In 1966, Nancy Sinatra recorded the song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin.” It hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. (Click here for a blast from the past.) And, although I don’t know how old I was when I first heard the song, I’ve been crazy about boots ever since.

I recently took an inventory of the boots in my closet as I did some spring-cleaning. I had no idea how obsessed I truly am with them! It seems that I own riding boots, hiking boots, rain boots (hot pink Hunters), high-heeled dress boots, over-the-knee boots (Fryes), biker boots (Harleys for riding on the motor cycle), snow boots, ski boots, various kinds of booties, and cowboy boots. I don’t discriminate; I love them all equally whether I wear them frequently or not. They suit my different moods and statements of fashion.

Despite the number of styles and types, however, I’ve been in search for one particular pair for some time – a pair of black traditional cowboy (actually Western) boots with decorative stitching and an angled heel. Don’t ask me why.

*    *    *

On the way to a family wedding reception in Kentucky last week, my husband and I stopped in Knoxville, Tennessee so that he could attend a business lunch and a meeting or two. I assured him that I would be able to fend for myself and keep busy for the couple of hours that he’d be occupied. So, I dropped him off and headed for the nearest Starbucks with my fully charged iPad.

As I sat on the patio, warmed by the sunshine and sipping my Frappuccino, the numerous passersby distracted me. I immediately noticed how many of them were wearing cowboy boots. Hmmmm, I wondered, maybe I finally will be able to find the pair of black ones I’ve wanted! I googled “Knoxville cowboy boots” and less than an hour later I was the proud owner of the perfect pair of new Ariat’s.

*    *    *

The weekend and wedding reception were great fun. I fit right in with the boot-wearing cowboys I met. With the cool Kentucky weather, my new boots ended up being a better choice than the mules and wedge sandals I had brought to wear.

On the way home, we decided to stop in Knoxville again; this time to gas up and grab a quick bite. But, much to my surprise, my husband suggested that we go back to “my” store to see if we could find a pair of boots for HIM. (I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve tried to buy him boots over the years!)  So, off we went.

Well, guess what?

He bought his very first pair of western boots and they look great on him! Now, will he ever actually wear them? He will when I take him to the Rascal Flatts concert this September.