On Monday I am in Austin visiting a friend. We are wandering through an 'antique' store, although frankly it's pretty much all junk. And then I spy in the corner a mannequin - a half mannequin - waist up, a short neck, no head and no arms, pink plastic. Probably from the 1940's and used as a bra model in a department store. But someone has put her on a chrome stand which allows her height to be adjusted and the best part, they have illuminated her. The price tag says $75 - works great.

I try to hold my enthusiasm in check. But I know she is going home with me. I show her to my friend. My friend, much to my surprise, approves and suggests that I can put jewelry and scarves on her. That does it. I buy her.

I call my other friend on the way home. She suggests we can make clothes for her. I love my friends. They don't ask me if I have lost my mind, they enhance my creativity! Now I am considering wings, an outrageous bra the next time that Victoria's Secret has a bra sale.

My daughter, who has many years to get used to my weird behavior responds via email: "Yes Mom. It is lovely and I am sure you will make it cool and hip and fit in really well with your modern décor. It is very Soho loft." I can see her rolling her eyes, a loving roll though! My Mom is at it again!

My physical therapist, upon hearing of my new acquisition, tells me there is a beaded halter top in the second hand shop on the ground floor which she is sure would look lovely on my new mannequin. Of course, that is the kind of response you would expect from someone who has a life size skeleton in her office dresed in full cowboy garb, boots and all.

I put the mannequin, who needs a name, in the corner of the living room knowing that Pierre will return and definitely question my sanity. His daughter, whom I have alerted to my procurement via email, agrees. She tells me to take a picture before he burns it! But, to my complete surprise, he comes home yesterday and declares her to be interesting.

I get a call from Pierre this morning asking if I found my birthday present yet. He suggests I look around. And this is what I find:

Maybe I will call her Pearl.

I love my husband. After 8 years, he has learned to go with my insanity. Today he added to it!

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive