Your Suggestions/Help Needed

Karolinka is a sweetheart and quite simply, a master at the art of footjobs.

So here I am in year three of writing columns and conduction interviews for the Wu's Feet Links Columns Blog and the Wu's Feet Links Interview Blog. For the first two years things were smooth sailing when it came to coming up with topics or finding people to interview. Then it seems like I hit a wall. This wall is one I feel like I'm still climbing.

As you are aware by the time stamps on both blog sites, sometimes the columns and interviews just don't happen on a monthly basis anymore. At times, this is due to my own busy schedule. Work has been asking more of me and I've also been trying to make some major changes to my own website, Soles of Silk. And sadly, as of late, I've had some unfortunate family issues that I've been dealing with. That being said, I've still managed to contact people in the background about taking part in both the columns and interviews. Things just haven't always turned out as well as I had hoped.

Columns Blog
Coming up with topics for this particular blog site has been one that isn't always easy. I feel like I started out very strong with topics that involved lots of my peers in the foot fetish community. People seemed eager to help and I had a lot of fun writing up those pieces.

As of late, however, I've had trouble contacting people for inclusion in some ideas I have. There are a few on the back burner that I want to get to, but don't want to rush. Karolinka, for example, who you see at the top of this column, has agreed to help me out with a piece I want to do on footjobs. She was the October 2015 Interview and we've talked from time to time about getting together for some future items here on the columns blog. Karolinka was also the March 2017 Feature Model on Wu's Feet Links, so be sure to check that out.

I'm also thinking about talking with Roxie Rae from The Foot Fantasy, about a topic to do with tease and denial (T&D) and jerk off instruction (JOI). She too, has been very helpful in the past. Roxie was the August 2014 Interview on the Interviews Blog. From there, she took part in one of my early columns, "One For the Ages, Part 1: Teens to Twenties" and has never hesitated to help out whenever I've come calling. She has allow me to use her photos to help illustrate any of my columns topics numerous times. She also came through with a bunch of photos for the Wu's Feet Links Feature Model section, when she was featured in June 2016 feature, "Pretty Pool Peds."

That's only two topics, however. What kind of things would you like to read about? I can't promise that I'd be up for any and all topics, but I'm looking for advice here. I still am also up for entertaining the idea of guest columnist, but all the past offers went as far as a, "Hey, I'll do it" offer and then nothing ever came about.

It's inevitable that I will sometimes do topics, like this one, that just talk about the happenings of Wu's Feet Links, these blog sites, or whatever is on my mind. Columns, by nature, aren't meant to be articles, per se. I just like adding in some of those elements whenever I can.

The Footosopher asked me about my interest in interviewing Elettra.

Interviews Blog
This blog is where some of my major issues come from. Back in 2014, I was sending out interviews for the Interviews Blog and getting them returned to me much sooner than I expected. I built up a backlog of interviews that were ready to be published. For months I had the interviews saved to the blog in draft form, waiting for the date they'd go live. Then... people began to flake.

At first, it was just one. Then it became two. At this point in time, I have taken the time to write out close to a dozen interviews that people told me they were up for doing. That's an entire year's worth of interviews! Most of these are foot models, but a couple were also webmasters. I've given up on many of these people getting back to me, but I'm still hopeful on the last two I sent out. Honestly, however, these two models have not answered a single message I've sent them about the interview over the last couple of months, so I probably shouldn't even be hopeful.

I don't expect people to get to the interviews as soon as I send them their way. I tell them to take their time and say what they want to say. It's only when time begins to pass and I don't hear from them anymore that I get annoyed. I'd rather someone just tell me they're not interested, or don't have the time. I won't be insulted and I'll look around elsewhere. It's when I take the time to write up questions and send them off, and then seemingly get ignored - that's when I get pissed. I just don't fire off these questions in 10 minutes. I take time to go onto my interviewee's site(s), buy memberships and/or clips to see their content, and try to gear my questions to the particular person. If the person has no intent of following through, I'd rather focus my efforts (and money) on those who will.

Where this further hinders my efforts is when I have someone coming to me about being interviewed, or has a model who'd like to be. This was the case with a recent conversation between the Feetosopher, the webmaster of Barefoot Nudity and Barefoot Urban Girls. He asked if I'd like to interview two of his models, Swains and Elettra (above). Of course, I was very interested and still am. Sadly, however, I've had barely any time to get either interview worked on, much less completed. With all the personal items going on that I mentioned at the start of this blog, and the time I've had wasted by others, I have fallen behind. I, however, was honest with him about me not being sure when I could get them over to him due to these reasons. I can't be a hypocrite, after all.

The Feetosopher has been one of the people I've come to trust and lean on whenever I need help with anything on Wu's. He helped me get an interview out to Red-X, one of my favorite models of his, in August 2015. Then in March 2016, he, himself, was the focus of an interview. He's also submitted a few photo sets for the features section, including the November 2016 feature with Swains, "Swains, the Classy Barefooter," and the April 2015 feature with Red-X, "The Year-Round Barefooter."

I will work on these interviews for Swains and Elettra and hope he can find time to pass them onto his models. He was hoping for me to have Swains done several weeks ago because he had planned on meeting up with her. Sadly, I was not able to come through due to those reasons above. Still, I fully expect that both ladies will be the focus on future interviews.

Now that I'm done my rant, I want to say that the Interviews Blog gets its fair share of views - some in the tens of thousands. I've had interviewees contact me after their interviews were published to tell me the feedback was great. It's exposed them to potential new fans and customers. Many are glad I asked them to do it. I, of course, thank them for taking their time to help me keep Wu's Feet Links going in whatever capacity I can.

All this being said, if you think you know of anyone that hasn't already been interviewed that you'd like to see, please, by all means, let me know. Keep in mind, however, if you send me a listing of premier adult actresses, it's probably not likely that they're going to do it. Where I've had luck thus far was asking webmasters and foot models who are involved with running their own sites/stores. These foot models who run their own sites/stores see the value an interview could bring, like Roxie Rae, for example.

Where I seem to strike out, sadly, is with foot models who bounce from site to site, model their feet, and move on to another site. I don't want to stereotype every model that does this because that would be unfair. With my experiences, however, these models appear happy with their income and it seems like they feel no need to promote themselves further. So, if you send me a list of names, keep all these things in mind.

Before I close this out, my fellow webmasters and foot models, if you, yourself, or one of your friends in the foot fetish community, would like to be featured as an interview, by all means, please contact me. I'm always looking to make some new friends in the community, so even if we've never talked, reach out to me!

Confidence Leads to Comfort

Alice's confidence in herself has made her ever so comfortable with the fetish.

"The older I got, and when I got to know you, Patrick, the more comfortable I got with the idea of a fetish in general."

- Alice, Wu's Feet Links Interview (Jan. 2016) 

There I am, nose to toes with Alice's size 11 feet and her well worn flats - the ones she wears to work daily. She doesn't care. Nope. She actually thinks it's rather adorable. And knowing her, she probably wore them a little longer just to moisten them up inside. Oh Alice...

Alice is like many of the females I've become friends with over the years. She doesn't find my fetish to be anything out of the ordinary. She fully believes your kinks should be something you embrace. She even said as much in her January 2016 Interview on the Wu's Feet Links Interviews Blog.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of. We like what we like and everyone likes something different. Take pride in what sexually arouses you! Have fun with it!" she encouraged.

I decided to start this blog off with Alice because of the journey she took to get to where she is now modeling. It would have been so easy for Alice to classify me as a "creepy old guy with a foot fetish," and never entertain the idea. Add in the 18 years separating us and her preconceived notion about the fetish prior to shooting for me and it makes for a great example of the purpose of this blog.

"When I was first introduced to foot fetishism, I thought it was a joke, honestly. I was a little judgmental and thought it was weird," she admitted.

So what made her change her mind? What lead her to eagerly want stick her sweaty feet in my face for the photo above? It was my confidence as it pertains to my fetish and ability to make her feel comfortable because of it. That led to her own confidence to grow and her own feelings to change. Now she realizes the beauty and power her large size 11 feet have over many of us out there.

"The older I got, and when I got to know you, Patrick, the more comfortable I got with the idea of a fetish in general," Alice said.

Alice's ever growing confidence has led to her becoming one of the site's most photographed models within just two short years. It just continues to grow and now she's even asking her friends to shoot.

There was once a time, however, where I didn't exude that confidence in my fetish. It's been an awful long time, but my love for women's feet was something I used to be embarrassed about. You'd have to go back to when I was 18 and dating Abby to find that version of me.

All these years later, I'm so lucky to have Abby still modeling her adorable little feet.

Back in 1997 a skinnier me was getting introduced to perhaps still the softest feet I've ever touched. Abby read me like a book. Even back in high school, before we dated, she knew I liked feet. Once we started dating, she went and made a monster out of me. First, however, she had to open the cage door and make me step out. And it didn't take her long to unlock that door and begin that process either.

The very first day we hung out together, she was sticking McDonald's French fries between her toes and encouraging me to eat them. A much more timid me, was hesitant. I had never experienced such a blatant request and yet, there she was, beckoning me with a confidence of her own that started to make me feel more comfortable. Each and every experience afterward would only make my own confidence grow. Still, however, that was only between the two of us.

A few months later, Abby told me that she told a few of her friends that I had a foot fetish. I honestly remember that conversation in her living room and feeling embarrassed. "How would they look at me now?" I thought.

Abby assured me that her friends thought it was awesome. I was still feeling a little unsure of her decision, but I'd eventually see that she was right. I even got to take foot fetish photos of one of those friends, an Asian girl living next door. When I got them both together in a set, I didn't think it could get any better. The monster was officially born.

In her 2006 Wu's Feet Links Fan Interview, Abby shed some light on her feelings all those years ago. She said, "My ex-boyfriend, Patrick, is who got me into the foot fetish world. That was his thing and I supported it. I told him it was a great thing and not to be shy about it."

Fast forward to present day and I guess you can say the shoe is now on the other foot, pun intended. It's my own confidence that has allowed me to have countless female friends shoot for Soles of Silk. I rarely have to convince anyone. I just ask. The only things that generally holds my female friends back from shooting are their partners not being as comfortable with the idea, or things such as jobs. These girls know what I do and have become comfortable enough with me to want to kick their shoes off and show all of you their feet. And as you can see, even after we broke up back in 1999, Abby still actively models her captivating feet for me. I'm glad we've maintained our friendship and that she still loves being in front of my camera making her feet wrinkle up like no other.

If Mindee could shoot every day, I honestly think she would. She loves it.

I'd be lying if I told you that some models didn't need a little convincing though. Even Mindee, the site's most photographed model, wasn't sure about it back in 2004. Once she became comfortable, however, her confidence also began to grow. Now Mindee has over 4,000 photos and counting with no signs of stopping. Another thing she's quick to take advantage of is my foot massage skills. If I haven't grabbed her feet at some point during our get togethers, she's sure to push the issue. Down time is foot rub time! We're actually meeting today for lunch and a foot rub. This is such a far cry from how things were 13 years ago. In her case, I might have created the monster!

"In the beginning I was terrified. The simple fact is you're my friend and you already made me feel comfortable. The truth now is, I absolutely enjoy it!" Mindee said in her 10 for 10 interview conducted during Soles of Silk 10 Year Anniversary celebration.

As you can see, both Mindee and Alice have had a similar story. They both came from a place of uncertainty and progressed to a place where they can't wait to find some more time in front of the camera, or with their feet being pampered by yours truly. The same holds true for some of the models I wasn't friends with prior, say someone who was a friend of a friend, for example. 

When those first timers show up to a shoot and and see how laid back I am about the site and fetish, they begin to grow more comfortable. I sometimes even crack jokes about the fetish, or even on myself for having it. I don't care. If it helps relieve any tension that girl may have, I'll do it.

"I just might be the only male photographer you'll have that means your toes when I ask you to, 'spread'em," I will often say to a newbie.

I don't think that has never not elicited a laugh. Then I'll usually tell her that I should look into what the other guys are shooting now that I think about it. Again, that's usually followed by more laughs. Those little things go a long way.

With all this said, I won't sit here and tell you that there isn't the rare exception where a woman is just repulsed by the idea of someone into feet. Not everyone has the same opinions, or are as open minded as likes Abby, Alice, or Mindee. These types of people won't change their mind, no matter what you say. There is no need to try to convince them. Surely, there are some models who you might be able to pay enough money to get in front of your camera, but I'm talking more about those who do it because they have fun with it. The ones you have to overpay won't be fun to shoot and I have no interest in them. To each their own, though.

When it comes to personal friendships, if there is ever a person who ceases being your friend, or treats you with disrespect for simply having a foot fetish, they're not worth your time. Move on and find someone less petty. Life is too short to surround yourself with people like that. No real need to elaborate on this any further. Let them screw off.

It is not impossible have a healthy friendship with someone who will never understand your fetish or kinks pertaining to feet though. I currently work with such a girl who turned me down ASAP when I asked her to shoot a couple of years ago. She hates feet and doesn't get the fetish at all. Even when Kaycee and Reagan tried to talk her into shooting, she flat out refused. Kaycee and Reagan have a blast shooting and thought they might be able to talk her into it - girl to girl. But alas, nope. I did appreciate their effort though.

Regardless of her feelings, I can respect that. It doesn't appeal to her and has never affected our friendship. If over time she should begin to have a change of heart, then maybe we'll shoot. For now though, she's just a friend who doesn't get barefoot in front of my camera. You can have those friends.

The one thing that I've come to find troublesome is when you're in a romantic relationship and your partner is the one who can't accept your fetish. For me, I cannot be with someone who doesn't accept my fetish. If that sounds selfish, I make no apologies. My fetish is a part of me and I know there are enough people out there who would appreciate it. And yes, I've been in a relationship with someone who hated the attention I'd tried to give her feet. That person is Paige Noelle, who'd later model for the site.

I was shocked when Paige offered to model for me after we broke up.

Paige and I only dated for several months, but the entire time we did, she protested my desire to give her a foot rub while we'd watch TV, or relax after a long day at work. Knowing that, I knew other kinks concerning her feet were out of the question. We lasted only a few months and broke things off amicably.

With that knowledge, you can imagine my confusion when Paige offered to shoot for Soles of Silk a couple of years after we broke up. She wanted me to take some standard pictures of her and offered to do mine in trade. She admitted that she still didn't get the whole fetish, and didn't find her feet to be as cute as I claimed. She still thought it could be fun nonetheless and I accepted her offer. As strange as it sounds, loved being back around her feet. It was like they were that forbidden fruit. That shoot was easily the most time I spent before her tender feet, before, during, or after our break up. 

When it comes to other people's relationships, I have been contacted by a number of guys over the years who are in a similar situation as I was with Paige. It's hard for me to give them advice because in some of cases, they've hidden their fetish their entire lives. Ever since Abby, all my subsequent girlfriends have known the deal with my fetish. Minus Paige, all of them adored the attention I gave their feet. They'd throw their feet in my lap for a foot rub without my asking, then eventually have journey elsewhere - both north and south. Whether it was for teasing or pleasing purposes, those girls loved the power their feet had over me and made sure to take advantage of it. That's just what loving couples do.

What really upsets me is when I hear some of these guys tell me that not even their own wife or girlfriend know about their fetish, even though they've been together for a long time. I can't even fathom what that would be like. But it gets worse...  Some even think telling their spouse could potentially tear apart their relationship. That's just not good. How do you even respond to that?

I'm no relationship councilor, so the only thing I can tell people in this situation is basically what I've said above. Accept your fetish. Let go of the fear of that others will think less of you. If you display your confidence, and appreciate a woman above her ankles as well (very important), then more times than not, she'll come around to it.

Ultimately, only you know yourself and those who surround you. No matter what you do in life, never feel bad about having your fetish. Accept it, but don't allow it to consume you. It can be a fun part of who you are, if you allow it to be. You might start off like I did and be weary of the path before you, but just know that some of those twists and turns can lead you to some memorable times.

Thankful

I'm thankful for all my models, especially ones such as Mindee (left) and Cierra.

Today, in the United States, is Thanksgiving - a day to be thankful for the things you have in life. Since Soles of Silk is in its 12th year now, there are a lot of things that I am thankful for here in the online foot fetish community. I thought this month's column would be the perfect chance to go into all those things I am thankful for. I decided to hold off and post it today for the full effect.

Site Models

Without all the ladies who have shown me their feet over the years, Soles of Silk would have never opened, let alone be entering its 13th year in 2017. A total of 93 models to date have shown off their soles and toes, most of them doing so on multiple occasions. And while not all of those 93 models still currently shoot, I thank each and every one of them for what they have done.

Site Members

Obviously a pay site cannot exist without members. To all of you have spent your hard earned money for a membership at any point over the last 13 years, I say thank you! It doesn't matter if you've been with me from the start, have had off/on memberships, or are even a brand new member - each and every one of you have helped keep this all possible. This is why I try my hardest to reward free membership time with random contests, like the recently completed, Mindeemania Contest. 

Site Fans

Although many of the members, if not all of them, could be considered fans, I'm listing this separate for a reason. I know many people enjoy Soles of Silk and its models, but do not have a membership for whatever reason. Regardless, I still enjoy hearing the feedback and having conversations with all of you. So many people have sung the praises of Soles of Silk and/or the models on social media, or the Wu's Feet Links Forum over the years, and I really do appreciate that. This is also why I like to run the contests. Sometimes people who cannot afford to be a member due to factors in life can win some time to enjoy all that Soles of Silk has to offer. It's just another way for me to show some appreciation.

Site Host - BHE

When I launched Soles of Silk in 2004, I went with BHE as a host. So many sites I followed, or was friends with during the time of my prior free sites, were hosted by BHE. I reached out to them and they've been nothing but helpful and supportive from the start. I know I could probably host elsewhere and maybe have a few extra abilities I don't currently have access to, but the ease in which BHE works has been valuable to me. In addition, they're always there when I have a question and have supported me with whatever I wanted to do. This leads right into the next item.

Getting to interview others in the community for Wu's Feet Links has been great.

Wu & Wu's Feet Links

Without Wu and Wu's Feet Links, Soles of Silk would not be where it is today. I think most webmasters who started between the early 2000's - Wu's passing will say the same thing. Wu is probably the nicest, most down to earth, drama free person you would have ever met online. He loved my work and his feedback always made me feel good about what I do. Whenever he complimented one of my models, which was a regular occurrence, I couldn't wait to pass that praise onto the girls. I really made their day!

When he passed away a few years ago, I reached out to BHE with a small game plan on ways to keep his site going. I wanted to keep his vision, his baby, if you will, going as best as we could without him at the helm. And while I'm not always happy with how things turn out, it's only because I want what's best for this site. I'd seriously give it all up, however, to have him back. Since that can't happen, however, I am thankful for all of you who have helped me with these columns, the interviews on the Wu's Feet Links Interviews Blog, with feature model submissions, and in the forum. You've helped make some added work on my plate a little bit easier. Thank you for all the compliments and offers of assistance over these last few years.

Hall of Fame ALMOST Finished

The image that tops off Sexy Lexi's all new Hall of Fame page.

Last month I came clean about how I dropped the ball with the Wu's Feet Links Hall of Fame (WFLHoF) after the 2015 class had been selected and announced. Well, I've been getting things done since then and am close to finalizing the new Wu's Feet Links Hall of Fame Blog. While not yet finished, I have published most of the members' pages for people to check out, enjoy, and critique. Those inductees include the following:

• Wu (c/o 2015)
• Little Dee (c/o 2015)
• Erotic Nikki (c/o 2015)
• Goddess Brianna (c/o 2015)
• Sexy Lexi (c/o 2005)
• Britney Sweetstink (c/o 2002)
• Janet Mason (c/o 2000)

If you go through those inductee's pages you will be able to see a handful of things. I didn't want these pages just to have the person's name and hall of fame class. Even on Wu's older page he listed a couple of other items including links to their site and a couple of photos. This is what I have decided to go with on each page:

Name & Hall of Fame Class

This one is basic and doesn't really need to be mentioned, but each inductee's page is topped off with a large image and the person's name and year inducted. You'll also be able to see each class by year on the right side in the blog's archive. Luckily for me, Wu listed when he inducted his past members and I was able to backdate these entries to reflect that.

Basic Bio & Info.

With one exception so far (Wu), here is where you can find some basic information about the foot model you're browsing. Right now I have decided to include things such as shoe size, favorite types of shoes, whether her feet are ticklish, favorite foot fetish activities, and other fetish activities they're known for. To gather this information I used things such as past interviews, the model's sites, feature sets, and just common knowledge I have of these women.

Where things will be lacking, as it is with Wu's, is if a male producer or photographer is inducted. I guess it can be adapted to fit and other information can be placed. I will tackle that obstacle when it arrives. Sadly, however, the only thing I could really put for Wu is that he founded Wu's Feet Links. If you have any suggestions of other information that can be placed here on his, I'm all for it.

Online

Here you can find links to these models/producers sites, clip stores, social media accounts, and email addresses. In the case of some of the older inductees, I listed their site name, but put a "(defunct)" after it. I saw no point in linking to URL's that are no longer active, but I thought their former site names deserved to be mentioned.

In addition to these items, I thought it would be great to list any Wu's Feet Links related items such as feature galleries and interviews. For example, Erotic Nikki has both a 2003 Fan Interview and a more recent, 2015 Interview.

Sample Gallery

I knew all along I wanted to include some sample photos on each page. Again, Wu is a little left out here since he didn't star in any work, nor did he take photos himself. Since he just ran one amazing site, I didn't know what to do here for him. With the models, however, I obviously just found photos of them online and made a gallery for each. But not for everyone... yet!

I say "yet" because I am at a loss for finding a handful of good photos for some of these models. This is the biggest reason why a few inductees pages are not yet online. If anyone has some older photo archives of the following people, could you please share them with me?

• Bellecita (c/o 2015)
• Devonne (c/o 2003)
• Genie (c/o 2002)
• Naia (c/o 2000)
• Lil Redhead (c/o 2000)

I do have some of both Bellecita and Genie, but they're from galleries contributed to Soles of Silk and I wanted to feature images from numerous sets, if possible. I can pluck out a couple from my site, however. 

If you have any larger, high resolution images, of any of those listed above, please get in touch with me. I'd like to get some variety on these ladies pages. And I do realize that the majority of these inductees weren't posting in the modern era of HD and larger file sizes, if you will. I'm just trying to avoid images so small they're not really worth posting. So whatever you have, please let me know.

I also made sure to download the old Hall of Fame photos Wu had on his original page. I haven't included them, but am thinking that maybe I should? Perhaps within the gallery section, or in it's own little section. What do you think? It is only two images for each inductee, like the ones of Lil Redhead above.

Words From Peers & Fans

This section has some praise for each inductee from people in the online foot fetish community. It includes other webmasters, producers, and Wu's Feet Links Forum members. I put out a request for people to assist me with this and a number of people came through. It's not too late, if you'd like to toss out a few words for any of the inductees. I'll take them for another month or so.

So that's where I currently sit. I know this blog came a few days late again, but I wanted to touch base with everyone and give a progress report. As I said above, I'm looking for ideas, contributions, and especially photos. So get in touch with me if any of this is something you can assist with.

Coming Soon - The Wu's Feet Links Hall of Fame Blog

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Wu's Feature Sets & Why They're Important to Me

Mindee will be the feature model for July 2016, something of great importance to me.

In 2005, less than a year after Soles of Silk opened, Wu approached me about the possibility of doing a feature model set for his site. I asked him what it entailed and by the end of our short conversation, I was 100 percent on board. And every time he would go on to ask me afterward, I couldn't say yes quick enough.

It didn't take long for me to realize how many new eyes were brought to my work and models from having a new feature model set posted to Wu's Feet Links. Memberships rose, emails became more frequent, and I saw more and more people posting on my threads in the Wu's Feet Links Forum. Due to this, these sets have become ones I would start planning months, if not a year in advance.

From 2005-13, Wu asked me a total of eight times to do a set for his feature section. The fact that he kept asking me was humbling. I always had so much respect for the man and cherished the chance to showcase my work on his site. It didn't even bother me that he had a rule to have the sets in feature model section to be exclusive to his site. His site is the only one I've ever given any exclusive sets to that weren't also featured on Soles of Silk. I had that much admiration for the man.

Sadly, in 2014, Wu passed away. For months we were left with questions as his site was no longer updated. Once Phil, from BHE, learned and shared the news of his death, I went to him about the prospect of getting Wu's Feet Links back up and running in some capacity. One of the sections I most wanted to see back up was the Feature Models section.

Phil and I worked on a game plan that saw some automation of site functions take place. He gave me the responsibility to come up with a feature model calendar moving forward, which made me happy. And although it might sound selfish, I wanted the first set of the relaunched Wu's Feet Links to be one of mine. Wu had done a ton for me and I wanted to do something for him and his legacy. I talked to Olivia (one of my models), told her the story, and she was flattered that I picked her for something so important to me.

So in July 2014, Wu's Feet Links started back up and Olivia's set, "Back to Business," was appropriately published, with a title ever so appropriate. From that point on, I have penciled in foot models and sites from around the web to take part. There have been so many great sets from so many talented people. I thank all of you who have taken part for your assistance in the months and years that have followed the relaunch.

In 2015, and coming soon here in 2016, with Mindee's set teased above, I have had other feature sets that would follow Olivia's. I still get excited about having a set featured and still go out of my way to figure out a theme or location for them. I take a lot of pride in these sets - always have, always will. I have even already asked one of my models to do one in 2017, even though it's far off at this point. That model is Alice. She quickly said yes. 

Alice has already helped me with a column for the Wu's Feet Links Columns Blog and was the focal point of an interview on the Wu's Feet Links Interviews Blog. Needless to say, she loves doing this and I couldn't think of anyone more perfect to do the next year's. Here are links to her the column and her interview if you'd like to check them out, or if you haven't already:

• December 2015 - "Bigger Feet = More! And More is Better..."
• January 2016 - Alice's Interview

Even though I take so much pride in carrying on the feature section, and being a part of it each year since the relaunch, I would honestly trade it in to have Wu back and assigning me a month again. I miss seeing his feedback when I'd send over the sets. His critique was always the most important to me.

As Wu's Feet Links continues to move forward, I will be actively seeking future feature sets. If you have any interest, please, by all means shoot me an email at footphotographer@yahoo.com. I already have a few people lined up for the rest of 2016, but some openings are available.

Before I wrap things up here, I want to leave you a few links. I have listed each and every Soles of Silk model feature below. There are links to both their set as well as a blog chronicling each on the Soles of Silk Blog. I thought some of you might like to see the backstories that went into each of these sets. They further show just how dedicated I have been, and remain to doing these for Wu's Feet Links:

• 2005: Carmen - "Blue Jeans & Toes" | set | blog |
• 2007: Kimmie & Kellie - "Football Fun" | set | blog |
• 2008: Madison - "Piggy Bank Piggies" | set | blog |
• 2009: Cierra - "Foot & Size Tease" | set | blog |
• 2010: Mindee - "Piggies & Power Girl" | set | blog |
• 2011: Ryan - "Sexiest Catch" | set | blog |
• 2012: Kayleigh - "After School Feet" | set | blog |
• 2013: Aspen - "All American Feet" | set | blog |
• 2014: Olivia - "Back to Business" | set | blog |
• 2015: Kaycee - "Dockside Damsel" | set | blog |
• 2016: Mindee - "Ferris-t of Them All" | set | blog |*

* Links coming later this week once the set is published!

Memories of Models Along the Way

Layla is one of a handful of models I've met along the way running Soles of Silk.

In recent weeks I have been going through the Soles of Silk columns section, inside the members area, and moving all of my writings to the site's blog. It has been quite fun to go back and look at the things that were happening all those years ago when Soles of Silk was just getting started.

One of the big things that stuck out the most to me going through those columns was the times I met up with models who were already known in the foot fetish community. From the beginning, the Soles of Silk model roster has predominately my friends, or friends of those friends. Of the 88 models on the site, 61 fit into either of those categories. As for the other 17, however, some of them were already well known to those who frequented sites like Wu's Feet Links.

While I'd love to give a look at each and every one of those models, it would make this blog's length insanely long. I'm going to focus on just six that many of you will know and/or have been fans of for a long time. I hope you enjoy this little stroll down memory lane with me. Feel free to share your memories of these lovely ladies in the comments section.

"I'm an exhibitionist, so showing myself to the world is great! I model/act for a living, so I better enjoy being out there." - Lisa Tyler 

Lisa Tyler
Shoe Size: 7
Site: Forever Feet (closed)
Wu's Feature Set: Creamy Soles
First Meeting: 2004

Meeting Lisa Tyler was simply amazing! She was one of the first shoots I did for Soles of Silk. As a matter of fact, she posed for me prior to the site's launch, making her one of the eight debut models.

Lisa used to run her very own site, Forever Feet. My first memories of her was when Wu featured her in the feature model set listed above. I don't remember what year that set was published, but I'm thinking early 2004. With her email address listed, I contacted Lisa and asked if she'd be interested in doing some contributions once Soles of Silk opened. She said she was interested, but our conversations then turned to her posing for me instead.

Needless to say, I was very much interested in Lisa's offer. Truth be told, however, I was nervous as hell to meet and shoot her. I had really never met with someone who did regular modeling jobs before. I was intimidated by her amazing portfolio and I even shared that with her after a little foot fetish session we had to start the day. She assured me that everything would be just fine and all I'd have to do is take the photos.

Lisa wasn't lying when she told me that. I'm not sure how many poses I told her to do, but it sure wasn't many. Lisa went about her business as I just focused on her beautiful size 7's and took picture after picture. The best thing, however, was just how down to earth and fun she was. We really hit it off and felt like we had known each other for some time.

I'd go on to take five sets of Lisa our first time meeting. I treasured those sets and was so proud of them. I'd even venture to say that she was one of the biggest hits of the first few months of Soles of Silk's existence.

A few years later Lisa and I would end up meeting again. We did three more sets and I was far from nervous this time. It was so good to see her again, but little did I know, it would be the last time we would see one another.

In the years following that shoot, Lisa's site closed and I lost contact with her. The email address I used to contact her was tied to her website, so I don't even know if she's modeling these days. Since I haven't seen her on any other foot fetish sites, I'm guessing that she's at least gone from the fetish scene. That's sad, but I wish her the best at whatever she's doing. I'd welcome her back without hesitation if that chance ever arose, but I'm thinking the likelihood of that is next to nil.

"I love modeling. I'm glad that people are able to come out of their shells, even if just on the internet." - Jacklyn Lick 

Jacklyn Lick
Shoe Size: 5
Site: Foot Goddess (closed)
First Meeting: 2005

Within less than a year of Soles of Silk's opening, I had the chance to meet with yet another model whose work I admired. Jacklyn Lick and her little size 5 feet had me captivated from the first time I saw her on her own site, Foot Goddess. Jacklyn also did a shoot for Leg Action magazine, for those of you who remember getting your fix through fetish magazine prior to the internet take over. So as you can see, I had been enjoying her work for some time.

If you remember Jacklyn and her work, it was more adult in nature than what you see on Soles of Silk. This didn't stop me from asking about her availability, however, when I saw she was taking a trip through several East Coast locations. She told me she'd love to pose her feet and we set a date.

We only ever met once, but the shoots we did were smooth sailing. Soles of Silk wasn't even a full year old at the time, but we just clicked and did three sets in the time allotment she had available. And no, before you ask, that isn't what you think in the photo above. It's lotion. We both joked how much it looked like "something else" as she looked through the photos while I rubbed that lotion into her feet afterward.

Sadly, I don't really know what has become of Jacklyn and/or her fetish modeling career. Several years ago I had tagged her in a tweet, but her account seemed to be dormant. Just this past week it looks like some activity is now taking place on that account (@JackieLick) as my tweet had been favorited, and my account (@SolesofSilk), followed. I just might have to touch base with her and see what she's up to. It's been 11 years, so hopefully she remembers me. I know I sure do remember those little size 5 feet.

"I am very glad I can put my feet out there for everyone to see in the privacy of their own home. I love modeling and being able to share my feet with those who enjoy them." - Layla

Layla Mercedes
Shoe Size: 7
Site: Loving Soles (closed)
Wu's Feature Set: Perfect Size 7's
First Meeting: 2005

Layla was someone who I met through One Model Place when I ran an account there. She had done all kinds of modeling jobs, but was open to foot fetish work. I thought she was beautiful, so we touched base and set something up. I would have never known at that time how much of an impact Layla would eventually have on my site.

Over the years Layla has posed for a grand total of 1,942 photos. She's third only to Cierra (2,286 photos) and Mindee (3,596 photos). Layla would easily be over 2,000, and might have been the site's front runner had we not lost touch for a few years.

At one point in time, Layla and I would meet up every couple of months and shoot a handful of sets. Layla would even go on to pose with three other models, all of which she helped introduce to the site. Those models include Kerri Taylor, who many of you are also familiar with, her good friend, Chrystine, and even her younger sister, Jaylee Austin.

What started as just several shoots in downtown Baltimore when we first met, quickly turned into a friendship with Layla and her husband. I was so happy for them when they decided to open their very own foot fetish site in the years following her Soles of Silk debut. It was called Loving Soles, but is now no longer online.

As I mentioned above, Layla and I lost touch for a few years. During that time I really began slowing down on updates featuring Layla. I didn't want to see those last sets go up. Luckily for me, we touched base and were able to do several new sets. The same thing happened following those sets, however, and I no longer have any unpublished sets of this fun loving cutie. I do know that she has since moved out of state and I wish her nothing but the best. I haven't really talked to her recently, but I'm thinking I should say hello. Maybe if she still comes back to Maryland from time to time we could set something up again. I'd love to see her break that 2,000 mark and I sure do miss those silky smooth, sometimes smelly feet of hers... not that I ever touched or smelled them before, during, or after the 31 sets we shot.

"I love modeling and if people are enjoying the work that I do, then it is pretty awesome. I think this is so fun and I have met so many nice people!" - Lexi

Lexi
Shoe Size: 7
Site: Lexi's Foot Fetish
Wu's Feature Set: Sexy Pedicure
Wu's Interview: March 2005
First Meeting: 2005

So many people were shocked and excited when I broke the news that Lexi had posed her feet for Soles of Silk. I felt like I had pulled off a coop, myself, so I can only imagine what some of the site's fans were thinking when two of the highest arches online graced the model galleries inside the members area.

As I said, I was feeling really good about Lexi agreeing to pose. I made the trip up to her during some vacation time I had back in July 2005. I didn't know what to expect, but from our conversations online, she seemed like a sweetheart. She ended up being that and so much more!

See, my original plans for shooting Lexi also involved another model from her site, Jenn. I was a fan of both girls and Lexi and her husband helped set up a shoot with Jenn as well. My goal was to shoot some solo sets of Lexi during the morning, have Jenn come by and shoot the both of them together in the afternoon, and then finish the day with some solo sets of Jenn that evening. Well, Jenn no showed. 

Lexi and her husband were so mad, but also felt bad for me at the same time. I had just made an eight hour drive the day before for these shoots and I was going to leave with barely any content. Lexi's husband was calling and caling Jenn. He finally got to the point where he left her quite the nasty voicemail and that's when Lexi saved the day.

Lexi, who had gotten a late start due to her child being sick, offered to shoot longer since Jenn no showed. I was so grateful for the gesture, which turned out to be a good thing. Some of the best sets we did came that evening.

I wish I had been able to shoot Lexi a second day now that I look back on that amazing shoot. In the years following we had talked about making it happen again. Lexi had a blast and loved seeing her photos on Soles of Silk just as much as the ones on her own site. As time passed, however, Lexi seemed to cease modeling. I never saw any replies to the emails that I sent either. It's too bad because I could only imagine how stoked everyone would be if Lexi made a comeback on the pages of Soles of Silk. That might just be a bigger coop than the initial shoot itself!

"I started out doing more general modeling, trying to locate photographers that were into the same things I was trying to show. Got in with Pose Your Toes and of course, Soles of Silk, and it's been heaven since!" - Lady Steph

Lady Steph
Shoe Size: 7
Site: Lady Steph's Fetish Clips
Wu's Feature Set: Sexy Blue Toes
Wu's Interview: July 2014
First Meeting: 2008

Foot parties have never really been my thing. The only ones I had ever been to were more of a private variety. I was invited by an old college friend of mine who also has a foot fetish, to attend, so I decided to give it a try.

At these parties I ended up meeting a few foot models some of you are familiar with. I would eventually shoot a few of these girls, but the one that I've worked with the most, and the one I still keep in touch with, is none other than Lady Steph. She also the only one I ever decided to session with at the foot parties I attended. Can you blame me for giving in to those feet up there? Don't act like you wouldn't!

When I met Steph at the foot parties I already knew that she could be a fire cracker. Getting together for our first shoot, things were no different. Steph is a very fun loving person, but also has that confidence that will easily put a foot guy in his place, if, and when, that need should arise. She prides herself in ability to conquer her male costars in her own videos. Quotes like, "another one bites the dust," prove just how much control she exudes - well, when she's not sending a fella home with blue balls, that is. No further comments.

My biggest regret with Steph is in just how seldom we have gotten together to shoot. We're long overdue and she agrees. I recently reached out to her on her Instagram account (@TheLadySteph) and she told me she's waiting. I'm really looking forward to finding some time with her again, hopefully soon. I'd love to find some outdoor locations with her as I know she'd shine in any setting or theme I could come up with. I find my strongest sets have always been the outdoor ones. I'll keep you all posted! 

"I love being posted on all of the sites, and hopefully, many more in the future. The attention drives me wild, especially when I get all those emails telling me how much they love my feet and how they wish they could smell and caress them. What a turn on!" - Kim T.

Kim T.
Shoe Size: 6.5
Site: Yahoo! Groups (closed)
Wu's Feature Set: Toes 'n Hose
First Meeting: 1998 (posed for Soles of Silk in 2010)

If you noticed all the models above have been featured in the order in which they debuted on Soles of Silk. Although Kim T. and I met in 1998, and she modeled on my old site, The 10 Little Piggies, I wasn't able to shoot Kim for Soles of Silk until 2010. Before I get into how that came about, however, let me take you back to 1998 and Leg Show Magazine.

In 1998 Abby and I were dating. She was my first true foot fetish model and I adored her little wrinkled feet. She encouraged me to embrace my fetish, but the internet was a far cry from what it is today. My fetish outlet of choice at the time was Leg Show Magazine.

It didn't take Abby and I long to send in a few photos to the Home Photos section. We took part in the whole photo trade that was going on at the time with other fetish photographers and couples. One couple in particular, caught my eye. Her name was Kim and she had the pudgiest little toes I had ever seen. Her then husband, Chris, was her photographer and took countless photos of those adorable feet. I just had to reach out.

To make a super long story a little shorter, the four of us all became friends. I'd shoot Kim for my old site and Chris would take some of Abby for his personal stash and their Yahoo! groups. It was good times hanging out together. I even got to shoot the ladies together and the contrast in Kim's and Abby's feet was out of this world.

Eventually Abby and I would split up. I still talked with Kim and Chris and even photographed her for my site and some of my artwork in college. It even provided me with a few chances to pamper her little feet too. Talk about a tight fit when you stick your fingers or nose between her toes! They don't want to let go, and you won't want them to either.

As the years continued to progress, I'd lose touch with both Kim and Chris. I did end up running into Chris a few times, but it looked like they had parted ways too. So you can imagine my surprise when in 2010, many years later, Kim somehow accidentally sends me a text message instead of her friend, Patty. She didn't even recognize my number, but we got to chatting.

Naturally our conversation covered a few things and Soles of Silk came up. She said she'd love to pose for me and I was so excited. Talk about a return! Kim had been gone from the public eye for many years, but those feet were about to be loved once more.

I met with Kim and we did three sets. I was so excited to be seeing and photographing her again. She was loving life and couldn't wait to see the response she'd get. That, and she told me under no uncertain terms, that after the shoot I would be treating her to a much needed, and long overdue, foot massage. I just might have gotten in a fourth and fifth set if I wasn't busy with her feet in my hands. I made that massage a long one! Oh well, small price to pay.

Sadly, I'd never get a chance to do that fourth set since then. Kim started dating someone and ended up moving out of state. Since then, I have lost touch with her. She stopped replying to any texts or emails and I have no clue what she's up to today. Sure wouldn't mind her making a second return though!

Thanks for taking this little journey with me through some of my memories. It has been so neat going back through my old columns and seeing some of my reactions and feelings at the times when all these shoots happened. I think I might write a sister blog to this piece over on the Soles of Silk Blog itself, but focus more on the memories of some of my friends that posed during those early years. Be on the lookout for that!