This Week's Moonglass Inspiration and Giveaway: Lifeguards

Got your attention with that one, right?  You're thinking it's about time you had your own lifeguard.  You know the image--red trunks, perfect tan, capable arms....

Something like this:



  I totally wish I could give you these guys, but I can't.  They're too busy watching the water. 

What I can do, though, is let you in on how lifeguards and the whole lifestyle surrounding the profession was an inspiration for Moonglass.  Then give you a prize.  Good, right? 

Okay, here we go--

Once upon a college summer, I worked in a sandwich shop, made minimum wage, and came home every day smelling like mustard and onions.  My boyfriend at the time (now husband of 10 yrs!!), worked on the beach, made twice as much as I did, and came home smelling like sunscreen and summer.

Clearly, his job was cooler than mine.

So the next spring I donned a wetsuit and three swimcaps and plunged into the 48 degree water of Pismo Beach for the lifeguard tryout swim.  Miraculously, I didn't die of hypothermia.  I made the swim, passed the academy, and spent my remaining college summers in a lifeguard tower, smelling like sunscreen and watching the water.  Always watching the water.

Those summers I was part of a crew of some of the most fantastic,fun-loving people I've ever known.  We spent our work hours in our towers watching the water and keeping the beach safe, but it didn't end there.  We were a tight-knit group who also met for early morning surf sessions, sat around bonfires, pulled pranks, jumped off rocks, and generally lived it up.

The personalities of these friends and memories from those years found their way into Moonglass as the fun, lighter side of Anna's story.  I loved writing those scenes and characters because they brought me right back to the free-wheeling summers of my own past.

I want you all to have a little piece of that, so here's what I'm giving away this week:

A Lifeguard Prize Pack, including Crystal Cove Lifeguard T-Shirt and car magnet so you can instantly transform yourself and car, a pair of sweet aviators, the best smelling sunscreen in the world, and a tube of Burt's Bee's Sun Protecting Lip Balm, in passionfruit.  

If you're new to this giveaway series, here's how to enter:

Leave a comment on this post and you'll be automatically entered.

Wanna snag a few extra entries? Here's how:

Become a follower of the blog or @jessikirby on Twitter (+1)

Tweet It! (+1)

Share It on Facebook! (+1)

Then put your total number of entries in your comment.  I'm willing to work on the honor system if you are!

Happy Monday, and remember: Swim near a lifeguard!  :)