Bare Feet & Fancy Shoes

Galoshes fishing, notice the muddy feet!

March 1990


Dear MaryJanes,

You like pretty shoes, in your words, "Momma, I want those fancy shoes" You are attracted to the bright dress shoes with a little bit of a heel. Anytime I go out for some "me time" you notice that I put on higher heels. "Momma, where did you get those shoes?" you will ask. I suppose you notice shoe styles so often because for the most part I am bear footed. I prefer to go without shoes and if you look through the pictures of me, you will notice that I am most always without shoes. There must be some Indian blood in me somewhere along the lines, though my folks say not. Usually once or twice a year I manage to get some kind of foot injury, but this doesn't stop me. It's in my nature to walk with my feet to the earth.

Galoshes with her grandmother

Galoshes and Nephew

Someday when I am an old woman, I suppose you will find me out weeding the garden in my bare feet. You will call out to me, "Hey, mom, look at these fancy shoes I just bought." I will just smile and be content to wash the mud from feet, as they are the best pair of footwear I own.

Galoshes and her lamb

Now one..two buckle your shoes,

Love, Galoshes