Don't let them get your goat!   Acrylic on board 9.8" 

Ever notice how some people like to intentionally aggravate?  Like to get yer' goat? Just for the fun of it...
I get it - bugging, teasing.. (what ever you want to call it) once in a while, but every now you meet someone who seems to live to bother others & causes suffering for their own enjoyment.  In the past, I'd let them get my goat, now I understand & know people 'like this'  are not worth losing peace, instead look at them for 'who they are - sad, angry, vengeful humans who are not not happy or content  so they  intentionally add misery to others,  often robbing themselves (& family) of peace in the process.   That's a type of instant karma.  Sooner or later they are seen for who they are.  Give it to God.

The one that preserves their peace & is not nasty in return is the one who has power & control.  
Instead of feeling  negative towards others who behave badly -  feel pity for them & pray for them or ignore them.

           Weak people revenge.  Strong people forgive.  Intelligent people ignore.   ~Albert Einstein.

Anyone I know who is creative, happy & content  (& successful) hardly finds the time to socialize yet 'be intentionally mean & nasty to others.  I've seen trolls on social media for example & I think - do they have nothing better to do, than make nasty comments...  that's a dismal existence.  It's the old adage: Misery loves company.  
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, with words or actions, be it in person & on line.  That's how you survive & thrive.   By not letting nasty humans get your goat - you are getting theirs...  

 I was deliberating about someone in particular when painting this goat,  from frustration to  feeling compassion for them by the time I was done, praying they find peace so they can actually enjoy this beautiful life we have been gifted, every day.  That's what painting is for me.  Praying with paint, playing with goats with psilocybin for mental wellness & peace of mind.
Yay! Now I have another 'spinner to smile at and remind me:  No one is worth getting my goat.  
Don't let them get your goat  & don't stoop to their level....  never forget  God hears,  God sees & God knows.
God says:  Vengeance is mine.   Leave it to God, it will not go unnoticed.

Interesting fact about this short goat quote:

& if something is bound to 'get your goat' - let it be something like this (below) so we can all be better educated & prepared to correct such issues and bring people who lie & cause intentional suffering to light & punish them accordingly.  
​Three things won't be hidden long.. the sun , the moon & the truth.         Thank God. 

Wake Up.    Acrylic on board 9.8".      

Every time I watch the news  I learn of   "conspiracy theories' that are reality or turning towards  that direction.    
It has me pondering pretty much everything.  Especially the so called 'governments' all around the world.
The world leaders voted/placed to help the people, only proven to mislead & control as we have seen with Justin Trudeau and his draconian  laws with mask, travel and vaccine mandates, that he himself does not adhere to.  
This 'Wake the Fuck Up'  painting is to remind me... Wake the fuck up and research instead of following blindly.

Running out of wall space it dangles in the studio entrance... I need a bigger studio just to display work,  for now I have several ready to dangle & twirl in the wind, it's an added element of fun & 2 paintings instead of one.  The chimp also has a message & reminder painted in his face:  As Above , So below.

Created to create. 

I just learned about this impressive young man- changing the world...
He recently posted the above video & you can't help but be impressed.  
Then, I learned he died shortly after & once again I'm left wondering & wrestling with God.
You can read about him here:
https://www.commonsense.news/p/how-to-be-a-pioneer
I'm going to order his book off Amazon.  
Had he lived, I've no doubts he would change the world for the better... he already did.
​

Smiling little sloth, acrylic on wood, 5inches - a perfect start to this day!

August - my favourite month - everything is in bloom, vegetables in the garden,  hot days, cool nights.. what's not to love?  Guess what! This morning I had an email from Instagram - I've been let back into my account - weee! lol
It only took about 30 attempts and me taking videos (selfies) to send them to say - "yes, this is my account!"
I was just about to give up and only telling someone yesterday how frustrating it's been.  
Then, a lesson in love... the number of messages of people asking:Where are you?,  Is all o.k.?  & I miss you(s)...  wow, (blush)  was surprisingly kind. I was not expecting it.  
I'm grateful - thank you!  & I missed seeing several friends & accounts too.  
A perfect start to August...  has me smiling like this tiny sloth.

I was gifted more canvas! All sizes & my son also picked me up more paint - no excuses not to paint (as If I need an excuse)
I hope you're enjoying this holiday hot Monday - doing what ever it is you do to bring joy.  Now, it's time for me to start another painting, this small one took no time at all & was (as always) a delightful way to spend my time - I could probably paint 3 a day, this size. It's to rain all week according to the weather here so, we shall see -I just might paint 3 a day.  In between exploring & reading- Currently reading a new book by Carl Jung - Psychological Types, fascinating!
​
Created to create.

Bugs & Chilly Willy in Frigid Hare 1949.    Acrylic on wood  8 x 10    
Chilly Willy crying ice cubes is one of those  cartoon moments you can't forget. You really feel fo the little fellows his bowtie & top hat.  It turns Bugs into a 'babysitter' after a wrong turn at Albuquerque..   and ends with him staying with Chilly Willy for a few months, as they walk off into the Northern lights.  Chilly Willy doesn't speak but gets into enough trouble simply for being a sweet little tasty penguin (that resembles a chicken) to a big hungry Eskimo. 
​
One more for the wall - 6 (so far) in all!   Have an enjoyable Saturday .. perhaps start it with some classic cartoons! 

Below - the 'Cartoon display' to date.
​Created to create.

Currently, my favourite hen.  Acrylic on board, approx.10"
​

Purrrvert.  Acrylic on board, ruffly 10 inches.   Coated with clear varnish.

My friend Geoff sends me photos of their (his & my moms)  cat and it's always sitting in this position.  
It cracks me up every time.  The cat has a facial expression as if to say: WTF are you staring at?  
& they provided me with my recent treasure trove of 'canvas',  I am fond of the round - as you are aware.
So, I thought it only fitting to reciprocate with a pet portrait.
It was much appreciated and brought JOY. Apparently, the Purrrvert likes it too.  
​He's so handsome & amusing, I didn't want to busy the background too much. 

Boy it's been a few "heavy days', heavy with humidity & heart, I keep looking at the dog bed that is now, usually empty. 
Scruffy spent a great deal of time the past couple of years 'napping.  I also caught myself several times, chewing a piece of meat & then going to look for her... habit.   I'll admit I'm tired & missing Scruffy... she was around a long time.  
Now, suddenly not there, it's difficult.   Time heals all wounds... but does it fill the empty space?  

I dove into my book, 'The Count of Monte Cristo'  thankful for a tremendous  tale & expanding my vocabulary.
For example, I never had a clew that you could spell clue, clew. Did you? 
You just have to pause on a word with kobo & it brings up the definition, I do it regularly reading this book.
I can usually guess', especially when considering  the context... but occasionally - I have no clew.   lol

Next on the desk to be painted is a chicken, cock, callus domesticus, jungle fowl, bird... what ever word pleases you.
Created to create.

Two things I saw on Twitter today:
The above  was absolutely heart breaking & below, heart warming.   
Grateful for the education in all things.

Goodbye Scruffy.  Well it's only been a few days & Scruffy deteriorated fast, not being able to eat or walk.  
The last couple of days  were spent with extra spoiling.  Scruffy was old, older than most of our dogs lasted.
​The photo above is the last I have of her, she could not even stand straight or walk any distance. 
It doesn't make it any easier.  I had hoped she would pass in her sleep but that's not how it goes, everyone thought it was time which made it a bit easier of a decision & we all had the opportunity to say Goodbye, which is a blessing many times we don't get. 
 
 It's a good day to read - I am really enjoying: The  Count Of Monte Cristo!  What an adventure in every way, the opulence described it fascinating  an education of the era.  The distraction of money...  selling ones soul for $$$, a lesson learned many times over.  It's got me anxious for the outcome but I'm remembering to enjoy the journey. 

I have a chicken to paint & Storm chose a WB cartoon he'd like to see painted, so there's much to occupy my mind with positive things.  The cactus painting was inspired after watching Netflix :How to change your mind. I painted it even though feeling depressed about Scruffy. Train your mind to keep going no matter what is happening, I have trained myself to paint through all moods & the pain of arthritis, as this I know is what makes me happiest & relaxes my soul. 
​
I have a tiny Peyote that Storm grew for me from seed. I have NO intentions of consuming it, I love it as the plant & it sits on my drawing desk for further inspiration.  I agree with the docuseries & do not encourage Peyote consumption simply because it will be a problem for the plant to continue to thrive.  If you want to try it, seek someone who grows them or grow your own & wait a few years, until then luckily there are other healthy options.  By the way, the last few years I would blow cannabis in Scruffys face occasionally, on days she appeared to be struggling - just like some days these joints  are painful, a joint helps me function & feel better- mentally & physically & sleep better.  I believe it helped as she would seem to have a great sleep & increased appetite... she sure lived long.  She is already missed.  

Watch How to change your mind.  Expand your  knowledge for better health - mind & body. 

Hi.   Acrylic on board,  approximately 10 inches.

Just a bear.. Forcing myself to paint, this bear didn't take any research or much thought, still I like him.   It's been raining g and cooler, I don't mind the rain but detest the mosquitos & have just purchased a full bug suit', Canadian woods attire... were excited for it to be dry to explore & put my new outfit to the test & with all the rain -mushrooms will be bountiful!  

It's been a difficult few days as Scruffy is on her last legs, literally.  Yesterday she was scheduled to be put down & I couldn't do it, as soon as she left I started sobbing and called & said 'bring her back'.  This means, I'll have to chew meat for her & hand feed her & carry her outside to do her business and carry her around for snuggles.. so be it. One more day, one more week & if lucky perhaps a month.  Scruffy has been a great dog (as they all are), the past few years she's been a bit of a pain - gone deaf, almost blind & she'll bark for no reason, has had several accidents (luckily we don't have carpet) & why I've not rushed replacing the floors... it's just what you do for old dogs.  She is also always underfoot & easily to trip over. Patience.  It really has me pondering our pets over the years, I'm taking a break to focus on them,  me & life in general.    I'm really glad she's still here.

It's time to paint,  focus on the summer, adventure,  the girls & plan for the future.  Watching some world news yesterday has really been awakening, especially regarding the plight of so many struggling with heat, food shortage, homeless issues and many other social/political events.   These protests regarding the farmers is deeper than we've been led to believe.  To think it won't happen here is just foolish.  Canadian truckers set precedent with their protest,  it's far from over.  Change is absolutely on the horizon - world wide and close to home. 

On a funny note, I do have to admit theses photos comparing Trudeau to Jim Carrey from Dumb & Dumber made me giggle several times. If I said I hated'  Trudeau, I'd be a hypocrite, as for his actions -thats' a different perspective. I do not hate the man, he is just human and 'fucks up' like the rest of us.  No one likes being made fun of - but it's kinda funny & his behaviour certainly contradicts much of what he says' so.. it is what it is.
I think he's on his way out.  It can be very overwhelming on the grand scale, I constantly remind myself:  God knows what is happening...   Leave it to God.  
Don't add to anyones misery & don't judge anyone as we really know very little about each other.  We are all on the same journey.  

My journey is accompanied by dogs (& a few amazing humans) & I couldn't be more pleased...  for this I am blessed. For all the dogs that have gone & those in my life currently & still those to come - always room for dogs.   One more day with Scruffy has been a blessing.. I'll keep her  & love her until she can't walk or eat anymore, I don't care about accidents.  The journey continues!

Shit happens...  yep! Especially with dogs.  A girlfriend made that sign for me over a decade ago. Check out this edible mushroom literally steps from my door!  Today I'll have an egg & mushroom omelette (dryads saddle mushroom)  Isn't nature magnificent?  
Nourishing our bodies & nurturing our soles. 

I'd take living in the forest any day over living on a beach.  In literally a couple of days these mushrooms appeared  on this stump steps from my kitchen & are now ready to consume, although they were the first to appear in the spring & I've had several.  I ventured into the woods yesterday but didn't find any mushrooms other than an abundance of the same kind - although the mosquitos kept me from lingering anywhere too long.  I'm equally enamoured with moss, roots, shoots, leaves and rocks as well as the occasional poop - deer mostly.  Every walk in the woods is an adventure.

Currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo,  it was only $1. on my Kobo - you can read it for free online or from the library - what a wonderful adventure.  Another tale where good prevails over evil (as always) and done so eloquently. Sometimes karma just takes a while but eventually, the sun the moon & the truth won't be hidden long.  It is hard to put down & I actually didn't paint yesterday as I decided to read all day & not even 1/2 way through yet.  There is nothing like a mental adventure to pass time, amuse &  inspire.  I'll continue  reading & I've got ducklings to paint because they're just too cute!  Soon they will be full size white ducks, I can see the feathers changing every day.    

I'm not sure If I shared the below image a warm up in gouache, I forget to share all paintings as I paint so many, often with the same 'theme" what better theme than reminder of what it's all about:
Love & Joy.

Have a love filled day -show yourself some love... keep cool,  hydrate, eat healthy, read a wonderful book or create something beautiful & don't forget to celebrate Joy! Look at all Gods creations like mushrooms & trees, birds, bees & dogs & cats too...  you can't help but be joyful surrounded by so many miracles.

Kermit x 2.. acrylic on canvas 4 x 4  blocks  
These were old paintings I found 1/2 finished & I did not like so I painted over & decided to just play around & have some fun.
Netflix  has a new series inspired by the Book:         
How to change your mind 
by Michael Pollan & it's FANTASTIC!  Amen - finally.  Finally the TRUTH about "illegal drugs", the war on drugs & the benefits of natural drugs & how they are healing & helping many that could not be helped. LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA & Mescaline.  I feel very hopeful after watching - many will finally understand & more will try & be helped & healed….  not become sicker with toxic pills that have deadly side effects & become life long addictions & $$$ makers for BIG Pharma. 

It also exposed the fact that these drugs were known decades ago to help people & create feelings of love instead of hate but were intentionally  discouraged & made illegal by governments.  I’ve mentioned all this previously as I became educated when researching cannabis. How must people feel now - lied to.  Especially when we understand it has been an excuse (one of many) to lock people up and keep them living under fear & control. Fucked up.  It has me thinking about MAID in Canada - How many people would change their minds if they had the opportunity to medicate with a substance like any of the above mentioned before choosing to end their lives? 

A touchy subject I know from experience, BUT what about children? If they were presented these substance  in professional environments soon after trauma they might have the chance to understand & grow up - not fucked up, as so many do, struggling their entire lives with PTSD.  We have no problem injecting babies with vaccines we still currently know very little about.  These medicines have been known about in some cases for centuries.  Anyway, food/medicine for thought.  I’m grateful this series will help many change their minds & lives.  I’m done living in fear of others opinions’… at this point anyone who thinks psilocybin, LSD, MDMA & mescaline will destroy your mind' is simply ignorant, un educated. 

Not one fuck  as Kermit shows, shall be given to what anyone thinks - when it comes to self healing. I, like millions have cared too much what others think, others who should mind their own business & NOT judge, if I knew then what I know now - I’d have consumed mushrooms in my teens.  The key to all of these:  they are medicine to be respected, not to get high’.   Some will use  to get high- because that’s simply being human but at least they *won’t overdose like on opiates, or be killed with alcohol poisoning.  

I was researching online and came across a page that talked about peyote and low & behold they image they used was one of mine. Neat!  I do not know them & they did not ask but I don’t care, I was grateful they mentioned my name. Peyote, I have one on my desk - not big at all that Storm grew from seed! I’d be upset if someone ate it, it’s only about 2 inches tall & has taken 7 years to grow so, I completely understand native Americans getting upset at peyote poachers. Full grown peyote takes about 15 years.  No doubts there are people now growing them, probably the future of Big Pharma as you can bet, they KNOW - natural medicine is going to be BIG BUCKS in the very near future.

Learn to grow -  it is our HUMAN right. No patent on plants, nature should never be illegal - this is a lesson we have all learned.  Decriminalize natural medicine - that should never have been made illegal in the first place.  The future looks brighter & more vivid… on LS & Psilocybin, MDMA & mescaline.  ​Thank you again, Michael Pollan. 
If you have not read  How to Change Your Mind or The Botany of Desire
I highly recommend both!

​Created to Create!

Dorothy’s journey.  Acrylic on board 10”

This is one of those paintings, I don’t know where it came from.  I had sketched a duck in a dish & then sketched a humming bird (on the back side of Dorothy - but some how this painting wanted painted! The nest thing I knew I was drawing a swirling yellow brick road *that glistens in the sunlight with iridescent paint. I guess I have a journey on my mind.. & Dorothy had one of the most memorable.  

Follow the yellow brick road… in my case, follow the country dirt road.  I’m on a journey, headed in a new direction, painting these bricks & squares on her dress gave me much time to ponder details &  the direction I’m facing.  I’m excited & that’s a fantastic start!

Dorothy is looking slightly forlorn but that’s o.k.  as  many understand the first step on a new path is often the hardest.  One thing I’m sure of - All journeys are lessons God will have me learn.  I wonder who I'll meet first.. the Scarecrow, Tin man or Lion. 
Going & growing - on the path to enlightenment. 

Did you see the new images from the James Webb Telescope!?  Talk about a journey.
Stunning! Fascinating! Beautiful!  WOW.  I think  I'm inspired  to paint some stars.
Expanding our Universe & minds!   
​Grateful for each day.

Donalds Descendant.  acrylic on board 10" 
These little ducklings grow at a rate like I've never witnessed!  Right now they are so cute & fluffy, I'm wondering when they will turn white and they have the tiniest stubby wings for such big bodies, waddling with huge flipper feet -I love to just stand and stare.  The details in their feet are amazing & the legs are stalky & strong only 3 weeks old. Nature is incredible. I'm grateful for this tiny farm experience, growing up a city girl  -even with some sad moments. I still miss the goats and we've lots a few chickens for different reasons  but that's how it is, it's not been from neglect, all are well fed, watered and cared for, our coop is one of the nicest I've seen, it could easily be turned into a 'bunkie if we had no feathered friends.  I have a new respect for farmers -especially those who raise cattle, goat, pigs - it's WORK.  I pray we don't have issues like they are experiencing in the Netherlands right now with farmers, although I'm concerned as it does appear Trudeau is headed in the same direction. I'm so disappointed with his actions lately, he appears no more than a puppet & I really believed he had Canada & all Canadians best interests at heart - he's proven other wise the past couple of years. With world events, I'm not sure who if anyone would be any better but it seems like  people have had enough, all over.  

One little duckling (this portrait) is a scrapper (already) & has started to chase Ginger!  Oh, it has me burst out laughing - it even knows to go for her ears & tail & Ginger is brave now but  wait a couple of weeks when this duck towers over her.  I don't think she'll be so brave then.  It doesn't want Poppy rounding it up either - it nipped at her bum, Poppy stared it down tho. Ginger thinks the duck is playing and wants to play.  They love strawberries & we have a kiddy pool that they got into themselves yesterday for a swim..  The chickens don't seem to even notice the ducks.  I have another idea for a painting of a duckling - ready to sketch today.  The adventure continues, thankful for another day.

Enjoy the day, create something magnificent! 

 - What's up Doc!?    Acrylic on board - I was gifted some 'round board canvas' by my mom when she visited the other day - several! yay!!  Of course this was the first perfect painting for them.  I must admit I struggled with the green border, mostly because it was hot & my paint was drying too fast to blend easily & I do everything freehand'  it's not about perfection it's about the journey... the adventure from sketch to paint.
Ah the joys of painting & discovery. It's pleasing to me though & was truly a JOY to paint, looking at this huge smile.  It will hang above my 2 sided Bugs display.

It's another cool day with an expected high of 23 - perfect for painting! I sketched my next before I fell asleep - It's Mickey, so I was excited to get up & start - after I walk around with the dogs, visit the ducklings and eat tarts for breakfast! My moms partner makes/creates the best tarts - Salmon, potato, cheese - made in honour of the Queens jubilee, has me feeling like the Queen I am!  Daughter of God, absolutely queen material - as we all are.
I try not to overindulged but they are so tasty - I  cooked 5.  I'll snack in between painting breaks.  

Here is the recipe!  https://www.cla.org.uk/documents/478/Beacons_Tart.pdf.    
Geoffrey makes them in little individual tart shells for me.  
It's nice to feel loved & fed & amazing of him to share his gift (& talent!) with me, they are not easy to make & time consuming.  ​Have a creative day - celebrate the lessons & journey - ALL lessons are what God, will have us learn.   Too many tarts will be a lesson in obesity - so:
                                                          
​                                                         Everything in moderation!