all that is good

Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order, and leads to all that is good, just, and beautiful, of which it is the invisible, but nevertheless dazzling, passionate, and eternal form.

--Plato

Ever had one of those weeks...

...that feels like nothing but Mondays? A week where by Friday all you want to do is unplug, unwind and undo the kinks in your back and brain?

Well, then. This picture is for you.

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!

I'll bet he thought about it...

I have passed by this corner for years, hoping to get a shot of a kid with a skateboard underneath that sign. If ever there was a spot screaming for a little gleeful breaking of rules, this is it. For those of you who don't know South Pas, this is a skateboarder's dream hill: a giant megaramp with a beautiful curve. At the bottom of the hill you'll find the South Pas skate park.

But today's picture isn't the ultimate payoff I was hoping for. This nice young man didn't even hesitate, not once, in his careful stroll down toward the park. Not once did he drop his board, cock his head and think about ignoring that buzzkill of a sign. Not once did he glance around to see if anyone was watching.

I was watching. I watched as he dutifully walked, with that nice board and helmet, until his head was out of sight. As a law-abiding mom, I appreciate his caution, good sense and respect. But my rebel soul hopes he carved the last bit of that steep hill, and maybe caught a little air at the bottom.

South Pas People

The 2010 Census results recently became available. Want to know more about the demographics of South Pas? I did. And that's what I feature in my latest column and video piece up at South Pasadena Patch.

Something for Nothing

One of my home's previous owners planted these roses in the front yard. Despite my absolute neglect, continued bludgeoning from Little Bit's soccer ball and a most unseemly bit of abuse by a local tom cat, the roses bloom with a vigor unrivaled even by the most pampered of Huntington Garden's posies.

I figure, if a rose goes to all that trouble to show off, the least I can do is take its picture.

Sidewalk Greetings

Happy Easter, everyone.

I know I should be more inspired to follow suit...

...but I'm with the dog.

FYI

You will find this marvelous tree in the center of Camden Court. The circle of benches beneath it offers a grand place to sit and sip coffee for a few minutes -- especially if your kid wants to eat the sugar cookie you got for her at the McDonalds drive-thru when you picked up your coffee, and you've got a brand new car that you don't want junked out by cookie crumbs.

Good to know, right?

Caption This Photo (#60)

I know I've counted on your captioning skills a lot more than usual lately, but this one leaves me without words...

Afternoon Noir

It was a cool day and very clear. You could see a long way -- but not as far as Velma had gone.

--Raymond Chandler

Love at the Farmers Market

Springtime's bounty definitely includes more than just great organic veggies.