Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Yeah Write: Pinky Swearing a Pair of Shoes



I look down at them. These shoes. The ones I’ve spent the last month and a half breaking in for comfort. It’s been all fun and games so far. Some hiking, a lot of walking, and some errands thrown in just because they’re feeling good.

I’ve never spoken to them until today. It wasn’t until today that I became tentative. It wasn’t until today I needed reassurance. Does it matter that I was talking to a pair of hiking shoes? Not really.

“Can you support me on this journey?”

“We are helpful to anyone who wears us," in my mind, they say.

“Did I tell you yet how long we’ll be together?”

 “It doesn’t matter,” they answer.

“How do you feel about the unknown, walking for 500 miles, being my closest friends?"

"We're here for as many days as you tie these laces. Take care of us and we will take care of you,” they reply quietly.

“Are you as nervous as I am?”

“Not at all. Stop worrying. This is what we're made for,” in a comforting tone, they said.

"But am I?"

"We're doing it together, remember?"

Doubting, I went to the forums and message boards, to people I didn’t know, people with experience, and every single one answered, “The Camino will provide.”

“That advice is a little…ah, general! What do they know?”

“More than you. Do you have a purpose? Do you know why you are doing this?” my hiking shoes questioned.

“Yes. I think so. I think I know.”

“You have 35 days to figure that out. Your purpose. It may change; become clear. Don’t be hard on yourself," they replied.

“Pinky swear you’ll stick with me through all of this, through all of the unknown, for 500 miles?”

“Yes. Put one foot in front of the other each day. Look within yourself. Do your best. Remember your purpose. And we will finish this journey together,” they reassured.

“How did a pair of shoes get so wise?”

“We aren’t. It’s inside of you. It's where it's always been and where it will always be.”

“We” leave in a week and a half to walk the 500 mile pilgrimage called El Camino de Santiago de Compostela or The Walk of St. James. I’m nervous and excited and a million other things. And I have a purpose. It may be loosely defined but that’s okay for now. My hiking shoes told me I have a lot of time to figure it all out.

*******************

Hooking up for the last time until August with one of my favorite places on the web...Yeah Write!!! 

28 comments:

Jack said...

Enjoy the trip. It is going to be great!

Daniel Nest said...

Neat! Good luck on the journey and remember to have fun. That goes for both you and the shoes.

Jester Queen said...

That will be an extraordinary journey! And all walking. I'd be wary, too. I don't walk if I can help it. Bike, yes. Walk, nah.

Your Doctor's Wife said...

Oh, the stories you'll have to tell!! Best of luck to you!! Stay safe!

christina said...

wow what an awesome thing you're doing. good luck, safe travels. can't wait to hear how it all goes.

Samantha Brinn Merel said...

This is a great story, and I can't wait to hear all that you'll have to tell when you get back. Have an amazing and safe trip, and take lots of pictures. See you in August!

Anonymous said...

Wow-what a journey you have ahead. Be safe and have fun.

Mamarific said...

Amazing. Best of luck on your journey. And I love the way you wrote from the perspective of the shoes. Very clever.

Larks said...

I love your shoes! Very wise. Good luck on your journey! That sounds amazing!

Gina said...

Thanks, Jack! Got the most amazing journal from my daughter to take along.

Gina said...

I am sure there will all types of moments with fun being one of them. Thanks! They better last...

Gina said...

I love to walk. Do I love to walk 500 miles? I have absolutely no idea. We are about to find out.

Gina said...

Oh, there will be stories no doubt! My friend and I will stick together and take care of each other. Thanks you.

Gina said...

Thanks, christina!

Gina said...

Thanks, Sam! I can't wait to get started.

Gina said...

Yes and I'm just a little bit nervous as it quickly approaches.

Gina said...

I need to listen to them. I usually don't get really freaked out but I'm feeling a little over my head. Yes, exciting!!!

Gina said...

Thanks so much! I keep looking down at them every time I lace them up and I imagine what they are saying to me. Lots of pep talks!

Gina said...

They are certainly comfy. Let's hope they hold up their end of the bargain. It's going to be a very memorable time in my life.

www.icescreammama.com said...

Wow! 500 miles?!!! Sounds like an amazing experience!!! Have the best time!!

psychochef said...

I hope you have an incredible adventure - can't wait to read what you write after you return.

Kristin said...

Makes me think of that 80s song from Benny and Joon...And I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more just to be the man who walked a 1000 miles to fall down at your door! Da lat da! Or something...GOOD LUCK! Can't wait to read about it when you get back!

JenKehl.com said...

Wow! That sounds amazing, and I love your talking shoes! I'm sorry, but there's a song from that old classic animation "santa claus is coming to town" with Andy Rooney, there's a song called "One foot in front of the other" you should listen to it! Your shoes would approve!

Kir said...

WOW, WOW, WOW..this is fantastic. have a GREAT walk, a memorable one (I can't wait to read all about it) and when I meet you in July you can TELL me all about it too. First drink on me. :)

You're incredible..you know that?

Natalie DeYoung said...

Agh, you're doing the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela??? I'm jealous. Your shoes are right - listen to them. :)

Kirsten Oliphant said...

Sounds amazing! Hope you blog all about it when you get back! Love this.

ed pilolla said...

how exciting!! a friend of mine made it halfway until shin splints sidelined him. but he was making plans to finish, and told such a beautiful tale of his journey through the first half. how wonderful...
thanks for dropping by my place. great to reconnect:)

Christie Tate said...

Omg. This is thrilling. I'll be thinking of you!!!