“She’s goin’ shoppin’, shoppin’ for shoes…”  ~   Mark Knopfler

I am loathed to say that I used to joke, Imelda Marcos had nothing on me.  It feels a bit shameful now to think I related, even in a joking way, with someone such as Imelda –  so many shoes and such grotesque greed at the expense of the people of the Philippians.  My own abundance of shoes isn’t a fraction of her amassed collection, perhaps 7500 pairs.

Such a turn of events.  It is a dazzling personal reflection to follow the course of events that brought me from being what I considered ridiculous and gross in my consumption of all things shoes, along with my observations on greed, materialism, consumerism, and lust, to where I am today.  Crafting footwear that is both sacred and everyday wear.  Holding space and teaching the crafting of these shoes is a great joy.  The moccasin crafting workshops are two-day affairs which allows for sweet sharing and a more intimate experience in a marvelous container where we honor ourselves – our souls and the soles we’re creating.

February 27 & 28 Moccasin Crafting Workshop

March 5 & 12 at the Bodhi Center on Bainbridge Island Workshop

March 26 & 27 Sandal Crafting Workshop

While I admit to being a bit uncomfortable about being “in” this video, I’m excited to share this it publicly.  A dear friend and very smart videographer, Amy St. Onge ~ Voice & Vision, created this video.  It’s worked out so well that I now have anopportunity to craft a commissioned pair of moccasin for a client in the UK!!  I’m thrilled and so grateful to be custom crafting for people who choose to be in right relationship with shoes.

I have to tell you that your moccasins are more than something to wear on my feet. I LOVE wearing them, as they hug my feet, giving a sense of security, tenderness and love. I slow down my steps when wearing them…mindfulness? reverence for a feeling I don’t fully understand? I’ve already had the feeling that I NEED to put them on.  ~  Marge

I’ve still got boxes with beautiful shoes in the closet.   I don’t begrudge anyone their collections – shoes, teapots, cats, whatever.  I do hope for balance though, that excess for one no longer leads to lack for another.  The shoes in my closet are for special occasions and nights out, and boots for winter time.  And, it’s moccasin that I wear daily, rain or shine, while pushing a vacuum cleaner or attending a Sun Dance.

Madame’s taste is truly exquisite… I wonder if Imelda’s tastes are fine enough to appreciate Buffalo moccasin?

Mitakuye Oyasin  ~  All My Relations

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