Wingtips Renewed

I am always on the lookout for interesting subjects to paint and came across an interesting worn out pair of burgundy wingtips at the Thrift Store in Sandy. I debated on purchasing them for a couple visits to my new hangout, largely in part to me not needing to bring home more junk. However, the intrigue of what I might be able to paint as well as the thought of who their former owner was and the history they alone possess turned out to be too great. So I walked them up to the counter and a short elderly lady behind the counter says, "Dropping them off?", trying to keep from laughing outloud I replied, "No, I'd like to purchase them." I still find it hilarious. Who in their right mind wants to purchase something that should be in a landfill. So I put down my dollar and escorted my new friends to the car and returned to work.

Since then I have asked myself some questions..... Where have these shoes traveled? Did they go to work, church, the grocery store or out to dinner and where. Did they enjoy the theater, or walks in the local park with a loving spouse, or maybe man's best friend. Whatever their travels are, it is clear that their previous owner enjoyed them for a good many years as the miles of patina are evident.

I find it interesting to put myself in someone else's shoes, helps to bring perspective to ones life and we usually find out, our own life is really not that bad.

Now, while these shoes have obviously seen better days, at least that's what the hole in the left sole tells me, I am hopeful that I am able to add to the many stories that these wingtips have to tell. Only for those who are willing to stop... take a look... and listen to them though.

I hope you have enjoyed this story of Wingtips Renewed 6x7.5.