Over the Hill on the Yellow Brick Road, I passed a consignment store. I love looking at classic, off beat clothing so I went in. Off in a corner, I noticed a pair of shoes covered with sparkles shoved in a shoe bag. Why were those gorgeous shoes stuffed in the back of the store? I started a conversation…
Hey sparkly shoes, I totally love you! You’d look amazing with a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. Why are you sitting back here by yourself?
SPARKLY SHOES: Well, since we’re Over the Hill on the Yellow Brick Road, all the customers who come in here are growing older. They’re figuring out where they belong in the world.
Right. I’m one of them. So?
SPARKLY SHOES: So everybody thinks they’re too old to wear sparkles. People who come in the store say sparkles make them look like they’re trying to look younger in a tasteless way, even though they wish they could wear me.
To be honest, I’m struggling with the same thing. I mean, for example, I’d love to wear sparkle eye shadow, but I’m afraid the glitter will get stuck in my wrinkles.
SPARKLY SHOES: Interesting…
And I’d love to wear sparkle nail polish, but I feel on some level I’d be trying to look like a teenager. Or a four year old.
SPARKLY SHOES: Even if you put sparkles on one finger and a solid nail polish color on the other four?
Tried it. There’s still something that doesn’t feel quite right about it.
SPARKLY SHOES: It’s going to be hard for me to hear this, but, what’s your problem with sparkly shoes?
As I grow older, my feet are more particular. It’s much harder to find shoes that are comfortable. So, the thought of trying to find shoes that don’t hurt AND have sparkles seems like an impossible dream.
SPARKLY SHOES: This is depressing me.
Don’t get me wrong. I love sparkles. They tap right into my playful, elegant, side. I just can’t figure out when, where and how to wear them. I’m in the middle of the process.
SPARKLY SHOES: So then let me ask you a question. While you’re trying to find your comfort level with sparkles, what am I supposed to do with my life? I still want to bring joy into the world. I’m not getting any younger either.
How about this? You could sit by a window.
SPARKLY SHOES: Sit by a window? Why? What would I do there?
Make rainbows.
SPARKLY SHOES: Are you serious?
Yes. Go ahead. Try. it.
SPARKLY SHOES: Wow!!!! Omg! Awesome!
I know!
SPARKLY SHOES: I never knew I had it in me! I guess no matter how old we get, we can find inner beauty and bring it into the world.
For a shoe, you’re impressively cerebral.
Copyrightoverthehillontheyellowbrickroad2018
OVER THE HILL on the YELLOW BRICK ROAD 