Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a shoemaker in Napier 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 was anything but.
First off, I head down Hastings St. You know, the main drag. It’s got that Art Deco vibe, all pastel colors and funky buildings. I love it. But then, bam! I trip over some random dude’s bike. Like, c’mon, mate! Who leaves their bike in the middle of the sidewalk? I’m hopin’ I didn’t break my ankle. I’m a shoemaker, not a stuntman!
Anyway, I finally make it to my shop on Emerson St. It’s cozy, filled with leather and the smell of glue. I’m ready to get to work. But then, my mate Dave strolls in. He’s all like, “Hey, bro, you got any shoes for me?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m a shoemaker, not a magician!” But I can’t help but laugh. Dave’s a character, always crackin’ jokes.
So, I start workin’ on this pair of boots for a customer. They’re supposed to be for some fancy event at the Napier War Memorial Conference Centre. I’m thinkin’, “Great, I’ll make these boots shine like the sun!” But then, I spill glue all over the place. Ugh! I’m cursing like a sailor. My hands are sticky, and I’m pretty sure I just glued my fingers together. Classic me, right?
After that disaster, I decide to take a break. I stroll down to the Marine Parade. The ocean’s right there, waves crashing, seagulls screeching. It’s beautiful, but then I see this kid with an ice cream cone. He’s all smiles until—bam!—the ice cream falls. I feel for the kid, man. I mean, who hasn’t been there? I almost shed a tear. But then, I see the kid’s dad whip out another cone. Sweet redemption!
I grab a coffee at this little café on Tennyson St. The barista knows me by name. “Hey, Shoemaker!” she says. I love that. But then, I spill my coffee all over my shirt. Great, now I look like a walking disaster. I’m just tryin’ to enjoy my day, ya know?
Back at the shop, I’m finally gettin’ into the groove. I’m hammerin’ away, makin’ these boots look sharp. Then, outta nowhere, this lady bursts in. She’s frantic, like she just saw a ghost. “My dog ate my shoes!” she yells. I’m like, “Lady, you gotta be kidding me!” But she’s dead serious. I can’t help but laugh. I mean, who lets their dog munch on shoes?
I tell her I can fix it, but it’ll take time. She’s all like, “I need them for tonight!” I’m thinkin’, “Lady, I’m not a miracle worker!” But I take on the challenge. I’m a shoemaker, after all.
As the day goes on, I’m runnin’ around like a headless chicken. I’m fixin’ shoes, dealin’ with customers, and tryin’ not to lose my mind. But then, I get a surprise. My old mate from school, Sam, walks in. Haven’t seen him in ages! We start catchin’ up, laughin’ about old times. It’s like no time has passed.
But then, the clock’s tickin’. I gotta finish those boots for the lady. I’m workin’ like a madman, and finally, I get ‘em done. They look amazing! I’m feelin’ proud, like I just won the lottery. The lady comes back, and her face lights up. “These are perfect!” she says. I’m grinnin’ ear to ear.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. Napier’s a wild place, full of surprises. I love it. I pack up my tools, ready to head home. As I walk down the streets, I can’t help but think about all the craziness.
Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what’ll happen? But for now, I’m just a shoemaker in Napier, livin’ the dream.