cozy. And...I get to practice my Italian with him!

He says that Vitis La Vineria is "the embodiment of my passion for wine and Italian cuisine. When you come into Vitis, I hope you feel as though you've walked into my kitchen at home. It's a cozy space, adorned with global art and staffed with knowledgeable servers who will keep you exactly what you like."

One of those servers is Lesya. She is so welcoming & friendly and knowledgeable about the wine selection. We became immediate friends. Go say hi to her and have her suggest a wine and something delish off the menu. Tell her Patricia sent you.

So if you're looking for a cool place to go with friends, out on a date, or going solo, I highly recommend checking out Vitis La Vineria. The wine and the food are amazing!

Maybe I'll see you there.

Big Love,

PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!

Most of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop. If you see something on this site that isn't on Etsy, just shoot me an email and I'll make it available.

Gift Yourself This Weekend

March 27, 2015

It feels good to give gifts to the people we love, doesn't it? I know I feel good when I'm giving...even to strangers. Then why is it so difficult to give to ourselves? We are the most important person in our own lives. At some point maybe we were taught that it was selfish and not right. But the truth is, if we are happy and fortified than we become even more of an asset to those around us.

So my theme for this week is "Gift Yourself!" It can be whatever you want..the only rule is that it has to make you feel good. So maybe allow yourself to veg with a good book, or try that new recipe you've been meaning to make, or go explore a part of your hood that you haven't before, or take a road trip to see some new sights. Or maybe take yourself to the opera. Eat/Live/Love!!!

That's what I did last night. I gifted myself with an evening at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in New York City. I basked in the delicious sounds and sites of this magnificent production, lead by Placido Domingo and James Levine.

The exclamation point at the end of the evening came to me outside as I watched and listened to the beautiful fountain outside of Lincoln Center. The sound of the water transported me back to Firenze, reminding me of the sounds of the Arno and acknowledging that my NYC-Firenze connection continues. (I took a little video to share with you. See below.)

To say that I glided all the way home would be an understatement.

So peeps, figure out what turns you on and go do it. Do it this weekend. No procrastinating. No judgment. The only rule is that it makes YOU feel good about YOU!

If you feel like sharing, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. And feel free to pass this along to friends & family.

Big Love,

PatriciaG

All of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop.

I Love a Parade

March 21, 2015

In New York City there is pretty much a parade every other weekend. One of my favorites is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Although it’s a day to celebrate Irish heritage, people from all walks of life join in on the fun; adorning their green and doing an impromptu jig here and there.

I love how it brings people together. It’s a reminder that when all is said and done we are all the same. We may have different different ways of celebrating the special moments in our lives, but in the end we are all connected by a common thread - love for our families & friends with the desire for all to be happy, live in a safe place, bellies filled with great food, healthy bodies and enriching life experiences. Eat/Live/Love!

I’m sharing some of my images from this year’s parade - the 254th St. Patrick's Day Parade here in New York City! I hope you enjoy.

Big Love, PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!

All of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop.

Love Yourself - Boom!

March 13, 2015

I’m keeping it simple this week. Love yourself...boom...that’s what I’ve got to say.

Love yourself as if you would love your favorite small child...how would you nurture her or him? Do that for yourself - right now, today, this weekend, every day. The more you love yourself, the more you can love those around you. Everyone wins!

Me - I bought myself flowers this week....tons of them...and I put them all over my apartment so that every time I saw them I smiled and reminded myself to say...”I love you Patricia. You are freakin amazing!”

Funny how it’s so easy to tell others we love them, but to say it aloud to ourselves we feel a little silly or strange. I say “stop right there.” Go to the nearest mirror, look at yourself and resist the temptation to critique and/or criticize. Look into your eyes and say “I love you. I really, really love you (your name inserted here)” Boom...You’re done.

Why are you still sitting here staring at this screen? Get up, head on over to the mirror.....go ahead....keep going.....just do it! ahhh - Good for you! Big Love, PatriciaG

Feel free to share the blog with friends and family. And if you feel inspired, please leave a comment below.

And heads up - new photos being added to my Etsy shop next week. Stay tuned.

Nostalgic Moment Alert

March 6, 2015

I love the images that cross my path while walking the city streets. Yesterday was extra special as it prompted some nostalgic moments.

Seeing this little guy climb the snow piles, while mom held his hand, instantly transported me back to an evening with my Grandmother way, way back in the day.

I can still see the twilight blue of the sky and feel the chill on my rosy cheeks. But what I remember most was the safety and love that was transferred to me through her hand. It gave me the courage to climb that HUGE snow pile, which in looking at this little boy yesterday, I realized that the pile was probably no more than 2 feet high. It made me smile, first to myself, and then I shared the smile with them; which was reciprocated very warmly. Love these random interactions on the streets of NYC.

This moment prompted a fleet of visiting thoughts....how Gramps used to take us sledding every winter, and how we’d scream in delight as we barreled down the hills of Forest Park, Queens; and how he took me ice skating on the weekends..just me and him. He’d skate with me for a while and then leave me on the side to do some speed skating. I remember feeling so proud of how fast and elegantly he skated. And the time we had an ice storm and the city shut down. Icicles graced the trees and rooftops. Our family broke out the ice skates and brought our skills to the middle of the street. (no cars that day!) My Dad didn’t have skates, but expertly spun in the street. A neighbor who sat watching from her window thought my Dad was an expert..until he came out from behind the parked car and she saw his skateless feet. She proceeded to give him the finger....Pow Pow...in a friendly way, as only a Queens housewife could. We laughed and laughed.

Memories of helping Dad shovel the walk and driveway. Guess that’s why I love it...yes I love to shovel - crazy me! Afterwards we’d put our wet clothes on the radiator in the hall and rush upstairs to Mom’s hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

I have so many memories like this. I guess that’s why I love winter so. Each snowflake that falls awakens the child in me and transports me back to those times when we knew how to play and frolic - even the adults! They are all gone now, my parents and grandparents, but I get to revisit them in my mind’s eye as I frolic in the snow, create my own new memories and fa la la la la...

As I headed home last night I caught this out of the corner of my eye. It made me proud of my city....how we go about our lives....nothing stopping us...not even the umpteenth snowstorm of the season....I see the beauty in each one. I celebrate the tenacity of my fellow NY-ers. I share this with you in the hope that it makes you smile and feel resilient.

Big Love,

PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share your memories, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Grazie!

All of my photos are available for sale on my Etsy shop.

A Glimpse Into Some Beautiful Souls: Arts & Dreams Visits Passages Academy

February 27, 2015

My heart was opened a bit more this week as Laura Baran and I took our Arts & Dreams empowering art workshop to incarcerated youth at Passages Academy in the Bronx. These are kids who made an unfortunate mistake and got caught and now they’re paying the price.

They made me think about the mistakes I’ve made in my life and how fortunate I was to not get caught. We’ve all been there. Did you ever think what your life would look like if you got busted doing what you weren’t supposed to? Would you want a break? A second chance? Not have your whole life judged by this mistake? What would you hope for?

I watched their faces transform as they got lost in thought about which positive affirmations to choose. And as they painted, the struggle in their faces, worn way too early in their young lives, began to dissipate. And I saw their innocence and their innate beauty and their need for love. And I wanted to hug them and take them all home with me.

Unfortunately I cannot show you their faces because we need to respect their anonymity. However, I can share their artwork with you and provide you a glimpse into their beautiful souls.

I’m sharing just a few here. For more photos and a description of the day’s events, please go to our website: Arts & Dreams.

I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank a few people: Nikki Walker and Zyambo Phillips who co-facilitated the workshops with us and made us the Dream Team! You guys were beyond amazing! Your words, gestures and kindness wrapped each of those kids in love.

And Anja Kennedy, our dear friend who is the librarian at Passages, and opened the door for us to enter a few years ago - I am in pure gratitude and awe. The love and respect that you bring to each student fills them with pride and self-love. You add such integrity to their lives. What a gift you are to them and to us.

Lastly I want to thank all of our Arts & Dreams donors. Without your generosity, we would not be able to do the work that we do. Thank you so very much!

Big Love,

PatriciaG

For more pics and information on the workshops and our organization, please visit our website: Arts & Dreams

Feel free to share the blog with friends and family. And if you feel inspired, please leave a comment below.

Romeo & Juliet: A Valentine's Day Ice Sculpture

February 19, 2015

I had the pleasure of watching these talented guys from Okamoto Studio carefully transform a block of ice into an embracing Romeo & Juliet. It was part of the Central Park Conservancy's Ice Festival.

As the snow fell, and music played, these guys used chainsaws, ice picks, water, snow and their hands to beautifully craft this design. It was absolutely delicious to watch and I thought I'd share some of my photos with you.

At one point, Juliet's ponytail fell off. How do you glue back an ice ponytail? See the video at the end. It is freakin amazing!

We all gasped when Juliet's ponytail broke off. Who knew you could "glue" ice back together! How? Watch the video to see. A little Whitney in the background is a bonus. These guys are amazing!

Feel free to share this with friends and family. And if you feel inspired, please comment in the section below. I'd love to hear from you. Big Love, PatriciaG

PS: If you'd like to see the actual statue in Central Park it's mid-park at 80th Street near the Delacorte Theater. Here are some photos courtesy of NYCGov Parks

Ciao Ciao Firenze

January 30, 2015

After the beautiful snow yesterday (Thank you!!) it rained all night and it is once again raining today. In fact there was even thunder & hail this morning. And I love it!

I know this may seem a bit self-indulgent, but I feel that Firenze is a little sad that I am leaving, and I take some solace in the fact that we both shed tears today. The rain will help to hide mine as I take another twirl around the city, walk my bridges, and dance along the Arno one last time. It is my special alone time with Firenze that has become a nightly tradition.

Truth be told, I could walk the Arno a million more times and I will always want one more, and one more, and one more. And for this reason I know I will be back. I will always return. And in the interim I have my memories, my journals and my photos.

I have loved sharing my photos with all of you. Thank you for taking this journey with me. It has touched me in so many ways and I am so grateful for all of you.

Last night I spent some time uploading new photos to the website to share. I knew I’d want to get an early start today to soak in Firenze just a little bit more and take a few more twirls around.

Check out the Italy and Food sections particularly, but feel free to peruse the rest of the site as well.

For my Firenze friends - thank you so much. It has been an amazing experience and you have helped me to grow probably more than you know. I love you! Ci vediamo a presto!

And for my NY peeps, I smile at the thought of seeing all of your beautiful faces very soon. Looking forward to the hugs and the kisses and the shared stories in catching up. Prosecco is on me!! Love you.

Big Love,

PatriciaG

A Visit with Patrizia: Take a Twirl Around My Apartment

January 9, 2015

Ciao Tutti! Hi All! I can't believe I'm in Firenze almost 2 weeks already! Time is going by uncharacteristically fast, per Firenze. This visit has encompassed many ups & downs. It hasn't been all fun, games & gelato. There are moments of great loneliness, which of course kick in the insecurity gene.

Some of you have written saying that you could never do what I'm doing. It made me think that perhaps you think I'm better at this than you. I am not. Admittedly there have been moments when I've wanted to get on a plane and come home. There have been tears and fears. It's not always easy being out of your comfort zone, and being at peace with vulnerability. It's also not easy to part with the desire for perfection. Tough one to let go of, but you must!

Even though this may all sound bad, I still wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Challenging yourself forces you to visit those dormant parts that lie deep within. They hold the nuggets of courage, strength and wisdom. There is no greater gift that you can give yourself. For real!

Allora, experiencing a myriad of these thoughts and emotions the other day, a thought came to me...what if I had a little visit with all of you? Realistically I know only a few of you can physically visit with me here. But what if I gave the rest of you a twirl around the place? So I made a video. I hope you enjoy!

I encourage you to do something out of your comfort zone this weekend. It doesn't have to be out of this world...It can be one small step that maybe makes you feel a little uneasy, but you know will make your heart smile when you're on the other side of it.

If you feel inspired to do so, feel free to share in the comments section below.

Have a great weekend. Buon fine settimana!

Sending You Big Love, PatriciaG