I passed the shoe shine man's stand last Friday. Whenever I go past his stand, he always looks at my feet.  I have always thought that was a reasonable way for him to behave.  (No, this is not a resurrection of the loafers, boaters, and wingtips thread).

Friday, though, I saw him walking toward me on the street.  He averted my eyes, and instead looked at the sidewalk.  If I had not known him, one would have thought him shy, or introverted.  But no.  He has very consistent behavior.  Even away from his stand, he cannot help himself...he's got to see if your shoes gleam.  He lives his profession...it's in him.

It made me wonder what people think of preservationists walking along the streets.  It looks like we are always looking to heaven.  What do they make of us?  Do they think we are particularly pious?  Some of us do pursue preservation with a certain degree of zealotry.
____________________________________

Dan Becker, Exec. Dir., RHDC
Raleigh Historic Districts Commission
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-----Original Message-----
From:   Ken Follett [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   May 22, 1999 9:18 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: Earth Stabilisation

<snip>

I assume that if BP
preservationeers are not looking to the heavens, then they must be looking at
their feet. Keep your shoes dry and keep in mind the effort that Ray Walkowiak,
our infamous lurker and preservation survivalist, has gone to in order to dress
appropriate to the impending events. If you think moon phases is heavy, keep
breathing.