Hi UpNDown!
From everything I've read, the blogs are disabled indefinitely. Those who had already started blogs were able to keep theirs, but there have been no new blogs since then. I am an old member, but because I didn't start a blog before the shutdown, even I wouldn't be able to start one now. They just don't offer them anymore, but they didn't want to take them away from those who already had them. There are lots of great forums here though and scores of supportive people, so browse around and join in! Good luck!