May 17, 2020: Because I Could -

The meme of the Medieval bishop* all decked out in "random shit" he ordered online while sheltering in place struck a chord with me, not because I've ordered a whole lot, but because I made one extremely random purchase.  I bought a pair of heels.

*See below for the guy in the bishop hat, etc., and more on where he came from.

 

I haven't worn heels in years. Heels usually hurt my former-dancer feet, and I've sworn off shoes that hurt. In fact, it's safe to say I've overshot in the comfortable direction. The first time a sweet young couple asked me to officiate their wedding, I asked fashionable friend Dana to help me buy an officiant outfit. It took us all afternoon (well, we had to go out for lunch and wine, so there went a few hours). But we found a great outfit, and then she said we needed to find shoes, and I said no need, and she turned to me sternly and said, "You may not wear your Danskos." I don't know how she knew that had been the plan. I bought some fancy sandals with all sorts of strappy Grecian-ish ankle action. Flats. They hurt.

Anyway, I now own a pair of heels, a towering 2.5 inches. Aren't they pretty? I put them on this morning, along with a nice dress, and went to church (streaming online in the guest room). They didn't hurt at all. Also, a whopping $39.95, so I feel no guilt if they are rarely worn.  

Here's the meme in question. I just want to point out that I was not the only one to order white gloves.

In an attempt to give credit where credit is due, I just spent a good twenty minutes trying to identify where this painting originated, and I am delighted to tell you that it is St. Lifard with a Dragon, from the Book of Hours (in fact the Grands Heures) painted by Jean Bourdichon for Anne of Brittany, Queen of France, somewhere around 1503-1508.  

Would I have done this research before the pandemic? Mmmmmaybe.... Depends on the day.

 And here's a bonus: another illustration from that exploration. Though it says Dionisii below the portrait, that's probably incorrect -- evidently, folks were in the habit of confusing St. Denis (who was decapitated) with Dionisius the Aereopagite.

Would I have pursued this further rabbit hole before the pandemic? I think not. Nor will I today. But I'll leave it here for you, as a gift.