Rockin' Mocs

Photo copyright Wings, 2015; all rights reserved.

One year when things were pretty rough, I made myself write down, every single day, a gift I received. It was usually an intangible, like a sunset, or maybe kicking out a piece of writing that needed to be done. Rarely was it a thing, something you could touch and hold in your hands (or wear on your feet, as the case may be).

Today, though, it's an actual thing — or, rather, a pair of things.

And they were an honest-to-god gift. I've known they were coming; it's been in the works for a while. But today was the day I actually received them. And I feel really blessed right now.

My old moccasins were thoroughly worn out. Oh, I could still use them in an absolute emergency, but for ordinary wear? Forget about it. And they were very utilitarian ones, albeit extremely lightweight.

These? These are exactly what I wanted. They're utilitarian, too — moosehide, extremely heavy and warm. The man who made them, a real traditional Native man, an expert in leatherwork who knows his way around moccasins of all kinds, told me he broke several needles on them. It's the kind of hide our people used for steady and/or winter wear.

They beadwork is in exactly the colors I wanted. People who know me will know why, if they put it together. These are the real McCoy, as Wings would say — and I'll rock 'em until they fall off my feet, years down the road.

All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2015; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.