Revving up her 1959 Ford for a day trip, Playmate DeDe Lind has a list of her favorite places in Southern California that she wants to introduce us to. “It depends on my energy, but if I’m feeling unambitious, I'll go for an easy horseback ride in Griffith Park, which is right in the city, or head in the opposite direction for a quiet afternoon on the beach,” explains the voluptuous blonde with the sweet freckles. “But, if I'm loaded with get-up-and-go and the weather's great, I do the same things on a bigger scale. My favorite horse is at a little beach in Malibu. From there, I climb up through the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The beaches I like best are out on Catalina Island, where I go when I feel like body surfing or scuba diving. Some of the reefs are so beautiful you never want to come up.” Drowning in success, the petite beauty from Los Angeles couldn’t have imagined she’d end up here—talking to Playboy and shooting her Playmate of the Month centerfold with photographer Mario Casilli. For a shy sweetheart who’s never ventured passed San Francisco to visit family, becoming our Miss August 1967 was a big deal doe DeDe. “When I wasn’t sight-seeing in San Francisco, I was having fun just helping Aunt Margaret around the house, calling the friends I know there or I would go over my uncle’s pile of magazines that used my pictures. ,” recalls our all-natural Playmate. “I fell in love with everything you’re supposed to love—the cable cars, the Bridge and even gloomy old deserted Alcatraz—but it still was great to get back to my game room in L.A.” Being the good girl and every parent’s dream, shy DeDe has realized this has prevented her from really exploring the world around her and from meeting men. “I wish I weren't quite so quiet. I really do like people and wish I could meet them more easily,” cries our Miss August 1967 who only tested for Playboy after being peer-pressured by a friend. “I love being a Playmate because everyone told me I should be one, and I sure can use the money! I was in lots of teen and movie magazines when I was younger. I hope to do everything from the TV commercials to the picture wrapped around the aerosol can. I also want to be a hairstylist and have a happy family to grow old with.” Even though DeDe may be young, the busty blonde from an Italian-Swedish family says she’s ready to have her own family and wants to teach them about their heritage –which means she’ll have to venture further than San Francisco. “My grandfather on Daddy's side goes back to Sweden fairly often and always asks if I want to come. If I did, I could also get to see the few relatives Mom still knows about in Italy. It's awfully tempting,” says our Playmate who credits Playboy with making her a stronger person. “Posing for Playboy broadened my mind and helped me as a person. I like my life the way it is now. I wish I could do one centerfold a year until I can’t do them anymore. I have never been happier.” You’re very welcome, DeDe.