I have had trouble settling down to write this blog. And the truth of the matter is that I am slightly depressed. Everyone is slightly – or majorly – depressed these days, you might say. But the Corona virus is not what is keeping me from writing this blog. It is the result of reading another blog – VitalVegas. I had seen mention of this blog for years, but I had been too busy writing books, and articles, and my own blog while fitting in personal in-the-casino activity to give this blog a read.
Well, I have more leisure time now. And for a couple of nights I have been staying up half the night to catch up on this new-to-me writing. I am blown away by it. Perhaps partly because I am so familiar with the subject material – I have been to or heard about or even written about most of the subjects. But most of all I am in awe about a writing style that grabs the reader by the neck – and never lets go.
I long to write like that. But my work will never be described as edgy. For over 20 years I deliberately tried to avoid as much as possible pointing out the negative aspects of Las Vegas and casinos, concentrating on giving positive advice on how to cope with the reality. I took the little-Miss-Sunshine role. And to be absolutely frank, at times I didn’t name names because I wanted to protect my own hunting grounds!
In the last couple years or so, I did begin to point out areas where I thought casinos were being unwise. I never blamed the casinos for not wanting people like me who were negatively affecting their profitability (even though I thought they were overreacting to an extremely small issue) but I saw and wrote about those draconian actions that were negatively affecting all their customers.
I thought about the comparison between “VitalVegas” and this blog. Probably the most common adjective readers – even my most loyal fans – would use to describe “Frugal Vegas” might be “sensible” (like sensible shoes – not very fashion-forward but more comfortable). I wondered if I could make this blog a little more edgy, a little more in-your-face. I could try – maybe?
But I did think of one possibly more forward-thing I could do – I could start taking and posting selfies. I have always considered them in the realm of anxious middle-school girls who lack self-confidence – and, not surprising, many of their male counterparts (most who have temporarily dropped out of the human race to become monkeys who are fixated on their private parts). However, sadly, also the adult realm seemed to be crowded with narcissism. So I tried to stay out of that realm.
But yesterday Brad and I was sitting on the beach at our apartment complex lake, not near anyone else so we were observing proper social distancing, and a new thought popped into my head. Time to try something new – and besides I wanted to show how a faux palm tree, with colorful coconuts, could lift one’s spirits – at least temporary – in this dark time. Here is my first selfie:
NOTE: I will unfriend or de-friend anyone who comments that I am looking good. I don’t look particularly good at all. I haven’t put on makeup or curled my naturally straight straggly hair for weeks – and I don’t plan to do so for at least a month – and maybe longer.
Here is my second selfie:
You may comment on the second selfie if you don’t gush – the longer I don’t cut Tom’s hair, the curlier and thicker it looks, which seems a little unfair to me.
I’m not sure if I will ever take another selfie. It didn’t seem to inspire me to write edgy words and I don’t feel like addressing anyone right in their face.
I may just have to continue writing sensibly until I can find a new and comfortable style. Hang on, readers, who knows what the future holds here.
Thank you so much for the mention, Jean, and I’m extraordinarily humbled by your article. And “humble” isn’t the word that leaps to mind when people describe me. You are nothing short of a Las Vegas legend, so you’ve been doing something right all these years. Keep up the great work, and I trust we agree about wanting to see Las Vegas back in action again soon. You’re the best!
Oh, about the pictures, I have learned never to judge a book by its cover but what you learn from the story and information book provides.
Thank you and stay safe!
Both blogs are very good, Jean your blog in my eyes is to get the most out of Las Vegas as we can for our dollars, be it from specials or player club deals all that is vital (ha ha) to the consumer for gambling and deals.
Vital Vegas which I feel does not do enough postings, provides insight to the heart beat from pictures we would never see and I don’t know how they are able to get some of the ones they do post and information way ahead of the general public news and most times they are spot on when it comes to predictions. Also I love the humor!
As said before both blogs are very good and both provide services to the people who want to know more about Las Vegas whether it’s for consumer frugal deals or just more in the know behind the scenes about a city that one loves and does not live there.
My hats off to both of you and keep up the good work keeping us players informed!!!
Who wears sensible shoes? We know Scott does. Do you?
Glad to see you’re enjoying life!
Jean,
So nice to see you looking so well. Love reading your stories.
Jean,
You really don’t look well!
Jean, you both look fine in the 2nd selfie with Brad. You have beautiful sun and weather. Keep posting and praying like I and my daughter do, as Long Island where we live is the highest and worst cases
Stay safe and healthy.
Gerry Kelly
I just stumbled onto your blog and happy to say that-I am glad, ‘ I bump into you ‘, your writing style came off like a big scoop of intelligence and insight with a flavor sauce of youthfulness. Then you put the cherry on top with the selfies….niccccce.
Good ta meet you and . Stay safe Stay Healthy
Your writing is just fine. Don’t change a thing. Scott Roeben is also very good at what he does (which includes frequent tweets). I read both Vital Vegas and LVA’s terrific lineup of columnists regularly, both before and after the world changed.
Oh, Jean, hadn’t you heard? Beauty is as beauty does. And you’ve ‘done’ beautiful things, i.e. frugal pointers seasoned with some inside info for…how long? And “edgy” journalism? Edgy is everywhere, enough to be tiresome at times. What we need is what we got (apologies to Flip Wilson) from your blogs, the facts, ma’am, just the facts (more apologies, Joe Friday?). And your writing IS entertaining. Trustworthy and useful. Personally I’m loving this guilt-free weeks-long slum’ fest’…nothing to get dressed for. You keep up the ‘sensible’ writing. We need it now more than ever.
Glad to hear you are doing good,,welcome to the world of selfies, lol. I think everyone in the casino slot world is in withdrawal mode, many are even filming themselves scratching off scratchers, lol. Next time you should try a selfie with the lake in background,,stay healthy.
Good for you,,,,,it is a time for a change……you can do it…..Remember,,,you can always teach an old dog new tricks…..If I can do it,,,and I am 86,,,,you can do it….Sometimes all we need is a little push……So,,,get with it Girl….we all love anything you write….It is always such a pleasure to read your articles……and don’t give up!!!!….We are all in there for the fight…..and we will win……! Lots of love….until next time…….VA
Girl you have style.
Always good to hear from you Jean selfies or otherwise – you lift our spirits!
Stay safe
Sherry & George
Thanks for the info and pictures. It’s so nice to smile right now. Stay safe, be happy.
We love you just the way you are. As an aside, I too have baby straight hair, currently tied back in a pony tail. I’m in my 70s and could care less about makeup or my hair.
Well . . at least your wit has not been diminished!! Please don’t “unfriend” me, but the second photo really is good! Take care, stay safe, God bless you both. Bev & Lane Smith
Good to see you via selfie. We, like most people, are hunkering down at home with no place to go. Praise be to all the selfless hospital and medical workers, grocery store workers, garbage men, charity workers, government workers, the Governor of Nevada, and those that strive to help the rest of us. The world seems to be ending not with a bang but with a cough. Keep on writing.