Eloise had chosen every man she’d ever loved by his shoes. After all, she was very discerning herself, and had decided long ago that the shoes maketh or breaketh the man
Yet, somehow Hamish had squeezed under her discerning radar. The lifeguard at the local beach, he was barefoot when she met him, and barefoot he remained. He didn’t even own a pair of shoes.
Eloise couldn’t resist. Had to buy him a pair of matching boots. However, Hamish wasn’t about to be owned by any woman, and gave them back. He walked his own path.
…..
100 words exactly
This has been another contribution to Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wishoff-Fields, where we write up to 100 words to a provided photo prompt. Photo Copyright – Adam Ickes
I thought I might just remind you of my Australian context here and that’m actually sweltering away in the Summer heat at the moment. We’re a short walk to the beach and have quite a casual dress sense around here, especially during Summer. That said, I’ve known a few friends who have dated men who are always barefoot and some of those friends have been what you could describe as “posh” themselves. Sometimes, you’ve got to wonder whether cupid’s arrow missed its mark!
To get into the Christmas spirit of things, I’ve posted a photo of Elf with the lifeguard, a friend of mine who I’m pretty sure has to wear shoes on the job.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Beyond the Flow 
I don’t think we need to consult an agony aunt to find out where Eloise is going wrong. Well done!
I love the idea of chosing a man by his shoes
If the shoe fits… 🙂
I think no shoes, no Eloise! Creative take on the prompt.
It’s all about freedom, innit? Don’t want to restrict my feet, don’t want to restrict my routine…. Actually, with the posh person dating a barefoot gent, perhaps Cupid had perfect aim – sometimes those mix matches are the best – each has something the other doesn’t.
That’s true, althugh the barefoot gent in that particular instance broke off the engagement. Perhaps, barefeet should act as a warning, although one of my local friends has been married to her barefooted husband for over 10 years.
Thanks, Brenda. I remember being in tutorials back at uni and checking out people’s shoes, probably because I wasn’t paying sufficient attention but it is interesting to see what people have on their feet. Best wishes,
Rowena
Yes, Cinderella.
Thanks, Jilly. This was a story I could’ve expanded well beyond the 100 words. I was reminded of a friend of mine who arranges her clothes in terms of outfits, which was something I’d never considered. That was in my original attempt at this and it would’ve been nice to leave it in.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Hard to decide when your barometer of eligibility is taken away.
I met a man in Maui who I will forever call Bead Man. He lived and worked in an open botanical paradise. No shirt, no shoes, shorts, making beaded jewelry and art. A happier man I have never met since. This took me back there.
A man of principle, Hamish. Nothing can tame him, let alone love of a woman.
I know a few of these both male and female. Would rather burn at the stake than compromise.
Best wishes,
Rowena
We have a town called Byron Bay in Northern NSW where you find these types. They’re just so relaxed. Indeed, my cousin who lived in Byron for awhile spoke of “Byron Bay Time”, which basically means turning up when you feel like it.
I’ve written quite a few posts about Byron Bay but here’s a link to one: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/climbing-cape-byron-lighthouse/
Best wishes,
Rowena
I grew up watching my dad toe off his shoes and pull off his socks as he sighed in relief. His bare feet were normal. I would never have thought of picking a man by his shoes—-perhaps by his sigh of satisfaction to be free of restriction 🙂
Could we have a bit of the heat here in Yorkshire🙂 I really like what you did with the prompt, enjoyed it
I loved this story.
Good for him on refusing to be trapped!
Perhaps it has to do with earlobes who is attracted to who. At least that is what they were suggesting when I did psychology. Lovely story Rowena. A nice lesson in not changing people to fit what you want them to be and good on him for being himself.
A man to plough his own furrow.
Very creative take.
What a fresh take on the prompt. Best of luck to Eloise in the shoe department,
Thank you very much, Violet. I’m just grateful that I’ve been married for 17 years and haven’t had to think about this for a very long time. Dating is such an emotional roller coaster.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Lisa.
Yes, Sandra. I’ve encountered quite a few of those over the years. Some are still single and others of them eventually sold their souls (of should that read soles in this context?) Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Best wishes,
Rowena
Yes. I find him quite the Australian male. I haven’t met too many pushovers, and I’ve had a few friends who’ve really gone to town with trying to convert their man…matching outfits etc. No one I ever dated was that manageable. My husband is the most difficult of the lot.
Thanks, Dale. She is quite a control freak and I had further elements supporting that which I had to cut out due to the word limit. Might be a good story to expand on.
Thank you very much, Michael.I’ll send you the heat tomorrow. We’ve had quite a few storms lately and the place needs to dry out first. Indeed, we had a vicious hail storm on Thursday: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/waiting-out-the-storm/
My office feels damp with a strong aroma of mildew so I’m hoping the sun will rectify that. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend and that you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a wonder-filled New Year.
Best wishes,
Rowena
And the same to you, Rowena.
No I think mine takes the cake Rowena. Have a Great Christmas.
Ha! Hope you have a great Christmas too, Irene.
Best wishes,
Rowena