IF YOU’VE SEEN the horrifying pictures from the Real Skincare Challenge that LittleBird Kathy and I are conducting, you will understand that the meeting with a plastic surgeon and aesthetician a few weeks ago was like a come-to-Jesus moment for me. If I’m going to save whatever nice skin I have left, I’m going to have to work on it.
I find hats too hot, never mind what they do to my hair. And I know it’s cumbersome to carry around one more thing, 
especially since women’s clothing is so light on pockets—cellphone, house keys, car key, reading glasses (there’s always something to read), plus a couple of poop bags for the dog at the end of the leash. But carry a parasol I do.
I began carrying one intermittently last summer, when my neighborhood Georgetown (DC) Business Improvement District launched a ParasolShare program to lure shoppers out despite the blistering sun. Dozens of stores participated; you picked up a parasol as you started to wander to the shops, then dropped it off at another participating store as you headed back home. Last year’s were what I think of as a typical Asian parasol—heavyweight white pleated material; this year’s are a bit more like a rain umbrella, made of bright blue nylon, with a crook handle.
Over the years I’ve noticed here and there an Asian (usually) woman using a parasol against the sun. I used to think, How odd, and then . . . how smart! And so I joined their ranks. And I’m seeing more and more people falling in line with me.
I shopped around online to see what kinds of parasols/umbrellas might be out there. But frankly, you can just dive into your coat closet: Any old brolly will create that pool of deep shade over you that will help you and your complexion make it through the summer day.
—Nancy McKeon
Perfect short report, persuasive and charming. I am almost there. Living in Suburbia invites less walking and more driving but I have used a parasol for my nature walks in a nearby preserve. And I own the perfect brellie – white, light, and featuring Matisse-like black butterflies.
Send us a pic!
Seeing a few of these a day in Old Town Alexandria. Smart habit.
Great idea. Particularly since my owned umbrellas are scattered all over the country.
Mine are too, along with my clothes to clean my eyeglasses.