Ode to a Female Bathroom Valet

I'm from a small town in South Dakota you've probably never of. On my twentieth wedding anniversary, my darling husband, Jack, surprised me with a weekend in Vegas. Now, let me tell you, this was a big deal for me. I've lived in Armor, SD, population 782, my entire life. I was born here, went to school here and married my high school sweetheart here. All five of my kids were born here and three of them are still in school here. In spite of the size of Armor, I've led a very busy life. My husband and I run a dairy farm here in our scenic little town not too far from the Black Hills, which keeps us busy working from sun up to sun set, so when I felt the envelope Jack slipped under my pillow the night of our twentieth, I assumed I would find another anniversary card, one I had probably received before, seein' how Armor has one drugstore, next to our six-room hospital, and it's about the only place in town to purchase a greeting card.
Imagine my excitement when I opened the envelope to find two tickets on Frontier Airlines to Las Vegas. First thing in the morning, I Googled everything Vegas. What to wear, how was the weather, where to eat, what shows to see. I'm one of those planning types and since I don't get out of Armor too often, I wanted to be prepared.
Three weeks later, Jack and I were on our way to Huron Regional Airport, and neither one of us could contain ourselves. Jack made sure to book our flight at night so we could fly over the Strip while it was awash with neon. Lord, what a sight to see. We checked into Caesar's Palace, had a late dinner at The Augusta Cafe, did a little gambling and went to bed. We had an entire three days ahead of us chock full of fun stuff planned in our own personal itinerary, so a good night's sleep was in order.
We woke up the next day, had a breakfast buffet and hit the Forum Shops. We did some sight-seeing, lots of shopping, plenty of eating and more than enough gambling and even caught The Beatles Love Show at The Mirage, but one thing I did not plan for was all the amazing night clubs Vegas had to offer. Believe you, me, the thought of Jack and me dancing in a "disco" never really crossed my mind. But here we were, in the "entertainment capital of the world", celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary, sans the kids and the cows, so, we figured, why not?
We decided on a club inside the Bellagio, where we were greeted with the option of "bottle service". We gave it a shot. I have to say, the service was really spectacular. A "hostess" made our cocktails right there at our table. The music was great and Jack and I danced like we never had before. After a couple drinks, I excused myself to use the ladies room. Now this was something I had NOT anticipated. Bear in mind, as I said, I am a planner, and I thought I was ready for everything Vegas had to offer, but when I came out of my stall and approached the sink to wash my hands, a lady offered to squirt soap in my hand. When I couldn't get the automatic sink to dispense the water, she helped me and then she handed me a paper towel to dry my hands with. I was intrigued. I asked this lady to tell me about her job, here in this ladies room, as I myself did not realize a job like this even existed. She was more than happy to share her job description and some of her more interesting experiences with me.
Jenny referred to her title as a "Bathroom Valet". She explained to me that this is a service some of the better establishments offer to their guests. Jenny's "set up" consisted of a plethora of toiletries, such as lotions, hair products, fragrances, feminine needs, mouthwash, mini-one-use toothbrushes and dental floss, gum, mints and her own nicely scented hand soap. Her products were conveniently arranged and she kept the ladies room clean and smelling fragrant with a beautifully scented candle. When I asked her how much the bar paid her to stay in the ladies room all night, Jenny informed me that she worked strictly for tips. I must admit, I felt a little embarrassed asking all these questions, but Jenny reassured me that most people were not familiar with this new service and also asked her many of the same questions.
Having been made to feel quite comfortable by my "bathroom valet", I asked Jenny if she was actually able to make a living at it. She explained to me that in a lot of instances, ladies don't bring money with them to the restroom, unaware that a service like this is offered, however, once they know that Jenny provides all of these items at her own cost, so that her customers have access to things they would other wise have to purchase at an exorbitant cost in the hotel's gift shop, or return to their room to use, they often come back into her restroom to tip her. She also explained to me that some ladies feel uncomfortable and don't feel they should have to tip someone for handing them a towel, but assured me, the discomfort is unwarranted and she provides this service as a little something extra to enhance her guests' experience.
I spent so much time with Jenny, that when I returned to our table, Jack thought I had gotten lost. When I shared my story with him, however, he informed me that the men's room had an attendant, as well. Of course, Jack said he thought this was "just another Vegas thing" and that he was pleased with the service of being handed a towel in the men's room.
When we returned home, thoroughly exhausted, we developed our photos, invited our friends over and shared our magnificent memories with them until we were blue in the face. By the time we were finished, everyone in little Armor was ready to book the next flight to Vegas and when I told all my girlfriends about the unexpected service I experienced with my "Bathroom Valet", the girls suggested, perhaps we should hire someone at our local coffee shop to offer us the same service Jenny did.
 I'm sure Jenny would get a real kick out of that!!!  

In April 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King was jailed in Birmingham, Alabama for organizing a peaceful demonstration during the Easter shopping season in hopes of removing humiliating racial signs from storefront windows, among other atrocities perpetrated by Southern Segregationists. As president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he and his staff were invited to Birmingham by the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Upon agreement to come when called upon, Dr. King negotiated with store owners in Birmingham and a compromise was reached by both parties. If the store owners agreed to take down their "Whites Only" signs, a moratorium would be called on all demonstrations. Unfortunately, the store owners broke their promise and Dr. King realized he had no choice but to take action.
In the weeks leading up to the planned Easter action, the Reverend held classes for his demonstrators on non-violent protest, however Dr. King and his group of peaceful demonstrators were condemned, not for utilizing their first amendment right to peaceful assembly, but for their timing. I pose the question, "Is there ever an efficient time to demonstrate in the minds of those who refuse to perpetuate necessary change?"
In fact, Dr. King presented this certitude in a letter he wrote while incarcerated at the Birmingham Jail; "Lamentably, it is an historical fact that the privileged seldom give up their privileges voluntarily" and noted how "Through painful experience, freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed'.
When I think about the title give to Dr. King, that of  "Civil Rights Leader", I don't think of a man who worked tirelessly for the betterment of one particular caste. I think of a man who laid down his very life for the advancement of the human race. 
It is one thing to be an outspoken advocate for change, for as it has been said, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease". But to stand by silently as those who attempt to effect change are condemned, for fear that they themselves might become segregated, must pursue the courage to speak out against injustice.

-Deannalynn Arzola

"Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone."

-Nurse Cavell, immediately prior to execution by German firing squad, 1915

 

'Nuff Said:::

"The Christian fear of the Pagan outlook has damaged the whole consciousness of man" 

-D.H. Lawrence

D.H. Lawrence wrote one of my favorite stories, "The Rocking Horse Winner". It was published in the early 20th century and tells the tale of a young lad named Paul, whose parents are consumed with money at the impairment of their children. When Paul receives a rocking horse for Christmas, the horse soon becomes his best friend and constant companion and allows Paul to lose himself in the enjoyment of the ride. Subsequently, Paul believes his beloved horse can communicate with him, picking winners for the next horse race, tips Paul passes on to his uncle, a gambler. 

Paul's uncle shares a percentage of his winnings with Paul, who in turn hands the loot over to his greedy parents. Seeing that his parents are finally happy with their new wealth, Paul rides his horse harder and harder until one day, he doesn't awake from his trance and passes away.

D.H. Lawrence was an amazing writer with a fantastic imagination and I was so fortunate to listen to my friend Nova practice the telling of this tale over and over as my freshman lit class prepared for a Poetry and Prose competition. Of course, Nova won. Her "Rocking Horse" was a winner.

DeannalynnArzola

Gateway to Wonderland

I open my eyes to darkness

My lips part to yawn a silent scream

I swallow a bitter pill

I bathe in contempt for humanity

My soul prepares for loss 

And my  shattered heart dons armor

My enervated mind endeavors to focus

I clothe my weary constitution

And embark upon an unwanted journey

The frigid air of life cracks my face

But I soldier on, a choice I make with great tenacity.

Wading through quicksand, a brilliant light beckons

One more excruciating mile  

A willow bends to extend it's aid

And I pull myself up

The air is much lighter 

And for once, I can breathe.

The sweet smell of decay fills my senses

Twisted branches offer a bridge

And my unfamiliar curiosity compels me

Wondering if the grass is greener as I traverse my path

My thoughts are interrupted

I turn to face the luminous chasm

Warmth encapsulates me

And the constant companionship of pain departs 

I open my eyes to light

My lips part in awe

I bathe in welcomed wonder

 My soul prepares for benediction

And my heart begins to heal. 

 -by Deannalynn Arzola

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12-12-12:

Much can be said about the mystical power of the number twelve. In fact, people have been deciphering it's meaning for thousands of years.
In Greek Mythology, the number twelve has held very significant meaning, beginning with what they observed as planetary alignment and what they saw in the stars, hence the origin of the Zodiac. The word "Zodiac" comes from the Greek term meaning "circle of animals" and these animals came to represent great acts of heroism, finding their place among the stars. The sign of Cancer stems directly from the twelve trials of Hercules, who is one of  twelve Olympian deities.


In Celtic Mythology, King Arthur is buried in Avalon, where it also believed  the holy grail is hidden, he ruled with twelve knights seated at his Round Table, but more about Celticism in a moment.
Going back to the days of the Roman Empire, in the years leading up to the birth of Christ, the calender we use today was introduced with twelve months in a year, twelve hours signifying am and pm, twelve hours on the face of a clock and twelve jurors assembled for trial.
Twelve is a highly significant number in Christianity, as well. As far as we know, Jesus was born in the twelfth month of the year, he had 12 apostles, and miraculously rose twelve people from the dead .
There are twelve inches in a foot and twelve ribs in the human body, but here's where things really get interesting. There are three 12's in today's date. Ask any numerologist and they will gladly extol the virtues of the number three, but first, a little mathematical numerology:
1 + 2 = 3, the square root of twelve is 3.4, multiply those two numbers and you get 12, it takes three feet (12 inches in each) to make up a yard, and there are four elements, four seasons and four directions. Yup, that's right, four times three, well, you know where I'm goin' with this.
According to numerology, 12 is considered a "three" number because the digits add up to three.
.

And three is a very good number because it corresponds with the largest planet, Jupiter, in addition to wealth. Jupiter is, in fact, considered by astrologists to be the planet of luck, three, the luckiest number, and in case you're wondering, the number 1 planet is the sun, and the number 2 planet is the moon, making the sum of these numbers even luckier then the whole of their parts. In the ancient practice of Feng Shui, the number one is odd and earthly and the number two is even and heavenly, so to find them side by side times three surely bears some significance to the balance of things today.

In Celtic Mythology, the number three is tied into Judaism and Christianity in some astoundingly magical ways, for instance,  the number three is used in the Torah to meditate between two opposing or contradictory values. Celtic Shamans believed they could see past, present and future. Christ was visited by three kings on the night of his birth. The most heavenly gifts are faith, hope and love. Jesus rose from the dead three days after his execution by the Romans. Numbers 6:23,24 (from the old testament) states, "The Lord bless and keep you, The Lord shine his face upon you The Lord lift his countenance upon you." In Greek mythology, Poseidon carried the Trident to rule the sea, which covers two-thirds of the earth. All three of these major spiritual and long standing beliefs are represented by three-dichotomous charms. The cross, (the father, son, and holy ghost), the Megan David (two triangles), and the Triquatra:

Even fairy tales tell of three wishes, three guesses, three little pigs. 
There are twelve face cards in a deck of cards, twelve days of Christmas, and twelve eggs in a dozen.

The numbers 3 and 12 have represented our knowledge, our spirituality, even our childhood memories for centuries. They are powerful, magical and meaningful and this is the last time this century three of the same numbers will appear on our calendar in succession so take this day, December 12, 2012, and make it magical.

Oh, yeah, by the way, it's Wednesday. The third day of the week in the twelfth month of the twelfth year of this millennium.

Blessed be....   

"It's unbelievable how much you DON'T know about the game you've been playing all your life!"

Mickey Mantle

On Baseball (or love...)

"DRY LIGHTENING"

I threw my robe on in the morning 

Watched the ring on the stove turn red 

Stared hypnotized into a cup of coffee 

Pulled on my boots and made the bed 

Screen door hangin' off its hinges 

Kept bangin' me awake all night 

As I look out the window 

The only thing in sight 

Is dry lightning on the horizon line 

Just dry lightning and you on my mind.

 

I chased the heat of her blood 

Like it was the holy grail 

Descend beautiful spirit

Into the evening pale 

Her appaloosa's kickin' in the corral, smelling rain 

There's a low thunder rolling 'cross the mesquite plain 

But there's just dry lightning on the horizon line 

It's just dry lightning and you on my mind 

                                                                                   

                                                                                 

                                                                                    

                                                                              

 I'd drive down to Alvarado Street

Where she'd dance to make ends meet 

I'd spend the night over my gin

As she'd talk to her men 

Well the piss yellow sun 

Comes bringin' up the day 

She said, "Ain't nobody can give nobody

What they really need anyway." 

Well you get so sick of the fightin' 

You lose your fear of the end

 

But I can't lose your memory a

nd the sweet smell of your skin 

And it's just dry lightning on the horizon line, j

ust dry lightning and you on my mind.

Words and Music by Bruce Springsteen

"You Ain't Nothin' Tub a Hound-dog"...

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 "FALLEN"

-Sarah McLachlan

Heaven bend to take my hand
And lead me through the fire
Be the long awaited answer
To a long and painful fight

Truth be told I've tried my best
But somewhere along the way
I got caught up in all there was to offer
And the cost was so much more than I could bear

Though I've tried, I've fallen...
I have sunk so low
I messed up
Better I should know
So don't come round here
And tell me I told you so...

We all begin with good intent
Love was raw and young
We believed that we could change ourselves
THe past could be undone
But we carry on our backs the burden
Time always reveals
In the lonely light of morning
In the wound that would not heal
It's the bitter taste of losing everything
That I've held so dear.

I've fallen...
I have sunk so low
I messed up
Better I should know
So don't come round here
And tell me I told you so...

Heaven bend to take my hand
Nowhere left to turn
I'm lost to those I thought were friends
To everyone I know
Oh they turn their heads embarassed
Pretend that they don't see
But it's one missed step
One slip before you know it
And there doesn't seem a way to be redeemed

Though I've tried, I've fallen...
I have sunk so low
I messed up
Better I should know
So don't come round here
And tell me I told you so...
[2X]