PatriciaG’s Blog
Me and the Elves Have Been Working ...
I hope everyone had a loving and deliziosa Thanksgiving!
Me and the elves have been working into the wee hours of the morning prepping for this Holiday Season! Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are here and PatriciaG’s Society6 Gift Shop has got you covered.
I’m so excited to share lots of new artwork which translates into gifts galore! And this year there’s something new…Society6 has added a Collections section, making it more convenient to shop for your favorite items and check out what’s new. Below is a small sampling of gift options. Oh and did I mention there are Big Sales going on right now!
So stay comfy in your pj’s, pour yourself another cup of coffee, a hot cocoa, or a glass of vino - hey no judgments here - and head on over!
A few things to keep in mind:
If you don’t see something that you’d like, please reach out and I’ll do my best to make it happen
I’d love it if you hit Follow while visiting the Shop
And if you make a purchase, it would be great if you left a Review. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Plus it will let me know you made a purchase and I can thank you properly! As a reminder, Society6 keeps customers a secret.
And as always, my bells would be jingled if you share PatriciaG’s Gift Shop with friends and family. Grazie!
Happy Holiday Season and Big Love, PatriciaG
Start shopping HERE !
Fall Foliage Twirls
I’ve been taking some mini Fall-Foliage-Twirls and filling up my well with deep hues of color and magic, delighting all of my senses.
I take photos, not just with my eye, but with my heart…if the experience of witnessing it moves me, then I know it’s something to capture.
And once captured, I have a desire to inspire you and share. I hope what I’m sharing here today helps you to fill up your well. In beauty and gratitude…
Have a loving, delicious, and heartwarming Thanksgiving. Big Love, PatriciaG
News: I’ve been working on PatriciaG’s Society6 Gift Shop and there’s some great stuff on the way. For a sneak peak click HERE and I’d love it if you share with friends and family! Grazie!
My Favorite Autumn Soup
Happy Autumn! I hear so many people say they’re heading to the patches to pick some pumpkins and I absolutely love it! Memories of my own travels with loved ones pop up, providing me with the warm and fuzzies.
It’s a serious business walking through the rows and rows of beautiful orange gourds, searching for just the right one. And if you’re like me, it’s never just one - I mean how can you decide when you’re caught up in the moment?! I say bring them all home!
I see pumpkin pies in your future - yummy! There's also the ceremonial carving of the pumpkin. Our family tradition was Dad carving scary and funny faces, with the final touch of placing a candle inside, making it all the more spooky, and us kids giggling with delight.
A tradition at Casa Patrizia this time of year is resurrecting my Autumn Soup…Zuppa d’Autunno. Truth be told, I had forgotten about this soup for a bit. I was reminded of it when searching ideas for an article I wrote for Eataly's "Hot Topics" Fall Newsletter.
Would you like to know what it is? Well, it starts with making a batch of your own homemade chicken soup. If you don’t have a recipe DM me and I’ll be happy to share mine.
While the soup is cooking, scoop out the guts of your 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 but plan on a minimum of 30 minutes.
As the pumpkin cooks, it will easily melt into the chicken soup with a gentle nudge from your spoon. At that point consider it done! It is delish! È delizioso! And it makes a nice presentation at the table too. Wins all the way around.
Life is all about balance, and having Special Seasonal Treats tickles the heart and soul...and in this case the tummy too! Enjoy and Big Love, PatriciaG
GREAT NEWS! One more thing before I go…Autumn has arrived at PatriciaG's Society6 Gift Shop. Lots of new items celebrating this wonderful season. I’d love it if you headed on over to take a look and share with friends and family! Grazie!
How Did I Not Know This?
How did I not know about this gem? How can I call myself a New Yorker? It took my friend Elena, a current NYC resident, originally hailing from Italia, to introduce me to this magical spot.
There was a purpose in her introduction, and a strong desire to turn me onto it, because she knew … she knew it would transport me to a place in Firenze that I love. And she was right. Grazie mille Elena!
As we approached Elizabeth Street Garden, a Little Italy institution (again, how did I not know this?!) it gracefully began to unfold before my eyes. With its sculptures, luscious greens, fig trees, and stone pathways it hit me - Boboli Gardens!! Behind the Pitti Palace, in the Oltrarno section of Firenze, you’ll find the vast, luscious and meravigliosi i Giardini di Boboli - the Boboli Gardens. I’ve been wandering through them on my visits to the city since 1992, and there are spots in Boboli that I have committed to memory, visiting them often in my mind’s eye. Can you imagine how excited I was?
Now, Elizabeth Street Garden is extremely small by comparison, but its size did not affect the expansion of my heart. I loved the visit so much that I returned the following week to take another stroll, soak it in a bit more, and photograph it with purpose. As I took my time, lost in this treasure, I was not only transported to Firenze, but having my feet planted firmly on the ground here in NYC, afforded me the experience of blending the two places I love most. Blending is always a bit magical for me. I’d like to take you on a mini journey for a slice of NYC life with a hint of Firenze…
Now for some bad news, unlike Italia where they preserve their spaces, Elizabeth Street Garden is yet another spot that is threatened by destruction, replacing it with …what else … housing units. ugh - so many ugly new buildings, so little time. Ok, it is for affordable housing for seniors, which is important, but there are other options, like some of those empty office buildings - hello hybrid schedules, as well as other city-owned properties around town. Allora, if you want to know more about Elizabeth Street Garden and/or donate to help them save this gem click HERE
To sum things up, back to the garden I will go, as much as possible, and hopefully well into the future. I encourage you to treat yourself and do the same. Maybe I’ll see you there? Big Love & Happy Blending, PatriciaG
One last thing before I go, some of you may have previously heard me speak of Elena, co-founder of Franky In New York. She and her husband Massimo are doing interesting and great things over at Franky. I’m honored to know them professionally, having been featured in “The Beautiful Life” newsletter, but more importantly, I am blessed to now call them friends. Sign up for their newsletter and learn about their special project “Who’s Who of the Italian Americans“ the first collection ever of Italian American biographies by clicking HERE
*** I continue to expand my Society6 Gift Shop collection and invite you to come on over and take a look. And I’d love to hear from you if any of these new photographs spark your interest as something you’d like to see there. Grazie! ***
Perseverance ... HOLD ON!
Perseverance
Those of you who follow me on social media may have already seen this photo. I call it Perseverance … Perseveranza in Italian.
I take my walks by the East River, which are getting a bit more challenging as construction from the East Coast Resiliency Project continues farther south.
Amidst the construction, graffiti and FDR Drive traffic, this lone sunflower rose up to smile and greet the sun, and me, in the process. You did not go unnoticed my lovely girasole.
Being a born-and-raised New Yorker, not many things stop me in my tracks…but this did. With the clouds looming above, and the Empire State Building standing in all its NYC glory in the distance, I couldn’t help but resonate with it.
We have been goin through some shit lately no? I know for me there have been intense times of struggle: pondering next steps, trying to get unstuck, feeling emotions that have been buried - mostly through food, dealing with chronic pain, 3 painful surgeries in 2 years, at times excruciating physical therapy, weakening of the knees: literally and metaphorically, losing the use of my arm and trying to gain it back as I type. I’m at about 80% now and the guarantees of getting it to 95% as promised are slowly slipping away. I’m not giving up yet tho!
Add a crazy former prez, and his supporters, who continue efforts to destroy our democracy, a political party who is holding the rest of the country hostage because of lobbyists lining their pockets - I mean how much fucking money do you really need?!, an obliterated Supreme Court - no words, racism, white supremacists threatening a violent civil war, LGBTQ hatred, a worldwide pandemic and all the political craziness around it here at home-mamma mia, wars in Ukraine and around the world, guns/mass shootings, women’s rights being obliterated that one can almost see the Handmaid’s Tale easily transition from fiction to reality. We should’ve known it was coming when all those ‘Little House on the Prairie’ dresses started showing up in stores .. injecting some humor here, but it does give one food for thought.
Anyway, now that I’ve depressed us all, I wanted to say 2 simple words … HOLD ON. In my recent times of struggle I’ve entertained many different thoughts, which if I am to be honest and open here, have included thoughts of suicide. I’ve not wanted to share this before because:
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to show my vulnerability and darkness
I know how it may surprise some and I’ve been embarrassed about it
I didn’t want to further burden those closest to me who were doing their best to be a lifeline
for thinking maybe it was too much to put out there in an already saturated world of angst
for not wanting to get all of those empty words of (fake) support, which some closest to me have demonstrated, and that is the worst (those mentioned above excluded)
And why are we still so awkward around mental health? argh - a conversation that cannot be resolved in this blog for sure.
In handling most of this alone, each time that I thought I was done, I told myself HOLD ON. Fucking HOLD ON! Something worthwhile is on the horizon. Don’t give up just yet.
You may be in a similar situation, or you may know someone who is struggling, so I bring this message to all of you … HOLD ON!
How? For me, I remind myself of a moment when I stood on Ponte Amerigo Vespucci (Amerigo Vespucci Bridge in Firenze) and transitioned from deep sadness to indescribable happiness. I mean there were actual giggles. As the spray from the Arno’s mini cascata (waterfall) softly rose to caress me, it reminded me that HOLDING ON is what got me there. When I felt the joy being sucked out of my life and thought I’d never laugh my deep laugh again, standing in that very spot brought it all back to me. If I hadn’t held on, I wouldn’t have experienced it. I would have been lost…forever.
I’m not saying that you need to fly to Firenze. But I’m sure you have a spot near you, or in your memory, that you can revisit. In fact I use this Firenze moment often in my meditations, or when I need to urgently call upon my HOLD ON gene.
Or, you can be taking a random walk in the middle of city traffic and stumble upon a random Sunflower that beat the odds, and is flourishing merely because it endeavored to HOLD ON. I implore you to do the same, because in my personal experience I can confidently say … something amazing is coming!
Big Love to You, PatriciaG
If you’re feelin me on this and would like to have a chat please reach out to me.
And if you’re struggling to hold on please note that the Suicide Hotline number is changing to 9-8-8.
On a lighter note: I’ve been nurturing my creative self by adding new artwork and items to my Society6 Gift Shop and I invite you to come on over to take a look. Grazie!
If you don’t already receive PatriciaG’s Blog, I invite you to SIGN UP HERE so that you never miss out on what I have to say as I marry my two passions…Photography and Writing.
It's That Time of Year...Happy (Almost) Summer
Hi all…Ciao a tutti!
It’s that time of year when we prep outdoor spaces to enjoy with family and friends, as the official start of summer is almost here.
This season always has me reminiscing about Mom’s yard and the delicious pool that Anthony built for our family. Oh that anticipation of a summer filled with barbecues, swimming, fun and laughter, filled with so much love. And this week we would be planning a special BBQ to celebrate Anth’s birthday.
The memories remind me that we always knew just how special it was while it was happening. And that was key. We enjoyed soaking it all in and I shared with Mom on numerous occasions what a precious gift it was. I find peace in that.
Mom absolutely loved welcoming people to her home for a swim and a great meal.
Recently I was adding new artwork and items to my Society6 Gift Shop collection, and I couldn’t help thinking how Mom would’ve loved some of these serving trays, outdoor pillows, beach blankets, wine chillers and more. It was a combo moment of smiles and sadness for me. But I thought … well maybe I can’t gift them to her, but I can put them out into the world for you to share summer fun with your loved ones. And that makes me happy.
It just so happens that Society6 is having a SALE from now until May 31st on outdoor and indoor items too (not leaving you out yard-free peeps) Drumroll here … 30% off Wall Art, Home Decor, Bed & Bath and 20% off everything else!
Below is just a small selection of what’s new. I invite you to head on over to my Society6 Gift Shop to see the rest. Happy (almost) Summer! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
I’d be most grateful if you share this with family and friends. Thank you…Grazie and Big Love, PatriciaG
Shop HERE
Love and Sunflowers are Powerful
I’ve been wanting to write a blog lately but have been vacillating between ‘there are no words’ and ‘there are too many words. Many of the words are angry, riddled with despair, all deeply sad and heart-wrenching. It is unbearable to watch the horrific events taking place in Ukraine.
Then there are the other words, filled with the deepest emotion, as we witness the beauty of humanity, helping us to cling to the hope that LOVE IS POWERFUL.
All of the images bring tears, yet I’ve noticed a difference. The tears while witnessing courage, unity and love are different. They give us something to latch onto with a fiercely tight grip and I am trying my hardest to hold onto those.
Bearing witness to what is happening in Ukraine, and around the world, creates a bond that we didn’t ask for, but through our tears, words and prayers, we are uniting in one of the most crucial moments of our lifetime.
Feeling a bit powerless, and wanting to help in a personal way, a thought crossed my mind. What if I donated proceeds from my sales at my Society6 Gift Shop? I went through my collection of photos, searching for sunflowers to honor the people of Ukraine. I’ve added those and some new images as well.
I will donate a portion of all sales (not just the sunflowers) from now through Easter Sunday to World Central Kitchen which is helping to feed the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, and others in need around the world.
Whether or not you decide to shop with me, please consider doing what you can to help in your own way.
A good first step for all of us is to focus on courageous and loving words and deeds, empowering what is best in humanity.
Below are some of my new products. There are many and it was hard to choose which ones to share with you today. I invite you to visit my Society6 Gift Shop to see the rest. Thanks! Grazie!
Be safe. Be healthy. And Big Love, PatriciaG
From left to right:
Sunflower Backpack, Sunflower Throw Pillow, Sunflower Tote Bag, Sunflower Coasters
Sunflowers Grow in Brooklyn: Curtains, Mug, Freedom Tower: Art Print, Desk Pad
Spring at Grand Central: Jigsaw Puzzle, Serving Tray, Tuscany Landscape: Fanny Pack, Beach Towel
Peonies of Tuscany: Shower Curtain, Tote Bag, Upside Down Streets of NYC Art Print, White Spring Flowers Placemats
Sweet Holiday Strolls
Hi All…Ciao a Tutti!
Wow - I can’t believe Christmas is already in our rearview mirror. I feel truly blessed to have had a wonderful Christmas with my family, soaking up all of the special moments - something I will never, ever take lightly again. I’m sure many of you can relate.
My intention was to cover a lot of ground in and around Manhattan for my Sweet Holiday Strolls, capturing images of the Christmas celebrations to share with you. Although I did manage to get around a bit, Omicron decided to put a hiccup in my fa la la la, and as numbers rose, I decided to spend less time in the crowds. Still, I am grateful for what I did experience and thought I’d share here with you in case you didn’t get to see for yourself.
As we welcome in a New Year, I wish you, first and foremost, good health, along with lots of love, passion, happy-heart moments, and adventure in your life. Big Love, PatriciaG
Sweet Street Strolls
Rockefeller Center, Saks, St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Dyker Lights with the Family
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Crèche
Window Peeking
Before I let you go, a brief note here on my Society6 Gift Shop…some of you have sent me photos and shared stories of the reactions of your loved ones in opening the gifts that you purchased from me. Each of those moments and snippets of your holiday have made my heart smile. Thank you! Grazie mille! I am working on adding to the collection in the months ahead and have some exciting things planned.
As for now, since your Christmas shopping is finished, you might want to treat yourself to something fun, and Society6 is having a New Year Sale with 35% off everything! Shop the Sale with me here!
Big New Year Love, PatriciaG
Last Sale Before Christmas
Hi folks. I hope you’re enjoying the Holiday Season which seems to be flying by. Mamma mia! Slow it down Santa…
I’m writing this week to let you know that Society6 has informed me that the deadline for orders is Monday, December 13 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve. I also wanted to let you know that there’s a big sale going on…40% off everything if you use the code HOLIDAY40! Cha..ching!
Thank you to everyone who has already shopped with me. This has been more than just sales for me. All of my photos have a story attached to them. Some of the stories are short ones and others need a glass of wine as accompaniment. But the one thing they all have in common is my heart connection to them. The fact that you’ve given me the opportunity to share them with you, and then you wrap them up and place them under your tree for Christmas gift giving…wow that fills my heart.
Some of you have shared how creatively you’re using the gifts and creating your own themes. So very cool! And thanks to those of you who have sent photos of how cool those pillows, welcome mats, totes, face masks and more look. So glad you’ve gifted yourselves as well.
This has been such a fun process and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to put my loves out into the world in such a beautiful way.
Big Love, PatriciaG
Below are some of this week’s favs. More at my Society6 Gift Shop.
Shower Curtains
Bath Mats
Blackout Curtains
Jigsaw Puzzles, Socks and More!
Cozy
Gratitude … what does that mean to you? Having just celebrated Thanksgiving we are hot off the practice of being mindful of all our blessings. I’m still wrapped up in the warmth of my family.
I’ve also been riding a wave of thankfulness for the incredible support I’ve been receiving for my Society6 Gift Shop. Record sales have been happening … Thank You…Grazie Mille! You all have warmed my heart more than you can ever know!
This week brought another opportunity for gratitude as I was featured in this month’s “The Beautiful Life” over at Franky in NY Foundation for the Italian Americans! “Patricia Geremia is one of Franky’s BFFs. She is a photographer and a blogger but - most of all - she’s a curious human being with an artsy way to look at life. Now, just in time for the Holidays, Patricia's art pieces are living a brand new life, transformed into tote bags, pillows, mats, trays... you name it.” See the full piece at Franky in New York and if you haven’t already signed up for their newsletter I encourage you to do so. Each month brings nuggets of Italian-American life that are fun, informative and inspiring. And there’s always a recipe in there too! Yum! Grazie mille friends at Franky!
photo credit Franky in New York
As we enter the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season I encourage you, as I remind myself, to take the much needed pauses to be thankful. Find gratitude not just in the big things, but in the smallest of moments and gestures. One recurring theme around gratitude for me is being cozy. A small word that encompasses so much. Sharing cozy moments with those we love or enjoying cozy moments alone. This was really amplified by the pandemic, teaching us to value our get togethers in a much more enriching way, taking nothing for granted, as well as finding comfort in our lives while in solitude.
Friends and family describe my home as cozy when they visit and that is one of the best compliments I can receive. In choosing household items for my Society6 Gift Shop, I kept this in mind, wanting you all to have those safe, comfy, warm and cozy feelings.
To compliment the cozy in your life, I’ve added new photos and now have over 700 items in my Society6 Gift Shop! Woo hoo!
Throw pillows and blankets set a cozy and comfy theme
For me, art in my home brings cozy memories as well as inspires an eye towards new adventures
Serving trays add to a cozy breakfast in bed or for gathering nibbly treats to enjoy while watching our fav Christmas movies
There are so many more items over at my Gift Shop - over 700! I invite you to come on over and Shop with Me at PatriciaG. And I’d love it if you shared. Grazie!
Big Love and hope you’re enjoying all the fa la la, PatriciaG
btw - due to privacy reasons, Society6 doesn’t provide customer information. If you feel comfortable, leave a comment below or message me to let me know you’ve made a purchase so that I can say Thank you/Grazie mille!
A Solution For All Your Schlepping Needs
Hope everyone had a wonderful and loving Thanksgiving! I’m still glowing with gratitude.
Can you believe it’s Small Business Saturday? A reminder to please consider supporting your local and small biz shops.
On that note, today I’m talking totes. Despite the fact that I often say my schlepping days are over, I still find myself schlepping sh*t around town. For those moments, I love having a handy-dandy tote available. It makes it easy to just toss in purchases of the day, my lunch, water bottle, hand sanitizer, etc...
“Not just great for schlepping,” says my sister Debbie, who had the brilliant idea to use the tote as a gift bag ... a double dose of reusable gift-giving, not to mention ez breezy on the wrapping, and healthy for the planet too. Wins all the way around. Thanks Deb!
As you may have guessed, I’ve created a line of durable and stylish totes, featuring some of my favorite photos from New York City & Italy.
Above is just a sampling, there are more totes, and many other gift options, at my Society6 Gift Shop. I invite you to come on over and shop with me ... PatriciaG.
Before I go, I’d like to say a Big Thank You/Grazie Mille to all of you who have already purchased from my Gift Shop. Your support has me jingle jangling all the way through my day! For real!! Big Love, PatriciaG
* BIG SALES going on NOW at Society6!
* Would love it if you shared this with friends and family - Grazie!
Totes Featured:
Cappuccino & Cheesecake, Caffè in Firenze
Angel at the Villa in Tuscany
Christmas at Grand Central
Magic of Snow, NYC
Mom’s Squirrels
Prometheus, Rockefeller Center
Hell’s Kitchen, NYC
Florence Thrift Store, Italy
Big Fan of the Coaster
If you’ve ever shared a meal with me at my home then you know that I love, love, love a well-set table. Part of the dining experience insieme (together) is to eat delicious food made with lots of love, paired with great wine, sparkling water, and served on a table that delights the eye with its welcoming touches and tones.
One of the special touches that I like to use is the coaster. I’m a big fan. It adds a unique style to your table setting.
I also love a coaster for that morning cup of coffee (works for tea too) when I’m getting ready to start my day. It’s a little gift that I give myself… the act of making the moment special, whether it’s to sit by the window to write, or getting to work at the desk. Just placing your mug on something pretty and inspiring makes it more of an event don’t you think?
At my Society6 Gift Shop, I’ve created a collection of coasters for every day, for the holiday, and for all reasons and seasons.
I invite you to come on over and shop with me, PatriciaG, and check out my coasters, mugs, and so much more! Gift Shop
HEADS UP: BIG CYBER SALES ALL WEEK STARTING NOW!!
* Flower Power (from a garden in Napoli)
* Doors of Cortona, Tuscany
* Chilled Sambuca, NYC
* Grand Central, NYC
* Looking out the window (my apartment on Via Camaldoli, Firenze)
* Prometheus, Rockefeller Center
*Empire State Building at Christmas
* Angel at Rockefeller Center
Please share - Grazie!
Add a Holiday Vibe to Your Facial Gear
I don’t know about you, but since I’ve been sporting a mask, I have not had a sniffle, stomachache or any smidgeon of a bug. Covid or not, I think I’ll be holding onto the mask for a bit.
Luckily I have created a collection of fun face masks to choose from. Here are just a few. Come on over and shop with me ... PatriciaG ... to add a little holiday vibe to your facial gear.
Big Love, PatriciaG
Holiday Shopping in Your PJ's People! My New Society6 Gift Shop is Open!
Hi All…Ciao a Tutti,
Wow it’s been a while since I’ve written. Has time been going by faster than usual for you like it’s been for me? Mamma mia!
Truth be told, I’ve been on the fence with my writing, simultaneously feeling that I have so much to say, and yet having nothing to say at all… I’ll have more to say about that (wink) in the future.
This Blog is about something new happening over here in Patricia-land that I’m very excited to share with you… insert drumroll here …. I’ve launched my Society6 Gift Shop!* It’s a place to find that special holiday gift for your loved ones, or for the most important person in your life, YOU!
The Shop finally enables me to share my artwork with you in a creative way, by selling my original photos on a multitude of products. There are totes, pillows, bath mats, serving trays, coasters, art prints and so much more!
It’s about to get so much easier for you to start crossing things off your list. I’m talking Christmas shopping in your pj’s people! So grab a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or un bicchiere di vino (glass of wine) and head on over to PatriciaG’s Gift Shop!
Above (click on images to enlarge): Angel Rockefeller Center Tote, Magic in the Snow Throw Pillow, Angels from Florence Cutting Board, Florence Thrift Store Canvas Print, Prometheus Bath Mat, Cappuccino & Cheesecake Coasters, Happy Thanksgiving Serving Tray, Toy Soldier Rockefeller Center Mask.
Few things to keep in mind:
If you find you have any questions or if something isn’t available in your preferred artwork, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
It would be great if you follow me on Society6. I’d love having you along for the ride as I’m always adding new things.
I’d be tickled pink if you shared PatriciaG’s Gift Shop with friends and family who you think might enjoy my work. Grazie!
I’ve had so much fun putting the Gift Shop together. I have a true desire to inspire you with my photos and the thought of having my artwork in your life warms my heart. I’d love for you to shop with me. I’d also like to ask that you consider supporting other small businesses this holiday season. We are so thankful for your support.
Enjoy this beautiful season…see all the sparkles, make lists of everything and everyone you are thankful for, and love the people up in your life. I’m talking kisses and hugs and tons of “I Love You’s!”
Big Love, PatriciaG
*For those of you who aren’t familiar with Society6, it was created “to provide an open platform for artists to share their art, feed off the creativity and talent of those around them and sell their original designs on an array of different products to customers around the world with a mission to introduce art into people's everyday life.”
Christmas in New York City
Rockefeller Center…Lighting of the Christmas Tree Eve
Ciao tutti,
Since Christmas is a bit different this year, and many people may not make it in for the merry and bright, I decided to share some of the sites around town, bringing you some Christmas cheer, with a few memories along the way. Hope you enjoy!
Macy’s theme this year was THANK YOU. “Dear New York, To those of you fighting on the front lines to keep us healthy. To the ones keeping our city safe. To the ones who are unapologetic in the pursuit for a fair and equal world. To the New Yorkers who stayed when others did not, and to those who have returned. To the visitors from all over the world, who are safely enjoying our great city at its most magical time of year. To all of you who stand in front of us, we thank you for your resilience. For doing your part. We thank you for your courage and your spirit which have lifted us all. To our fellow New Yorkers, thank you. Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, and a healthy & happy New Year. With love, All of us at Macy’s.”
Next up was Saks which was all about Celebration in our city. So many people say they’re sad for NYC. We aren’t sad! We are New Yorkers…strong and resilient and continue to maneuver through the challenges of Covid to maintain joy and celebration through the hardships. So people, please stop feeling sorry for us.
Off the beaten path of 5th Avenue, down to Broadway & 19th, is one of my favorite spots for Christmas window displays. ABC Carpet & Home’s Windows are in my top 3 every year! Years ago I did a ‘Girls Gone Wild Weekend’ which included Mom, Aunts Fan and Kathleen, Cousin Andrea and myself. Best pajama parties ever. We’d go see the tree and all holiday windows, do some shopping at the outdoor holiday markets, dinners out, order in…and one of the bright spots of the weekend was stopping at ABC to see the windows and buy an annual Christmas ornament. Such loving, fun and good times!
Some random shots walking along and passing Empire State Building (Thanksgiving night), the New York Public Library Lions - Patience showcased here being a perfect NY-er with his mask, Grand Central, Bryant Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and just recently during the snowstorm (yay!) Madison Square Park.
And last, but certainly not least….the epicenter of New York City Christmas….Rockefeller Center!
First, at the risk of having you think I’m crazy…well most of you reading this already know, so what can I lose LOL, I have a bit of a confession to make. Prior to the lighting of the tree, I have a tradition of going up to welcome it, apologize, and say thank you. Truth be told, as much as I love the tradition of the tree I have mixed feelings about chopping it down. One consolation is that after the holidays the tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build houses. What I recently found out in talking to CJ, the mayor of Rockefeller Center, is that it goes to the local Habitat for Humanity where the tree came from. Quite nice.
I decided to take another trip up the night before the virtual lighting of the tree. I thought maybe I can see them do a practice run or something. But what I didn’t expect was that they were pre-recording some of the performances that night. Can you say score!! And the best part is, out of what would be a 2-hour show, I happened to arrive the moment the Rockettes were rehearsing and then they filmed their entire performance! They were freezing their jingle buns off, but after 3 takes it was a wrap. I have a special love for the Rockettes as it is a Mom connection for me. She used to take us every year to see the Christmas show and for weeks after I’d dance around the house as a self-proclaimed Rockette!
For a snippet of the Rockettes’ performance click HERE
And once the tree was lit I had to go up and see the finished product. Things are a bit different this year. You need to enter on 49th Street and scan a code once you get there. You’ll receive a text with the time you can enter. Only groups of 4 can enter together and you’ll need to stand in a pod. The day my cousins and I went it was pretty empty so we didn’t have to do any of that…just walked right in…There are some major benefits to the emptier streets for us hometown people. And although they said there would be 5-minute visits, no one bothered us to leave. It was a beautiful and festive experience!
I have many more photos and anecdotes that I share on social media and invite you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook, links above.
Merry Christmas everyone! Hold your loved ones close, whether you are in person or if you celebrate virtually. Be sure to call those you love who may be alone…they may not tell you just how lonely they are so don’t assume. Big Love, PatriciaG
If you feel so inclined, I’d love it if you shared in the Comments section below.
Everyone stay safe, healthy, sane and enjoy the Holiday Season! Merry Christmas! Big Love, PatriciaG
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.
All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2020 Patricia Geremia
A Twirl with the Trees....Central Park
I don’t know about you but I’ve been feeling a bit banged up, worn out and frazzled lately. Let’s face it, we’ve all been through a lot this year. Mamma mia!
Feeling the need for some rejuvenation, I recently decided to take my butt up to Central Park for a twirl, and a fall foliage feast for the eyes. I wasn’t disappointed.
Truth be told, I have a thing for trees. They represent strength, wisdom, beauty and are truly majestic. Not to mention they provide a multitude of benefits - hello oxygen!
I invite you to take a moment and breathe in the beauty of the trees that I was blessed to have cross my path:
My visit was quite lovely. The way the leaves floated in the chilly breeze, and glistened in the sunlight, really made my heart smile. At one point I ventured over to that very old tree that you see in the photos and I let my hand rest on it. I thought, this tree has no idea or worries about elections, or Covid, or personal struggles. It just exists. I tried to absorb some of its majesty and strength, breathing in deeply and slowly, and I exhaled in gratitude.
If you have the chance, take a moment to explore the trees near you. And it’s not mandatory, but if you feel so inclined, go ahead and give one a hug! Wishing you peace, good health, safety, and a feast for the eyes and soul. Big Love, PatriciaG
If you’d like to share your tree experience, I’d love to hear about it!
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.
All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2020 Patricia Geremia
Signs of the Times
Recently while I was taking a twirl around my neighborhood, and expanding my perimeter (yay my foot is healing more each day!) I had this thought that piqued my interest. There is a theme going on around town related to Covid that has somewhat become subliminal, while also being in your face.
What the heck am I talking about? Signs! The Covid signs have taken on a life of their own, becoming part of the statistics in a weird sort of way. When the pandemic first hit epic proportions here in New York City, the sobering site was all of those “Closed” signs around town. I took photos at the time and included them in a previous PatriciaG’s Blog: Closed for Covid: New York City Like Never Before. (link below)
Now the Signs have taken on a new twist as we’ve begun opening up. Some of them are standard while others have a bit more flair. They’re on the walls, sidewalks, in windows and on public transportation, all throughout the city.
Allora (anyway) I started snapping photos of the Signs because one day they’ll only be a memory and I wanted to preserve their history in a way.
If you feel so inclined, I’d love it if you shared in the Comments section below.
Everyone stay safe, healthy, sane and heed the Signs! Big Love, PatriciaG
Link to: Closed for Covid: New York City Like Never Before
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.
All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2020 Patricia Geremia
It's Bone Broth Season!
Happy October People! We’re heading into my favorite time of year….Autumn! This time of year brings such beauty with nature’s foliage bringing a feast for the eyes, cooler temps that put a skip in my step, and it’s the gateway to the Holiday Season…Halloween, Thanksgiving and the fa la la of Christmas! Joy!
I love to spend even more time in the kitchen; cooking, baking and trying new fall recipes. It’s also a time when I bring back some of my old favorites, one of which is my annual nature’s flu shot - bone broth!
As I was making the first batch of the season, I decided to take some photos and make some notes along the way about the process so that I could share with you. Here goes!
Carrots, Celery, Onions, Garlic, Parsley, Thyme, Ginger, Bay Leaves, Peppercorns, Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric and Sea salt, and of course the bones…oh my! The beauty of bone broth is that there is no right or wrong way. Even in chopping your veggies, they don’t have to be pretty and neat. You can get as creative as you like, or keep it basic. For instance, in this batch I decided to add kale, seaweed and red pepper flakes. I also like the combo of beef (be sure to get with the marrow) and chicken bones. I like the dense flavors that they create. Plus, Grandma always said that chicken soup is the best medicine, so those bones go in.
I like to brown the bones a little first. Add a little water so they don’t stick. Then add the rest of the ingredients and cover with water. Bring it all to a boil, then cover and put it on a low flame to simmer for the next few hours. It’s really low maintenance at this point, just stir occasionally. There’s a lot of different information out there about the length of time to cook the bone broth. Some cook it for 12 hours or more. That doesn’t work for me and so I aim to do a minimum of 4 hours. This one I did for 5 hours.
Now, I’ll be honest, once your broth is done the next step is my least favorite. You have to strain the broth. It’s a messy process, as evidenced in the photos below. To help me along I tend to throw some music on and sometimes have a glass of vino. For this part you’ll need a strainer, colander, potato masher and a big pot. I do it this way because I like to get as much broth as possible. I mean, I’ve done all this work I want to maximize my efforts and get the most broth out of this deal! Helpful tip: keep a plastic bag nearby to drop the bones and larger pieces of veggies in.
Next up I like to strain the broth a second time through a finer strainer with smaller holes. I find it helps to provide a clean broth, free of sediment. Now, all that’s left is storage and clean up!
I used to section off the broth and freeze right away, but I found that was not the best. The broth tended to be ‘greasy’ at times. So what I found is best is to refrigerate the broth overnight. Then the next morning do a quick skim and then you’re all set to section off and store in the fridge and freezer.
Some tips/info that is helpful:
Keep a plastic bag in your freezer to store veggie scraps in between making your broth. Less waste plus it helps save money not having to buy all of the vegetables
The apple cider vinegar helps to draw the marrow out of the bone
I try to use organic vegetables and bones from free-range, grass-fed, humanely raised animals. Also use purified water
If you’re like me these days, you may be feeling a bit more anxious and stressed. I find that taking a moment just to sit and drink in this warm deliciousness, from a favorite mug, helps to calm my nerves
I encourage you to have fun with this. You’re doing something loving and healthy for yourself. You can drink your broth in between meals, have it as a side with your main course - hey it’s all the veggies you can ask for all in one place. I also tend to drink it while I’m cooking. It fills the gap between hunger and dinner is served!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. And if you make the broth I’d love to hear from you! Please share in the comments below.
Be healthy, be safe and Big Love, PatriciaG
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.
All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2020 Patricia Geremia
Spring Has Sprung Regardless
Recently a thought occurred to me as I took my customary walk around the neighborhood, snapping photos that I’m sharing with you here.
Although we are pretty much shut down in New York City, there’s one thing that continues to unfold, moving forward with expression and beauty, without any consideration given to Covid-19.
Spring has still sprung regardless. The flowers are blooming on cue. The trees are becoming greener each day as their leaves grow and flow in the breeze. Birds are singing up a storm. Nature is blooming in all its glory! All this is happening while we humans feel that everything we’ve considered ‘normal’ has come to a screeching halt.
This has me pondering the question…are we humans, in fact, the virus? Covid-19 has caused a pause throughout the world and as a result we can see evidence of healing. Here are just a few:
Air quality has improved all around the world while air pollution takes a plunge (yay lungs!)
Clear waters have returned to the Venice canals
There’s been a significant increase in sea turtle nests in places like Florida, Thailand and Brazil. And they are thriving
Thousands of flamingos took over a lake in India
And just recently it was reported that pollution was reduced so significantly that suddenly the second-highest mountain in Africa, altitude 17,057 feet is visible from Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, which is approximately 85 miles away!
As we humans struggle with trying to stay healthy and safe, nature inspires us, showing us the way. The expression of color and the glorious scents (oh those lilacs and hyacinths!) that rise up to our noses delighting us even through our masks.
It encourages us by example that we can flourish once again. That being said, let us begin the dialogue on how to do so in harmony with all things living. Let’s not go back to ‘normal’ because that obviously no longer works. Let's talk about how we create a new, healthier normal.
Need inspiration? Get out this weekend, even if it's for a few minutes. Take a walk around the block, or if you have a yard, sit outside for a bit. Find some beauty to drink in. If I can do it here in New York City, you can certainly find a way to enjoy nature wherever you are. And if for some reason you are unable to get out, well I offer you my photos. I hope they make you feel hopeful and encourage a happy heart smile.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the Comments section. And if you’d like to share some of your own photos I’d love it! Be safe and healthy my friends. Wear your mask and maintain social distancing! Big Love, PatriciaG
Photos taken in Stuyvesant Park, Gramercy Park and Madison Square Park
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.
All rights reserved. ©Copyright 2020 Patricia Geremia
Closed for Covid: New York City Like Never Before
Normally one of the busiest intersections in NYC, it was eerily quiet on the afternoon of April 18, 2020. (click for video)
I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head about Covid-19 and how it has affected not just my home here in New York City, but humanity as a whole.
As I continue to work through this quasi-silent journey, deciphering my emotions to put into words, I thought I’d share some of the images of a Closed NYC that I’ve been compiling. My outreach is a bit limited as I am still walking with a cane (healing from major foot surgery in December) therefore I cannot visit all of the parts of the city I’d like to, but I’m sharing with you the best way that I can.
And truth be told, I feel that these images speak for themselves and do not need words from me to describe how you should be feeling. Rather, it’s best to view and experience them through your own lens.
(click on photos for full images)
5th Avenue
Sign…Sign…Everywhere a Sign
I wish everyone around the world safety and good health. Big Love, PatriciaG
Feel free to leave a comment below. Also, check out my other photos of New York, Italy, Food and more. I’ll be opening the store for business once my lab opens up for printing.
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