I bought these boots for Maria more than a year ago, I saw them online and grabbed them. She would never buy boots like these for herself, but I know she loved them, she wore them all the time.
Yesterday, she told me that she had put the boots in the trash can and then went and sang a song of gratitude to them. The sole had come off of one foot, and she didn’t want the boots to go into the trash without a proper farewell and acknowledgment.
Living with Maria, I often hear things I never heard before, and she says the same thing about me. We both are always discovering things about the other, even after eight years of marriage.
I have regretted losing some of my good shoes or boots, but it would never have occurred to me to sing farewell to them. Yet it made sense. I think Maria believes that we are all part of the same system of energy in one way or the other.
She treats her things with respect and shows gratitude and appreciation when they are gone. Ironically, this is the same way I feel about dogs when they die. I appreciate them and give thanks for the gift of knowing and loving them.
There was no lamenting about these boots, no complaining about how things are made today, no self-pity. I went and took these boots out of the trash so I could take a picture of them.
Maria wouldn’t tell me the words of the boot song, but she said it was mostly a thank you for having taken her so many places. I don’t know if I can find another one.
“I think Maria believes that we are all part of the same system of energy in one way or the other.”
I do too! Thanks for putting it into words!
I’m surprised that Maria thew away a pair of boots that could have been repaired.
Don’t you have a shoe repair shop in your area?
Holly, forgive me, but the condition of Maria’s boots and her decisions about them does not seem to me to be an appropriate thing for me to comment on, or something that is your concern. You don’t know what shape they are in or whether they can be repaired or at what cost. I don’t mean to be short, but it seems to be her choice, not yours. If you wish to ask her, her e-mail is [email protected]…I wouldn’t if I were you…:)
Coming to Holly’s defense, although Jon, you won’t think that’s appropriate either! I thought the same thing as Holly, that they are beautiful boots and look awfully good still. Jon it puzzles me how you decide what gets printed and what doesn’t. I have sent comments that you simply have not allowed on your blog. Does it depend on whether you are in the mood to make a tart reply? I hope you don’t publish my comment!
Nancy, I would assume that Holly is capable of her own defense, and she hasn’t been accused of a crime, to the best of my knowledge. We just have a disagreement, which I think is still legal in America. Do you know how damaged the boots are? Does she? Do you want to pay for their repair, assuming they can be repaired? Do you know if there is a repair person anywhere near us? Do you have any idea whether Maria wants to have the shoes repaired? Have you gathered an estimate or asked about their cost, and worth, or the health or needs of Maria’s feet? Are those questions your business, really? On the one hand, you seem to be complaining that I am not publishing your comments. On the other you hope that I don’t. I post comments that are useful or have some value to people, not just whiny or snarky comments. It’s my blog, and I post what I want, I think it’s as simple as that. I have no idea who you are, but you make a good argument here for ignoring comments and making tart replies. (I like the term “tart,” it sounds a bit acidic, but given the state of social media comments, tart sounds pretty mild.
My husband has saved many a pair of trusted work boots by applying Locktite 5 minute epoxy. It’s his go to. He feels they have seen him through thick and thin and wants to at least give them a good fightin’ chance.
This is another amazing photo that tells the story of bedlam farm. Thank you Jon for sharing this. Thank you Maria for your never ending way of bringing beauty to the small, gentle, quiet moments.
I’m not going to comment on her throwing away the boots, but those laces are in great shape. I’m always looking for long laces and these could come in handy for tying things. Just saying. (I keep too many things anyway. I wish I could pitch more stuff). Another person’s trash, another person’s treasure…
You are not tighter than she is, nothing ever gets thrown out…but she can speak for herself…