Red Followers

Sunday, August 19, 2012

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.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

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.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

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.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

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."

Saturday, July 14, 2012

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.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

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.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Red Sunday: Open Mic Readings, Community Roundtable & Tukso Okey Concert

Sunday's open mic poetry at Four Bridges/SpeakEasy was awesome (it usually is)! Last Sunday is usually packed with activities because we have our monthly roundtables at 10am slt for members to come together and share announcements about whatever they're working on. Plus, I went to Carl's drumming at 8am slt at the Feed a Smile sim for some Also, SL9B festivities were in full swing all weekend. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful turn out with new faces and our regulars for the sharing of the written word. Synapse opened the hour with three great pieces. Lemonodo read a few selections and then the ball got rolling with Queen, Don, Squiddy, Carl and many other writers who were present. Matty, a new member, passed one poem to Carl to read for her. We often encourage participants who may not feel comfortable to read or a little shy, to ask the host or anyone of their choice, to read on their behalf. Queen's piece about girls gave me a nudge to read "I am an emotional creature" by Eve Ensler. I wished Anamaria was there, so she could  read it instead. I've been enjoying her version and style of reading the monologue a great deal.
For many residents of SL, crashing is part of the experience. Well, let me tell SL decided to have a little fun with me while I was hosting. I crashed 3 times if not more. Thank goodness Synapse came to the rescue and hold down the fort for me by reading and introducing others. Sadly, Brokali, my funny cohost was under the weather and couldn't join us. I'm hoping he'll be in good health by next weekend to participate fully.
After the poetry hour, I took a mini break to recuperate from the relentless crashes and came back to get a notice from Synapse about Alex's open mic at 1pm slt on book island. I popped over for a bit to hear some of the writers and entered to win a guitar as the door prize. Of course, I did not win:( Barbara, the Book Island correspondent was the lucky winner. Congrats! I enjoyed Synapse's except from the book she's reading. Before I knew it, I crashed right after Singh's stories. I thought this was a sign another break was in order. After a few hours offline, I realized I haven't had a dose of Tukso Okey in days, if not weeks. So, I relogged one more time and was greeted with a notice from Padula Bing about a concert at Wild Girls. After clearing my inventory and a quick change, I tped over to the venue for the concert. The moment I heard his guitar riff at the landing, I knew Ive been away for too long. Wow! And then the voice, "Are you having a good time?", Tusko asked. Fans can't help but screamed, YES! I sure did lol. Needless to say, I ended my SL night on a high and still grooving to Tukso's vibe. Amazing!