An interesting peek behind the curtain. The glamour is onstage, where there is much of it; before that is a lot of work and monotony, especially the travel.
Travelling, constantly, being on the road, is hard on the body and on the mind. When I was young, as an engineer, I did it for business for about 10 years. Airport, hotel, business meeting, business supper with clients. Repeat.
Sure, I met some wonderful people, but I had enough of the travel routine. Some people love it, but not me. I am truly a homebody Moreover, I think it eventually catches up to you. From my experience, perhaps limited, I found it an unhealthy way to live.
Thank you Perry! 💫💞🤗 Yes, traveling gets old, but it’s also fun and relaxing at times. I love being on the road with just my husband alone in a car together on the road. Blessings to you!
Loved it! Lonely but fulfilling world you paint. Stories about Sinatra, dressing rooms & Sammy Davis were fascinating. Great ending with Bobby Darin's song.
Thank you so much Ayesha! I appreciate you staking some space out of your day to read my article and,. Blessings to you and I hope you have a magical week!🤗✨💖
Charlotte, for some reason I feel I just disembarked a Nile cruise. Extraordinary flow of insights, steam of consciousness, and wave of perceptions--the boat being the stage and everyone on the banks the audience. The mystery of Sinatra, his riders ... I remember seeing a video of him and Ella singing a duet, he looked terrified and unsure of himself. Later I read a quote by him about her being incredibly brilliant. Your writing is so good, so calm and unfolding.
Michael, Your kind words just brightened and made my day! I’m so inspired now to keep aiming for the moon! I had a manager who used to sayehen everything was up best, “we’re going to the moon.” I always liked that phrase. Your support means the world to me!
Frank Sinatra was an an amazing talent, but what he did better then anyone was his great arrangements. Have a magical week Michael! 💞💫💞
He did the music arrangements? Wow. And I am so glad you enjoy my support. Its mutual. Ha, just now I posted an addition to my last chapter, and I swear I am channeling your approach. All of a sudden it is so clear to me what and who to include to tell my story. And the being on the right side of line between credibility and name-dropping.
My pleasure to be a vessel of inspiration for you Michael; that makes me feel good. Now I am curious, and I look forward with great anticipation to readyout next one.
as far is Frank Sinatra, I don’t know if he did his own arrangements. I don’t think so. I meant to say he had superior arrangements compared to his contemporaries, and I think that’s what made him stand out.
Beautifully told reminiscences, Charlotte, thank you. The levitation magic was mind blowing!! And I really appreciate your thoughts on being happy with what you have, and how the desire to be known can corrupt a person. Thank you so much.
Sending you much thanks Jenn! Do you enjoy the levitation! Thank you so much! Happiness definitely comes from within oneself and understanding the pitfalls of fame for those who find themselves on that route.
Another beautifully told tale, with wonderful recollections and poignant insights. And you went shopping with Sammy? Wow! 🫡 I will never get tired of these stories!
Sending you much gratitude! Thank you for your generous words! Sammy was 360° different from Frank. He liked my jeans and tried them on, loved how they fit. Even though they were women’s jeans he wanted a pair. He was so small he needed a women’s size 2 and didn’t want to try them on, so he took me on a few shopping sprees trying on jeans and pants for him. We acted like we were buying them for me, when they were for him. Gracious man, he’d always give me nice gifts. 💝
Thanks for lifting the stage curtain with your personal perspective. You have had a charmed life.
I have an odd question.
First a little background for my question.
I'm a brine cherry farmer, the cherries that become maraschino cherries. Up until 2015 the processors, (buyers), were influenced by mafia connections. The billions the mafia amassed before the RICO crackdown sought alternate investments and food processing was and is a favorite even today. The head mafioso for brine cherries operated out of Brooklyn, NY. He killed himself in January 2015 when the FBI raided the plant as written up in a long NY Times article. Subsequent to this, all of the other brine cherry processors sold to a conglomerate. As a grower, I now have the conglomerate to sell too and while not mafia affiliated, it is worse than when the mafia was in control.
Now my question.
The mafia controlled Las Vegas back in the old days when you preformed but now LV is a conglomerate business .I don't know if you are familiar with LV today but if do, my question is:
Was it better under the mafia or is it better today?
It’s just a new mafia! I was there when the mob changed hands with the conglomerate. Siegfried and Roy were scheduled to move their show from the Stardust to the Hilton instead of the Mirage. The Las Vegas Hilton was raided by the FBI. At the time the Hilton had just finished building a hotel casino in Atlantic City ready to open, but it was immediately auctioned because of the FBI raid on Las Vegas. A little known investor at the time named Donald Trump and his wife Ivanka bought it and renamed it trumps castle. We became the stars of that show.m, handpicked by Trump. Right after the raid occurred Las Vegas began growing like crazy. There was a time when Steve Wynn’s daughter was kidnapped by a clown and later found the trunk of a car at the airport. Apparently a warning to Steve about some thing. A friend of mine Geno Munari who was very familiar with the mob is here on Substack and beginning to write about his experiences.
And to answer your question, I believe the old mob is a lot better than the new mob.
Thanks for the answer. Cherry farming has been ruined. The buyer/processor is basically strip mining the cherry growers with low prices. As an example the price paid for a stemless brine cherry was higher in 1953 than now. I understand there was a war in Korea in 1953 and fruit cocktail was consumed substantially more back then but come on now.
Each year more orchards are shut down and pulled out with no new replacements. It's not that there is a surplus of brine cherries in USA. No, there is a shortage and once the years crop is bought by the sole processor they import what the shortage is. We of course are never given info on what they pay for imported cherries but suspect it is much higher cost to them over what they pay us.
I always say, there are 3 significant human life styles attempted that begin with the letter "C", Christianity, Communism, and Capitalism but none that has ever been achieved. Capitalism flares periodically but is quickly snuffed out with Monopoly or Oligarchy. Cherry growers are forced now to sell to a monopoly.
I once employed a former Reno bartender who worked the big hotel. He basically confirmed what you posted.
The mafia when they controlled the brine cherry business was never generous or subject to capitalism but were "reasonable" to keep you growing long term. Now it's, "You don't like the price? Pull your trees out.
I’ve noticed where I live near Porterville most of the farms are controlled by one monopoly. We live in hundreds of acres of oranges. And this year they’ve been allowed to ride on the ground all around us. It’s not just our farm their other farms this is happening. So they’re picking them too late. I took photos the other day.
Your vivid description of Frank Sinatra makes him sound like a real prima donna. It must have been difficult for everyone who supported his act. Also, you're getting pretty good with the AI generated artwork!
Well said! 🤗 Thank you J.Q.! Sending you much love and gratitude for taking the time to read my work! I am so thrilled you like it! Blessings to you and stay magical! 💞💫💞
Now thats what Im talking about... Thank you Charlotte, actually Im looking for a very simular model of a modern screen play, but this is very helpful. Looking at annotations is also helpful but hat only provides insights into the play... Helpful for director's chair but still void of stage direction all which are essential ingredients for a complete screen play. One of those much easier said than done kinda things. (Seriously said;)
That's too kind, thank you for your generous kind words Doc! I would love to see this a screen play and sobhlad it inspired that thinking! Have a beautiful day and stay magical! 🪄✨✨💖✨
The dialogue is extremely difficult especially when you have no experience in the field… Its a marvel to read Shakespeare ( as today is his actual birthday) but his insight into the court and crown is remarkable as he was a common subject but that is why many questions remain as to authorship.
To delve further into this mystery demands a certain metaphysical approach to which most if not all scholarship steers well clear of but I see no other logical avenue of explanation The speculation that Shakespeare had access to some kind of historical records is based on the complexity and depth of knowledge displayed in his works. Many of Shakespeare's plays, such as "Julius Caesar" and "Richard III," draw upon historical events and figures with remarkable accuracy and detail. These plays not only reflect a deep understanding of historical events but also offer unique perspectives and insights into the characters and their motivations. Furthermore, Shakespeare's ability to capture the intricacies of different time periods, cultures, and locations suggests a level of familiarity with historical records and sources that would have been uncommon for someone of his time. The detailed descriptions of places, customs, and historical events in his plays indicate a thorough knowledge of various subjects beyond what could be gathered from common sources available during the Elizabethan era. In conclusion, while there is no concrete evidence to definitively prove that Shakespeare had direct access to historical records, the intricate knowledge and detailed historical references in his works suggest that he had access to sources that allowed him to craft his plays with a level of historical accuracy and depth that is unparalleled not just in his time but for anyone in any moment in history.
The dialogue itself is proof enough for me that it could only have been crafted by a singular genius. I have attempted Shakespearean dialogue, only to do so poorly. How did he gain such profound insights into various topics, places, and historical knowledge? Much of which was never documented before his time. I believe he had access to records similar to Edgar Casey, and I speculate that he may have breached that field a few times based on my personal insights.
Insightful and introspective, thank you for sharing. The early part with the history past and present and future on stage spaces that come alive and idle, makes me think of it as a thespian time-space continuum, connecting all the stages around the world in all the times with all the performers and all the audiences, shows beginning and ending like waves, Einstein’s wave equation - waves through space related to waves through time.
Thank you, and I appreciate your deep philosophical perspective which describe so beautifully. 💞💫💞
I love this - “thespian time-space continuum”. Connecting all the stages in the world with all performers and audiences like trees linked together at their roots. A communication and support system that fosters their mutual survival and support.
Sending you much gratitude! Have a beautiful week! ✨🤗
Charlotte, I so enjoyed reading your story while in bed with my coffee and my cat on this Sunday morning! :)
I love how you always manage to time-travel as you story-tell, and how your internal wonderings and contemplations are offered up for us all to see. It's clear you are anchored deeply within yourself as you have lived through all your magical experiences, and this knowing who you are is what has preserved your beautiful humility and profound graciousness.
I know it well, that absence of gratification when stepping away from a performance, as one who is always striving to do better, to be better. There's a balance between seeking excellence and having fun!
I am now choosing to see any opportunity to perform as a gift, and to show up on stage as if it's my very last show~ this helps me to be present and authentic in giving what I have to give, and to find satisfaction in knowing I left it all on the table. If even one person has been entertained and/or uplifted, then I consider it a success!!
Sending you my love, admiration, and appreciation! XOX
Thank you so profoundly for your wonderful commentary this morning Jacqueline! Thank you!
When entertaining audiences becomes a job and your passion is gone, and no longer ignites your desire to connect with your guests it’s time to reevaluate your internal motivation. You’ll either be bored and just call in a show just to make money from the work, quit or improve your excitement you once felt by “making unnecessary demands.” You try to survive that dullness. I think every performer encounters that challenge sometime in their career. To avoid it, I try to approach each performance as if it were the my first time. It’s a powerful way to retain your motivation for being an entertainer.
Sending you much love, I’m filled with gratitude this morning after reading your response. Have a beautiful weekend! 💞💫💞🤗
Frank Sinatra’s manic control of his environment may have come from having little control over his life choices. Supposedly, he was a mob asset and had tunes attached to their strings ...
Yes, I would well imagine Jane. During the 80’s when I spent most my time working in Vegas the mob was prominent and had an obvious presence. They didn't hide themselves among entertainers, because they pretty much controlled us all. Sintra had to have been deep within its web, with no escape.
An interesting peek behind the curtain. The glamour is onstage, where there is much of it; before that is a lot of work and monotony, especially the travel.
Travelling, constantly, being on the road, is hard on the body and on the mind. When I was young, as an engineer, I did it for business for about 10 years. Airport, hotel, business meeting, business supper with clients. Repeat.
Sure, I met some wonderful people, but I had enough of the travel routine. Some people love it, but not me. I am truly a homebody Moreover, I think it eventually catches up to you. From my experience, perhaps limited, I found it an unhealthy way to live.
Thank you Perry! 💫💞🤗 Yes, traveling gets old, but it’s also fun and relaxing at times. I love being on the road with just my husband alone in a car together on the road. Blessings to you!
Loved it! Lonely but fulfilling world you paint. Stories about Sinatra, dressing rooms & Sammy Davis were fascinating. Great ending with Bobby Darin's song.
Thank you so much Ayesha! I appreciate you staking some space out of your day to read my article and,. Blessings to you and I hope you have a magical week!🤗✨💖
Charlotte, for some reason I feel I just disembarked a Nile cruise. Extraordinary flow of insights, steam of consciousness, and wave of perceptions--the boat being the stage and everyone on the banks the audience. The mystery of Sinatra, his riders ... I remember seeing a video of him and Ella singing a duet, he looked terrified and unsure of himself. Later I read a quote by him about her being incredibly brilliant. Your writing is so good, so calm and unfolding.
Michael, Your kind words just brightened and made my day! I’m so inspired now to keep aiming for the moon! I had a manager who used to sayehen everything was up best, “we’re going to the moon.” I always liked that phrase. Your support means the world to me!
Frank Sinatra was an an amazing talent, but what he did better then anyone was his great arrangements. Have a magical week Michael! 💞💫💞
He did the music arrangements? Wow. And I am so glad you enjoy my support. Its mutual. Ha, just now I posted an addition to my last chapter, and I swear I am channeling your approach. All of a sudden it is so clear to me what and who to include to tell my story. And the being on the right side of line between credibility and name-dropping.
My pleasure to be a vessel of inspiration for you Michael; that makes me feel good. Now I am curious, and I look forward with great anticipation to readyout next one.
as far is Frank Sinatra, I don’t know if he did his own arrangements. I don’t think so. I meant to say he had superior arrangements compared to his contemporaries, and I think that’s what made him stand out.
Ah, that is like Ella fortified by the music industry’s best.
Yes, you are right 👍 💯
Another great story and we'll written .You have a gift of making us there with you.
Thank you Frank ! Sending much love and gratitude your way! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! Stay beautiful and magical! 🤗✨💖✨
Beautifully told reminiscences, Charlotte, thank you. The levitation magic was mind blowing!! And I really appreciate your thoughts on being happy with what you have, and how the desire to be known can corrupt a person. Thank you so much.
Sending you much thanks Jenn! Do you enjoy the levitation! Thank you so much! Happiness definitely comes from within oneself and understanding the pitfalls of fame for those who find themselves on that route.
Have a magical weekend! 💖✨💖
Another beautifully told tale, with wonderful recollections and poignant insights. And you went shopping with Sammy? Wow! 🫡 I will never get tired of these stories!
Thank you so much for sharing them, Charlotte ☺️
Sending you much gratitude! Thank you for your generous words! Sammy was 360° different from Frank. He liked my jeans and tried them on, loved how they fit. Even though they were women’s jeans he wanted a pair. He was so small he needed a women’s size 2 and didn’t want to try them on, so he took me on a few shopping sprees trying on jeans and pants for him. We acted like we were buying them for me, when they were for him. Gracious man, he’d always give me nice gifts. 💝
Have a beautiful magical weekend! 💖✨💖
Thanks for lifting the stage curtain with your personal perspective. You have had a charmed life.
I have an odd question.
First a little background for my question.
I'm a brine cherry farmer, the cherries that become maraschino cherries. Up until 2015 the processors, (buyers), were influenced by mafia connections. The billions the mafia amassed before the RICO crackdown sought alternate investments and food processing was and is a favorite even today. The head mafioso for brine cherries operated out of Brooklyn, NY. He killed himself in January 2015 when the FBI raided the plant as written up in a long NY Times article. Subsequent to this, all of the other brine cherry processors sold to a conglomerate. As a grower, I now have the conglomerate to sell too and while not mafia affiliated, it is worse than when the mafia was in control.
Now my question.
The mafia controlled Las Vegas back in the old days when you preformed but now LV is a conglomerate business .I don't know if you are familiar with LV today but if do, my question is:
Was it better under the mafia or is it better today?
It’s just a new mafia! I was there when the mob changed hands with the conglomerate. Siegfried and Roy were scheduled to move their show from the Stardust to the Hilton instead of the Mirage. The Las Vegas Hilton was raided by the FBI. At the time the Hilton had just finished building a hotel casino in Atlantic City ready to open, but it was immediately auctioned because of the FBI raid on Las Vegas. A little known investor at the time named Donald Trump and his wife Ivanka bought it and renamed it trumps castle. We became the stars of that show.m, handpicked by Trump. Right after the raid occurred Las Vegas began growing like crazy. There was a time when Steve Wynn’s daughter was kidnapped by a clown and later found the trunk of a car at the airport. Apparently a warning to Steve about some thing. A friend of mine Geno Munari who was very familiar with the mob is here on Substack and beginning to write about his experiences.
And to answer your question, I believe the old mob is a lot better than the new mob.
Thanks for the answer. Cherry farming has been ruined. The buyer/processor is basically strip mining the cherry growers with low prices. As an example the price paid for a stemless brine cherry was higher in 1953 than now. I understand there was a war in Korea in 1953 and fruit cocktail was consumed substantially more back then but come on now.
Each year more orchards are shut down and pulled out with no new replacements. It's not that there is a surplus of brine cherries in USA. No, there is a shortage and once the years crop is bought by the sole processor they import what the shortage is. We of course are never given info on what they pay for imported cherries but suspect it is much higher cost to them over what they pay us.
I always say, there are 3 significant human life styles attempted that begin with the letter "C", Christianity, Communism, and Capitalism but none that has ever been achieved. Capitalism flares periodically but is quickly snuffed out with Monopoly or Oligarchy. Cherry growers are forced now to sell to a monopoly.
I once employed a former Reno bartender who worked the big hotel. He basically confirmed what you posted.
The mafia when they controlled the brine cherry business was never generous or subject to capitalism but were "reasonable" to keep you growing long term. Now it's, "You don't like the price? Pull your trees out.
I’ve noticed where I live near Porterville most of the farms are controlled by one monopoly. We live in hundreds of acres of oranges. And this year they’ve been allowed to ride on the ground all around us. It’s not just our farm their other farms this is happening. So they’re picking them too late. I took photos the other day.
Your vivid description of Frank Sinatra makes him sound like a real prima donna. It must have been difficult for everyone who supported his act. Also, you're getting pretty good with the AI generated artwork!
Thank you Mark! I’ve been having lots of fun with AI imaging. It certainly is a great asset! If you need an image, you conjure it up to give it life.
Sinatra was a diva, but he couldn’t necessarily help himself.
Have a beautiful day! ✨💖✨🤗
He WAS a real prima donna.
Bullseye 🎯
Thank you for connecting different storylines in one piece, well made.
Many artists are artists because they are searching themselves. And many fail finding …
Sending you much gratitude and love Klaus! Thank You for reading it and taking the time to come in. Blessings to you and have an amazing day! 💫💞💫
Charlotte, I thoroughly enjoyed this - taking part in your stream of consciousness and reminisced reflections from the ghost-lit curtain. 🎭
Well said! 🤗 Thank you J.Q.! Sending you much love and gratitude for taking the time to read my work! I am so thrilled you like it! Blessings to you and stay magical! 💞💫💞
Now thats what Im talking about... Thank you Charlotte, actually Im looking for a very simular model of a modern screen play, but this is very helpful. Looking at annotations is also helpful but hat only provides insights into the play... Helpful for director's chair but still void of stage direction all which are essential ingredients for a complete screen play. One of those much easier said than done kinda things. (Seriously said;)
That's too kind, thank you for your generous kind words Doc! I would love to see this a screen play and sobhlad it inspired that thinking! Have a beautiful day and stay magical! 🪄✨✨💖✨
The dialogue is extremely difficult especially when you have no experience in the field… Its a marvel to read Shakespeare ( as today is his actual birthday) but his insight into the court and crown is remarkable as he was a common subject but that is why many questions remain as to authorship.
Shakespeare was an amazing mysterious writer. Wish we knew more!
To delve further into this mystery demands a certain metaphysical approach to which most if not all scholarship steers well clear of but I see no other logical avenue of explanation The speculation that Shakespeare had access to some kind of historical records is based on the complexity and depth of knowledge displayed in his works. Many of Shakespeare's plays, such as "Julius Caesar" and "Richard III," draw upon historical events and figures with remarkable accuracy and detail. These plays not only reflect a deep understanding of historical events but also offer unique perspectives and insights into the characters and their motivations. Furthermore, Shakespeare's ability to capture the intricacies of different time periods, cultures, and locations suggests a level of familiarity with historical records and sources that would have been uncommon for someone of his time. The detailed descriptions of places, customs, and historical events in his plays indicate a thorough knowledge of various subjects beyond what could be gathered from common sources available during the Elizabethan era. In conclusion, while there is no concrete evidence to definitively prove that Shakespeare had direct access to historical records, the intricate knowledge and detailed historical references in his works suggest that he had access to sources that allowed him to craft his plays with a level of historical accuracy and depth that is unparalleled not just in his time but for anyone in any moment in history.
The dialogue itself is proof enough for me that it could only have been crafted by a singular genius. I have attempted Shakespearean dialogue, only to do so poorly. How did he gain such profound insights into various topics, places, and historical knowledge? Much of which was never documented before his time. I believe he had access to records similar to Edgar Casey, and I speculate that he may have breached that field a few times based on my personal insights.
Insightful and introspective, thank you for sharing. The early part with the history past and present and future on stage spaces that come alive and idle, makes me think of it as a thespian time-space continuum, connecting all the stages around the world in all the times with all the performers and all the audiences, shows beginning and ending like waves, Einstein’s wave equation - waves through space related to waves through time.
Thank you, and I appreciate your deep philosophical perspective which describe so beautifully. 💞💫💞
I love this - “thespian time-space continuum”. Connecting all the stages in the world with all performers and audiences like trees linked together at their roots. A communication and support system that fosters their mutual survival and support.
Sending you much gratitude! Have a beautiful week! ✨🤗
You are part of a wonderful tradition that entertains us and teaches us about ourselves. I’m grateful for what you share. Have a great week too!
What a wonderful post, thank you.
The lowly ghost light,
Ushering precious memories,
through velvet hushed paths.
The Theatre,
walks into the world....
Thank you Mick, and love the poem you wrote. It’s sets the mood for this piece. Have a beautiful weekend! 💖🤗
Charlotte, I so enjoyed reading your story while in bed with my coffee and my cat on this Sunday morning! :)
I love how you always manage to time-travel as you story-tell, and how your internal wonderings and contemplations are offered up for us all to see. It's clear you are anchored deeply within yourself as you have lived through all your magical experiences, and this knowing who you are is what has preserved your beautiful humility and profound graciousness.
I know it well, that absence of gratification when stepping away from a performance, as one who is always striving to do better, to be better. There's a balance between seeking excellence and having fun!
I am now choosing to see any opportunity to perform as a gift, and to show up on stage as if it's my very last show~ this helps me to be present and authentic in giving what I have to give, and to find satisfaction in knowing I left it all on the table. If even one person has been entertained and/or uplifted, then I consider it a success!!
Sending you my love, admiration, and appreciation! XOX
Thank you so profoundly for your wonderful commentary this morning Jacqueline! Thank you!
When entertaining audiences becomes a job and your passion is gone, and no longer ignites your desire to connect with your guests it’s time to reevaluate your internal motivation. You’ll either be bored and just call in a show just to make money from the work, quit or improve your excitement you once felt by “making unnecessary demands.” You try to survive that dullness. I think every performer encounters that challenge sometime in their career. To avoid it, I try to approach each performance as if it were the my first time. It’s a powerful way to retain your motivation for being an entertainer.
Sending you much love, I’m filled with gratitude this morning after reading your response. Have a beautiful weekend! 💞💫💞🤗
Such a great read for so many reasons. You share so much, write so well. Stepping where others have stepped before very much resonates with me.
Thank you Margi for your generous kind words. I’m so glad you liked reading my article and it touches you. Have a beautiful day! ✨💞
Frank Sinatra’s manic control of his environment may have come from having little control over his life choices. Supposedly, he was a mob asset and had tunes attached to their strings ...
Yes, I would well imagine Jane. During the 80’s when I spent most my time working in Vegas the mob was prominent and had an obvious presence. They didn't hide themselves among entertainers, because they pretty much controlled us all. Sintra had to have been deep within its web, with no escape.