Shoeshine Boy was the alter ego of Underdog, one my favorite cartoon characters as a child. I conjured his image recently as I sat peacefully on our Ephtée polishing seat shining up our display shoes.
I enjoy polishing shoes it’s relaxing. I enjoy working with my hands, as well as the turpentine smell of Saphir, and admiring the fruits of my labor. I couldn’t help notice that passersby stopped to watch me as I worked. I’m not sure what the fascination is, perhaps the primordial use of ones hands performing manual labor is enough to provide a moment of reflection and respite in a busy world.
The Ephtée Figaro polishing seat is extremely comfortable and perfectly designed for its purpose. You are welcome to stop by and try it out for yourself. If a polishing seat is not your style you may want to consider a leather-polishing map. These two maps keep your work area neat and clean and roll up for easy storage.
Whether on a seat or not I strongly encourage you to take an interest and polish your own shoes; I think you’ll find the results very satisfying. For you newbie’s be brave, be adventurous you’re not alone, and if you find yourself in a jam, “Have no fear Underdog is here.”
Narrator: One of the city’s most humble and lovable characters was… Shoeshine Boy.
Shoeshine Boy: [finishes shining a man's shoes] All finished, sir.
Man: [gives Shoeshine Boy a silver coin] Thanks, Shoeshine Boy, you’re humble and lovable.
Shoeshine Boy: Bless you, sir.
[bites coin]
Narrator: Little did anyone know that whenever there was a call for help…
Woman: Help! Help-Help!
[Shoeshine Boy's ears perk up in surprise]
Narrator: Shoeshine Boy became, in real life…
[Shoeshine Boy runs into a telephone booth, which explodes, and he emerges as... ]
Narrator: Underdog!
8 Comments
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪ Speed of lightning! Roar of thunder!♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪ it’s Steven Taffel aka Shoeshine Boy! Very Humble and Lovable ♥ indeed!! Does that make Hiroko, Sweet Polly Purebread? Somehow I can’t imaging her saying, “Oh where, oh where has my Underdog gone?” but maybe it’s possible??
Great photo and description Steven! Hope all is well with you and Polly aka Hiroko! ☺ I’ve been admiring the photos of fabulous shoes in your facebook posts and the blog. See you both soon!
Hey Sok,
Great to see Underdog spans the gen gap lol. Thanks for the great references I hope to see you soon.
Steven
Are you wearing a pair of G&G Astaire on this photo ?
LOL, I like it.
“For you newbie’s be brave, be adventurous you’re not alone . . .”
And you if want to transcend “adventurous,” go ahead and use navy polish on your Color #8 shells!!!
Gui
Nice call
Steven
Mr Hyde
I have yet to try that. I may do it today. I’ll report back
Steven
Not too much!!!! Just a little. Horsehair brush before and after!