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: Faint by RedGoddess

Lola is baffled by the random events held at the hotel. The ballroom can be transformed into any theme to suit clients' ever revolving tastes. Last week, there was a bachelor and a sweet sixteen party on the same day. This weekend, Lola will oversee a popular beauty pageant. The lobby is already filled with barbie look alikes of all shades and hair colors. They're practicing their runway walks in their rooms, hallways and the bathrooms. Wherever there is a mirror, you can find them staring into self-doubt and wishful thinking.
Lola can't imagine subjecting herself to this charade to win a crown. She would faint during the bathing suit competition and throw up on her gown. What exactly sets her apart from these hopeful contestants, parading in front of strangers for a high score and prize money? Lola doesn't approve but she can't play judge when she herself has made some questionable choices for a pay day.

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 in 100 words: Play by RedGoddess

All work and no play has taken a toll on Lola's life. Her eyes are tired and sad.  There was a time she assumed fun was overrated, but now...she's throwing caution to the wind. She invited her lover to her new place for a surprise indoor picnic, filled with mystery games, and tantalizing exotic foods. First, she blindfolds him the moment he walks through the door. They hug for what seems like hours before she leads him on the bed for a sensual massage. She has no plans to take it beyond touch, good food and conversation tonight. His smell fulfills her in ways beyond any sexual satisfaction. By the third glass of wine, they were half naked and sharing secrets. Suddenly he became serious, "truth or dare?" he asks. Truth, she whispers playfully. Why are you afraid to be mine?

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