Extra from the dysfunctional flea market the place I used to work as an underpaid clerk (first three posts linked on the finish).
The Story of Bearnice
I discussed earlier than that the proprietor would drop off random stuff in the midst of the night time to promote within the flea market, often with no be aware. It might be every little thing from furnishings to taxidermy (for this reason we at first didn’t assume there was something bizarre a few mountain lion exhibiting up). At some point, we got here in to work to discover a taxidermy grizzly bear in the midst of the doorway.
This grizzly was within the conventional pose of rearing up on hind legs with its entrance legs outstretched. It was that form of pose that’s purported to make it look fearsome, like whoever killed it was going through off in opposition to a extra highly effective power of nature. Nonetheless, this explicit bear was on the small facet and its taxidermist didn’t fairly get the pose proper. As a substitute of rearing up and snarling for a fearsome assault, its legs had been daintily planted and entrance legs outstretched prefer it needed a hug. Added to that, its jaw was closed, its head tilted, and somebody had gone a little bit heavy on the eyebrows. The tip consequence was that this apex predator regarded like a anxious grandma reaching out to hug her grandbabies.
The supervisor fell utterly in love with this grizzly and refused to place her up on the market. She stated she felt a kinship and simply knew if she was a bear, they might be greatest associates. So the bear was named Bearnice and have become our retailer mascot.
The supervisor was offended that Bearnice was bare, so she whipped out her stitching machine and created a customized wardrobe for Bearnice. There was a rotating array of clothes of all kinds and events, plus equipment. Bearnice had seasonal-appropriate outfits and holiday-themed clothes.
And thus, a part of my morning routine redressing a taxidermy bear in response to climate, season, and “Bearnice’s temper” as interpreted by my supervisor, her greatest human good friend.
Bearnice’s most memorable outfits:
1) Nineteen Fifties fashion floral belted gown with white gloves, a string of pearls, matching pearl earrings, and essentially the most wonderful flower-covered Easter hat
2) Seventies fashion plaid pantsuit with flared legs, broad lapels, chunky costume jewellery, and a shimmery gold satin headband-scarf-thing
3) Full on Mrs. Claus outfit with white fur trim and a tray of cookies balanced on her entrance paws
4) Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, full with wig and lengthy cigarette holder
5) Ornate wedding ceremony robe that was a close to excellent copy of the Nineteen Nineties Bob Mackie Empress Bride Barbie
6) Rhinestone cowgirl shirt and denims, full with colourful boots, cowboy hat, lasso, and taxidermy pet wolf (quickly poached from one other vendor with a sequined collar and leash placed on it)
7) Sci-fi themed house go well with made out of silver lame and a transformed welding helmet
There have been so many extra. SO MANY. I remorse not grabbing a disposable digital camera to get some footage (this was within the period of Nokia bricks) as a result of Bearnice was an absolute treasure and dressing her was the spotlight of my mornings.
The proprietor would often push the supervisor to place Bearnice on the market, however the supervisor refused and the proprietor was too intimidated by her to push too laborious. Although I left lengthy earlier than the flea market shut down, I heard when the supervisor retired, she took Bearnice along with her. I hope the 2 of them proceed to decorate up collectively.
—
Animal tales:
https://www.askamanager.org/2024/08/lets-discuss-animals-at-work.html#comment-4815994
Haunted Spoons:
https://www.askamanager.org/2024/08/open-thread-august-9-2024.html#comment-4817527
The Mysterious Crates:
https://www.askamanager.org/2024/08/open-thread-august-16-2024.html#comment-4825634