Carving Malaise

[mikeGinSC]

Well, it appears that I haven't posted in several weeks. Guess I should post something. Here it is. I reckon it's because of several factors. The main factor is because i haven't felt much like carving lately. Partly it's because of the economy and partly because of the political climate in Our country right now. I've been spending more time blogging and commenting about politics lately and have and just haven't done much carving. I still go out to my shop and piddle around with my tools somewhat, but just can't seem to get it together to finish anything I start. So I have a shelf full of unfinished carvings and scraps of wood with a few gouge and chisel marks on them.

Is it just me? Or do other carvers have the "same" problem with "carver's malaise"?

Thanks, Mike G. in very hot SC

[A_Swope]

I usually go through this around December and January. I'll carve but not like I usually do. Sometimes only one or two little whittlings in two weeks or so, where as now I'll do from 7-15 in one week.

[Sharon of the Dell]

No offense, but get off of those darn blogs! I read a few of the commentaries under the news headlines. I started getting POed and almost got depressed because of them. What's the use of arguing with people that don't agree with you. I can't change their thoughts and they can't change mine! I don't watch much of the big news channels either. I had one year of journalism in high school, enough to know that most of it is their own personnel opinion or that of a group of people they represent. Anyway put on some good music that makes you happy and tap your feet and force yourself to carve again! There's still a whole lot of good out here in the real world, so don't let any one steal your joy no more and go find it again! Bless you!

[mikeGinSC]

Sharon,

None taken.

But, to be off topic in this one reply...the problems we face today and the political climate we are encountering is exactly because of voter apathy, people just going on with their lives and not paying attention to what's happening around and to them. (We don't have TV anymore, except for videos we watch every evening of old television shows back when TV was good. We gave up our subscription to our directtv service, so no network television of any kind. We get our news from the internet.)

More people need to make their voices heard and let our "representatives" know that we're mad as heck and we're not going to take it anymore. Perhaps after the Nov elections, I'll have mellowed out enough to get back to some serious carving. Until then, I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. As an Independent Conservative, I'm/We're trying to get our Country back on it's proper course against overwhelming odds.

Sorry to go OT and thanks so much for the replies to my query

Mike G. in SC

[Dileon]

I do not watch TV and only world news via net to know what is going on.....it does not look good....and it can drive a person to very upset, extreme stress and there goes your health. I am working on a solution, and I only do what I can. But I will tell you....go carve and listen to non stressful music....do not watch TV news and do not debate, go on the net for a fast 30 minutes update....then find the best solution for you, and then go carve and deal with your life. We can only deal with today and right now.

[jimmy joe]

With every thing that is going on in today's world it can get very over whelming . Like Di I chose to get short looks via the net . I like some talk radio but not the heavies . I have to have some one like Dennis Miller . The carving takes me away from the worries of life for short burst .

[SlowMover]

We all (I assume) have periods of waxing and waning interst in most every thing we do, carving is no exception. Speaking personally, I think inertia is our own worst enemy. I find it easier to do nothing than to act when I get in a down mood, and that perpetuates the act of doing nothing. Apathy is very contagious, it can spread through your life like a wildfire if turned loose. I know what it is to be consumed with worry, and worry of our current political/economic situation is not an unreasonable thing. If, however, that is all you think about, then there in lies a potential problem.... I think it would benefit you to engage in some other activity, be it woodcarving, flower arrrainging, exercise, etc...to shift your focus from politics exclusively to a more balanced range of subjexts.

Just my opinion, and worth exactally whatever credence you give it. hope you feel better soon and regain some balance.

[Just Carving]

Hi Mike

I can sympathize with you--been there, done that. But then I came to a conclusion--is my first love worrying about and griping about and trying to solve the world's problems, or is it woodcarving?

So, I stopped reading newspapers, listening to the radio, watching TV, and I only check the weather on the weather channels on TV.

Know what? I'm happier, I'm more relaxed, and I'm getting a lot more wood carving done.

I started woodcarving to help me forget about life while I was was taking care of an elder parent. It worked and I came to realize just how therapeutic it is. I'm in my own world when I'm carving and I love it. Nothing can bother me there.

Carve and let the world go by. You'll be happier.

Bob L

[mikeGinSC]

Appreciate all the replies...good advise from all.

Thanks, Mike G. in SC