One of my favorite scenes in The Gilded Age was the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883. And the bridge just got a lot brighter with the illumination of its famous towers. Join me on Jan. 29 for a (free) and inspiring event. There is a fabulous outdoor art exhibit at Madison Square Park. AKC returns to Javits for its “Meet the Breeds.” Our roving photographer takes us on retro tour of Palm Springs. Our Broadway Babe is back this week with more amazing nostalgic YouTube entertainment. And if you’re overwhelmed with stress, check out this February women’s retreat.

Our Iconic Brooklyn Bridge

I loved this must-read story from 6sqft this week on the new lighting installations at the Brooklyn Bridge. The last time the bridge’s towers were illuminated was in 1983 for its centennial celebration.  Last May, the Arches underneath the bridge re-opened and just this week Mayor Adams banned all the illegal vendors so you can walk the bridge again without a traffic jam.

The history of the bridge is fascinating, and as The Gilded Age portrayed, the unacknowledged credits for making the bridge a reality at the time go to Emily Warren Roebling. The Brooklyn Bridge has an amazing history and one of the best books about it is the Great Bridge by historian David McCollough.

Broadway Babe: The original “Merrily We Roll Along” and More

Randie Levine-Miller, our Broadway Babe, has come up with some nostalgic theatrical finds including a reunion concert from 2002, with the original cast of “Merrily We Roll Along”; some terrific footage from a gala Chorus Line event; The American Film Institute tribute to legendary star, Julie Andrews; and a TV special from 1959 with Rock Hudson and Tallulah Bankhead… Now how’s that for a combination? Watch the videos.

Roving in Palm Springs

I was fortunate to make a quick getaway to California and cross Palm Springs off my bucket list. It was exactly as I had imagined, a true “cartoon town”. The most vivid colors applied to the simplistic prevailing mid-century modern architecture, surrounded by endless dessert mountain ranges, set a unique stage.

I was most interested in seeing  the many hotels that have been well documented and I was honored to be able to photograph some of them myself. Shown here are the Trixie Motel, the Saguaro Hotel and the Delos Reyes Hotel, classic examples of what Palm Springs aims to preserve.

The retro fashion of the furnishings and the bright hues chosen, successfully convey a good time and relaxing vibe. The contrast against the perfect sky blue sky, is uplifting. With Palm Springs off my bucket list, I may have to move it to my happy place list!

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/

A Life Changing Retreat

Do you feel overwhelmed with anxiety? Join Brett Cotter for an experience of rich emotional relief with his highly effective Stress is Gone Method. It’s a healing modality that guides you to open up and release all the anxiety, emotional pain, and trauma held inside your mind and body. This includes compassionate coaching, music, movement and meditation. Immerse yourself in a fun, supportive group environment.  GET THE DETAILS.

Tulle at Madison Square Park

Photos Anamaria Hernando art Instagram

You must take a stroll through Madison Square Park.  The park’s Conservancy has announced its latest outdoor art exhibit, Ana María Hernando: “To Let the Sky Know / Dejar que el cielo sepa.” They describe her sculptures in an abundance of tulle—the sumptuous fabric netting—across the lawns in Madison Square Park as a  series of “beauteous, atmospheric clouds and a cascading waterfall that float above and alongside viewers.”

According to the Conservancy, tulle is a material often associated with hiding secrets by concealing aspects of women’s identity. In petticoats, tulle was the unseen layer that helped enhance a woman’s waist but hid her legs under a voluminous skirt silhouette. Tulle is also traditionally sewn into bridal veils so that the wearer’s face will be carefully masked behind a scrim of white. Tutus in tulle became bell-shaped forms that hover around a ballet dancer, encircling her upper and lower body with mystery. Read more about the artist.

Attention Dog Lovers

If you’re a dog lover, surround yourself next week at the American Kennel Club’s “Meet the Breeds” event.  Meet and learn about different breeds, get advice from professional dog trainers, and attend some of the terrific and fun events. Perfect for everyone and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Get the details.