For a long time, I wanted a pair of Birkenstocks. My friend of over 20 years, Stefanie, sent me a pair as an unexpected gift a few years back. When they arrived in the mail (Stefanie lives in south Florida), I was excited. I could hardly wait to put them on. What a generous gift and, finally! my very own Birkenstocks. I felt so.....wholesome. And I also felt grateful to have a friend that knows me so personally as to, not only know I wanted a pair of Birkenstocks, but who also knew what size to order without even asking. I wore my Birkenstocks many places, including walking my dogs around the neighborhood where my house in Columbus is located and the place that I feel most comfortable-- the place I feel like I can exhale.
As I have been unpacking from my move from one apartment to another here in Madison, it became clear that I needed to part with my Birkenstocks. I wore them out. They are old. And stinky. And funky. And nasty. And well-loved.
If there was ever a place to own a pair of Birkenstocks, Madison has to be it. It feels wrong to be Birkenstock-less in this town.
But, as they teach in Buddhism, all things, good and bad, are transient in nature.
So......
Bye-bye Birkenstocks.
1 comment:
One of the best things about Birkenstocks is that they are completely rebuildable. I am sure there is a shop in Madison (or find one at www.birkenstockusa.com) that can resole them and refurbish the leather in the footbed. You don't have to give up on your old friends.
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