Monday, March 1, 2010

Sunscreen Optional

I know that 'sunlight' is practically a dirty word these days.
It is up there somewhere with plastic grocery bags and Sport Utility Vehicles to a lot of super savvy folks who, I am sure, are a lot smarter than a silly girl like me.....BUT.....
I love the sun.


When I travel with my husband you can bet my first questions will be What is the temperature there? and Is there a pool?

I get giddy over packing up to head to the pool for a day. Ipod, magazine, new book and tanning lotion in hand. There is something about the smell of water, wet cement, and coconut tanning oil that makes me feel like a kid again, without a care in the world to trouble me. I have reached the super intelligent conclusion that it is because I worshiped the sun as a little girl.

Warm days were spent at Grandma's pool in West Covina with the palm trees barely fluttering in the breeze. I would lay with my head in my arms and watch my skin get darker, like a badge of honor in relaxation.
I would let my hair dry crazy and curly, fascinated over it's lighter streaks that peeked out. In the pool I was a mermaid or weightless ballerina, and my short curly hair was magically longer and silky. The pool meant playing, thinking, imagining, and escaping.
That's me, in the middle. Oh, how I loved that patchwork swimsuit.

It's funny, because I know as adults we can pine over the 'not so perfect' bits of our childhood, but seeing the smiles in this picture and thinking about days by the pool with my family, usually singing and dancing as well as swimming, just remind me of how wonderful the sunshine filled everyday moments really are...

........which is why I am on the eternal quest for sunshine and a pool.

Sunscreen optional.

12 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I can't wait for it to be warm enough for the pool here.

Jillene said...

Sunscreen? What's that?

Jillybean said...

I can't wait for the sun to shine around here too!

Carrieann said...

Looking at the top picture, I can almost smell the sunscreen!

Shannon said...

Love it!
Agree 100%.
And...don't tell anyone, but I just came home from the tanning bed.
I know...crazy huh. But it took me right back to my days listening to Bob Marley and nights dancing to whatever had the best beat.
Can't wait!!!!!! 33 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

Lynnae said...

I am so with you on this. I think it goes back even further than that. When grandma was a girl the midsummer holiday (go Swedes!) was always spent at Saratoga Hot Springs Pool, or the Lagoon Pool. And Grandma could easily rattle off several other pools they used to have there in the Salt Lake Area.
But at least you live in Utah where outdoor pools are fairly common. Washington is pretty, but a cold lake just doesn't cut it.

Beehive Art Salon said...

Awesome post! My hubby and I were just talking about how much we wish we were in St. George soaking up the sun right now... Come soon spring!!

Unknown said...

AHHH the SUN!!! I to love it! I just put extra strength Sunscreen on my face as TOOO Many wrinkles can ruin ones smile:)

I no longer wear a swimming suit by the pool as NO ONE!!! Should see what is not hidden! 4 children, PCOS and age are working with gravity to make that an unwelcome sight!

I so love your Mantra I am stealing it!!! What a wonderful wonderful thought!

You inspire me with the way you live life and the eloquence in which you speak:)

Sending you a huge hug!
XXXX
Becky

Wendyburd1 said...

Okay, this is all my fault I admit it. But people are thinking I am no longer reading them and so I don't want them to read ME and COMMENT, and I DO! I AM still reading you and I will start commenting again I promise!

I got into a bad rhythm when I started having so much computer problems, I started not commenting thinking most my comments were probably lame and not wanted, but i see that was a mistake and want to rectify that NOW. I am going to get back to my Comment-Whoring ways...that is Kristina's phrase remember that, LOL, and so come back to me my friends, I NEVER left you, I just got way too comfy with Google Reader and read you there!! I LOVE my bloggy friends!!

Wendyburd1 said...

Okay, this is all my fault I admit it. But people are thinking I am no longer reading them and so I don't want them to read ME and COMMENT, and I DO! I AM still reading you and I will start commenting again I promise!

I got into a bad rhythm when I started having so much computer problems, I started not commenting thinking most my comments were probably lame and not wanted, but i see that was a mistake and want to rectify that NOW. I am going to get back to my Comment-Whoring ways...that is Kristina's phrase remember that, LOL, and so come back to me my friends, I NEVER left you, I just got way too comfy with Google Reader and read you there!! I LOVE my bloggy friends!!

Lynnae said...

Many of us are now vitamin D deficient, due to lack of sun exposure.
And strangely enough, as people move indoors and avoid the sun, skin cancer rates go up. Vitamin D is a powerful hormone that affects many body functions. Be wise and don't get a sunburn, but some sun exposure is good.
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/

Dione said...

I wish El Sol and I were on better terms but, alas, we are not. He is mean spirited and delights in causing me much pain. Believe me, I have tried to make peace, but he is becoming more vengeful with time. If I die a summer death, look first towards his rays!