Sketchbook: My Birkenstock dilemma

Happy 1st of the month to you! 

My sketch this week for Sunday Sketches is late, sorry. 

I figure it's still Sunday somewhere in the world so I hope it's okay.

Birkenstock sandal in A6 sketchbook 
sketched freehand with a Platinum carbon fountain pen.

You can check out the other participants for this week HERE.

I bought my Birks over two years ago 

at a time when I was suffering with very painful feet. 

I thought that Birks might help due to their design and they surely did. 

They are a very comfortable shoe to wear 

more due to their design rather than what they are made of.

I was then faced with a dilemma when
I became a vegan just over a year later

what to do with my Birkenstocks?! 

My Birks were already quite worn

so it's not like I could have donated them to charity. 

I didn't feel right about throwing them out either 

because I felt that was somehow 

dishonouring the life that once was.

So as some vegans do with their pre-vegan items, 

I opted to keep the sandals until they are completely worn out.

Every time I wear them
I acknowledge with love and respect 

the life that once was.

I recently had my first year vegan anniversary and

I am still fully committed to my vegan lifestyle.

I am also happy to report that  

VEGAN Birkenstock sandals are available 

should I decide to get another pair in the future. YAY!!!

What is a vegan? - "A philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."