From Worn-Out Jordans to Doc Martens & the Legendary Air Jordan Legacy (Plus a Book Update!)

Hey everyone!

So, here's a little Saturday story for you. Normally, Saturdays are all about the glitz and glam of the "Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling" (GLOW) for me. But today, I felt like reminiscing about something totally different: Air Jordan sneakers. You know, those iconic shoes that have become a cultural phenomenon.

I'll admit, my personal experience with Air Jordans is pretty limited. I actually only ever owned one pair. They were undeniably comfortable, but let's just say they didn't quite survive my New York adventures. I wore them out faster than I expected, and soon enough, they were replaced by my absolute favorite shoes ever: my first pair of Doc Marten boots. Those things were practically glued to my feet for seven years! But, enough about my footwear journey—let's get back to the legend of the Jordans.

The story behind Air Jordans is actually pretty wild. Back in 1984, when Michael Jordan signed with Nike to promote these basketball sneakers, the NBA threw a curveball. They banned the shoes because they didn't fit the league's color regulations! But did Jordan care? Nope. He kept rocking those Air Jordans, dominating on the court and making sneaker history. It was a rebellious move that totally worked.

Over the years, Nike released countless versions of Air Jordans and some of them have become incredibly valuable collector's items. I heard about this one pair of 1985 black Air Jordans with gold accents that sold for a whopping $25,000! Apparently, only 12 pairs were ever made, so rarity definitely plays a huge role. It's amazing to see how these shoes have transformed into something so sought after.

And talk about success! Air Jordan as a brand has been a massive hit. In 2017, it was estimated that Michael Jordan was earning around $100 million a year from the brand alone. That's just mind-blowing! Even the newer releases of Air Jordans can fetch a high price. People often resell them online for hundreds of dollars more than their original retail value. Take the Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" for example. It's modeled after Jordan's legendary performance when he played despite having the flu in the 1997 NBA Finals. You can find those online for around $300, but get this: the actual pair he wore in that game sold for $105,000 in 2013! Crazy, right?

It's fascinating to think about how a pair of basketball shoes became such an icon. The Air Jordan story is a mix of sports history, fashion and a dash of rebellion. It's a story that continues to evolve with each new release.

On another note, something I've been pouring a lot of time and energy into lately is revisions, corrections and edits of my book, "Under the Lifeguard's Watch." It's getting closer and closer to being ready to go to the publishers! It's already been assigned an ISBN number and I'm so incredibly excited to put Casper and Soren's story out into the universe for everyone to enjoy. It's a labor of love I can't wait to share.

Now, I'm curious—have you ever owned a pair of Air Jordans? What's your sneaker story? And what are you currently working on that you're excited about? I'd love to hear about it all in the comments below!

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits

Life's a Tag Team: Juggling GLOW, Real Life, & My Solo Book! No Saturday GLOWcase Today

Hey wrestling fans and writing aficionados! Welcome back to my corner of the internet, where the spandex meets the stories. You know, Saturdays are usually sacred around here. They’re dedicated to the Saturday GLOWcase, my little love letter to everything GLOW: The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. It's my way of saying thanks to the amazing fans, the incredible cast and crew, and honestly, just my way of geeking out about something that's meant a lot to me.

But hey, life's a tag team match sometimes, isn't it? This week, I've been caught in a whirlwind of daily life, work deadlines that felt like they were body-slamming me and something even bigger...I'm writing my first book! Yes, you heard that right. Not just content creation or ghostwriting this time, but my own solo project. It’s been both exhilarating and totally consuming, like being in the main event of a sold-out stadium.

So, apologies, my friends. The usual Saturday GLOWcase is taking a brief time-out. It's not that I don't want to be here, waxing lyrical about the wrestling world. It's just that, right now, I’m diving headfirst into this new adventure. But hey, don't think I've left you hanging! My blog’s got a bit of a back catalog, and there are some older stories I think you might really dig. Take a stroll through the archives, you might find some hidden gems or maybe even something that makes you laugh.

Thanks, truly, for sticking with me. Your support, whether you're a GLOW enthusiast, a fellow writer, or just someone who likes reading about life's little adventures, means the world. This whole journey, from fan to writer, has been a wild ride, and I'm grateful to have you all along for it.

And on that note... I'm super curious to hear about what you all are up to! What keeps you busy? Any big projects or dreams you're chasing? Drop a comment below and let's chat. Your stories are just as interesting to me as mine are to you! Also, you know, if you find my work or sharing these thoughts valuable or fun, anything like a small donation of appreciation would really help keep this going and support my work.

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits

From GLOW to "Under the Lifeguard's Watch": My Secret Project Revealed!

Hey There, Fellow Dreamers!

You know me, right? Saturdays are practically sacred—usually devoted to all things GLOW, The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The ‘80s neon, the sheer spectacle, the crew, fans and the cast of women who defied expectations—it’s a world I could talk about endlessly. But today? Today, I need to break routine. Because something incredible has happened and I can’t hold back any longer.

If you've been following this blog, you know it’s my digital scrapbook—a place where I share stories, memories, passions and the occasional deep dive into pop culture rabbit holes. We’ve talked about family legends, movie obsessions, music that moves me and those random sparks of nostalgia that demand to be written down.

But what most of you may or may not know is that behind the scenes, I’ve always had one story waiting in the wings—the raw, unfiltered memoir of my life as a teenage runaway and hustler. For nearly 30 years, I thought that would be the book that marked my grand entrance as a solo author.

I was deep in the trenches of writing it, peeling back the layers of memory, capturing the truth of those years—the good, the bad and everything in between. But then, something unexpected happened.

Somewhere along the way, another story began whispering to me.

At first, I thought it was just a creative detour—something small, something fun. A short fantasy, inspired by a lifeguard I crushed on back in 1988 at Tiki Island Water Park. Just a few pages, intending nothing more. But the more I wrote, the stronger the pull became.

Casper and Soren weren’t asking me to tell my story. They were calling me into theirs.

And so began Under the Lifeguard’s Watch.

What started as a few pages turned into 13 chapters, then 23, then 29. The book took over. It demanded more, as if the characters themselves had decided that I was the one chosen to bring their story to the world.

My journals filled with ideas, my 1967 Smith Corona Galaxie Deluxe typewriter clacked away with urgency, and suddenly, this fantasy world felt as real to me as the streets I once walked.

Casper—a dreamer aching for more than the static in his head.
Soren—a dangerous enigma wrapped in sunlit skin and waves.

But this isn’t just my story—it’s for everyone who has ever wanted to be the authentic vision of themself, no matter the odds.

If you’ve ever fought to carve out space for yourself in a world that didn’t always make room for you, if you’ve ever wanted to live boldly and love freely—then this book is for you. Under the Lifeguard’s Watch is a love letter to every, not just LGBTQ+, person who has faced adversity and dared to dream anyway.

Their world, Crestlake Springs, feels like a place I’ve been to before. Like a memory I’ve stepped into instead of a fictional creation.

Now, after months of obsessing over plot twists, grounding the story in the heartbeat of 1988, and ensuring every character has a place in this world, the book is real. It’s here. I’m deep in revisions, fine-tuning their town, their lives, their fate.

The memoir I once thought would be my defining story is still waiting in the wings. But for now, Under the Lifeguard’s Watch has claimed me and I have no choice but to see it through.

There’s still work to do—adjusting timelines, refining details, maybe even adding visual elements—but I’m committed. And if self-publishing means I have to fund it all myself? So be it. The alliance chose me for a reason and I intend to honor that.

So, what do you think? Do you want to step into Under the Lifeguard’s Watch? Have you ever felt a story take hold of you so deeply that you couldn’t let it go? Let’s talk in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

And hey, if you feel like fueling this final stretch with a little caffeine or a shiny new notebook for the next adventure, know that it’s always appreciated. But more than anything, thank you. For listening. For being part of this evolving journey.

Until next time—keep dreaming big.

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits

Why I Blog: Finding Joy and Connection Through Writing

Why do a blog? Am I interesting? Do I have something to contribute to the world? Am I relevant? Honestly, I don't know. But here's what I do know: I like to write about things that inspire me, and I enjoy talking about the things I love. If my words resonate with someone, if they make a connection with someone who enjoys what I share, then that makes me incredibly happy.

Recently, I received an email from someone who was particularly unkind, telling me to stop talking. What is wrong with people? If they don't like what I have to say, then they should just move on. It's not like I'm forcing anyone to read my words. I wanted to put this out into the universe because writing and sharing my thoughts brings me joy and helps me feel connected.

Writing is a form of self-expression that allows me to explore my thoughts and feelings, reflect on experiences, and share them with others. It’s a way to create something meaningful and lasting. Through my blog, I hope to inspire others, spark conversations, and perhaps offer a different perspective on various topics. Every post is a piece of me—a glimpse into what excites me, what makes me ponder, and what I find beautiful in the world.

To anyone who enjoys reading my posts, your support means the world to me. If you come across anything related to the topics I write about—whether it’s a charming stationery set, a unique find, or something you think I’d love—feel free to share it with me. Your recommendations always bring a smile to my face. And if you feel inclined to send a little gift, if just a comment, that would be a lovely surprise. Your kindness and engagement make this blogging journey all the more rewarding.