#Urgency and Wisdom! (Memento Mori)

[allfineundandy]

Why say it, when you can engrave it?

Although it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, there are some things that are better written down and will last a lifetime. As we reach the end of the year, we look back on some of the very best engravings from our customers, the ones that either touch the ‘sole’ or show off spectacular word play.

Discover the stories behind the engravings below…

‘Love Conquers Everything’ - Claus Lindkloffer Puggaard

True love in the 21st century can seem at times like an outdated concept, but when we hear a real-life love story such as Claus Puggard’s behind his engraving ‘Love Conquers Everything,’ this restores our faith entirely. Written in his own words below, we can’t help but think, ‘there is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved’.

 ‘Some twelve years ago I met my future wife. In the backroom of a boutique her company rented. Her company had some problems with the pipes. My job was to fix it.

It was one of those meetings you only see on film, because time stood still. We just looked at each other and the air was pure electricity. 

This was the woman I wanted. And as in films.... Nothing is easy. She wasn't free. Something you must respect.

So, over the years we kept "bumping" into each other and realized that we had a lot in common. But still she wasn't free and I too was in a relationship. 

Time went. And then three years ago she called me up and told me that she had a divorce. The rest is history. Even though it didn't seem possible… Love conquers everything.

On January 18.01.2018 we are getting married. I bought my wedding shoes at Undandy. Custom designed them and they have this quote engraved. To remind me and the rest that ... 

Love conquers everything.’

‘YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOOT’ - Lee Metzger

It’s quite possibly one of the most memorable lines from a film ever, and we’re a huge fan of shoe puns here at Undandy, so we couldn’t not pick Lee’s engraving, ‘You’re gonna need a bigger boot,’ after his favourite movie. The infamous Jaws quote actually happened by complete accident. Filmed largely on the water, the equipment for Jaws was all housed on a barge which, thanks to cost saving producers, only had a single support boat to help keep it steady, a task the small craft was not up to. The fact that they needed a bigger boat became an in-joke on the set, that Roy Schnieder ad libbed in.

We’re chomping at the bit to see Lee’s next engraving.

 ‘Put Your Best Foot Forward’ - Darren Dick

The origins of the phrase, ‘Put Your Best Foot Forward’ are a little foggy, but the phrase was first recorded in 1613, in Sir Thomas Overbury’s poem, A Wife, ‘Hee is still setting the best foot forward,’ One folklore theory suggests that the left foot was considered the unlucky foot, therefore one should always put their right foot forward. The line from Shakespeare’s King John would agree with this, ‘Nay, but make haste; the better foot before.’ Of course, the meaning means to start something with the best of intentions, and Darren explains why he chose this for his Undandy engraving, ‘It’s great to be able to enjoy the confidence that comes with designing the shoes yourself knowing that they have been hand made for you. So, the saying is a bit of a playful reminder of that, which add a bit of self-confidence to your day when you wear the shoes!!

‘Memento Mori’ - Ben

Ben is an ardent advocate of the philosophy of Stoicism, which is of ancient Greek origin and chose the engraving, ‘Memento Mori’. And a very Undandy engraving that is, echoing entirely our sentiments that the modern gentleman should be enlightened and there is no greater sense or urgency for enlightenment that the acceptance of initatable death. Live each day as if it were the last.

Ben told us that, ‘One of the key concepts of stoicism is to bear in mind your mortality and both seize the day and not let anything get you down. Having it on the sole of my shoes reminds me of this each time I wear them.’

Ben actually founded getstoic.co which is a site that shares the wisdom of Stoicism.

‘Have mercy on my wicked sole’ – Kim Halliday

Inspiration can come from many sources. Kim Halliday decided to engrave his soles referencing Son House’s song ‘Death Letter Blues’ and always loved the lyric “Lord, have mercy on my wicked soul”.  ‘It's a tortured tale, and Son House's story is a long way removed from my sheltered life, but I made a joke about it on my Undandy boots. I love the idea of having something unique and, with the engraving, these means they absolutely are!’ Kim Halliday is an award-winning film composer and musician working in London.  You can find his work at www.kimhalliday.com.

‘FIND YOUR PATH WALK IT’ - Colin Maxwell

 What better place to remind one of their favourite life motto that on the sole of their shoe? Colin Maxwell decided upon the engraving ‘Find Your Path, Walk It’.

Colin’s words explain best why he chose this particular engraving ‘In our current day and age a person can become and do almost anything they want.  There are many different paths that a person can take in their life, whether it be in their career, belief systems, and even self-identification.  Finding your own particular path has always been very important to me.  Being able to disregard outside influences and look within yourself to find what resonates within your soul, to walk your path, is what I believe it takes to be successful in life.  To be living in harmony with your soul, no matter what venture you have taken in life, will be a rewarding one for you.’

Spoken like a true Undandy, cap well and truly doffed sir.

Feeling inspired? Just remember gents to design and engrave responsibly.