You missed them! I know you did! Hand bag month was oh so fun (even though last Friday I so didn't post a pic of my bag, can we blame it on pregnancy brain yet, or is it to early...and hopeful?).
So now I give you SHOES!
First off, because of all the new additions to my shoe family, a new shoe system had to be created. This is the hanging tower of shoeness. So Instead of the classic shoe of honor shelf, Friday picture, I will now be using the stool that I used for the handbags. Things just look so cute on that stool.

THIS WEEK'S SHOES!

I know I know, I can't believe these are all mine! How did I ever get this lucky? For your enjoyment I have done a close up on each pair, because you are worth it!

These are one of the pairs Keith's grandma gave to me. They are probably 30-40 years old and they have never been worn!! The heels and bottoms don't have a scoff on them. Don’t they just scream antique/modern to you!

Scrunchies! I call these scrunchies, cause I just love the way the fabric all gathers up at the toes and then the wicked buckle is all pulling it together. They have a cute little kitten heel! And polka dot insides. I got these at a consignment store last Sunday.

My sister wants to kill cause these babies fit me and not her :( Another consignment find. They speak of professionalism, sophistication and just plain gorgeousness!

And of course, my forever classics. My snake skin beauties. I got these from a consignment store a while ago, the ones above are from the same store. If I haven't mentioned the history on these (which I think I have but oh well) these retail at $400, I snagged them for $72! SOOOO comfy, the best heels I have ever worn.
This is one of Andy Warhol's paintings. What a genius man.
I am picking up the rest of Keith's grandma’s shoes this weekend. They are all being repaired and beautified! Tune in next week for a view of these antique wonders.
In other shoe related news and also art news, my drawing is complete! Check out this post for a view of the art piece last week.

Please notice how totally ME this piece is, ok not the freakin skinny model girl, but the shoes hanging from the trees! And the shopping bags and the SHOES!
I am quite pleased with her turn out. I think I have found my grove, my style, my artistic preference...classic figure drawing with modern backgrounds. The three hours in class FLEW by. I was so into this piece that when people started packing up I was just astounded that it was already 9!
So I am planning on doing more of these, maybe making a whole series of them. Obviously these are copied from magazines, but soon I will work on my own creations!
Unfortunately the shoe news ends here. Unless you can come up with a creative shoe idea for these guys?

Do you see how big they have gotten! That’s their mom in the background! They are almost as big as her!! And they are losing their yellow fluff! It's turning to grey, but ohh my goodness they are still so cute.
Speaking of cute, my soon to be little one/s, this is the last chapter in the book! I thank you all so much for reading along with me. I believe I have learnt a lot and feel much more prepared for this journey. I hope this book provided for you some enlightenment on adoption too and now you can all remind me of the lessons here when I am pulling out my hair cause these kids are driving me crazy! Right? You will be here for me right? PLEASE tell me you'll be here!?!
#20 "Even if I decide to search for my birth family, I will always want you to be my parents." Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew. By Sherrie Eldridge.
This will be a hard time on everyone. The child has dreamed and imagined their birth parents for so long, now they are ready to search for them. They are excited, but also facing their biggest fear, being rejected again.
Adoptive parents are thinking, what if he loves them more? What if he doesn't need me anymore? How can we make this situation work where I have to share him? Adoptive parents are scared, jealous and hurt.
Birth parents may have been thinking about the child they gave up since they left, or they may have not thought about them at all. This contact could be one of joy and relationship, or one of anxiety and further disconnection.
As tough as this time will be for all involved, it most likely will happen. The child will need closure, they will want to know more information and they will want their questions answered.
It's important for parents to realize that this search does not mean they love you less, that they will stop thinking of you as parents, or that they will want nothing more to do with you. It is just a process they have to go through to close the circle, the hole in their heart and parents need to support this.
Parents need to get over their issues around this, by talking to a therapist or friend. Then they need to talk to their child and tell them that you will support them. And that you don't want them to not search cause they are worried about hurting your feelings. Let them know that you are strong and ready to help them get through all this.
Often once a reunion is had, whether it goes good or bad, relationships between child and adoptive parents strengthen. By supporting them in there endeavor it shows the ultimate trust and support. They will feel more connected to you and you will grow deeper in a relationship together.
One doctor put it this way "A real mother is one who recognizes and respects the whole identity of her child and does not ask him to deny any apart of himself." So accessing his world, being sensitive to his needs and validating his emotions! I think this book has taught me that.
KIDDIES!! What an exciting time. You are going to experience the greatest adventure of your life, searching and meeting with your birth parents. I want you to know I understand why you need to do this, and please do not let your worries about hurting your dad and me get in the way of this great quest. I do not know what the outcome of this quest will be. I will prepare you for both outcomes, but more importantly I will be waiting for your return with open arms, a shoulder to cry on and a smile to laugh with. I know this search does not mean you love me less, and KNOW dear one/s this search does not mean I love you any less. You are my angels, my joy and my life, nothing you could do would take my love away. I have learned a lot from this book, and I hope it has prepared me to be a great mom to you. I am sorry for the mistakes I will make, please know that everything I do, I do it because I love you. MOM.

i love your new shoes, those ones from Keith's grandma are in amazing shape. and i just love your consignment store finds, i just don't have the patience to shop consignment, but seeing those amazing shoes its makes me want to start!!
Posted by: erin | June 06, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Ughh...I can't cope with this I have to go...
*green with envy* ...
Posted by: Bugged | June 06, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Love the shoes. All I wear are tennis shoes, though. I don't have a collection of shoes just because I don't really need them and I spend all my money on my kids. Some day, when they all move out, maybe I can have a collection, too.
Posted by: K | June 06, 2008 at 01:10 PM
WOW - I can't believe you got those beauties from Keith's Grandma - and lots more !!!
I am starting to wear girl shoes now, inspired by you :) My runners only get worn for running, now.
Posted by: Janice | June 06, 2008 at 01:48 PM
ahhhh, shoes. Love, love, love them!
Posted by: Shawna | June 06, 2008 at 03:18 PM
i love your shoe family... girl after my own heart. i have ummm a very large shoe family of my own!! :)
Posted by: Andrea | June 06, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Oh great shoes & great blog. I really like it. Thanks for visiting me, I will be back for sure!
Posted by: Ginny | June 06, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Hey Alicia-- both your site and your home are lovely. You're very creative and fun and I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
Rooting for you from Washington DC!
(oh, and thanks for saying howdy!)
Posted by: Mme. Meow | June 06, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Thanks for stopping by my blog - your drawing is really impressive!!! Very cool! I'm one of those people that love love love crafts and I'm creative - but not a good "drawer" at all!! and I have always wanted to be! :-)
Posted by: Meryl Rose | June 06, 2008 at 06:26 PM
I was looking at Keith's grandma's shoes and going OOOOOOOH!!!!! NICE...VERY NICE!!! VERY ME!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM! :)
And your drawing is amazing!!
Posted by: Brandygirl | June 07, 2008 at 02:27 AM
You are a consignment shop wizard! I love getting cool stuff used, and it's hard to find good used shoes. Major props! The grandma shoes rule, and vintage shoes are often really well made and hold up well.
Hey, if you're tired of fixing up your place as a 2ww distraction, you're welcome to come over to our house. :) Your handiwork looks great.
Posted by: Shinejil | June 07, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Gorgeous shoes! Some of my best shoes (and even clothes) are ones my mom saved from when she was my age...they're in excellent condition and totally back in style too.
You're awesome at consignment store shopping...I'm just too lazy for that...
Posted by: SAHW | June 07, 2008 at 12:05 PM
hi Alicia
I'm here from NaComLeavCom
I have an adopted son and I love the last paragraph you wrote.
I don't know what his outcome will be but her has many half siblings adopted and in their birth father families so maybe one they will be reunited.
I 'll try to come back and read the rest of the story.
My Little Drummer boys
warm regards
Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 07, 2008 at 09:03 PM
I love all the shoes but Keith's grandma's and the snakeskin are to die for. I am very green as they are beautiful but alas I can only wear "sensible" shoes these days.
I really like the artwork too!
Posted by: Brigindo | June 07, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Love the shoes!!! (Back atcha from NCLM)
Posted by: PJ | June 07, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Thanks for dropping by my blog. I love the shoe collection, especially the vintage ones. However, at the same time, you also seem very modern. I think you would like my 'modern' haircut! :-)
Posted by: panamahat | June 08, 2008 at 04:15 AM
Returning you comment to say that I love those shoes.... all of them. Unfortunately teaching is not compatible with killer eels (for me anyway). I'm developing a killer selection of pumps instead!
Posted by: Katie | June 08, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I am not into shoes (GASP. I hope you can still be pals with me.) but I thought yours were beautiful. I am so excited for you!
Posted by: MamaSoon | June 08, 2008 at 07:09 PM
L-O-V-E the shoes!! And the baby ducks are just the cutest!! :)
Posted by: DC | June 08, 2008 at 07:13 PM
You are a great writer! Love the shoes!
Here from NCLM
!
Posted by: Jodi | June 08, 2008 at 09:02 PM