“To many, total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.”

-Saint Augustine

Of the course, this it is only the minority of the belief of Protestantism, and indeed one can extend the list of Protestant beauty-makers (which the Mike he has begun) to a very long length.

By the way, many thanks to those who have left the most kind remarks about the humble blatherings of the Manolo. And special thanks it must be given to the Baron, for his perceptive questions and responses, and for recognizing that it is the spirit of civility and comity that should prevail in this place.

Dang it, Mike! That’s what I was going to say! Not to mention Scandinavian design of all sorts. But I get at the heart of what Manolo is trying to say, and agree whole-heartedly.

Also, it seems like Manolo’s social calender can be as full as he wants it to be. Not bad.

Truly, again, we are most impressed with your skill with words. The appreciation for items of beauty, no matter what their providence, is something we both share. Beauty is the food of the soul as much as foie gras is food for the body, no? From the Sacred to the Profane, this contemplation of the beauty which we create with our minds and hands does indeed lead us to a higher path of thinking. Feeling good about yourself means you look good, no matter what you are wearing.

It is my belief, however, that the man who is unencumbered by the contemplation of beauty will fall into the path of animal lust, where having is less important than the getting. This, to me, is the danger of overmaterialism – we will value a thing because of the name or price tag attached to it, not because it is beautiful in and of itself. This is a dangerous trap. It is my hope, Maestro Manolo, that through your blogging you will help enlighten us (as you have certainly enlightened me) as to the true natures of beauty – regardless of price or name or place of manufacture.

Maestro Manolo, you have also served the double purpose of renewing my faith in the strangers of this world, for if you & I may question and answer each other without the loss of ego, then perhaps the basic sense of the camaraderie of man is not lost. Thank you for answering my question without attacking or feeling attacked.

I agree with your other friends who have said, enough of this! Give us pretty shoes! Forgo this contemplation of beauty, and get to the beauty itself!

No tengo nada pero gran respeto para usted.

And, if I see that horror Lagerfeld stalking the streets like some ravening beast spat from the bowels of Gehenna, I will give him your regards.

The postmoderngirl loves the shoes, and she loves the Fight Club!

Cheers!