When Life Gives You Lemons, Buy New Shoes!

Have you ever had one of those days where things
just don’t seem to go the way you want?

On my recent trip to Miami I had a few days that could have turned out bad. I picked a hotel downtown so I would be close to the book fair and close to the neighborhoods I wanted to check out.

I was in Miami for two reasons: the book fair and research. I had a lot of neighborhoods to explore before I could decide where each of my main characters lived, and then explore those neighborhoods for hangouts and favorite spots.

I decided to start with Brickell, the modern, wealthy area that was still in downtown, just across the bridge from my hotel. Everyone told me: 1. That I could walk, 2. That public transportation was easy in that area, and 3. It was easy to get a cab.

I have traveled many times before, so I should have known better. People always under or over estimate walking distances, they say things are easier than they are, and I have the world’s worst sense of direction. I could get lost going from my kitchen to my bathroom if I tried to read a map. Regardless, I set off across the bridge in my sundress and flip flops. I know what you’re thinking, but I walked all over Brazil in the same outfit without a single problem.

An hour into wondering around Brickell my feet were rubbed raw and covered in blisters. That’s when I realized it was my black flip flops I wore in Brazil, not the pink ones. I guess not every pair of plastic shoes is created equal. I hobbled to the shopping square where I had been told all the taxis passed and waited under the shade of a palm tree. For forty-five minutes.

Not one taxi.

So I called the number my hotel concierge had given me and requested one at my location. It took ten minutes on the phone and he didn’t really know the area. But I waited another forty minutes before giving up.

I walked slowly into the open air shopping center and found a small boutique with shoes in the window. Comfortable looking shoes. I apologized for the condition of my feet, covered in dirt and blisters, and slipped on a pair of glitter covered Toms. They were amazingly comfortable, easy to walk in, and didn’t rub my feet anywhere.

I was saved.

The woman in the store told me that taxis didn’t just pass by, they had to be called. Then she directed me to the bus. As I walked to the street where the metro-rail ran overhead, I realized the bridge to my hotel was only three blocks away. I had been walking in so many circles I thought I was farther away.

I made it back to my hotel easily, and with a new pair of shoes I loved.

The next day the sky was gray and the weather report said rain. I bought an umbrella and headed for Coral Gables, the fancy suburb south of downtown. In my new shoes. Did I mention they’re made of canvas and leather?

The Gables was beautiful. I found a charming Italian restaurant that served gluten-free pasta and an amazing latte, in front of a picture window. When I finished my meal and paid the bill it began to rain. Not a little west coast drizzle, but a torrential downpour.

At least it was warm.

The waiter brought me another latte and told me I should wait it out. I tried. But after an hour I couldn’t waste anymore of my research time. I needed to find out where my characters spent their time. And yes, that included shopping and coffee shops.

I figured I could brave the rain across the street and then dart from shop to shop. Hopefully without ruining my new shoes.

When I crossed the street something sparkled at me through a window. A crystal chandelier in a boutique called “My Best Friend’s Closet.” I was in heaven.

I went inside and looked around at the clothes, jewelry, and cute little knick-knacks. And then I saw them: Jelly sandals. They were like the ones I had in elementary school, except these were stylish. I asked for a metallic gray pair in my size.

Not only were they amazing to look at, but they were comfortable and completely rain proof. The water would just run right through them.

I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening walking along Miracle Mile, unafraid. An umbrella over my head and my jelly’s on my feet and the rain couldn’t get to me.

The universe solved my problem with a new pair of shoes. Twice.

Have you ever had a fun solution to a problem? When has a new pair of shoes changed your day? Any little lessons from the universe?