Do you ever notice people’s shoes or what they’re wearing?

If you ask, most people will first say the eyes, and secondly the mouth. That’s probably true, but somewhere along the line people notice what you wear. And I wonder: Could it be because these shirts and dresses and shoes are a defining point of a person?

Consider this: Mothers buy cute little satin shoes to protect the sweet toes of their little girls, or they purchase teeny, tiny little football shoes for the small feet of their handsome little boys. It’s called gender-distinctive clothing. a way for a little one to learn their designated role in life or to let onlookers know the gender in case this child just looks like a baby.

There were patent-leather Mary Jane’s worn by little girls to tea parties and church and everyone said how cute she looks … again gender-defining clothing. Little boys got cowboy boots or tie Oxfords and, of course, baseball shoes.

Did anyone think to ask the kids of yore if they enjoyed being so totally immersed in these gender-specific roles?

When I was growing up, boys did boy things and girls did girl things. No one asked if the boy might rather play the piano instead of going to basketball camp. And if the girl seemed happier playing sports and getting dirty … well, she was taken in hand and made to understand her proper role in life. Then, things changed.

We grew up and had kids of our own and our ways of teaching our children were different. We thought, “So what if Suzie wants to play basketball?” Or, “So what if Sam wants to take singing lessons?” Let them be who they are and we’ll support their choices.

We went to ball games and recitals and swim meets and plays, and were surprised at how good our kids were in their chosen endeavors.

However, back to the shoes thought: In this present day, shoes might still define all of us, but not by gender. The girls and boys wear hiking boots for everyday shoes, moms and dads wear sandals in the summer, and have you noticed the comeback of cowboy boots for kids and adults, no matter the gender?

Case in point: Go to any general gathering in Hansville and you will see feet covered in what I always referred to as tennis shoes — canvas top and rubber-soled bottoms. But, oh my, how different they are from those shoes we used to see worn to hit that little round, furry ball with a racquet. We now have running shoes, hiking shoes, work shoes. Red shoes, purple shoes and green shoes all made of canvas and rubber. Some come with leather patterns on the top and some identify them as a certain brand (the big N on the side is a giveaway).

The price has changed too. Those Keds most of my childhood friends wore in the summer were meant to last a season and then when your feet grew bigger, out they went. No passing down to a sibling those holey, dirty shoes, if in fact there was much shoe left to pass down. The next kid got a new pair.

But I digress. What I was talking about was how clothes and, especially, shoes define us … even as adults.

We dress one way to go to church and we certainly dress another for a day of hanging around the house. If it’s gardening day, you probably won’t be wearing your jammies, and if it’s a cold, rainy February day you probably won’t be wearing shorts.

And my point to this whole piece is to explain why I (and a lot of my friends) all have many pairs of shoes. If they define who or what we are, then the proper shoe is necessary.

So, in conclusion, no need to thank me, ladies. I think this explains it all. So, instead of going out and buying a new car to show who you are, buy a new pair of shoes.

And also, maybe you sing, dance or play an instrument. Perhaps you’re an amateur magician, comedian or juggler. GHCC is looking for you. Share your talent at Open Mic Night & Jam Session at the Greater Hansville Community Cen-ter, April 12 from 6-9 p.m., or just come to see the fun. This is a free event open to all ages. Previous performing experience not required.

Performance times are limited, so please register in advance. Contact Darroll Gover, 360-638-0102; or Marco Tyler, 360-638-2010. GHCC is located at 6778 Buck Lake Road NE.

— Contact Donna Lee Anderson  at WellToldTales@aol.com