Winter has recently arrived and with it, precipitation and limitation. Between canceled flights and meetings, it’s my least favorite time of year, especially as the holiday season comes to a merciful end. Rescheduling requires flexibility, an ever present Plan B and an optimism that things will work out and that postponements can operate to my advantage. A phone call may replace a face-to-face meeting and ultimately save time and distress. Confined to a home office, it’s also possible to attack file cabinets and book shelves, another begrudging opportunity to take advantage of..
Clearing out can also uncover forgotten material and refine what was a half-hearted effort at describing an emotional connection to a now finished piece. It was a decade old reminder of my love of footwear that has not diminished. In fact, I can picture those long gone red sandals and many delightful times wearing them even at this moment. A treasured memory resurrected at a frustrating time, brings smiles on a day that I had decided would be limited. Changing perspectives is one small step forward and a reminder that a new opportunity becomes more clear by stepping back for another go at it.
“Mincing steps in flat shoes or boots make for painfully slow progress through the seemingly endless New England winters. Ugly footwear is an abomination. Practical, sensible, and waterproof…yech.
David the most fabulous shoe repair man has once again added special soles and rubber heels to my gorgeous red sandals in preparation for the sun and as a respite from the slush. It was a very close call the last time I avoided a swan dive to the cement. David is sensible. I am less so. He thinks about safety. I lament the fact that I am forced to forego beauty for practicality.
What’s the big deal? Accept the fact that winter is something to get through, or is it? Why the annual tug-of-war, knowing full well that the choice is dry feet in ugly shoes or wet and salt-damaged shoes that will need full-scale rehabilitation post-season?
Lest you think I am scampering about in full summer attire, think otherwise. I am not that foolhardy. No, this struggle is strictly a shoe thing, an ongoing battle with the elements and the constraints it places on my choices.
By next year I will have a plan in place that does not require relocating to warmer climes, although that sounds very appealing. It may require a larger purse or even a support group of others weary of winter. Come to think of it, a new purse could be just the ticket out of “Shoe Affective Disorder” and a choice to shift a long-held perspective.”.
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©MWeisner2020