By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Off to see the Wizard – nine chicks, a lion and a Matt!
“Make good choices.” The famous momma mantra I drilled into my babies’ psyche as they were growing up, and truth be told, still do today. A solid adage in this momma’s humble opinion.
This was preciously the theme as I packed a significant sized suitcase for a little weekend jaunt. After all, it was winter requiring a substantial wardrobe, and in my defense, the Artic blast was soon to descend on the Lone Star State upon our return. It was just a little excursion with the girls – a mere four states away – nine other fabulous females and a Matt.
The destination for our motley crew? Las Vegas or Sin City as it aptly named as the laws are loose and the ladies looser. We were off – to see the Wizard – and conjure up some other fanciful and fun experiences, preferably ones without wicked witches.
It’s been a minute since I have been to the debaucherous desert, and let me just say, it hasn’t changed that much. Sure, it’s bigger, brighter, bolder, but it’s still Vegas. They say New York is the city that never sleeps. Not only does Vegas not sleep, you can’t even tell if it’s day or night inside the cavernous casinos.
We posted up at The Venetian so we would be close to the land of Oz, our goal for making the 1,000 mile trek. Sweet Kimmy had the dream. “Let’s go to Vegas and see ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Sphere!”
Her enthusiasm was childlike in wonderment and absolutely infectious. It was beyond precious. Always up for a grand adventure, I was in.
Now to be honest, I didn’t ask that many questions when the invitation was made. I was busy doing this and that and simply delegated the arrangements to Lisa Ann. She always appreciates a project.
As the time for our departure approached, I began looking into the specifics of following the yellow brick road. I learned attending this particular event was a somewhat interactive experience.
“Are you telling me I’m paying money to get windblown and pummeled with apples?” I asked Lisa Ann.
“Yes, it’s fine,” she aptly replied. “And you need to try really hard to catch an apple because it’s a thing.”
“You know I’m not sporty,” was my retort.
We hiked to the Sphere in anticipation of the big day. Everything in Vegas is far apart, very far apart. Jenn donned a lion outfit. She was quite the hit.
Fortunately, in addition to a Matt, we had a Sissy who had made all of the arrangements in our quest for the Wizard, along with other amazing experiences in Sin City – a caviar bar, a Michelon chef private brunch, a dinner at an Italian restaurant filled with mob bosses. Sissy can call me tomorrow and tell me we’re going to Hell, and I’ll gladly pack and go assured we will have amazing plans in Hades.
We had VIP passes to see Dorothy and the crew, so I was pretty excited. After all, we all want to be a VIP. Our designation allowed us entrance to an amazing bar with snacks and drinks galore, and best of all prizes. Y’all know how I feel about prizes. We got posters and bags and cups – oh my! And all of this before the show even started!
I truly am not a gifted enough wordsmith to express how extraordinary it was seeing a childhood favorite on the Sphere screen. It was akin to a Disney experience – only better. And yes, despite my sporty deficit, I did catch an apple. It’s sitting on my desk where it will stay as a memento from an amazing weekend with nine girlfriends – and a new BFF – a Matt. See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
Follow Patti Parish-Kaminski on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnThePorchWithPatti/ and on Instagram at instagram.com/ontheporchwithpatti/.
