clothing optional

{ A Tale of Sorts}

So my neighbors are nudists. Yup. Nudists. At fist glance they appear just like any middle aged couple living in our little middle/ upper middle class town.... And you should know that they are not just random nudists, no, they are the presidents of the nudist club that meets at the local nude beach {everyone should have a "local nude beach", don't you agree?}

The home they live in across the street from us used to be their summer home, however, they loved the neighborhood so much they decided to make this their permanent residence. Truth be told, they are a most wonderful couple, awesome neighbors and are completely appropriate + reasonably discrete about their recreational activities. And while my female nudist will always manage to say something that will make my face turn scarlet, there is not a complaint one could make about them. They keep the most lovely gardens and my kiddos so enjoy being invited over to feed the fish in their pond. What made me think of them though, is that this saturday is their annual Luau party. Each year we are invited and instructed to cover our ass with grass and come and party till the next hightide.

Wanting to be nice neighbors, we have gone to a couple of the parties {clothed}, early while the guests' clothing {albeit scant} was still on. I think my mister and I tend to come accross as being way cooler than we actually are because we are one of the few people from the block who have merited such an invitation. Oh yes, these parties are the talk of the town! The streets are lined with cars that are always still there the following morning + the neighbors can only guess as to what is going on behind their massive privacy fence!
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A couple of years back I opened my big mouth when I over heard a couple of block mamas {who would never be invited to said party} being catty about my nudist neighbors. I just could not help it...I felt like, "hey, I can talk about my nudist neighbors, but you can't!" Sure, I wanted to defend my neighbors, but I think I was also defending myself and anyone else who has ever been judged for marching to their own beat {ie: being vegetatian, homeschooling, how one dresses or raises their children, etcetera.} I felt like I was going to confession when I came home from the "girls night" to tell John that I had not been able to bite my tongue. He just shook his head.

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Although our interests vary, I have much respect for and feel a connection with people who live an authentic and unique life. I don't think differences are something to be jeered at and is certainly not a behavior anyone would want their children to model. Sometimes you need to open your mouth; to do what is right instead of what is popular. So while we won't be attending the Luau this year, I hope the party is a huge success...I just hope we can find a place to park when we come home from our plans that evening!