I love the bright flowers and the sense of fun they bring to my feet. When I’m wearing them it’s as if I’m saying, “Here I am, look at me! This is who I am! I’m not afraid to be bright and flower-y!” For so long I’ve tried to blend in, to go unnoticed through life. Don’t look at me. Don’t notice who I really am. But now I’m ok with who I am. I don’t mind people knowing that there is something more to me than the exterior. There are bright flowers and fun living in this skin.
I love that I got them in Venice. When we lived in Italy, I walked my son three blocks to his school every day. When it was rainy, I would come home with soaking wet feet and pants no matter how hard I tried to avoid the puddles. So, I was on the lookout for rainboots when I saw these in a shop window on one of my many trips to Venice. They were perfect. I was so excited to get them home, I couldn’t wait for it to rain.
Upon wearing them in that first rain, I discovered these boots hurt my feet terribly. When I put them on, everything feels ok. That’s why I bought them, they felt great in the store. It’s not until I walk a block or two that the pain sets in. I have wide feet and they are just a smidge too tight. They don’t have any flexibility and it’s as if my feet slowly become pinched in a vice.
They are so painful, I never wear them anymore. I almost gave them to someone this year. But every time I tried to give them away, I couldn’t do it. I love these boots and what they represent. So they’ve been sitting next to our coat rack, looking cute as an umbrella stand.
Until yesterday morning, when we had a break in the rain. As I looked outside at the sun going in and out of the clouds I had the idea to head to the park for some self-portraits in my lovely rainboots and a pink umbrella. At least they could be useful as a photo prop. For an hour, I had fun playing with my camera. I discovered the distance limit of my remote control. I played with focus and depth of field. I played with poses. All in the park in my bright rainboots without worry about what a soul around me might think. See? They bring me confidence. I love these boots.
But after an hour, my feet hurt so much I couldn’t run back and forth to the camera anymore. Nothing, and I mean nothing, ever felt as good as getting back to the car and changing out of these boots. It took a while, even then, for my feet to stop hurting. I just can’t wear them. I’m not willing to sacrifice comfort for cuteness anymore. I hate these boots.
I love these boots.
Oh, how sad that your boots hurt your feet; they’re wonderful! I love the playfullness of this self portrait session! Great shots and they brought a smile to my fact this morning! By the way, could you send a little rain my way. We are in a drought stage and I’m already watering my lawn and flowers!! Maybe if I buy me some colorful rain boots, it will rain!! Have a great day!
Aw yes…. but they presented some GREAT photos! Hope all is well!
Dang! They’re so darn cute!!!!!
I loved reading this post ….. and I burst out laughing at the end with your “I hate these boots.” …… LOL
The shots are fantastic!!!! Was the pain worth it???? 😉
The pain was definitely worth it for these shots in the end. But I’m not going to go do it again anytime soon.
I had to laugh too — love the way they look/hate they way they feel. i have several articles of clothing that fall into that category: a fancy dress and several pairs of shoes. Your pix came out great — looks like you had a fun time. I love the pink umbrella!
Aww, they are pretty! Maybe they’d make a good vase?
Oooh, maybe a flower planter! That would be a cool thing. Thanks for the idea.
I suspect most of us have a pair of shoes in our closet that we also love/hate.
Great selfies! I just purchased a tripod and I’m slowly getting up the nerve to do the same! Love the pop of the pink in the park! I think we all have either shoes or an outfit that equals your love/pain with those boots!
Have fun! Remember it takes a lot of bad shots to get 1 or 2 good ones, so keep trying!
That’s such a shame. Those boots are fabulous. Definitely find another use for them…as an umbrella stand?
I had a similar problem with a pair of shoes. I ADORE Hello Kitty so I bought some HK sneakers. I get loads of compliments on them and I love how they look, but they kill my arches. So, right now, they’re adorning our shoe rack. Anybody have any creative uses for sneakers?
For sure, a selfie or two should be taken in those cute sneakers!!
Oh, I love this love/hate story. As a fellow “wide-feet” person, I completely understand the difficulties of finding shoes and boots that are comfortable. I have always had to exclude myself from the “pretty” shoes.
At least you were able to document your true self, flowered rainboots and all, in your wonderful selfies.
Nice to know I’m not alone! They don’t make many shoes for wide feet, do they? I always have to buy larger sizes than I really need to accommodate my wide feet. That works until my heels start slipping out. Argh.
Oh, I love them too! You must have had so much fun just playing…good for you!
I say, keep the boots. They’re perfect for photo ops like this one and to remind you of your playful, outgoing side. Maybe someday you can hand them down to a daughter or niece.
Excellent advice Cheryl! 🙂
Well, they make an awesome photo prop and I’m sure they look really, really cute by the coat rack. Your photo shoot is really beautiful. You nailed the colors, the angles and the compos. Well done, Kat – as always 🙂
a marvelous series of photos. at least those boots are good for something–they are so cute! thanks for linking up this month at {in the picture}.
Love your rain boots. Your pictures are great. Can’t pick favorite, like them all.
Love this set of images and the pop of that pink umbrella. I’m sorry the boots that gladden your heart, sadden your feet. But great prop. Me I’m a function over fashion girl.
I too have wide feet and when shopping for shoes, put them on, walk around the store, looking at other shoes for 15+ min before purchase. Nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes-well except maybe uncomfortable underwear. That you can’t walk around the store in though.
Have a very happy weekend Kat.
Mad props for your props!
Awesome selfies,the whole series is beautiful and the boots look fantastic
Such a shame that they are uncomfortable, the are very cute & these are great shots!
What. Wonderful post! I love you your photos, love your words, love the rain boots and the pretty pink umbrella. I’m inspired!
I love your narrative. 🙂 And your idea to use the boots as an umbrella-holder. Because some times, things are special even when they’re not practical or useful (or when they’re painful…) and they go with that pink umbrella in your photos so nicely! A definite change in mood from what one is used to seeing with rain!
Thanks Teagan, you’ve completely explained why I need to keep the boots: “Sometimes things are special even when they’re not practical or useful.”
Those boots are so AWESOME!! What a shame they hurt so much! These photos are just stunning. With those boots and that gorgeous pink umberella! Love it.
Man, I love those boots too – they are so pretty and unique! But wow, if they hurt your feet…..
Your selfies are amazing. I love how they turned out – perfect with the boots and umbrella.
i loved reading this!! i’m a shoe girl…at all costs…i totally relate! {and have more then a few pairs i just can’t part with…but i can’t wear either}. your photos are so excellent. the umbrella and the boots are the perfect pop of color.
LOL, I remember your shoe post in the Photo-Heart Connection! It’s funny how we hang on to these shoes that hurt us. Truly love/hate. 🙂
This made me laugh! Your boots are awesome – I have an awesome pair of red shoes which I love/hate for exactly the same reasons! Love your images here, beautifully done.
Oh These umbrellas, they are so photogenic!!