Difficult Times

 Hello Everyone, I hope you're all doing well, I'm so sorry for not being able to get here until now, like so many other people, ( regardless of nationality) these past couple of months have been very difficult here at chez Turner. Aside from health issues, there's been so much happening, it's been one of those times that as soon as one problem has been sorted out, another three appear.

I truly appreciate all of you who took time to reach out via message, again, I apologise for not replying as quickly as normal, but your kind words of support always mean so much and I never take them for granted.

Away from my personal struggles, there is no question, the world feels as if the lunatics have finally taken over the asylum. The ongoing war in Ukraine, the horrifying suffering of those in Gaza and how many nations that were once seen as the cornerstone of democracy, turning into something completely different.

I don't think I'm alone in feeling, the USA has lost its way - even allowing for the sensationalist media perhaps exaggerating certain aspects of every day life. As an example, the whole, sordid Epstein case, where accusations are being thrown around like confetti, while those who know the truth, stay remarkably silent. We had the unedifying sight of the convicted sex trafficker, Ghislaine Maxwell, being moved to a 'prison' that sounds more like a resort than any kind of punishment- allegedly as a result of her 'co-operation.' Should someone with her record be rewarded in this way? I don't think so. Not to mention, the sight of masked men, driving around the streets and loading unsuspecting people into unmarked vans! Is this really the same country that not so long ago, was so vocal about the human rights violations of other nations? With all that said, I do believe in the innate goodness of the American people, those who want nothing more than to be able to provide for their families and find some happiness along the way. I think it's very wrong to judge a whole population on the acts of the few- so I won't be joining those voices that try and incite others to hate the US. I prefer to keep believing, the majority of the population, still feel there is a better way than the path certain people wish them to follow.

But although it would be very easy to simply write about one country, in the spirit of fairness, it has to be said the UK  is hardly thriving. We appear to have directionless government, led by a Prime Minster who seems incapable of having an opinion for more than ten minutes before he changes his mind again. There is a level of cruelty in so many policies, that will only result in the most vulnerable members of society being victimised. Yet, when he was elected, there was much talk about how the lives of 'ordinary citizens' (a patronising phrase) were going to be changed for the better. Sadly, this was an empty promise and now, there are so many people, for whom life has become intensely difficult.

Now, I know this blog has almost never strayed into the political arena, but I do feel the circumstances we are all faced with now, need to be mentioned. I would love to stay in my artistic bubble and remain blissfully ignorant but that isn't an option any more. Like so many of you, I find it very hard to watch the chaos and destruction of too many places. We have such a beautiful planet and the capability to enhance and protect it, but instead the focus seems to be on causing catastrophic harm - not only to the population but the world itself. While various leaders sanction bombing cities, aside from the devastating loss of life there is the sheer magnitude of damage to the environment too.

In my humble opinion, I genuinely think we all need to take a step back, really look at what we are doing, then take some action to try and change the trajectory. After all, many of us are already parents, do we want our children to grow up here? And for those who haven't started a family yet, when you take into account everything that's happening, it's hardly surprising that the birth rate has significantly dropped. The world doesn't feel like a safe place for those of us that are here, let alone bringing new lives into the mess.

But despite everything, as regular readers will know, I will always try and have hope for the future. As I said before, I do believe in the basic goodness of most people and that's what I'm hoping will win out in the end. Regardless of political affiliations, I feel there's always a chance - even if it's a slight one- that everyone is capable of change, of seeing a new perspective and developing an understanding of the importance of peace and stability. Think of what could be achieved if there was less focus on what makes us different and more on our similarities- it could be wonderful, couldn't it? Yes, there will always be divisions of belief, of how faith is practiced etc but how much better it would be, if those were respected- a kind of 'agree to disagree' mentality being eagerly adopted.

Well, that might be a forlorn hope, and might even sound slightly naive, but if some level of unity can be reached, ultimately we would all benefit.

I feel that might be enough from me for now, I will try and be here more regularly again, but even when I'm not, please know there is always the profound wish that you can stay safe...until the next time..

Take care out there xx