So who was the lady driving around town with a naked mannequin in the back seat of her SUV? Oh, it was all proper and innocent, I think, but you have to admit a rather unique sight. Yeah.

I mean there had to be a good reason, because not everyone has a need as well as a source for a naked one. Hubs called her a “wommequin” and I can’t argue with him. Oh, OK – it was me and it was all going well until choir practice last Monday night.

You see I tried to duck-out early, because well, I had the “wommequin” and all stashed in the back seat, but Miss Sue beat me out the door. And wouldn’t you know she was parked right next to me. I knew something was up when I saw the look on her face, but eventually she laughed … eventually.

Come live in my world where such things happen, I double-dog-dare you. I mean a nice little ole lady, like me, should only have groceries in her back seat or maybe a box of petunias, but oh, no, not me. That’s too sane.

The crazy part, I had to move Mary Lue over a bit in the back seat (yes, she has a name) to make room for “wommequin” number two, who will join the party tomorrow. I’m not sure if number two has a name? I’ll ask Mary Lue. I’m sure she will know.

By now I am not even worried about the stares and dropped jaws because once everyone recognizes the driver (ME! – No, I’m not letting them drive, yet), then it will be self-explanatory. Wasn’t I the one who escorted a ceramic frog from Tijuana? And don’t forget the honest to gosh, real, clay chicken who sat in-between us on that fateful adventure?

But a “wommequin” is new territory, even for me.

So I am making this public, because well, I thought I should own-up-to-it. You see I am right-smack-dab in the middle of a stage play and it will be the most wonderful drama in the city. And these two ole gals riding around with me will play important roles. Yes, we three shall car-pool together until play time. Just to clarify, I will be the one fully-clothed.

Of course, I must get their costumes put together – mustn’t have them running around naked on stage but I can ride them around naked in my car, because well, I’m weird in a creative way and no one really overly reacts to my right-sided brain, thought processes.

One thing – this adventure has slowed down Hubs from “borrowing” my car, especially when his truck is low on gas. He told me if he drove around with two naked “wommenquins” in the back seat that he would probably be arrested. I do admit he sort of has a criminal-type countenance. No way would a Lauderdale County jury ever declare him NOT GUILTY.

I can only add to this story that having two naked “wommequins” riding shotgun with me has probably been one of the highlights of my year. You see when I order: “one Big Mac please, with extra large fries,” there’s not a peep coming from the backseat. No grabbing for a fry or complaining that I forgot to ask for ketchup.

Plus, these two ole gals never criticize my driving, actually they think I’m an excellent driver and perhaps best of all, Mary Lue (and soon to be named number two) enjoy my conversation and agree with all of my ideas, especially my plans for Hubs, so I’m pretty happy.

Let me just say this, if perhaps the chance ever comes your way (a “wommenquin-type” chance), then with great hope I urge you to grab it with gusto, because it may never come your way again.

No, never come your way again, at least that’s where Hubs has pinned his hopes.

Anne B McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Performing Artist and Teaching Artist Rosters. See her web site: www.annemckeestoryteller.com