The Girl from Down Under & Her Experience with The Divine One

The Girl from Down Under & Her Experience with The Divine One
by Erin Vanderslot

“A dream is a wish your heart makes
when you’re fast asleep.
In dreams you will lose your heartache,
whatever you wish for you keep.

Have faith in your dreams and someday, someday,
your rainbow will come smiling through.
No matter how your heart is grieving,
if you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true.” (From the album “Broken Blossom”, 1977)

“Only the one’s who believe ever see what they dream ever dream what comes true” and boy oh boy do I believe! (Song “Color of Roses” from the album “Bette”, 2000)

Here is my story.

Since the age of 4 I have been a devoted fan of the Divine Bette Midler.
Broken Blossom was one of my favorite albums and one I played every night to get me to sleep with the above song on repeat.

Who knew that 22 years later I would not only be sitting front row at her concert but also standing in the same room being comforted in her arms.

Oh my!

So here goes.

Bette came to Australia in 2005 with her “Kiss my Brass Tour”, being the first time in 30 years since she was Down under Last ,I took advantage and saved up and went to two of the concerts, one in Brisbane and the other in Sydney. I tried everything to get to meet her, However did not watch T.V at the time so missed all the competitions advertised. I did however get a contact for one of her security guards thanks to my Aunt Suzie, and we met up in Sydney and he got a signed program for me. That to me was still amazing!

Seeing Bette in concert has always been a dream of mine and after seeing her perform I was inspired even more.

So years later I hear Bette is doing TSGMGO at Ceasars Palace in Vegas.
I have been saving since the show started. However purchasing a new car and just every day living expenses, this dream was staring to sound unrealistic!

Bootleg Betty is a site I attend daily for all the up to date info on Bette. “Thank god for Mr D”. So when I hear that Bette’s final show will be Jan 31st 2010 I just buckled down, went online and purchased a Smug Martha Ticket For Jan 17th which is also my Birthday.

Who better to spend my b’day with than the Divine one Herself.

So I spontaneously purchased the ticket, ran outside to where my Dad was doing the gardening and said “Hay Dad, Guess what?” “Yes Erin” “I’m going to VEGAS!!!!!” to where Dad responds with “WHAT!!!!” “Yep I just bought a VIP ticket to see Bette, and Guess what” “what?” “It’ll be on my Birthday!!!” Well I Was jumping with Glee all day, contacted everyone I knew and informed them of my soon to be adventure of a life time. Everyone I spoke to was so glad to hear that I would meet my idol and understand how long I have dreamt for this to happen. Next came the Flights to which are extremely cheep at the moment.

For the next coming weeks after purchasing the tickets I was the most pleasant person to be around, so happy and positive. Though The week before Flying solo to the states I started to get extremely nervous and anxious.

Jan 16th
Syd to La connecting straight to VEGAS! (Just made the Transfer in time!)

I Arrived in Vegas around 11 pm, and went straight to the “Stratosphere” as I had booked this prior. Not to impressed with it, however on the 17th and 18th I would be at Ceasars Palace anyway. I put my luggage in the room and headed straight towards Ceasars Palace, not knowing it was about 4.5 miles from the Stratosphere, but after a 15 + hr flight it was good to stretch the Legs. About 1 mile away there she was in all her Divine glory, A giant Bette! I felt like I was in Bette land, Bette on Taxi’s Bette on Billboards, Heaven!

Strolled through Ceasars Palace and found the Bette shop. A lot of stock was not available, like the HARLETTE and DIVINE diamonti panties (Darn!!!), and I was hoping there would be a Ukulele. However I still managed to find some bargains……. When I was through finding my item’s I piled them on the counter, to where I her a sweet voice say (m)” Gee you must be as big of a fan as I am”, (e)“Oh yeah I’m a pretty big Fan,” (m) “Are you going to the concert” (e)“Yes I’ll be going tomorrow night as a Smug”(m) “ME TOO!!!”, so we introduced ourselves Miranda and Erin and said we would see each other tomorrow night.

I strolled back to The Stratosphere and hit the sack so thrilled that tomorrow all my dreams would come true.

Jan 17th
After checking in at Ceasars and strolling around town, I headed back to my room at and started getting ready. I had my “special’ Dress to wear, it is an Australian designer “Lisa Ho” and a dress I purchased over 8 years ago now that I wear when I perform and on special occasions. I was sure that it would attract Bette’s attention, but did not expect the reaction I received from other residents of Ceasars.

I meet up with BOB at 6:30 as arranged prior and waited anxiously to be seated. Bob could see how excited I was and was impressed that I had traveled such a long way to see the Divine.I meet other smugs as we were getting our complimentary drinks and being taken to our seats. Bob told me I had the Best seat in the house as I was directly in front of where Bette sat on the stairs with her Uke singing “The Glory of Love Number”.

As I’m sitting there my heart was pumping so hard and tears where beginning to well up. Miranda joins me and there is one seat in between us, so we where thrilled that we weren’t the only ones to come alone. After chatting away with Miranda and exchanging our contact details a Beautiful young lady joins us, formerly known as Ms Julya.

(

One of the girls mention that Pink is sitting directly 10 rows behind me. “OMG!!!” I stood up to check that it was her, and it was. I was in Bette land so much that I didn’t even bother to go up to Pink and ask for an Autograph. We all exchanged our details and Julia informed us that she was there the night prior and Bette did not have the best audience so we really had to cheer her on. That was not a problem.

Talia one of the Personal Assistance came to inform us of what we need to do at the end of the show. I asked Talia being my birthday and all if I could arrange for two glasses of champagne for my meet and greet with Bette, she said it was going to be too busy tonight and Bette only drinks one kind of champagne. You don’t know unless you ask right.
Lights dim and the show begins.

I won’t go through the entire show as this has been explained in detail already but she was Fabulous and I was on top of the world. And when Pink made her appearance and sang “The Rose” with Bette well that just topped it off, to have both of my Female idols singing 2 meters in front of me was an even better birthday present.

The Las Vegas throat did effect Bette at the end of “WAMLAW” but we all raised from our seats to cheer her on.
When Bette hit her final note on the last number “WBMW“, all the smug’s were rushed back to the elevator to go backstage for our meet and greet with Bette. Just as we got in the lift we were told to get out, so we got out and Pink made her way in. I yelled out “You ROCK Pink” she said Thanks, and than I yelled “Australia Loves Ya!!!” She said thanks again. As Pink did break the record for the amount of shows she did in OZ for her latest concert tour, “Funhouse”.
Okay so by now we are backstage which is decorated beautifully, all of us so nervous thank goodness there was a loo back there.

There were about twelve smugs and then about 20 other people joined us backstage I was later to learn that these were the high rollers. I felt sorry for Bette that she had to go through so many people after the show and also felt that the Smugs didn’t get quality time we had hoped for, although I was totally satisfied.

Miranda went before Julia and myself, when it was Julia’s turn Bette saw me and said to Julia is she with you. ‘ Julia said no I’m from Jersey.

Then It was my turn. Bette looked me up and down as I had sequins on from top to toe. ”Hello, look at you”, I just went straight into her arms and gave her the biggest cuddle and she embraced the hug and rubbed my back ( So comforting). After our embrace we held hands the entire time we talked. I told her how I’ve loved her since I was four and that she has inspired me my whole life. She said “How sweet”, then with a surprised look she said “Your Australian!!!” I said “Yes I’m from Sydney and have traveled alone so I could be with you on my birthday”, ”This truly is a lifelong dream come true for me”. She asked how old I was and I told her “26 today” “Really” and she hugged me again and said “Happy Birthday” then it came to the signing of my new book” Saga of Baby Divine ” which Bette signed “For beautiful Erin, Thank you for all the years”

Her manager Marty said they would be coming back to Australia and I said” Oh yes please do, Australia Loves ya!!!” I gave her a letter I prepared in my room earlier just in case I didn’t have enough time and then gave her a present which when I look back now is pretty silly. However when she did the “Bette” T.V show there was a seen where she said “ Get a Twix we’ll split”, I promised myself that they day I meet Bette I’m gonna split a twix with her. When I explained this to Bette she laughed and I said” I know it’s silly and that you can’t split it now but maybe you can split it was someone special later” She said thank you Erin.

I asked Bette if she had ever been to “Port Douglas” (Far north Queensland ( Pink also goes to Port when in Australia) she said she heard of it but had never been, I told her I thought it would remind her of Hawaii as it is so tropical and has cane fields and that I was a snorkel guide on the Great Barrier Reef for 3 years, but live in Sydney now.
Then we had our Photo

I LOVE THIS…………..Forever in my memories…………..Awwww i want to meet her again and again……………

Look her leg’s popped up to……. Awww

Then it was time to be on my merry way, I Said “Thank you for Being you” and left.

Miranda and Julya were waiting in the hall way and by the time we got in the lift I started to cry. It was a happy cry I couldn’t quite believe what had just happened but it did.

The girls and I took photo’s out the front of the colosseum. I also went up to Bob a to see if there was another Smug tickets for the 19th, but they were all booked, however he put my name down as a reserve. I really wanted to meet Bette again! Even if it meant another grand she is totally worth it and that’s what credit cards are for right!

We then went for celebration drinks for both our Bettetasctic experience and of course my birthday. I was thrilled not to be alone. We stayed up until about 4 am exchanging our Bette stories and singing Bette songs at the top of our lungs and of course the Sophie Tucker Jokes.

It was a spectacular night and I am so glad to have met them both. Julia said I should contact her once in New York and we’d meet up.

I called my Dad at about 5:30am which was about 11:30 pm the next day in Australia and informed him of my night and mentioned I hadn’t eaten since being in Vegas do to pure adrenalin and excitement. He made me promise I’d get some food into me first thing when I wake.

Jan 18
The next day I woke to the Phone ringing at about 12:30. A girl named Michelle from the ticket booth said there was a ticket available if I wanted it, “OH YES!!!” gave her the credit card details and now that was the best wake up call ever!!!
I jumped around the room with joy played the “For the Boys C.D” took a shower and started the day knowing I’d be meeting Bette again tomorrow.

As I promised my father I’d get something to eat, I went over to my favorite spot in Vegas “The Bellagio” and could see a lovely place to eat @ Paris “MonAmiGabi” Where I informed the waiter, who was surprised I was by myself, of the reason I was in Vegas to see Bette for my b’day which was yesterday etc…… Soon after I ordered the Floor Manager ’Clancy Noailles’ Came up and informed me Of Bette eating there and how he went to see her in concert too, not long after that another female waitress must of heard the story and wanted to here mine. I was more than happy to tell the whole world!!!

I ordered a pineapple juice and the BLT but asked for a BLAT (add avocado) I only ate a quarter of the sandwich as I was simply not hungry. And don’t think I’m doing a Lindsay Lohen on you now, look at me I love to eat there is no question.
I was surprised by my waiter with a profito ball desert with ice cream in the middle and a birthday candle lit, I was so surprised and even though no at all hungry I ate one of the balls to be polite.

When It came time to pay, I was handed a receipt that said “To Bette’s Biggest Fan” “This is on Us” Who said there was no such thing as a free lunch!!! I did leave a nice tip for the best service. You must go there. I was truly grateful, said my thanks and on my merry little way.

Jan 19

Second encounter with Bette.

Today I awoke about 10 am went across the street for a coffee did some shopping, well window shopping anyway, bought a phone card so I could call the family and before I knew it, it was 3pm already. So I headed back to my room to prepare for the next Bette encounter. I ran myself a bubble bath and played ‘Jackpot’ in the background. I must have been in the Bath for nearly an hour, that gave me two hours left for Hair and make up, and deciding what to wear. I must have changed about 5 times or so.

5:45 ready and waiting so went down to the bar and ordered a vodka lime and soda to ease the nerves however I was a lot more relaxed tonight knowing what to expect.

Went up to Bob at 6:25, he said I know the drill, waited for him and introduced myself to other smugs. We got our complimentary drinks and where seated. Bob told all the smugs to speak to me as I new the drill.

Bob brought over this interesting creature named Morgan from Maryland, who was so so nervous, anxious everything I was on Jan 17th and more. Bob thought I could calm her down which I did, too Bad we couldn’t sit next to each other though. Both Morgan and I have been devotees from the early ages she 3 me 4. I said we could meet up for a drink after the show to celebrate, Morgan was totally up for that.

So I told the smugs what to expect when meeting Bette and also asked that they rise and cheer for Bette as she will feed off our energy.

The show begins and Bette descends from the Louis Vuitton Suitcase stairs and after TSGMGO Number she does her intro eyeing out the front row, when her eye’s met mine she gave a “WTF” are you doing back here look. I just smiled. Later she went on to say whilst looking at me “ some people have traveled a VERY long way to get here”

Later when doing the Delores Delargo number with the poi Balls I could have sworn that she was aiming them for me when she released them, I jumped from my seat but just missed!!!

Then “TGOL” number Morgan had the best seat this time and I just watched her reaction as Bette pretty much sang to her. So sweet.

Then “wbmw” our queue to go backstage.

As we where running back stage the Harlettes where on there way to the front of the collosseum to collect money for the Haiti crisis. Jordan recognized me and said hi and so did Kamilah.

Okay backstage Morgan was near Hyperventilating, so I just talked to her rubbed her back and explained how Comforting and calming Bette was, tears welled up in her eyes, it was quite a site to see that I am not the only young fan who admires this woman so much and just what kind of effect she actually has on our lives.

Morgan’s turn to meet Bette, now mine.

Bette “There you are” Me “I just had to see you again” we chatted for near to 10 minutes. I said I’ve paid a lot of money and traveled along way, I have some questions !!! So I asked her about handling her nerves and dry mouth when she performs and she Put me onto Vocalzone.com which she wrote down on my Bag so I’d remember. I also told her I’d be flying to New York the next morning, so where should I go for a drink? (I meant to say eat) And she recommended I go to “ThE sTANdard” which again she wrote on my Bag.

I saw Marty ( her manager) and said “HAY Marty” shook his hand as if I knew him well.
It was quite a humorous encounter. One I hope she wont forget.
I showed Bette the Picture of us on Jan 17th as Talia brought it over instead of posting it.

I said “Ain’t we cute” Bette looked at the pic for about 30 seconds, I’m like look you even popped your leg up for me, Bette “Oh that’s great”. I asked if she would mind signing it to “Miss Ezz” which she did, then I asked if she would sign a postcard of her in the ‘from a distance dress’ made out to Jordan whom I used to baby sit since she was seven and sang her Bette songs to get her to sleep. Then Marty handed the C.D over and said “Do you want this signed too? I said “Well I don’t want to ask for too much, but OK” so Bette signed the ‘Jackpot’ c.d also

Then Bette was like ok let’s get our photo taken. I totally forgot, and asked her if we could do an ‘Eat shit grin’ for this one, she laughed we did our grin, and then Bette stared putting me in all these different positions and poses, we must have had about 5 taken. These are the 3 I got

(Eat shit Grin)

(Oh what Joy what Bliss)

( The Showgirl Pose)

After more conversation I was being led out the door buy Bette with her hand on my back. On our way out Bette said “This chick’s gonna make it!” “I’m gonna keep my eye out for you, what is you surname?” “ummmm Vanderslot” Bette cacked herself laughing whilst holding her nose “That’s why my stage name is Miss Ezz” Bette “Yes I like that”. So time to go again, nearly forgot my bag and as I went back to get it I noticed Bob was backstage, so I went up to him gave him a cuddle and thanked him for everything. On my way out I said to Bette “Do you know how much I love you?” She looked at me and I responded with “BIGGER THAN THE SKY” her look on her face was like AWWWW “Thank you Erin”.

Time Was up.

Morgan and I went out for celebration drinks, and before we knew it, it was 4:30 am and my flight to New York was @ 7am and I had to be at the airport @ 5:30, so still intoxicated I Just made the Flight, and landed safely in New York.
I went straight to The Standard for Lunch and had a Salmon dish and met a lovely Man who was also alone and celebrating the Birth of his first Grandson. We both celebrated our achievements, Howard was very interested in my story and travels and he also shouted lunch. “How’s my luck!”

I met up with Ms Julya and we went out for dinner that Friday. On Saturday she devoted a day to showing me around town and how to navigate the subway.

We went to Greenwich Village, which I absolutely fell in love with and went down Barrow street ( where Bette lived in the 70’s) and I made Julya take a photo that resembles a famous photo taken from Kenn Duncan of Bette in the 70‘s.

Morgan also took a train from Baltimore Maryland to spend time with me. We also went to The Standard and other historical Bette Places like ‘The Ansonia Hotel’ ( The Continental Baths)

My trip to the states was an unforgettable one. Not only did I meet my Hero, but because of Bette have met some pretty fabulous people, those of which I will never forget. “Oh you got to have Friends……….”

“The feeling’s all so strong”

“You got to have friends, to make the day last long……………………………….