Sailing Along

July 24, 2015

Yesterday, for my birthday, I took myself on a 2 hour tour of New York Harbor on the Schooner Adirondack. It is a wooden, 80-foot pilot schooner. The ride was beautiful, amazing and inspiring.

As we sailed along it occurred to me that this was a little more than just a tour. It was actually a metaphor for how I want to live this new birth year. I'm learning to trust the Universe more and to watch for the signs, and to be guided. And as I'm "Sailing Along" I ask for the courage to take the action on these very signs, to transport me to the next place in this journey of life. I don't know exactly what's in store for me in this new birth year, but I will endeavor to sail through the curves and bumps and beauty with as much grace as I can.

Sharing some photos from the tour. Hope they inspire you. Happy Weekend.

Big Love & Special Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special. My heart is full! PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. And feel free to pass the blog along. 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

Shooting Fruits & Veggies

July 17, 2015

Last year at this time I was taking a class at International Center of Photography (ICP). One of my assignments was to do a still life photo shoot. I had never done one before. My birthday coincided with this project, so I decided to take it up a notch and do this photo shoot big. I had the desire for it to be meaningful, creative and challenging and wanted to use it as a catalyst to start an abundant and progressive new birth year. I decided to make it an event and cancelled plans to go sailing for my birthday.

I put on some music, styled my fruits and veggies - which was so much fun in itself, and then proceeded to shoot away. Admittedly, a good number of my shots were blurry and unfocused...manual shooting in Raw was very new to me. I didn't let it discourage me. Instead, during the process, I realized that this was not about being perfect. In fact, it was about being in my creativity, doing something I truly loved, and having fun while doing it. I stayed in the moment, and let go of the outcome, and in the end came out with some pretty cool shots. Thought I'd share with you. One small note, have a back-up plan on what to do with all that food after the photo shoot is done. I had to laugh at myself after the high was over and I realized I had enough food to last a month. Lots of smoothies and salads ensued.

Bottom line...do something that makes you smile from the inside out. And I hope these pics inspire some great fruit and veggie salads for the weekend. Buon appetito!

Oh, and I will be going on a sailboat to celebrate this year's birthday. I'm taking myself on a tour of Manhattan via Schooner Adirondack, an 80 foot pilot schooner. Everything in perfect timing my friends. Everything in perfect timing.

Happy/Buon Weekend. Big Love, PatriciaG

Mom's Oasis

July 10, 2015

Summer brings back memories of Mom’s yard. What a special place it was. Mom created such a beautiful oasis for all of us. It felt cozy and warm and safe and nurturing.

The pool and the privacy of the yard, combined with Mom’s home cooking, which was always made with love, was pure perfection. I miss it terribly at times. But the one thing that brings me peace is that I always knew how special it was while it was happening. I never once took it for granted. I was always grateful for it.....and I told her so, many, many times.

This weekend my brother Anthony and I are heading out to Long Island. My sister Debbie called a few weeks ago to say that she wanted to do a good old-fashioned “Mommy barbecue.” This means breaking out the family recipes, including Grandma’s macaroni salad. It also includes a marathon evening of dominoes and rummy tiles. We would play until 4 or 5 in the morning at Mom’s.

I am very much looking forward to spending time with the siblings, my brother-in-law Jorge and my nephew Justin. I can’t wait to see Justin swim with his team Saturday morning. I mention this because his love for swimming began in Mom’s pool. She was instrumental in teaching him how to swim. She always had such a big smile on her face knowing she was leaving a legacy for him, and for all of us. To this day I swim in her honor, and with much gratitude.

So peeps, this weekend we are using old memories to create new ones. I’m sharing this with you as a reminder to stay in the moment with your own loved ones, to acknowledge the special memories you are creating right now, and to be sure you tell the people you love how special they are to you. Buon Weekend!

Big Love, PatriciaG

Freedom & Independence

July 2, 2015

I had the honor, and pleasure, of marching in this year's NYC Pride Parade. It was extra special thanks to the Supreme Court's legalizing same-sex marriage earlier in the week. Woo hoo!

I marched for many reasons: for friends who have passed and are no longer with us. I thought of how thrilled they would be, and how their lives may have been different if they had access to this freedom. I thought of current friends who aren't comfortable with proclaiming their sexuality for fear of reprisal or just fear in general. I thought of people in other parts of the world who could still lose their lives for loving the person they choose. I marched for people struggling with their sexuality because society has been telling them it's wrong. And....I marched for our future generations. As I walked side by side with my dear friends Laura & Matt, who are expecting their first child, I marveled at the fact that this injustice would no longer be in existence and their little guy would see it as an absurd law that 'used to be.' Kind of how we now view interracial marriage being illegal back in the day. Huh? What the what??

As I looked around at all the various types of people coming together last Sunday, my heart was so full. People from every walk of life came together to celebrate and laugh and sing and dance and march. Spectators and marchers blended in applause, cheers and sheer joy. We elevated ourselves this week humans, and I pray that it continues throughout the world.

I have tons of photos and it was hard to choose. I wanted to share the moments that inspired me and made my heart smile. I hope they do the same for you.

Happy Independence Day U.S. Peeps, and wishing independence to all our fellow humans around the globe. Big Love, PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. And feel free to pass the blog along. 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

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!

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