In what I believed at the time to be a serendipitous moment, I discovered two pairs of tap shoes recently in an oppie that somewhat fitted the small people. Yesterday they decided to wear them all day. A.L.L day. By 11:30am I could feel a vein begin to protrude in my left temple as they sashayed around the tiled floor of the supermarket scaring the bejeesus out of elderly ladies who thought the hounds of hell were on their tale instead of two slightly demented Shirley Temples.
In desperation I snuck into a cafe for a chocolate stress-reliever giving stern directives to the smalls to stay on the carpet. All went well until a toilet stop was required that led to an impromptu hot shoe shuffle in the hallway, one bemused punter offered to pass his hat around but we declined and fled the scene.
I write this as a kindly warning to all unsuspecting parents who might, on an op-shopping foray, happen upon a pair of tap shoes. Back away slowly (making sure the shoes cannot see the whites of your eyes), then flee at speed off the premises never to return. For myself, I am wondering whether I can disappear the shoes without the smalls noticing or at the very least tamper with the hardware to reduce tapability somewhat. Shall keep you posted!
xx
That's such a great story ~ one to put away for when they are older. I feel your pain but the photos are lovely!
Posted by: Kellie | July 17, 2009 at 11:03 PM
I love those photos, Nan. And oh my GOODNESS.. those girls will remember those shoes forevermore - which might JUST be worth the wincy headaches! Maybe. Perhaps?
x
Posted by: pip of meetmeatmikes | July 17, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Is one of the small people wearing their shoes on the wrong feet?
Posted by: Cassandra | July 17, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Your just jealous you can't tap dance around the shopping centre ;-)
Would be fun!
Lovely photos. Thanks for makeing me smile.
Posted by: Tricia | July 18, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Hilarious! The contrast between the beautiful photos and the protruding vein is wonderful! Love it all!
Posted by: jeannine | July 18, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Rather than tamper with footwear, suggest sending smalls off to Stomper Girl for immediate instruction!
Posted by: trashalou | July 18, 2009 at 04:48 AM
I love this post Nan...everything about it but most of all I love it that one of your smalls went about the whole day tip tapping with her shoes on the wrong feet. Just gorgeous.
Posted by: Kirsty | July 18, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Lucky smalls! They'll have some happytappy memories...I PINED for tap shoes after seeing Shirley Temple reruns but had to make do with quarters taped onto my shoes. Just not the same. You're a fun mom!
Posted by: Marti | July 18, 2009 at 06:05 AM
I love, love, love everything about this post (except your pain, of course).
What I love most is that one of your little performers is wearing them on the wrong feet, and instead of making everything perfect and as it should be, you just allowed her to be. I love that.
Thanks for bringing a little pizazz to my morning. x
Posted by: fat mum slim | July 18, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Oh, I am laughing with you not at you, ok?!
Yes, perhaps dance classes are in order... or perhaps a screwdriver will do the trick?
:)
Posted by: Christina | July 18, 2009 at 08:37 AM
I love the sound of tap shoes...admittedly not for a whole day !!!
Gorgeous photos...
Posted by: jodie | July 18, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Gorgeous photos.
If you make sure the screws on the taps are really tight it should deaden the sound a bit. Not a lot, but a bit.
Posted by: Michelle | July 18, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Such gorgeous photos Nanette. I feel your pain but I sort of wish I could have joined them in tapping around the shops!x
Posted by: Kate | July 18, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Ha hahaha! You made me laugh out loud only because i can so see myself in that same kind of situation. Tap tap tap all day long, head about to pop by lunchtime :)
Posted by: Nichola | July 18, 2009 at 02:35 PM
I asked my mum if I could do tap classes when I was little and she said no. Now I know why...
Lovely photos though.
Posted by: Cristy | July 18, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Great post! Reminds me of all the noisy toys I have in this house that have been given to my girls by children-less people!! Think harmonicas and 'electric' guitars!
Posted by: sophie | July 18, 2009 at 07:07 PM
oh that is just a delightful story. Keep the shoes.
Posted by: Helen | July 18, 2009 at 08:34 PM
I remember them well- how painful for my mother! yes... it probably did seem like a good idea at the time...
Posted by: cath from chunkychooky | July 20, 2009 at 04:08 PM
My Nanna who hates no-one or nothing, not even flies, despises and detests Shirley Temple. Upon the merest mention of her name she comes over all brimstone and eye twitchy and threatens to spit out her teeth. She'd be in your corner.
Posted by: Tania | July 20, 2009 at 07:40 PM
I was hysterical with laughter after reading your post. Especially seeing the shoes on the wrong feet. OH the happiness tap shoes gives to The Smalls and the headaches they give to the Bigs... UNLESS, you are a BIG who never got to wear tap shoes as a Small... and one day... deep into your 40's you got a pair and took some lessons... oh the delight and the horror!
Posted by: Jackie Lee | July 21, 2009 at 06:56 AM
What i wouldn't give to be a kid again with a lovely (noisy) pair of tap shoes and the confidence and innocence to go with them. What a great mum you are to let them have their fun.
Posted by: Megan | July 21, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Love the fact that one of the little 'uns has her shoes on the wrong feet!
Posted by: Sasa J | July 22, 2009 at 02:30 AM
Couldn't you just take off the metal plates and let them keep the shoes? They look as if they can be unscrewed...
Greetings,
poet
Posted by: poet | July 24, 2009 at 06:11 AM