Comments on: Women Over Fifty—The Joys of an Old Pair of Shoes

By: ROSIE

ROSIE — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:41:51 +0000

As a child I remember getting new shoes from my Godmother. I would wear them out quickly without regard to taking care of them in the right way. My Godmother had a chat with me and told me that if I did not start taking care of my shoes I wouldn’t get anymore from her.
This reminds me now of the need for me to take care of my body, not to run it out. Sure, I can get a few new parts here and there but I need to be careful and treat it right in this season of powerful possibilities. I am,forever, thankful to my Godmother, Evola Hawkins, for that lesson that would later impact me.

By: cindy luck

cindy luck — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:53:36 +0000

I had navy blue oxfords to go with my stunning navy blue Mercymount Country Day School uniform…and white Peter Pan collar blouse. While the shoes comfortable, those who didn’t go to Mercymount would tease us. If they didn’t tease us about the shoes it was about the potato-sacklike uniform. I wouldn’t go back to those years in elementary or junior high school — but I’d love to find a pair of those oxfords

By: NJBabyBoomer

NJBabyBoomer — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:26:39 +0000

Oh my what memories! I remember Saddle Shoes, and Buster Brown Shoes, also “PF Flyers”, and US Keds, and my all time favorite “Penny Loafers” Fun post Claudia

By: Betty Lynch

Betty Lynch — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:02:05 +0000

Thanks for the laugh and the memories!

By: PopArtDiva

PopArtDiva — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:26:16 +0000

Eileen – this is a great analogy for how we become more comfortable with ourselves as we get older! My old shoe body may be a bit worn, torn and have a few holes in it’s “soul” but it is softer, more pliable while being durable and a totally comfortable fit to who I have become!

I see my body as a comfy pair of hand-painted, high heeled sneakers with a bit of a squeak when I walk, lol!

BTW – Ms. Joyce and I have plans for you . . . . .

By: Magnolia

Magnolia — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:19:53 +0000

Oh, you are so funny. I got the best mind picture of you trying to walk without bending your toes. Oh my, it’s just laugh out loud funny.

Eileen, you never cease to make me laugh or smile. And lately, I can use all the chuckles I can get. You go girl.

By: Joyce Mason

Joyce Mason — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:34:50 +0000

I’m with you, Eileen. I wouldn’t trade all the beauty of youth for the wisdom and emotional freedom of being a boomer in full bloom. All the annoyances and sometimes challenges of aging aside, these are the best years of my life.

By: Pam Archer

Pam Archer — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:30:45 +0000

I remember the school shoes, too. I never owned a pair of saddle oxfords, but I remember the Buster Browns I had.

If more women would get comfortable in their own skin, they would be a whole lot happier.

Your story was well-written and enjoyable, Eileen.

By: Teri Dempski

Teri Dempski — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 03:14:12 +0000

What a wonderful metaphor for our aging bodies! You made me believe that it’s okay to have the “matronly” body I see in the bathroom mirror.

Now, about those saddle shoes. I went to Catholic School and wore those tan and brown saddled shoes for years. I actually wrote a short story about my mission to destroy one pair (almost impossible) to get a pretty pair of “Mary Jane” black patent leather ones. Someday, I’ll have to share that story.

By: Beverly Mahone

Beverly Mahone — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:14:08 +0000

You had the old black and white saddle oxfords too, huh? We wore them as cheerleaders and I actually kept mine as a reminder of the days when I could wear a size 5 shoe and a size 3 dress.