Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a shoemaker in Oggiono is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I step outta my little workshop on Via Roma, and boom! I trip over a stray cat. Like, seriously? Who let this furball roam free? I’m all like, “Hey, watch it, kitty!” But it just gives me that “I own this street” look. Ugh, cats.
So, I’m walking down to the market, right? Gotta grab some leather for my next project. Oggiono’s got this cute little vibe, you know? The cobblestone streets, the old buildings, and the lake—don’t even get me started on Lago di Annone. It’s beautiful, but today? It was like a mirror reflecting my chaotic life.
I get to the market, and it’s packed. Like, where did all these people come from? I’m dodging old ladies with their shopping carts on Via Garibaldi. One almost took me out! I’m like, “Lady, I’m just tryin’ to get some leather, not start a demolition derby!”
Finally, I find my leather guy, Marco. He’s always got the best stuff. But today? He’s outta stock! I’m like, “Dude, what gives?” He shrugs and says, “Supply chain issues.” I’m like, “What are we, in a pandemic again?” So, I leave empty-handed, and my mood? Not great.
On my way back, I pass by the church, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. It’s this gorgeous old building, but today, it’s just a reminder of my bad luck. I sit on a bench nearby, just to gather my thoughts. I’m staring at the lake, and it hits me—why do I even do this? I mean, I love making shoes, but some days, it feels like I’m just fighting the universe.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by, tripping and falling right in front of me. He’s crying, and I’m like, “Oh man, not another one!” But then he looks up at me with these big, teary eyes and says, “My shoes are broken!” I can’t help but laugh. I mean, come on! I’m a shoemaker! So, I tell him, “Don’t worry, kid. I got you.”
I take him back to my workshop, and we fix his shoes together. It’s messy, but we’re laughing, and for a moment, I forget about my bad day. Kids have this magic, you know? They can turn your frown upside down in seconds.
After that, I’m feeling a bit better. I head back out, and guess what? I bump into my buddy Luca at the café on Piazza della Vittoria. He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “What’s up, man?” Turns out, he just got a new job. I’m happy for him, but also a bit jealous. I mean, I love my craft, but sometimes, I wonder if I should be doing more.
We grab a coffee, and I spill my guts about my day. He laughs and says, “Dude, you’re a shoemaker! You’re like a wizard with leather!” I roll my eyes, but it feels good to vent. We joke about how I should start a shoe fashion line called “Oggiono Kicks.” Sounds ridiculous, but hey, why not?
As the sun starts to set, I walk back home, feeling a bit lighter. Oggiono’s streets are glowing, and I can’t help but smile. Yeah, today was a mess, but it was my mess. And that’s what makes it mine.
So, I get home, kick off my shoes, and think about tomorrow. Who knows what’ll happen? Maybe I’ll find that leather, or maybe I’ll trip over another cat. Either way, I’m ready for it. Oggiono, you crazy little town, you never fail to surprise me!