NYC: no place like it. I am always amazed at the energy of New York City. A most opportune time to witness the vitality of this city is during its preparation for the holiday season. While many of the infamous store windows are cloaked in brown paper, anticipation and excitement truly abounds.
This past week, I attended the annual Salon: Art + Design show held at the historic Park Avenue Armory. A collection of some of the world’s finest galleries come together to share a portion of their treasures. For an interior designer, this is truly a “candy shop” of dreams. Museum-quality antiques, vintage wares, and contemporary masterpieces are displayed and made accessible for purchase. A single stroll through the aisles is simply not enough. Too much to absorb. This is an opportunity to see, touch, and experience the finest. Thus, I did. As a designer, there is a feeling you get inside when such incredible furnishings lie before you. I suppose it is validation of one’s career selection in life.
As the calendar shows “November”, one can be assured there was much festive bustle brewing. As I headed down Fifth Avenue, my eyes caught the incredible, massive “jewels” hanging on the exterior of a building. Within a split second, I knew it was the work of Tiffany’s. Farther down the avenue, I spotted the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Though it was in place, it was wrapped in scaffolding for its adornment of lights and baubles. It was like seeing magic simmering!
Radio City Music Hall is home to the quintessential holiday pageant: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. With the Rockettes kicking the season off early, the landmark was dressed and ready. It was simply electrifying to see!
Although Christmas Day was more than a month away, one could easily sense the excitement. Discussions of gift selections could already be heard from the passersby with their packages, toboggans and gloves. Even the Salvation Army ringers were already in place. The “most wonderful time of the year” was just around the corner. You could feel it everywhere.
While the holidays are not necessarily happy for everyone, I suppose it is a yearning for peace and New Year’s hope of a better tomorrow that unifies us all.
As I stood there breathing in the crisp air of autumn, I was in awe, once again, of the energy and magic this city continuously exudes. Suddenly, my foot was run over by a stroller while the mustard garnish of a half-eaten pretzel smeared my coat sleeve. All the doings of a fellow visitor. NYC: no place like it.
This was a Moment in America.
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