Upside Down...Right Side Up...You Choose

March 1, 2020

I almost didn’t go for a walk today. It was late and I didn’t have a specific destination. The pain in my foot said “stay in..stay on the sofa and relax,” but I made a promise to myself to get out and walk each day, even if it’s only a few blocks. I’m still a little nervous crossing avenues and two-way streets since I’m a bit slow and have to get my timing down to perfection as to not to have to compete with the blinking and changing traffic lights. Factor in cars, trucks, bikes, buses, skateboarders, pedestrians, pets, etc…well I’m sure you get it.

Allora, despite the voices of doubt and tiredness in my head, I pushed myself out the door. I only did a roundabout to/from 23rd street along the two avenues closest to me. As I reached my corner, I remembered what Dr. B (my physical therapist) said to me the other day, “start walking on your block without the cane. Just one block at a time.” And so I stopped to take a moment and tucked the cane under my arm. With some trepidation I took my first un-assisted steps outdoors since December 18th!

I’m sure the people passing by had no clue of the momentous occasion that was occurring right before their very eyes. But for me, it was an explosion of thrill and excitement and admittedly I was giggling.

As I continued, slowly and precariously, up the street I had a vision of being a baby and my Mother so lovingly teaching me how to walk for the first time. I thought of how I wobbled along, putting one foot in front of the other, and the next step and the next. And in that moment I felt as if I was learning to walk all over again. I noticed my hips moving differently, my gait not quite the same, obviously the speed very different from my normal rushing about and in and out. This gentle cadence is my current new norm, slowing me down, teaching me patience, viewing my immediate world in new ways.

I had this moment of gratitude wash over me for my Mom, who taught me all of my life’s early lessons…all the basics. And in that moment, I longed for that little girl who had everything fresh to look forward to in life. Not in a sad and longing sense, but for that inquisitive, adventurous, determined and courageous little being who knew no fear, no pain, no injury or disease. I thought, can I recreate those sensations in me today? Can I learn to walk again from scratch, bringing along all that I’ve experienced, especially in the last few years? Can I learn a new way to walk, a new direction to take, not tainted by it all?

I’ve missed PatriciaG’s Blog, and I’ve missed writing and photographing in ways to convey my message. I haven’t written in a while because I’ve felt that I had lost my voice. I’ve been unsure about the direction I should take. And so I just stopped. I stopped to figure it out. But in taking my ‘first steps’ today I realized I can’t figure it out this way - not from a blank page and not from a place of inaction. I need to proceed from a place of vulnerability and willingness to not know which direction to take. The nuggets are in there. They are in the sharing, because not only do I need to write this, but maybe someone needs to read it.

I always use ‘baby steps’ in dealing with life’s difficulties..in losing those I love I’ve always said I was taking baby steps to heal; in dealing with my own health issues I’ve used the baby steps analogy; and in talking with people I care about, advising those same baby steps to them as well. But I think it was only until today that I realized just how significant, inspiring and provocatively life-altering those ‘baby steps’ can be.

And if I am learning to walk anew what else is there to look at with a fresh eye? What else needs to be learned anew?

Big Love, PatriciaG

Feel free to comment below or write me personally if you would like to share.

Would love it if you head on over to my Shop to check out my Prints & Photo Note Cards for sale. I’ve added some great things to the collection.

Friendship, Music & Art in Firenze: Decades Later

June 20, 2019

It’s been a few decades since i’ve last been to Museo Nazionale di San Marco, and a recent visit had me thinking, why so long? I love this ancient Dominican complex; rich with history, masterpieces of Renaissance art, priceless manuscripts in its amazing library, and my absolute favorite part on the 2nd floor, the cells where Dominican monks once called home and housed the likes of Fra Angelico and Savonarola!

However, this visit would have an even deeper meaning. You see, my friend Lucia invited me to her concert, “Ben Venga Maggio.” It was a last minute invite as I had recently arrived in Firenze. How lucky for me to be there at the right time! I can’t begin to explain what it does for your soul, to have your ears graced by Lucia’s sweet sounds of Renaissance and Baroque music, along with her chorus, while sitting in this centuries-old gem.

Photo credit: Quelli dei Museo di San Marco

A brief background here of our own history: Lucia, and her husband Giovanni, quickly became dear friends of mine, and it all happened by chance. Don’t you love it when synchronicity just charms the pants off of you and friendships form so easily and naturally?

Allora, rewind to approximately 4 years ago. I saw an ad, that for the first time ever, 23 masterpieces by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Luca della Robbia & more were coming to New York City to be exhibited at the Museum of Biblical Art (since closed, peccato). “Sculpture in the Age of Donatello: Renaissance Masterpieces from Florence Cathedral,” was to be led by Professor Giovanni Guidetti. To sweeten the experience, the official organist (at that time), of the “Duomo” of Firenze, Lucia Baldacci, would be performing a concert at the Christ & St. Stephen’s Church the night before.

Now, if you know me, you know that I jump at the chance of the slightest hint of Firenze being in the apple. Yes, I am fully committed (or should be) and in love with the Renaissance gem. So needless to say I immediately bought tickets for both.

The concert came first and admittedly, I shed some tears. Lucia’s music moved me so much. I made sure to tell her so, and at that point also discovered that it would be her husband Giovanni leading the art tour the next day! Being expertly guided through the exhibit by Giovanni, and oh so close to those masterpieces, well tears once again would flow. Truly soul-stirring. By the end of the second day we were friends and promised to keep in touch.

This brings me back to my recent stay in Firenze, the concert, and as luck would have it, a few days later we would meet up for an official Firenze Aperitivo. We chatted and laughed and shared what life has been since we last saw each other…and all in Italian!! Ahh La Dolce Vita.

If you’re in Firenze I highly encourage you to check out one of Lucia’s concerts. If you’re on Facebook you can follow her at Lucia Baldacci, Estro Armonico Fiorentio and/or Firenze: Musica e Arte.

And as for Giovanni he is Insegnante alla Sacred Art School di Firenze and provides personal tours as well. If you are interested you can reach out to me and I’ll personally connect you.

Lastly, I recommend putting Museo Nazionale di San Marco on your itinerary. It is a a place of inspiration and awe. Click HERE for information.

I leave you now with some of the sights and sounds of my wonderful experience. I hope you enjoy!
Big Love, PatriciaG

If you feel so inclined, I’d love it if you left a comment below. Grazie!

Would love it if you head on over to my Shop to check out my Prints & Photo Note Cards for sale. I’ve added some great things to the collection.

A Visit With Me in Firenze

May 11, 2019

Ciao! I had this idea to share some snippets of life here in Firenze. As you know, for me this isn't a vacation, as much as it is a return home.

As I navigate this city that I love so much, I thought it would be cool to bring you along for the ride every now & then & share a little of what daily life is like with photos/videos, anecdotes...More than the usual photos of iconic views of Firenze..which I will still be doing of course, but...

Figured, If you can't be here with me in person, I'd still like you to share in this experience as closely as possible.

I’m starting with some of what yesterday looked like. First, I have to tell you that I've been holding onto 1 remaining Italian lesson (for 3 years!) with dear friend & teacher Roberta.
Even when she visited NY last year & offered, I said no...we have to have our last lesson in the place we've had all the rest...Mercato Centrale...which is a mecca for all things food/cibo in Firenze...

And so, yesterday morning we did just that! We met & had our lesson. Mamma mia - glielo, gliela i pronomi combinati - aiutami/help! And I loved every minute of it!!! How did we not get a photo of us Roberta???

Allora, here are some of the sites of this place of deliciosness & how I spent the start of my day. Big Love, PatriciaG

If you’d like to take a twirl with me around the market, check out my video HERE.

If you’re interested in taking Italian classes, Roberta does Skype anywhere around the world. Write me for her contact information. I highly recommend her!!

And...if you’re interested in knowing more about Mercato Centrale: https://www.mercatocentrale.com/florence/

Would love it if you comment, write or ask any questions that you may have.

Note: PatriciaG’s Shop is currently closed and will reopen with some exciting new content!

I Want to Talk About Anthony

February 14, 2019

I’d like to open up by saying thank you for all the love. Debbie, Jorge, Justin and myself are overwhelmed by the waves of love that have poured in through texts, phone calls, Facebook posts, grat lists, flowers, gifts, donations, cards, prayers, and all those who came to honor Anthony this past Sunday.

Even though I may not have replied to all of the messages, I want you to know that I’ve read & listened to every single one of them. I’ve shared some with Debbie, Jorge & Justin and will continue to share with them in the coming weeks, as each and every one is worthy of being heard and read.

I’m not going to lie….it has been a horrible roller coaster ride. My brother had an incredible will to live. Every operation, every procedure, every painful moment, he faced them all courageously. So many procedures, operations and setbacks by things that were unimaginable. We just couldn’t keep up. Deb & I would talk late at night to try and sort through it all and talked about creating an excel document because there was just so much to keep track of.

Me? I would’ve given up. I would’ve been like ‘Ok, I’m ready. Come and get me. Basta!’ But not him. Anthony had an incredible will to live.

And he suffered a great deal as a result. No one should have to suffer that much...especially my brother.

We had all hoped for a better outcome. All of us, his family and friends, we were all in it together. But apparently it wasn’t his journey. And so, here we are.

But I don’t want to only talk about this latest part of his life. It was a small segment of who Anth, Anthony, Uncle Anthony, Ripper, Tony was. I want to talk about the person who brought all of us together to honor him because he touched us all in a unique and different way.

I want to talk about the Anthony who was a talented mother f’er!

The Anthony who loved music and taught himself how to play guitar…also played keyboard and drums. Like someone else in our family (wink Nuzzi).

I want to talk about the Anthony who loved drawing and painting, and who did amazing airbrush work. Many of you have posted on Facebook or have written me personally sharing the work he did for you. It warms our hearts that he will be remembered in this way.

The above won him several awards and the cover of a popular industry magazine.

Like my father and grandfather, Anth was also great with his hands. He didn’t always finish the projects he started. God knows there are a million of them out there still waiting to be done…insert hands in strangle pose here. arghh gotta love him!
But the one project he did finish is my absolute favorite and what I consider to be his greatest achievement in projects….Mom’s pool. That pool gave our family so many hours of joy. My nephew Justin learned how to swim in that pool! Many of you reading this had the chance to swim in it so you know what I’m talking about. It was an oasis. I will forever be grateful to him and Mom for that pool.

As Mom is gone 6 years today, I wanted to share this blog now, for obvious reasons. And, I thought it was time to share the video of her and Justin below. It’s been too painful before, but now…well I couldn’t leave it out. See for yourself below.

I want to talk about the Anthony who loved Christmas and decorating. He got, it as we all did, from our Dad and Grandpa G. Christmas was magical with them. Anth and my Mom continued the tradition and were a force to be reckoned with. They had decorations not only for Christmas but for every holiday: Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, July 4th, St. Patrick’s Day. Valentine’s Day…the list goes on and on…How do I not have more photos of their work? There was actually a spare room upstairs, that should have been a bedroom, but nooo…they needed a room for all of their decorations. And how excited they’d get when they found lights that could segue from one holiday into the next…for example the pumpkin lights that they’d put up for Halloween but that naturally flowed right into Thanksgiving. Oh joy! Mom’s house was a favorite spot to visit by people in the neighborhood as a result. Now they’re together again. Maybe they’re even decorating today. Hmm I’d like to see that electric bill!

I’d like to talk about the Anthony who loved to cook. I’ll miss his mushrooms at Thanksgiving and his baked beans at barbecues. As sick as he was for Thanksgiving he managed to make his famous mushrooms. He checked himself out of the hospital despite recommendations not to. He had to be with his family. Deb & Jorge wound up having to rush him back to the hospital the very next day. But he got what he wanted, and we got to spend one last holiday together. We even had the chance to play some dominoes.

I’d like to talk about the Anthony who loved his family, especially Justin. As Christmas approached he was still in the hospital, going through so many things. Through it all he wrote Deb & I…’You have to do me a favor. One of you has to get the Hess Truck for Justin.’ He had been buying them since the year Deb became pregnant with Justin. He never missed a year and it was important for him to not miss this one.

In the last couple of months he was talking a lot about our Dad. He especially reminisced about their times spent together on the boat fishing, and how much he missed him.

In honor of those memories, we have decided that in the Spring we will scatter Anth’s ashes in the waters where he and Dad used to fish out in East Moriches. We know he would be extremely pleased with our decision.

There is so much more to say and feel about Anth, but for now I’d like to leave you with a collage of photos that cover some of the Anthony that we all knew. Me, Debbie, Jorge & Justin invite you to share in the comments section below as well. Feel free to share a story, or a sentiment, or a prayer, or even lyrics from a song that reflects how Anthony showed up in your life.

I hope he can see this and feel all the love that’s been pouring out for him since he left us on February 9th. If he’s able to be watching, like we all hope, it would be great for him to know how much he was loved.

Thank you again on behalf of Debbie, Jorge, Justin & myself. We are grieving and are in pain, but all the love you’ve sent our way is helping us to reminisce, smile, cry and heal. We absorb all of your love and we thank you with full hearts.

Please hug someone you love today. Big Love, PatriciaG

Napoli & NYC: A Christmas Tradition

December 23, 2018

Christmas in New York is magical! Window displays that delight the senses, festive programs throughout the city celebrating the holiday through music, art and dance. And the trees...all of the beautiful, awe-inspiring Christmas trees....so many trees, so little time.

Of course there’s the Rockefeller Center tree which is a must, especially for first-timers. But, I also want to go on record to say that your next stop should be the must-see Christmas tree at Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s a twenty-foot spruce that adorns Gallery 305 in front of the famed Choir screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid (circa 1763). Twenty cherubs and sixty angels adorn its boughs, O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, you’ll be humming to yourself.

The tree in and of itself is a beauty, but what makes this all the more special is the Baroque Presepe (Crèche/Nativity) from Napoli. At the base of the tree is a scene that depicts life in 18th-century Napoli, including homes, animals, a fountain and gracefully adorned figures in silk, jewels, haloes...the works.

I erroneously used to think that the city of Napoli donated this to the Museum. It was only until I started gathering info for the blog that I discovered that Loretta Hines Howard, a Museum patron, had the idea of displaying her Nativity figures at the museum. She’d been collecting them since 1925 and in 1957 they made their first appearance at The Met. A few years later, in 1964, Loretta began to give her crèche collection to the Museum, making this an annual holiday tradition for many generations. I brought my Mom and Aunt here during our ‘girls gone wild Christmas weekend.’

I’ve included a few of my photos here, but I highly recommend you experience this first-hand, with sounds of seasonal music playing throughout the galleries it is truly magical. You have until January 6th to experience it.

And since we’re on the subject of Napoli & Christmas. Sharing here a short video I took while visiting Napoli’s famed ‘Christmas Alley’ or Via San Gregorio Armeno. Another one for the Christmas bucket list.

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale & Big Love, PatriciaG

For more information about The Met’s holiday displays click HERE

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below. And I’d be tickled pink if you shared this with friends & family.

Would also love it if you head on over to my Shop to check out my Prints & Photo Note Cards for sale. I’ve added some great things to the collection.

Got Stress? A Prescription for Rejuvenation

November 14, 2018

Stressed much lately? I certainly am. Lots going on, some things I can control and some I can’t. It’s easy to start slipping down that rabbit hole. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re in that hole until we’re halfway down and finding it just a little difficult to breathe.

Putting on my own little ‘Alice in Wonderland’ of late, I decided to write myself a prescription of rejuvenation. So I took my stressed out butt to Central Park on Saturday to do something I love…take photos. It was a date with Patricia and it was exactly what I needed.

Nature…ahhhh…Breathe in. Breathe out. Take a photo. Repeat.

The beauty of nature combined with doing something you’re passionate about is the best shot you can give yourself to climb up out of that rabbit hole.

Autumn is a most beautiful time where nature puts on a show for us. Don’t be too busy (or stressed) to miss it. And if for some reason you can’t get out on your own…well I’ve got you covered. Big Love, PatriciaG

Do you have a stress reliever that works for you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below. And I’d be tickled pink if you shared this with friends & family.

And I’d love it if you head on over to my Shop to check out my Prints & Photo Note Cards for sale. I’ve added some great things to the collection.

The Quintessential NYC Broad: Nancy Purnell

October 21, 2018

I lost a dear friend Wednesday morning. And with a crazy life schedule, I haven’t had the chance to process it all until today. Sure the tears came right away, but then they needed to be suppressed to allow for my other ‘responsibilities’ and only random moments in thought were allowed. And those random moments initially brought on regret and guilt. Why is it that when we lose someone we first turn to all of the should have’s, the why not’s and the if only’s? Is it built into our human DNA?

Today, I’m making an effort to shake all that off and have turned to the memories that honor our friendship. Ms. Nancy Purnell was the quintessential New York City Broad. Yes, that’s Broad with a capital B! She was opinionated and never hesitated to speak her mind. The conversation was always intriguing, intelligent and thought provoking, and she was a fierce protector of those she loved. And lucky for me, I was one of those people. I can hear her say “Now Patricia, you have to not get caught up in the bullshit. Get out there and do your creative stuff. Write! Photograph!” And then we’d have a martini! Yes Nancy was my martini buddy. We debated and celebrated together over quite a few.

Nancy was an artist, a teacher, an author and a sculptor. Every moment of every day she celebrated creativity and she generously shared her gift with everyone who wanted to soak it in. At any given time there was always one of her paintings or hand-painted photographs, hanging between New York City and Martha’s Vineyard; her two favorite places in the world.

Nancy’s greatest gift to me would be a memory of my Mom that I treasure and hold dear. She had come to my Mom’s house with me one weekend. Mom lived close to Rockaway beach and so we went one morning. Nancy had intentions of walking around the beach to get some photos for her hand-painted photograph series, and Mom and I were headed into the water for a swim. Well the water was so beautiful that day that we stayed swimming for a couple of hours! Poor Nancy was left on the blanket, continuing to move it further up the beach as the tide was coming in. Later I apologized to her that we had ‘abandoned’ her for so long. Whether or not she was upset about it, she never let on. Well, that day was the last ocean swim I’d ever have with my Mom, as she would pass the following February.

After my Mom died, Nancy knew how much I missed her cooking. She’d invite me up to her place and I’d be treated to one of her homemade meals. Being fed with love....ahhh...

There are so many stories, so many moments, so many laughs and so much support for each other’s exhibitions, book launches and more.

I miss you my dear friend. There is a martini with your name on it coming soon. And I will endeavor to keep my creativity flowing and ‘not get caught up in the bullshit and keep doing my own creative stuff.’ I Love You Nancy Purnell.

For more on Nancy and her body of work, I invite you to visit Nancy Purnell

So What About the Time: I Rocked the Vendemmia

October 6, 2018

So What About the Time….I had the great fortune to take part in a Vendemmia, in Toscana, a couple of years ago. For those not in the know, like I was before I actually took part in one, a Vendemmia is a grape harvest. Autumn is that wonderful time of year when the grapes are finally ready for harvest. Let the celebration and the wine making begin!

Workin the Vendemmia with my chica, Cassandra from Travel Italian Style. Photo Credit: KM Zero Tours

It was rewarding to play a small role in this tradition. Equally rewarding was the chance to breathe in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside with some wonderful people. I drank vino, I laughed, I took photos and videos, and I even stomped some grapes! Yup - calling on my inner Lucy!

Some fine stomping being done by Stef, from Villa San Michele, e io.

And what a way to end the day, making quite the exit by side car. Grazie Cassandra for the invite and thanks to Fattoria di Montefiridolfi for a wonderful experience. Life is filled with our So What About the Times…Enjoy as many as you can! Big Love, PatriciaG

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

Giacometti at Guggenheim

July 8, 2018

“Besides, we succeed only to the extent that we fail. At that point, if instead of giving up, we persist. That’s the only moment when we have some chance of advancing a little. Even if it’s only an illusion, we have the impression of an immense breakthrough.” Alberto Giacometti

(Inoltre, ci riusciamo solo nella misura in cui falliamo. A quel punto, se invece di arrenderci, insistiamo. Questo è l'unico momento in cui abbiamo qualche possibilità di avanzare un po '. Anche se è solo un'illusione, abbiamo l'impressione di un'immensa conquista.") Alberto Giacometti

The above quote by Giacometti was so profound for me I had to hear it a second time. I had to write it down. I knew I’d want to refer to it again. It struck a cord that needed to be deciphered and revisited.

At times in my own life I’ve become frustrated when my efforts, affirmations, prayers and actions seem to come up short. I want my reward! I want synchronicity! I am at my most desperate when synchronicity eludes me. It is my most treasured gift and I need it to exist and persist. Therefore, seeing this video at the end of the Giacometti exhibit was an extreme delight. It afforded me my moment of synchronicity. Actually the entire visit of being immersed in such creativity, intelligence and depth of soul inspired me. It was a reminder that it's only when we are about to give up that the breakthroughs are about to appear. It was a reminder to regenerate with determination. So persist I shall! And the invitation via this blog has now been extended to you.

There are many inspiring pieces in the exhibit, but here are a few of my favorites:

The Giacometti exhibit runs until September 12th at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Big Love, PatriciaG

If you feel inspired to share, please do so in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you. Have you ever wanted to give up but held out & achieved a breakthrough? What was your inspiration? How did you find the courage? What steps did you take? Would love if you shared.

**The Clouds Parted & I Believe I Heard Angels Singing, Napoli, Italy 2016**

Show Me the Way...Give Me the Courage

June 10, 2018

Show Me the Way...Give Me the Courage: It has been my mantra for many years. Not consistently, although it should be. I pull it out when I find myself back in desperate times when I forget to trust, and allow fear to creep back in. I feel compelled to share this now with all of the recent suicides & for those who are going through some rough times at the moment.

Show Me the Way...Give Me the Courage is a tool that I use to return to believing that I am always, WE are always, being taken care of. Even in our darkest of times we are being blessed with the experiences needed to grow. For me, most of my intensely difficult times have been my grandest teacher. I’ve had moments of pure darkness and sheer hopelessness myself. There were even times when I pondered if leaving this earthly plane might be an option - not to a point of formulating a plan, but even the hint of the thought scared the shit out of me.

Thus the Show Me the Way...Give Me the Courage was born. In moments when I can’t figure it out, when it seems like there are no answers, when I feel desperation creeping into my soul, I pull out this mantra and I say it a cazillion times a day. I’m sharing it here in the hope that it will resonate with you and be useful in your dark days. And if I may suggest, be sure to leave silence in between to allow the answers to show up. They aren't always right away, but they show up...in thoughts, in gestures by others, in photographs and/or stories that move us. So be on the lookout.

Show Me the Way...Give Me the Courage, Show Me the Way...Give Me the Courage.
Big Love, PatriciaG

For more information on Suicide Prevention, please visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1.800.273.8255.

Grazie Firenze

April 29, 2018

Ciao Tutti,

Having some very dear friends in town from Firenze (yay!!) I was inspired to revisit a previous blog that I wrote in homage to bella Firenze. While viewing it I thought, hey, why not share. So here goes. Be sure to click on the arrow below to cue the music. Enjoy. Buona domenica & 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 Shop. All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2017 Patricia Geremia

There’s a Guest in the House this Week: Straight from Firenze with a Classic Tuscan Recipe

April 7, 2018

I am so excited about this week’s blog. I have such a special treat for you. My friend Claudio, photographer and chef extraordinaire, is doing a guest spot here on PatriciaG Loves Italy and he brings with him one of his favorite La Cucina Povera recipes.

I’ve been the benefactor of many of Claudio's deliziosa meals while living in Firenze. I am so incredibly delighted that he’s agreed to be a guest on PatriciaG Loves Italy and share his very own recipe for one of Tuscany’s classic & oldest traditional recipes....Ribollita. As he prepared this dish for us, he stopped along the way to photograph the process. A double treat!! I've done my best to translate into English. Some things are idiomatic and don't translate well, but I've left them in. I've also included the recipe in Italian below, because..well...everything just sounds better in Italian.

I can go on and on about this as I'm so excited, but without further ado I turn it over to Claudio....insert drumroll and operatic music here!

La Ribollita di Claudio
Season: Winter, Region: Toscana

Curiosity: already in the Middle Ages there was talk of a soup of bread and black cabbage: a poor Tuscan dish of peasant tradition. Initially it was not called "ribollita" but "Tuscan soup of the lean farmer".

Traditionally, on Friday, no meat was eaten; A soup was then prepared with plenty of bread and vegetables, so that it could be boiled over the next two days.

For a tastier soup, the leaves that have been taken "i'ghiaccio" (put in ice) should be used, this because the cabbage is more tender and tasty in extreme cold.

There are many variables of this recipe, and they can all be called "ribollita" as long as you use dried cannellini beans (which will be soaked 12 hours in water), Tuscan bread (typical bread without salt). Last, but not least, the use of Tuscan Kale, a vegetable belonging to the family of brassicaceae, present in the Tuscan territory, which is consumed during the winter seasons.
Buon appetito!

Grazie mille Claudio! Having been in your kitchen I know that this was made with great intention and enormous love. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to blend our cultures & explore La Cucina Povera. Firenze to New York City! Eat...Live...Love! And now for that recipe....

Recipe for 4 people:

For boiled beans:
½ pound (200 grams) of dried cannellini beans
1 small onion
1 stalk of celery
1 clove of garlic

For the soup:
A little over ½ pound (250 grams) Tuscan Cabbage
Additional 6 ounces (150 grams) of Savoy Cabbage and/or Chard
1 medium carrot
2 medium potatoes
Half white or golden onion
2 peeled tomatoes
Stale Tuscan bread cut into slices
Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme

Day 1:
Clean the beans in water and drain. Immerse them in plenty of cold water and let them rest for 12 hours. Then put the beans and their water in a pot, together with the onion cut into quarters, the celery cut into pieces and the garlic previously peeled. Over medium heat boil with a semi-closed lid for 60/90 minutes.

Day 2: Prepare the soup for the 'day of skinny' known as Il giorno di magro (used in this case because meat is not eaten)

Chop the onion and cut the carrot, peel and cut the potatoes into cubes. Clean the Tuscan kale (removing the stems), the cabbage and the chard. Cut all the green leafy vegetables into strips.

In a pot, (terracotta preferred if you have) pour 2-3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Combine onion, carrots and potatoes and let them soften over a moderate heat. Add the green leafy vegetables and mix. Finally add the peeled tomatoes and cover with the cooking water of the beans. Cook for 45 minutes adding cooking water if necessary. Meanwhile, reduce 2/3 of the beans into purees (in a blender or Vitamix) and add them to the vegetable mix, continuing cooking for another 30 minutes. Toward the end add 1/3 of whole beans and season with salt.

In a bowl place a layer of slices of the bread, and cover with cooked vegetables, repeat until you use all of the ingredients. Let it rest.

Day 3:
Heat the bread soup making sure it does not stick to the bottom. Serve in a dish topping with extra virgin olive oil, pepper, and thyme.

Buon appetito!

As always, I'd love to hear from you in the Comments section below. And I invite you to visit my Shop to check out the latest and greatest in my Photo Notecards & Prints. And I'd really love it if you'd share with friends & family. Grazie & Big Love, PatriciaG

La Ricetta in italiana: Ricetta per 4 persone:

Per i fagioli lessati: 200 gr di fagioli cannellini secchi
1 piccola cipolla
1 gambo di sedano
1 spicchio d’aglio

Per la zuppa: 250 gr cavolo nero
150 gr tra cavolo cappuccio, cavolo verza e bietola
1 carota media
2 patate medie
mezza cipolla bianca o dorata
2 pomodori pelati
pane toscano raffermo tagliato a fette
sale, pepe nero, timo

Primo giorno: Pulire in acqua i fagioli e scolarli. Immergerli in abbondante acqua fredda e lasciarli riposare per 12 ore. Versare a questo punto i fagioli e la loro acqua in una pentola, insieme alla cipolla tagliata a quarti, il sedano tagliato a pezzi e l’aglio precedentemente sbucciato. A fuoco medio si lesseranno a coperchio semi chiuso per 60/90 minuti. Termina la cottura si eliminano la cipolla, l’aglio e il sedano.

Secondo giorno: Si prepara la zuppa per il giorno di magro.
Tritare la cipolla e tagliare la carota, sbucciare e tagliare a dadini le patate. Pulire il cavolo nero, il cavolo cappuccio, la verza e la bietola eliminando la parte centrale del cavolo nero. Tagliare a striscioline tutte le verdure a foglia verde.

In una pentola, meglio di coccio (terracotta) versare 2-3 cucchiaini di olio extravergine di oliva. Unire cipolla, carote e patate e farle ammorbidire a fuoco moderato. Aggiungere le verdure a foglia verde e mescolare. Aggiungere infine i pomodori pelati e coprire con l’acqua di cottura dei fagioli. Cuocere per 45 minuti aggiungendo acqua di cottura se necessario. Nel frattempo, ridurre in purea 2/3 dei fagioli e aggiungerli nel mix di verdure continuando la cottura per altri 30 minuti. Verso la fine aggiungere 1/3 di fagioli interi e aggiustare di sale.

In una zuppiera si inserisce uno strato di fette di pane, e si ricopre con le verdure cucinate, e così via fino a fine degli ingredienti. lasciare riposare

Terzo giorno: Riscaldare la minestra di pane facendo attenzione che non si attacchi sul fondo. Servire in un piatto aggiungendo olio extravergine, pepe, e del timo.

A Palm Sunday Tidbit

March 25, 2018

Ciao a tutti!

Hold the thought on the guest spot that was originally planned for today. Great things take time and we've decided to give ourselves a little more on this one. Stay tuned!

The switcheroo gives me a great opportunity to share a Palm Sunday tidbit that I find interesting and thought you might too. Did you know that in Italy it is customary to give out olive branches instead of palms on Palm Sunday? I had no idea! Because palms are not readily available in Italy they are often replaced with branches from olive trees to commemorate this special day.

The olive tree, which is in great abundance in Italy, symbolizes both the local olive culture and, more fittingly, it is a symbol of peace. At Easter in Rome you will see the Pope blessing both.

A small yet heartwarming gift from a dear friend

Blessings to all on this Palm Sunday. Big Love, PatriciaG

As always, I'd love to hear from you in the Comments section below. And I invite you to visit my Shop to check out the latest and greatest in my Photo Notecards & Prints. Above photos included in the collection.

And I'd really love it if you'd share with friends & family. Grazie!

Erin Go Bragh Over the Top

March 11, 2018

The cool thing about my family is that we had a lot of different nationalities going on. I tend to talk mostly about my Italian side but on Mom's side we had Polish, Irish, German and there were some rumors for a while about being Danish too. We had the best of many worlds!

Grandma related to her Irish side mostly, and so that of course meant St. Patrick's day was a huge celebration! First, it was all about the green. Green clothes, shamrock stickers on our cheeks, green necklaces: she had these glass shamrocks made especially for all of us. I took ownership of Mom's.

Food was also included in the color display: green mashed potatoes, green jello, green whipped cream, lime soda, I think one year she found green bagels and was just over the moon. The list goes on & on. Add that to the best corned beef, cabbage & Irish soda bread, well that was just so Erin go Bragh over the top! And so much freakin fun!

Mom continued the tradition, and I consider her Irish Soda Bread to be the best ever! So in the spirit of good ol St. Patrick I'm sharing her recipe below. I jumped into the mix by eating all of the food (lol), and was in charge of table settings.

Happy St. Patrick's Day. May it be filled with shiny shamrocks and a field of four-leafed clovers delivered right to your door! Big Love, PatriciaG

Mom’s Irish Soda Bread
In small bowl mix:

2 eggs
1-1/3 cup buttermilk
3 tsp baking soda

In large bowl mix:

4-1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 lb butter
Blend with fork
Add liquid and knead for a few minutes
Add 2 cups raisins
Add 2-1/2 Tbls caraway seeds
Grease (outside) bottom of 10” cast iron skillet
Form the dough 1-1/2” thick & place on upside down skillet
Cut a cross on top of the bread
With pastry brush top top with buttermilk to make top crunchy
If sticks to hands add buttermilk or butter or wet hands
Bake at 325 for 55 minutes.

A little shamrock fact: three leaves of a shamrock are said to stand for faith, hope and love. A fourth leaf is where we get the luck from. The four-leafed clover, or “lucky clover”, is an uncommon variation of the three-leafed clover, and widely considered to be a symbol of good luck.

Thanks to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Mom had crocheted hats for her mailbox Squirrels for every occasion.

As always, I'd love to hear from you in the Comments section below. And I invite you to visit my Shop to check out the latest and greatest in my Photo Notecards & Prints.

And I'd really love it if you'd share with friends & family. Grazie!

San Miniato...A View from Giardino Bardini

Can I Tell You a Story?

February 25, 2018

I love telling stories. This one I’ve been holding onto for quite a while. You see, it’s in the category of ‘special, very personal stories’ and sometimes I like to keep these to myself. But with the possibility of snow in Firenze (any minute now) I decided to revisit my story and thought..hey why not bring you along for the ride. So here goes.

I was living in Firenze one winter & funny enough, was getting all the snow alerts on my iphone from New York City. If you know me, you know how much I love winter, and snow, and fa la la. There was a bit of a twinge at the heart strings as I was missing snow in NYC and I was daring to dream that we’d get some in the Tuscan capital. You know, Magic & Miracles and all. When I shared it with my Firenze friends, well first they laughed, then they said: ‘Ci dispiace Patri ma non nevica mai a Firenze. Non vogliamo che tu sia deluso.” Basically, we don’t want you to be disappointed but it doesn’t snow in Firenze. Yes, over the decades they did get some but it was highly unlikely. I answered in defiance that there would be snow! Afterall I am Patrizia Queen of Snow and if anyone can make it happen it is I!

Allora, back to reality and fast forward to January 28th. It was my Mother’s birthday and I was missing her terribly. I wanted to spend the day in commemoration by doing something I had never done before in Firenze. Giardino Bardini (Bardini Gardens) had been on my radar but I had never ventured up the steep hill to get there. Today was the day. Palazzo Patrizia just happened to be right next to Costa dei Magnoli, the street that begins the uphill climb to Bardini.

Being winter, I had the place mostly to myself (yay!)

As I wandered aimlessly through this picturesque gem of Firenze I openly cried huge tears steeped in the emotion of missing, longing for, and wishing I could speak to Mom in the flesh. I took photos, and I prayed, and I laughed at fond memories. I talked to my Mother aloud. I asked if she was ok? I asked if she thought I was ok. Was she proud of me and what I was doing here, coming to Firenze to heal, to explore, to be courageous. And I asked my mother for a sign. Are you ok? Are you proud of me? What do you think of my being here? "I need a sign Mom, and not just a little sign but something I will recognize. Something that I won't have to think...hmm was that the sign? Not sure. No I want it to be an 'in my face' sign."

The following day I was home, drinking espresso and doing some writing. I noticed something out of the corner of my eye but was deep in thought so I ignored it. But it happened again. I turned to look and could not believe my eyes. Stava nevicando! It was freakin snowing!!! I quickly grabbed my phone to take a video and then ran to my beloved Arno to experience it there. When I watch the videos I can't help but be taken by the shaking in my own voice. It is with absolute elation mixed in with a little bit of disbelief! In truth tho, it was no disbelief. In those moments I knew I was in the process of receiving my sign. Mom was always the first person to call and wake me..."It's snowwwinnng!" I asked for a big sign and I got it.

The snow only lasted for a short while and while there was no accumulation, the magnitude of the joy in those moments will live on forever in my heart...and now as I share it here with you.

I hope it snows in Firenze. I hope all the people I love there get to enjoy it. It is magical and each kiss of a snowflake brings renewed hope and joy. Big Love & Baci, Baci! PatriciaG

As always, I'd love to hear from you in the Comments section below. And I invite you to visit my Shop to check out the latest and greatest in my Photo Notecards & Prints.

And I'd really love it if you'd share with friends & family. Grazie!

It Takes Courage

February 10, 2018

It takes courage to move forward into the unknown. I remind myself of this with each newly desired journey, as well as with each of life’s challenges. They may begin in different places, but they are the same in how they allow fear to rise, if we let it, and how they allow celebration to arise, again if we let it.

To decipher, to attract, to heal, to allow, to make a move, to celebrate, to listen, to speak, to create.....Choice!

What will you choose? What first steps can you take in the right direction? How will Courage show up for you?

Big Love, PatriciaG

As always, I'd love to hear from you in the Comments section below. And I invite you to visit my Shop to check out the latest and greatest in my Photo Notecards & Prints.

And I'd really love it if you'd share with friends & family. Grazie!

Unfinished marble bust, Brutus, 1532-1565 with replica of Sistine Chapel in the background.

Officially in Love with Michelangelo

January 21, 2018

The first moment I fell in love with Firenze it came with the acknowledgment that I was placing my feet on the very same cobblestones that some of the greats like Michelangelo, da Vinci, Galileo, Dante, did. The magnitude of that realization never escapes me, because also in that moment I felt as if I'd been there before; had already made my imprint on these tiny blocks of stone. Patrizia Fiorentina, if you will. Truth be told, friends can attest to the fact that after a few glasses of wine I've been known to admit that I was Michelangelo's lover back in the day. His favorite in fact! But this is a story for another time.

What I really want to share today is how blessed we are in NYC to have a once-in-a- lifetime exhibition (mostra) currently showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Michelangelo: Divine Draftsmen & Designer. Selected from 50 public & private collections in the U.S and Europe, this exhibition celebrates my man's genius as a supreme draftsman & designer, and consists of 133 of his drawings, 3 of his marble sculptures, his earliest painting & so much more.

Open until February 12, 2018 - Treat yourself & go see this!

My love for this man grows each time I have the great fortune to be in his genius. And for that reason I went back for a second visit this week. Although I loved everything in the collection, it was this fragment of a large charcoal mural that lured me back. I had to stand in front of it once again, and marvel at the prospect that I may be standing in the same spot Michelangelo did, as he randomly sketched on the wall of his ancestral villa in Settignano.

Mural Fragment of a Male Nude: detached from its original location this is the only surviving monumental drawing of his early period, 1501-5. Vasari wrote in 1550 that the artist had a habit of randomly drawing on "paper & walls' in his youth. — *Mural Fragment of a Male Nude: d*etached from its original location this is the only surviving monumental drawing of his early period, 1501-5. Vasari wrote in 1550 that the artist had a habit of randomly drawing on "paper & walls' in his youth.

I try to wrap my mind around his process. As a writer I know the method (and sometimes agony) of staring at a blank page. As I compare my building of words to his building of works of art to form un disegno, I am overwhelmed with emotion at the vastness of his brilliance. For example:

"These vigorous studies were probably for the famous outstretched arm of God the Father in the Creation of Adam fresco."

One last thing before I go, if you've seen the facade of the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Firenze, you might be intrigued (like me) by M's early sketches, which never came to fruition.

Rumor has it that Michelangelo started working on plans to design the façade. However, he was commissioned by Pope Leo X to paint the Sistine Chapel. Although, it's also said that the project was shelved because of budgetary reasons, Michelangelo wi… — Rumor has it that Michelangelo started working on plans to design the façade. However, he was commissioned by Pope Leo X to paint the Sistine Chapel. Although, it's also said that the project was shelved because of budgetary reasons, Michelangelo wishing to use white Carrara marble rather than inexpensive marble. We know how he loved that white Carrara. Hello David!

I'm certain this won't be the last you'll hear of my love for Michelangelo. I mean, we've been doing this dance for centuries so there's a lot to cover. In the meantime, if you're in NYC, I welcome you to surround yourself in my man M's genius. The exhibition is open until February 12th. For more info click here. Buon divertimento & Big Love, PatriciaG

Leather portrait circa 1600 by Federico Zuccaro. Portrayed in the guise of M's own creation: his pose & dress emulating those of his sculpture of Moses on the tomb of Pope Julius II in San Pietro Vincoli, Roma.

As always, I'd love to hear from you in the Comments section below. And I'd really love it if you'd share the blog with friends & family. Grazie!

Up Close & Personal with Michelangelo in NYC

July 13, 2017

Ciao a tutti,

I’m always on the hunt for references of Italy popping up in NYC. It’s not just to feed my obsession & love for Italy, but it’s also my desired mission to bring cultures together to show how we are all connected in some way, and that our similarities can outshine our differences.

As you can imagine, I was just giddy when I heard about the arrival of ‘Up Close: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel' at the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center.

I’ve been fortunate to have visited the Sistine Chapel in Rome and have always been in awe as I craned my neck to look way up there to bear witness to M's genius. Being given the chance to get up close and personal with these near-original sized photographs of the frescoes was a real treat.

The photographs were taken by Austrian photographer Erich Lessing, who printed them through a unique process on cloth. I marveled at the juxtaposition of these Renaissance frescoes now being shared in a modern setting at The Oculus, which is a work of art in itself. Following the images from ground level up to the ceiling of the Oculus gave it a new dimension that truly inspired me. With a desire to inspire you, I'm sharing some of my images and a short video.

The exhibition runs until July 23rd. You can get tickets here.

I invite you to visit my Shop where you'll find my collection of Photo Notecards and Frame-able Prints. I'm always adding something new so check-in periodically.

As always, I'd love to hear from you on this or any of my previous blogs. If you feel inspired, please write me in the Comments section, and I'd really love it if you'd share the blog & my Shop with friends & family. Grazie!

'Tis the Season: A Family Recipe

December 8, 2016

Ciao a tutti, As baking season returns I thought it would be a good idea to repeat a post from last year, sharing a fav family recipe that winds up to be a huge hit. Enjoy & happy baking!

Christmas is in full swing at PatriciaG Loves Italy. 'Tis the season to revisit treasured holiday decorations, favorite tunes, tree ornaments, and of course....recipes! Oh yes, the recipes!

I’d like to share a family favorite with you, in case you’d like to whip up a batch of your own in time for Christmas. (Sorry to my friends outside U.S. you’ll have to do your own converting to grams/kilos. For all the time I’ve spent in Italia you’d think I’d have this down by now. tsk tsk) Baking these cookies, and decorating my home, remind me of the wonderful Christmas’ past, and I send some lovin up to the heavens in gratitude, for instilling such heartwarming traditions. Some of my loved ones may not be here physically, but I feel like they’re visiting me as I recreate these wonderful rituals & start new traditions of my own.

Ok so here goes....drumroll here.......

Walnut Butter Ball Cookies

Ingredients:

1 lb (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

4 tsp vanilla

1-1/2 tsp salt

4 cups sifted flour

2 cups finely chopped walnuts

1 bag confectioners’ sugar - for coating the cookies

Go for it:

Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add vanilla and salt.
Beat mixture until it is combined well.
Add flour, beat the dough until it is combined.
Fold in the walnuts. I like to use a wooden spoon.
Chill dough, covered, for at least 2 hours or overnight. (honestly, I do not have time for this chilling biz, so I did it for 1/2 hour and they turned out fine)
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I use a teaspoon as a gauge.
Arrange balls about 1 inch apart on baking sheet. Note: don’t grease cookie sheet.
Bake in center of a 350° oven for 8 - 12 minutes
Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheets
Toss the warm cookies in a bowl of confectioners’ sugar - coat well

Makes approximately 150 cookies (if you don't eat the cookie dough as you're going along.)

Enjoy, Merry Christmas & Big Love, PatriciaG

PatriciaG's New Collection is Here!

November 23, 2016

Ciao a Tutti!

I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Our family got together in Long Island, keeping the cooking traditions of Mom and Grandma alive. We also kept the tradition of late night game playing of dominoes and rummy tiles! We stayed up til the wee hours of the morning, laughing, talking, reminiscing. It was so much fun. A big thanks to Debbie, Jorge, Justin & Molly for hosting us and creating this wonderful space for us to come together. I absolutely love this tradition and am so very thankful for my family.

I’m also grateful to all of you who take the time to read my blog, and write me here, or through social media, letting me know how my photos touch you or remind you of something special in your own lives.

I was very blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to Italy again this year. It is my other love, and my heart is full each time I have the opportunity to spend some time in this magical place.

**The Clouds Parted & I Believe I Heard Angels Singing, Napoli**

Last week I gathered all of my new photos, that touch my heart, and I created a new collection of Photo Prints and Photo Notecards. I am so excited to share my new collection with you. It was so much fun capturing the photos, and I truly hope that the emotions I experienced at the time are conveyed to you, and make your heart smile as they do mine.

Walk over Brooklyn Bridge with the Family

I'm sharing just a few of the new images with you here. I invite you to visit my Galleries to see the full collection. And as a gesture of thanks to all of you, I’m offering Free Shipping on all orders starting today, just in time for Small Business Saturday! Just use the secret code Happy Holidays at checkout, and shipping fees will automatically be deducted. This is a limited time offer, available through December 2nd.

Thank you once again for all the love you show me throughout the year. I am truly, truly grateful.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday Season.

Buon Weekend & Big Love, PatriciaG

Please consider supporting your small local businesses as you shop this holiday season. It's how we make our living and are able to live our dreams. Thank you. Grazie. "Show Your Love. Shop Small."