6/6/23

Looks like I will have to make a trip to the strip soon. I pretty much grew up at the Tropicana Hotel. It was my first big show on the strip as a dancer in  Les Folies Bergere' I will be sad to see it imploded to make way for a baseball stadium. It is one of the last few standing from the Golden Era of Las Vegas. And, I suppose I should get my book finished and share all my stories of the past. I will be working on it this year as I have the time. It will be a relief when it is finally done and I can publish it. I believe I will self publish as some of the stories are a bit graphic and name a few folks by their real name, or lets just say they will know the story is about them. I feel a few will not be happy with my decision to discuss certain things. Oh well, too bad I say. Its my story and my truth. 'Badshowgirl' will be a must read someday. I know it!

Its been awhile 6/6/23

 2023 has been an eye opener of a year. I lost my last job that I absolutely loved and started into a new career. The idea never crossed my mind as I thought I would not be the right fit. Turns out I was wrong. Sometimes in life we have to step out of our comfort zone and try something completely new. There are definitely some challenges that have come up, but for the most part its been good for my soul.

Harrah's Showroom

I needed to get my groove back. 

Tonight I was invited to see 'Whitney' a hologram show at Harrah's Las Vegas. I ended my dancing career on this stage in 2003. I hadn't been back. I had a hard time facing the showroom where I ended my career on a night in 2003. My heart I thought would never be the same. It really wasn't, until I went into the showroom tonight. I was in so much pain in 2003, it devastated my soul. But, I came back. And you know what? The Maitre D Michael was there and a cocktail waitress I knew. We hugged like it was 19 years ago. I still love them as they love me. 

The showroom is still gorgeous and the massive chandeliers are still there. The stage curtains are there. They left the VIP booths. I can still see myself on the floor of the theater stretching getting ready for an 8 hour day of grueling rehearsals. And mind you, I worked as a cocktail waitress in evenings for Clint Holmes. So, basically I lived there. I also lived at Budget Suites on Tropicana and Arville and drove a shit car. I did whatever I could to be in that showroom. It was all passion. I love Harrah's, still do. I know its owned by Caesars, but to me its still a small corporate company who loved their employees. When Harrah's found out I was going to be in the show, they gave me nothing but praise. they were happy for me. I never made any money. It wasn't about that. I made less as a dancer than a cocktail waitress. 

Las Vegas. I suppose I'm still in the bubble of how things used to be. But, I know people were treated differently. Today? I have no words. Its unfortunate Im unable to finish my book. Its no excuse. Its hard to be happy and drive positivity when the city gives nothing back.

Hannah

 New post, new thoughts. Las Vegas? Recently, just a dilemma. What to write about this corrupt evolving city. Its a question those of us who live here. Those that blog but dont live here, you post about your hotel rooms and all the comps you receive via internet. Im happy you receive all your comps and discounts. 

Let me me tell you a story about last night and today. Her name is Hannah. She is homeless. She lives on the bench in front of our development. I noticed her a few days ago. She was in the Walgreen parking lot. She made a camp out in front of our place. Im not mad. Its cold now. She was walking back and forth to stay warm. I was making myself a grilled cheese and felt bad. I made two. Before I ate mine I put hers in a container, added yogurt, soda and some love. I walked out to go see Hannah. She was scared and kept distance. She told me her name. Said someone left her, homeless. Shes not from Las Vegas and she was ok. I know she isnt ok. I left my homemade sandwich and a nice sweatshirt(its cold). I checked on her all night and day. 

Next day. Shes still there. I was having a smoke on my balcony around 530pm and I saw a man in a nice suit walk up to her bench, she wasn't there. He left a nice box of food for her from a restaurant. He thought about her too. 

We all look out for her. Someone left her. Shes not from Vegas. 

Not everyone wants to be homeless. I feel that where I live we will help her. Everyone does care. It hurts to see her sleep on that bench. She just needs a start. Food is not always the answer but those who can offer more, please try. I struggle too. We need the city to come in and help her. Her name is Hannah.

Las Vegas help those that are left behind. She is a good young woman.

Update, went to go find her out front. Her things are there. I walked to corner mart to get a few items. Asked clerks if they had seen her? First thing out of his mouth is...Shes a drug addict! No shes not! Shes a nice girl an left. She feels safe here and she is. If God Is in my will, I wont let anything happen to her. I dont have much, but I watch out for her.

Who are you? Do you Care? Do you protect or abandon the less fortunate? Think about that.

Press on.

 So the story is written. I was shutdown in 2019 for telling the real story about Las Vegas with real names. Publisher said no real names or locations. We will get sued and cannot take on your book. It will cost too much to publish with all the unseen lawsuits? What? You think folks do not want to know the truth behind the lights of Las Vegas? If I publish without anyone helping me, it will all be exposed. Some living some not. That is what folks want to read! The real, raw behind scenes of the Las Vegas, that is now lost in history, But no one wants to accept what I have written. Yes, it was beautiful, charismatic and magical, yet there is a darkening side of the city that exists. I have those stories. My own recollection with very prominent men that ran the city. On the backside of the Strip, there were many encounters and activities. Some of you will want to read and others you will not. Isn't that what a nonfiction publication is supposed to offer?

If you're so kind please leave a comment. I would like to know your thoughts. Thank you, Scarlett. 

 Las Vegas. New Era, New City, New Laws or Mandates. Not even sure what to say, but will do my best. I arrived in Las Vegas 1987 to become a Las Vegas Showgirl at 18. Yes, I had been visiting since the early 70's and 80's. My parents were married in Las Vegas in the 60's. Ive always enjoyed the city up until there was a complete shutdown in March of 2020. I lost my desire to finish my book about my life as a Showgirl. The city completely changed. There is a lack of love and appreciation. Greed everywhere. Yes there was a greed before, but this new kind of greed is selfish, egotistical and lack of fellow neighbor. 

Because I loved the city so much, I would always live close to the strip where all the action is. During the shutdown of 2020, I was fearing for my life and kitties living 2 blocks from the heart of the city.

Moving to the burbs has not done anything to calm my living situation. South Summerlin in my opinion has been a nighmare. Now, Im the kind of girl who loves privacy and a nice quiet home. I have had no peace since moving and paying a higher rent. I have recently found out my last place is now as expensive as this new place in Summerlin.

Yes, we are feeling the price gauging everywhere, Im not political, but something is happening in the government that is not looking out for its people. So, Im thinking this is the lack of love for thy neighbor. How do we keep on going with this economy? Its all Greed based. 

Therefore, I lost interest in telling the story of a Las Vegas Showgirl. Looking for inspiration, but finding none. Maybe if I keep blogging it will come back to me? Maybe The Les Folies Bergere' reunion in March of 2022 will give me hope and inspiration to finish writing. I can only Dream, but I know Dreams do come true if you believe.

A few memories of Las Vegas

 The Luxor. Opened in 1993. I was living off of Pecos and Reno about 12miles East of the strip in 'Tennis Estates' luxury homes.

Now I live directly across from Luxor 12 miles West and can see the luscious light every night as I did in 1993. Its still spectacular! I do love the lights of Las Vegas.

Ive been here as far back as 1987 and I have never not loved the lights of Las Vegas. They are one in a million.

When I first moved to Las Vegas in 1987, I was astounded at the immense light spectacular of the strip. There is nothing like it in the world. I had been visiting way before 1987. My parents in the 70's and 80's would pack all of us into the camper and we would make a road trip to Vegas. We would camp at Circus Circus camp area on strip. They had a pool and lots of fun recreation for kids. Plus the .99 buffet that my Dad would wake us up for at 6 am! He always liked to be first in line as we all were half asleep! Thanks Dad! My Mom was never a fan. She liked her showers and glam. Not happening at the camp site at Circus Circus! But we all loved it! Dad made everything fun! He would give us all a few coins and we would go play games on 2nd floor of CC while he played down below. My poor Mother was not amused, she still isnt to this day! LOL

Just a moment to share. I love seeing the Luxor Light even though I have no interest to go to Strip at this time. I miss the strip, the lights and memories. I hope we can make new memories in Las Vegas soon. I miss all the fun chaos.

See you all soon. We will be here when you want to come visit again.

Silent City

 Its December 15th 2020. What is there to say or not to say? How can I put into words how I feel about Las Vegas? I feel a silence in my soul for the city I miss. I close my eyes and willfully wish to wake up and see the city I remember. So vibrant and full of life. I close my eyes and dream of days past. I try never to live in the past, but that is the only thing that keeps me hopeful. What else can I be thankful for when everything is taken from us? Im not being dismal. Im being realistic. This whole shit show is what it is. 

I will say that I am grateful for the beautiful kitties I rescued during these past 9 months. Living on the east side of the Las Vegas strip did offer advantages. I felt safe. I could walk everywhere and feel a part of the city. I was just a few blocks away from the strip. It was my home for so many years. I miss it dearly.

Things have changed and I moved 12 miles west of the strip. I feel less safe in Summerlin than I did on east side. Its just a feeling. I had to install an alarm system and to be more vigilant. My heart is on the east side. There is a nostalgic aspect of the 'Forever" east side. The history has me at a crossroads. For those that ask why? I have been in Las Vegas since 1987 and the east side was the place to live. Now its a lower income(in some parts). I feel like I left my soul.

In this new part of town. I do not trust anyone and I dont like walking anywhere. I can walk for miles in Summerlin, but there is a weird vibe. Hard to describe. No more walking.

I see a city in despair. I am not relating any other city to Las Vegas. Las Vegas is unique and special in its on way. 

I sit here and wonder what our city will become. Not even a question. Its just a desert city built on dreams and grandeur. 

The LV Strip or The Burbs

 I lived on the East side of the Las Vegas Strip for most of my life in Las Vegas. I have been in Las Vegas 35 years. The east was one of the best places to live for years. It has gotten run down recently. Even before the shutdown. I do love the east side. But if you are a Vegas local, you'd have much to say. I had to move from my quaint east side place recently to be closer to family. I probably would have stayed. The strip traffic never really bothered me. Because I knew where I lived. It was slow and hectic, but I rarely complained, My only issue was the bad street quality on Paradise between Flamingo and Harmon. Street is not ok, tons of pot holes. I own a classic Corvette, and the streets ruined my tires and suspension. 

The complex which is across street from Hard Rock has been infested with ghetto and low income folks. I was grateful to find a place on the west side in Summerlin. Its beautiful, big, new and has a garage.

My issue is the Nevada drivers.

Strip traffic to me is fine. I understand the way they drive. I have not seen the burbs in awhile. I love the strip!

The burbs is outrageous!  I moved to an upscale property. But, I'm not happy with the local drivers. I live on Fort Apache and Ill say its a freeway. Its 35mi an hour. All day its 55mi an hour or more. I have a classic corvette and it seems everyone expects me to race them? No. Not happening. I value my car. Who are these locals that race everyday and night on Fort Apache ?Why doesn't law enforcement stop these people? Its daily. I'm fearful to drive on this street. Why am I  fearful? I have two hip replacements and I drive a corvette. I'm not trying to race anyone.

So, Id rather be in the ghetto than the burbs. The burbs people are mean, disrespectful, rude, arrogant and selfish. 

Las Vegas living is different in all aspects. Each neighborhood has its own attitude. I prefer the east. But Im here on the west. Will see how it goes. I even have to install a security system which I never had on east. Im told there are more burglaries in upscale neighborhoods? Hmmmm. what a shock.

Until next time stay safe in Las Vegas and please drive speed limit.

Showgirl Storytime

Las Vegas was glamorous and decadent. In the 1980's it was a world that only those that experienced its glory can relate. A celebration of a time past.

The endless neon lights...Showgirls in every casino! I was grateful to be one of them!

Being a Les Folies Bergere' girl at the Tropicana Hotel in the 80's was a privilege. We were considered royalty in Las Vegas. Even though I was barely 18, I had the honor of being part of history that will forever be in the archives of Las Vegas. At the time I did not understand what being a 'Showgirl' meant to the city. Thirty Three later I see that now. The city has changed and nothing will ever have the allure of days gone by.

Even though I was under the age of 21, I was never carded or asked my age. Each dancer was given two drink tickets a night from the producer. They wanted us to mingle in between shows. So, we would get dressed up in between shows and go hang at the center bar at the Tropicana. Some girls chose not  to participate, but I was always up for a nice cocktail! We would sit and laugh about the escapades of the show, who we were dating and where we would go after the show. It was always a party! Then we would head backstage and get ready for the second show. A bit tipsy, but we all had fun.

On a particular night, one of the showgirls got a little bit drunk and had a huge spill into the orchestra pit. The stage at the Tropicana had a 'passerelle' (bridge) that extended out and into the the audience via a ramp that encircled the orchestra pit. Opening showcase of the show and of course we were always told never to look down. Because the headdresses were so heavy and awkward that one look down and you would lose your step. Well, she missed a step and stepped right down into the orchestra pit right in the middle of the dance number. She basically had to stay there for the first part of the show. We all laughed as she sat there and watched us continue on with the show. She was so miserable, but we all thought it was funny because she never had a chance to climb out until the magician had his 12 minute routine and she safely crawled out with the help of the stagehands! It was quite entertaining! Im sure the audience had a good laugh as well.

Just another night being a Folies girl at the Tropicana Hotel. There was never a dull moment.

Safe Las Vegas

Hi. I know I have been quiet since this shutdown. I have my reasons. This is not something I like talking about and neither do you.

Resort fees. Resort fees are not going away. You can complain all over social media about it, but its here to stay. Yes its now free parking and some hotels offer limited valet(check beforehand).
Resort fees are for your enjoyment of the pool, gym salon and yes the Casino floor. The fees are for the external maintenance of the property. You dont like it, but you want to have it at your disposal. How do you explain that? This is not 1980! Its 2020. Things have changed and if you cannot accept than dont visit our great city.

If you love Las Vegas, we have much to offer! We are open and ready to open the doors for you and your friends, family.

If you listen and read social media, most are discouraging and wrong about our city. We are safe, mask and social distancing. We locals love our city. Visit anytime and have the best time of your life!

Do you?

I understand that most people are afraid to walk among the homeless and destitute. I am not. I am a confident woman and when I engage with these folks they trust me. At all hours of the night since I was in my early teen's. I do not fear the homeless. Yes, they have mental issues, but all they need is a kind hand and a hello. They need love too.

When I venture out at night to get some fresh air, I encounter many characters. Some lost, some needing a hello and some needing water or a bit of food. No one ever asks me for anything. I am the one that always offers. I never carry much cash, but enough for water or a few items they may need.

When I stop by my neighborhood 7 Eleven, they know I am buying stuff for the needy. They always say,  "Scarlett what are you buying tonight"? They know I care and do what they can to offer help. I wont say because they have a job to protect. But we are in this together. We are not wealthy but we help one another on an even plane. So many folks suffering as well as animals.

My heart is with humanity and all the animals no matter what species they are.

I look around my city and I see sadness. Its not just the shutdown, but everyday since 1987. Even when I lived in Santa Monica for a few years, I gave a cashmere blanket to a homeless woman. I saw her shivering one night and I told my boyfriend to hurry home. I went into house and grabbed that blanket. He took me back to where she was and I covered her in a doorway and put a hundred dollar bill under her arm. She whispered, "Thank you". She is forever in my heart, never saw her again, and its ok. I gave her warmth for one night. Thats all I care about.

How Selfish are you today? Look at yourself and see? Do you care about other people? No, really? Do you?

7/2/2020

How do I write a marvelous story about the way Las Vegas used to be, when all I see is disdain. Its hard to wrap my intelligent brain around all this nonsense. Im glad there is no reason to be young anymore. Whatever I write is an expression of who I am today.

I see anger all around. People are out of work, more homeless, businesses going out of business, no money, no quality of life. If you think quality of life is walking around the grocery store in a mask, than I am not on your side. And who can go to the gym and have a solid workout if you're breathing is reduced by 60% because your face is covered by a disgusting mask? Well, most Americans dont workout, thats a fact, so they could care less about those of us that are healthy and make a life based around the gym with healthy outlooks. Leave the gyms alone! We are not part of a fear-based society. We dont eat processed crap or hoard canned goods. WE prefer the produce aisle which are always stocked and rarely busy.

All of a sudden people are worried about their immune system being compromised? Really? Did you think of that when you decided to disregard going to the gym or having physical exercise as part of your life? Thats when you disregard your own health. Its not our fault that you are unable to maintain proper health standards. Selfish. Now you think everyone should protect your unhealthy lifestyle? Not my problem or anyone else who is fit and healthy. You made that choice. Now you will deal with the circumstances. I will not, as I have always maintained a healthy life. Yes, I drink alcohol, eat bad food, but I do it in moderation. I always find myself in the produce aisle not the processed aisle. Where are you at in the grocery store? Where are you with your physicality? Ask yourself, before you judge others.

I am not your keeper. If I do or do not wear a mask, it is not for you to say. Stay in your own lane.

>>>Unhealthy non exercise people stay in your lane.
***Healthy people, we know who we are, we dont wear masks.

Enough

So, we all prayed for our city to open. Yet, tonight you went to the Strip and terrorized our police and looted our city streets. Good job. Those of you who did, will probably never read my blog because you are not intelligent enough to know the difference between right and wrong.

I understand peaceful protests and I understand police brutality, but I condemn those that feel it is their right to go and destroy cities that they live in. Good, go destroy your local Target and Auto Zone. Now you have nowhere to shop for essentials for your family or car. Go destroy and loot our beautiful Las Vegas Strip and terrorize the men and women who defend and look out for us. You are not Las Vegas and I have no respect for you. If you happen to read this, challenge me. I defend my city of Las Vegas and hold it in the highest regard. Your petty criminal actions do not define Las Vegas. You should move elsewhere. Not tolerated here.

Las Vegas Is a Big and Beautiful City! Magical and I refuse to let you destroy what we have built for 100 years. Leave if you dont like it, we dont want you here.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas.

I will direct this to the people who claim they know about our city. You know Nothing! Go walk the streets and see the devastation.  Its not just about the casinos, but about our people. People are suffering, with job losses all around. Everyone is suffering. The rich are sitting in their homes and not giving a fuck. Mayor Goodman has been tireless with her time and we should be grateful. The Gov is a total idiot and leaving our people with nothing.

Our city is the Casino industry. This is what we were built on. You shut a city down for a fear based virus? I dont agree. Its all fear based. All Political. Now you sit in your place wondering if you can pay rent or mortgage? What the fuck is that? You like that?

I dont follow the masses. I dont live in Fear. I live. Open America. We have a solid president who cares. You might not like him but he is the only one who does care and hes telling States to OPEN!

OPEN AMERICA OPEN NEVADA
.

Dear Mother

Dear Mother,

Thank you. Thank you for all you gave to me and my sisters. Growing up in L.A. in a beautiful home with you and Daddy was the best childhood I could ever have known. Your love and compassion is a true grace that set you apart. You loved us all equally and never a day has gone by in my 50 years on this earth that I didn't know how much you love me.

Your passion for art, dance, music, animals and beauty has always amazed me. You inspired me to dance at an early age when you would take me to your 'Disco Dance'  class.

Thank you for loving Dad for 53 years and I know you miss him everyday. A love story for the books!

Happy Mothers Day to all the ladies of the world! I love you Mother.

Savages

I titled this as such... there are Savages with no compassion or empathy. Las Vegas has become a city that no longer cares, in my opinion. These are my words and I will say how I chose.

Hoarders and cruelness is unacceptable. I have tried to help the homeless and I get chastised or scolded like a bad child. There are those who find animal cruelty to be fun. I condemn you all.

This is a time to be compassionate for all humanity and animals that are left behind. I will stand for the homeless and the abandoned animals. I myself have two feral cats that were left behind, I took them in and they are the best companions. People are not companions. People are a source of seeking acceptance. Animals love without condition and look to us for shelter and love. We give, but only if they are our own pets. I help and give my time to those in need. I dont have alot this time in my life, but I do not look away. If I can, I will help. And I Do! What are you doing for humanity? Sitting on your ass doing nothing, I assume.

Sunday the 19th of April I witnessed a cruel mauling of a baby kitty. I had been feeding mama kitty for over a year, when one day she gave birth to four babies. I was able to rescue two, and mama kitty was very sad. But the other two stayed close to mama, until, the cruelness of the 'Dog People' egged their unleashed dogs to kill one of the remaining kittens. My mission is to try and rescue the last baby kitten and hopefully mama kitty.

I was grieving for days. I was carried away by a neighbor during this cruelty. I couldn't handle it.

I ask you if you read this...be compassionate to all life. I took a stand and now all 'Dog People' have dogs on leashes and no more cruelty. Its ok today, will see how long these cruel people will abide the law.

The Mistress Part 2

My first night being introduced to Charles was non eventful, even though we were attending a very prestige event.

 I was picked up in the limousine from the airport and we were going to scoop him up at the Ritz Carlton in downtown St Louis. I was in the limo alone with my one overnight bag. I had no idea where I was staying for the night. My girlfriend had been whisked away in a separate limo.

Pulling up to the Ritz, I had no expectations. The door opened to the back of limo where I was, shocked as this funny good-looking Irish man bounded in. I knew briefly who he was, but figured him to be much older. Older than me, yes. I was twenty eight and he was forty four, six foot four and a lean body for his age. He sat next to me and smiled, turned up the air condition and than put his favorite music on. He smiled at me with his devilish grin and asked if I would like a refill of champagne. He carried on with his rambunctious humor and told jokes all the way to the event. I sat there enthralled. Before we proceeded to the event, he looked me dead in the face and said, " This is my event, and I apologize if I ignore you. I need to mingle." I sat there and nodded no problem. I didn't know him and was happy to just go this extravaganza. I preferred intrigue. No boundaries.

The event was fun for those who knew one another. My girlfriend had left me behind. She set me up with this wildly wealthy man and than vanished.

Skip ahead to the end of the event. I was sitting alone in a big round black leather booth and he saunters up a drink in his hand, and says, "Ready?"

Ready I think? I wasn't paid to go come here, I took the night off of work to be here? And, he says...Ready? His smile melted me. I got up, accepted his outstretched hand and we left with four security personnel following behind.

We enter limousine and head to the Ritz

The Mistress Part 1

I was a Mistress to a very wealthy man in 1998. He loved that I was a Showgirl. He owned a very prestigious pro football team. He was 44 and I was 28 when we met in St Louis, Missouri for an event that my girlfriend invited me to. She was dating his best friend and wanted me to join on the private flight from Las Vegas to St Louis. The private airport in Las Vegas is very fancy. Valet is complimentary and they serve flutes of champagne in the lobby while the pilot does his final check of the aircraft.

We boarded and the luxuriousness of the aircraft is probably like sitting on the queens throne. Prestigious and pristine.

We landed in St Louis and got whisked away into the grey blacked out limousine. 

A few months later after our initial meeting, I was the mistress.

Altered State

An altered state of being. With gloom of the city skies, one police helicopter looms above. I hear nothing but that helicopter. I wave when they fly low and above me. I know they can see me. Their camera is on the floor of the copter. They see everything and nothing right now. They fly around looking for misbehaving. But there is none.

The streets are empty at noon as I accelerate the beast beneath me. She purrs like a tame bull, on her way to an unknown stance. Its all a stance There is nothing in this desolation. I see random cars driving about, but no one cares. There is no destination that is apparent. I see one black beast, and we wave, than another red beast with no acknowledgment.  If you must know, Corvette owners have a traditional wave when passing. I miss those daily waves, but I got one today! That makes me happy. Simple things have always produced a smile.

Where is the April warmth and the sunny days laying poolside in 80 degree weather?

World, I miss you.