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Friday, August 13, 2010

Lately I've Been Thinking About Shoes

This?
Or This?


I've been watching more TV than usual since my rotator cuff surgery. I lean back on the sofa, my big black sling rising like a phoenix from my side, a can of soda within reach, my little Chloe curled on my lap, five other dogs stretched over chairs and my feet propped up on a foot stool. I look at my feet and there are my cozy black canvas Mary Jane shoes tapping against each other.

I am bored watching yet another show. But I am resting my shoulder, arm and back since I have actually been out shopping and am in some discomfort from all the movement earlier in the day. I am not on pain meds, which may be why the current show I am watching is painful.

I am on the E network, where yet another young star is prancing down the red carpet in tall heels. You know those sexy, spike heels that are called *whoops* F/ME shoes. I haven't worn heels of any height in 15 years. Day after day they parade by in shoes that are so high I tremble they may trip and fall. How does anyone balance on those spikes?

I am watching the TV over my own pitiful, flat, comfy Mary Janes that are propped up on a footstool directly in my vision as I am slumped down on the couch. (Note: since slipping in the kitchen in my bare feet I  wear shoes at all times).

Now, not only my sling is making me feel sexless, I am worried my favorite shoes are dated or, perhaps, just leaving me dateless.

I love Mary Janes. That is all I wear most all the time. Canvas for casual, black for business, and silver for evening. I do wear flat ankle boots in winter. But still no heels.

Is there a man alive who will consider me hot in my Mary Janes? Then I think, is there a man alive who could make me want to wear heels? My answer, no. That may be why I sit at home with six dogs.

I think style can be expressed in many ways. Mine is casual, funky, a little cowgirl in the winter. I am never as cute dressed in my clothes as I feel. But it is how I feel that I like when I am dressed in things I love.

I shop at thrift stores and buy designer coats for $10. Perfect. I find long skirts, frilly T's, and vintage hip length jackets to wear over jeans for dress up. I bought a Coach bag for $16.

I love to layer jewelry, both vintage and newly made artist pieces. I am eagerly awaiting my Silver And Grace necklace from Eliza's Fire Collection called Heartbeat. A red gem that will accent layers of chunky turquoise necklaces.

No one will care what I wear that day, my jewelry will bedazzle them. My flat Mary Janes will keep me grounded under the weight of my jewelry. Bet I would topple over in spike heels and, well, tear my other rotator cuff. So Mary Janes seem appropriate yet again.

Another plus, not related to fashion -  I don't mind short men.

I do have a fantasy. I am in a flirty skirt, my legs are flawless, my heels shameless and men are dropping like flies when I walk pass them on the street. I step over each man carefully so I won't accidently pierce him with my spikes.

I think this reoccurring dream comes from a song I love by Kristy MacColl, In These Shoes. It was the song in the end credits for the movie Kinky Boots.



Widow Lesson Learned: It is better to walk tall in flats than to fall flat on your face trying to be something you are not.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Sybil After Surgery - Donate To AAR And Get Your Angel Wings

Sybil relaxing after surgery. Oh my, what a sweet girl.


An update from Debra at Animal Action Rescue:
Sybil's surgery took place Tuesday, August 3 at Northlake Veterinary Surgery. When I took her in and met with Dr. Greenwood the reality of the seriousness and risks of open heart surgery hit my like a ton of bricks. They have never seen me cry, but I was terrified. This sweet, loving little girl had totally won my heart, no pun intended. NVS is an awesome group and supplied me with hugs and tissues and suggested an early happy hour since I had a designated driver with me. They kept me updated throughout the day and I finally got the call that she survived. I picked her up and took her to our emergency vet (AECD) for observation that night. This little girl is a trooper and is doing great and recovering well at our vet, The Village Vets of Decatur! She is alert, eating well and gets very excited when she has a visitor. She is a staff favorite and they say it was a pleasure to take care of her because of her gentle and sweet nature. She will be seeing Dr. Greenwood tomorrow (Friday) and if he gives the ok, Sybil will be going to her foster home that evening. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the generous donations provided that saved Sybil's life. She is going to be a wonderful companion and family member when she is ready for her forever home, I only wish it would be with me. Unfortunately, I have too many "forever" foster dogs to provide her the life she so deserves!

My update:

Sybil is just one of many incredible dog stories from Animal Action Rescue. This group is dear to my heart as you know. My book signing and silent auction was dedicated to them. 100% of every penny that came in went directly to AAR. 

My book sales through August 20th will still go to AAR as mentioned in my previous post. (So far no one has taken me up on my offer, but Deb and gang I am still pitching for you.) Sybil has had her surgery but there is work to be done. So many dogs need care and homes.

Meet some of the AAR group in the photo from my book signing:

It is not to late to donate. You can still help another dog. Link to AAR Donate and make a Pay Pal donation of $16 and forward a copy of your receipt to me with your mailing address and I will send a copy of my book The Unfaithful Widow to you. Plenty of dog stories there to make you smile. Offer good through August 20th.
Not in the mood to read or spend $16?  Go to the same link and make a small donation and earn your Doggie Angel Wings. Let me know you've made a donation and I will post a list of Dog Angels the end of this month. A small donation can make a huge difference.
Contact me at bb-bjd@comcast.net .

 Widow Lesson Learned: A healthy heart begins with sharing with others.