First Sunday with Shannon Oherhily, Poetry Reading + The Seated Scribes

What an amazing Sunday at Four Bridges! It's Labor Day weekend in the US and many people are on break or back to school mode. At 4B, we're always in the mood for a fun gathering with writers, educators and other residents on the sim. Naturally, we kicked off the day with our poetry hour at 11am slt at SpeakEasy. We had a wonderful crowd of regulars and new faces. I had one of my co-hosts, Brokali by my side, so everything started on a happy note. I read "Sometimes" for F.B. from an anthology that I've been reading for weeks now. It's a wonderful spoken word piece about poetry and writing. I then passed the mic to Brokali to introduce more readers. We had a new writer named Trevor who read a gorgeous piece about beauty. I had to request a notecard to reread the poem later. We filled up the hour pretty quickly with various readers: Lemonodo, Maria, Bonchance, Sabreman, Pamala and Carl to name a few. In between, Brokali and I shared our own work with the audience. We certainly had no shortage of writers willing to take mic.

At noon slt, our featured performer and winner of the Amnesty International Songwriting Contest took the stage for a fabulous hour of smooth, mellow and melodious concert. First Sunday has become one of my favorite time of the month since I get to hear Shannon and connect with her fans, many of whom are musicians as well.  The Test and Emotional Vampire are two of my favorites. Special thanks to Severina for the picture above. I often crash and she was gracious enough to take a few shots while I hosted. Before we knew it, it was 1 pm slt and the 2 hours had gone by like lighting.
We had a little break while other continue to the next open mic around the grid. Bonchance Longfall's event,  "The Seated Scribes" is at 2pm slt on the deck at Four Bridges. Bonchance has created a new form where writers can share their work and get feedback. You should check it out sometimes and bring your own writing to be discussed among a group of supportive artists.

As you can we had a packed day! We'll do it all over again next Sunday at Four Bridges. Open mic poetry and microfiction readings are thriving in second life. I invite you to join us any weekend, to bask in live music and the written word!

Till we meet again:)

Red

Sparkle 100 word challenge: Lola's adventures continues

It's another week of Crap's 100 word challenge! I'm on the road this weekend but have been thinking about what to write for the challenge. I love the word but I'm not going in the direction I intended. As some of you may know, the movie "Sparkle" is also out this month and I was envisioning a piece about the late Whitney Houston since it is her last film. Unfortunately, in the wee hour of the morning, the piece just would not come together. I woke up, made sure i had a decent cup of coffee nearby and I pour onto my laptop the latest Lola story. So, what you'll find this week is a kind of food for thought mixed with life lessons as Lola gets through another day at her fast-paced job at the hotel. Hope you enjoy it:)

Sparkle by RedGoddess

After coping with many personal losses in recent years, Lola no longer believes that time always heals. Although she is grateful to be among the living, she senses she's coming undone. Lola is disturbed that many missed out on living fully while alive. She hopes her funeral will not begin with "we are here to honor and celebrate the life of a beautiful young woman gone too soon." Before she could shake off these morbid thoughts, a pregnant woman is in front of her screaming, "call 911 now, I'm in labor!" She can still forge a living legacy that will sparkle.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 words: Nothing by RedGoddess

As many of you may know, the US presidential election is in full swing. Both parties (Republicans and Democrats) have national conventions coming up, in Florida and North Carolina respectively. Television viewers cannot escape the flood of "I approve this message" ads between their favorite shows. Well, Lola can't even eat her breakfast and catch the morning news, without being rudely interrupted. Just like in politics, she has a choice. See what she does during this week's 100 word challenge. The word is "Nothing"

Nothing 100 word story by RedGoddess

"The American people deserve a candidate with experience..." declares the newsanchor. With coffee brewing and toast in one hand, Lola listens to the morning news as she dresses for her 16 hour shift. She mutes the TV unable to digest more than 30 seconds of packaged promises. She watches the news in small doses the same way she would like to eat fatty foods, but who can afford it? These career politicians have finessed the art of promising nothing while expecting voters to give absolute commitment. Lola is part of the new working poor. She has become immune to charismatic political puppets.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 words: Fair

During these tough economic times, it appears those who are already struggling can't get a break. Their basic needs cannot even being met and may have to choose being food, medicines and now public transportation. Lola can relate to their plight and dealing with similar issues. She, too takes the bus to the hotel.


Fair 100 word story by RedGoddess

This month, the state transportation authority raises the fares for buses and trains. They triple the price for seniors and students. In some areas, bus routes are restricted. Commuters take to the streets. They jump the turnstiles to show these power hungry executives they are fed up. Lola sees all sides of the argument even though she too, will be affected by these changes. She wonders how is it fair for people to choose whether to buy groceries, medications or pay for a damn bus pass? It seems these transportation managers cut their sense of decency with the annual budget.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Feather

It happens again! Lola decided to take a time out from her stressful job at the hotel to meet a new mystery date. Everything is going well so far. Lola is certainly cautious but enjoying herself. Check out this week's 100 word story with the word "feather." Hope you enjoy it:)

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Work monopolizes Lola's time. Even on her days off, she can't stop worrying about unfinished projects. "What happened to the adventurous Lola?" She wondered. To loosen up, she accepts another invitation from the mystery guy. Tonight, they're dining at the waterfront sky lounge. Their conversation about food, travels, and work flows seamlessly.  He even laughs at her silly jokes. Before finishing her last bite of dessert, he asks playfully, "for our next date, choose one thing I can bring: a scrabble board, feather or ice cream." Intrigued, she leans toward him, whispers in his right ear, "how about all three."

Strike Team Alpha by RedGoddess

There is a undying war being waged on low-wage workers and the working poor. During new employee's orientation, there is high optimism and promise to solve problems together.  Human resources department really exists to protect the rights of companies not to ensure the employees are treated fairly. Then, who can employees turn to for grievances and better treatment in the workplace? There is only one group that can come to the rescue, "Strike Team Alpha." Since this team is action oriented and militaristic, they will go in there, unlike mediators, and solve all the problems with one permanent move.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Rain by RedGoddess

April triggers more than pouring rain in the city. There is a flurry of work projects and birthday celebrations, including Lola's. She purposely doesn't share her birth date unless someone asks directly. She does not like surprise parties. Today, she visits a French bakery for her favorite hotel guest. Standing in front of the glass counter, Lola's eyes widen at the sight of the sugar painted wonders. A double layered velvet chocolate cake suits her dessert loving guest so perfectly. As the cashier hands her the boxed cake, Lola suddenly realizes, she did not eat cake on her last birthday.