Open Mic Poetry Reading at Four Bridges Celebrates 3 years

This May, the Open Mic Reading & Live Music events at Four Bridges Project celebrate its 3rd year in Second Life.  We kicked off the anniversary early during NaPoWrimo (April). It's been a busy past month with all the poetry festivities in RL and SL. I attended Mass Poetry's Inspired Leadership in Boston. I then traveled to Salem, MA to participate in the Mass poetry festival which has been such annual treat for me. It was quite a trek from Boston but well worth it. I met a lot of great poets during the sessions that I attended. It's such a gift to be able to mesh my work in RL with the open mic poetry readings at Four Bridges. You never know who's going to teleport over. On May 25, Angeljade Writer joined us and read a few poems. Any1 took a gorgeous photo (see above) of AJ while lounging on the couch at SpeakEasy.
I'm proud of and grateful for our three years in Second Life! I'm eager to plan more programs this summer and share the joy of poetry. You have an open invitation to visit us anytime at the Four Bridges Project.

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

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Mine

When Lola was 17, her mother threw her out of the house. Weeks later, her younger sister ran away too and moved in with her. They grew a backbone, while struggling to stay in high school, and care for one another. There is no mine. They worked retail jobs and often ate at shelters, and sometimes dated drug dealers that bought them groceries.

Lola would sometimes see her so called mother at weddings and funerals. They would barely exchange a few words. On mother's day, Lola's sister gives her sunflowers. Lola is the only mother she'll ever have or need.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 words: Fear

Check out this week's 100 word story. Lola shares a slice of her life and what she fears as she works tirelessly to make a living. Hope you like it!

Lola has been dreading making a doctor's appointment for her mandatory physical, work requires.  She can't remember the last time she felt relaxed. Maybe her blood pressure is high again. Free healthcare will be good for the country, but when you are working poor, you still don’t get paid when you’re out sick. Out of fear, she has avoided all hospitals even when she experienced those unbearable stomach cramps. Last year, her best friend went for a routine blood test she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It is sad that they cried more about affording the disease than beating it.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 words; Chain

Since the passing of Mr. Chip, Lola has been in a manic mood. She has avoided her lover in fear of being too vulnerable. She tries to keep herself busy with work but is still numb with sadness. No one has come to claim Mr. Chip's belongings. She's beginning to wonder who will make the funeral arrangements. There are certain chain of events that turns life on its ugly head. Lola wonders if this job is the pinnacle of her existence. Would anyone care if she wasn't at the hotel? The next day, Lola calls in sick for the first time.