Let
me tell you about my hometown. Las Vegas is more than just the stretch of road
that slices down the center, holding world famous casinos. Las Vegas is a city
of old-west heritage, with a strong, female mayor who occasionally wears a
cowboy hat. We have an independent spirit. We have a sense of community which
has only been strengthened since that awful night last October when evil rained
down bullets into a crowd of innocents. Our men and women of law enforcement,
and our first responders, many #VegasBorn, rose to the occasion as heroes. Many
others did what they could…giving blood, donating meals to the workers,
providing free hotel rooms to family or even offering free plastic surgery to
the victims. There were so many acts of
kindness that were not reported by the media to the rest of the world. It was
truly astonishing.
I’m
writing this blog the morning after our Vegas Gold Knights won the first game
against the Capitals 6-4. I hope that by
the time this feature is released, that beautiful Stanley Cup will be residing
in my hometown. But, if it isn’t, that is also fine. Our Knights have done what
they promised us in the moments before the puck dropped in their very first
game last October. After a permanent banner was raised bearing the names of the
58 victims of October 1st mass shooting that occurred only a few
weeks before, and a few blocks south, they promised us that they would “do our
best to help heal this valley.” And they have! Every home ice game has been
played beneath the banner bearing those 58 names.
Las
Vegas is a tourist’s paradise. I’m sure many of you have been here either on
vacation or to celebrate a happy occasion. The next time you are here, please
look out of your hotel room at the miles and miles of homes and neighborhoods
that stretch to the beautiful, occasionally snow-capped mountains that frame
our valley, and know that those homes are filled with unsung heroes. Know that
your waiter, uber driver, busboy, or even the maid in the hallway gave blood
and/or donated to the Red Cross after October 1st. If you see a
show, know that many of our popular local entertainers held benefits to help
cover costs of medical care for victims, and many of them visited patients in
the hospital.
I’ve
never been prouder to call Las Vegas my hometown, and seeing so many residents
wearing Vegas Golden Knights shirts, high-fiving each other in the grocery
stores, smiling and nodding to each other in the post office, is tremendous.
It’s exactly what we’ve needed as a community to heal after October 1st.
The very noble Vegas Golden Knights have made good on their promise to help us
heal, rather or not they bring home the Stanley Cup (but I still hope they
do!).
#VegasBorn #VegasStrong
Ms.
Phoenix is a rare bird herself...a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She
belongs to Las Vegas Romance Writers and has served on the board for several
years. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America with PAN status.
Prior
to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry
and holds degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. In her spare time she
enjoys hiking, traveling and photography. She is also involved in several Las
Vegas non-profits, and is the current Chairman of a popular, long-running,
local art show.
Kay has
been blessed to be able to travel many places, which inspired her to host a
weekly author spotlight called “Midweek Escapes” on her blog. It features guest
author’s favorite vacation destinations, their travel tips, and, of course,
information about their book releases and occasional giveaways.
For a giveaway, Kay Phoenix offers
two awesome prizes! One audio book, and
one physical, autographed book to be mailed. Leave a form of contact when you
comment so we can award the prize if you win!
Website: http://www.KayPhoenix.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KayPhoenix_
(all info provided/released by author)
Hi Annette,
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me.
Nice to meet you Kay! Thanks for the chance. I have never been to Vegas but would love to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteisisthe12th(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Linda,
DeleteYou've won the audio book. Look for the download code in your email. :-)
Awesome post, Kay!! I can feel the love you have for your hometown and your Knights. I live in my own little casino town (Laughlin) and it is amazing how a community comes together when such a tragedy occurs. We do get up there occasionally to enjoy all that Vegas offers. Please enter me for the giveaway...I'd love to read and review your book!
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia,
DeleteYou've won a signed copy of Steele and Stone. Please email me at KayPhoenix@yahoo.com and let me know your mailing address. :-)
Great post Kay! turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLoved your post about the Golden Knights and how Las Vegas came together as a community after the 1 Oct. tragedy.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, they helped us as a community so much!
DeleteWonderful post! Sadly, the Golden Knight didn't bring home the cup this year, but there's always next year!
ReplyDeleteThey WILL do it next year! lol
Delete