The Glass Slipper No Longer Fits

I make no secret of my love for shoes.  For the third year in a row, a giant shoe calendar graces the front of the fridge in my kitchen.

While I embrace electronic technology in all its wondrous forms, I still prefer carbon-based technology to schedule the events occurring in my life.

… but I digress …

I can trace my fascination with shoes back to high school math class and a certain teacher named Miss Schutt – later to become Mrs Eaton.

I waited in anticipation of each class to see what pair of fashion genius she would be wearing on her impossibly tiny feet.  More than a few times I marvelled at her ability to actually walk in those skyscrapers.

Fast forward many years later as a young professional, my choice of shoes was very modest – plain pumps with a sensible heel – but I would look longingly at their *kickass* cousins.  Over time, my growing confidence was reflected in my collection of shoes.

By the end of my working career, my closet was filled with every type of “dress-up” shoe in a wide variety of styles, colours, and heel heights.  Practicality didn’t always factor into my shoe choices … especially considering my monster-sized flat feet.

A recent review of my closet however has revealed a new truth.

While the direction in my life has changed since I retired, my passion for shoes has not.  It’s merely taken on a new form.

Smile everyone for the group shot

Instead of dress shoes, my closet now overflows with boots.  Snowboots, rainboots, hiking boots, … even snowshoes … all vying for space and attention.

Summer and winter hiking shoes

It appears that one can never have too many shoes regardless of what form they take, but  I must admit that for the most part, my feet are happier for the change.

 

I firmly believe that with the right footwear, one can rule the world.
                                                                                                               Bette Midler