Heroes can reach us in the most unlikely of places. You just have to pay attention and wait to be inspired.
Case in point….Cher at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. On my recent girl’s trip, of which I did not feel guilty for taking, I planned my usual favorite itinerary.
A little bit of nature. I had always wanted to hike around Red Rocks Canyon, just a short 20 minute drive from the Strip. Somehow, after countless trips to Vegas I had never made it there. So I rented a car with this in mind and took my sisters and mom on a beautiful hike.
A lot of good food. A huge part of any girls trip is eating and drinking. I am stating the obvious. But to ensure you really eat and really drink well, one must plan. I made dinner reservations at my favorite spots and we ate like queens. I love introducing people I love to new and delicious food. To their credit, they were totally up for it. And, of course, signature cocktails can make a good day great.
Pool time. Of course. Shopping. Obviously.
But a girl trip goes next level when you push outside the usual and do something unexpected. Which brings me back to the unexpected hero worship.
For a belated birthday gift for my mom, we bought tickets to Cher. Now, I like Cher. She seemed quite groovy back in her prime and I was a legit fan for a minute during her “Turn Back Time” era. The lady can sing. And I always liked that she had a bit of an attitude.
Of course, I’m under-selling. She is also an Academy Award winning actress. She has delivered hits for literally decades. And at 73 (!), she is killing it on stage in a residency run in Vegas.
She put on an incredible show. Opening with a monologue about her early days playing small nightclubs, I was reminded of the resilience she has displayed over the years. What a fighter she had to be to find her independence from Sonny during a time being independent was frowned upon. How she has reinvented herself….time and time again.
And, how at 73, she can somehow still rock a stage nearly naked. For real. Not just in one outfit.
But two.
See what I mean? I love a lady that has lived a rich, full life on her own terms. She has embraced her talent, hustled, and is still entertaining – with a wink and a smile. You can tell she finds the whole Vegas schtick a bit absurd. But you can also tell she is being paid a boatload and she’s all good to play along.
She has an incredible life story and I can’t wait to read her memoir when it comes out in a few years. Apparently she is writing it right now. In the meantime, I leave you with a few wise words from the queen herself.
The Redefining 