Hotel Adventures of Lola: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Thank you to all of you for making 2013 so memorable. The year came and went surprisingly fast but I savored the last few days. Don't get me wrong, it was a hectic year of juggling endless responsibilities. I squeezed in some writing and editing of the Lola stories. I appreciate your comments and support throughout the year.
Besides the book, I'm working on an immersive project for readers to experience the Lola stories in Second Life. I can't say more than that. In the meantime, you can hear to latest Lola at the Four Bridges Open Mic on Sundays at 11am slt.  Stay tuned for more adventures in Lola's life...

Adventures of Lola: River by RedGoddess

Here's the latest hotel adventures of Lola. She is in a reflective mood on this one. Hope you like and don't forget I love getting your comments, so leave one:)

There is a river that runs through Lola's neighborhood to the hotel. Many residents treasure it as if it were "La seine" itself.  Lola gazes through the foggy bus windows with sadness as she watches the fishermen, rowers, boaters and ducks on the water,  soaking in nature's beauty. It occurs to her, she has never taken a walk, had a picnic or even rode a ferry to the many islands close by. It's ironic that tourists seem to explore the city more fully than those who live here. 

The Adventures of Lola Stories: Lifestyle Change by RedGoddess

If only stress was a miracle diet, then Lola would definitely have a super model body without depriving herself of decadent desserts. During each annual physical, Dr. Drinkwater reminds Lola she's far from being in good shape. Positive healthy life style changes are in order. 
Since the injuries sustained during the traumatic robbery in the hotel, chronic headaches and insomnia plague her. Lola fears the worst. Something ominous is lurking. There is no extra funds for pricey gyms or personalized diet plans. Her life is in crisis.
Lola leaves work early to make her follow up appointment. She has just enough time to read an entire O magazine article on Living your Best Life  before the doctor rushes in with his clipboard. "Sorry for being late. I have a full schedule this afternoon," No eye contact.  She stares at the back of his clipboard and then gives him a cold look. Without a pause, he lunges into his list, "Your blood pressure remains high," He continues, pretending not to see her facial expression. "Have you started an exercise program yet, like we discussed during your last appointment?"  Lola is beyond frustrated, how dare he talks down to her like an imbecile! Lola snaps and bolts out of her chair.  She pulls down his clipboard and locks her eyes with his. "For a change, why don't I do the talking and YOU listen."

Lola's Adventures: Pork By RedGoddess

Lola revels in the chaos before work. There is a level of traffic that's cosmopolitan, and the usual early birds are all in the streets. The toothless man who empties out the burned cigarettes from the public astray, every few seconds, he lets out a disturbing laugh and mumbles "who's fault is it, anyway?" 
An older Black woman, head wrapped in a colorful scarf, sweeping the front of the university theater. She always stares towards the marquee as if thinking, "What if?"
Lola walks by the pan handler sitting on a rusty bus bench, tapping both hands on her starved thighs, humming to herself. Lola smiles and hands her a crumpled dollar bill.
In the distance, Lola can smell the tiny shops, she sometimes stops by the meat market to buy pork for her grandmother to make a spicy stew. She can taste the stew in her mind.
As she approaches the hotel, she notices Tom, a proud grandfather of twins doing his morning stretches before his daughter drops off the kids. There are runners, cyclists, dog walkers, parents waiting for school buses and restless children chasing pigeons. She peers inside her favorite wine cellar with a fat golden cat in the display window. Lola inhales the sweet smell of fresh bread and coffee brewing from the hotel kitchen. On a day like this, she's exactly where she belongs.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 words: Play by RedGoddess

All work and no play has taken a toll on Lola's life. Her eyes are tired and sad.  There was a time she assumed fun was overrated, but now...she's throwing caution to the wind. She invited her lover to her new place for a surprise indoor picnic, filled with mystery games, and tantalizing exotic foods. First, she blindfolds him the moment he walks through the door. They hug for what seems like hours before she leads him on the bed for a sensual massage. She has no plans to take it beyond touch, good food and conversation tonight. His smell fulfills her in ways beyond any sexual satisfaction. By the third glass of wine, they were half naked and sharing secrets. Suddenly he became serious, "truth or dare?" he asks. Truth, she whispers playfully. Why are you afraid to be mine?

Senseless by RedGoddess (Day 16 NAPOWRIMO Poetry)

My beloved city of Boston is in mourning this week after the bombings at the Marathon on Monday, April 15. My thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific inhumane act. Although I wrote this piece today, I'm still in shock and cannot make sense of what took place right in my backyard. Thank you for the outpouring of love from friends close and far:)

A revered day

with promise

of innocence

excitement

victory

celebrated
finale

Our world

rumbles

trembles

crumbles

collapses

in seconds

darkness
in bright 

daylight

A new day

vanished in 

fumes

bloodshed

lives, bodies, 

peace in disarray

witnessing horror
in real time

steps away
feet away

from childhood
magic

Memories
breaking in
loud painstakingly

slow motion
one moment

This is it!
arms in the air

in absolute relief

then panic
dreams shattered

to the ground

it all slipped 

away

The Adventures of Lola 100 Word Stories: Bird by RedGoddess

Bird by RedGoddess

Monday is the worst working day! Lola is back to the daily grind at the hotel. Holiday festivities and romantic getaways with her lover are replaced by sore feet and demanding guests. She misses waking up to bird songs and sweet air instead of city traffic. It's time to reinvent herself, focus on paying down debts and aim her sights on a promotion. Work she can handle like a trained magician. But its not management, unless you are paid appropriately. No matter how hard she works, she knows it won't protect her from disappointments. But she needs more from life.

Happy New Year from RedGoddess in Second Life!

2013 is just around the corner...and I'm so excited to welcome the New Year in both worlds. 2011 was memorable, to say the least. First, thank you to all my friends for your amazing support. I appreciate all the encouragement and most of all, your friendship. Whether during poetry readings at Four Bridges, author series, microfiction and more, open mics, art festivals, gallery openings, live music concerts, the Seated Scribes, or drum circles, you made it more meaningful in countless ways. For that, I cherish every moment.
This past year, I started writing poetry again and even dabbled in microfiction. I now have an ever evolving short story series called, "The Adventures of Lola in 100 words or more." Each week, I share social commentaries, hotel dramas, romance, life and death tidbits from Lola's perspective. I never thought I would delve so deeply into a character, let alone writing about an industry filled with mysteries and yet part of a global experience.
If you couldn't tell based on the subject matter of choice, I'm fascinating by hotels and what goes on when guests are not paying attention. In every environment, what I've always been curious about is the life stories of the individuals that walk through the hotel lobbies as guests, staff and passerby. What can Lola teach us from their slice of life? What change will Lola make in her life? So many questions to answer. Well, to find out what Lola is up to, you better keep reading the blog or you'll miss out on her next big surprise.
If you love the Lola series, please share your opinion in the comment section. I would love to hear from you:)
Have a fabulous New Year!

Red

Adventures of Lola in 100 words: BROKEN

Lola walks toward the hotel garage to check the areas before leaving. As she approaches the rear of the building, she notices a broken window on one of the cars and a man placing objects into a bag. Lola tiptoes toward the exit door to page security. Her heart is beating fast; she decides to go against all of her common sense and charges the burgler. That is the last thing she remembers. She is awaken by a kiss, her mans smile. She is in a hospital. "Who did this?" He asks. She looks at her broken foot and curses.

Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Cube

This summer has been the hottest since Lola started at the hotel. She got in the habit of drinking an iced mocha topped with whipped cream at her old job when stressed. Now, her budget allows for iced water. Her mind wanders to him. Their last date was a welcoming surprise offsetting her madness. Staring at her iced water, Lola daydreams about their shared champagne.  What she would like to do with each ice cube. She becomes lost in her fantasy  when his gentle voice interrupts her. "Penny for your thoughts" She turns and sees him,"I'd rather show you."

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.