Dressed for love

Looking back, I notice that I frequently post about the Second Tyme Around Shoppe. Just last month, I wrote about their winter-themed window displays. This month, the display, with hearts and pink and red clothes, is perfect for Valentine's Day. And this time, I finally realized what keeps me coming back.

It's not just that the displays are colorful and appealing. Rather, it's that somebody here (or most likely several somebodies) cares enough to take the time and thought to make the displays attractive. Somebody cares enough to want this thrift store to be a success.

And that's important, because proceeds from the store benefit the Assistance League of Downey and their numerous philanthropic projects. Among their programs is Operation School Bell, which provides new clothing to school children, and HOME (Housing of Medical Emergencies), a 10-unit apartment complex that serves relatives of patients at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.

So stop by sometime, and see for yourself.

Colors

I am a sucker for colorful flowers. I actually took this some time ago at Furman Park while on a walk. It always seems like they can't be real....they are so brilliant.

"Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways." 
~ Oscar Wilde

Tie a pink ribbon

Yesterday I showed you breast cancer awareness in the storefront. Today, I promised to show you the city's efforts at promoting awareness.

But then I got to thinking—I really don't know who is responsible for these pink ribbons that line a couple of blocks of downtown Downey Avenue. My usual source of information—Google—turned up nothing.

And I don't know if these ribbons with their cards are honoring breast cancer survivors or breast cancer victims.

Either way, the ribbons do promote awareness, and remind us to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

We're stronger together

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer).

The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was founded in 1992 by the late Mrs. Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the Pink Ribbon, the universal symbol for breast health. This year's slogan is "We're stronger together."

The Downey Assistance League in downtown Downey is doing its part to promote awareness. Tomorrow I'll show you what the city is doing.

Dancing with the heart part 2

After the elegance of the all-white costumes of their first dance, Folklor Pasion Mexicana's next number at Wednesday's Concert in the Park was full of color, and just as much fun.

"In the pink"

I came across this beautiful pink car on my morning walk. After looking at some of the pictures on line, it looks like a '58 Cadillac. I don't really know what it is, but I love that everything about it is pink.

The phrase "in the pink" has been used over time to indicate being in the best of health, in the best condition. Sometimes it refers to the best quality. If this car is really 55 years old, I would certainly be willing to admit it's looking good enough to be considered "in the pink."

Pretty in pink

Furman Park is only a few blocks away from where we live, so I often head to the park to walk the dog or for a little exercise.

One of the things I like about the park is the variety of trees. One of my favorites has been in bloom for a while. It's this amazing pink canopy of color and it's right in the middle of the park. I've decided to call it an Orchid tree for lack of better information.

Not only is the tree a profusion of color, but the ground is blanketed with these darkening pink blossoms that seem to float to the ground as you simply stand and watch. It feels just a little magical.

The dream bike

The classic car show at the Downey Street Faire last Saturday had a section for the kids. There were kid-sized versions of classic cars, and bikes that were fancier than anything I ever saw growing up.

This fancy bike would be every girl's dream. It was being shown off with complementary pink zebra-patterned fleece, with mirrors strategically placed to catch all the sparkles from the polished surfaces.

Another classic car

Yes, we do like classic cars at DowneyDailyPhoto.com. This souped up convertible (is it a Corvette?) was parked near my house.

"A girl in the convertible is worth five in the phone book."
~ Mae West

A girl can dream

“A girl in the convertible is worth five in the phone book.” ~Mae West

Fuschia in summer

The garden colors are some of my favorites right now. Coral Gerbera daisies, purple lavender and the fuschia best of all! The only problem is the bugs love them too...

The hope of spring in February

It's been raining back and forth for the past few days. This morning it was clear and, even though it was chilly, the crisp air motivated me to work in the garden. It's been a while since I've spent any time there and it needed attention.

After a while, the sun came out from behind a cloud for a brief moment. I looked up from my task to see my nectarine tree (which I thought for some time I had killed). There were new pink blossoms "lit up" with the light from the sun. It was beautiful.

Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!
                                     ~L.H. Bailey

Pretty in pink

I'm not sure I'm ready for a pink Christmas tree. Although, my mother would have loved it. She loved pink. And, this tree was not just pink, it had glitter all over it. So when you look closely, it was pretty and sparkly.

It just made me wonder...what kind of snow makes a tree this color? BTW the tree lot where I saw this one also had blue trees.

Flower power

As I was on a walk, I saw these flowers in front of an abandoned warehouse. They didn't look exactly taken care of but there wasn't a wild look to them either. Beauty grows even when we leave.

Another dog

This puppy is obviously adored, as she should be, and is, of course, very much part of the family. She was being held more than she was being walked.

Pretty in pink

I've noticed this "Weddings & 15 Años For Less" store numerous times lately. The bright pink dresses really pop out at you. And they're very pretty dresses.

Unfortunately for me, I just can't see them without remembering the the Friends episode where Rachel appears in a bright pink bridesmaid dress and says, "I cannot believe I have to walk down the aisle in front of 200 people looking like something you drink when you're nauseous!"