Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Worth the Lack of Effort

I'm peeking out from behind the door at Merit Dry Cleaners toward the sidewalk rack outside Ritzy Rags resale shop. Though I love resale shops I haven't been in Ritzy Rags yet. From the Yelp reviews it sounds like the kind of place where you have to dig. I don't mind digging, that's part of the experience. A bit of effort usually brings results.

Merit Cleaners I can vouch for. We became customers when we lived in Altadena in 2001/03. Moved away to Van Nuys (V'Ennui) for exactly two years. (Came back to the Dena as fast as we could. We were smitten). I tried two dry cleaners near my Pasadena home and each of them wrecked a beloved item of clothing, so I figure Merit is worth the short drive up the hill. (Effort, results. See?)

Plus I get to be in Altadena. I always find something there to charm me. (That part's effortless.)

13 comments:

Cafe Pasadena said...

What drew y'all to live your lives away in Van Nuys?? What was the charm?

Shell Sherree said...

That's a wonderfully creative photo, Petrea! I avoid anything requiring dry cleaning like the plague ~ but if I did require the service, I'd hope for someone just like Merit Cleaners!

Petrea Burchard said...

The job market, the housing market and just plain foolishness, Cafe. It was a long two years.

Ha! I know what you mean, Shell. But I still have a couple of beloved suits and sweaters that require special treatment.

Shan said...

Hi Petrea! I myself was brought up to be a digger as my mom is a highly specialized bargain shopper. I found these boots at our favorite dig-to-win store and everywhere I go people stop me to ask me where I got them. I LOVE it! They look like Chubaccah's legs from the knee down and have pom pon ties. Totally worth it. :D

What is this thing you call "dry cleaning" anyway? teehee

pasadenapio said...

I rarely go to a dry cleaners anymore. I'll try to remember to patronize Merit if that day ever comes again! Like you, Petrea, I like going up the hill to Altadena from time to time.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

All those multiple reflections makes looking a Picasso-esque experience

Anonymous said...

Ah, Merit should buy that photo. That little patch of street is my favorite in the high Dena (commerce-wise.)

Petrea Burchard said...

Hee hee, Shan! Your boots sound fab. I once lived in an apartment that had a toilet seat that sounded like Chewbacca when you lifted it.

Worth it, Ann, even if you're not allowed to leave the mid-Dena.

Thanks, PA. I like to think this one has some quirky artistic merit.

I like that patch of street, too, Hiker. If Merit wanted the photo I'd give it to them because the people there are sweet (especially Sako (sp?)).

Cafe Pasadena said...

It's good to know dry cleaning is a reason to take that challenging hike up the hill.

I hope that biz owner also opens up a restaurant up there.

Amy said...

And this reminds me I have a pile of stuff I've been meaning to take to the dry cleaners for two weeks. Oops!

I'd give up my Valley (in NoHo) for the other valley any day.

Petrea Burchard said...

More restaurants in Altadena would be great, Cafe. More Cafes!

Amy, there's always room for you.

Chuck Pefley said...

A fun image! Can't decide if she's embracing, cheering, or directing the clothing -:)

Petrea Burchard said...

I think she's just imitating the tree.