Loco in Yokohama

Seems like only weeks ago I was looking at 100000 and now I’m looking at 200000! If averages hold true it’ll happen today or tomorrow. It’s really overwhelming to me and once again I want to thank all of my readers and followers for their continuing and enthusiastic support of loco in Yokohama.

When I finish editing, revising and re-revising a post and once I click that “publish” button, I feel such a charge race through me. Like a surge of adrenalin laced with anxiety. Because I know that I have created something…something original. And I’ve sent it out into the world to fend for itself.  Sometimes it comes back  weak and injured, sometimes it comes back healthy and strong, sometimes it even comes back stronger, with friends and supporters. And each one I take personally. My writing is personal to me. I invest a great deal of my time, energy, real thoughts and feelings into my work.

Some of my friends tell me, Loco, you are really fucking Loco! It’s dangerous to open yourself up to people like that. And, as cynical as you are, they say, you ought to know better. Well, they’re right, of course. (Not about the cynicism…at least I’m not severely cynical I think) It is dangerous! There are risks involved in opening yourself up…especially someone as sensitive as I can be at times.

But, you know what I’ve learned? The more I write, the stronger I get, and the more I can take it as well as I dish it! Writing helps me manage my daily strife and actually allows me to step outside myself a bit and see my situation from different perspectives.

And, you know what else I’ve learned? I’ve learned that the kind of writing that people respond to, that provokes thoughts, feelings, ideas, and the kind of dialogue and exchanges I see taking place in my comment area among my readers…these kinds of exchanges only take place when the reader has been engaged, when the real is being addressed, when risks have been taken and when dangerous ground has been trodden upon.

Writing has helped me uncover me, sculpt away so much useless clay, and be the me I always wanted to be. It’s a blessing I don’t intend to keep to myself. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. And I feel so fortunate to have found my voice and an audience virtually simultaneously. Is that how it always works?

The Beatles once said Everybody’s got something to hide except me and my monkey. (Great line!) Well, I got something to hide, too. Only, I’m hiding it in plain sight, right here on Loco in Yokohama.  Welcome to my hiding place!

Here are some of  the comments that inform me I must be doing something right:

“I like the way you tell it as it is…. in real-time.”

From Robin at Japundit

“Please try to refrain from stereotyping and over-dramatising you are starting to sound like the late Richard Pryor or a hyper-ventilating Black Woody Allen.”

From Elizabeth at Punjapit

“Loco, you got the best read on the Japan related net AND you got lessons to plan AND you gotta have a life. Please don’t waste a second of it trying to please anyone round’ here.”

From The original Hawaiibadboy, my man chris

“Hey – I love reading your writing – you are so willing to share your raw emotion – you come across as a Don’t f*** with me toughie but then you soak in every comment. You are teaching us all a lot with your unique ability to bend without breaking. I enjoy your comments at least as much as your writing. And 25k in only 4 months – you clearly rock!”

From reason2write

A friend of mine yesterday actually mentioned me and Chester Himes in the same sentence! (and it wasn’t flattery, he said) This kind of stuff keeps me stoked! A writer needs readers so thank you so much! And don’t hesitate to tell your friends. Blast your FB peeps with my link. Tweet the Loco brand. Shout Loco out! Onegai itashi fucking masu! (-:

Well…I’ve mentioned before that I am in the process of making a few changes to the look of Loco in Yokohama, and many of you gave me feedback as to what you would like to see changed and what you would like to remain unchanged. Most of you will be pleased. Those who said my sidebar is for shit, and my archives are in disarray, etc…Those issues will be a thing of the past. Those who have grown fond of the black backgroud…well…Loco’s gotta lighten up a bit. Sorry.

But, I promise that though the look will change, what you really come here for, (and I presume it’s not to see my black background) namely my work, will continue to be honest, funny (I hope), real and like my buddy reason2write says “RAW!” My primary focus, as always, will be on the quality of the content. That’s priority number 1!

I’m so excited. I got some really interesting projects in pre-production! You guys are so lucky (at least I think so lol)! I truly believe the best is yet to come!

Sincerely,

Loco

PS: Ummm…if you read / follow my blog, why don’t you go to my networkedblogs page here and click “follow.” (and rate me…I like 5 stars but I’ll take what you got) It’ll help me build up my readership and whatnot. Also you can catch my tweets at Locohama.

Thanks in advance!