Bikini Is a State of Mind

To: Female Baby BoomersCc: Young women who may grow old one daySubject: The Joy of Life Dearest Baby Boomers and Future Bifocal Wearers, Are you old enough to need bifocals, but young enough to deny it?Are you tired of exercise programs that leave you . . . tired?Are you weary of self-help books that expect you to change your evil ways?Do you consider sloth a virtue you'd like to pursue?If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, the attached book is for you. Bikini Is a State of Mind gives you magical advice on the joy of wearing nothing but a bikini and a smile, even if you have reached an age when a muumuu might be more appropriate. Buy the book, curl up in a lounge chair beside the pool, and get into the best shape of your life. Respectfully yours, Coach This book centers on five fifty-something women who form the Bikini Team in Davidson, North Carolina. During the summer, the women meet at the local Swimming Hole clad in bikinis. At other times of year, they gather together for parties, retreats, and social outings, usually wearing a little more than bikinis. At the heart of the book lies the metaphor of wearing bikinis in middle age. This small concept is the seed of something much larger-a holistic approach to aging without giving up edginess and attractiveness. This is a book by, for, and about women who, although aging, still take care of themselves; still relish dressing up, down, and scantily; and still turn heads. Their bodies are not what they used to be. But their spirit, camaraderie, and flair make a statement that others read as stylish, free, and lots of fun. They want to spread the word.

Nancy Gardner is called the Energizer Bunny by her colleagues at work. At 27 years of age (she started counting down at the age of 40), she still feels youthful in her bikini. An avid runner and Y member, she does her best ab workout during the Bikini Team "tanning bed" sessions when team members put their floats together, laze in the pool, and laugh till it hurts. Ann Haley is the founder, chief executive officer, and coach of the Bikini Team. She has spent countless hours developing and perfecting the extremely precise and demanding Bikini Team Spring Training Regime. Coach Haley leads the Team through this program each spring, ensuring that members will be physically, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for the rigorous season of tanning and relaxing ahead. Cynthia Lewis is a professor of English and a non-fiction writer. As the newest member of the Bikini Team, she annually wins "Rookie of the Year" at the Awards Ceremony. She aspires to "Player of the Year." Lina Soares-or "Mrs. Clean," as she is known on the Bikini Team-is a teacher of the gifted and a doctoral student in curriculum instruction. She tears herself away from "powering down"-vacuuming, mowing the grass, and herding dust bunnies-to attend Bikini Team meetings faithfully.