Eat, Drink And Be Merry!

    Saturday the weather wasn't great, but it was passable. A little on the cloudy side but at least it was dry. woke up a bit before 10 am, had a guick shower and headed for this restaurant that Herb said was a great place ro have breakfast. As 1 srood inside the door looking the place over, 1 heard my n缸口e being ca11ed out. 1 looked and over in the corner sat Bobby with a cup of coffee waiting for his order. 1 went and sat down and the waitress came and rook my order and scurried off. Bobby was a soft spoken man, tall and 1anky, but not too thin. We made small ta1k. H e had driven up from Alabama and was happy with the truck he had recently come into possession of. The model escapes me but he had gotten it with 10w mileage at a real good price. He pointed it out to me. "Hey Bobby" 1 said, "the saucer is yellow!" Saucecer,It comes from a running joke in the chatroo111. Bobby is refer1'ed to as the alien from another planet. Ah, 1 thought you had lostyour mind. Not completely,are you sure the endorphin levels are where they should be? Oops, I gotta go see you later. Bobby chuckled when 1 to1d him 1 cou1d tell folks I've seen the saucer and it looks like a banana. We finished breakfast and when 1 went ro grab the check, Bobby snatched it up. 1 protested. "Give me that." 1 said. ''Not this time.it was Bobbγs rep1y. "See you later at Herb's." i suppose on the next road trip we've going to  drive thourgh Alabama so you can buy Bobby dinner.
Are you reading my mind again? Well from in here 1 can't help it,it's right there in front of me.
    After breakfast 1 went back to the mote1 and channel surfed the tv for awhile, then it was time to head up to Herb and Lacey、Everyone from the night before was already there， and a few others would show up later. Herb was getting ready ro barbegue a few clllinary delights. Lacey had made a couple different kinds of salad, and there were assorted beverages on hand. Herb brought out some app1e flavored moonshine. 1 rarely drink, but 1 decided to take a swig in honor of the occasion . HOLY COW!! This stuff had more than a little kick, it was more like a wallop with a baseball bat. 1 fould it a little difficlùt to breathe for' a few seconds. You could have put that stuff in the gas tank. Yeah ，and it probably contained more octane than the gas. After my bodily functions returned to a somewhat normal state it was time to chow down. When everyone was full we started the regular party routime ,music， etc. One of Herb's neighbors
even brought a g山tar and entertained us for awhile. AlI in a11 it was a great part.And even though it was only the first year wedding annive1sary , Herb and Lacey had already been together for a few years, which goes to show that relationships that begin online, contrary to some of the people that say they never last, actually can end up working out for the good.

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LET THEM BE A CHILD

Santa thought of the children,

and the burden some must bear.

Just because their paren ts,

of them will not take care.

He looked up to the heavens,

and a star shining bright.

He thought of the Christ Child,

who was born this Holy night.

He knelt in his sleigh,

as he flew into the night.

He asked to find these children,

and make their burden light.

Take the burden they carry,

and on their parents it be piled.

Give them hope and love,

and let them be a child.

Joan always slept with her grandma in her big so丘bed. She carried her overnight case into Grandmàs bedroom and ever so carefully took the little angel out she had made for Grandma. She carried it into the kitchen to put on the refrigerator door. Her Grandma watched as Joan

ever so gently placed the angel on the door. Joan said.

    "Remember now, you and 1 have to watch over Grandma for

Grandpa."

    After lunch, Joan asked her dad to walk with Wag and her to the back forty. She had something special to hang on the shade tree where Grandpa always rested while Wag searched for Grandpa.

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The Call

    Over the next weeks, I watched Luke transform in front of my eyes.
Where once stood a rough-around-the-edges construction worker, I
now found a softened gentleman. Where turmoil had churned, peace
now reigned. A thirst for the world was replaced by an unquenchable
longing to drink up every bit of the Word that he'd neglected for the
past years.
    I'm in no way suggesting that a called minister is on a plane
above any other Christian, but what I will say is that even in my own
spiritually immature state, what I saw happening in Luke seemed to
be so much more fervent than what I saw in other men. And as for
my own walk, Luke's desire made me long for more. If I can be so
biased, Luke was special an opinion I still hold.
    And God was saying, "Ya think?" while restraining Himself from
knocking our foolish heads together.
    Luke hesitated contacting the school to request information
because he had no hopes of getting in. What I've not yet told you
is that he didn't graduate high school. What dropout had any kind
of chance to go to college? He finally mustered the nerve to call,
and we scheduled a visit. We still didn't know for what. Both of us
realized we wouldn't be able to go right away but thought maybe the
school could give some pointers on what Luke could do to become
a student someday.
    We traveled to the college and were in love at first sight. The
campus was set in the mountains and was absolute lush, peaceful
perfection. Arriving there felt like coming home, which at the time
was heartbreaking because we knew this place couldn't possibly be in
our near future.
    The following day we met the director of admissions, Jay. He was
and remains one of the most boisterous, joyful, encouraging people
we have ever known. Luke explained his full situation particularly
the part about not having a diploma. Luke expected to hear, "Sorry,
son, but you don't belong here. Come back in a year or two when
you are good enough." Instead Jay chuckled and said, "No problem!"
    No problem? How is not having a high school diploma not a
problem?
    Brother Jay enthusiastically went on to explain there was a special
program in this college for men who did not have a high school
degree. They would take regular college courses and also be tutored
for high school in the freshman year. Students had two semesters to
pass the GED, at which point they would have official student status
and all classes would count toward a fully accredited degree.
    And just like that, there was Neon Sign Three, and it blinked
wildly, ''Road Open!"
    Our patient, gracious God gave us three signs in an overwhelming
answer to our many prayers and they all pointed toward our
new home. (One of the homes AI built, no less!)

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Shoes for the Shepherd

    IT WAS MID-AFTERNOON THE NEXT day before Michah returned. He
carried in his arms a fairly good -sized lamb its woolly hide shining
in the sunlight.
    Jubal took the lamb from the boy who released it reluctantly,
holding on for a brief moment before letting it go. The old man held
the lamb gently out of respect for the sacrifice it was about to make
and in an effort to let the boy understand that he also understood the
unspoken pain Michah was suffering.
    Jubal knew the skin of this lamb would be soft and supple after
tanning and would be a comfort to any foot wrapped in its leather.
The boy had brought him a perfect animal and he would see to it
that the end result would be a masterpiece, beyond the sandals he
had made for the priests.
    The old man ran his fingers through the wool again, turned to
Michah and asked, "You say these sandals are for a rabbi? If they
are so important then perhaps we should have the lamb blessed. You
know I make shoes for the temple priests; would you be willing to
go with me to Jerusalem and ask one of the priests who is my friend
for that blessing?"
    ON FRIDAY THE BOY CAME early just past the time when the sun was
at its highest, for the six miles of dusty road they would walk would
take time and they would need more time to wash their feet before
entering The Temple.
    Michah slipped the rope he'd brought around the neck of the
lamb slung the bag with the challah loaves his mother had wrapped
in clean cloths over his should and he and Jubal began their trek to
the city.
    The road to Jerusalem was wide and many travelers were met
or followed along its straight course. Merchants from Hebron and
Beersheba pulled carts with goods from their cities. Holy men dressed
in the skins of wild animals passed quietly, their pace quickening as
the walls of the great city and temple came into view the better to
be nearer their God.
    The hours drifted by as the two travelers walked slowly for there
was no need to hasten. They had allowed the time for a more leisurely
walk. Occasionally they would stop to rest and allow the lamb to
graze what little grass there was along the roadway.

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Anchors On Layaway

    Although Poppy doled out nickels and dimes for this and that,

we kids found ways to earn money. My brothers had paper

routes and did chores for neighbors: shoveling snow from walks,

mowing lawns, raking leaves, cleaning up after summer storms,

or scooping ashes from furnaces and loading in more coal. On

the morning after the County Fair carnival left town in the night,

the boys arose early and raced to the fairgrounds to search for

money lost by attendees and the gypsy carnies. During the war

the boys sold scrap iron they'd collected along the railroad tracks

or other sites. Gary and his pals had a business enterprise going

with the troop trains that stopped at the depot. When the trains

arrived, and the troops noticed the nearby creamery, they threw

open the windows, money in hand. The boys scrambled back and

forth, filling orders for white milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk,

and earning generous tips from Uncle Sam's Gis. When the train

pulled away, each boy had a pocketful of disposable income.

    I suppose girls could have done some of those things, too,

but we didn't. At least I didn't.

    They had no hair but for

a painted curl on the forehead. What's that rhyme-"There

was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her

forehead. When she was good, she was very good indeed, but

when she was bad she was horrid." This doll was by no means

horrid, but she wasn't the doll I'd chosen from the Sears catalog.

My disappointment must have shown because Ma raved over

the dolls and said Santa didn't always have the toys shown in

the catalog.

    At age six, a playmate, Kathleen DeVries, shared her Penny

Dolls with me. These bisque miniatures were available for a

penny or two in dime stores. About three inches high, the dolls

had solid heads, bodies, and legs, but the spindly arms were

movable. Kathleen and I made simple dresses for the dolls.

Using a snippet of fabric, we cut tiny armholes and fastened the

material in back with a safety pin. Kathleen's mother told us to

be careful with the dolls, that they were breakable. I must have

wanted to test her warning or felt defiant that day because I

deliberately let a doll slip through my fingers onto the sidewalk.

It shattered. I was sent home.

    One year Santa got it right, again leaving identical dolls

for Shirley and me. Made of composition, the arms and legs

were jointed. They wore pink dresses and pink bonnets,

white underwear and white shoes and stockings. Still no real

hair; their curls were painted on their heads, but they were

adorable.

    Perhaps Shirley and I were hard on dolls and they didn't last

long in our care, for by summertime we were in the market for

new dolls. We made hollyhock dolls, an old technique that Ma

taught us. We picked a blossom and a bud, leaving a stem on

the bud. Then we gently poked a hole in the hard part at the top

of the blossom and poked the stem into the hole. There we had

ballerina dolls to dance across a stage.

    

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CLEOPATRA AND THE GRAPES OF WRATH

    As I grew older, I became more aware that money was scarce. I

accepted this as fact and observed that money was scarce for everyfamily in town. There was no such thing as "instant gratification" in the Depression years. I understood this very well because in 1933, at age eight, I asked for a bicycle for my birthday. I didn't get one so I asked for a bicycle for Christmas. Christmas came and there was no

bicycle by the tree.

I had developed a mantra by my ninth birthday. I knew exactly what I wanted, "a twenty-six-inch blue and white Elgin bike with balloon tires, a basket on the handlebars and a light." My ninth birthday passed with no bike in sight. My mantra was included in my prayers at night. When wishing opportunities came up, such as splitting a turkey wishbone or finding a four leaf clover or the "first star I see tonight," I repeated my description starting with, "a twenty-six-inch blue and white Elgin ... "

In November ofl934, my sister, Mildred, planned a magnificent surprise birthday party for my mother. Mildred was twenty-three years old and had a job as a secretary. All the aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and special friends were invited. The house was packed. There must have been one hundred people milling around, laughing and talking. My sister was very busy seeing that everyone was having a good time.

    My cousin, Shirley, and I looked for something to do to amuse

ourselves. The grown up conversations held no interest for us. I

looked at the dining room table. It was decorated beautifully and

Mom's best dishes were being set on the sideboard in preparation for a buffet. In the center of the table was a great tray of fruit. Polished apples gleamed in the candle light, and perfect rosy pears peeked out from artistically placed grapes. Suddenly, I had an idea.

"I know! Let's play Cleopatra!'' "How do you play that?" Shirley asked. "I'll show you. Just follow me," and I picked up the fruit-laden tray and carried it to my parent's bedroom, thinking they won't need it for a while, and I'll return it when the buffet starts. Handing Shirley the grapes, I threw myself on the bed and declared that I was Cleopatra and Shirley was my slave. "All you have to do is wave that paper fan at me and drop grapes in my mouth, one at a time."

    Shirley was a sweet girl, very acquiescent; and, because she was younger than me, it was easy to get her to follow my instructions. She dutifully dropped the grapes in my mouth and waved the fan while I, Cleopatra on her barge, enjoyed the luxury. This went on for quite a while until Shirley was tired of her role as slave. "When's it going to be my turn to be Cleopatra?"

I dismissed this request with an impatient wave of my hand. "Just keep feeding me the grapes. I'll tell you when it's your turn."

"But the grapes are a 1m ost gone.”

"Well then," I ordered, "Give me one of those pears."

Eventually, Shirley had been compliant long enough. She dropped

6 HoLES IN MY ShoEs the fruit on the bed and went in search of my mother. "Alice won't let me have a turn to be Cleopatra!" My mother and Mildred came into the bedroom to see what Shirley was complaining about. Mildred took one look at the skeleton grape vine and the fruit all over the bed and gave me a look I will never forget. She turned and stomped out of the room and my mother shook her head at me as she gathered what was left of the centerpiece.

The next morning my mother told me, "Well, you've really done it this time! Your sister has been saving her money all year to buy you a bicycle for Christmas, but after your stunt last night you can just forget about it."

So, Christmas of 1934 came and went, and no bike was by the

Christmas tree. I really didn't expect to see one. July 1935 came. I

made the same wish as I blew out my birthday candles but my blue

and white Elgin didn't materialize.

    By Christmas of 1935, I had given up all hope of ever getting a bicycle. I descended the stairs on Christmas morning and there, in front of the Christmas tree, stood my twenty-six-inch blue and white Elgin bike with balloon tires, a basket on the handlebars and a light .. The Christmas lights reflected on the fenders. My mother and father, sister and brother were smiling at me, and I screamed and jumped with joy. My dreams, my prayers, my wishes had come true. I dressed quickly and took my bike out in the melting snow to show my friends. Such a long wait and such utter happiness!

    The long wait for a bicycle was not in retribution for the Cleopatra debacle as I found out many years later. The money that had been saved for my bike was used for unexpected family needs and it took another year to save enough for my gift.

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PIGS

 
   'Is that your car, Sir?'
I looked on as the slightly overweight police
officer made his way across the petrol stationforecourt
towards me. As I sat behind the wheel, I
observed the officer's nervous steps; the steps were
matched with a tense but determined facial
expression. I had always been very observant.
Especially when I was irritated, and I was very
irritable, and the sight of this, late thirty-something
year old, round-faced, red-cheeked, white police
officer, made me feel extremely irritated.
    'Excuse me?' I replied, pretending to be
confused. Pretending that I had never been in this
situation before.
    'Is this your vehicle, sir?' The police officer was
now close enough to me and my car that he didn't
have to walk anymore but still slightly out of a
sitting-punch distance. I imagined opening my car
door with force, slamming it into the policeman's
mid section as I did so. The next sequence in my
brief fantasy saw me hop out and kick the officer in
the groin, before grabbing his head and slamming it
against one of the petrol pumps.
    'Sorry, what?' I responded, twisting my face to
illustrate my disgust. I wanted the officer to see that
I was insulted. That he made me feel sick. That I
thought he was a fucking, ugly, low down dirty pig.
I was very good at this. I was used to controlling
my emotions. I was equally adept at writing my
exact feelings on my face. At that precise moment,
as well as feeling disgusted and insulted, I was
feeling a cocktail of anger and familiarity. Oh yes,
familiarity. I had been in this wearisome situation

many times before; it was a case of same song,
different stereo or to be more precise, same
question, different officer.
    One second seemed like a lot longer, probably
more for the nervous police officer as I looked
around the brightly lit forecourt. I observed the
young white male who was standing in front of me
in the petrol shop a few minutes ago. This man had
paid only 'twenty-quid mate, number four' in
contrast to my 'seventy-pounds please, number two'
(after all, I drove a BMW 645ci convertible, in
contrast to the white male's Golf. Hideous,
burgundy Golf). I watched the white male enter his
car and sarcastically wondered to myself why the
police officer hadn't stopped this white man who
left the shop just before me. I privately asked myself
why the police officer hadn't asked this white man
whether he owned the ugly Golf. The answer was
so obvious that I chuckled to myself slightly.
    'Sir?' This time the police officer spoke in a
• more ser1ous tone.
    As I was about to speak, another officer
appeared. 'Is there a problem?' he asked as he
stepped out of the patrol car parked at a pump. He
was white.
    Great, another pig.
    'This man is refusing to step out of the vehicle,'
the round-faced officer said to his approaching
colleague.
If it wasn't for the self-control I had always beenproud to possess, I would have acted out my
fantasy and beaten this liar around the forecourt. It
took a lot of self-restraint for me not to grab the
overweight bastard by the throat and throw him
out of the forecourt into the night.

    'I'm not refusing to do anything. I just don't
know what this man is talking about.' I jabbed my
finger towards the heavy policeman.
    'Please be calm, Sir, there is no need to make a
scene.' This second, more confident officer removed
his hat and revealed his receding hairline. He was
around the same age as his counterpart and he spoke
in a relaxed and patronising tone. The way I used
to speak to some of my employees. I hated being
spoken to like this. I hated this probably more than
anything. How dare anybody speak to me like this?
I thought. I am sitting in sixty thousand pounds'
worth of machine. My suit is worth ... I looked down
at my attire; I was wearing a tracksuit. Shit, I've just
come from the gym, I remembered. I suddenly
didn't feel as professional but didn't let it stop me.
I jumped out of my car.
    'Whoa, whoa,' the fat- yes, I had now decided
that he was fat- officer stepped back as he gripped
his baton.
     '"Whoa" what?!' I exclaimed.
    There was a middle-aged white lady filling up her
car at a pump nearby. She quickly averted her eyes
when I looked at her. Despite it being night time and
fairly quiet, I felt like I was being watched. It began

to feel like the petrol station forecourt was a well-lit
stage and that the surrounding night street was filled
with an audience. I imagined it was press night at a
West End play, and that I was the lead character
whose performance was being judged by critics
who looked nothing like me.

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Party Shoes

    john had no intention of rewriting. his scene.
    'It's later than that. It's the end of the Middle Ages
some time.'
    The doctor hated his family to be lazy-minded.
'Who was. on the throne?'
    John had not really decided that.
    'One of the Henrys, or Edward the Fourth.' He
thought of an excuse. 'It depends on what clothes are
easiest tn hire. A boy would go to school at the Abbey in
any of those reigns,wouldn't he?'
    The vicar,with a sigh,gave up hope of acting the part
 of Augusting.
    'l should conceive that even in those dark, troubled
days a father would not break his son's education without good caude.'
    The doctor flicked some ash on to the grass .
    'I imagine knightly training came firsts and learning a long way
second.'
     The vicar shook his head.
     'Not with the type of family we have in mind,The father must have
cared for learning to send his boy to the monks.'
     John had a queer feeling that he had not invented his boy ,but
that he was real.
     'There was always a war somewhere .You've come for your son,Dad,
to be your esquire.'
    The doctor looked at the vicar .
    'He's right there. When weren't we at war in the Middle Ages?
I think we can allow there was a war on'.
    Tbe vicar was glancing towards his. daffodils.
    'Very true. Most regrettable though. A boy, of John's
age. Living amongst coarse, rough soldiers.'
    John rais.ed his voice.
    'Will yott act the Abbot, sir?'
    'Very well,my boy.This is a lovely flower,Doctor.
Look at the lemon tint of the trumpet.'
    John gave his father a pleading look.The doctor once again held the vicar by the elbow.

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What Kind of Factors Will Help You Get the Right Wedge Shoes?

In order to satisfy as many different women's needs as possible, high heeled shoes are designed into extremely diversified styles, such as stiletto heels, platform high heels, and wedge shoes. Among all these different kinds of footwear, wedge shoes are one of the most comfortable and fashionable types of high heels to wear. This kind of footwear has been introduced into the market since the end of 1930s and now it comes back to the fashion stage after several fashion circles. To make sure that you wear the right wedge shoes, you need to bear some important things in mind.

Style

Now that wedge is a kind of styles of high heels, then some details need you to pay attention to. Remember that you have to be patient and careful when choosing the styles. This season, rock and metal styles are popular so you can look for the design of black bandages and rivets. Do get rid of those heavy designs which may make your feet look chunky.

Color

If you are uncertain about what color you want to select, black will get you out of the confusion. Under any circumstances, black is always the safest and classical color. Any styles with black may not turn out to be breathtaking but at least will never make any stupid fashion mistakes. Of course, if you want to stand out among others, you can try some different colors. No matter what kind of color you finally choose, the color should accord with your outfit and overall style.

Quality

The last thing that people want to see is that the new shoes they just bought recently have been worn out for the first time. Everyone hopes to wear their favorite shoes for a long time. So the quality is rather significant when buying a pair of shoes. Usually, shoes made of leather will have no problem with quality. You also need to check the stitches and craftsmanship.

These are some important aspects that you need to take into consideration when you want to buy a pair of wedge shoes. Only when you make the right choice can you wear comfortably and fashionably for a long time.

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Classy Colors of Wedge Shoes For Classy Women - Brown and Gold

A gold or brown wedge shoe has a statement to make about the wearer. It says "class" "style" and chic. That doesn't diminish the pizazz of red, or the sedateness of black, but brown and gold have a unique place in a woman's closet. Every closet should have some variation of shoe colors. The important colors like black, red, white and tan are the natural fit to most outfits, but what about the other colors? How do gold and brown fit into the lifestyle of the professional working woman?brown wedge shoe has a statement to make about the wearer. It says "class" "style" and chic. That doesn't diminish the pizazz of red, or the sedateness of black, but brown and gold have a unique place in a woman's closet. Every closet should have some variation of shoe colors. The important colors like black, red, white and tan are the natural fit to most outfits, but what about the other colors? How do gold and brown fit into the lifestyle of the professional working woman?

Brown shoes are the perfect fit for the working woman that wears a lot of pant suits and has a mixture of colors in her closet. If there is a lot of whites, beige's, yellows, creams and reds, a pair of brown shoes will not only fit into the wardrobe, they will look spectacular. Brown looks best when worn beside cream, but also looks lovely when worn with any off white, white or reds. One can't go wrong with a brown and black shoe and a pair of tan slacks. Brown patent or choc late colored shoes are incredibly gorgeous when worn in a wedge shoe.shoes are the perfect fit for the working woman that wears a lot of pant suits and has a mixture of colors in her closet. If there is a lot of whites, beige's, yellows, creams and reds, a pair of brown shoes will not only fit into the wardrobe, they will look spectacular. Brown looks best when worn beside cream, but also looks lovely when worn with any off white, white or reds. One can't go wrong with a brown and black shoe and a pair of tan slacks. Brown patent or choc late colored shoes are incredibly gorgeous when worn in a wedge shoe.

While brown is a great color, and perfect for business suits, gold is a wonderful addition to the closet because it adds so much snazzy style. A great pair of gold wedge shoes go with everything. I constantly wear my gold wedges with jeans, skirts, pants and they look fantastic with summer dresses. Although I've had a tough time finding a pair of closed toe gold shoes, I've found a couple and I love them for wearing to winter weddings or, as I did last year, Christmas parties. They're the best shoe for a formal or cocktail dress for winter, but they also survive to wear in summer. Because they are a brighter, shinier color, wearing a gold wedge in the summer isn't uncomfortable, like say a black pair.gold wedge shoes go with everything. I constantly wear my gold wedges with jeans, skirts, pants and they look fantastic with summer dresses. Although I've had a tough time finding a pair of closed toe gold shoes, I've found a couple and I love them for wearing to winter weddings or, as I did last year, Christmas parties. They're the best shoe for a formal or cocktail dress for winter, but they also survive to wear in summer. Because they are a brighter, shinier color, wearing a gold wedge in the summer isn't uncomfortable, like say a black pair.

One specific look that is fantastic is a mixture of brown and gold. Brown is such a natural base color, and not as serious a color as black, that it works perfectly with any outfit without making it too serene. When one wears a more uplifting colored suit, like cream or white, the brown and gold mixture in the shoes would look fantastic. If you add a little gold belt, and a scarf with brown and gold, the entire outfit would look professional, light and classy.

Often, women find themselves in a rut when they pick out shoes. It's always black or white, tan or some other basic color. A little light colors like gold, brown, red or the hundreds of other colors, can really bring out the sparkle in not only the outfit, but the woman wearing it. The brown wedges or gold wedges make a spectacular entrance. They're fun, flirty, feminine and yet, if you find the right pair, they're also professional and classy. Next time you're off to buy a pair of new shoes, pick up a lovely chocolate colored wedge or a bright and sassy gold.

A woman can never have enough shoes. The perfect shoe is the wedge. A wedge shoe not only gives comfort and style, it can be worn in almost any situation. There are thousands of different styles, heights, designers and colors to be found when hunting for a great wedge shoe.
Choosing gold wedges or brown wedges really lightens up a closet. If you're a connoisseur of wedge shoes, you'll find more information on them at Trish's website.

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Ladies Wedge Shoes - The Secret To Comfort, Height And Sex Appeal All In One Cute Package

There is a very cool secret to ladies wedge shoes that I was unaware of until just last week. My wife drug me out shopping with her to where they have all those brand name stores at the huge discounts, I'm sure you know which ones I mean.

Well, let me tell you after 6 and a half hours of marathon shopping I didn't just feel like I had gotten my butt kicked I knew I had been outlet mauled.

One thing that was a total trip was they had a Danish shoe store there. I was thinking "Danish shoe store?" I mean how much could little wooden shoes cost, ok, great dear let's lumber on in!

While I was in the store I am not sure that they cared for me much because this place was an ultra corny knock - knock joke waiting to happen if I had ever seen one in my life.

So, having no fear of the fact that I was surrounded by 30 plus women all in shopping mode I let it rip.... Knock - knock

Who's there?

Wooden Shoe.

Wooden shoe who?

Wooden shoe like to know!

Yeah, like I said it was bad, but I had no idea what I was in for when all of a sudden I had thirty plus sets of eyes glaring at me with the look of Ummmm Hmmmm why don't you go find a coffee and a Danish outside!

I will tell you right now, If I wasn't already married there was already a Danish inside that I would have liked to taken out for coffee. But I digress.

Next up all the ladies found this little shoe store that had Ladies wedge shoes out the wazoo. I mean who would think that all this store sells is ladies wedge shoes, I'm thinking this is hilarious, but then of course I'm guy.

But little did I know the gentleman running the place was none other than quite likely the world's foremost authority on you guessed it ladies wedge shoes. I'm talking this guy knew all the answers to every question every woman had about these shoes.

I'm hoping this guy was just funning and not serious but he was hinting that maybe I should try on a pair of these ankle breaking contraptions you women wear every day. These things would reduce the male population by one third with the death toll from all the accidents of us falling on our faces. I politely declined recounting an old knee injury and that I just didn't feel hairy calves would do them justice. He seemed a bit disappointed but trust me I wasn't having any of it, no thank you.

However, I was completely impressed because the last time my wife asked what type of shoes she had on my answer was... Black. Which of course brought a giggle or two. But this guy knew shoes like I know beer. He literally probably ate, drank and slept shoes (we will leave me and bear out of that part).

Here's the Secret He shared with Them.... Find a fabulous source like here - Ladies Wedge Shoes And for the ultimate in comfort and pain reduction make sure the ball of your foot stays flat on the ground. Make sure the front bed of the shoe is long enough so that it only starts to turn upwards after it leaves the ball of your foot.

What's really cool for me the husband is that my wife can buy at such a great discount because everything's always on sale at www.stylishplus.com

Here's to Happy Shopping and even Happier Feet!

The author Patrick Shelley writing on behalf of his wife has been in the retail field for many years and is glad to have been able to share this with you.

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White Wedge Shoes - Chic and Casual

White is one of the most beautifully feminine colours. It brings out the best in you, and accentuates your silhouette. The same can be therefore said about white shoes as well. They give you a very beautiful and a feminine touch that no other colour can.

White wedge shoes are therefore among the most important items a woman must have in her closet. Unlike the wedge heels of the past, these days wedge shoes are being designed very beautifully so that you are able to feel extremely comfortable in them. Thus, when you wear these shoes, you are not only exhibiting great class, but are also very comfortable at the same time. These shoes are thus, the ideal choices for casual Fridays, or outings with your friends.White wedge shoes are therefore among the most important items a woman must have in her closet. Unlike the wedge heels of the past, these days wedge shoes are being designed very beautifully so that you are able to feel extremely comfortable in them. Thus, when you wear these shoes, you are not only exhibiting great class, but are also very comfortable at the same time. These shoes are thus, the ideal choices for casual Fridays, or outings with your friends.

These can be worn with jeans, skirts and dresses as well. They look very beautiful, and particularly look good when you choose to wear light colours. These shoes look great for lunches and shopping trips, and enable you to look taller without punishing your feet and back too much. These shoes are once again back in fashion, and you can stun the world with your amazing style as you stride in these shoes.

White wedge shoes are among the most preferred footwear these days. Their elegance and style is unmatched with all other kinds of shoes. These days, you can get some excellently styles shoes that don't give you painful shoe bites. Thus, you can preserve your pedicure as you walk in these shoes, and you feel comfortable in them even when you wear them for a long time. You can get these either with a back strap, or without, depending on what your comfort level is. Go for that cool movie date, or informal office team lunch with a pair of white wedge shoes, and be in style.pedicure as you walk in these shoes, and you feel comfortable in them even when you wear them for a long time. You can get these either with a back strap, or without, depending on what your comfort level is. Go for that cool movie date, or informal office team lunch with a pair of white wedge shoes, and be in style.

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Women's Wedge Shoes You Need in Your Closet

Almost all women have that perfect little dress that looks amazing when worn. The perfect dress deserves the perfect jewelry, hairstyle, but most of all the perfect shoes. A great pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. When picking out a great pair of shoes it's important to remember if you choose the wrong shoe it may ruin the entire look. For instance, a pair of flats will destroy a formal look. There are some basic rules to help guide your purchase of the perfect pair of shoes.

Wedge shoes are lovely for both formal and casual wear depending on the shoe. For a formal outfit, leather or satin are the best choices of fabrics. Heels should be covered leather to match the upper or shiny plastic. Rarely wood wedge heels can be worn with formal dresses. Wood heels, however, are perfect for casual shoes. As are any canvas uppers and espadrille type of shoes.

When purchasing a pair of wedges with colors, there are some basic guides. It's never a good idea to wear a shoe that will overshadow the color of the dress. A shoe color should accent the dress and the woman. If the dress is a singular color, pair it with a multi-colored shoes, consequently a multi-colored dress will look best accented with a singular color shoe. A great pair of red wedge shoes will look fantastic with black or navy dresses. Conversely a red dress looks fantastic with a red and black shoe or navy and black shoe. Choosing a color isn't as difficult as choosing a designer.

While almost every designer has a wedge style in their collection, most higher end designs are out of the budget possibilities for the majority of women. There isn't any need, however, to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of wedge shoes. You can find a simple casual style or a lovely formal style of wedge for as little as thirty to forty dollars. There are even special deals to be found online. Many shops give an enormous discount on designer shoes.

Lastly, a great pair of wedge shoes need not be a high heel. There are wedges of every heel height, from flats to six inch platforms. However, if you choose to wear a wedge shoe with a higher heel, you will have a great support system under the arch of your foot, making the wedge shoe the most comfortable high heel on the market.

As a fanatical shoe shopper, I find that wedge shoes end up in my closet more than most other styles. I have around 20 pair and each is unique in its own way. For more about women's wedge shoes and red wedge shoes please visit me at my website where there are a wide range of topics now, and to come, on wedges.

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A Short Guide on How to Wear Wedge Shoes and Sandals

You're probably used to hearing that wedge shoes are a more casual shoe. But wedges range from a wide variety of different styles that can be worn with just about any outfit. While any outfit looks great with certain wedge shoes, there are ideal pants, jeans and skirts that work with the wedge.

Jeans and pants look particularly sassy and pretty when worn with a canvas wedge sandal or espadrilles. Espadrilles are a shoe with a canvas top and woven rope (juta rope) bottom. While not all are wedges, there are many various wedge Espadrilles, from open toed, to closed toe, wrap straps to slip on.

Espadrilles are not the only type of wedge that look great with a pair of jeans. There are other sandals, and closed toe wedges, which look really fantastic. Even leather and more embellished wedges look great with jeans. It all depends on the type of shirt.

If you wear a fancier shirt, such as silk or rayon, a more fancy type of wedge will be more appropriate. However, if you pair jeans, or pants, with a t-shirt, a casual leather or canvas shoe is a better fit.

Skirts look fantastic with straps that wrap up the leg. One of the great things about a wedge is they give the leg a lovely look and height, while not creating the discomfort of a stiletto, when walking. The wedge can look especially lovely with a flare skirt.

However you pair your wedge shoes, there are some basic things to think about. Skirts look best with taller heels, even only as high as an inch. Canvas shoes don't look as great with semi-formal or formal dresses, but a leather sandal can really make an evening dress look wonderful. While wedges are easier to wear than stilettos, they still are not as easy to wear as a flat. For most leather wedges, you can clean them with a simple cloth or polish. With a canvas shoe, read the instructions on how to clean the upper portion, which may have different instructions than the heel.

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Women's Wedge Shoes - Style and Comfort Combined

When I wear a pair of wedge shoes, I feel comfort that no other shoe can give. It's all about the shape and design of the wedge that makes it so comfortable. Originally, the wedge was designed by a man named Salvatore Ferragamo. His vision was somewhat kooky and outrageous at the time in the 30s. The design came about because of his desire to make the best footwear possible with the most incredible look.

As a shoe designer to the Hollywood stars, Salvatore decided to do something different. Incorporating both design and anatomy he created the wedge shoe. Not only did he create a completely new style of shoe, but he developed a completely new heel type: the cork heel. One of the reasons the he chose cork was because of the shortage and rationing of fabrics and materials (leather and cotton) because of the war in Europe. It's this unique and beautiful approach to creating footwear that set not only Salvatore apart, but his creation; the wedge shoe. This is why I said the wedge shoe is the most comfortable, because it was made to be exactly that. But comfort isn't all the wedge has to offer.

Contrary to some beliefs that the wedge shoe is made for casual wear, Ferragamo, as a designer to the stars, made a red carpet style of shoe. His designs were specially made for years for women like Eva Peron and Marilyn Monroe. What Salvatore started, other designers improved upon.

The wedge shoe has grown from a red carpet, funky shoe to a series of styles. There are platform wedges, where the toe of the shoe is raised up slightly or up to equal to the heel. A casual shoe, called the espadrille, made with canvas upper and woven heels is another style of wedge. Designers from all over the world have at least one design each season as a wedge. In the 2008 there were cool styles from designers like Marc Jacobs and Phillip Lim which hit the runways. While the styles on the runway are usually over the top, they are based on the what hits the ready to wear styles. One example is the "geisha" styles that were featured on the runway. The designs are made for a dazzling runway, but are generally not featured as ready to wear clothing.

There are so many different styles of wedge it cannot be covered in one article. If you're looking for a comfy, sexy, fun style of shoe, you'll find everything you need in a wedge.

As a fanatical shoe shopper, I find that wedge shoes end up in my closet more than most other styles. I have around 20 pair and each is unique in its own way. For more about womens wedge shoes or the basic white wedge shoes, please visit me at my website where there are a wide range of topics now, and to come, on wedges.

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Versatile Wedge Shoes

Looking for a new pair of shoes is always fun and exciting. Women of all ages love them as they are some of the most fashionable items on the market today. They say shoes are a woman's best friend because they take you everywhere. Well, can you say the same with high heeled shoes?

Sure, high heels are the way to go for fun nights at the club, fancy dinner date and formal weddings but you simply cannot wear them for very long periods of time without torturing your poor feet. Thankfully, there is an alternative.

Wedge shoes can take you anywhere. With the diversity of materials and designs available on the market, selecting one that is both chic and comfortable is all too easy. There are distinct advantages that these shoes have over your regular high heels. Yes, heels are still the more fashionable accessory to any woman's wardrobe and nothing can spell sexy better than a pair of high heel . But what wedge shoes lack in style, they more than make up for in comfort.

Because wedge shoes have a wide heel, it is the epitome of comfort without sacrificing style. The risk of tripping and getting stuck on something is reduced compared to high heeled shoes. The materials used for wedge heels vary from wood, cork, and leather. Canvas or rope wraps are also used to cover the heels for some casual styles. With the variations of designs, there is sure to be a right pair for you.
Wedge shoes are versatile and comfortable enough to warrant their use in just about any occasion outside of formal events. Designers generally create them for all four seasons. There are booties and pumps that you can wear at work or for a girl's night out, peep toes for casual occasions, boots for winter and sandals for a relaxing Sunday morning.

If you are looking to make a statement with fabulous artistic feet adornment, check out Lanvin puzzle wedges. An ordinary patent pair of shoes is accentuated with maze like patterns and ribbons that go on the ankle. It is not too chunky because of the slim wedge which makes them the perfect choice for women that dislike the generic chunky look that most wedges have.

Yves St. Laurent has come up some not so conventional wedge designs lately. The cage wedge is made of knotted suede straps and architectural wood wedge. It is sexy, funky and comfortable. However, if you prefer simply yet classically chunky wedges, Diane Von Furstenberg's Opal wedge is just the thing. Thick soles and wide leather straps give it the classic wedge look.

Kate Spade Kiki Pumps are a classic looking wedge that is perfect for the office. It has 3.5 inch wedge heels, leather lining and is made from pure suede for the ultimate in luxury wedge footwear. Should designer wear not be your cup of tea, there are a whole slew of generic varieties on the market that are quite stylish as well.

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Wedge Shoes For the Modern Woman

A pair of wedge shoes can be perfect for the modern working woman. Too many times the wedge is avoided, because it's thought to be casual. However, a wedge shoe has many benefits not the least of which is that it can go with any outfit. Wedges also are extremely comfortable because they cushion the whole foot. They have a multitude of heel styles including wood, rubber and cork. And they look fantastic on a woman's foot.

The wedge comes in so many different styles, it will compliment any outfit. A basic black wedge sandal looks great with jeans or a business suit. A colorful purple, red or yellow wedge is lovely with a sundress or a basic skirt and blouse. There are wedges with embroidery, beading and floral designs, all of which are perfect for a formal dress occasion. Just like designs, different fabrics can make a shoe more or less dressy. There are lovely fabrics for all kinds of wedge shoes. One can find fabrics such as leather, satin, vinyl and suede.

Leather wedges can be dressy, professional or casual , depending on the heel style. A wood heel and basic black leather upper will look more casual or professional. A silver or white satin shoe is perfect for a formal wedding dress, provided the bottom of the shoe is not a muted wood, cork or rubber sole. Vinyl can look beautiful, but can hurt your feet if worn to long or in too hot of weather. Since vinyl doesn't give, it may cause blisters as well. A vinyl shoe may or may not look formal, but it's best to leave it for casual wear. Suede is one type of fabric that can be dressy or casual depending on the style of the shoe and its color. Most of the time a suede shoe will look too casual to wear with a formal gown, but it may look great with a suit for the office.

Wedges as a whole are a more comfortable shoe than most heels as they cushion the entire foot from toe to heel. A high heel looks great on the foot, but doesn't always feel great. If you need the height of a higher heel, a wedge gives you the same look but without the cost of an uncomfortable day on your feet. Because the wedge fits under the arch of the foot, you'll walk tall in comfort and style. Various styles of heels can make the shoe even more comfortable.

A well made wedge shoe which has a wooden heel, can be comfortable if the sole of the shoe has a thicker cushion. If the sole is too thin, the wood heel may not cushion the foot enough. Alternatively, a rubber or cork sole are very comfortable, but are not an ideal shoe for formal or professional suit. Instead a rubber heel is a great shoe to wear with jeans, shorts and skirts. A platform wedge shoe is perfect with a pair of funky jeans.

As a fanatical shoe shopper, I find that wedge shoes end up in my closet more than most other styles. I have around 20 pair and each is unique in its own way. For more about wedge shoes and black wedge shoes please visit me at my website where there are a wide range of topics now, and to come, on wedges.

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