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.

Summer Reading List Craze by RedGoddess

It's been a rainy summer on the East Coast. When it rains, I hibernate with a good book and dream about stories of my own. This week, I read a few articles on npr.com that seem to hit a nerve with several people, at least, in the comment section. The first is by Lynn Neary, 6 choices from book critics. I have not read any of these books and I'm not sure I will anytime soon. One commentator was disappointed that there were no female author on the critic top list. Well, that statement didn't sit well with others, even one person who's a feminist. Yikes! It is a fact that all the writers chosen were male. This is such a common practice that I don't blame NPR or even the writer as she simply shared the list. This kind of fluff piece are so popular this time of year, particularly online and in magazines. The never ending list of "LIST." I haven't thought about a summer reading list since high school. I read what and when I want during my minimal leisure time. Personally, I do read a lot of female fiction and non-fiction writers by choice. I peruse through my library page for ideas, npr.com, and my friend offer recommendations. Once in a while, I attend book discussions where I learn about new books and classics people are reading/reading. Beyond that, there is no formula to selecting what to read and will definitely not choose based on the season.
The other NPR article that I found is by Tania Lombrozo where she explores what our reading list reveal about reader's personality. This one certainly caught my attention because I don't think I fit the mold or the research findings she cited. Like music, my reading list is so broad that it would pose a challenge for anyone to dissect, let alone expose something about my personality. Right now, I'm not in school but I still read a lot of academic texts and research articles on gender and media.
On the other hand, I've consciously been choosing books from local authors, partly because I'm planning to attend their talks and just like the book focus. I'm also planning to read some books on women and travel. I haven't traveled as much as I used to in my 20's and I need some inspirations for the next spot to visit. The first two books on my list are: Tales from a female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman. I almost borrowed Eat, Love & Pray from the public library but changed my mind. Instead I'm listening to the soundtrack of the movie. I would love to visit all the places in the movie but I have to choose one at a time as I don't have the luxury to pack up like the author (Eat, Love & Pray) without losing my day job. So for now, I'll dive into the personal stories of a few travel writers while I figure out where to go next. Tell me what you're reading this week. Do you have any travel plans in the next few months? I want to hear about it! Send me a comment after reading the post.

The Adventures of Lola: Tomatoes by RedGoddess

It's been a while since I share a new story. I've been compiling the Lola stories for publication and of course writing and reading new tales. Thanks to all participants at the Seated Scribes for their suggestions. If you like the Lola series, leave me a comment below.  Do you have a favorite story? Would love to hear your feedback:) 





A lot of celebrities have fallen for the GYOP (Grow Your Own Produce) marketing hype. Even the First Lady has jumped on the eating fresh bandwagon. She holds fruit and veggie parties on the White House lawn for the children. She then shares her bountiful crops with dignitaries and other V.I.P. guests. For entertainment, she performs the hula hoop without breaking a sweat. Ah yes, save the children, Lola whispers to herself. You have to admire a well-liked mother, wife, public health advocate who finds time to grow her own tomatoes.

Five blocks from the white house, the local news station reported that an unemployed mother was arrested for stealing a loaf of bread at the Farmers' Market. A fight ensued and many commented on how this type of crime really hinders the positive message the First Lady is promoting. The tearful woman later confessed to the booking officer at the county jail that she lost her food stamps at the shelter and needed to feed her family. I guess when it comes to feeding the hungry, not everyone can eat from the land.

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.

Poet Karima Hoisan Live at Four Bridges/SpeakEasy, April 28, noon slt!

In celebration of the second anniversary of our Open Mic Reading & Live Music, I am excited to announce that Karima Hoisan, one of my favorite artists in Second Life will be featured at Four Bridges on Sunday, April 28 at noon slt. Karima is an exceptional person with a well of talents. She always lifts my spirit when I hear her read and share her art with an audience. If you've never experience her poetry, I highly recommend you stop by early and grab a chair. We'll kick off our open mic reading at 11a slt and then Karima will take the stage. You don't want to miss her!

Here's your limo to SpeakEasy:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Four%20Bridges%20Project/39/249/25

Blindsided by RedGoddess (Day 7 NAPOWRIMO Poetry)

On to day 7! I read the first set of poems at Four Bridges this morning, including the one below. I'm hooked on seasonal change and painful memories. If you like the latest poem, let me know in the comment section. Happy Reading!

Buried pain
in pint of rum raisin ice cream
Melting in bloody tears
Blindsided by hope
I remember to forgive
You forgot to love
Now paralyzed by regrets

Happy Friday by RedGoddess (Day 5 NAPOWRIMO Poetry)

 

It's the lover
in infinite fantasies

longed for

before arrival

after departure

Its presence

is sublime

and then

the unthinkable

in the shadow

it never lasts

as long as

you need

Wild Wind by RedGoddess (Day 3 NAPOWRIMO Poetry)

So far, the first few days of NAPOWRIMO have been more meaningful than I expected. I'm usually scratching my head for ideas and full of self-doubt but this is enjoyable. Here's today's poem:



Wild Wind

A tug of war
between seasons
wind bullying
walkers
into runners
hair
flying like weeds
umbrellas transform
into daggers
no escape
the wind goddesses
unleash
their madness
on spring's serenity

Morning Dance by RedGoddess (Day 2 NAPOWRIMO Poetry)

Morning Dance

Stretch
Crawl out

to main street

leap on bus

twirl down the

aisle

spilled coffee 

in right hand

ten stops

to destination
shimmy

through stand only
crowd
empty wet seat

surprise

yesterday's newspaper

for companion

until the next
commuter dance

Almost Spring by RedGoddess (Day 1 NAPOWRIMO Poetry)

Happy Poetry Month! I’ve decided to join the 30-day challenge Napowrimo this year to motivate myself to be more poetically engaged. Here's my first one exploring the spring sabotage. Read each entry as I post them. Don’t forget to leave a comment:)

Almost spring

The clouds

have suffocated the sun

Spring is prisoner
to winter

Trapped in fog

Thunderstorms roar

Sky sobs for

new season

Snow then rain

Ice then grail

The sun winks

Spring almost escaped

today

The Adventures of Lola: Dark & Normal by RedGoddess

Celebrities often claim they just want a "normal" life, like ordinary people.  Stars get tired of being followed by fans and photographed during their most vulnerable moments. Ironically, the normal people crave the limelight and the money that afford celebrities a lavish lifestyle. In turn, they get in debt buying stuff celebrities sell. The dark truth is, normalcy is an illusion. Lola doesn't want either one since she's witnessed the pitfalls of both. I guess we all pay a price, for our choices, rich or poor.

The Adventures of Lola Stories: Border by RedGoddess

How do you miss something you never had? Lola has a recurring haunting dream where she opens a door and watches her father walking away into a paradise. She never sees his face, and he doesn't look back. She heard stories about him while eavesdropping on grown folk's talk as a child. Her mother can't even say his name without anger in her eyes. The same anger Lola has when she recalls her mother leaving her and her sister. Her grandmother often says Lola has his wit and wisdom. She's flattered but frustrated to be compared to an invisible man. Lola  exists on the border.  She's exposed to the world, yet lives in fragments.

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.

Adventures of Lola 100 words: FUNK by RedGoddess

Happy holidays! The year is almost over. I've written another Lola installation for this week's 100 word challenge. The hotel is full of festive events, including a food drive. Sadly, Lola is in a funk. Check out the story and let me know what you think:)


Hunger is not seasonal, and suffering is not a trend. Yet every Christmas, there is a surge about feeding the poor. The same working poor and homeless who are visible year round suddenly present a fantastic opportunity. Lola got in a funk when the hotel Manager launched a food drive. This is the same woman who treats her staff like slaves. The same woman who smiles when she calls the cops to remove homeless saying ‘come fast, they have drugs.’ Lola watches as wealthy clients place cans into boxes and thank her manager for caring so much. What a fraud!

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: 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.

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.

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."