When I have time between errands I like to park the car and take a walk with my camera. It doesn't matter where I am; a walk around any block guarantees a discovery. Usually it's something I've passed many times. Maybe I've seen it before and not taken notice.I'm always seeing things I want to photograph, but in the car I'm in a hurry, plus I've got a few tons of machinery to manage and I can't be snapping photos and steering at the same time (well, I shouldn't, anyway). On foot even the most nondescript neighborhood comes to life. Little details beg to be photographed. Interest is everywhere.
This one doesn't count as nondescript. It counts as one of those things I've passed a million times and meant to photograph. It's the side entrance of West World Imports at the corner of California Blvd. and Arroyo Parkway. I admit I've never dared to venture inside, but I have dared to dream while perusing their website. There's a pretty courtyard on the other side of the building but it was locked when I was there the other day. I'll go back and try again. By the way, long ago a PDP commenter asked me to get a shot of that courtyard. It may take me a while (okay, it may take me forever) but I do get to your suggestions. Eventually.
Was it me complaining of the cold a couple of weeks ago? It's been unseasonably hot for the last two days.
I'm off on a tangent. What I started to say is that West World Imports is such an attractive shop even the side door is pretty. The front door is on California Blvd. and this sign in the parking lot says "Please Use California Entrance." But this looks like a California entrance to me.
Update: In today's comments Pascal Jim says: "This beautiful structure, designed by Wallace Neff, where he had offices, was duplicated across the street, now destroyed, now a gas station. Please, enter the building, its patio has a most calming effect..."
15 comments:
Hello …?
Sticks head in door.
Anybody here? Hmm.
Steps in, looks around.
Wow. Empty …
Walks around a bit.
Never been inside a blog before … where is everybody?
Hollow footsteps.
Nice place. Who knew a blog would have such nice furniture? And the view …
Steps to the browser window.
All those empty rooms out there. I must be looking out peoples' computer screens. I can see Altadena Hiker's kitchen table … and Petrea's desktop (lots of papers stacked up, girl) … and look: there's Cafe Observer's doghouse. But his chain lies limp in the grass, attached to am empty spiked collar. Where'd everybody go?
Steps to a table.
Hmmph. Old blog-posts, just lying around.
Crosses arms, grins.
It's like being in Flatland. Except …
His eyes widen.
All these photographs! The walls are—
Photographs cover the walls, floor to ceiling: a gallery of Petrea's best work, tasetfully displayed. He edges down the corridor like a museum patron.
Oh, I remember that one: Boz running through the weeds.
Looks round at the empty blog.
I wonder if there's a kitchen …
Wanders away.
. . .
This beautiful structure, designed by Wallace Neff, where he had offices, was duplicated across the street, now destroyed, now a gas station.
Please, enter the building, its patio has a most calming effect...
I poked around their website. It was fun!
Look out, I think Bernie's stealing your wine.
I'm so glad you took this shot. I've admired this shop many times on the way out from (of course) TJ's. But funny thing, I admired it in a pocket of my mind, so never consciously considered it, know what I mean?
Petrea I love your photos. You're really good !
I know what you mean. Everything looks totally different as soon as you get out of the car and walk around.
One of my "things" is to go to other cities, park the car and walk around for hours, for the fun of it, I call it "city-diving".
Bernie, don't you touch my walnut cookies!
Pascal Jim, I had no idea it was designed by Neff. Wow! I'm going to update the post with your info. Thank you.
I know, PIO. When we're rich, let's go shopping there for fun and buy something on sale...
Yes, AH, I know exactly what you mean. When I got out of the car to walk around the block this structure wasn't my goal at all.
Hi Bettina, welcome! I love your coinage of "city-diving." I've done it before, just never called it that. I'm stealing it, you know.
That is really a cool door. I would be interested to see what is on the other side as well!
Does it bother anyone that I couldn't see the door for the beautifully-photographed tree? And I wonder what that says about me: maybe I ignore opportunities just to enjoy the scenery. I guess I could do worse. It's a beautiful photo nonetheless.
Petrea, you might have to watch out for Bernie...walnut cookies sound extremely tempting.
I have always assumed that a “Californian entrance” would have to involve cocaine in some way.
And shirtless dwarves in braces with shaved heads.
Apparently our reputation precedes us...
Me too, Christie!
Hearken: no. It doesn't bother me. :)
Kris, you're putting the emphasis on the second syllable.
AH. "Our?" "Us?" um. Oui?
So if the internet gets sluggish, it's just Bernie exploring someone's blog...
I'd definitely go inside. The patio sounds wonderful.
beautifully composed image! very attractive!
It must be the nicest side door in Pasadena. I just love your shot with the autumn tree in front...I just love it.
Oh thanks, you guys. It's always so nice to see you here Ms. M, Magiceye, Tash. I'm grateful for your visits.
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