“The Taming of the Shoe”

By Julie Sullivan(Yes, the sound you’re hearing is the sound of Shakespeare rolling

over in his grave.)

It all started in Austin, Texas, December, 2008…

…when this woman decided she wanted to have some fun…

…with some high school friends she got together with during Thanksgiving who loved the idea of

her going to Texas with her high-heeled Mary Jane snake skin stilettos…

This is Frank, my cabbie who drove me around downtown Austin.

Frank likes my shoe.

So does Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Next stop…the famous Continental Club.

Martinis at the Continental. But be careful ‘cuz you know what they say– “Martinis are like women’s

breasts. One is not enough and three is too many.”

Oops…had one too many breasts, uh, I mean martinis and got up on the stage and started singing.

Next it’s on to the Arc Angels concert at the legendary Antone’s.

Chris says, “Girrrrrl, I loves me some snake skin Mary Jane stilettos! I got a pair just like them in

my closet!”

Doyle says, “You want me to pose with your shoe?? Lady, you’re a freak…yet I find myself

strangely attracted to that about you.”

Here I am puzzled by the fact that, unbeknownst to the rest of the population, Charlie Sexton has a shoe fetish. (Actually, someone off to the side called my name and

while I was distracted Charlie tried to look down my shirt.)

Charlie is paying homage to the shoe that he correctly identified as a “Mary Jane.” Impressive. Then, again, he did

have on a pair of stylish, Italian-crafted snake skin boots so the man obviously recognizes good taste when he sees it.

Let your metrosexual flag fly, baby!

Alas, it could never work between Charlie and me. Even though we make a handsome, fine-footed couple, I just

can’t be with someone who worships the shoes I walk in. The man might as well just scream out loud “I’m needy.”

The slide show is over and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Austin but there is one more person that is

quintessential for the “Taming of the Shoe”…whom I will have to get a picture of during my next visit…

That’s right, Leslie. I’m comin’ after YOU!!!