Saturday, August 2, 2008

Anthropological Quest


So now that I've bought a dress, I need shoes to go along with it.

When I came home from dress shopping I went into my closet and began pulling out all my shoes. It's been so long since I've worn them that I had forgotten what I even had. I've spent over 2 years in stretchy comfortable clothes. I upgraded once and bought a cute pair of stretchy, short pants from Old Navy's maternity section. All the designer shoes I had collected over the years lay in waiting during this time of introspection.

When I pulled them out it was a blast from my past to realize I have those! Right, and those! OMG, shoe delirium. They were all covered in a thick layer of dust after being neglected for so long. Each different pair unlocked memories of before. Before diagnosis, oncology appointments and chemotherapy. Before bone marrow biopsies and blood transfusions to a time of art show openings, University classes, working in theatre and dinners with friends.

This was a vintage pair of silver sandals which I attached beads all over.

Pair of vintage sandals.

Flame platforms with a secret compartment, how cool is that!

Fluevogs!

Fluevogs!

Fly's!

Beautiful red swirly shoes that were purchased mainly for my long lost job at the University library.

This whole experience has filled me with a sense of settling back into place. Somewhere I belong. These shoes accompanied me to a lot of different places and experiences. They are like little beacons of connection, even if that connection is just the memory. Hope and opportunity are locked within them.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Charlotte said...

Oh my God, what a great shoe collection! (puts mine to shame!) That dress looks fantastic too. So glad to hear things are looking up for you!
Love Charlotte (Baldy's, UK)

Anonymous said...

Your shoe collection is amazing, but most importantly. You are amazing...

Andrea Q said...

OMG...I have shoe envy!

High Desert Diva said...

Cool!

So...do any of them make the cut for the dress/wedding? Or do you need to go shoe shopping?

Anonymous said...

So many of your posts resonate with me. You don't just speak about illness itself but how it impacts so many facets of your life. Even little things are affected. It amazes me how things can trigger so many emotions and memories.

I just recently found an old pair of Mary Janes that were also covered in dust and brought back a flood of memories...some good some bad.

It's nice to see your shoes all ready to be worn again.

:)

Bohemian Chic said...

I remember you wearing most of those and I remember your bead stage when you added them to almost everything you owned..including the boys at one point..They are such pretty shoes, you should be capturing them on canvas...get busy girl and paint those shoes

Nicole Solo said...

Oooh you have great shoe style! I want a pair like those red swirlies

RustChic said...

such cute shoes, keep the faith on your quest

Unknown said...

wow. great post. i really like that you beaded a pair of sandals yourself.

BaldyLocks said...

I beaded a silver purse to go with the silver beaded shoes. Sometimes I just can't stop myself from making things.

Actually, it's a bit of a chronic condition.

Earmark Social said...

your blog is fantastic! and the final dress choice is perfection, you look great in it - really, i am not trying to sell you anything, i promise :)

the shoes are great too, i love how such simple items can bring so much happiness and memories to ones life... i hope the wedding is perfect! thank you for sharing!

Damselle Jewelry said...

oh my gosh! You have great fashion sense and a real individual style!

High Desert Diva said...

R-
You mentioned taking a life drawing class in your comment on my blog. Thought you might be interested in this blog post if you haven't already seen it.
http://ponosmom.blogspot.com/2008/08/who-i-am.html
-C

BaldyLocks said...

Thanks, that blog is great! I love her painting.

Anonymous said...

Those flamey pink shoes rock.

If its any consolation, I look at my shoe stash the same way. Where they've been.

Here's to more shoe adventures of the good kind!

Vivian said...

Each pair is 'wow'-ier than the last! I'm excited to hear which shoes get to escort your dress--maybe a completely new pair altogether, in which case, please take us along shopping!

Thanks for blogging with such honesty & openness. Looking forward to the next post :)

ppdesigns said...

graet shoes - i like how they're all so colourful!!

Anonymous said...

I'm jealous. You have great shoes!