Williams Family: It's Hard to Be Fake in a Swimsuit

 

On a sandbar in The Bahamas

While attending an HOA Board meeting the other day, a friendly neighbor greeted me with, "We finally see each other in clothes."  I responded with a smile, "Shhh. . . don't tell." The exchange was humorous and telling about when we see each other which is at the pool.  And, it got me thinking about relationships from and formed at pools, lakes, beaches; any location while wearing a swimsuit. 

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool

I have lived a significant part of my life in a swimsuit. Lake Wapello visits as a young child, YWCA and YMCA swim lessons, summers hanging out at the municipal swimming pool, high school Shark Club (synchronized swimming), college pool and lake days, and summer camp counselor supervisor assigned to the pool. My first apartment had a community pool and when I moved from there, I spent summer days at the local pool.  Our son grew up going to pools, beaches, and waterparks both locally and as a traveler. When the pandemic hit, an inflatable pool in the backyard was my go-to and now we have a beautiful community pool that is "ours" and often, mine, as the only visitor.  And, ocean beaches a short drive away.  

Tubing the Martha Brae River in Jamaica 

I was told once that I look confident in a bathing suit.  Agree.  I have a relationship with myself that allows me to be confident in a swimsuit. I have witnessed others sit on the sidelines viewing the watery fun from a distance for varying reasons: fear of water, uncomfortable in a swimsuit, etc. And while I have been many shapes and sizes over the last half-century and more, there has not been hesitation to put on a swimsuit and enjoy.  I want others to feel the same!

AquaDuck, Disney Fantasy

It has been fun to meet other residents in our community pool.  We obviously have something in common--the enjoyment of our pool--and upon conversation, we typically find more in common.  With a single layer of clothing, typically no make-up, little or no jewelry, and usually a head covering, it is difficult to put on airs or be less than authentic when meeting new people at the pool.  It's hard to be fake in a swimsuit. . . and easy to get to know the real person. 

A lazy river at a Disney waterpark 

Williams Family: Meeting New People and Making New Friends on a Disney Cruise

 

One of the many great things about a Disney Cruise is meeting new people, many of whom are Disney fans, just like us.  Our most recent cruise on the Disney Fantasy was no exception.

The first evening on board, we met Michael, Natalie, and their son, Jonathon, from Cleveland.  We were waiting to get our photos taken, they were right behind us.  I asked Jonathon if he was in the 1820 Society and he said he was headed to the 1820 coffee meeting next.  Brent was already there so I told asked Jonathon to look for Brent and tell him that his crazy mother said "hi."  It must have broken the ice as Jonathon and Brent became fast friends with similar interests--acting, movies, Star Wars, Marvel, trombones, college--to name a few, and they spent much of the cruise together with the "gang" staying out until the wee hours of the morning.  

And, we kept bumping into Natalie and Michael at various activities throughout the ship.  Sometimes our young men would join the festivities---one of the few ways we got to spend time them!  Eventually, the parent couples started to plan activities together.   We were also on the same dining rotation but were not seated together.  We would wave across the restaurant!

Note:  Natalie and I are bemoaning the fact that we will miss each other by a few hours on our next Disney vacation as they fly in shortly after we fly home.  Next time!  And, the boys continue to communicate via their chosen social media platforms.  I'm sure our paths will cross again!

Todd and Michael at Castaway Cay

We also met some of our soon-to-be neighbors in Windermere.  The husband and I were set to play trivia and a young woman sat alone at the next table.  We asked her if she was competing by herself, and she said that her family wasn't able to join her for this session.  We invited her to join us.  A part of introductions on a ship is "where are you from?".   Turns out Christina lives in the same condo complex!  Oh, the questions we had for her--in between trivia questions and answers!  She was incredibly helpful on all accounts!  

Christina and her husband, Rudy, joined us, along with Natalie and Michael. . . and the boys, at the next trivia contest.  The next day, we met Christina's parents at Castaway Cay.  

Another meet cute from our recent Disney Cruise was two parts.  As we headed to the elevator on the morning we docked in Tortola, another couple was rushing just in front of us talking about rain and Jost Van Dyke.  We let them go ahead.  Later that day, after the rain and returning from Tortola, the husband and I were floating in the Quiet Cove (adults only) pool and bumped into the couple.

I asked how their day turned out.  I learned that Jost Van Dyke is an island off the coast of Tortola, BVI, that is noted for the famous Soggy Dollar Bar featured in a Kenny Chesney song.  The name of the bar was because you had to get out of the boat and walk to the beach making your money wet or soggy.  

There was more to the conversation with the man and his wife.  Turns out he lives in Florida by way of North Carolina and has done artwork for Disney for almost 20 years.  I kept listening and the conversation lasted for several minutes.  Then, I asked if I could inquire his name.  David Doss.  I was stunned, put my hand on my chest, and turned to look at the husband who was also stunned.  I told David Doss that I was trying not to "fan out" at the moment but we collect his work and it is displayed in our dining room.  In fact, I had purchased a new piece the night before at one of the shops on the ship.  He was flattered and agreed to sign the piece.  He would look for us before dinner in the lobby atrium.

That evening, before dinner, David Doss did sign our newest art piece!  He was gracious and I was over the moon.  

We bumped into David and his wife, Robyn, on Castaway Cay in Serenity Bay.  We had another great chat.  What lovely people!  We are now following their Facebook page and am hopeful to bump into them again during one of David Doss' shows at EPCOT.  

Interestingly, Michael and Natalie, from Cleveland, also collect David Doss' art and met him the day before we did.  It is a small world!

This isn't the only Disney Cruise where we have met great people.  Sean and his wife from Texas come to mind along with Nancy and her family from Michigan!  

It has been our philosophy to say "yes" and come to play when we visit Walt Disney World and we approach a Disney Cruise the same.  Being open to new places, experiences, and people is a gift that keeps on giving!

Related Posts:

Reflecting on the Kids' Clubs on Disney Cruise Line

What's the Best Part of a Disney Cruise? The Ease!

The Rainforest Room--Our Afternoon of Relaxation!