Dear Reader,
I absolutely have to spend some quality time outdoors in the sun this weekend. I know it's only Wednesday—a work day—and I'm thinking ahead, but if I don't schedule outdoor time it might not happen. (I've been working a lot lately and the only outdoors that I've seen is through the window by my desk.)
It's urgent that I get outdoors because I don't see any tan left on my body. And because I live in Florida, I almost consider not having a tan a sin. Ever since I moved to Florida, I've felt an obligation to promote its well-known resource--the sun--to perspective tourists. I feel that every Floridian needs to do their part. "Promote what your state offers"--that's what I say. If you live in Wisconsin you better eat your share of cheese. If you live in New Orleans, Louisiana you better like to party. If you live in Tennessee, well I'm not sure what they do there, but you get the idea.
It would be unthinkable for me to show up at an appointment in the Midwest or in New York in the middle of winter with pasty looking skin. It's my job to look like a Floridian, to show off just enough of a tan (don't write me about skin cancer--I'm a safe sunbather), so people will want to come here to visit and spend their recreation dollars.
It's a tough job keeping up that Floridian appearance, going to the beach, boating, laying in the hammock and reading a good book. But hey, someone's got to do it.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
* This month's Penguin Classics is The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win
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