Magic of San Francisco Streets

At once arresting and fanciful this series of my photographs is not only a reflection of my day in San Francisco Downtown and my walk along Post, Grant and Geary streets, but also a record of the stylish city on the brink of winter.

The enchantment of San Francisco streets is always about the charisma of individual, the song of the rare, beautiful, funny, and unique.  

 

 

Sbragia wines for the Holiday Season

My current mood is for a bit more color and texture in the wardrobe, and a glass of my favorite Sbragia wine.

Since moving to Sonoma County two years ago, I visited many great wineries in the area, but Sbragia Family Vineyards drew me most. It became very personal to me. Every time I am there it holds my imagination in a strong grasp by its excellent wines, its atmosphere of great taste and service, and its heart-stopping view from the patio. Yes, it is a place of tasting wines, but also a place of charm and spirit of California wine country living.  

When I drive along Dry Creek Road to Sbragia I stop for a minute to say hello to this exotic, but sad and out of place big Australian bird. I don't know the story, but I enjoy watching the creature and admire its effortless chic and extravagance.  

 

Provence: I had a dream, which was not all a dream

It was the early afternoon, when my cousin Caroline took me for a walk up the hill. There was the sun, there was a faint scent of lavender upon the air, there was that abandoned village, and there was light breeze, blowing the stories of forgotten life. 

Suddenly impossible silence crept down over the hills. I was at the top and could see the lands about me, warm under the gentle September sun. I could stretched out my arms with a bird gesture of freedom and happiness.

 

 "I had a dream, which was not all a dream" - Lord Byron, Darkness

Italian Food in Italy: Grateful for the Gift of Pleasure

When I am in Italy, I don't want to have responsibility for anything, except selecting food for the breakfast, lunch or dinner :) It feels wonderful, and it's like you are picking out presents for yourself from an inexhaustible magical food basket.

This may be a somewhat unusual comparison, but having just returned from Italy, I've had it on my mind...

Graton Resort & Casino: Little Las Vegas near San Francisco

I am fascinated by the design, style, and tantalizing beauty and extravagance of the Graton Resort & Casino building and atmosphere. It feels completely modern and terrifyingly relevant to the way we live in the wine country. I am intrigued how a place like that might become the center of taste, not just in entertaining, but in design and architecture, as well as music and food.

P.S. The casino is owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and operated by Station Casinos, Las Vegas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rapture of Italian Streets

I enjoy putting myself into a world of city streets, where the houses, gathering and gleaming in the sun, play along with the strangers and their expressions of personal taste and style. I always feel like it is a little performance being staged for my own pleasure, but none of the characters need to be taken seriously.

I watch these characters rapturously, while my camera captures the dazzling moments of the spectacle all the way from Foggia to Portofino.