The Adventures of Lola: Drink by RedGoddess

What an insane past few months! I've managed to keep the stories going in spite of real life challenges and other pressures. I am now seriously planning to publish a collection of these stories. I'm not which ones will make the cut but all of you reading this blog will have a say. Tell me your favorite Lola stories. I have so many which makes it really hard to choose. Nevertheless, I think it's time I take the plunge! In the meantime, check out this week's story. Don't forget to leave your comment.


Lola remembers a saying "a drink is a drink, is a drink, is a drink."
Maybe its from one of her recovering alcoholic hotel guests. She can't remember, but in some cases, it doesn't make sense. 
Every morning, her choice of drink is a home brewed cup of dark roasted coffee, with a dash of brown sugar. After work, coffee won't cut it, even with Baileys.
So honestly, a drink is not a drink, it is not a drink because Lola needs to numb her frustrations, before she explodes like dynamite.
Two days ago, she witnessed her lover having a drink with  another woman. He didn't see her, but she can't get this image out of her head. Him. Her. And a bottle of wine between them. Him smiling and laughing without her.

The Adventures of Lola 100 Word Stories: Tea by RedGoddess

Here's the latest adventures of Lola. This story reminds me of my first glass of long island iced tea in New Orleans. Till this day, this drink was stronger than I expected. Luckily, Lola is in the comfort of her home and with her sister. Hope you enjoy. Don't forget to leave a comment:)

Lola misses girls' night out with her best friends. Since they've gotten older and juggling jobs and families, they've seen each other less. In high school, they used to hang out every day after school over soda and a basket of fries at the local diner. They gossiped about everything and give advice about boys. Life was so simple when together eating their problems away. These days, soda is not gonna cut it after dealing with her nasty boss.  At home, her sister knows just what she needs to take her mind off her troubles.  She makes a potent pitcher long island iced tea served with box of brownies. They talk for hours, reminiscing over drinks until they both pass out on the living room floor.

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.

The Adventures of Lola 100 Word Stories: Mustard by RedGoddess

Lola loves buttery soul food. She will never understand how women subject themselves to diets. She sure as hell isn't substituting mustard for mayo.  She has enough dos and donts in life. She tries to keep her curves in place, but if there is some chocolate, she ain't holding back. Her admirer has picked up on that and knows just the right food to cook for her.  Even when he's away, he spoils her with desserts and other delicacies that are irresistible.  Yeah, rich buttery food, mayo over mustard and with every bite she likes him more for loving her as she is...

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 Word Stories: The Worst Thing in the World

Lola can't stand the charade imbedded in weddings. Brides have the power to turn their special day into the worst thing in the world for bridesmaids. She can't imagine being squeezed in a puffy pastel dress to make a public promise. Lola will avoid the altar at all cost. She made an exception for her best friend. She stood by her through hours of cake tasting, dress rehearsals, bachelorette party and even a Brazilian wax for the sake of friendship. Lola watched in frustrations as thousands of dollars are wasted on stuff. She wonders, when will the marriage planning start?

The Adventures of Lola in 100 words: Night Shift

Check out the latest Lola story. There is surprising twist as Lola does her first night shift at the hotel. She discovers it takes more than caffeine to cope with the insanity of her guests. Let me know what you think in the comment section:)

Executive hotels require all kind of crazy hours for their year round guests. Lola’s first overnight shift, she figured strong coffee would carry her, however, after leaving the front desk for a bathroom break she returned to find Mrs. Phillips standing naked in the lobby. She was smoking prescription marijuana, and screaming, "Thank God you're here! I heard gunshots from the suite next door." Lola smiled and assured the elderly woman she was safe, fed her snack food, and put her to bed.  At dawn, Lola smoked one of Mrs. Phillips on the hotel roof and called it even.

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; 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.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Football

During the recession, Lola's neighborhood has gone through many changes. Her favorite book store became a luxurious spa. The Indian family who ran it disappeared.  The foreclosed church is now a high end condominium, own by the football quarterback. She overheard two students say,"No one prays anymore anyways." The library is slated to become a sushi restaurant. In the distance, where mostly immigrants live. One of the worst eye sore is still unfinished. A structure for a low-income housing development.It's been five years since they broke ground. Oh well, like I said soon we all be eating Sushi.

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: Space

After an exhausting week, I managed to pout out another Lola story in the series. The word challenge is space. I wasn't sure what I would explore this week but by Saturday night (more like midnight), I was somewhat happy with my rewrite.  I quickly sent it to crap before I crash and lose the whole plot in Second Life. Now, you get to read here:) Are you enjoying the stories? Let me know by leaving a comment for me...

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Lola wakes up to wild rain knocking on her bedroom window. She sleep walks through her overcrowded apartment, looking for her cell phone. It was too quiet. "I guess I'm all alone," She thought. On the kitchen table is an upside down pineapple cake with a fork in the middle. This is not a good sign given the history of avoidance in her family. Every time her grandmother has bad news, she bakes Lola's favorite dessert. Lola takes a mouthful bite and hurries back under the bed comforter. She wishes she run away to space and scream her worries away

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Red

Welcome back to a new story in the adventures of Lola series! So I wrote three stories all together but will only share two for now.  The third is still being revised and will most likely be slightly longer as Lola has more to say. I made history in numbers but not sure crap received them any earlier to post on his website. lol. As always, I hope you enjoy it and send me your comments.

 

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Red

Lola can't believe she's been working the swanky hotel for three years.  It makes her sad to be such a natural. Lola lost her high paying job, on her 35th birthday. Instead of a tenth year celebration or an anniversary plague she found herself crying in the rear corporate parking lot. Since then, Lola has learned to treat herself to red every pay. The first week was a lipstick, than a red music box, her favorite was red gloves meant to compliment a scarf from Morocco a guest gave her. She thinks about her past,  but is thankful for Red.

Red is the word!

A few days ago, I heard through the grapevines that "Red" is the chosen word for this week's challenge. Actually, Crap told in Second life. I just love saying "through the gravevines" lol. I am excited and hope that will motivate me to write my story or stories a little early. Will I make history this week by sending crap my entry before 11:59p on Saturday. Time will tell...Stay tune for more story ideas before the deadline.

The Adventures of Lola in 100 Words: Card

The word this week is: Card. It was literally a challenge for me as I tried to develop a story that was authentic to Lola's days at work. I wanted her to take a break from the mystery and yet shows that she still prioritizes work over building a live outside of her job. Then again, she doesn't have the luxury to take a personal day solely for self-indugence. Hope you enjoy this week's story in the Lola series.

Card 100 word challenge by RedGoddess

The rainstorm hits the coast harder than locals expected. Rain or shine Lola has to work. At the hotel, the wind slaps the front gate open, dragging debris in from the main street. A queen of heart card flies in and lands on Lola's desk. She looks up and notices the light for the "no vacancy" sign is flickering. Lola wishes she had taken a personal day off to spend time with the mystery guy. She's reluctant to open her heart and deal with another disappointment. She could still hear his last words while saying good night, "you intrigue me."

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."

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.

100 word challenge "27%" by RedGoddess

At 6:00pm, Lola hears the harmonious chorus of church bells. She arrived home from her hotel job with sore feet and aching back. She plopped down in front of a small tv. Her grandmother is out for bingo night at the community center. Her siblings are also MIA. She turns the tv on and immediately hears the newsanchor reports, "unemployment is still in the double digit and the President has not provided his new job recovery plan." I'm lucky to have a job in this economy, Lola thought. Looking at her paycheck, she realizes her wages have been reduced by 27%.