Unexpected Blooms

There are several little details about South Pasadena that I hope never change. I'm not talking about huge, important things like the parrots or the old buildings. I'm talking about the little stuff like the squeaky, century-old chairs at the library, the headless statue on Arroyo, the cockeyed lamp on the gate in Oaklawn and this ridiculously wonderful pink lawn. Every spring I wait for it to erupt and when it does it always makes me happy to be alive.

There are many other, more traditional heralds of springtime -- plenty of jasmine, roses and bees -- but this giant pink swath is like calliope music outside the symphony hall.

Don't be so serious, it says. Have a little fun!