One of the most exciting days of the year for me is when I
receive a box of new show clothes from Paula’s Place. A few weeks ago one of
those boxes showed up at our door. As I ripped open the box like a kid at
Christmas, I saw the most beautifully studded showmanship jacket. I was so
excited! This jacket was beyond
words and had so many rhinestones and studs on it that it almost looked bullet
proof. As I stripped my shirt off
as fast as I could, I say a little prayer that it will fit. I hadn’t seen Paula for a few years and
she was working off of measurements from five years ago. But I hadn’t grown
since I was 15. Right?
A little side note about Paula… She has made my show clothes
since I was 10 years old. She has never ceased to amaze me at how well she is
able to capture my personality in the outfits she makes for me. I know better
than to tell her how to do her job so the only requests have been to maintain
my same purple color scheme. Every new outfit outdoes the last one, and just
when I think she has made me the best yet, she amazes me with another.
So as I slid my arms carefully into the rhinestone-covered
sleeves and began zipping it up…well, let’s just say I’m apparently not the
same size as I was in 2006! Now I
have to break the bad news to Paula and my heart sinks. As I apprehensively emailed to tell her
of the problem, I really only had myself to blame for the poor fit.
My mom and I nervously awaited her response. My fingers were crossed that Paula
would say that it’s an easy fix and to send it back. I don’t want to part with it because it really is
perfect. It’s exactly the color
purple that I like and much like everything else Paula has made for me…it jut
looks like me! I also don’t want
to give it up and see it on someone else down the road.
Paula’s quick email response was nothing close to what I was
expecting. She was inviting me out
to her place in California to work together to make the jacket perfect! Of
course, I didn’t have to think twice before replying back to her with a
resounding “I’M IN! THANK YOU!” I
booked my flight and I vowed that nothing was going to keep me from getting to
reconnect personally with Paula. The reality was that my trip was going to be
quick because I had to get back for work, but it was going to be worth it.
For those of you who might not quite get what Paula means to
me, I have a funny story that might help you understand. A few years ago, we were at a show in
Virginia and saw a for sale sign for an outfit that used to be mine. It was actually
my very first outfit that Paula made for me. It was precious – so tiny, zebra
striped with pink and purple flowers. I was 10 years old at the time and even
then, it was so me! As my mom, sister and I gushed over the thought of buying
it back, we got busy with the show and kind of forgot about it. A couple months
later we were at a show in Tennessee, 45 minutes from our house, and there it
was for sale again…it was following me. We decided then and there, much to my
father’s dismay, that I had to get it back! Today it lives in my closet and it brings back so many great
memories every time I look at it.
I thought the day to fly to California would never get here
but it hadn’t really hit me that I was in for a really quickie trip. I had 36 hours to travel across the
country and back all the while fitting as much Paula time in as I could. There
were no direct flights from Nashville to Fresno, so I had to change planes in
Salt Lake City.
Upon landing at the Fresno airport, I was met Lorraine, a
lady who works for Paula. Paula was stuck at the dentist so “Rainy” and I got
some good chatting time in the car. As we sat at a red light behind a semi
truck, she ashamedly welcomed me to Paula’s hometown of Merced. On the back of
the semi was a hand written sign that read, “Girls, ever flash truckers? Here
is your chance, be a flirt lift that shirt!” Needless to say, we got a good
laugh in.
As we arrive at Paula’s Place, they explain that they recently underwent a huge
remodel. The old Paula’s Place had
been a single-wide trailer! (Keep in mind we’re talking the same Paula’s Place
that, year after year, had produced the most amazing outfits for some of the most
successful exhibitors in AQHA and APHA!) The “new” Paula’s Place is a lot
bigger but not exactly what I was expecting.
I don’t know why I was surprised. Paula’s Place is exactly like Paula herself – fabulous, practical, fun
and a little all over the place (aren’t most artists?) The office is managed by a lady named Joy
who I think is very appropriately named. Joy keeps Paula on track. There are sewing areas, embellishment
areas, and fabric and rhinestones everywhere. In-progress clothes are hanging all over the place. They pull me away from admiring everyone
else’s clothes long enough to take my new measurements and talk about my
outfit. I am in heaven! 
Paula’s “place” is actually a lot more than just her show clothes
workshop. It’s also home to NRCHA
Hall of Fame member Benny Guitron and his ranch! Benny and Paula have been together “forever” and they make
the perfect couple. I’m not there long and I get invited to head out to the
barn to ride with none other than Benny Guitron! I have only been on a handful
of real reining horses before, so I was super excited. Get this – I even got to ride in an
authentic Benny Guitron saddle…I felt very privileged.
That night Paula, Benny, Rainy, Tina (who is one of Paula’s
employees) and I went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant. Afterwards, Paula
and Benny call it a night and Rainy, Tina, and I went to the movies.
The next day was, sadly, also my last. The first thing I do when I get up and
get dressed is go to the shop and say hi to all the ladies. Tina had been
working on my showmanship outfit while I was riding the day before so now was
the moment of truth. It was time to see if my outfit fits. I hesitantly put on
the jacket, which was now a vest, since the sleeves had to be cut off so that
they can be altered. It fits!!!
YAY! I gave everyone a hug
and went back to the barn to ride with Benny until it was time to head to the
airport. (Those are my sleeves after they had been removed. Don’t they look like they could stop a bullet in its tracks?)
My flight was at 1:20 p.m. so Paula and I left the ranch around 11. We arrived
at the airport and had lunch together before it was time to board the plane. We
said our goodbyes and I headed back to Tennessee.
Thank you Paula, Benny and all of the ladies at Paula’s Place for an excellent
time and I can’t wait to come back!
