Kids say and do the darndest things. So, this week I thought I’d write a short, light-hearted and amusing blog post for a change of pace.
A while back, my friend, Giselle, posted this pic on social media. It made me lol and reminded me of my own innocent social faux pas when I was a little girl.
I hadn’t thought about this in years. It’s a little embarrassing but a funny story. I was probably about 5 years old so hey, what the heck. And, in my defence, I don’t have any brothers.
My mom, my sister and I were shopping in a big department store with escalators that take you from one floor to the next. I loved riding the escalators. It was probably Eaton’s or maybe Hudson’s Bay. And, it would have been in Winnipeg, the closest big city to Thunder Bay which is a mere 8 hour drive away. My Aunt Sue and Aunt Nancy lived there so we visited fairly often.
My sister and I were standing near a display waiting for my mom. And btw, my sister is 12 years older than me. I don’t know where my mom was. Maybe she was off paying for something.
The display consisted of a low modular box with a half mannequin on top. It was a male torso with Jockey boxer briefs on. They were blue with white trim. You get the picture.
I reached up my hand, stuck it in what I thought was a pocket and exclaimed, “Hey, look there’s a pocket”. My sister quickly slapped my hand away, and then laughed just a little. I remember being so confused. I knew I had done something wrong but wasn’t sure exactly what. Did I ask my sister to explain? No. I was probably feeling chastised and embarrassed. I just tucked it away for future reference of things not to do.
It’s so interesting to note which memories we store in the deep recesses of our minds. My sister has no recollection of this mannequin violation, but I can recall it clear as day.
Maybe this is why I’m drawn to mannequins. I always take note of them when I’m in a store. I’ve named my own COKANNA mannequins, Mabel. Mabel has 2 versions of herself. There’s the top half Mabel and the bottom half Mabel. And, I often refer to one or the other as Mabel’s better half. I’ve yet to acquire a full length head to toe Mabel.

Mabel’s top half in the Pamela Bamboo Hoodie

Mabel’s bottom half in the Joy Bamboo Pocket Pant
So that’s my “kids say and do the darndest things” story. I hope it made you laugh. Do you have a funny or embarrassing story from when you were a kid? Tell me about it in the comments.
Until next week,
~ Colleen

The young me. Now, I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.
When I was diagnosed with cancer we told the kids that I had to go to the hospital to have surgery to remove my breast. Cooper, who was 8 at the time, came and gave me a big hug and told me “it’s ok mommy, it will grow back”! We still laugh about that today.
From the mouths of babes! Sometimes that’s exactly what you need to hear. I love how it’s a shared memory from a difficult time you can still laugh about now. Thanks for sharing, Kristin.