Shyheels

Wow! Congratulations! That's really impressive! Those boots you bought are lovely and it will be huge fun to wear them out, I imagine. Certainly very stylish - and to wear them gracefully is an enviable accomplishment. Few can do that. Well done!

I do like my pour-over coffee - making it first thing in the morning is how I start off my day in my 12cm stilettos, my warm up so to speak

I have skinny calves too. I’ve two pair of stiletto boots from Italian heels - both are their Tina model, one (black) with 10cm heels and the other (chocolate brown) with 12cm heels. They fit very nicely around my calves. They were not cheap, but they are well made, real leather - I’d much rather have only a couple of pairs and have them fit beautifully. I’ve a pair of very beautiful, luxurious black suede OTK boots custom made by Jean Gaborit that fit absolutely perfectly, and their sturdy, slender 9cm heels are extremely walkable. But you do pay for that …

I cut quite a dash in my challenge heels this morning. As I was making my morning coffee I realised my gas cylinder was empty. Feeling a bit peevish - I wanted my coffee - I went out to shift to the other cylinder and then as luck would gave it had no end if trouble trying to screw in the nozzle to the other cylinder and, after that, resetting the regulator - don’t know why it was being so mulish this morning, I never usually have troubles. But I am sure I must have looked comical crawling over the bow if a narrowboat in 12cm stiletto knee boots, reaching down into the gas locker, trying to sort out the issue. But I got there in the end and went back in to finish making my coffee - my adventure in heels for the day.

In England it’s not so bad if it wasn’t for the damp. That’s what really gets you. Gets into your bones.

I’m sorry to hear of this too - for both of you. I too am finding work hard to come by as the magazine world collapses around my ears. On the bright side I’ll have much more time to write that novel and to practice in my 12cm heels.

I totally get that last part. Go-go boots are just for retro parties and sold at costume shops. I would still love to have a pair, but the longing is based more on unrequited desire and fond memories than any practicality - what would I wear them with? I’m not really a mini skirt kind of guy

As a cyclist I could never understand why so many other cyclists go around with ear buds listening to music. Aside from the safety implications - I’d much rather hear what’s coming up behind me - why would you want to miss out on hearing the dawn chorus, the birds and insects, nature coming alive. One of the joys of cycling is the way it immerses you in the landscape. Why miss out?

I have fond memories of listening to the car radio on long road trips when I was young - driving through the night, hundreds of miles for no better reason than the sheer joy of being in the road, fiddling with the dials on the radio to try to find a radio station somewhere in the middle of the Great Plains. These memories come with a 70s soundtrack.

I know you’re right. It’s just that I’ve become quite proud of my new abilities and can’t resist showing off to myself! Tomorrow morning it’s back to the 12cm stilettos! I’ve a goal here!

So true! I have been amazed by the difference practicing in my 12cm boots has made with my ability to walk in 10cm stilettos. I am very at home with them now - in fact, I’ve been so delighted with my newly earned ease in 10cm heels I’ve been neglecting my harder work 12cm heels. Must get back to business!

It’s very unusual not to like music, that’s for sure - I mean if I understand you correctly in that you dislike all forms of it. I will readily agree though that it is being forced upon us by constant advertising and social media. You can’t look at an Instagram post any more - even one that is primarily text-based - without music being blared at you, or some pretentious chords being played. It’s a nuisance and insulting to have it assumed that this is necessary. I find myself muting even songs and music I would normally like because it’s distracting and annoying and being forced upon me.

I see your dilemma perfectly! I’m muddling along in my own fashion trying to lift my abilities in 12cm stilettos but going for long walks - while it would no doubt lift my skill level - just doesn’t seem workable

I much prefer almond toes myself

I know exactly what you mean! I too have my own very particular aesthetic when it comes to boots. In a nutshell clean lines and classic styling. I know it when I see it