Thank you for this public service announcement, Ann. I've been tempted to stop and get my shoes shined when I see these relics from the past; the old wooden and brass stands make me nostalgic. But I'm usually in too much hurry, so I think, "one of these days. . ." Now I'll know better.
Bdot
· 1 year ago
I've had the same experiance getting my shoes shined, and I've never been to a gyno. Next time your in the airport wear Converse, George won't even speak to you.
Gradon
· 1 year ago
When I first clicked the link, I thought is was going to be some reference to Jerry Lewis ("Hey, Lady!"). I've actually never paid to get my shoes shined - I just do it myself. Maybe I'll look for George the next time I fly out - is he in the Delta terminal?
Beccy
· 1 year ago
Well I always thought I wanted a shoe-shine until I read your bit. Your set up was beautiful. The minute you started to describe the stirrups...I mean foot rests, I realized that this is a function of a former man's world into which women do not need to cross. But then again, a man may be able to handle a genital exam much better if they put him in the stirrups...it will be "just like a shoe-shine, boy".
Cam Beck
· 1 year ago
What's funny is that until you explained it, I would have never thought something as innocuous (to me) as a shoe shine would have an affect other than what was intended.
Beccy - ROFL!!
Lewis Green
· 1 year ago
Ann,
Wonderful writing set into a scene I've passed by off but never much noticed until today.
Leigh Duncan - Durst
· 1 year ago
Annie --
Brilliant. Incidentally, how much did the pretty lady compliment influence your decision to shine those scuffed boots?
Loved the post - I'm linking it to Live Path. Leigh
Christian Gulliksen
· 1 year ago
Who needs entertainment when you can follow Ann "Pretty Lady" Handley around?
Tim Brunelle
· 1 year ago
I commuted between Logan and LaGuardia for two years. A friend hipped me to guys like George, and then it became part of the routine -- print ticket, go through security, get a coffee, shine shoes, get on the plane.
The shoes I got shined every week lasted A LOT longer than my other shoes. And oddly enough, people do seem to notice a well shined pair of shoes. Perhaps enviously?
Wonderful writing here. I must subscribe to this blog.
Sharon
· 1 year ago
All pretty and shiny on the outside. Like you've stepped into and out of an alternate universe or...I know...a cartoon,right? Go have a drink--you deserve one. I love the writing, thanks for this.
C.B. Whittemore
· 1 year ago
Ann, absolutely priceless! You've set a new standard for the shoe-shine experience.
Shelley
· 1 year ago
Oh my gosh... is there a business opportunity here? I know some airports are adding nail salons and massage stations as services for travellers with time on their hands. Maybe it's time to launch a "women's executive shoe care" kiosk, too. Sans stirrups. ; ]
Toad
· 1 year ago
Very funny story Ann.
Growing up in NYC, shoeshine guys were very much a part of growing up. But I remember the first time I approached one on my own-- it was when I was working a summer job in college, the first time I had to wear anything other than jeans to work, and I remember going through the same rounds of nerves as I approached a ritual where everyone around me seemed to know exactly what to do: climbing into the oversize chair, feeling my feet slip off the stirrup-like things, not knowing whether I was supposed to bury myself behind the Post that was sitting there or watch the guy who was shining my shoes.
I've grown to quite enjoy professional shoes shines though--think of it as the male version ofa pedicure. And to Tim's point- it does help your shoes last longer.
Or at least I like to pretend it does. It justifies the expense for me ;)
Matt Dickman
· 1 year ago
For me it's like a pedicure must be to my wife. I try to go once a week here in the office and I almost always do so at the airport. It's very relaxing for me at this point in time, but your story reminds me of the first couple of times I tried it. I didn't know what to do, I felt like people were looking at me and my foot kept slipping off the rest. Too funny Ann!
Dan Schawbel
· 1 year ago
You are an amazing writer Ann. I really hope this blog turns into a book. The detail you used made me feel like I was there.
Great stuff,
Dan
Dusan
· 1 year ago
And the old man and a lady changed the way airports will be visited from now on by women. :-) Made my dinner better this time. :-)
Mack Collier
· 1 year ago
"Incidentally, how much did the pretty lady compliment influence your decision to shine those scuffed boots?"
This is the payoff I was waiting to hear about ;)
Lisa Mac
· 1 year ago
I've bolted or leisurely strolled through many an airport (depending on the tardiness of connecting flights) and I must say I've only seen one woman getting her shoes shined. At JFK, of course. She definitely stood out in my mind.
What kind of shoes is she wearing? Are they pumps? How can she run from one gate to another if they are? If I didn't have suede shoes on today, maybe I could get a shoe shine too.
Random thoughts, but for some reason I remember them all just by seeing that rare woman sitting on that platform.
I'm most impressed with the fact that you wore boots through security (I'm all about efficiency when I travel!) but I guess you can't get away with wearing flip flops in Boston like you can when you're going through Tucson International Airport!
Toby
· 1 year ago
Lewis' comment is so spot on. I eat up your writing like jelly beans savoring the intense flavor of each post.
When I was a little girl I would watch my dad get his shoes shined. It was a treat to sit on that high seat which felt like I was 'princess of the mountain' .. but never my shoes never got shined .. now I know why!
What I would Love to see is nail salons in airports. With the 2-hour waiting we have to do I bet they would be a gold mine.
Ann Handley
· 1 year ago
Damn. So many great comments here -- thanks, all! Totally loved each and every response... seriously.
Connie: Love your framing as a "PSA." Wish I thought of that.. since I struggled with the title and could have use it!
Bdot: The Converse issue is interesting. I can't believe the shoeshine guys can make enough on the traveling business types -- well, MEN -- considering the number of Converse and others I see in the airport. Is Platform rent cheap, I wonder?
Gradon -- George was in United. But I do love that Delta terminal, as you know!
Beccy -- LOVED that comment.. ! Rolling all over...
Cam & Lewis -- Funny thing is.. I honestly didn't think this was much of a post when I started writing it. How much is there to say about getting your shoes shined...? But 1,000 words later... well, I guess I found something to talk about.
Leigh & Mack -- I've thought about that: if George hadn't approached me directly, and flattered me, would I have succumbed? Probably not. That said, I do have a weak spot for individuals like him, eeking out a living (in his case) literally on the fringe. Next time, though, I take off my boots right there and he gets them one by one...!
Ann Handley
· 1 year ago
Christian -- I knew you'd comment FINALLY... : )
Tim & Toad -- I'm sure they do last longer. George said that the wax protects them from the water shoes and boots would otherwise absorb in winter. Makes sense, yeah?
Sharon, CB, Dan -- Thanks, friends, for the support!
Shelley -- For a sec I was a little worried that the "new business opp" you were suggesting was concourse gynocological care... not female shoe-shining. Now THAT would be a time-saver!
Toad -- You hit on something there. I felt like an incredible novice anyway -- as a virgin shoeshine patron. But compounding my awkwardness was an utter realization that this was one relic that a woman really COULDN'T participate in, without extreme discomfort. Or maybe it's just me.
Ann Handley
· 1 year ago
Matt - Funny comparison to a pedicure. But I assure you -- a pedicure is WAY more relaxing! Let's start with the lack of a platform.....
Dusan -- Thanks for stopping by.. as always.
Toby -- THANKS, thanks, thanks.. great image of you, too, as a little girl up there.
Lisa -- You are one female I might have thought would have done the shoeshine gig. The boots, BTW, are Blundstones, which are easy to kick on an off.. hence my choice for airport-wear... As for flip-flops in Boston in winter... yeah, I WISH girl....
Nedra Weinreich
· 1 year ago
Great story! But how did your boots look when he was all done? Was it worth the discomfort?
Ann Handley
· 1 year ago
Nedra -- Not really. I mean, yeah.. they looked good. But worth it? Depends on the metric you're using, as the marketers say. For the money -- absolutely. I was more than happy to give George the ten bucks for his work. That said, the discomfort was ridiculous.
The next time I'll take the boots OFF and hand them to George or whoever.. and wait with my stocking feet planted firmly on the ground.
Warren
· 1 year ago
Not to be redundant, but you really do have a way with words. Leave all of the marketing drivel to the rest of us hacks and focus on the good stuff. Your article made me homesick for the shoe shine that I would always get in Logan's terminal C on the way out of town. Like Tim and Matt said, it was something to always look forward to, kind of therapeutic like a manicure or a spa.
And your boots look Mahvelous!
Drew McLellan
· 1 year ago
Ann,
You have uncovered one of men's guilty secrets. There is a decadent pleasure in the airport shoe shine.
I think it's a blend of indulgence and pampering mixed with the lingering memory of the men we used to see getting a shine...and how we probably thought they looked important in their nice suits and fancy shoes.
If I am flying and know I have a decent layover, I'll purposely wear shoes that can be shined. Just for the fun of it.
It puts a little pep in my walk for some reason. But that alone is worth the $10.
Drew
Toad
· 1 year ago
Ha! I wear Blundstones on planes for the exact same reason- they're comfortable, easy to kick off and work for a variety of purposes once I get where I'm going.
And I never know whether to get them shined or not: they're the kind of boots that sort of look better a bit scuffed, but then I'm always glad when I do get them polished.
Ann Handley
· 1 year ago
Warren & Drew - Thanks for stopping by. It;s funny how many guys dig a good stiff shoeshine, huh!? Who knew?
Toad -- Exactly! Love my Blunnies. (Mannish or not.)
Peter Kim
· 1 year ago
OK, so to your point about shoe shine customers usually being male...on rare occasions, I've noticed female shoe shiners. There was/is one in the State Street building, where I used to park for $500 a month (thankfully I switched jobs) and I think there was a stand at CES (might have been a different conference) where the "call to action" was more overt. In the case of the latter - to your point about positioning - this is exactly what was being marketed, reversing the genders. However, I'm flying out again today and badly need a shine - so I'm going to conveniently forget that I ever read this post!
Liz Laneri
· 1 year ago
I loved this story! I have always noticed the 'shoeshine man' in almost every airport I've ever been in. I've always wondered how they always seem to have business, partly because it seems so old fashioned. But to your point, I haven't noticed up until your blog posting, that there are never any women! I think I might give it a whirl next time I'm at Logan...just for the experience as well :)
Steve Woodruff
· 1 year ago
Ann,
A great twist; how it feels to suddenly enter the world of another gender. Never would have thought about a woman's reaction to a shoe shine...this is priceless. I'd probably feel just about as awkward getting a manicure or something...it's tough enough buying lingerie for my wife!
Scott Monty
· 1 year ago
Ann,
Others have said it above, but I'm not averse to piling on here: you really have a talent for writing. You set the scene with some very powerful descriptions and made me feel like I was back at the airport.
I've always enjoyed getting my shoes shined - I often find that I'm lulled into a state of relaxation by the rhythmic rubbing & polishing that's like a foot massage. I too find the shoe stands a little awkward, and I stand about 6' tall - I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you, as petite as you are.
I think your anecdote here leads to a larger issue: how frequently we simply take certain things for granted and miss the perspective of another. Thanks for taking a questionable experience and translating it into something half-humorous, half-tragic and wholly understandable.
Uwe Hook
· 1 year ago
Wonderful writing and impressive observational skills.
I never got my shoe shined, (Except in a hotel when somebody picks up my shoes.) I would love to but it's just not in my genes. I feel very uncomfortable when I pay somebody to do a task that I don't want to do. It was such a big deal for me to hire weekly maid service. The first few months, I cleaned and organized the whole house just to make sure that the maid doesn't have too much to do. My wife was just shaking her hand, not understanding that I feel slightly embarassed to ask people to do these job. I cut down on my pre-cleaning considerably but I still scan the house and fix things before she shows up. Same goes for gardening work, pedicures and, yes, shoe shines. I think I would feel better if I'd pay for a shoe shine $20. But, for that money, I do it myself.
anne simons
· 1 year ago
hey ann: love the post----and the blog, especially your 'about' page. you're just so new englandy!
Jay, writer MemberSpeed.com
· 1 year ago
I wish I could experience having my shoe shined by another guy. There aren’t any shoeshine guys in our country or any country I visited. It’s always a hassle to have to shine your shoes in the morning especially when you are in a rush and still have to wrestle with the city traffic.
danna Call
· 1 year ago
I had a shoe shine guy once try to get me to have my sneakers shined. I guess he was having a slow day. I felt your horror when you described the stirrups.
kari peterson
· 1 year ago
Hello. Don't know you, haven't ever been here; got the link on twitter from a friend of yours.
But.. wow. This is very funny. You are a gifted writer.
Jim Sutton
· 1 year ago
I saw this was listed on your website as a "Most Popular" and I can see why. It's hilarious and awkward enough to make anyone reading it feel some of your discomfort. Your writings deserve a "Collected Blogs" volume. Are there any collections of blogs printed? Jim
Ann Handley
· 1 year ago
I dunno, Jim. But maybe someday I'll see if that's an option!
sarah
· 1 year ago
i've always wanted seven league boots, too! if you find some, let me know and maybe we'll talk them into a two-for-one deal...
beautiful writing, btw!
Casey Quinlan
· 1 year ago
Ann, this took me back to my early years @ NBC - there was a shoe shine guy, an elderly Italian gent named Sal, who went from office to office shining the wingtips & loafers of the executive suite.
He was also happy to shine the shoes of secretaries - including me.
Shoeshine stands are still being placed in new air terminals (like the spankin' new one @ RIC, my home airport).
I've never experienced the gyno-moment you did, although I have never ascended the shoe-shine throne in anything but pants. A skirt or dress would be a little too Basic Instinct, n'est pas?
But this took me right back to those days long ago, as Sal-the-Shine-Man shined my shoes at my desk.
All Comments
Next time your in the airport wear Converse, George won't even speak to you.
Beccy - ROFL!!
Wonderful writing set into a scene I've passed by off but never much noticed until today.
Brilliant. Incidentally, how much did the pretty lady compliment influence your decision to shine those scuffed boots?
Loved the post - I'm linking it to Live Path.
Leigh
The shoes I got shined every week lasted A LOT longer than my other shoes. And oddly enough, people do seem to notice a well shined pair of shoes. Perhaps enviously?
Wonderful writing here. I must subscribe to this blog.
Growing up in NYC, shoeshine guys were very much a part of growing up. But I remember the first time I approached one on my own-- it was when I was working a summer job in college, the first time I had to wear anything other than jeans to work, and I remember going through the same rounds of nerves as I approached a ritual where everyone around me seemed to know exactly what to do: climbing into the oversize chair, feeling my feet slip off the stirrup-like things, not knowing whether I was supposed to bury myself behind the Post that was sitting there or watch the guy who was shining my shoes.
I've grown to quite enjoy professional shoes shines though--think of it as the male version ofa pedicure. And to Tim's point- it does help your shoes last longer.
Or at least I like to pretend it does. It justifies the expense for me ;)
Great stuff,
Dan
This is the payoff I was waiting to hear about ;)
What kind of shoes is she wearing? Are they pumps? How can she run from one gate to another if they are? If I didn't have suede shoes on today, maybe I could get a shoe shine too.
Random thoughts, but for some reason I remember them all just by seeing that rare woman sitting on that platform.
I'm most impressed with the fact that you wore boots through security (I'm all about efficiency when I travel!) but I guess you can't get away with wearing flip flops in Boston like you can when you're going through Tucson International Airport!
When I was a little girl I would watch my dad get his shoes shined. It was a treat to sit on that high seat which felt like I was 'princess of the mountain' .. but never my shoes never got shined .. now I know why!
What I would Love to see is nail salons in airports. With the 2-hour waiting we have to do I bet they would be a gold mine.
Connie: Love your framing as a "PSA." Wish I thought of that.. since I struggled with the title and could have use it!
Bdot: The Converse issue is interesting. I can't believe the shoeshine guys can make enough on the traveling business types -- well, MEN -- considering the number of Converse and others I see in the airport. Is Platform rent cheap, I wonder?
Gradon -- George was in United. But I do love that Delta terminal, as you know!
Beccy -- LOVED that comment.. ! Rolling all over...
Cam & Lewis -- Funny thing is.. I honestly didn't think this was much of a post when I started writing it. How much is there to say about getting your shoes shined...? But 1,000 words later... well, I guess I found something to talk about.
Leigh & Mack -- I've thought about that: if George hadn't approached me directly, and flattered me, would I have succumbed? Probably not. That said, I do have a weak spot for individuals like him, eeking out a living (in his case) literally on the fringe. Next time, though, I take off my boots right there and he gets them one by one...!
Tim & Toad -- I'm sure they do last longer. George said that the wax protects them from the water shoes and boots would otherwise absorb in winter. Makes sense, yeah?
Sharon, CB, Dan -- Thanks, friends, for the support!
Shelley -- For a sec I was a little worried that the "new business opp" you were suggesting was concourse gynocological care... not female shoe-shining. Now THAT would be a time-saver!
Toad -- You hit on something there. I felt like an incredible novice anyway -- as a virgin shoeshine patron. But compounding my awkwardness was an utter realization that this was one relic that a woman really COULDN'T participate in, without extreme discomfort. Or maybe it's just me.
Dusan -- Thanks for stopping by.. as always.
Toby -- THANKS, thanks, thanks.. great image of you, too, as a little girl up there.
Lisa -- You are one female I might have thought would have done the shoeshine gig. The boots, BTW, are Blundstones, which are easy to kick on an off.. hence my choice for airport-wear... As for flip-flops in Boston in winter... yeah, I WISH girl....
The next time I'll take the boots OFF and hand them to George or whoever.. and wait with my stocking feet planted firmly on the ground.
And your boots look Mahvelous!
You have uncovered one of men's guilty secrets. There is a decadent pleasure in the airport shoe shine.
I think it's a blend of indulgence and pampering mixed with the lingering memory of the men we used to see getting a shine...and how we probably thought they looked important in their nice suits and fancy shoes.
If I am flying and know I have a decent layover, I'll purposely wear shoes that can be shined. Just for the fun of it.
It puts a little pep in my walk for some reason. But that alone is worth the $10.
Drew
And I never know whether to get them shined or not: they're the kind of boots that sort of look better a bit scuffed, but then I'm always glad when I do get them polished.
Toad -- Exactly! Love my Blunnies. (Mannish or not.)
A great twist; how it feels to suddenly enter the world of another gender. Never would have thought about a woman's reaction to a shoe shine...this is priceless. I'd probably feel just about as awkward getting a manicure or something...it's tough enough buying lingerie for my wife!
Others have said it above, but I'm not averse to piling on here: you really have a talent for writing. You set the scene with some very powerful descriptions and made me feel like I was back at the airport.
I've always enjoyed getting my shoes shined - I often find that I'm lulled into a state of relaxation by the rhythmic rubbing & polishing that's like a foot massage. I too find the shoe stands a little awkward, and I stand about 6' tall - I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you, as petite as you are.
I think your anecdote here leads to a larger issue: how frequently we simply take certain things for granted and miss the perspective of another. Thanks for taking a questionable experience and translating it into something half-humorous, half-tragic and wholly understandable.
I never got my shoe shined, (Except in a hotel when somebody picks up my shoes.) I would love to but it's just not in my genes. I feel very uncomfortable when I pay somebody to do a task that I don't want to do. It was such a big deal for me to hire weekly maid service. The first few months, I cleaned and organized the whole house just to make sure that the maid doesn't have too much to do. My wife was just shaking her hand, not understanding that I feel slightly embarassed to ask people to do these job. I cut down on my pre-cleaning considerably but I still scan the house and fix things before she shows up. Same goes for gardening work, pedicures and, yes, shoe shines. I think I would feel better if I'd pay for a shoe shine $20. But, for that money, I do it myself.
But.. wow. This is very funny. You are a gifted writer.
beautiful writing, btw!
He was also happy to shine the shoes of secretaries - including me.
Shoeshine stands are still being placed in new air terminals (like the spankin' new one @ RIC, my home airport).
I've never experienced the gyno-moment you did, although I have never ascended the shoe-shine throne in anything but pants. A skirt or dress would be a little too Basic Instinct, n'est pas?
But this took me right back to those days long ago, as Sal-the-Shine-Man shined my shoes at my desk.
Now, go listen to Ry Cooder's "Get Rhythm"...