a Yellow Brick Road, the Mouse & a Mannequin.

In April I met a mannequin at Disneyland.

Before I get to my mannequin tale, I want to share what I have been up to in terms of The Grand Fangtastical Magical Escape Plan. It has been a while since I have provided an update and welllll… I have been busy.

Earlier this year I finished reading a book that was recommended to me by my therapist entitled, Pivot by Adam Markel. This self-help tool revealed to me that, in terms of my escape and reinvention, my biggest fear is: leaving the safety of the known and going to the unknown. Change is scary but it is also necessary to avoid something even scarier… REGRET.

There were several sections of the book that spoke to me and of course portions that did not. Overall it was a worthwhile read. There was a line early on in the book that summed up the entire reason I was seeking to escape in the first place: “something is wrong”. I’ve been carrying around this feeling for quite some time. There have been days where I am in physical pain and can’t explain why. The concern that this is all there is or that I am not where I am supposed to be.

These types of sentiments are enough to drown someone.

By the time I got to the last page of the book, I felt confident that I am headed in the right direction. I am not blind to the fact that the escape will lead to difficulties and it won’t be a yellow brick road that leads me to a wizard that can grant all my wishes. It will, however, be a new road which will hopefully lead me to the destination I seek: to become film. And I know that I en route to my dreams, I won’t be doing this alone, I’ll have all of you cheering me on and my Taylor Swift playlist.

Now on to more important matters… Tilly, the Mannequin

This is Tilly.

She thrives and survives in Anaheim, California at Disneyland. I was fortunate enough to make her acquaintance in April while on a mouse escapade with my mother (aka Mother Wolf).

Tilly is said to hail from Marceline, Missouri (childhood town of Walt Disney and inspiration for Main Street) and works at the Main Street Cinema box office as a ticket slinger. She is said to have the longest tenure of any cast member.

I was immediately drawn to Tilly’s vacant stare and gloved hands. There is no question about it, this mannequin had a lifelike presence. Now… I am no betting gal, but I would put money down that I witnessed Tilly breath.

The most fascinating aspect of this mannequin wonder is who is responsible for her? In conducting some research, I found that her attire is updated depending on the season. In April her fit was donning the colors of the 100th celebration. I truly wish I could see her Halloween costume as I am sure it is something to behold.

When I paid my respects to the longest tenured cast member (aka employee) at Disneyland it appeared that someone had just delivered her afternoon tea and macaroons. I found it quite exciting that she took her tea as I do, with lemon… twins.

No question about it… Tilly is serious about her work at the cinema. Her gloves are clearly not just a way to fight off germs from patrons but also seem to serve as a way to avoid pesky papercuts from tickets. I can’t imagine what would go down if Tilly caught you talking while the film played. I have a feeling that guest would not leave intact.

I already am pining to see Tilly once more. Next time, I may even work up the nerve to chat with her, as I did notice that her name-tag revealed her favorite Disney character to be Mickey Mouse. For those unaware, all cast members are required to list their favorite character on their name tag. I, too, am quite fond of the mouse and I think this would be a wonderful ice breaker.