Who walked life's journey in them?

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When visiting the town of Clovis in California's Central Valley, we always like to pop in to the antique stores in the old town center. There are always some wonderful treasures to enjoy even if we don't buy them.

During a visit last year, I had my camera in hand and photographed some of the well-done displays. One had two pair of beautiful antique shoes. I've enjoyed the photograph privately ever since but didn't share it with anyone else because I wasn't quite happy with the photograph.

Then today, I decided to play around with my digital art skills. As I perused some of my "second string" photographs for good candidates I came across my shot of the antique shoes. I knew that I wanted to play with it and see if I could make the composition into a piece of art that captured the thoughts I had when I saw the shoes.

Every time I have looked at this photograph over the past year, I've found myself reflecting on who must have worn those shoes over the years. What roads have those shoes traveled? Did they carry their wearer through tragedy or triumph? Or both? And now they sit in an antique shoe with price tags hanging on them reflecting prices that can never match the value of a life lived. How can what those shoes have "seen" be summed up in a price tag of $145.00?

If you would like to use this photograph on your blog or have a copy for your desktop,
please ask me and I will be happy to send you a free digital copy.

More Photos of Our Day Trip to Clovis

Last Saturday, we drove to Clovis, California for a day trip and had a wonderful day enjoying the bright autumn sunshine and strolling around the quaint Old Towne District of Clovis.

Clovis is in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley just south of the Sierras and Yosemite. Because of its locale, agriculture and ranching have historically been the life blood for Clovis. That influence is still felt in Clovis in its historical district full of antique stores, fun shops, corner cafes, and even a sweet Victorian-style tea room.

The town of Clovis has done an amazing job in retaining the feeling and flavor of its roots in the Old Towne District. Unlike many California towns that have put money and energy into revitalizing their historic centers, Clovis feels unpretentious and relaxed. The shops aren't so high-end and hoity-toity that merchandise is overpriced. Ultimately, it's a wonderful atmosphere of nostalgia and charm.

At our favorite antique establishment, we had some success in finding "treasures" to add to our vintage red kitchen and dining area that is newly themed like a retro ice cream parlour/sweet shop (I'll share photos later after I get all the "treasures" hung). I also found that the dealers give great care to merchandise their items in a visually pleasing way--so much so that I had to snap some photographs of the wonderfully composed displays.

We ate lunch at The Corner Cafe (a favorite Clovis eatery). With a sense of an old diner, The Corner Cafe has affordable food and a laid back atmosphere. I was very happy with my grilled cheese sandwich and french fries (a calorie splurge for me). Hubby was equally pleased with his juicy burger and fries. The service was excellent and their pleasant kindness was a perfect accent to a great afternoon.

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