HAERR TRIPPIN'

Losing Fern...

A gaping void opened in my world on February 10th when my dear friend Fern passed away. Are you familiar with The Dash? This famous inspirational poem focuses on the small dash that separates the date of birth and the date of death on a tombstone, representing the life lived in between. Fern had the most wonderful dash, filling her almost 99 years with family, memories, loves, charitable works, travel, and most importantly for me, friendships.

There is not enough space here to fully share all this amazing woman meant to me. She has been on this blog numerous times and you can learn more about her here. Since she was such a fan of the haiku, I wrote one just for her:

An inspiration.

A force to be reckoned with.

Someone loved deeply.

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Modernism Week: Kick-Off

We spent last night in Palm Springs in order to get fantastic seats for the Modernism Week's Kick-off Free Event, the Walk of the Stars Re-Dedication for First Lady of Modernism Week Nelda Linsk's Star.

To know the Lady, you have to know this iconic photo. A high-fashion New York magazine once described Slim Aarons’ 1970 photograph Poolside Gossip as “the quintessential image of high-class leisure” showing “two queens of Palm Springs society: Helen Kaptur, in a white lace pants outfit with a bare midriff, hair teased and fully lacquered, and Nelda Linsk, in yellow palazzo pants — both improbably lounging in full sunlight by Linsk’s seminal midcentury home, designed by Neutra, and known as the Kaufmann House." Everything about this photo has launched a Palm Springs love affair for millions, us included.

A fantastically thorough retelling of Nelda's incredible life can be read here. I highly recommend that you take a moment. She is a woman one should know.

About this spectacular event- Nelda Linsk received her star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in 2018, sponsored by Modernism Week. It broke records for attendance at a star dedication. Beloved long time resident, Nelda arrived in Palm Springs in 1962 and has been a continuing influence on the culture, architecture, fashion, art and design of the city. We had arrived so early, as did the lovely woman next to me, Beverly, that we became fast friends. Palm Springs is still such a small, intimate town.

Mrs. Linsk arrived in style and I was happy to be a paparazza.

This celebration featured a who's who of Palm Springs dignitaries. Thankfully we were given a lovely program with which to follow along. The attention to details was amazing.

What I gleefully discovered is that this stunning woman was more than just a gal in a yellow outfit. Learning so much more about her made me realize just how special being there for this event was.

When she lost her husband Joe in 1983, her life shifted and she drew on her architectural knowledge and deep community ties, becoming a top-producing real estate agent. She handled some of the valley’s most significant modernist properties, believing each sale was an act of stewardship. In addition, her civic involvement extended far beyond architecture. She served on the Desert Hospital Board of Governors and on the boards of Act for Multiple Sclerosis and Palm Springs International Film Festival, and continues to support the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center. Philanthropist being one of the many fashionable hats she wears so well. Wow!

What an honor to be a part of it all.

Afterward, we were invited to meet Nelda, and of course, be photographed with her. Upon our meeting, I told her that she didn't know me but that I was so happy to there. Her response, "Well, I'm so happy you were here!"

I am now an official member of the Nelda Linsk Fan Club (if there isn't one I may have to start one).

After being thoroughly entranced by our morning, we ventured into the Hyatt, which is hosting Modernism Week's headquarters- CAMP.

It's a groovy space to meet others and just relax when a tad overwhelmed my all the midcentury magicalness.

Oh, and our favorite, KOFFI, serves free coffee. Too cool.

There's even a space for budding architects to design. Fun stuff.

Almost everywhere in Palm Springs JOY can be found.

An extra special end to our current Palm Springs escape was the connecting with Lake Tahoe friends. Erin & Darin, along with Sharon, have spent several weekends here this winter. I'm giddy that our schedules overlapped today. Lunch al fresco could not have been more wonderful.

And not wanting it to end, we strolled to the top of the Rowan for poolside gossip of our own.

And drinks at the bar!

Nothing like stating the obvious!

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Palm Springs #1 in 2026

It's late and our first visit to Palm Springs in 2026 has been a very full one. Please excuse my brevity. It was amazing and tomorrow promises the same.

The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory always has something going on. I have been a fan for years.

We were there for a 2 PM LP and the Vinyl concert.

These four San Diego-based musicians came together with a purpose: explore the art of song in their own unique way! Renowned jazz, blues and gospel singer Leonard Patton teamed up with the critically acclaimed Danny Green Trio to form LP And The Vinyl. The band’s wide array of influences includes everything from jazz, R&B, and rock, to 80’s and 90’s hits, Brazilian music, and classical music. What an incredible show (they played everything from the Beatles to Tears for Fears... Wow!).

Next we went to the Observatory for Sun Days, "an opportunity to get up close and personal with our closest star: the Sun." Sadly, it was so overcast, there was no Sun to ogle.

It was fun to speak with the experts. I know we'll return when the weather is right.

The Welwood Murry Library is exhibiting one man's PEZ Collection. On display are 700 (of his 4,000 pieces) unique Pez dispensers, along with incredible history.

We learned so much. Did you know that the word PEZ was created using the first, middle and last letter in the German word for peppermint, PfeffErminZ? It was first introduced in Vienna in 1927 for adults as a breath mint and alternative to smoking.