“One shoe can change your life.” –Cinderella, as quoted on a pillow at Emeralds.

I’m a “Cynthia” now, but once upon a time, I was–gasp–a “Cindy Lou.” Perhaps because I’ve heard every version–none of them clever–of “Cinderella, dressed in yella…,” I have something of an issue with the princess. I dislike the character, especially the Disney version (though the mice are darling) with only a few exceptions.

(A few exceptions: JUST ELLA by Margaret Peterson Haddix; ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine; CINDERELLA by Ruth Sanderson; and “Ever After,” starring Drew Barrymore).

I was mulling over the mythology as I picked my purchases: black-and-white slides; black with rhinestone thong; cream thong with silk flower at toe; pink thong with silk flower at the toe (what can I say? they were the most comfortable); 2″ heels.

But the clear plastic psuedo “glass” slippers pinched at the toes.

However, I’m completely enthralled with the idea of a fairy godmother. I’ve always wanted one. Children’s literature has one, you know. Her name is Esme Raji Codell, and I have complete faith that she is magic personified.

I also believe in wishes come true, and today, my feet look pretty sassy. So, maybe I’ll cut the princess a little slack. Sometimes we all need a little help with our transformations.

Site I’m surfing right now: Publisher’s Lunch: Published Daily. Except When Not.

Book I’m reading right now: IDA B by Katherine Hannigan (Greenwillow, 2004).