This past Wednesday I went out to Churchill Downs to watch those incredible beings known as Thoroughbred race horses. Living in Louisville makes that choice rather easy. I planned ahead of course with my dress and hat. Throughout Derby week most everyone dresses to the nines to go to Churchill. I like that a lot. I am not a shopper, never have been and never will be, but I have loved fashion for a long time. I love the creativity, to see the styles of clothing, and feel the material when I am out shopping for new attire. I have learned to appreciate the designer and the seamstresses and tailors who actually sew the clothes together.

Churchill Downs and all the people there did not disappoint me. Most all the women had hats or fascinators in place, so colorful and original, some big , some small. I never tired of looking at them. And not one dress was like another. Some of the men wore hats too, and wore dress slacks and shirts, and occasionally the wild and colorful jacket. I do believe that the men also got the memo that the shoes can make an outfit. All kinds of shoes were worn, from the typical brown and black dress shoes, to sparkly and glittery shoes, to tennis shoes. I had no idea men had such choices to make on what to put on their feet. Lots of the women wear heels but bring sandals to give their feet a break. This is an excellent idea if one is wearlng tight shoes with heels. One woman was walking close to me when we were all leaving and heading out to board the buses that would take us to our cars. She was limping slightly, or had a “get in your get-a-long” as they say. She looked at me, then looked down at her blisters on her toes and said, “I’ve learned my lesson. Never again without my sandals.” The things we do for fashion!

The weather was warm and beautiful, a perfect day to be outdoors. I was glad later in the morning, that my fantastic, pink hat, with pink and white flowers and feathers, was large and wide. It was like standing under my own beach umbrella! I stayed outside most of the day, watching the horses, praying for their safety, and admiring their strength and courage. These horse beings are quite amazing to me, and I marvel at all they give to us humans.

In the above picture you can see the twin spires of Churchill Downs. These spires have become a symbol for the Kentucky Derby, but for me I automatically think of Churchill Downs when I see them. Add in the fashion factor of hats, dresses, jackets, and shoes, for they too symbolize a day at the Downs on this most famous day of horse racing. But it’s the horses that are the real magic for me. I hope somehow they know how much I appreciate them.

c   Love, Joan

P.S. My new photo of myself is now on About Joan here on my website. I want to thank my dear friend Kara and her photography skills. You always make me look like a movie star, beautiful Lady!