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 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: 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.