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.