Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens, is capturing the lampposts and trees around NYC that have come alive with messages and pleas. These are the voices of the streets that will not be silenced until all of the hostages return home. Listen up Tomatoes. There is an incredible Elton John extravaganza happening at Christie’s auction house at Rockefeller Center right now. If you love flowers, check out the Camellias at the Planting Fields, and the Orchids at the NYBG. Have you heard the news? A new Port Authority Bus terminal is in the works. Let’s hope they keep Ralph Kramden’s statue there. And Sandi Durell has posted a beautiful tribute to Chita Rivera in photos.

Now – Feb. 21. Elton John’s Home at Christie’s

Time Out New York reports that Christie’s auction house at Rockefeller Center will transform into an Elton John-inspired spectacle, when the contents of two live and six online sales of some of the iconic artist’s most prized possessions will be put on display throughout the space. You will feel like you are walking through his home. And it’s FREE!

“The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road” features a vast variety of interesting items from John’s Atlanta home on Peachtree Road, including a collector’s edition pinball machine designed by John Youssi and JP De Win for Jersey Jack Pinball and signed by John to costumes from the star’s personal closet, pieces from his jewelry and watch collection and important photographic works by the likes of Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus and Irving Penn, among others. GET THE DETAILS.

Until They’re Home

Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:

As the hostage release deal continues to be negotiated, I continue to bear witness and document the humanitarian effort world over. In my own New York neighborhood since October 7th, the lampposts have come alive with messages and pleas. The trees are screaming loud and clear. I take solace living in a socially active and relentlessly dedicated community, that speaks up for those who cannot.

The notes taped over package-taped posters, the handwritten messages scribbled in Sharpie, and the stately urban trees swathed in blue and yellow ribbons of return, achingly remind New Yorkers that the hostage crisis is a global concern. The captured civilians were from over 25 countries and include Americans. These voices of the streets are added to daily and will not be silenced until all of the hostages return home. I will continue to photograph and post as much as I can until then as well. Amen.

~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/

Feb. 17-18. The Camellia Festival at the Planting Fields

The Planting Fields in Oyster Bay are a true delight all year long. One of their many special events is just around the corner —the annual two-day Camellia Festival. Enjoy light music and be amazed by the variety of colors and gorgeous blooms! Your tickets will grant you access to Coe Hall, the center of activity throughout the festival with music, watercolor painting crafts, activities, a typewriter poet, tea tastings, learning experiences for all ages, shopping, self-guided tours through Coe Hall and so much more!

The Camellia Festival has something for absolutely everyone, whether you enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Camellia House, create special moments with family, or want to learn more about our historic, rare and extensive collection of Camellias. GET THE DETAILS.

Feb. 17-April 21. The Orchid Show: Florals In Fashion

Strike a pose! The Orchid Show brings the catwalk to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden in a fashion-inspired celebration of all things orchids. Catch the bold new designs of New York’s rising stars of the stitch with work by Collina Strada by Hillary Taymour, Dauphinette by Olivia Cheng, and FLWR PSTL by Kristen Alpaugh, fashionistas sure to create dramatic, picture-perfect floral displays at the Garden that always capture the orchid’s good side. This is your chance to “walk the runway” and show off your own personal flair, your love for orchids, and your fashion-forward connections to the natural world. Because florals are always en vogue at NYBG. Get the details.

A New Modern Port Authority Bus Terminal is Coming to Midtown

First there was the beautiful Moynihan Hall, then the new Grand Central Madison and now 6SqFt reports that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has  unveiled an updated design for the project to build a new modern Midtown  terminal to replace the rundown 73-year-old bus terminal–the world’s busiest. . The terminal will cost $10 billion and take eight years to build, with construction potentially starting as early as this year.  Read More.