Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Recap

Hi folks!
It's been about a month and a week since I've been gone. I've wandered the open roads and found myself in different places throughout the southwest U.S and I'm loving every minute of it.

I stopped in Las Vegas on my way to California. Yes, I'm guilty of wanting to see Sin City just as much as the next guy. It was great fun! Finding a hotel where I could bring Peanut was difficult, so I found a campsite just outside of Vegas where I could park myself at night.

Then I made my way over to Fresno, California and had myself a wonderful time. It's gorgeous over here. Thanks to this website, I was able to find lots to do and see. It was just what I needed after a day in smelly, bright, busy Vegas.

Since then, I've been doing nothing but driving. To be quite honest, Jerry Hingle is getting tired of the inside of his car. I've gotta make my way across Nevada to my next destination: UTAH! I'm so excited. The thought of seeing all the natural bridges and canyons and red earth is enough to keep me driving.

Till then!

--Jerry Hingle

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Jerry Hingle Contemplates Song Meanings Beneath the Stars

Hi Folks,
I'm enjoying my time in Arizona. I never want to leave! I've been here about two weeks and I love it. Right now I'm at the Grand Canyon. I've been spending countless hours simply laying out in the sun, painting the canyon, and running into town for supplies. Peanut is looking rustic as ever--he's learned to love the rough lifestyle, and he finally stopped picking his fur every time a branch got caught in it. He's a mess! I say in a week or two he'll be close to a real wild wolf! I've been letting the scruff grow as well. People think I am a mountain man.

Anywho, I've been laying under the stars contemplating the meaning of life, meaning of science, the meaning of social norms, the meanings of songs...everything! One particular song that I've been really thinking about is Pride by U2. That's always been one of my favorite songs, but now as I have all the time in the world to think, this song in particular rings in my head. I've been thinking about history, and it's almost as if this song tells the story of mankind.

"One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow"

That's pretty much the cycle that we'll always go through as a species. A man/woman/nation thinks they're bringing justice, rises to power, and then is overthrown by another who believes they are bringing justice. Sums it up well huh? Throughout the song there are various references to great men of power and influence...Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King just to name a few. And sure enough, these men were overthrown by someone who thought they were doing the right thing. Will it ever end?

Thinking about this makes me want to log on to my TuneWiki and write this all down. Over the trip I've become addicted to commenting on song meanings through tunewiki...most people probably don't give a hoot but it's fun to get my ideas out there anyway.

Alright folks, it's time for Jerry Hingle to contemplate something more important than life...dinner.

--Jerry Hingle

Monday, August 6, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Take on Sedona, AZ

Alright Folks,
It's been a long time since I've last written. I've been busy driving, eating, and painting. I'm currently writing from a Holiday Inn parking lot (free wi-fi, yall!) and I'm sipping on my morning tea. I'm on my last day in Sedona, Arizona.

Now, I know what is on your mind, "Jerry Hingle, do you feel revitalized? Are the vortexes real?!"
I can't give it all away at once, people! Let's examine Sedona, for those of you who are unfamiliar with it's enchantment.

Sedona is believed to be the site of four different vortexes--or, sprial flows of energy. A vortex can be a spiral flow of water, air, whatever! But in this case, it's a flow of energy said to be felt in four different spots.

Vortex Locations in Sedona

1.  Bell Rock - masculine
2. Airport Mesa - masculine
3. Boynton Canyon  - both?
4. Cathedral Rock - feminine

So, the energy is not only felt by either men or women. These "masculine" and "feminine" energies are defined by the specific type of flow. If the energy is coming out of the earth, it is masculine. If it is coming into the earth, it is feminine, according to Philip Coppens.

But I've yet to answer the question: can you feel the energy? And my answer is what might be the most dreaded answer of all time: it depends. I felt something, but I can't be sure if it was energy or just the sheer beauty of the red rocks and canyons. It is so beautiful here, that whether or not you believe in the vortexes you will not be disappointed you came.

Really and truly your experience here in Sedona depends on how spiritual you are. If you feel connected with the earth and the spiritual realm, you will definitely feel an energy here in Sedona. If not, well, you'll simply be amazed at the beauty of this place.

--Jerry Hingle

Friday, July 20, 2012

Jerry Hingle's First Week on the Road

Readers!
It's been a week since I've been on the road and I can't tell you enough how much I needed this. Peanut and I are having a blast, and we miss Oz very much. Hopefully she is holding down the fort and not terrorizing my sister too much!

Oh my what a beauty it's been driving through the southwest. I've been doing a ton of sketches: sunsets, adobe houses, old ladies stitching baskets together--the people watching scene here is perfect. I eat whenever I want, sleep whenever I want, and I can literally sketch anything I want. All I have to do is stop on the side of the road and pull out some paper. The food here is delicious, if you go to the right spots. Sure I had some sorry burritos, but the New Mexican cuisine is amazing. It's much different from what we think of as Mexican food. They love their green hot sauce, and they do it splendidly.

The people here are great too. Having such an adorable dog like Peanut makes it easy for people to approach me and ask if they can pet him. Of course they can, and he makes for great conversation. But while these people are most interested in Peanut, I am most curious about their lives. What do they do, how long have they lived in New Mexico, do they like living in the desert? Some say yes, some say no, but most are content. My favorite part of being an artist is people watching and learning about them. I believe a true artist can never detach himself from society--art is in society. And it's been a pleasure learning about art in this way.

But enough about that! Jerry Hingle doesn't wanna get too deep on ya'll! I'll update you again on my adventures when I get to Arizona.

-- Jerry Hingle 


Monday, July 9, 2012

How Jerry Hingle Passes the Time on Road Trips

Greetings!
Sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been busy writing fiction as well as getting ready for my big road trip! I depart this Saturday - where has the time gone?!

With the big road trip coming up, I decided to dedicate this blog entry to finding ways to pass the time on the road.  Let's face it, Peanut isn't the greatest at conversation, so I need some help staying awake as I cruise on the highway. Here are my top 5 things to do if you're traveling alone:

1. Listen to an Audio Book
That's fairly obvious, but it's quite a life saver (if the book you choose is exciting). Road trips are no time to catch up on Aristotle or Nietzsche. That will put you to sleep for certain, and you're likely to wake up on the side of the road in a ditch (if you're lucky!) Instead, I like to listen to a mystery book or love story. My favorite series to listen to has to be Janet Evanovich's "One for the Money" series. It's packed with humor, mystery, and some love. It keeps my imagination and my engine running.

2. Counting Game
Make it a point to count things that you see on the road. Red cars? Trucks? Deer? Skunks? Anything that will keep your eyes open and looking for something. Punch Buggy is a good game to play, but I can't punch Peanut too much or he will nibble my face off!

3. Sing!
Put on your favorite jams and sing your lungs out. No one is there to hear you or make fun of you! Peanut will occasionally join in by howling (if my pitch is off) but he certainly doesn't have any sarcastic comments to jab me with. And for Pete's sake, don't pick an artist like Death Cab for Cutie that will depress and sedate you. My favorite picks are Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Adele. They're the kinda singers that make you want to belt out songs along with them. 

4. Learn a new language
This is incredibly useful and effective. Is there a language you've been wanting to learn? Pop in the C.D and conquer that subjunctive in a matter of hours. I'll be packing my Spanish C.Ds to prepare myself for the Southwest. Voy a ser un experto en Nuevo Mexico!
  
5. Write!
You might be thinking "but Jerry Hingle, writing on the road is dangerous!" It's only dangerous if you insist on actually writing with your hands and not your voice. I'm going to pack my audio recorder and record my novel's next couple of chapters. I'll feel as epic as Sarah Connor, speaking into her recorder as she drives off away from civilization and into the desert.

Did I miss one? Let me know in the comments!

--Jerry Hingle  

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Jerry Hingle's Favorite Ways to Stay Cool

Good afternoon, readers!
It sure is hot outside here in Austin, Texas. The Statesman says that the National Weather Service says:

"The forecast for Central Texas promises a partly sunny and hot day, with a high of 94 that could feel more like 98, the National Weather Service said."

It feels like 98? Well if you're a drama king like I am, it's gonna feel more like 108. That's darn near hotter than hell! Now I haven't been around these parts very long, but I've experienced a hot summer in ATX before, so I can tell you the secrets to keeping cool in this weird city.

1. Bananarchy
Awesome name. Awesome desserts. Bananarchy has made a spot for itself right off of South 1st street in Central Austin. They've got the most amazing frozen bananas--perfect for a hot day like today. Cover yours in chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, nuts, candy, sprinkles--whatever your overheated heart desires. Tell em' Jerry Hingle sent you.

2. Krause Springs
After you've dipped a frozen banana in chocolate, dip yourself into Krause Springs. The water is all-natural, freezing, and so refreshing.  This is actually outside of Austin, Texas, but the short drive is worth it. Krause Springs is located in Spicewood, Texas just 45 minutes outside of Austin. Head out on 71 and you'll be there in no time.

3. Austin Museum of Art
You're probably thinking--what the heck does art have to do with staying cool? Two words--air conditioning. Art has to stay cool otherwise the quality is compromised! If you're looking for something to do indoors and away from the heat, check out this underrated museum. It's  only 5 dollars to get in, and you'll have plenty of art to gaze at while your skin takes a break from the unrelenting sun.
 

 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Jerry Hingle's New Project

Hello readers,
On this gray Friday morning as I sipped my green tea and read over the news headlines (from the Onion, of course) an idea popped into my head. I've always been partial to writing, but my experience thus far has lead me down the non-fiction path. I usually write about my life and its occurrences, and of course my beloved city. I love writing about Austin and Peanut, but what if I try my hand at fiction?

I know you must be thinking, "but Jerry Hingle, we love reading about your life!" Not to worry, dear readers, I'll continue to contribute to this blog. My fiction will be contained to old notebooks and a special doc on my laptop.

The bigger question at hand is what type of fiction to craft? Shall I write the next great American novel? A movie script? A sitcom? A short story? A novella? An opera?

I still have some contemplating to do, so I shall continue to sip my green tea and think about this more thoroughly.

Have a great Friday, readers!

--Jerry Hingle