Shoe~Daze
- Sweet Soles -
Holes on the soles of your shoes. Long before Amazon replaced shoes with hard rubber substances our shoes were made of leather or a mixture of that. We'd drag along until the bottoms wore through to our socks.
In our little town, as in most, we had a shoemaker, Giuseppe, who would re-sole them until the tops wrinkled off and nothing left to attach to, cheaper than new ones. Giuseppe also put metal 'taps' on them to help them wear better; while slip-sliding-away down the school hallways with. Paul Simon sang he had 'Diamonds' on the soles of his shoes.
He was our go to guy when we needed our shoes buffed up for special events. But, when in the military we 'Spit' shined our shoes. Usually with a cup of water and a rag with Shinola polish; rubbing and rubbing until we could see our face image looking back at us. Certainly, times were much simpler then, but it's fun to reach back during times without digital devices that occupy the newer generations; we just hop skipped and jumped our days through.
~ Good & Plenty ~
— Sugar Rush U.S.A. —
Are you a Red Licorice devotee as is twisting onto our flag? Are red vine candies a Twisted-Tasty substitute for the acquired taste of real black teeth-staining Licorice? Others crunch into color-conscious M&M's even Abba-Zaba Tootsie Rolls or juicy Raisin 'Sugar Babies' candies.
— Me, if it ain't Chocolate, Why Bother —
~ Choices ~
Actually as just a Crayola-Stick-Schtick-Artist, who really can't even stay within the lines of doing a Paint-By-Numbers fill-in. Fabulous artists paint water colors and acrylic offerings inspired by bowls of fruit or depict their favorite 'Abba-Zaba' treats. Some even said "Hostess-Twinkies, others Helms Donuts" hearing the tweet of the Bakery trucks coming down their street, via their stomachs, even before their ears.
Abstract art and oil paintings, even photography stills, hang from the walls of galleries while viewers may stand for very long periods mesmerized by the meanings—'Eye of the Beholder' is often quoted. Or even films have their 'Target' audience with messages. Ask the artist-presenters, "What's This?" They will invariably say: "What do you think it means?" Certainly, a short story may be a lot less 'Cerebral' when it comes to "Interpretations." But, you get the 'Picture.'
What do YOU pick out in an article? With so many personal reactions. What does it speak-to-you?
Pieces of the Piece, perhaps? For instance — The Interpreting of Social Media articles by describing explicit videos with 'Twist-Interpretations' in all ways to see if there are any 'Takers' — there always are. In our business detecting perception and body Language is imperative! Often, it's mandatory to actually read-into what is said: Perception Eclipses Reality, 'The Tells'.
~ Take Things in Stride ~
I'm sometimes way off target! I could stand and explain intent and meanings all day long. Then be told, out of the blue, "NO you really want to say it like this, it would make a better story."
A very odd thing to me — I'm seeing-hearing that by being 'Out-There' how even my own thoughts aren't correct — Of course for my own good. But, no one can make me feel inferior without my consent: Though, it isn't a compliment if I have to pay it to myself.
Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California
'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
About the Creator
Jay Kantor
'For The Kids Someday'
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Comments (20)
Love the freckles and the tongue sticking out. 👞I like how back then the shoes were worn until none of it was left. I find myself wanting to take on this way of living. I don't buy new anymore. This was the next step. 👞Seems like the spit was very useful back in those days. Now I see it resting on the pavement outside, waiting for me to step on it. Listing all of those sweet goodness is making me hungry for chocolate. 👞But the flag you so creatively put together was a dream to look at 😍 I enjoyed this. Especially your views on interpretations and your passion towards not allowing anyone to make you feel inferior. Outstanding work, Jay 🤗❤️🖤
Beautiful read, thank you Jay.
You never fail to amuse and bring back memories :) I could see your shoes with taps while you were seated at the movie theatre eating something chocolate when others were stuck with licorice...lol
Enjoyable read, Jay.
Every https://curverush2.github.io story is subjective. What resonates with one person may not resonate with another. This diversity of thought is what makes storytelling rich and multifaceted. Finding a balance between your original thoughts and external feedback can enhance your narrative. It's okay to adapt your story while still holding on to your core message.
Nostalgic and fun—loved the way you wove shoes, candy, and art together into such a playful reflection.
Ah, such a great one, Jamigo! Love your walks down memory lane—so vivid I was seeing my own reflection in those shoes! I love the journey this piece took me on! Recalling: When I lived in NYC we had a neighborhood cobbler. I took my beloved boots for repair. They were my faves and I wore them down to the nails in the sole. The guy looked at me and told me to go buy a new pair of boots. I refused, and within two days of getting them back with their beautiful new soles, the toe popped a hole. Maybe I should clipped my toenail shorter? 🤣 Favorite candy—any caramel, peppermint and dark chocolate…most recently rediscovered Nerds when Dave surprised us with a gas station family sized box of them on our most recent road trip. So yumm! Everyone sees the world through their own lens…neural pathways formed by life’s pains and pleasures. One man’s chocolate with nuts is another man’s yuck 😉 Brilliant, as always! 🩷
Congratulations on a well deserved Top Story! I remember much of what you mentioned, but I never had a pair of shoes repaired. I'm 64. I certainly can relate to being told my thoughts aren't right, especially because I'm only around people in my 'real life' who are in their mid-30s. To them, I'm antiquated. Great story, Jay. ⚡️💙⚡️
so glad this got top story
Back to say congratulations Jay
Jay── your vivid recollections of Giuseppe's taps and those spit-shined military boots really hit home—I've got my own faded snapshots of scuffed leather soles from childhood romps, back when a good polish could make you feel invincible.
Such a wonderful story, Jay. In our postmodernist post-truth world everyone constructs their own meanings from almost everything. Hard to agree on anything and facts can be interpreted in multiple ways. Loved your shoe shine descriptions!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This was a charming walk down memory lane! Thx 4 sharing! Opinions are great in my opinion; they add that special spice to life! 😁 Have a great day Jay! ☺️
'Though, it isn't a compliment if I have to pay it to myself.' If you believe this to be true then let me say pay the compliment to you. Your pictures always make me smile and this nostalgic trip down memory lane is wonderful. Reading articles is not as fascinating as they once were, to many lies and bait click to take serious. I don't feel I need to fish out the truth form a lie to the absurd. Cheers Jay
J -You ask your readers what they pick out in an article. I believe I am not alone in saying what looms for me is a reference that touches on my own experiences. Your stories always do that for me. I love when I remember those feelings -K
I believe (pun intended) what you have curated here are some excellent examples of metamodernism. Of course, I could be wrong. Who's to say? Hope all is okay. I may get there someday! 🙄😁
Some interesting fun memories here
Oooo, I really loved your licorice and M&M flag! It looked so pretty. I'm more of a chocolate person hehehe
First article on my feed today and I'm reading Kantor whilst I eat my breakfast, both of which are easily digestible. You're in a pensive mood, JBud. Loving the schtick art as always. I like to get my shoes repaired when I can, especially if I like the style and fit of them and they've served me well. Hubby polishes them usually, not me. Don't like liquorice really, red or otherwise. Chocolate not so much either now. My sweet cravings tend to be fruity. Everyone interprets your writing differently even if you feel like you are laying it on the line and making it as transparent as you can as to what you mean, there's always room for alternative layers of meaning. I guess it's because people bring their own views when reading your words, maybe even mood and prejudices so it's never a level playing field. Good way to start the day. Hope you're doing okay. (rhyme intentional)