Time for a Farewell

I have lovingly used these hand-made seal-skin slippers for several years. I've pushed how long I've worn them around the house despite holes appearing, virtually no liner left and general lack of warmth from stretching out. But it's finally time to retire my favorite slippers. Sigh.

I bought them right from the Shishmaref tannery during a long-ago village trip. I picked them out, they were snug on my feet, and I made an big investment for being a KNOM volunteer. I remember that first night with my new feet. I stayed in the school and had a classroom to myself. I left the community basketball game in the gym and nestled into my room for the night. I locked the door, unrolled my sleeping bag and just padded around wearing my new seal skin, beaver trim slippers. They've earned retirement but I'm still sad. I can't just ask for a new pair as slippers vary in how they're made from patterns. I will need to find the slippers that call to my feet and hope they fit.

Andy's slippers became too big and worn this year for his clubbers too.

He's moved on to some wonderful home-made wool felted slippers I surprised him with at Christmas. Our friend in Nome made them and had to do the biggest size she knows how. His feet have been described as OARS! Not pretty. :) So he's set and cozy and happy.

We'll keep our "heirlom" pieces together as a reminder of how simple things, like warm feet, make us feel so good in this world. In the meanwhile, I'm happy it's warming up. I asked my seal-skins to push through the winter and they did.

*Amy