Hello ladies and gentlemans.
Due to unexpected announcements of holidays and visits, this will be my last Journal for some time to come.
So I wish to take the opportunity to not only wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, but to share some of my thoughts for the next year to come, and most of all, encourage the artists around.
To many of us that follows world events intently, 2016 seem a year that will be as rock'n roll as 2015. Hate, lawlessness, intolerance, it all jumped in intensity for the last few years. Not just oversea, but even at home. And hate and vengeance degenerates into only one thing: war. Humans are still hating one another, still not searching peace and forgiveness, and what came out of it? Countries still in war with one another, and humans still hating one another for silly reasons.
The thing with hate and vengeance, it's that it's a vicious circle: a family gets killed; the survivor grow with hate filling his heart, and he swear revenge. He kills the family of the enemey; the enemy family's got one survivor, and that survivor grow hating and swears revenge. Guess what? That survivor kills an enemy family. And on and on the circle continues. All of that because neither side want to stop hating.
And that vicious circle still continue on up to today, and still no ones dares to stop it. What is worse, is that it is growing in intensity and numbers; more people grow vengeful, more hateful, and it blinds them, until either them or the generation after them can't grow the courage to stop, and find peace and forgiveness.
It seems an hopeless and dystopian future, yes? I agree wholeheartedly.
HOWEVER... not if another same small group rise and grow, promoting the complete opposite of hate and war and intolerance. We all see famous people and charities doing it, but why not help, and ourselves show the way to the world?
Weeks ago, after the horrible events in Paris, came a little comment from Doctor Who and Sherlock co-writer Mark Gatiss that made me think enormously, but also, made me proud to be an artist.
There was a sci-fi convention about a week or two week after the Paris attack, where Doctor Who, amongst other shows, was exposed. And do you want to know what happened? Though all the other sci-fi shows received many visits from fans, Doctor Who was graced with a more meaningful visits. And this is what the fans said to Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss (approximately, I don't remember the exact words, just the feeling):
"Despite everything that happened, we still take a moment to watch your show; because unlike all other shows, you guys still promote peace, hope, joy, and optimism. And during such events as those in the last few months, to see such optimism is a breath of fresh air in a darkening world, and it brings a little light in our lives."I found that very touching, and as myself a fan of this show, I also agree wholeheartedly. And this was what Mr. Gatiss said afterward (approximately, I don't remember the exact words, just the feeling), to which I also agree wholeheartedly and wish to spread:
"The world is getting darker every passing day. Darker and more crazy. It is now more than ever the moment to remain optimistic and hopeful, and as writers or artists, to spread it further into the world."We are all artists here; and what art gave humanity throughout the ages? Memories, feelings, and in many cases, hope. That is the gift of writers, poets, painters, drawers, sculptors, musicians. To send a message much more deeply and strongly than by simple talking.
This year, in 2016, let us spread that hope. Let us spread joy, tolerance, forgiveness, love, and most of all, hope.
As artists, we all have that gift, from beginner artist to advanced ones, popular or unknown, we can do it!
And not just in art, in life too! If we can all try to forgive, tolerate, find peace, in even the smallest way possible, like forgive a friend or a family member, then it's one more person in the rising wave of change.
So what do you say? Let's make 2016 the year everyone, absolutely everyone, not just famous or powerful people but people like you and I, show the world the way to peace, joy, tolerance and hope, through our actions, and most of all, through the greatest medium of all human history:...
... ART!
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And I would now wish to end this year's final journal with a bow to all my friends and watchers.
This year has been absolutely amazing. Not in real life, but as an artist. Coming here on DA to see all your work, to share my own, it was a marvellous escape, and shone a little light in my own troubled time back at the farm. The year I just passed here with all of you makes me proud to be an artist, even if only a small one.
First, the spots of light in my life, my dearest and closest friends:
Now almost two years that we know each other, I am lucky to have such a friend like you. I know you go through rough times, but if it is any consolation, reading your words (not to mention your songs and movies) makes up for any rough day. I can only wish that the next year will reveal itself to be a better one for you.
I cannot believe it is only since a few months that we first spoke lengthily to one another. I already feel as if we have been lifelong friends, and I cannot thank you enough for this. I am grateful of your trust in me and of all your sweet cheerings. Know that I will pass Christmas wishing that you were here to celebrate it with me, or that we could have finally visited those beautiful Ice Palaces. I look forward to our next year of correspondence.
My brave and strong Aura. How often do I wish I could be omniscient and take all your pain away. I can only marvel at your strength in the face of life; and how I often feel mundane compared to you. It was with honour that I dedicated my only Christmas gift to you, as I hoped it will bring a smile to your eyes. Be brave, my dear friend.
My dear Chiara, whom I have come to look upon as a sister. Your innocence and joy in life brings me a wide smile, and a bright light to my days. How I wish sometime I could live your life, ordinary yes, but so full of magic and of joy. Though your studies have made you less available, I am proud to be your friend, and most of all, proud that you take such great care of my characters.
Finally the first person whom I have successfully interested to the works of Isaac Asimov.
All that is left is J.R.R. Tolkien and the 12th Doctor.
But more seriously, though we don't know each other that well, I value your friendship and your words as much as my closest friends, and your work inspire me to keep on writing. I am glad we got to know each other more this year, and I look forward to the next year, and to see what else you've got in store in that funny head of yours.
Please wish a Merry Christmas to your family from my part.
Thank you also
, for everything, and a very Merry Christmas to all of you, and a Happy New Year!
Finally, a very warm thank you for all my watchers, whom are too many to name them all. Know that I thank you most humbly for your support, and I hope I'm not disappointing you with my upcoming stories.
As the saying goes, Merry Christmas to all, for every Christmas could be the last Christmas.
And Happy New Year to all, with my wish that things will cool down a bit.
See you soon, and to the next time.
P.S.: Glad to finally be able to use this beautiful journal skin from Chiara.
