PatriciaG’s Blog

Patricia Geremia 12/11/15 Patricia Geremia 12/11/15

Magic & Miracles

Being in Pursuit of Magic and Miracles, I had the absolute blessing of seeing the lovely Christmas decorations in my beloved Firenze last year.

As I wandered around the city, guided by the twinkling of Christmas lights, the sound of church bells almost always, and the palpable celebration in the air, my inner belief that miracles can happen, and that magic is real exploded.

This past Tuesday, the tree in Piazza del Duomo was lit. As I watched videos of it on social media, I was reminded of my special moments standing under the tree. I visited it quite often, and each time I drank in it’s beauty. It was magical and at times, miraculous. Sharing a video snippet with you.

'Tis the season & I'm wishing you Magic and Miracles at this very moment, and throughout the New Year. Big Love, PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 12/4/15 Patricia Geremia 12/4/15

Bubbles in Firenze

I have to tell you, seeing the social media posts about the Christmas lights in Firenze makes me a little sad, but they also serve as a reminder of my own wonderful experience last year. It was such a magical time to visit this city that I love so much. I am truly grateful that I got to experience the Christmas season in Firenze.

I wanted to share a special moment with you. I had just landed (December 28th), unpacked and got my apartment set up, and although I was severely jet-lagged and very sleepy, I couldn't resist a twirl around Firenze. This stop in Piazza delle Repubblica actually brought tears to my eyes. It reflected outside what I was feeling inside - so happy to be on this magical journey of play, and adventure, and in expectation of miracles. As I watch it today, as brief as it is, it brings me right to Happy Heart Patricia and inspires me to create more of these moments.

I'm happy to share this with you. I hope it makes your heart smile too. Have a Beautiful Christmas Season.

Big Love,

PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 11/20/15 Patricia Geremia 11/20/15

We Choose to Skate Through Fear

Those of us who live in New York City know that we live on high alert...we do it every day. We have done so since 911. We are aware. We are alert. But we are not afraid. I write this not only for terrorists, but for our fellow Americans, who live on the outskirts, or not even near New York City, yet feel the need to keep sharing posts about terror threats to our home. I can assure you that we New Yorkers do not need you to constantly post and remind us of the world we live in. We live it! Unlike you who only reads about it or sees it on TV. So I thank you in advance for not propagating the fear on our behalf. And to be clear, despite the reality that we live in, we New Yorkers choose to live our lives in fullness, and in celebration, and we skate through any and all fears. We are, after all, f**king New Yorkers yo!! ‪

Patricia Geremia 11/12/15 Patricia Geremia 11/12/15

Burrata Makes Me Want to Sing Opera

Burrata (buttered in Italian) is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains both the mozzarella and cream, giving it a soft and delectable texture. There are many recipes and accompaniments for burrata, but for me, the best will always be my first experience: prosciutto, grilled veggies, tomatoes, basil, Tuscan bread and a full bodied red wine. Heaven! Paradiso!

I was first introduced to Burrata at a friend’s Enoteca in San Niccolo, Firenze. I had no idea what it was and didn’t know what to expect. When this plate was set before me, there was so much love and deliciousness built in, that I had an immediate desire to cry and sing opera simultaneously.

And when I cut into the Burrata ever so gently, and the panna (cream) flowed out so beautifully, I do believe that I actually heard angels sing. It was a personal culinary moment that I will never forget and I thought I’d share it with you. Buon appetito!

Big Love and Buon Weekend, PatriciaG

If you feel inspired, please share in the comments section below. I'd love to hear from you! 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

Patricia Geremia 11/5/15 Patricia Geremia 11/5/15

Don't Just Pop a Pill

After several weeks of not feeling quite right, but able to function, the bomb dropped this week. Seems that what started out as a cold, evolved into an infection, which lodged itself in my sinuses. A visit to the doc this week informed me that I had acute sinusitis. Yup. I was thinking allergies, head cold, even (wince) possibly the flu. But nope, it was all in my head - so to speak. Well not exactly, because the infection then traveled to my ear and on to my stomach, causing nausea, and the real gem....vertigo! No wonder I was walking sideways and banging into doors! Who knew?!

Antibiotics were prescribed. I rarely take antibiotics because I think we use them too frivolously in this country, but I know when my body needs them, and I agreed to take them this time. Also prescribed was a steroid called Methylprednisolone. Yea, say that three times fast. I told the doc about my reservations of taking a steroid. She said I should research it first and if I wasn't comfortable I didn't have to take it. Wasn't comfortable? Here's a partial list of what it's used for: arthritis, blood disorders, certain cancers...yes, I repeat, certain cancers, and kidney/intestinal/lung diseases. No mention of sinusitis by the way.

And the side effects? What a lovely array of possibilities. It can compromise your immune system and cause diabetes! Huh? That alone stopped me in my tracks, as it did my sister when I shared this with her, but I read on just for the heck of it: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, dizziness (hello!), trouble sleeping, appetitie changes, acne, muscle pain, weight loss - now this one had my attention for a minute. The list goes on and on.

I'm not going to get into a commentary about our pharmaceutical/medical practices in this country. That would be a dissertation and not a blog. I'm writing this to suggest that you don't just pop a pill in your mouth just because the doctor says so. Read, research and explore other methods. In addition to my own internet research, I turned to two dear & trusted friends, one here in New York City and one in Italia. They gave me some wonderful nuggets to work with. Here's what I did in lieu of steroids: massive amounts of sleep, I mean massive, healing juices & smoothies with extra garlic and ginger, water with lemon, teas, blasts of vitamin-C, saline spray, neti pot, healing meditation, and a big pot of veggie broth. I took every veggie in my fridge and boiled it up in a pot. Then put it in my Vitamix and blended it up. I still had to strain it, so if you don't have a heavy duty blender, I suggest you remove the veggies whole and just drink the broth.

As the broth worked its way through my system, I boiled some water with baking soda, then added eucalyptus essential oil, put a towel over my head and inhaled that sucker in. Ahh, healing from inside and out. Thank you dear ones, grazie cari amici!

I'm not suggesting that people don't take their medicine. I'm just saying to do your own research, know your body, and don't just pop a pill because the doctor prescribed it. Don't get me wrong, I think pharmaceuticals are a good thing and I'm grateful for them, in extreme cases of compromised health. But I also think we overdo it sometimes. My original aha moment on this was several years ago during a stay in Italia. I had a pretty bad headache and the person I was staying with suggested that I lie down with a warm compress on my head. I remarked that in American I'd be offered an Advil, Tylenol, aspirin, etc... Just sayin...

I'm thinking of making a big batch of veggie broth and freezing it to keep it handy for the upcoming season. Feel free to do the same and use any of the other ideas above. Good health to you all and Big Love, PatriciaG

Courtesy of Louise Hay's Positive Affirmation Cards:

Patricia Geremia 10/29/15 Patricia Geremia 10/29/15

Autumn Soup

I've always had a love for food. Growing up in a multi-cultural background, and a family who loved to cook & bake, we had a variety of traditional Italian, Polish, Irish and German recipes.

Visits to Italy enhanced my love for sustainable, regional and seasonal cooking, and now working at Eataly continues this food journey that I am on.

In a recent article that I wrote for Eataly's "Hot Topics" Newsletter, I was reminded of a recipe a former co-worker gave me many years ago. I hadn't made it in a while, and so I decided to resurrect it, and I'm happy to share it with you here in the blog today. Start with making a batch of your own homemade chicken soup. While the soup is cooking, scoop out the guts of the pumpkin. You can put the seeds aside for roasting later. The main event here is to cook the soup halfway, then pour it into the pumpkin. Place the filled pumpkin onto a cookie sheet and put it in a 350 degree oven. Baking time will vary on your pumpkin size. As the pumpkin cooks, it will easily glide into the chicken soup with a gentle scoop of your spoon. It is delish! È delizioso! Enjoy!

Happy Autumn everyone. Buon Autunno! Big Love, PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 10/24/15 Patricia Geremia 10/24/15

New York - Italia Connection

I forever endeavor to find connections between my two beloved spots in the world - New York & Italia. Fortunately, I live in a city where cultural events are in abundance and I have the pleasure of attending these events.

Recently, I had the chance to be in a small and intimate setting at the Italian Cultural Institute, featuring Jovanotti. When I think of his tours filling stadiums with tens of thousands of people, and here I sat in a room of approximately 150 people, well it just blows my mind. Being in the aura of this man's genius and beautiful humanity was just beyond words. Most of it was in Italian, and truth be told, I did not understand it all. But I understood more than I thought I would so it's all good. Ma devo studiare!! (for a taste of Jova's music, see video below)

Last week I attended an event at my favorite Italian cultural spot in NYC, Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo. I am there quite frequently as they provide a variety of events: photography exhibitions, book presentations, receptions, movie screenings, theatrical performances and more! Last week's event was a book presentation of Nutella World written by Gigi Padovani, followed by a Nutella Party (yum!) hosted by none other than Eataly. Do you see all the connections here?

I am on a journey of connecting the two worlds that I love most. I am not always sure of how and where it will lead, but I trust that I am being Divinely guided, and that I am always right where I need to be.

Big Love, PatriciaG

For more information on these two great places, check out their websites below. And message me if you'd ever like to join me at one of their events.

Casa Italiano Zerilli-Marimo

Italian Cultural Institute of New York

Patricia Geremia 10/17/15 Patricia Geremia 10/17/15

Reflections

Hi All/Ciao a Tutti,

It's been a couple of weeks since I've written the blog. Truth is, I haven't been up to it. I've been in some deep introspection, which tends to bring some sadness. After my self-imposed pity party, I found that reflection soon followed. I've been reflecting big time on where I've been, where I am now, and most of all, where I am going. I tend to get silent when I am in these stages of life. But if I work through it, the silence always leads to inspiration and awakening. Tough but doable.

One thing I've noticed about myself is that I tend to be drawn to photographing reflections when I am in this space. There is something intriguing about them. They reach out to me, and beckon me to capture them in time, as a reminder to awaken my creative self. Normally I might just walk by, but when I am in this space I know the healing and the knowing will be there.

It's not just about taking the photo and getting the shot. In looking for the shot, the reflection, I find myself viewing my immediate world differently. I see it from different angles, sideways and upside down, which leads me to see my past, present and future outside the proverbial box...my comfort zone.

It inspires me in a way that opens my heart and stops the mental chatter that can be so damaging. This helps me to move through it and beyond it. I guess it's why I love to travel so much, especially to my beloved Italia. I am forced to see everything outside my comfort zone and I live completely in reflection and being aware.

So I guess the key here is to try to stay in this mindset and live outside that proverbial box.

In finding my way back to writing this blog, I am prompted to share some of my reflections from my two favorite cities with you. I hope they inspire you, as they do me, to ask the question - What do you see in your reflections?

Big Love,

PatriciaG

If you'd like to, please share in the comments section below. I'd love to hear from you! 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

Patricia Geremia 9/27/15 Patricia Geremia 9/27/15

Jubilance

This past Friday, I found myself in the midst of a sea of people of every age, race, background, religious affiliation, sexual preference and even atheists. I almost hesitate to mention this because it wasn't important at all. We were all there to be witness to a moment in history and to be blessed by the presence of a man who humbly and lovingly brings us all together in Peace.

Originally my intention was to write so much more; to address the controversy as well as the celebration. In the end i’ve decided not to give the controversy any credence. I decided to emulate this man and celebrate the magnitude of the moment.

There was a brief moment where I stopped photographing and just drank it all in and it was beautiful. It seemed to be going in slow motion. Jubilance is the word that comes to mind. How one man can move so many, well it brought tears to us all. In the end, it is, and always will be, just about Peace and Love.

I brought everyone with me on Friday. All of my loved ones...All of you. Therefore, as I have been blessed, well then, so have you been blessed. Big Love, PatriciaG

"We are asked to summon the courage and the intelligence to resolve today's many geopolitical and economic crises. Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent. Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples. We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good."

If you feel inspired, please share in the comments section below. I'd love to hear from you! 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

Patricia Geremia 9/18/15 Patricia Geremia 9/18/15

Legacy in Waves

Having New York City beaches extended one more week was an absolute delight. I had the chance to venture to Rockaway one more time - yay! - to swim in the waves, bask in the sun, and revisit the place where 4 generations of my family have enjoyed their summers. What an absolute treat, and the blessing is not lost on me.

As I did my mermaid twirls in the waves, I marveled at how well my grandfather taught me how to "read" the waves. Whether to dive under, or jump over, or let them carry me to shore in a flurry of twists and turns in the bubbly surf. The memory and the beauty of it all brought real tears to my eyes. Not tears of sadness, but of gratitude in the memory of a family's love, of summers past when we all rode these waves together, and of my present summer, and how I continue the legacy of swimming at Rockaway.

As I was swept up in the emotion of my last 2015 swim at Rockaway, I boarded the A train to journey home. I chose a window seat that would afford me a view of the setting sun. I thought that would be my poetic moment, until I happened to look down, and saw what someone had randomly scribbled on the window sill of the A Train.

Buon Fine Settimana/Have a Great Weekend! Big Love, PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 9/4/15 Patricia Geremia 9/4/15

The Tomatoes Are In!

It's tomato season at the farmer's market! I love this time of year when we reap the benefits of summer's harvest. There is nothing like a homegrown tomato - the taste, the texture, the nostalgia. I have a little bit of farmer in me. My Dad and I would keep a garden every summer. In addition to tomatoes, we grew cucumbers, peppers, green beans, strawberries and more. So when I bite into a fresh tomato, it provides more than just taste, but a deliciousness of the heart.

I can't grow my own tomatoes these days, although I did try one year and had quite a nice cherry tomato plant going on my Manhattan fire escape; if I may say so myself. Alas, FDNY showed up and reminded me that it is a "fire escape" not a veranda. Fair enough...but I digress.

Allora, luckily I have the farmer's market nearby in Union Square, and I ventured over there last weekend. I had a hard time choosing with all of summer's fruits and veggies bursting with color and the promise of salads, sandwiches, sautes, smoothies, gravies and sauces. Sharing some of my 'harvest' with you with a reminder to eat local whenever possible.

For a list of farmer's markets in your area, check out: Local Harvest

Buon Appetito/Buon Fine Settimana/Have a Great Weekend!

Big Love, PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 8/28/15 Patricia Geremia 8/28/15

New to Me - Lemon Verbena

A woman was carrying a huge bunch of Lemon Verbena. It smelled so absolutely delicious that I just had to comment. I didn't even know what it was, as I've never seen, smelled, cooked with this delightful herb before. She was so excited at my excitement that she handed me a bunch. And she gave me two easy ways to use it:

Steep the leaves in hot water to enhance the aroma and herbal properties, creating a relaxing & calming tea.
Place lemon verbena in a vodka bottle; cover and shake to evenly distribute. Infuse for 5 days. Boom - you have a delish end of the summer cocktail.

Hmmm - which one shall I choose?

Try something new this weekend - an herb, a fruit or veggie, or even a random conversation. It's these brief moments in time, when you cross paths with someone special, that can create a light and a sparkle, and invite something new into your life.

Buon Fine Settimana Peeps/Have a Great Weekend! Big Love, PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 8/21/15 Patricia Geremia 8/21/15

Yes, I Am A Mermaid

Ciao a Tutti,

Just a quick stop in to share some of my ocean moments. I feel so fortunate to have the ocean close enough to visit when I need my mermaid fix.

Yes, my secret is out. I Am A Mermaid!

Buon Weekend Tutti! Have loads of fun and enjoy the rest of summer.

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

Patricia Geremia 8/13/15 Patricia Geremia 8/13/15

Grazie Firenze

Ciao Tutti, I had something else planned for the blog today, but it involves video, and it's taking a little longer than planned.

And since today is my day off, and I want to go to il mare, and since Firenze 'begins to beckon,' I thought I'd revisit this blog that I wrote in February, in her honor and with much gratitude. (plus it's a nice glimpse of winter - my other love)

I hope you don't mind revisiting along with me. Happy Friday/Buon Weekend. Big Love, PatriciaG

And be sure to cue the music...

Patricia Geremia 8/7/15 Patricia Geremia 8/7/15

Living in Color

From time to time, and for various reasons, I like to revisit this blog. (originally written September 2013) Today, my revisit is a celebration of all the work I've done to get to this colorful place. It wasn't always this way. My second reason is that some friends have recently lost their Mothers and I thought this might be helpful for them to work through the grey. Thanks for allowing me the revisit, and the reminder, that Mom always loved to see me living in beautiful, bright hues of color.

I’m not quite sure of the moment it happened. Maybe it wasn’t a moment in itself. Maybe it was putting one foot in front of the other in baby step fashion to create some semblance of life. Maybe it was in the allowing myself to live in grey tones since January; not forcing myself to be in anything other than total grief, which led to my living in total grey.

Had you asked me all along I would have just said that I was living somewhere in the midst of pain and numb - fluctuating back and forth at times, but more often living simultaneously in both. How can one be in pain and numb at the same time? Good question and one that I cannot answer. I can only vouch for the fact that it is possible. I’m not sure where in the body they both sit exactly. At times it felt in the heart, others in the solar plexus, existing in the view between my tears which didn’t evade me during my waking moments or in my dreams when I slept. Truthfully they were in every cell of my being. I would wake up and everything: my apartment, food, being outdoors, coffee, people, my insides, my outsides - it was all grey. I put one foot in front of the other in baby step fashion. I agonizingly awaited for time to pass so that the pain would subside just enough for me to be able to inhale. It was all grey....life was all grey. When you love with such intensity you are bound to exist in grey. You are a shadow of yourself within the loss.

And then there was a moment. Colors started filtering through, dissipating the grey.

Did I just laugh a hearty laugh? Birds are chirping outside my window again. Had they left for winter and recently returned? Or is it that my ears have reopened to their beautiful song? My body is also healing physically after lots of work with chiropractor, physical therapy, meditation and prayer.

I’ve returned to smiling at people on the street, and performing random acts of kindness, wanting to be in the community and living life fully once again. I have made the switch from despair and am living back in gratitude, for all things great and small. I am dreaming of spending time in Italy again, taking photos, being of service to others, laughing and loving. I am trying something new and out of my comfort zone and am learning how to paint. My very first painting is of one of my photos taken of a tree in Central Park. I call it “Wisdom” because it symbolizes such grace and strength. Grace and strength put you back on the path to living in color.

The explosion of colors has continued with the deliciousness of swimming in Mom’s pool again.

I see the blue of Mom’s eyes in her pool as I do my watery dance of front, back and side strokes and flipping underneath the surface like the mermaid that I am. Gliding through the velvety water provides such freedom and peace.

I am so grateful to my mother for creating such a cozy, loving and heartwarming place for all of us to share. I honor her, and remember her, and love her in every swim that I take. She used to look out and say “I can’t believe this is all mine,” so happy to have the dream come true of giving her kids the gift of this sacred space. And how she loved to share her gift with everyone else, her welcoming arms always open to all.

I remember how she’d sit on the swing in past summers and watch me frolicking in the pool in delight. I feel her. She is with me. She guides, consoles, encourages, and cheers me on. I always said Mom was my biggest cheerleader. Sometimes the cheers come in little whispers and other times they are huge outbursts of applause in full color. Yes, the colors are coming back. Not all day every day...but more often than the grey.

I smile more when I think of you Mom. The crying has gotten less. Not gone completely, but not every waking moment any more. And in that is the beauty...the grey can be beautiful too - because it reminds us of how special that love was, how important that person was to our existence. It is this painful because it was so wonderful. There is peace somewhere in there for me. I am grateful for the grey and I hold your essence in my heart and that brings a multitude of colors that are absorbed by every cell in my body.

I write this not only for myself, but for others who need no explanation of the co-existence of the numb and the pain. We hold a special solidarity in living in the grey. I want you to know it’s ok to be grey. Stay in it for as long as you need. Trust that the colors are coming. I promise you that they do come. All of a sudden something will trigger them. For me, it was the blue of Mom's eyes that came forth first and now the entire spectrum of the rainbow is starting to appear.

And when I breathe in, I can also breathe out, and trust is back..trust that I will be ok because I am my mother’s daughter and she is my biggest cheerleader, and she cheers me on from an angel’s perch and sends me colors of love and light.

I am my mother’s daughter and I am living in full color.

Big Love,

PatriciaG

Patricia Geremia 7/31/15 Patricia Geremia 7/31/15

Losing Weight Starts in Your Head

Hi All/Ciao Tutti,

I just did the 3-day Military Diet. I needed something to get me on the other side of the plateau that I've been hanging out in. You know that place? Up one pound, down two. Down two, up three. Mamma mia, it can be frustrating!

I like to do these once in awhile, not so much for the drastic weight loss, cos truth be told, you can easily gain it back once you return to eating your "regular" way, plus these diets tend to be geared towards dropping water weight. Anyhoo, so why did I do it? I did it to watch my thoughts and habits, and look for signs of where I need to improve.

With my food intake being limited, I noticed how much more I savored each bite, each morsel. I wasn't shoveling the food mindlessly into my mouth; which I sometimes tend to do. Also, I noticed how my mind is always thinking of food to buy. For example, I didn't realize until now that each time I'm leaving Eataly I think to myself "should I get some prosciutto? What about that olive bread that I love? And those cannoli's...oh how I love those cannoli's." Crazy balls!

Now there is nothing wrong with these foods. In fact, I can have them all, but moderation is the key my friends. Also, eating seasonally, listening to & feeling what my body needs is important. I learned this during my visits to Italy. Ask any Italian for Ribollita in the summer and watch what happens! Living in America, especially New York, where we can pretty much get anything we want, when we want it, is not necessarily a good thing. Our bodies are meant to function with the seasons. And non-GMO, organic, locally grown food is always the best choice. Except of course that prosciutto from Italia...ahh if prosciutto was a man I would marry him! But I digress.

So yeah, this all sounds great, but how do I put it into practice. Well my friends, I have the answer and it's not what you'd expect. In fact it's quite simple. It all begins and ends in your head. Yup. I can have all the willpower, diet plans and exercise regiments in the world, but if I use excuses, they turn into beliefs that's it hard or impossible to lose weight, and guess what? That's exactly what happens. Conversely, if I believe I'm going to lose weight...You got it...I do!

So this 3-day Military Diet experiment provided me with a quick drop of 4 pounds. Granted, not as much as if I was in my 20's, but it's 4 freakin pounds people! That's pretty good. The real gift it gave me was getting me back on track with that light inside that wants to be healthy and feel good and look good. It's gotten me back to knowing and believing that I can lose weight easily and healthily. And it reminded me of a mantra I used while walking the streets of Firenze. "Thank you for the easy and healthy weight loss!" I said it a cazillion times a day and I do it here as I stroll the streets of NYC.

I hope my sharing this helps you if you are trying to lose or gain weight, or to just be healthier. Believe that you can do it, and see it already in your mind's eye. And while you're doing all of this, it's really important that you love yourself. A lot!! If you beat yourself up and say horrible things in your head, you are never....I repeat....never going to lose weight! We are so much more than just our physical selves, yet we wrap our whole lives around what's looking back at us in the mirror.

I don't mean to be preachy here, and by all means, I do not claim to be a nutritionist or an expert. I just know what works for me and wanted to share in case it helps you. I know the woes of being overweight and battling with it. But it doesn't have to be a battle. It can be simple. So, I challenge you to start today by saying as many times as possible in the day, "Thank you for the easy and healthy weight loss. I love you (insert name here)" Just try it. What do you have to lose? wink

Happy/Buon Weekend and Big Love, PatriciaG

Message me if you'd like a copy of the 3-day Military Diet. 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

Patricia Geremia 7/24/15 Patricia Geremia 7/24/15

Sailing Along

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

Patricia Geremia 7/17/15 Patricia Geremia 7/17/15

Shooting Fruits & Veggies

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

Patricia Geremia 7/10/15 Patricia Geremia 7/10/15

Mom's Oasis

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

Patricia Geremia 7/2/15 Patricia Geremia 7/2/15

Freedom & Independence

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