Meet Paul

I'd like to take this time to introduce you to one of my mom's favorite possessions, Paul.

 

Paul was a gift. He was given to her by the family that my mom used to work for when she lived in San Francisco. He is pretty handsome, no? She has always had an affinity for taxidermy. She often expressed her love for antlers and embalmed animals, so, of course her former employer, now fabulous friends, thought of her when they were exploring a taxidermy shop in Portland, OR. They immediately purchased him, placed him in the back of their Mustang convertible, and drove him from Portland to Tacoma.

 

It was love at first sight (or picture message). These are the pictures that sealed the deal.

 

Paul mounted in a shop in Portland

 

 

Paul and Sara in the Mustang



After Paul made the trek to Tacoma, we learned his story. Apparently he came from an estate in Canada. The shop owner attained him, along with two other bucks, after Paul's original owner passed away. By the time Paul was found by our friends, his other two acquaintances had already been purchased. By whom, you ask? Tori Spelling! My mom likes that part of the story. We were told that Paul is an Impala. The only appropriate name for him going forward was Paul, obviously! (We've since learned that he is a Common Reed Buck, but we don't talk about that).

 

My mom displays him in all his regal glory over our fireplace. He has truly become a part of the family. I've even found her venting her to him about her frustrations from the day. He is a great listener with those big ears. He even gets dressed up for special occasions. The most recent occasion? Upcoming Valentine's day.

 

Mom found a fun little antler accessory in the gift wrap section at Target and some faux pearls in her jewelry box. Put them together and what have you got?! Voila--Paul becomes Paula, the Valentine's themed Impala. Paulette (the little wooden woodland figurine to the right of Paula) got a little red bow so she didn't feel left out. And there you have it, I've just revealed my mom's secret  obsession with taxidermy.

Paula's accessories

 

 

Paula and Paulette

 

xo,

 

Dolly