Dorothy lost hers. I forgot mine. My wife broke hers. I speak of shoes, of course. So why are we all smiling?
Dorothy is that sweet little girl who broke in that bustin' bronco of a tornado, landing in Oz and inheriting magic ruby slippers from a dead wicked witch.
For most people,
story ends when Dorothy loses her precious slippers somewhere over scorching desert that surrounds Oz ... much like a Congressman loses his power when he flies out of Washington and crosses over gridlock on scorching mid-summer Beltway.
Just as a Congressman is bound to return to Washington sooner or later, Dorothy actually does return to Oz many times. In fact, there are dozens more books in Oz series featuring hundreds of almost unknown characters.
With or without power of her ruby slippers, Dorothy makes her way back to enjoy a multitude of unbelievable adventures with her favorite misfits.
Shoe lesson number one. When you lose your shoes, improvise.
I discovered my shoes were missing also while flying high in sky.
Back in my days as a consumer advocate, I was on my way to deliver a speech in Newfoundland, sharing lectern with Newfoundland Minister of Transportation.
Sitting comfortably in airplane seat, my mind was bobbing aimlessly on an ocean of emptiness. Suddenly I broke out in a cold sweat as I realized I had forgotten my dress shoes at home. In fact, they were waiting faithfully by front door, ready to greet me upon my return.
In a matter of seconds I torpedoed through one thought after other:
Yikes! I'm wearing running shoes for an important speech.
I know, I can buy a new pair when I land.
Too late; stores are already closed.
What about in morning?
