Rocco Galatioto, nice photos and good food

My beloved Castellammare del Golfo. 

What's very special about Hew York is it's myriad of ethnic groups all becoming Americanized but all retaining their cultural traditions. These photos were shot at Bishop Boardman apartments an apartment for seniors that is owned and operated by Catholic Charities. I was shooting a festival there and among the various groups were these Chinese folk dancers who despite their  age danced with verve and aplomb.

This photo is one of  the early ones that put the photography bug in me. Shot with a Kodak Retina folding 135 camera that we had borrowed for a trip to Europe, this pivotal picture was a kind of life changing experience. I have posted it before but it's worth a second look. The film was Kodachrome II that kept it's colors well.

Sometimes you shoot or want to shoot at anything that is available. Here at the Barnes Museum in Philadelphia I was looking to make an image or two and suddenly I shot through the lobby's windows. Perhaps an act of desperation on my part.

As we get ready for another long winter I dream of Sicily. Green, full of wild flowers with temperatures that will not dare go anywhere near freezing. Bliss. These images are from the contrada Visicari of Castellammare del Golfo. The photos were shot in January of 2013. Only the claudy sky that presaged rain reminded one that it was winter.

Eating well is the best revenge but eating tasty and healthy food is super sweet. This is my usual Sicilian pre-lunch snack - after my cappuccino and cornetto - in order to chase away any free radicals. You get the idea. This simple dish has all the ingredients for a happy meal: bread, tomatoes, cheese, olives, olive oil, basil and sea salt. As for the flavor..pure joy. Because of the holidays andall that they can bring in terms of hurrying, stress and the temptation to indulge in fast foods, this post is intended to underscore the importance of eating well. Happy shopping.

The main purpose of this blog is to provide a peaceful place to visit while browsing the web. A respite from the hype and noise that bombards us in ever increasing frequency. These two shots from very early digital days, convey such sense  of peace.