Brenda and I came out of hibernation New Years Day to do some shopping; the Christmas cash and gift cards were burning a hole in our pockets. So, as I have been looking for a vintage pair of boots, we made our way into a local shoe repair to see if they had any unclaimed items for sale. In broken English, the man asked for my shoe size. He thought for a moment, turned and disappeared into the back room. Surprisingly, he returned with two pairs of black, well-worn, re-soled western boots and plopped them down on the counter. He mumbled more indiscernible English words mingled with Chinese and handed me the first pair. The size said 9 1/2 on the inside but, forcing my foot into the top, I knew it would end up being a losing battle. So I traded those for the second pair. The tops were like glove leather, crumpled over after years of use, and the full quill ostrich uppers were pristine. I knew this pair would be a steal–probably retailing for around $400, new–and the beautiful thing was…they fit! The shop owner slurred, “Sevendee dolla!”
I wasn’t going to fall for the first offer (he needed to recover his costs but I know that the labor was negotiable), so I offered forty bucks. Acting insulted, he clear the boots from the counter and waved us away saying, “You waste my time–I not work, when talk to you!” We were just about to walk out empty-handed when he motioned us back to the counter (my newly acquired bargaining skills from watching American Pickers had prevailed!). Sarcastically, I shot back with, “I thought I was wasting your time…” Eying a worthy opponent he returned, “Fifty dolla?” I told him he had a deal and I handed over my debit card. Brenda reached to take the boots from the counter and out from the pull-straps fell a folded claim ticket with the name of the original owner. When she saw who it was, she elbowed me. I looked down, and it was one of my favorite guitar players of all time. I was just listening to his music the day before, and today I have his boots!
I walked out of there with a pair of killer, vintage Tony Lamas and a promise for a great 2011. I knew it was a nod from God as if He said, “I’ve got some great things in store for you this year, Jamie.” I take it as a blessing and a challenge. I certainly have some big shoes to fill!