I is for ichnogram
(noun) An imprint of the soles of the feet, taken standing; footprint.
I’m fascinated by hands and have quite a collection of hand images. But lately feet have been vying for my attention as well. In fact I’m considering doing a zine about them.
And so it should come as no surprise that I’ve been paying attention to Fool’s feet. Depending on the particular tarot deck, Fool is either stepping off with the right foot or the left. And that got me thinking about the expression “putting your best foot forward,” Research indicates the term was first used in the 16th century, but doesn’t offer any clear evidence as to the original reasoning. It is of course suggested that “best” foot meant the strongest, and further suggested that the right foot was considered most rational (and by some cultures lucky), leaving the left foot to be the emotional, irrational, and unlucky appendage.
One thing I do know is that place Fool invites us to with one foot on the ground and the other reaching outward into the unknown is an exciting place to be. Not necessarily comfortable, but exciting nonetheless. Who knows where we’ll land?
Turns out I’m not just fascinated with Fool’s feet, but also with images of Buddha’s feet as well. Here is one of my favorites:
I love writing messages on the soles of my feet, knowing I’m leaving secret messages wherever I step. I have no doubt Fool would approve.
What about you? Are you putting your best foot forward into the exciting unknown? Treat your feet lovingly and thank them for their daily service? Adorn them in fabulous shoes or keep them bare? Have a footnote to add? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
LOL I love the idea of writing messages on the soles of your feet! I’ll have to remember this word. Thanks for making me smile today!
I think it would be fabulous and totally appropriate for you to draw smiles on your feet Janet.
Just visiting from Fil’s Place and love your topic of feet.
Feet are very sore topic with me (;)) … my fondest wish is that I will be reincarnated with healthy feet and have 2000 pairs of shoes to wear !
I am a rheumatoid arthritic and have been wearing Birkenstock sandals summer & winter for 32 years ! Can’t even wear winter boots and my part of Canada can get very snowy & cold !
I can’t write on the bottom of my feet but I like the idea and just might ask my daughter to write something for me ! I can be a fool with the best of them 😉
So glad you strolled by Sharron, although I’m sorry to hear about your painful feet. I think it would be fun to have your daughter write something fabulous on your soles – I bet your feet would like it too.
Hi Deborah – I too have just come over from Fil … and the thought of setting a stamp on my feet to be left as a message .. interesting …
I went to a lecture on the art of Cook’s journeys to Australia, Tahiti, and the west coast of the States back in the 1700s .. and how the Tahitians had tattoes on their hands and feet …
I’ll be back to see more of your Fool inspired posts .. cheers Hilary
I appreciate you stopping by Hilary – thanks. How interesting about the Tahitians tats. I’m fascinated by those culturally specific forms of adornment.
I don’t know how I missed your F post Deborah – I’m glad I went back to it. The idea of a message on the soles of my is lovely, I may try that myself. Write with my left hand onto right foot and right hand onto left foot. New message every day. Buddha’s feet are beautiful, all those whorls.
I’ll treat myself I think soon for a reflexology treatment .. making note in diary. Will have to seek one out. After Z-Z. I love my shoes and comfort is paramount.
Thank you ..
and sorry I left out the word ‘feet’ in my haste ..
Oooh, a reflexology treatment sounds like a delicious treat to reward yourself with after the blogging challenge. And here’s to comfortable shoes that are fabulous. I happen to think red ones are best. 🙂