That's what we've got today here in Malibu. Sky the color of ash, horizon defined more by texture than by hue, a misty breeze that clings to the dogs' coats, coats the tip of each hair so the puppy, emerging from the canyon, looks frosted. So much gray has heft, seems to slow a flock of gulls that glides by. Thank goodness for the candy-colored kayaks. They warm the beach, look like bookmarks for summer.