Daring to Bare It All

"Anthropologists logically presume that humans originally lived naked, without clothing, as their natural state." This quote from Wikipedia is one that I can relate to. After 35 years of hiding, covering, and afraid for anyone to see me for who I am, I have given up on all of that crap. I pretty much am a "take me as I am" kind of guy. A little abrasive sometimes, opinionated, and sort of just "out there." It's me! And, occasionally, I'm even a nice guy (imagine that).

I grew up in a household of horribly modest people. Good people, beautiful people...but not a bare ass cheek would be seen. I would go to take my bath, close the door, lock the door, and then even pull out the sliding drawer that would block the door from being opened....even if the intruder would use a little paper clip to unlock the door from the outside and disgrace me. And a wash cloth always stood as sentry -- nearby, waiting -- just in case the fortress was invaded. Those days are far gone. I'll bet that my hubby will rue the day that he and a good friend took me to my first nude beach. I haven't stopped going since.

I had just moved to Portland....it was my first hot summer. They decided to take me to Rooster Rock State Park, about 20 miles east up the Columbia River Gorge. Truly, an unbelievable place to spend the afternoon. I remember my heart racing and eyes darting around....nervous, scared, and wondering. They both kept their shirts on. I took the plunge and dropped it all. And now I can't quit.

As the weather warms, I'm already thinking about how high the river levels still are...and that takes up much of the beach and leaves the paths muddy. We've got two beaches here and both are incredibly amazing places to go au natural. I've met some people there, read books, layed in the sun, listened to every conversation you can imagine, seen families with children, watched heterosexual couples go at it, and (with any luck) I'll have an I-pod to take with me this summer. I even bought a season parking pass last year at Sauvie Island. I have a good friend who likes to go to. So, when we can, we go together. Snacks, drinks, and good conversation for the day. Oh, and major amounts of sunscreen and mosquito spray too. Can't have bugs biting our little wee-wee's. Weekends are very busy....you have to get their early. The weekdays, when most are at work, are some of the greatest times ever. Quiet, peaceful, sometimes I'm the only one there. The barges carrying wheat go up and down the river at Rooster Rock. The huge ships carrying new Hyundais and Toyotas to Portland pass by Sauvie Island.

I've run across people that I know....and it can get just a little uncomfortable for a minute or two. But I've learned that I am right there with the anthropologists when I feel as free and good as I do naked in the sunshine on a warm summer afternoon. No cares, no worries -- and, certainly, no clothes to cover up anything. What in the world is there to hide...really? I never thought I'd be this way. Never in a million years. I spent so much of my early life being embarrassed and shy about my skinny white body. My discovery has led me to know that we're all different, with or without clothes. The spectrum is wide on who will drop their drawers at the beach. But, I promise you, it doesn't really matter. When you're 90 years old, it will definitely not be something that I regretted doing.

So whatever it is that brings you pleasure, enjoyment, and peace in your life, go for it. Life is definitely too short for worrying about having a good time.

Side Note: I'm on my way back to Orlando tonight for another dinner with The Bloggers of Orlando tomorrow night. It's my third visit in six weeks. I just can't quit.