beach ready

Bravo Valerie–for being on the cover of People magazine, showing off her bikini body at age 48.   She worked hard to get that body in shape and I have to admit what I felt when I saw that shot:

Respect. 

Also Relief.   

Relief that unlike Valerie, I don’t live in Malibu or Miami anymore– where I’d be required to regularly appear in appropriate attire.

Even when I had breasts to fill out a bikini top, even when I pretty much grew up at the beach in a bathing suit,  I never felt completely comfortable.

Now, even though I live near the ocean, it’s no longer an issue.  Beach-wear depends on the beach–where you are.

Here in foggy, nippy northern California,  most of the year you’re more likely to see a wetsuit, not a bathing suit.

I go all the time.  But as much as I appreciate Carmel beach for its weather and beauty, I still don’t feel totally comfortable —because I still don’t have the right beachwear.  I’m missing one essential accessory:  a dog.