Today’s heartfelt contribution to The Festival of Bridges comes from Joanne, who writes most eloquently about the way in which bridges have been a significant thread weaving through her life, which has strong Irish-American connections. She has just bought a new apartment and her email starts with the role of a bridge in that regard:
What sold me on the place I’ve bought is the view. I’ll have this unencumbered view of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge from my living room and bedroom windows of my new apartment, beginning next week. And the Verrazano, which connects Brooklyn to Staten Island, will be celebrating its 50th birthday next month.
Funny, over the years, I’ve collected some artwork, mostly landscapes, and without deliberately setting out to do so, I’ve ended up with about six or seven paintings and prints of bridges, some famous and some not.
I have a print that my parents bought when they first married here in New York City in 1934. It shows a stone bridge over a stream and a tiny cottage beyond. My mother told me they bought it because it reminded them of Ireland and they were both so homesick for Co. Kerry.
When I was very small, I used to gaze at this print and make up stories for my dolls about it – what was on the other side of the bridge, who we might meet, who lived in the cottage, where the rowboat would take us, etc.
A subconscious theme that has followed me throughout my life: What will happen if I cross that bridge?
Many thanks, Joanne, for a beautiful bridge-related insight into past and present and may you have happy, happy days in your new abode.
The Festival of Bridges runs until October 31st and I would be delighted if you would send YOUR contribution from wherever you are in the world. What’s your take on ‘bridges’ and which ones are significant in your life?
Simply email me with words, images, music ….. to jeantubridy@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 