I was going to put up another "essentials" post this morning, showing these favorite shoes, purchased in 1985 or 1986, and worn every summer since, but alas, when I went to wear them yesterday, I discovered that they were too small. This should not come as a surprise, I have written about how my feet have grown and many pairs of beloved shoes have been sent off to find new homes, and yet it was a surprise, as these shoes somehow occupied a sphere apart from that place in my head and heart labeled shoes.
The simple truth is that they are a size 8 and I am now a 9, sometimes a 9 1/2. How they survived this long is a mystery as I haven't worn an 8 since I was in my 20's but I do believe that perhaps they did indeed still fit during those many years where I wore an 8 1/2. But not now. My feet overflow them like Cinderella's evil step-sisters' feet in the glass slippers, and I've always harbored a tiny kernel of disdain for women whose feet are obviously overflow too small shoes. I can't join their sisterhood now.
They have a few dings and dents but are otherwise in good shape. I'm am sure they will find a new home. It would certainly gladden my heart were I ever so lucky as to see them walking down the street someday gracing a new pair of feet.
