This handsome boy belongs to a friends friend & I thought he was adorable so I painted him, and gave it as a gift.  I have my share of dog paintings & dogs - although there's always room for more!   I like to paint peoples dogs - it's easier than their kids. hee hee.   

It's fun to give!  It feels good to give, to share our God given talents with others - that's why God gave them!  I had my hair cut as a gift recently by a talented hairdresser,  it was a kind gesture & much appreciated.

We all have meaning - we can all give  something of ourselves to hopefully  brighten another day..  if only a smile, a small act of kindness, I've often got baked goods - Oh, as a matter of fact, yesterday I was given a loaf of cheese bread from the little (terrific) Country Bakery in Carnarvon! Every toasted slice I was reminded of the kindness that came with the bread.    When I see others being kind or know of others kindness, it provides HOPE, even when not directed at me, it's simply lovely to see.   Small acts can bring about big changes in others minds & hearts, making their days feel brighter & loads lighter.   I accepted a while ago to give & let it go...  I understand I might not ever find out if my gift is even enjoyed or appreciated- that's not what matters.  What matters is I enjoyed BEing creative & giving & that's enough.

Just like praying for others, praying for ourselves - do it and forget it!  God will take care of the rest. Have faith. The difficult part for most is having the faith.  Just like I have faith in expecting miracles & miracle happen regularly.  

WOW -  *just NOW, as I was typing this exact blog & at this very moment,  I was told  that this gift was well received - lol -  that's a sign for sure.     I'm grateful to give & receive.
"They loved it" - "fucking awesome". hahaha.  Perfect. Perfect  timing.  
I started a journal called 'Show me a Sign!' because I realize, how many signs' I do get, constantly..   it's made having faith and expecting miracles a given!  

Give from your heart (& forget it) & you will be blessed with abundance.  
Amen.

​I do think I absolutely NEED another Poppy painting though - she's such a pretty poser.
​

Keeping cool with Chilly Willy,  crying tears because he doesn't want Bugs to leave him...
and sooner or later someone will scoop him up cause "penguins are practically chickens..."
An adorable moment remembered by many, crying his tiny ice cube tears.  I didn't get to finish side 2, so I guess it will wait until next Saturday, again - so many ideas to choose from, I left it to the last moment & didn't want to rush.  I had another painting (a gift) I was working on.

It was a great day to visit the Minden farmers market with my son,  the strawberries can't be beat - big & sweet & we also purchased some meat (beef) since Storm is the BBQ chef & I know it will be cooked to perfection.  I burn almost everything on the BBQ & it's why I prefer frying pans.  I don't eat much red meat but enjoy good quality, preferably from farm raised grass fed cows who enjoy their lives instead of factory farms. I picked up a sourdough loaf - there's always a line so I was happy to scoop one up.  Poppy came with us & enjoyed her day out as well. The weather was perfect & there was much to see in the tiny town - being a tourist town, it became busy early & I was reminded (due to traffic) why I stay home on weekends.  The Farmers market is dog friendly - I enjoy seeing all the pups out on adventures. If in the area - it's a good place to stop & shop. The big Ice cream hut is a great little pitstop for a burger & poutine while kids can climb the big wooden boat.  

What ever you did this Saturday - I hope it was joyful & your evening will be equally as entertaining/relaxing, the cool breeze is keeping the mosquitos away & that's always a bonus!

​The black berries have started - I can't wait to create a black berry Pie!  
​Isn't nature magnificent!?

Kermit chillin' with a violet sky.   I painted something like this not long ago & it sold right away so I missed it - lol, I'm keeping this one.  I like to give myself at least a couple of weeks with most paintings since they take a lot of work & the painting is much more enjoyable than an image of the painting.

I didn't look at the previous while creating tis one but know it was the same subject content  being Kermit & Baby Big Bird.  This was painted in 1/2 the time & was all about fun - as I pondered a more serious painting.

I'm running out of canvas - oh my!  I only have a few wooden ones left - the ones I've been using for my cartoon collection - that's good enough until I re-stock.   Kermit is chilling' & content to just enjoy the moment.  Be in the now... living in the present, standing in front of his cannabis field with a few mushrooms primed for the picking!  
Joyful. 

Have a Joy filled day - what ever you do. 

Daisy Duck.. my first duckling, gouache on black.

These ducklings are growing every day! I notice little things like their beaks all became brighter orange & they are getting fuzzy little butts. They are amazingly soft - furry is how I would describe them… sweet, tiny furry incredible birds. I learned how to tell between male & female  (not until about 7 weeks) the male have tiny feathers on their tales that curl up & they have different quacks'... I'm excited to watch the progress and hope I have more female than male for egg laying instead of duck stew.  You can't have too many males or they get aggressive & can hurt the hens, much like Roosters & hens. Fingers & flat feet toes are crossed for females.  

Did you see the baby wooly mammoth they discovered - wow.
There is so much still to discover on this planet - how great to be alive during this time to witness it all.  I’m currently reading:  The Book of Hope with Jane Goodall - only a couple of chapters in & I am enjoying it immensely. Jane has been such a gift for us all.   We must have hope…. I have hope & faith.  Faith in God & hope in humanity.

I’m not a fan of ‘instagram filters’,  especially if using them to present a false self to others & I find it disturbing reading about the cosmetic surgery trend/increase - to have your face changed permanently to match your ‘instagram filter’ - instead of just loving ourselves & each other for who we are & not how we appear. Yet, I can’t deny some of them are quite amusing & creative  - the ones that turn people into Disney characters, places funny eyes on dogs,  bodies waving to trendy tunes, adding glasses & other misc props...  I did find one (below) that is by far my favourite filter to date!  Teehee

Enjoy your day - remember you were created to create!  I’m going to try to recreate a few super simple recipes I also discovered on instagram, most with only 3 ingredients or less. 
Keeping it simple so I have more of my day to spend with dogs & ducklings.​

Rainy day - all day-  No blue no green.  Good for the garden &  ducks.  
Speaking of ducks… Ducklings have been added to the coop & they are unbelievably adorable!   I’ve been told they will grow very quickly so I better get painting if I want some sweet duckling images.

After researching & reading - Ducks are the new chickens - they make less noise, are hardier & healthier and less aggressive, don't mind rain or snow.  I decided to get a few & went with the traditional Pekin’ -white ducks but also hope to acquire a couple of black ducks, I’ll see how these little lovelies do. Duck eggs (& meat) are said to be delicious, bigger, less water content & richer.. we have a bit of a wait.   These ducks are not intended to eat. 
Ducks are said to make enjoyable pets also - big on personalities. I can't wait!!

So there’s Donald & Daisy, Peep & Sweetie.. so far, lol  they all look the same so I’ll base a couple names on their personalities as they progress.  Daffy’ will be reserved for the black duck breed called Cayuga - if I am able get one/two.  Watching these tiny babies drift off is so sweet.. holding their tiny heads up until they just can’t. They can't swim yet, they tire easily & can drown if not watched.

The dogs are also obsessed -Poppy wants to be with them, Ginger a little too anxious (keeping an eye on her) & Arrow has already shown she likes them by giving them gentle sniffs & the occasional lick & then walks away, the plan is to let the ducks roam so I’m encouraging watchful interactions.  Ducks are great gardeners & bug eaters!  I use to have a kid who would bring his pet duck to my studio art classes (many moons ago) I fell in love with ducks back then -so it’s another dream come true.

Right now they are set up in the tub for a few weeks (showers only for humans) until they can be kept in the coop with the chickens. 
Today I’m painting ducklings - perfect rainy day activity.   

Thankful for each day & adventure... now with more feathered friends! Weee!
​Dreams come true.

Margaret Atwood is a prophet.   The Handmaids Tale appears to becoming a reality based book rather than fiction.  Anti abortion in the USA, wtf?   I can’t believe this has happened in a ‘progressive society’.  Whats the reasoning?  It can’t be child welfare,  not when they won’t control guns & kids are being shot in classrooms..  Not because of all the children in the ‘foster care’ system, that also often reads like a horror story.  Is there not serious sex trafficking of children, child labour & child pornography issues for the government to focus on…   Instead of telling women what they can or can not do with their own bodies

Past History, current affairs, population decline concerns (around the world) have me pondering - it’s more about planting ‘soldier  seeds’ for the USA army & it’s never ending warfare than it is a child welfare issue.  This anti abortion decision will set woman back, mostly women already struggling. Black, Hispanic, Indian.. immigrants & the poor - some women will still be able to travel to Canada for an abortion - in reality it will be mostly white women with $.  Abortions will still happen in the USA, only they will once again become more dangerous & deadly for both mother & infant. 

I would rather people educate themselves  on planned parenthood before an abortion but it doesn’t always work that way or we wouldn’t be needing abortions to begin with.   In the case of rape, not being able to get an abortion is unfathomable for many.  Serious illness or dangerous births or for women who just don’t want a child - for countless reasons, abortion should be an option.  Ask sexually active couples (men & woman, because it does takes 2) how many times ‘accidents’ happen - like promising to pull out  as Meatloaf sung about in the heat of the moment.  It happens all the time, one encounter should not lead one to be forced to raising a child by politicians  who won’t be there to help! 
Mentally or financially. 

Many couples don’t feel they can afford a child & lets face it - it’s still usually women who’s lives end up changing the most. There’s no need to explain to any educated human at this point about what happens when children are born & how many children are already living in poverty with only one parent. Let’s not forget fertility rates dropping also due to environment issues - read Countdown By Shanna H Swan if you want to understand more. 
So, it doesn’t take a genius to understand the USA must be concerned for other reasons - who will fight the wars?  

People who ‘use the bible’ & God to  make a defence for anti abortion - clearly are missing the point. TRUST in God - means just that…  TRUST IN GOD.  The bible states - God knows us before we are born, do you think God isn’t aware of babies that will be aborted - who is anyone to judge, only God.  For those using God in this particular fight -  WHO are you to judge!? God also gave US ALL the gift of choice -right after the Garden of Eden,  CHOICE.  Each choice we make is a test & it’s only between you & God.

A woman who carries a child in her body - should have the choice &  will live with that decision of her choice - what ever it is for the rest of her life.  It’s NOT our business, Not my body - not my business.   I read a post  “Women are fighting to kill their babies while men are fighting for custody to see them”. Wow, are you fucking kidding me, leave it to a man (clearly bitter because of his own experience) to post that kind of shit, insinuating  that it’s not a serious, life altering decision for most. 

I doubt very much it is a decision that most women take very lightly, I am confident that most anguish for a long time (& perhaps for a long time after) over choosing to abort a child. Posts by an American female: 'we won't allow abortions but can't provide formula' &
'Abortions are being banned before assault rifles.  It's not about the sanctity of life. It's about control & power' & 'The reason you can't claim an unborn child on your tax return is because the government says it's not a person.' 

I don’t agree with the law - if we could SEE that they really do care about babies, maybe - but it doesn’t appear so, this is political - for political gain & to date - politicians appear to have lied about much, from the drug war to reasons for war - we all understand it’s usually about money, oil, control & power - not child welfare.  It’s  disappointing.  
Either way- it’s still up to God. 
This is mans (mostly men) cruelty on each other (mostly women), causing more mental illness & more children who will suffer long term, until they are used to fight for…. who knows what. 

I’m grateful Canada will help many in this unfortunate situation, I’m also hopeful that more will take more precaution to prevent unwanted pregnancies. 
TRUST in God.

Feed The Kitty  1952.    "Awwwwwwwwww" is the predictable  response to this gem.
Each time I paint one of these I am faced with the difficult task of choosing exactly what scene I want - there's too many!  This cartoon has one of the best crying scenes ever animated.. when Marc Anthony thinks his kitten has slipped into the batter & soon to be  baked - he is outside crying - sobbing & it's heart breaking!  The when handed a cookie shaped like his beloved kitty -placing it on his back.. oh my, hard not to cry.  I've seen it many times so, I know what to expect but for first time viewers "Awwwwwwww". 

The movie Gremlins was inspired & copied a scene from this cartoon - when kitty drives the toy car!  Many movies are inspired from these WB cartoons, just the other day I watched  a scene that was re-enacted in 'The Emperors New Groove (kitchen scene).  Monsters Inc. also copied the scene where Marc Anthony puts whip cream in his mouth to distract the homeowner.  

Marc Anthony starts off being a growling bully & turns into a biggest, sweetest softie, when the kitty gives him a lick (kiss) his facial expressions melt my heart as is his heart melted.  Feed the kitty is one of the most popular classic cartoons - how amazed I am, each time learning the date created- 1952! Wow...  & still much loved & watched over 60 years later!  Pure genius.  I will admit it's also heart breaking because Arrow still misses Bow, we all do... painting it helped a little, I sent loving energy to the universe for our missing kitty, hoping he is fine & loved as much as we loved him, wherever he is.

This set is looking fun hanging all together.  I've already got one side of the next done - another moment with tears. Cartoons teach compassion, friendship & humour, Bugs is especially good at it & he is next. I'm going to hang 9 together but I don't feel like stopping anytime soon so who knows how many it will grow into..  Eventually, I might hang all the Bugs Bunny together as he is absolutely a favourite & the rest in a group of their own..  I'm already considering 'One froggy evening' and a couple of Porky Pig, as well as Foghorn leghorn & of course - Daffy Duck!!  

Below is a quote I saw on Instagram & believe very much - we need time alone to think & create!  Have a terrific Saturday- perhaps watch a few classic cartoons & get yourself in a good mood. 

I was also a fan of The Pink Panther & of course Disney, I will be expanding after my first set of WB.  Created to create!  

I just finished: Mans search for Meaning By Viktor Frankl.    
I wished I had read it earlier in life.. then again - we are all exactly where God wants us to be.  There is no time like the present.  A compelling  story of faith, courage,  strength  & what it means to be human in incredibly difficult times.  I encourage you to read it.  It made me understand how we all struggle & how we either rise or perish mostly due to our own attitude.  I felt positive after reading it,  convinced further that I'm on the right path & exactly where I am meant to be.

It was hard to put down & read it in record time, between painting & adventuring with dogs.
We need more humans  like Viktor Frankl.   My thoughts that this 'always being happy business' is overrated... life is about ups & downs & the downs are what advance us faster & further (if we allow) spiritually.  It talks about addiction, death & resilience  and of course forgiveness. Be Strong & Courageous in the face of suffering.  It's o.k. to cry too.  
Just don't get stuck in the crying mode.

The meaning of life,  for me - is to continue exactly as I am.  Created to create & encourage joy with my art, while persevering though pain & other difficult life lessons, remembering to see & feel the Joy around me & give thanks to God, several times a day. 

I also recently read, Brain Bliss! By Dawson Church. Another thought provoking book - about meditation & the power that comes from practicing - it's got me meditating daily & already excited for the possible expected outcome. Dawson Church proves we can alter our lives & live our best selves by simply showing ourselves some LOVE.  

Next on my reading list:  Carl Jung.
Read, read read.. your life will become richer for it.
A luxury not afforded by everyone. Exercise for your brain. 

NOW- back to finishing tomorrows WB Cartoon tribute! Weeeeee!
A cartoon that  brought me to tears when tiny... and recently, ready why - tomorrow. 
    
Created to create.

Summer lovin' Sloth - gouache on black paper
Painted this morning while it was still cool - it's now 30 but I'm not complaining, compared to our US & European neighbours we're not experiencing  a heatwave like they are.  
Painted to remind you to take it slow, keep cool & show yourself some love.

We' have experienced several rainy days lately so the garden will enjoy the heat & give the plants a chance to dry out, my tomato plants are looking waterlogged. The next WB cartoon has been sketched and awaits paint, I certainly am enjoying re creating them, as if I need an excuse to watch.. lol.

I hope all keep cool & enjoy this lovely first day/week of summer, stop & smell the flowers, watch the bees and chipmunks! Below is a photo of one drinking from the bird bath, they're too sweet, I'm grateful they out run the dogs and up trees. 
& a sneak peek of the next WB cartoon painting below - can you guess??

Hillbilly Bugs 1950  in the Ozarks Tribute art. Acrylic on wood    
Ready to Square dance!?  Chuck Jones was a square dancing fool.. hee hee   Really.
The special features on my CD set talks about Chuck Jones enjoying a square dance or two during the lunch hour.  What he puts these two through - with his song - you must listen to the words to appreciate the talent.  Note Bugs has no whiskers in this painting & he did not during the production. Later, I heard Chuck mention (special features) "...if he was lucky - on a big budget- Bugs might get three whiskers... maybe 2."   lol - I guess this was low budget.  You wounld'nt know it from the non stop action. 

I was a fan of  Hillbillies because of this cartoon, it still makes me laugh, bugs at his best in his finest. How easily they dropped their guns for fun! Swing yer partner round & round. This painting is also a tiny tribute to PRIDE (note the rainbow decor hanging in the dance hall).  Bugs bunny was one of the first crossdressing (Trans) characters to hit the animated screen & he did it so elegantly.  Usually, dressing as a female to fool some "fool' who is easily distracted by a pretty woman.  Bugs knew the power of a beautiful Woman. He also 'fell for a beautiful dame' several times.   Bugs knew how to have a good time.   Chuck Jones was aware the transgender community loved Bugs & what He/She represented to them and he was more than happy with it.  Bugs was happiest in whatever 'skin' he was in.  

My displeasure for Hillbillies' came later due to the movie representation in 'Deliverance & later  'The Hills have eyes.  Which I regret watching.  Like watching negative news, the 'only negative' stereotype  doesn't help with an often true representation of a large community..
I never thought of it as negative then or now. Frankly, I didn't give it much thought... other than it appeared very enjoyable, except for the Hillbillies fate, a pool of mud or a bale of hay - always surviving to dance the next step.  We had square dancing in elementary school - I loved it.

Painting this I can think of a few times I pondered:   'Not my body, not my business.'
I was always amused & envious to see how easily Bugs would become his beautiful, brilliant female half.  Being Trans, Gay, a crossdressing hare never occurred negative to me & still doesn't. It's creative genius. If anything plastic surgery that people do to themselves makes me upset - but again...  not my body not my business.  I wish everyone would accept & love themselves as God created.

All Love - Any Love is to be celebrated.  Love Thy Neighbour - Can you see it? 
Pride month is a good reminder 'love is love', there are countless incidents where we should be concerned & none of them should be with each other, who cause no harm or simply for how they choose to represent themselves or who they love.  Not my body not my business. 

Happy Saturday! If you are fortunate enough to celebrate love - or square dance- enjoy! 
I already have the next for the collection sketched, it's a tear jerker. Can you guess?  
No Bugs.  

Another fan (& friend) sent me a message that made me giggle after I hinted at my painting on Instagram, It's below...     &  NO, they don't make them' like that anymore! 
Too bad.

Created to create! 

Painting, pondering  & praying... my healing process.
Acrylic on canvas.  A reminder to keep singing & giving thanks for every new day.
Eventually,  Kermit will be donated  someplace where he will hopefully make others smile, for now he hangs on my mini gallery wall beside my desk.

This mornings funny moment (so far), Arrow now comes in the coop with me (teaching her to leave the chickens alone) and she walked out from under the coop with an egg in her mouth.  lol.  She gently carried it into the house & I cracked it into her bowl.  She looked quite proud of herself.

Now... off to witness some miracles with my girls before we paint 'Bugs the Beautiful'.

​Created to Create!

Georgia… on my mind. Hello Monday! 
& what a lovely day it is! The sun is out & it’s gonna get hot. Some things on my mind…

Thank you covid! All things are lessons & most good, given time to process. One good thing to come from covid for me was - the past 2 years, since we were locked down & no place to go I did something I’ve wanted to do forever… I shaved my head, bald. This year my hair is shoulder length (grew out all one length) & looking healthier & feeling better than it has for years! I like the grey too, still some salt & pepper to it- it looks professionally done - by God my hairdresser.  The reason I shaved was my psoriasis was bad - it’s returned a little but nothing like it was! So.. for anyone who has psoriasis on their head - I suggest you shave & give it some sunshine! Or for anyone wanting a healthier head of hair - try shaving the old stuff off. I can’t guarantee it will work for you but it did for me.

We as women are suppose have long flowing hair, right?  Our hair is not who we are, nor is this body - it’s just a tool to help us accomplish things while here. I read about a ‘Free The Titties protest coming up in Montreal. In Ontario you can go topless if you choose. In Montreal this woman was approached by the police and told to put her top on - while many men around her went topless on the scorcher day. WTF?  When will others be held responsible for not being able to control themselves? The protest stands for much more.  Breast feeding in public - the most natural thing I the world, responsible for humanity existing, is still an issues with some. & I am not for abortion, I wish all babies would be born, BUT I am not against abortion, it is a choice the woman carrying the child should have,  as it will change her life - forever, either way...  Not my body, not my business.

People who use the Bible to justify their hurtful actions, are missing the point of the bible. The Bible is a lesson in love above all else. Love for God. Love for ourselves, love for our neighbours (from next door to next country).  I don’t think we should blame the book, blame the person who distorts it to justify hurting others. Just like we shouldn’t blame each other for covid, monkey pox or any virus - blame the virus.  
We have one judge and it’s not each other. 

I’m out to explore with my puppy posse, yesterday we saw again the most beautiful butterfly,  bee, moth, humming bird creature! lol. I’ve only ever seen them since I moved here. Magnificent tiny miracles!!  Do pine nuts grow in the open, cause it sure looks like I haven tree FULL of visible pine nuts & the pine pollen is flowing! I’m going to try to harvest both. I’m also on a mission to photograph this sweetest little bird, making a nest in the puffer fish, what a tiny blessing of amusement he/she is, getting use to see & serenading me, all day.  & last but not least - who better to celebrate pride month than BUGS BUNNY!  More on him/her soon.​

Stay tooned.

Monkey pox...   Fuck No.  Todays warm up - gouache on black
This monkey pox virus will get worse before better. It looks brutal and painful another lesson to be learned by us all,  anyone can catch it so it seems.  Travel was not stopped for covid, won't be stopped for monkey pox.

I guess more true than ever - Cleanliness is next to Godliness.  Soap Saves... I don't know.  
I don't foresee personally traveling or attending a Rave anytime soon so I'm not overly concerned.  Here's hoping we get it under control before it gets out of control.  This is life as we know it now.. if anything covid & monkey pox teach us to appreciate who & what we do have & give thanks for it.

Kermit is coming along nicely!  I think I'll try to think of something to celebrate pride to paint next.  I was reminded by a friend and the Universe.. this is just a pitstop, the school of life full of daily tests before we are moved to the next level on the journey.   Sad, when a loved one passes because we will miss them yet the sooner we remember it's just another stage, the sooner we will continue celebrating each day & lessons - All lessons in love. 

A reminder to be thankful for those here & now. 
Remember you have a choice:  Be Nowhere  OR  Be Now here. 
​
Reading about the heat wave down south - I am most thankful for all this glorious rain! 
No Blue - No green!   

​Created to create.

Somedays, I must force myself to paint... & so it begins. 
Grateful for the gift of a new day.
​Inspire by love, you will not fail.

For the love of nature.
Love conquers all.
Love is everywhere, if you choose to see it. 

Yoda on a foray..   May the spores be with you.
Acrylic on canvas with iridescent purple paint, which I enjoy using  as you only see it in certain light so it’s an added element of surprise. Through our creations we extend our love.

I tell myself I’m going to find mushrooms.. and I do. Today only 3 different species as we had to cut the journey short due to not applying mosquito spray, not just for myself but it’s disturbing to see them all over the girls, especially on their ears. We use a natural spray so I can rub some on their ears & backs, they know now when I apply it, we’re going on an adventure, so the don’t seem to mind so much. So much Dryads Saddle, I could eat is for days and not run out, I don’t, maybe once a week, it would be nice to add to our next stew.

A little more about the tooth - or missing tooth...
A few have said “if you don’t tell anyone about your missing tooth, they’ll never know.”  When out & about -without the tooth I noticed a few who volunteered to tell me: they are missing teeth too!  Our own special club - lol. & I was grateful as I asked: what did you choose?   Most went the way I have, the least painful. ;)  What is the frigging stigma with missing teeth?  Sure enough on instagram this morning there were posts from this lovely young woman (23 I think) with false teeth & she tags: Toothless & ruthless - yay! Good for her educating the masses.  I wondered what happened to have her toothless at such a young age but there are countless reasons - medication, sports injury, car accidents, infections, violence & more.  I want to share, especially since experiencing the different reactions from several, the more we educate & share the more it becomes ‘accepted/normal’ - what’s not normal is to feel ashamed  OR shame another over something so trivial.  

We are more than our bodies,  bodies change as does everything, just to wake each day in this vessel is the gift I am grateful for - teeth or no teeth.  Thankful  for the lesson in Love - for myself.     
I am as God created me.
​