Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Stuck at 36

I am thinking my Blog, this Blog, "Hang Art" has come to a full conclusion.  I began it and named it such because I was frustrated by all the empty wall space in my little town and the general lack of support for artists.  We needed space to "Hang Art" and it was supposed to be a simple blog.
   Then, wouldn't you know it, I got Cancer and my life changed considerably.  I was full of ideas and emotions and stories I just had to express.  I thought to myself "what would I do if I had a year to live?"
The stories tumbled and fell and became too much for a single blog.  For awhile I had three.  This one, my Cancer Blog and the total story of the day to day battle on my ArtWanted Art site. That can be found Here.http://www.artwanted.com/slate.
   Cancer will make you serious.  It will do that to you.  If you are worth a damn it will make you reexamine your life, retrace your trails, find old acquaintances and meet new friends.  I discover painting along the way and have shared that experience with you all.  The Blogs have been helpful to me.  When I was at my sickest
when I had lost 50 pounds and could barely walk and people might ask me how am I doing, I had an answer for them.  "Doing fine, thank you," didn't seem appropriate.  It is not the right answer for one with such an ailment.  I wanted to tell people what I was really feeling, what was going on, all of me.  The Blogs allowed me to do that.
   If you have read them you have really gotten to know me.  This is how I really am, what I do and how I think and what concerns me in life, what I value.  I have met friends from all over the world on this blog, friends I will cherish.  You know about my "little island studio" in my back yard, my isolation from the world and last year my purchase of a Tom-Tom, the first time off this island in years and years!
   I have no more stories.  You pretty much know it all.
When I talk politics on this Blog I get the feeling that I am putting you to sleep.  That is a big disappointment to me.  This is not a political blog, not the right forum for that sort of thing.  There are other blogs for that.
There are also cooking blogs and I have posted recipes here.  It is my blog and I post everything here.  It is me.
   Our country is in deep trouble.  When it is difficult to find a common ground amongst the artist community,
when it is so very hard to even get a conversation going, I am discouraged.  I never even knew that artists could not be open minded.  I always thought that we were an advancing force.  Investigators and creators.
   My Blog has run full circle and it is time to end it.  A finished book.
   I like blogging and there will be another, an excuse to sit and gather my thoughts, write them down and organize, plan and plot and think out loud.  It won't be political although I am political.  I have questions and am suspicious, cautious and diligent.  I have voted Republican And I have voted Democrat.  My eyes are wide open and I listen to my heart.  I protect the Earth.
   I don't know what it will be or even when it will be.  I might just be making longer comments on your blogs and leave it at that.  Or start the computer blog for idiots.  I have the qualifications for that.
I am happy with my little warm studio and I will be doing more painting.  I can never stay away too long from steel and that shop is only a wall away.  When I make something interesting I will post it on my
ArtWanted Site.  You can always visit me there and leave comments too. It is only the art of me there.
   I have been all over the world in this blogosphere and have friends everywhere.  One day I might show up on your back porch so don't be surprised!  I have a Tom-Tom!
   2012, a New Year is close at hand.  Those who believe in doom and Armageddon and the Mayan Calendar will be happy.  Sort of a big Y to K experience, remember that one?  Are we supposed to conquer this Earth or take care of it?  Always questions!  I hope all the best for everybody, that the new year will be prosperous in Spirit, a kinder and gentler place.
   And Merry Christmas!  I hope the Season is healthy and wonderful for all. ending now, Jerry Carlin

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Jer, I hate to see this blog come to a close. Your words never fall on deaf ears with me. I only read and post when I get up in the early a.m.s so don't often see posts until the next day. Only one thus far did I fail to comment. A couple of posts ago. Why? I just do not like Obama. Not one little bit and can't credit him with anything good. As I have mentioned once or twice, there is just something that hits the gut and heart and I can't always articulate well the reasons. Undoubtedly a plethora of impressions, decisions, actions, etc.

I also do not like to show my ignorance. Yes, I admit that I do bury my head in the sand, especially when there is nothing I can do to change anything. I hate that feeling of things that I cannot change, of having my hands tied. Frustration and I do not do well together. I don't even watch the news much anymore because it is always bad news. I live a life full of worry and fear for my kids and grandkids. Not a fun way to live.

I hope you will reconsider because I enjoy hearing your stories and getting to know the real Jerry. I think you are an awesome man and you do know your stuff. I enjoy seeing your studio, your garden, hearing of your life, your art, your wife, your girls, all of it. Don't go, Jer.

Jerry Carlin said...

Thank you Sherry, my friend, It is time. Arguments are not about agreeing with the other side, they are about understanding the other side and then, maybe compromize.
I am just talked out that is all... I will be at ArtWanted and share my art there. It is safe, not much talking goes on there.

Kay said...

sorry to see an end to your wonderful posts here..I better get to your other blog and wait to see some more of your wonderful art. Thanks for putting up with my rants..only because you get me started on the issues and out it comes!!! I too wonder sometimes why I bother to blog and have decided that it helps me gather my thoughts..even though I don't get much response. Take care of yourself and don't be a stranger.

SooZeQue said...

Don't make me come over there and trash your new studio! I enjoy reading all your opinions on everything. I could never talk that much about anything you're good at it. I'll miss seeing what you are up to. Sometimes I feel like blogging is too much of an obligation and you start to force yourself to think of something to talk about/show/share, so when it feels like that you definitely need a new muse. We all need a break now and again from everything we do. Do what makes you happy Jerry - that's what it's all really about I think. Don't be a stranger - I'll miss hearing from you and listening to you thru your blog. And if you can find me on your Tom Tom you'll have time to visit the beautiful desert of AZ... #5! Merry Christmas!

T. said...

Wow what did I miss? I hate to see you go too Jerry. I love reading what you have to say, even your political posts. You have a way of putting things in perspective. You see with out being blind to what's out there and it's nice to see there are still people with a brain in this country. People who can think for themselves rather than go along with what they are told.

I know on blogs it sometimes feels weird after a post to express yourself fully but that's what is great about your blog, you do it.

I will miss your words but at the same time I've shut down enough of my blogs to know sometimes it's just time. Take care and if you do start up a new one let me know.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and I wish you all the best in the coming year. ;)

Barbra Joan said...

Someone else I follow did this very same thing, shut the lights. It lasted one or two days.
I know you, and I think you'll be away longer than that..I'm not happy about it..
Religion and politics are the 2 issues that most stay away from ..
Talk about those two subjects and you either have a hundred comments or none.
You know my feelings on both, I am not an Obama fan, nor am I happy with the way the world has changed in the just a few years.
I cannot stand this political correctness , since when are we not allowed to have Christmas in Schools, in God we trust , what has happened here?
I'm in agreement with Sherry, I cannot change it..so I can't discuss it with you ..
I can discuss life , art, love , the anything else but not the state of this country, I am frustrated that so many people are oblivious to what's behind the scenes here.. Please write about anything you want to Jerry, I'm not even qualified enough to discuss politics .. don't have the words to make myself clear.. I am street smart, life smart, heart smart, not book smart... BJ

Jerry Carlin said...

Thank you Barbra Joan,you are very smart! I have enjoyed it while it lasted but I am not comfortable in a world of fluff. The world is serious and inaction with no opinions is a vote. I'll save my fluff for my ArtWanted site and you can find me there.

Yvonne said...

Sometimes I just don't know what to say to you, but you're never ignored by these eyes or mind. I want to wish you a very happy Christmas, and happy painting! I'll be ending my blog this next year. Not enough response to it by others, and lots of other things still to do with my life and living. You're a great inspiration, Jerry; and I know you will always be living life to its fullest. Take care.