A couple of years ago, I went through a shoe phase. I was suddenly really, really interested in shoes…I felt like a puppy. I amassed a collection of good-looking but not always well-fitting shoes. That wasn’t a terribly good use of resources as there’s nothing more mind-occupying than shoes that are uncomfortable. I had a moment three or four years later wherein I realized that life is short and it’s far too short to wear shoes that are uncomfortable. I began to let go of shoes here and there and you know what? I didn’t even miss them. When it’s time to purchase new shoes, anything less than immediately comfortable doesn’t make it past round one. It’s so much simpler.

I’m working with a group of high school sophomores this fall and we’re just starting a shoe drive as a service project. I went through my shoe collection this morning and found four or five pairs of shoes that I know I can live without. I know there are more. It’s such a luxury to have too many pairs of shoes! It’s a luxury to have choices about which ones to wear and I’m humbled and thankful for my shoes today. I have feet that (mostly) don’t hurt and legs that work and a back that’s strong…what a gift! I see people everyday who can’t get around well or easily because of age, illness, injury or some combination of the three. I’m thankful for my mobility.

And for waking up in a warm, cozy bed in a warm house and warm, clean water in my shower.

I’m just feeling thankful.

Holiday Song of the Day: Sleigh Ride, Diana Krall. This syncopated and sophisticated version of this Christmas classic is my favorite version of this song. It makes me wish for friends, warm jackets, a thermos of something warm and an actual sleigh ride. When she gets to “our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy, cozy are we” it’s nose-crinkling good. Sing it and smile and your nose will crinkle. That’s the sign of a good, sassy song and this totally fits the bill. (I bought the entire Christmas Songs album, where this song appears, on Amazon.com last night for $2.99. An absolute steal.) Enjoy.

My friend Emily has a great nose crinkle.