If ever there was a playground for adults, it is certainly here in Las Vegas. Yes, I’m in Vegas for a total of two nights for the Shecky’s Las Vegas event. I’m staying at the Venetian, which I find rather ironic being that Venice (as in, Venezia, the real Venice) is probably one of the last places you’d want to be (unless you like wading through four feet of water) as of late. But here at the Venetian Resort and Casino, it’s all romance and atmosphere and fun and games. Lots of gaming, let’s be honest!

If you’ve never been here, it really is quite impressive. If I squint my eyes, I could almost feel like I’m really in Venice. The designers of the resort have recreated all the key elements and highlights of the city within the walls of the hotel. From the water canals and bridges (or ‘ponti’!) to a mini- Piazza San Marco. The only thing missing is the masses of pigeons! (which is fine by me). Oh, and the exorbitant amount of water.

I wonder if the hotel did anything special last week when the real Venice was drowning under water? I don’t mean I wonder if they dumped buckets and buckets of water on the floors in an attempt to stay as authentic as possible (although that would have been kind of hilarious!); but some kind of effort to bring an awareness to the guests? “The great city of Venice, our inspiration and the very reason for our creation here at The Venetian, is currently struggling, braving the forces of Mother Nature and waiting for the waters that are threatening to pull it down to recede.” … “We ask that you keep the people of the city in your thoughts… and be conscientious with your use of water today. Please turn off the faucet while your brush your teeth.”

You think? Yeah, not likely.

When I showed up Sunday night at my booth at the Holiday Market, there was an incredible surprise waiting for me. Someone had left me two dozen yellow and purple roses! There is no card, no name attached to the delivery whatsoever. Word has it that the booth was busy that afternoon and apparently my staff didn’t take careful notice of the deliverer of these gorgeous flowers. So who was it? And why? I kind of love mysteries like this, those moments in life that just leave you scratching your head in utter disbelief. It feels like something straight out of a fairy tale or the movies. Maybe it will turn into a wild game of Guess Who? like in the movie Amelie (if you don’t get the reference, do yourself a favor and go rent the movie right now, for the stunning soundtrack if nothing else!)…

It almost doesn’t matter who or why (although it is driving me a little crazy that I can’t extend a gracious thank you), because clearly the point was for it to be an elusive act. I suppose I’ll just have to honor that. For the time being anyway. I may do some more investigating at some point though…

It’s funny, too, how I was just commenting on the way the right thing always comes around at the right time when I’m in desperate need. I don’t know that I realized it was two dozen roses that I needed right now, but it sure has turned things around for me! So whoever you are, if you’re reading this, thank you for that. For making my day, my week, my holiday season!

My horoscope lately has been warning of the stress of the holiday season, the overwhelming effect of all the hustle and bustle, even of “bizarre work situations”, and encouraging Leos, like myself, to try to maintain an even keel, to take some time alone with a loved one. These astrologers couldn’t be more on point!

My horoscopes do tend to be right in line with my life. I have friends who are skeptical of astrology in terms of predicting human behavior, but when it comes to zodiac signs, I do believe that we are born with certain innate traits, that we have natural tendencies. We may fight to go against them, but it is a losing battle. I believe that there is a supernatural part of this universe that we can’t see but can choose to believe in anyway. And I do believe in it, because somehow the right thing always comes along at the right time when I am in desperate need.

I am a Leo, year of the Snake. So, Leos tend to be proud, “warm of spirit, eager for action and driven by a desire to be loved for what they bring to others”.
But get this, a website I like describes Snakes as “intuitive, introspective, refined and collected” people. But even more telling, it explains that “snakes become bored easily and therefore change jobs frequently. (!) They are very conscientious and diligent at work”. It also says they “get a great deal of pleasure out of just being lazy” (it’s true, I admit) and one of the strong careers for a snake is a Jeweler (whaddya know?!). Anyway, I think it’s all pretty fascinating and can be a great tool to understanding not only yourself, but also your friends and loved ones or even people with whom you tend to have conflicts.

So the next time you’re looking for a way to procrastinate, read up a little on the Zodiac. If nothing else, you may find some trait that justifies your desire to procrastinate!

* photo credit: chinese-tools.com *