The seal was cute at first. Big brown eyes, long thick whiskers, spotted back — you know, harbor seals, they’re effing cute. My sometime swim pal Suzy was describing to me how a sea lion had followed her the other day, and as if on cue, this cutiepie pops up six feet behind her. Except this was a seal, not a sea lion. They’re different. Seals are smaller, supposedly safer. Gentle, even. HA!
Los Angeles is living up to its Endless Summer rep this winter. It’s been HOT. Gorgeous. Eighties. In January. The Pacific is a blue pool of invitation. It beckons from my window.
I know the water is cold — 60 degrees today. But that’s why I wear a half-suit. As often as I can, I swim out to the yellow buoy moored there by the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bears. It’s about a half-mile round trip. The first 10 minutes of cold are brutal, but then you adjust. It’s a challenge, and it’s peaceful, and you run into neighbors out there, which is hilarious (“Hi Kim, how’s it going?” “Nice weather we’re having!” “Sure is beautiful.”), and it’s an accomplishment. Continue reading
Populism 