May is full of Birthdays! I have 5 very close friends with Birthday’s in May. It’s a month of excessive merriment. I can tell you my waisteline and liver know that it has been a “festive” month.

“I don’t like the French” I have heard this ridiculous statement dozens of times. Really you don’t like an entire nation of people? You know what that makes you sound like? An ignorant racist. Ok maybe you are—I’m not here to judge.  I know stereotypes happen for a reason, I understand not liking a government or its politics, but I’m talking about the people- individuals. You don’t like all of them? Have you met all of them? I feel sorry for you.

Maybe this strikes a cord with me because one of my dearest friends happens to be French, from Paris and she might be the loveliest person I have ever met. Now don’t get me wrong- she is very French. She won’t like you either—at first. She will be aloof and make you prove yourself before she lets you in—but if she does, your life will be blessed with a delightful friend. She was actually my boss to start and the first 6 months I worked for her I had no idea what she was saying, her accent is thick, and if she has had a glass of wine, forget it. We have now been friends for over 20 years, and I feel lucky to know such a caring person. And I can understand her now- even after a few glasses of wine, that’s usually when I think I can speak French. Some day I hope I will learn to speak French, it a running joke between us. She sends me text messages in French to help me learn and I answer in Spanish. Another language I don’t know. My first trip to Paris was with my dear friend Patricia, and I can tell you if you can go to Paris with a Parisian, I recommend it. You might even be able to hire Patricia if you ask nice. Local knowledge in any foreign city just makes the experience even better.

Of course like all French women she has a flare for scarfs – I think its genetic and this has worn off on me. I owe a lot of scarves and rarely leave the house without one like a proper French lady. Patricia of course knows of my shoe obsession, she gave me this very pretty pair a few years ago for my birthday. And today is her birthday—Happy Birthday Frenchie! My life has been insurmountably better because you are my friend. Thank you.

Laura

A dear friend of mine sent me this list suggesting I might be guilty of shoe fanaticism. I admit I have maybe 12 of the 16, but to my defense I really don’t think it’s all that nutty to love shoes. Everyone likes shoes– or at least like shoes. Try walking in the snow or on hot asphalt and tell me you are not grateful for shoes. Heels add height and they do nice things for your backside, so how can that be bad? Let’s see how you fair on the following list.

1. You talk about shoes. A lot.

Define a lot? If I grab a great deal on the road, I might tell my close pals. If someone asks- I respond. But I don’t walk around telling random people about my shoes. Except in this blog, but you came to the site. (ok I might have used some mind power to lure you here.)

2. The first thing you notice about someone is his or her footwear.

It’s not the first thing, but I will notice. You can tell a lot about a man from his shoes (and watch). And the same is true of women. It’s training that was bred into me. I blame my Aunt Dorothy, who loved beautiful shoes.

3. When someone insults your shoes, you defend them like they’re your children.

So silly, some people aren’t into beautiful shoes and have no fashion savvy. I’m not here to judge them. Live and let be.

4. You know better than to wear light colored/clear shoes in the rain.

I don’t think this falls under shoe obsession as much as common sense. Flip- flips in the snow are never a wise choice.

5. You’ve got a pair for any weather.

Again, common sense, see above.

6. You construct your outfit around your shoes.

Doesn’t everyone? Kidding. But I have done this. Actually I’m more likely to get dressed and then wear what ever shoes I feel like even if they maybe don’t match in a traditional sense.  Sparkles are a neutral color- yes?

7. You have at least 10 Instagram photos of your shoes.

Yeah finally one I’m not guilty of doing. I use Instagram to post pictures of the silly and ridiculous, my shoes would never be subject to this.

8. You dedicate time to cleaning your shoes.

I don’t do this, but my local cobbler knows me by name and he always displays my shoes for others to enjoy until I pick them up.

9. You know what your shoes are made of.

Well of course I do and so should you. Different materials wear differently, last longer, and are more comfortable. Not knowing these things makes you a bad consumer. Shame on you.

10. And you absolutely know how to take care of them.

Again, I do but I have a super cobbler who takes very good care of my beauties.

11. You don’t throw away silica packs.

Like most of you, I throw them away, but this blog has made me rethink that practice. They absorb moisture and prevent mold. So maybe I’ll let some of them hang out with my shoes.

12. You own several shoe trees.

I don’t own any, but I’m not against the idea.

13. You have a shoe closet. And you keep the original boxes they came in

In my dreams I do, but currently I have a shoe bookcase.  I would love to keep the original boxes, but sometimes that is not practical.

14. You go for quality over quantity

Well truth be told, I go for both. I love a deal. But I also know well-made shoes, while often more expensive they last longer and are way more comfortable than cheap shoes. Your feet know the difference. You are standing on them all day, treat them nice.

15. Sometimes you’ll sacrifice comfort for cool.

I sacrifice for beauty. Fashionable is not always comfortable. Every woman knows this.

16. You know what styles look good on you — and you don’t force what doesn’t.

I like to think I do, but I might have missed the mark once or twice.  High-heeled sneakers looked ridiculous on me.

How’d did you score?

Laura