So there we were, in Central Park, reading our comic books. But was everyone doing that? No, of course not. Some of us were reading book books,
some were enjoying hot chocolate and baked goods,
some experimenting with a deck of tarot cards (yeah, tarot cards — wanna make something of it?), and some just basking in the unseasonably warm, sunny weather.
Is it different enjoying the afternoon topless in a city park in the fall, as compared to the summer? A little. You’re apt to be the only person around who doesn’t have a shirt on, never mind no top on at all; in the summer, there are sunbathers galore. But no passers-by stared or gave us a hard time. One fellow stopped by and offered to share some hash with us (we politely declined, both his hash and his company), but that was it for awkward encounters. Do the occasional chilly breezes make the outdoors less inviting? Not at all. I don’t think any of us would trade a beautiful 75-degree day with changing foliage as a backdrop for the sweaty 95-degree days of August.
But there is a subtle melancholy that pervades any autumn gathering — the knowledge that days like this are in short supply and a long, cold winter is coming. You value each golden ray that much more when you know it’s going to be a while before you get the chance again. Just thinking of all the new friends we made this summer, and the freedom we enjoyed, some of us for the first time ever — it’s gratifying, and so hard to let go of!
Well, the spring will come again, and so will we. But if you’re a body-positive woman in the NYC area and would like to hang with us even while it’s cold out, we have some indoor events planned for the colder months and would welcome the chance to meet you at one of those. Just email us at toplesspulpfiction@gmail.com.
And in the meantime?
This Wednesday it’s supposed to hit 80 degrees. Yes, 80 degrees on October 19. Just saying.
We’ll be there.
Autumn is my favorite with the beautiful leaves, brisk fall air and college football. However, I will certainly miss the freedom you enjoy and promote. Enjoy your fall and winter gatherings and occasional Edgar Allan Poe afternoon readings.
Image 8: In the background, she appears to be getting ready to join you, perhaps in a few years. And in Image 5, there’s clearly some interest by the young passer-by in the background as well. You all look great, and the fall foliage sets you all off in a way we don’t usually see.
Yum! Whole Foods! Did you know they carry English Clotted Cream and Scones! I am just having some now for brunch. Delish!
I’ve enjoyed following all of you for a few years. When I saw the young boy I thought, get used to it kid, they’re here to stay.
That last photo is just stunning, made my heart flutter!
Ah yes, the melancholy of autumn. But as well as mists and mellow fruitfulness it also brings excited anticipation – of the London Jazz Festival, birthdays (children’s and one’s own), Christmas and winter nights warmed by a good single malt whisky. And, as you say, spring, summer, and those heady, topless afternoons. (Can afternoons be both heady and topless? I think so.) Happy fall, OCTPFAS!
Kid in pic 8 is already a member. She belongs with the stroller in pic 12 and went to the coney island and park marathon events with her mother. She was probably the child involved when her mother was accosted by police for being topless even though breastfeeding a couple months ago at one event.