Tuesday 21 June 2011

The Birkenstocks' journey

They spent the first year of their life in London; frequenting the bars in Notting Hill, hanging out in the BBC canteen, and picnicking in Hyde Park. They were in their prime, and despite the wine stains, quite cool.

In 2003 they moved to the countryside, where the new terrain took a bit of getting used to. In their new environment they were something of a rarity, and although they relished being different, they missed their pals back in London.

It didn't take long for them to get back in their stride; they began walking up muddy mountains, wading through rivers, and frequenting the local pub. They happily started making new friends, and were delighted when others just like them started moving into town.

They went on to have many adventures; they went on a 15 mile trek in Cuba, they paddled in the sea in Italy, and they walked around many chateaus in France.

On a couple of occasions they were met with much hostility, once at a wedding, and once at a dinner/dance. But they stood tall and strong, and proudly danced for a good five hours, anyway.

In July 2005, they finally got the recognition they deserved, and although this time they were sadly not present (not for want of trying), they were mentioned in not one, but two speeches at the best, happiest wedding in the world, by two speakers who had become very used to having them around.

It was a sad day for them during the Summer of 2010; barely intact, they were begrudgingly put away, to make way for a much newer, shinier pair. Although they welcomed the much needed rest, they missed their trips to Sainsbury's, the playground, the soft play centre, and even the chicken coop, where the hens seemed to take exception to them being on their turf.

However, just three days later, they gleefully waved goodbye to the newer, shinier predator (who were now happily frolicking around on eBay), and they were back! And still to this day, although they are weary, they just keep on going.
 
Written for Josie's writing workshop

12 comments:

Irene said...

Why were the newer, shinier pair frolicking around on eBay? How did they let the new owner down? Inquiring minds want to know! Please...

nappy valley girl said...

Yes, what happened to the usurpers? Were they just too uncomfortable?

I have shoes that I have owned since time immemorial. And clothes. If they stand the test of time, they are definitely to be treasured.

Josie @Sleep is for the Weak said...

Wow, sounds like those shoes deserve their own blog!

I'm So Fancy said...

Had some shoes like that. My mother and sister got into my closet and chucked them. Actually they gave them away to the housekeeper when I was out of town. Sigh.

Nel said...

hmmmm. There seems to be a manky paint stained pair of them in size 11 at our back door.

Elsie Button said...

Hi Nora and Nappy Valley, because they were uncomfortable, the wrong colour, and not the original pair!

Elsie Button said...

Hi Josie, I don't mind them sharing my mine :)

Hi Fancy, I would have stolen them back i think!

Hi Nel, size 11? surely not yours?!

sadie said...

ah. the love of a good shoe. You can't go wrong with old faithfuls.

oooh, ove the giveaway.
My favourite cake from childhood was homemade choccy rice krispie cakes.
My mum wasn't a good or happy cook (and still isn't though she'll kill me for saying that, but anyone who makes a casserole and uses the gravy from a KFC bargain bucket cannot call themselves Delia!) but she could make a good rice krispie cake.

And so can I! Though I must admit that most of it gets shoved in my piehole rather than the cake cases.

Chefs perks and all that!

xx

p.s did you get your hangers?

Elsie Button said...

Hi Sadie, yes and because of my love of one pair of shoes, it makes me very low maintenance!

I used to love making rice crispie cakes with my mum too - and now with Betty - a classic!

Yes thank you, I got the colourful wooden hangers from Dunelm like you said, and also loads from Sainsburys, who kindly donated them! x

Elsie Button said...

Hi Sadie, yes and because of my love of one pair of shoes, it makes me very low maintenance!

I used to love making rice crispie cakes with my mum too - and now with Betty - a classic!

Yes thank you, I got the colourful wooden hangers from Dunelm like you said, and also loads from Sainsburys, who kindly donated them! x

Unknown said...

Blimey, how do they keep going? Mine fall to pieces after 1 year. Very good post. Thank you for sharing it.

Georgie said...

It just had to be those Smiley face jam and cream biscuits. I think they were called Happy Faces. They used to always make me smile, especially once I'd finished the whole packet! Great for parties too.