A Really Big Thank You!

I turned 70 last month! It turned out to be an amazing day only because I really worked at it. 

So let me catch you up in the story. Way back in January 2021, I posted a photo of my “fake” Chucks with pearls. Remember that was a thing to celebrate the inauguration! Take a photo of your chucks and pearls and post it on FaceBook. I can’t remember how it came about but my young friend RMW reached out and was horrified that I’ve never, ever owned a pair of chucks. I wouldn’t say it was an interrogation but there were hints and allegations. 

So fast forward to my birthday. I opened RMW’s card and found a gift card to purchase some “chucks.” Gulp! Would I like them? I’m pretty picky about shoes. Maybe I am a shoe snob. I love shoes. Would they look cute? Would they look like Bozo shoes? Oh Dear! 

So for days I went online to Converse. WOW! What a line up!

And then I got curious about the term “chucks!” So here you go! 

Charles Hollis “Chuck” Taylor (June 24, 1901 – June 23, 1969) was an American basketball player and basketball shoe salesman/product marketer who is best known for his association with the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, which he helped to improve and promote.

Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts. … After Taylor’s signature was added to the ankle patch as his endorsement, they became known as Chuck Taylor All Stars, the first celebrity-endorsed athletic shoe.

And then MY chucks arrived! I carefully put them on and immediately fell in love with them. What do you think?

What’s the sweet spot in this story? Having a friend that can gently nudge me out of my comfort  zone and encourage me to just have some fun with my very own chucks! Thanks RMW! You are my inspiration.