Pilgrim Shoes

I think one of the most repulsive sartorial turns was made when the square toed clunky men’s shoes stumbled on the scene. I remember discussing their obtuseness with the Flusseroids and naming said shoes “Miles Standish Shoes” much to everyone’s amusement.

No offense to Standish but the shoes are just butt ugly. It isn’t surprising that they all look cheap as hell too. Shoemakers who take pride in a high quality creation wouldn’t spend time crafting such an aberration. The guy who would wear such things probably wouldn’t pay any more than eighty bucks for a pair of shoes anyway. The best evidence that Cole Haan has jumped the shark is the Nike influenced “Air-Standish” looking shoes.

I’ll take the output of the Cleverly inspired toes of the Edward Green-Purple Label shoddings any day.

Maybe the Pilgrims-in the midst of escaping the oppression flung upon them by the Church of England had other things top of mind than shoe selection so let’s leave the square toe pedal contrivances to Colonial Williamsburg re-enactors and misguided fellas trying to channel the spirit of The Backside Boys or the boy stars of Beverly Hills 90210. You know the look-clunky shoes-two day beard-all sleeves too long-shirt and coat-shirt cuffs unbuttoned. The American Indians should shoot ‘em on sight.

So what are you thankful for this year? Here’s my list:

I’m thankful for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons. They represent to me the culmination of my childhood Thanksgiving Day memories. The den of my family home-smells of my mom’s incredible Thanksgiving meal in progress-the dichotomy of seeing everyone on television swathed in coats-hats and scarves while the sun of a sometimes seventy degree Thanksgiving Day tumbled through the window.

I’m thankful for the health of LFG. Nothing else really matters in my world than the wellbeing of my child.

I’m thankful for a family that loves me-regardless of the sometimes infrequent communication and visits.

I’m thankful for the very few long time friends who still for some reason-take the lead in staying in touch in

ways that define friendship other than the silly ass Facebook version of a “friend”.

I’m thankful for Alden and Edward Green who provide non Miles Standish looking shoes.

I’m thankful for solvency. Seriously-this economy has been nothing short of frightening for an entrepreneur.

I’m thankful for the commitment the LFG’s mom and I have to showing our daughter that even though we

don’t live together anymore-we can remain mature-respectful and focused on the well being of our precious gift of a daughter.

I’m thankful for my business partners who put up with my rants and tantrums that I disguise as creative outbursts that are part and parcel of my genius. They know better.

I’m thankful for the camaraderie of fellow bloggers. Kindness and sincerity can’t be faked for long and there are tons of kind, sincere and just really cool people in the blogosphere.

So I wish for all of you a superb Thanksgiving Day. And for our non-U.S. friends-take the damn day off. Tell your boss that Miles Standish said you could.

Onward Pilgrims.

ADG