New Shoes: Dawn Of A New Era

Last night I unboxed an Eastland gift from my mom. Inside, I saw a lace-less atrocity, a hideous buckled beast with vile top stitchings. I was flabbergasted! The surprise was a strong blow that knocked the wind of out me. I stood paralyzed with discomfort.

I got new shoes.

I got new shoes that are not the Eastland Plainview shoes!
My very first article in Caret Dash Caret was about those Plainviews. It was a style I’ve worn for nine years now, and was a symbol of comfort and routine.

The new shoes felt foreign, like an intruder dispelling everything I knew that to be whole and good, like a dark force snatching away children’s comfort blankies. It was an unanticipated change, and change is mighty scary.

How apt is it that I’m posting this on the first of a new month: an apropos day for change. I’m not ready, my mind screams, but that doesn’t matter. Change has already happened. I need to embrace it. My past year was a roller-coaster of ups and downs, full of welcoming new friendships and bitter farewells to old ones. Reflecting on the changes in my shoe style made me realize I’m very much not the Plainview girl anymore. I’ve gotten stronger, more experienced, and I’ll never stop changing.

Hello Syracuse. We’re gonna rock!