Footnotes

Consider the foot, the part of the body that turns up down by the ankle bone to form an L.

It is always in our sight, peeping out below our trousers or skirts or alternating smartly in our line of vision, left, right, left, right, when we walk.

Feet are ever present. Most everyone has a couple. Some people sit on them just to hide them but it’s quite uncomfortable and they often go to sleep. They might resent it. Mine once tangled over an object on the floor, throwing me down with such force that I broke an arm, so beware and know that they can have a life of their own.

One gets a little rest from them at night and yet of you lie on your back, there they are calling attention to themselves by making two tents in the bed clothes and they will only disappear if you turn on your side.

Feet can toe- in, toe-out, or straight ahead. It is my personal opinion that those that toe-in slightly get a little better traction. Indian women walked this way carrying heavy loads and covering many miles.

There are a lot of different ways of walking; tip-toeing along, springing along on the ball of the foot, jolting, tripping, dancing, skipping, etc.

Feet can tell on you. If they mince along you’ll be thought affected; if they step too high, proud; if they drag, reluctant; if they swing loosely, devil may care, etc. So if you want to appear a certain way, be sure to notify your feet.

Some people who are rather run-of-the-mill when it comes to looks have lovely feet with rosy toes that curl delicately.

The reverse is also true. You can never be sure what disaster the shoes of beautiful people may hide.

If you number yourself among those with ugly feet, it would be considerate of you not to wear sandals that spread your feet over a country mile.

A high instep is supposed to be a sign of beauty. It is said that the arches of Balinese women never touch the cobblestones.

Feet can walk patiently across a continent, advance bravely, or turn and run, all without seeming to have much direction from the head. On the other hand, if you have had a bad day at the office, your feet seem to know it and have to be restrained from kicking the cat when you get home.

When you go to bed tonight and are lying down on your back, look down at your to feet tenting the blankets. Take a moment to salute the faithful pair that have stayed with you all these years. Promise them something nice to wear, some things comfortable and warm and expensive.