Wooden Shoes

Don't these just make you want to do a Happy Dance?

I spotted these precious little children's wooden shoes, also known as clogs in an Antique shop my first week in Georgia. Each time I would visit the shop I would look to see if they were still there. Yes, they were, usually moved to a different spot. I don't know why I didn't just purchase them. Probably because when I mentioned them to anyone they would just laugh and say what would anyone want with them.

When my parents were here during the Thanksgiving holiday Mom and I went out shopping. When we arrived at Mary's Antiques all I could think about were those wooden shoes. As we browsed and talked I kept my eyes open. There they were sitting on an antique table at the back of the shop. I showed them to Mom. Honestly deep down I was hoping she would get them for me, but all she said was, tell Steve and the kids to get them for you for Christmas!! All I could think about was them laughing once again when I mentioned them.

A few weeks later while Steve and I were waiting on a prescription to be filled I said, lets run over to Mary's, maybe I will see something you and the kids can get me for Christmas. Reluctantly and I might add VERY reluctant he said okay. As we walked around he would ask, Do you see anything you would like? The answer was no each time. I knew what I was looking for and when I found them he would too.

After walking the store at least 3 times I finally asked about the wooden shoes and was told someone had bought them. I left mad at myself for all the times I had been in and left without them and even madder at the person that had bought them. For the next week every chance I got I would say something along the lines of, who would want those shoes, why would anybody actually buy wooden shoes, I can't believe someone actually bought those shoes, etc.

So you are ready along and thinking did she get the shoes, where are the shoes and possibly why would she even want those wooden shoes!! Am I right?

Four weeks later we loaded our vehicle and drove 15 - 16 hours to spend Christmas in Arkansas. A part of me was hoping my Mom mentioned the shoes to Steve and he had gotten them.

Christmas morning Steve, kids and I had our family Christmas. All the presents had been opened and still no shoes. My last hope had just passed.

Fast forward to Christmas afternoon. Lunch is over and all the grandkids are ready to open presents. Not even thinking about the wooden shoes anymore I started opening my presents from my sister and her family and my Mom and Dad. I was thrilled with a new watch, tons of clothes and various other gifts. THEN I opened this package that had been beautifully wrapped from Santa and to my surprise were the little wooden shoes I had shown my Mom.

Later I found out the day I showed them to her she asked Steve and Seth to go get them and hide them in their car. I know the reason Steve was so reluctant to go to Mary's - he was afraid the owner would recognise him as they had talked quiet abit when he and Seth were there.

I was as proud of my Wooden Shoes as I was the year my Daddy had Santa bring me my Red Cowboy Boots!

And Yes everyone laughed at my shoes again!!

Since coming home I have been doing a little research - Wooden shoes or clogs are called Klompen in Dutch are donned for dancing, street scrubbing and a children's race at the Holland Festival. The roomy wooden shoes were originally worn by the Dutch to work in the fields where they protected them from the cold and the moisture.

My little treasure most likely was once worn by a small child in Holland. They are solid wood with a pointed toe, hand carvings and have a Dutch boy and girl painted on them. Can't you just see a sweet dimpled smile running around in them?

I would love to learn more of the history of wooden shoes. If any of you can enlighten me I would love to hear from you.

Until next time.....I'm off to dust my little wooden shoes.

Debbie