Rico Lamoureux's Blog: Cafe Lamoureux - Posts Tagged "daily-blog"
Day 17 - Why I Write Novellas
Hello my wonderful readers!
Today is the first day of my new goodreads blog, and 17th. day since the daily blog's conception over on YouTube.
Today I thought I'd write a little on why I write novellas and not novels. A lot of it has to do with my time in film school, where I studied the craft of screenwriting. Unlike traditional forms of writing, this medium requires the writer to be very concise, as one page generally translates to one minute of screen time. And since most people aren't into six hour films, (although some might argue that this is changing due to 'binge-watching', where viewers watch an entire season of a television series within a short period of time via netflix or what have you. I actually like this idea, and will probably become a 'binge-watcher' myself when opportunity allows. Like a book, you're in control of how much you take in at any given time!) screenwriting can sometimes feel rigid.
Forward a few years later and I had awoken from the naive believe that I could actually get into Hollywood based on talent and not on who I knew (or didn't know) and with new direction decided to focus my passion for storytelling back to the conventional narrative form.
What I hadn't expected was for my writing style to change, but that's precisely what I discovered when I sat down to write my first book. I found that it felt more natural to me to tell short stories rather than try to stretch them out when there really was no need to do so. I didn't need to write an entire novel to tell a complete dramatic story. I could evoke emotion, take the reader on an awe-inspiring journey and serve story/character all within the general 25-50k words of a novella.
And thus I had found my niche!
Does this mean I will never write a full-length novel? Not at all. Story and character tell me the appropriate length to serve it properly. Sometimes 20k words, sometimes 30k. In the case of my first print book, The Maiden of Monaco, one can actually consider it a novelette, as it is less than 16k words, yet is one of the most powerful stories I've written to date!
Perhaps someday I'll start a story and soon realize that its characters, its plot, is telling me that it's going to need a greater amount of ink than I usually pour forth. But until then, I'm happy writing novellas:)
Speaking of The Maiden of Monaco, the first two chapters are up on my facebook page, as a way to say thank you to those who LIKE my page:)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
I'd better wrap up before I turn this blog entry into the length of a novella!
See you tomorrow:)
Today is the first day of my new goodreads blog, and 17th. day since the daily blog's conception over on YouTube.
Today I thought I'd write a little on why I write novellas and not novels. A lot of it has to do with my time in film school, where I studied the craft of screenwriting. Unlike traditional forms of writing, this medium requires the writer to be very concise, as one page generally translates to one minute of screen time. And since most people aren't into six hour films, (although some might argue that this is changing due to 'binge-watching', where viewers watch an entire season of a television series within a short period of time via netflix or what have you. I actually like this idea, and will probably become a 'binge-watcher' myself when opportunity allows. Like a book, you're in control of how much you take in at any given time!) screenwriting can sometimes feel rigid.
Forward a few years later and I had awoken from the naive believe that I could actually get into Hollywood based on talent and not on who I knew (or didn't know) and with new direction decided to focus my passion for storytelling back to the conventional narrative form.
What I hadn't expected was for my writing style to change, but that's precisely what I discovered when I sat down to write my first book. I found that it felt more natural to me to tell short stories rather than try to stretch them out when there really was no need to do so. I didn't need to write an entire novel to tell a complete dramatic story. I could evoke emotion, take the reader on an awe-inspiring journey and serve story/character all within the general 25-50k words of a novella.
And thus I had found my niche!
Does this mean I will never write a full-length novel? Not at all. Story and character tell me the appropriate length to serve it properly. Sometimes 20k words, sometimes 30k. In the case of my first print book, The Maiden of Monaco, one can actually consider it a novelette, as it is less than 16k words, yet is one of the most powerful stories I've written to date!
Perhaps someday I'll start a story and soon realize that its characters, its plot, is telling me that it's going to need a greater amount of ink than I usually pour forth. But until then, I'm happy writing novellas:)
Speaking of The Maiden of Monaco, the first two chapters are up on my facebook page, as a way to say thank you to those who LIKE my page:)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
I'd better wrap up before I turn this blog entry into the length of a novella!
See you tomorrow:)
Day 19 - Passion
“Despite the obstacle, when a strong passion within yearns for life, begs to thrive, we must find a way to release it. To set free that which creates, that which inspires, for passion is the driving force behind all that is great. ”
— Rico Lamoureux
Welcome my wonderful readers!
I came upon this inspiring story today about an artist who lets nothing get in the way of her artistic passion. Not even a severe case of Polio, which has left her nearly unable to move!
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/02/wor...
I can relate, on some level, to her determination, given the fact that I am totally blind in one eye and near legally blind in the other due to Acute Retinal Necrosis.
I'm an author who still uses traditional tools of the trade, meaning I write longhand and then type it up on a computer. So yeah, my visual impairment has made it quite difficult to read and write since I often have to do so with the aide of a magnifying glass, but when one is faced with obstacles that are beyond their control they must learn to live the motto 'Where there's a will, there's a way'.
I've written about the diverse journey of my life so far in Power of the Pen, my autobiography that is currently available for pre-order at igg.me/at/Rico
(Yeah, shameless plug-LOL!)
See you tomorrow:)
— Rico Lamoureux
Welcome my wonderful readers!
I came upon this inspiring story today about an artist who lets nothing get in the way of her artistic passion. Not even a severe case of Polio, which has left her nearly unable to move!
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/02/wor...
I can relate, on some level, to her determination, given the fact that I am totally blind in one eye and near legally blind in the other due to Acute Retinal Necrosis.
I'm an author who still uses traditional tools of the trade, meaning I write longhand and then type it up on a computer. So yeah, my visual impairment has made it quite difficult to read and write since I often have to do so with the aide of a magnifying glass, but when one is faced with obstacles that are beyond their control they must learn to live the motto 'Where there's a will, there's a way'.
I've written about the diverse journey of my life so far in Power of the Pen, my autobiography that is currently available for pre-order at igg.me/at/Rico
(Yeah, shameless plug-LOL!)
See you tomorrow:)
Day 24 - The Gift of Innocence
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Anyone who has taken the time to read my literary works(the covers and descriptions of which can be found on my profile page and sneak peek album on my fb page) has discovered my passion for writing about the gift of innocence. In particular, female innocence.
It's not that I'm so obsessed with this theme that I can't write about anything else. In fact, in 6 Degrees
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) only two of the five short stories involve such. And actually, one is about a male's loss of virginity.
But yeah, why do I find this topic so fascinating? The answer really lies in my soon-to-be released autobiography
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...) where I write about losing my own innocence as well. But for this blog entry I'll be brief.
I really can't think of anything more precious, more priceless. It's a gift that once given can never be taken back. A treasure that is not only physical, but so emotional/spiritual as well. And when I say spiritual, I don't mean religious. It has to do with one's being, no matter what belief they have been conditioned with. The surrendering of this precious gift is universal. Beyond race, religion, culture.
This is why I tend to revisit such a powerful theme as often as I do. There is simply nothing greater than the gift of innocence!
See you tomorrow:)
Anyone who has taken the time to read my literary works(the covers and descriptions of which can be found on my profile page and sneak peek album on my fb page) has discovered my passion for writing about the gift of innocence. In particular, female innocence.
It's not that I'm so obsessed with this theme that I can't write about anything else. In fact, in 6 Degrees
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) only two of the five short stories involve such. And actually, one is about a male's loss of virginity.
But yeah, why do I find this topic so fascinating? The answer really lies in my soon-to-be released autobiography
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...) where I write about losing my own innocence as well. But for this blog entry I'll be brief.
I really can't think of anything more precious, more priceless. It's a gift that once given can never be taken back. A treasure that is not only physical, but so emotional/spiritual as well. And when I say spiritual, I don't mean religious. It has to do with one's being, no matter what belief they have been conditioned with. The surrendering of this precious gift is universal. Beyond race, religion, culture.
This is why I tend to revisit such a powerful theme as often as I do. There is simply nothing greater than the gift of innocence!
See you tomorrow:)
Day 25 - A Traditional Author In Virtual Times
Welcome my wonderful readers!
While enjoying a book have you ever thought of how and where it was written? Is the author the kind of writer who needs peace and quiet to create tales of intrigue, or did they write in some cafe somewhere, the goings-on of which helped propel the wheels of creativity?
Personally speaking, I prefer isolation, a good pen, and lots of paper when I write. I've tried spinning plots and characters with a keyboard, but it just doesn't flow the same as when I put ink to paper. And although it's nice to visit some far off place for inspiration, when it comes time to actually write I prefer to work off memory, as opposed to narrating when I'm smack dab in the middle of it.
I do envy the authors of yesterday, who had to hit the pavement in order to acquire book deals and promote. I'm a doer, who, in the past, was able to get things done because I was willing to put in the extra effort. Nowadays, anyone with a PC is my competition, which I'm reminded of everyday as I go online to peddle my literary talent. The Virtual World... Where everyone's an instant author. Where my near thirty years of writing experience is overthrown by some kid with thousands of 'followers'.
Cyberspace... Where when I try to play the game of promo(which every real author must do if they are to have a chance of survival) I could ignorantly be labeled as a spammer by one quick click of a mouse!
And yet I suit up every single day for more, because if this is the war I have to fight in in order to reach a few wonderful readers who find value in my storytelling, then consider me a career warrior in this virtual chaos!
See you tomorrow:)
While enjoying a book have you ever thought of how and where it was written? Is the author the kind of writer who needs peace and quiet to create tales of intrigue, or did they write in some cafe somewhere, the goings-on of which helped propel the wheels of creativity?
Personally speaking, I prefer isolation, a good pen, and lots of paper when I write. I've tried spinning plots and characters with a keyboard, but it just doesn't flow the same as when I put ink to paper. And although it's nice to visit some far off place for inspiration, when it comes time to actually write I prefer to work off memory, as opposed to narrating when I'm smack dab in the middle of it.
I do envy the authors of yesterday, who had to hit the pavement in order to acquire book deals and promote. I'm a doer, who, in the past, was able to get things done because I was willing to put in the extra effort. Nowadays, anyone with a PC is my competition, which I'm reminded of everyday as I go online to peddle my literary talent. The Virtual World... Where everyone's an instant author. Where my near thirty years of writing experience is overthrown by some kid with thousands of 'followers'.
Cyberspace... Where when I try to play the game of promo(which every real author must do if they are to have a chance of survival) I could ignorantly be labeled as a spammer by one quick click of a mouse!
And yet I suit up every single day for more, because if this is the war I have to fight in in order to reach a few wonderful readers who find value in my storytelling, then consider me a career warrior in this virtual chaos!
See you tomorrow:)
Day 26 - Dream Home
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Today I wanted to share with you my dream home. A special place of peace and tranquility, tucked away under the outstretched limbs of majestic trees. Shielded from the chaos of the outside world, this enchanted castle of coziness would be the ideal setting to set my imagination free. To live out the rest of my years amongst the serenity that helps inspire a library of captivating stories.
Gone are the days of obnoxious neighbors, barking dogs, and pollutant fire-breathing engines from hell!
Run Giacomo, across the soft blanket of grass which surrounds our piece of heavenly earth, and when you're content and ready to doggy-snooze the Sunday away, mommy and I will then lie atop the beautiful greenery and once again bless this intimate little kingdom of ours with some passionate lovemaking.
The home that is a forever-giving muse!
Care to stop on by and say hello?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
Today I wanted to share with you my dream home. A special place of peace and tranquility, tucked away under the outstretched limbs of majestic trees. Shielded from the chaos of the outside world, this enchanted castle of coziness would be the ideal setting to set my imagination free. To live out the rest of my years amongst the serenity that helps inspire a library of captivating stories.
Gone are the days of obnoxious neighbors, barking dogs, and pollutant fire-breathing engines from hell!
Run Giacomo, across the soft blanket of grass which surrounds our piece of heavenly earth, and when you're content and ready to doggy-snooze the Sunday away, mommy and I will then lie atop the beautiful greenery and once again bless this intimate little kingdom of ours with some passionate lovemaking.
The home that is a forever-giving muse!
Care to stop on by and say hello?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
Day 27 - Freedom
"Money won't make success. The freedom to make it will." Nelson Mandela
Welcome my wonderful readers!
This is an interesting quote from the late Nelson Mandela, and although I full-heartedly agree with it, it made me think of the TRUE freedom we have to make money, or the lack thereof.
We've all heard of how difficult it is to break into any industry that entertains. Hollywood, big publishing, A-list music. All tight-knit and great at keeping people out. I can understand needing a system to keep those with no specific talent out of a certain field, but there are two main problems of how this is done nowadays.
First problem is pretty obvious. For every one person with actual talent there are thousands who lack it, yet they are fighting side-by-side to get the attention of those who wield the power to change lives. Because of such, great talents are overlooked.
Secondly, many of these big-wigs don't actually have the talent to spot talent. You hear about it happening all the time in Hollywood. How such and such passed on what later became an Academy-Award winning film, etc.
So yeah, human freedom is above all the utmost of importance. But are we really equal in opportunity when it comes to having the freedom of how we choose to make a living? Based on the current system, I think not. After all, I was part of this rat race until recently, when I finally decided to self-publish.
There's one more thing I wanted to mention about Mandela. There's a great song that I always felt goes well with what he stood for. Here, have a listen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZEuSD...
See you tomorrow:)
Welcome my wonderful readers!
This is an interesting quote from the late Nelson Mandela, and although I full-heartedly agree with it, it made me think of the TRUE freedom we have to make money, or the lack thereof.
We've all heard of how difficult it is to break into any industry that entertains. Hollywood, big publishing, A-list music. All tight-knit and great at keeping people out. I can understand needing a system to keep those with no specific talent out of a certain field, but there are two main problems of how this is done nowadays.
First problem is pretty obvious. For every one person with actual talent there are thousands who lack it, yet they are fighting side-by-side to get the attention of those who wield the power to change lives. Because of such, great talents are overlooked.
Secondly, many of these big-wigs don't actually have the talent to spot talent. You hear about it happening all the time in Hollywood. How such and such passed on what later became an Academy-Award winning film, etc.
So yeah, human freedom is above all the utmost of importance. But are we really equal in opportunity when it comes to having the freedom of how we choose to make a living? Based on the current system, I think not. After all, I was part of this rat race until recently, when I finally decided to self-publish.
There's one more thing I wanted to mention about Mandela. There's a great song that I always felt goes well with what he stood for. Here, have a listen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZEuSD...
See you tomorrow:)
Day 28 - Lost In Cyberspace
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Stargazing used to be a passion of mine back when I had 20/20 vision. Looking out at the vast universe where I'd oftentimes find inspiration to pick up a pen and start writing. But with the onset of my visual impairment those cosmic times were lost to the past. Like a vampire who can only watch sunsets on celluloid, I now can only take in the universe while sitting inches from a screen.
But I still have memories of countless diamonds in the nights sky, and nowadays that infinite image merges with how I imagine cyberspace to be. But instead of stars, the matter which clogs the fiber-optic lines are facebookers, gamers, spammers, bloggers, etc.
So how, with my little Cafe Lamoureux blog, am I suppose to shine amongst the limitless? Not to sound cliche, but the only hope I have is to just be myself.
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
Stargazing used to be a passion of mine back when I had 20/20 vision. Looking out at the vast universe where I'd oftentimes find inspiration to pick up a pen and start writing. But with the onset of my visual impairment those cosmic times were lost to the past. Like a vampire who can only watch sunsets on celluloid, I now can only take in the universe while sitting inches from a screen.
But I still have memories of countless diamonds in the nights sky, and nowadays that infinite image merges with how I imagine cyberspace to be. But instead of stars, the matter which clogs the fiber-optic lines are facebookers, gamers, spammers, bloggers, etc.
So how, with my little Cafe Lamoureux blog, am I suppose to shine amongst the limitless? Not to sound cliche, but the only hope I have is to just be myself.
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
Day 29 - CatDog
Welcome my wonderful readers!
For those of you who haven't met my mini pin Giacomo yet, I wanted to introduce you to him:)
He's five months old, and although he's named after the infamous lover Giacomo Casanova, I often call him CatDog because he's temperamental like a cat! Just my luck! As a kid and young adult I always had cats, and when I finally get a dog his loyalty only shows when he's either hungry or in the mood to take advantage of my leg by humping it! But by any rate, he's still a loved member of our little family:)
Have a look. Isn't he handsome...!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
For those of you who haven't met my mini pin Giacomo yet, I wanted to introduce you to him:)
He's five months old, and although he's named after the infamous lover Giacomo Casanova, I often call him CatDog because he's temperamental like a cat! Just my luck! As a kid and young adult I always had cats, and when I finally get a dog his loyalty only shows when he's either hungry or in the mood to take advantage of my leg by humping it! But by any rate, he's still a loved member of our little family:)
Have a look. Isn't he handsome...!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
Day 30 - 6 Degrees/50 Shades
Welcome my wonderful readers!
Day 30! Wow, our first month!
Today I wanted to give a little props to 50 Shades of Grey. I haven't read the trilogy, and I know there are an array of reviews out there, but I just wanted to tip my hat to E.L. for the story behind the story. How 50 Shades went from a simple ebook to a printed worldwide phenomenon! Whether you like the books or not, the success story definitely deserves our respect!
The funny thing is, when I started writing my novella, 6 Degrees of SeXparation, I had never heard of 50 Shades, so the numbered titles are quite the kawinkadink!
Since I haven't read the infamous series I can't really state an opinion about it, but as for 6 Degrees, the sensuality is there to serve story/character, and never there just for SeX of it.
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
Day 30! Wow, our first month!
Today I wanted to give a little props to 50 Shades of Grey. I haven't read the trilogy, and I know there are an array of reviews out there, but I just wanted to tip my hat to E.L. for the story behind the story. How 50 Shades went from a simple ebook to a printed worldwide phenomenon! Whether you like the books or not, the success story definitely deserves our respect!
The funny thing is, when I started writing my novella, 6 Degrees of SeXparation, I had never heard of 50 Shades, so the numbered titles are quite the kawinkadink!
Since I haven't read the infamous series I can't really state an opinion about it, but as for 6 Degrees, the sensuality is there to serve story/character, and never there just for SeX of it.
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
Day 31 - 12 Days/12 Years of Christmas
Welcome my wonderful readers!
I've been away from my home country of the U,S, and roughin' it in a Third World country for 12 Christmas seasons now. This story(along with the other chapters of my life) is told in my autobiography(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...) to be released in February.
Since there's 12 days left until Christmas I thought I'd give my own spin on the 'ol 12 days with the top 12 inconveniences of living in this underdeveloped nation that I find myself in. Not to be a downer or anything, but as an FYI for those who have never expeirenced such hardships. Like an insightful book that can inform you about less than ideal places in the world. All while keeping you in the comforts of your own home.
So here we go. Drumroll...
1.) Disaster Prone - Every country is subject to Mother Nature's wrath, but some are better prepared than others. And many disasters are man-made due to hardheadedness.
This was the case in 2009 when we lost over 90% of everything we owned due to flooding. A powerful typhoon hit our area, and because the local authorities did not properly maintain a nearby lagoon, as well as residents being irresponsible with trash, our apartment was completely submerged under water! (Pics will be in the autobiography).
2.) Brown-outs - Again due to man-made idiocy, we sometimes have to deal with the highly-inconvenient situation of having no electricity. Doesn't matter what kind of weather is going on outside. They'll flip the switch with no notice, blaming it on financial problems. Apparently unable to figure out that there can be other, more wiser solutions in managing power supply.
3.) Pollution - I'm not sure if they have anti-pollution laws in these parts, but if they do it's obvious that they don't give a damn about enforcing them! What could be a beautiful mountainous city is suffocated by the willful ignorance of its community as they refuse to clean up their act.
If you take the primary mode of transportation, by the time you reach your destination your face will be covered in a coat of smog, while being able to taste its poisonous compounds as it fills your mouth and heads down into your lungs. Yay!
4,) Happy-go-lucky to an extreme - There's nothing wrong with someone choosing to live a happy-go-lucky lifestyle, unless it directly affects others!
Unreliability is a huge factor, which is why these parts remain under Third World status. If a country wants to be primitive, that's their right, but if they claim to want to be First World then they have to really be willing to do what it takes, including being responsible with their words, actions, etc.
5.) Generic meds - Some say countries like the U.S. are too reliant on medications, and they very-well might have a valid point, but when you find yourself in a part of the world where they don't use anesthetic for things like root canals, pill-poppin' Americans don't seem that crazy after all!
6.) to be stared at, to be treated differently, just because you're not a native. Where I'm from we call this discrimination!
7.) It's been over a year since I last had a glass of milk. Back when I was in the capital of this country, since this was the only location you could find U.S. milk. And given its high import price, I was only able to savor a half gallon.
American food in general is scarce here, so when I do happen to find items from back home I treasure them!
8.) Artificial Christmas - From the trees to the spirit, it's been so long since I last experienced a real Christmas!
9.) Amenities - Like to bake? Me too, but having an oven over here is a luxury! Like the convenience of going to your kitchen sink and simply turning the faucet on to have instant hot water? Here it's just a dream!
10.) Unlike most of the hardships on this list, weather is not a choice. The climate is so awful in the rest of the country that it's nearly impossible to concentrate on something like writing, which is why we have lived in this mountainous area for so many years.
11.) Customer Service - I happen to come from the land of customer service, so to live in a place where their version is not that much more than "sir" and "ma'am", it can be quite frustrating!
Try to special-order something, like milk, or anything else for that matter, and it's like you're asking for miracles to be performed!
12.) Lack of Diversity - I sure do miss going outside and seeing a rainbow of cultures and people.
And there you have it. I usually keep my discomforts to myself, but occasionally they'll slip, and sometimes when they do I'll get a reply from an ignoranus like, "Why don't you just go home then?" Yep, rather remain stubborn and defiant instead of changing for the better so as to really become a reliable First World society.
Oh what a sacrifice I've made to be with my wife! This is why those who support my literary works are my heroes, because eventually I'm going to earn enough to get us home!
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
I've been away from my home country of the U,S, and roughin' it in a Third World country for 12 Christmas seasons now. This story(along with the other chapters of my life) is told in my autobiography(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...) to be released in February.
Since there's 12 days left until Christmas I thought I'd give my own spin on the 'ol 12 days with the top 12 inconveniences of living in this underdeveloped nation that I find myself in. Not to be a downer or anything, but as an FYI for those who have never expeirenced such hardships. Like an insightful book that can inform you about less than ideal places in the world. All while keeping you in the comforts of your own home.
So here we go. Drumroll...
1.) Disaster Prone - Every country is subject to Mother Nature's wrath, but some are better prepared than others. And many disasters are man-made due to hardheadedness.
This was the case in 2009 when we lost over 90% of everything we owned due to flooding. A powerful typhoon hit our area, and because the local authorities did not properly maintain a nearby lagoon, as well as residents being irresponsible with trash, our apartment was completely submerged under water! (Pics will be in the autobiography).
2.) Brown-outs - Again due to man-made idiocy, we sometimes have to deal with the highly-inconvenient situation of having no electricity. Doesn't matter what kind of weather is going on outside. They'll flip the switch with no notice, blaming it on financial problems. Apparently unable to figure out that there can be other, more wiser solutions in managing power supply.
3.) Pollution - I'm not sure if they have anti-pollution laws in these parts, but if they do it's obvious that they don't give a damn about enforcing them! What could be a beautiful mountainous city is suffocated by the willful ignorance of its community as they refuse to clean up their act.
If you take the primary mode of transportation, by the time you reach your destination your face will be covered in a coat of smog, while being able to taste its poisonous compounds as it fills your mouth and heads down into your lungs. Yay!
4,) Happy-go-lucky to an extreme - There's nothing wrong with someone choosing to live a happy-go-lucky lifestyle, unless it directly affects others!
Unreliability is a huge factor, which is why these parts remain under Third World status. If a country wants to be primitive, that's their right, but if they claim to want to be First World then they have to really be willing to do what it takes, including being responsible with their words, actions, etc.
5.) Generic meds - Some say countries like the U.S. are too reliant on medications, and they very-well might have a valid point, but when you find yourself in a part of the world where they don't use anesthetic for things like root canals, pill-poppin' Americans don't seem that crazy after all!
6.) to be stared at, to be treated differently, just because you're not a native. Where I'm from we call this discrimination!
7.) It's been over a year since I last had a glass of milk. Back when I was in the capital of this country, since this was the only location you could find U.S. milk. And given its high import price, I was only able to savor a half gallon.
American food in general is scarce here, so when I do happen to find items from back home I treasure them!
8.) Artificial Christmas - From the trees to the spirit, it's been so long since I last experienced a real Christmas!
9.) Amenities - Like to bake? Me too, but having an oven over here is a luxury! Like the convenience of going to your kitchen sink and simply turning the faucet on to have instant hot water? Here it's just a dream!
10.) Unlike most of the hardships on this list, weather is not a choice. The climate is so awful in the rest of the country that it's nearly impossible to concentrate on something like writing, which is why we have lived in this mountainous area for so many years.
11.) Customer Service - I happen to come from the land of customer service, so to live in a place where their version is not that much more than "sir" and "ma'am", it can be quite frustrating!
Try to special-order something, like milk, or anything else for that matter, and it's like you're asking for miracles to be performed!
12.) Lack of Diversity - I sure do miss going outside and seeing a rainbow of cultures and people.
And there you have it. I usually keep my discomforts to myself, but occasionally they'll slip, and sometimes when they do I'll get a reply from an ignoranus like, "Why don't you just go home then?" Yep, rather remain stubborn and defiant instead of changing for the better so as to really become a reliable First World society.
Oh what a sacrifice I've made to be with my wife! This is why those who support my literary works are my heroes, because eventually I'm going to earn enough to get us home!
See you tomorrow:)
P.S. If you'd like to support this blog, please Become A Fan:) Thanks so much!
Cafe Lamoureux
Cafe Lamoureux started off as a daily video blog on youtube and has now taken the form of a daily blog here on goodreads. In addition to discussing his literary works, Rico Lamoureux will be posting d
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