Category: Uncategorized

My family got away to Izu. We had been there before about five years ago. It was fun being in the ocean again. Back home I hadn’t had a chance to swim in the sea because I was on my bicycle all the time and I didn’t want it to get stolen.

I’m still anxious about my novel. Publishing a novel is something I always wanted to do and now it’s here. At this stage it feels like if there is anything you really want to do then you have to go for it. The pandemic has exposed us all. How long can any of us wait for a cure or any dream we might have?

It finally stopped raining so for the last two days I have been cycling for two days. I’m in Japan so I’m back to my old haunt, the Arakawa River where I use to race anyone who would, to Tokyo Bay and then to Kansai park. I’m rusty and out of shape. For weeks it has been raining and then to make things worse I don’t have my road bike built up. That’s one of my goals besides publicizing my and finishing two more articles about coffee in Japan is to build my road bike.

A friend with a lot of bikes, said he would sell me some parts. So, I start over. It was devastating losing my road bike, but I’ll never make the same mistake again. I just let my guard down by not sticking to my rules and well when you do that you soon find out why you were right the first time.

I’m getting anxious about my book. Today I went to see an old friend. We had a good time, two writers and poets making the most of the moment.

A small reprieve from the bad weather here in Japan and the pandemic. All of our lives are on hold. Nothing left but to be creative and act on our ideas in a positive way. If not now then when? Something echoing in my mind.

Still, I can’t wait for the rain to stop so that I can go out and ride my bike. You can wait your whole life for a big break or you can go out and create one. I guess that is what will happen.

Today I did my first ride on my old Cannondale Quick 4. It felt good to ride. It’s a good thing I did because the rain came later.

Two more coffee stories to go here in Japan. Also trying to meet some friends but it’s a delicate balance between obligations and projects.

Back home things look crazy. Until the election it will be like this but then there is now. I’ve already chosen what side I’m on but for some people maybe it’s a bit more complicated. I’m hopeful but still justice hasn’t been served for so many people that have been victims of police brutality, inequalities in education and now health care regarding the pandemic.

Today my canned coffee taste test article was printed in Barista Magazine. Check the link below.

I really appreciate the opportunity to be in print again. It has been a long time. I admit I was a little rusty but for some reason these controversial times brought all of these words out of me and also the opportunity presented its self. Now I have two more stories to go — actually more.

I extend my trip in Japan due to the fact that I teaching is closed due to the pandemic and my MA university courses are now all online. More importantly I want to spend more time with my family.

In the background is promoting my book and building a new road bike, my previous bicycle was stolen about two years ago. There is so much to do and it’s important to stay in the moment.

Now there is nothing to do but move forward trying to get out of the woods.

I recently got back on my old cross bike a Cannondale Quick 4 that is custom painted. Hopefully I can build up my road bike while I’m here in Japan. In the mean time I write and patiently for my first coffee story to be printed. My MA program starts soon. It’s good to be back here in Japan with my family. But I have to make the most of the moment because time does fly. Luckily, I was able to do my first ride today. It felt good to hit the road.

Anxiously I wait for my publisher to give me word about my novel being printed up at the printers. Some of my close friends already want copies of my book. That’s a good feeling and I never imagined that I would be at this point but that’s a good thing. It’s a dream I’ve always had and now it’s a reality.

The beach – Hayama.

Quarantine is over. I went to the beach with my family. My dad is in the hospital. I feel that things are getting worse. My sister is going to see him but I can’t do anything from Japan but hope that he will get better. It’s painful but what can I do? This situation has been building up fora long time.

I can’t wait for my book Alvarado to debut but then another struggle will begin. For now, I stay positive and move forward and stay motivated.

It feels good in to be here in Japan. Maybe I’ll extend my stay here. Two more stories to go. Hopefully I can get it all done. So far so good.

One more day to go and then I can get out of the house. I’ve been writing and trying my best to stay positive. As always I’m writing. Also, I’m doing my best to create a buzz about my novel. I’ll admit it’s not for everyone but as an artist you can’t always worry about that. You have to trust the process and follow your vision. I support a lot of people on different social platforms but I would appreciate a follow back, it doesn’t matter to me if you’re famous. At one time you were just another person with a dream and a vision just like me.

Stay motivated and stay positive!

I have three more days left in quarantine in Japan. At least I can be at home. Another tough part is not being able to ride my bicycle. I feel like, I’ve gained so much weight.

My coffee story for Barista Magazine is in its third edit. It should be out in another week.

My novel is at the printer now but I’m trying to create as much buzz as possible on Instagram and Twitter.

Alvarado at http://atmospherepress.com it’s also available for pre-orders at Amazon.

Thank you!

Stay motivated!

I’m really liking this song. It’s melancholy but cool. It just debuted on Stones Throw Records!