Ashes to ashes..  I call it this because I smoked a lot of cannabis while painting it and it's about life...  the cycle of life. Change, growth - progression.   October 17th has been chose as the date Canada will officially legalize recreational cannabis in Canada - the anniversary of Gord Downies death...  awesome - a day we all felt loss now will change into a day to celebrate with a joint (as Gord did many times) listening to great Canadian music-  feeling 'free" & hopefully happier.   

Justin Trudeau said he would legalize cananbis in Canada & he has done that #promisekept  I choose to celebrate, after already reading some negative comments from activist- it has me thinking- What DO you want?  It's never going to be good enough for some people- is this because they enjoy drama? I don't know..  I don't care,  focus on the all that will continue to go right - it's a step in the RIGHT direction - on a massive scale -I've yet to hear anyone discuss. 

Canada is only the second country in the world -- and the first G7 nation -- to implement legislation to permit a nationwide marijuana market. In the neighboring US, nine states and the District of Columbia now allow for recreational marijuana use, and 30 allow for medical use.  With legalization will come realization- education and it's going to make it difficult for these countries who STILL severely PUNISH people over cannabis.  Time, it all does take time.  At least the world is talking about it- which is something compared to what we witnessed only 10 years ago, 5 even...  how many of you said never in my lifetime will canabis be legalized- well isn't that hopeful in itself!? YES.  Miracle do happen...  in time I have no doubts Justin will also deal with those already incarcerated and possibly have records for past minor cannabis offences -dismissed.  

​Just yesterday someone said to me " I heard cannabis is legal..  some will abuse it"
My reply: Yes some will just as Alcohol has been available for  decades  and many ABUSE it with far more deadly consequence - proven too many times over...   at least those who "do" abuse cannabis won't end up dead from an overdose.  
Isn't this all we should really be concerned about?  ***No one should ever operate a vehicle impaired by anything - especially the most deadly culprit going NOW - Your cell phones.
    
I later thought- it's a mindset and like legalization - it's going to take time to change.  

Celebrate, more will be introduced to a safer high.
Children will be educated on cannabis, parents will grow it at home,  teach it is a PLANT.
Cannabis will be grown & eaten fresh! You won't get high - only healthier - juice it!
Cannabis will be free to be discovered in kitchens across Canada!
It is anticipated- Alcohol consumption will go down! Here's hoping.
Less alcohol hangovers - less people calling in sick for work...  date rape - on cannabis.. I've yet to hear about a woman not being able to say NO when just high.
The Canadian economy will flourish - new business is being created at this very moment.
Money from Cannabis collected by our Gov- will benefit is countless ways- just look at other examples. 

Sure a few are going to get very rich- that's just how it goes, why should it be any different with cannabis, there will still be court cases - it takes time. Marketing, it's going to change in about 3-5 years this will all  be sorted and it won't be a big deal going to the store to buy some bud - IF it's available..  from what I'm reading, hearing- the demand will be HIGH - it's expected the "pot shops"are going to run out - let's wait & see. 

Last night I played with Daisy and her Aerobie on the front lawn- what a beautiful evening.. I was able to do this because I smoked a joint (2)  ON my front lawn..  I AM legal, Cannabis is my medicine & I AM proud of it.  I puffed to a greener future.
I puffed to an awakening on a massive scale... I puffed to thank God for how it has saved our lives and eased my sons pain.

I'm not worried about running out because I have a very talented grower looking after me... My grower loves me & I him - hee hee - most people love their growers, there's that too - Canada is going to GROW - Canada is going to become one of the best in the world (already is) with Cannabis.  Canadians CAN grow - legally- how smart is that? Because they can grow legally- they will do it right, no need to hide.   As for all this crap about homegrown fear mongering still - our own health minister said it- it's the same as  making wine or brewing your own beer at home- only this is GROWING PLANTS- Who doesn't already grow plants? My house is full. It's a petty  argument and these will be the first court battles I think we will see - it is a HUMAN right.  Those who will  grow well above the limit, sell to those they should not..  they will still be  arrested - it's their CHOICE. 

It's OUR choice... October 17. 2018
Thank God.  

What stage are you at in your life?  Egg, caterpillar, pupa or butterfly? 
Change has come... give thanks.
​Be grateful, thankful... or don't - that is a choice too.

   We all know the Scarecrow had a brain all along.
Imagine if he was planted in a cannabis instead of corn field...
What do you THINK he would THINK about that?

I think he would be fine right where he was, no need to venture further.
Why search out flying Monkeys? 

God has each of us exactly where we are meant to be.
​

With TLC & THC.
Georgia

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-passes-government-pot-bill-1.4713222?cmp=news-digests-canada-and-world-morning

By 4:30 today we will know the date! #promisekept  
tomorrows painting is simply to give thanks and celebrate. Ashes to Ashes.
Ironically there no cannabis in it- but I smoke a lot while painting.
#cannabisforarthritis 
#promisekept 

I'm hopefully guessing July 22!  or the later Sept 22- to celebrate the first day of fall
​or the harvest- after all it is a CELEBRATION.

The official date will be  Thursday, October 17th, 2018 I find it fitting...  the anniversary of  Gord Downie passing,  this will be a wonderful reason to celebrate with a  joint, reflect & listen to Gord.   

I am aware why I taught kids..  Not only was I blessed to teach them arts, cartooning and crafts - all things they really love - I was able to witness first hand a hundred times over - the genius of kids.  The creativity, hopefulness, energy, absorbency of knowledge, excitement of life & generosity of kids.  

All this "What about the children.." We've got to keep it away from kids!", blah blah blah...
First of all little kids- toddlers- that's up to the parents to educate your child and *KEEP YOUR cannabis safely away from your children and every other thing that can harm them- we all understand this is impossible. But try.. that is what good parents do. 
Heres what I learned about kids, they are:
                               NOT FUCKING STUPID.  Stop treating them as so.

Chances are in many ways with help of the rest of the world, cell phones, iPad & internet they are probably smarter than you. I guarantee there are far more intelligent 8 year olds than old, white, very rich men in USA congress  at this very moment.  (cartoon in the works) kids know more about Cannabis than we ever did about Alcohol growing up - other than it was "cool" at least they are hearing about discussion & they WILL then educate themselves- or they won't - this is life.  Teach them about choices & consequences.
HONESTLY. 

So not allowing creative marketing on cannabis products is just BULLSHIT.  
How are we o.k. with this decision?  What happened to choice?  It is just setting up Canadian businesses for failure and healthy competition. IF the kids who want it - want it- they don't give a shit about advertising. Open a flier this past father day weekend what do I see?  Besides the glossy alcohol flier- just in time to drunk dad up..  - A COORS popcorn maker' on sale and  giant novelty beer cooler' for dad! Plant the seed.  Who doesn't own a free cap given in a case of beer - isn't it a Canadian tradition?  I really do like my "I AM Canadian"  T-shirts & bucket hat Molson Beer puts out, they keep it class IMO by keeping 'molson' very small.  OMGosh it's frustrating when you realize the difference between cannabis and alcohol alone.. worse though - it is insulting to our kids.  
Why confuse them- tell them straight out! Don't use any drugs if you can't help it -it might destroy parts of your brain. Why take the chance?
Give yourself the best advantage in life you can
Don't eat any crap or you'll get fat & it will lead to serous health problems.
Don't start Vaping- it's not attractive and it might just become and expensive habit.
It's ALL stuff, try to experience 'life' - not stuff...      I think that would be a good start.
 
Wouldn't it be nice if we REALLY cared about kids- ALL kids - if we stopped this hypocritical bullshit RIGHT NOW & ALL focused on what IS happening the USA  with separating kids & sticking them in cages like animals- NO art supplies, NO toys, NO blanket < No COMFORT. ANY American that goes along with that, I do not understand your definition of 'Proud American'.  Do you have children?  

                            Ya'll better not believe in Karma. Eh.

Imagine the seed that is being planted in all those young minds & the young minds of all watching. Fear & HATE.

Please let's teach our children, educate them..  not plant seed of confusion, fear and hate.. end the stigma with cannabis or get RID of ALL Alcohol advertising- for the sake of the kids of course.
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/eRepository/Focus_On_Alcohol_Marketing.pdf
READ THIS ^ ^ ^                            ^ ^ ^                                                          ^ ^ ^ 
IF you care about the kids and then explain the Fucking DOUBLE standards to me PLEASE.

With TLC & THC
Georgia

WOOOHOOOOOOOOO   Cannabis is legalized in canada- now just for 'her debut date.

Wouldn't this make a great label for an amazing Canadian Cannabis product?
I think so!!  But our government is insisting they will not allow marketing of cannabis - nothing creative anyhow - ridiculous.  Not only is it ridiculous but it too is against our human rights - as Canadians & business owners and consumers.  

*To deny ANY business to advertise to the best of it's abilities is to deny a business - not a good way for the Canadian Government to treat business in general, it is a recipe for failure. What business other than cannabis is not currently permitted to advertise and is potentially harmful to children.. Hmmmm  

PORN?  Well thats' one- one click away from anyones computer - kids are doing it daily.  
I recently learned why women SHOULD be in the porn industry - so they can try to change the  mindset & image.. Not that I agree with pornagraphy - I do NOT.  CURRENTLY most porn degrades women & teaches young boys/men the WRONG way to treat women in an intimate relationship.  It also contributes to the 'mind set of child' pornography being somewhat O.k.   IT IS NOT.   Why are WE NOT using our $$$ tax dollars, energy & attention on situations that are proven to HURT our society - instead of not allowing something as simple as creative marketing on Cannabis?  Really, ask yourself.

Do you see the insanity now?

​How about we venture to the LCBO, does it look all the same, boring, bland & dull?
Phhhhbt!  HARDLY! 
Are you kidding...  right NOW this should be the END to this anti-cananbis marketing, one look at the BOOZE industry - PROVEN harmful & the cause of countless Canadians to become alcoholics.  Theres also death from Alcohol Poisoning and impaired driving- which we ALL know about.   Yet- I get those  glossy fliers delivered right to my door MARKETING ALCOHOL.  Check out he www.. buy 12 bottles of wine and get a FREE BBQ - ORDER online!   Double standards - it sure appears so.
Aren't the constant commercials entertaining?  EXACTLY.
It is by far the most hypocritical move Canada has made to date.

Cannabis is here NOW - stop stigmatizing cannabis users as criminals- as LONG as cannabis is prevented from being displayed in a creative, positive light- that is what is STILL happening. Cheers

Have a peek at just these few sample of Alcoholic COOLERS below - they remind me of POP - Hmmm could that be confusing to little ones?  One is even named 'the POP Shoppe' - remember that? Don't get me wrong- I  like the creativity of these cans and I do like  grapefruit beer - occasionally.  ALL I am pointing out is the double standard - it is NOT right, it is NOT fair to anyone in our Canadian Economy.

We are adults the choice should be ours.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

For all the Papa Bears...  Happy Fathers day!
​Tie one on.. have a great evening! 
​
with TLC & THC
Georgia Bear.

It's almost 9 a.m. you won't believe the day we have had! lol
Yesterday,  the girl & I went for a short drive to a big pond.  Hoping to spy some geese for my painting, I love birds of course Canadian Geese are in the top 10 - watch this guy being attacked by a goose protecting it's babies.. hee hee what a good guy - I'd give  him my original if I knew who he was it has me giggling.  This past week I was crying about geese, someone attached and killed a bunch of geese & a little one survived. Who does shit like that? I don't care if it is a kid or adult - they are sick, they need help. They need to go to JAIL. They'll 'IF caught' get no more than a slap on the hands and probation- our priorities are  F*cked up when we put people in jail for 'growing pants' and others - who are clearly cruel & sick  - remain free.

We are seeing our own gun violence, two little girls where shot by someone aiming at another - he has already been caught,  Amen.   He will go to jail - forever I hope.

Back to yesterday, Daisy LOVES her amazing Aerobie (I highly recommend)  a very expensive Frisbee -  Cheap $2.00 frisbees she destroys as she carries them back- usually after only 3 throws, the also expensive red kong frisbee are crap! $15. She can't break them but they are floppy and don't  go the distance -  but this Aerobie  $20.00 (I found one - it was how I knew it flew so well)   t's so easy for me to throw,  light in weight and goes far! & as long as I take it from her - she won't chew on it,  great for a dooggy WORKout.  Yesterday, she took it into the pond to get a drink! It floated out and sank - the water all muddy and she would not/could not then find it - I was pissed! lol  Grrr.  
I woke today - made coffee, read the paper and thought  - let's Go!  By 6:30 we were back at the pond walking around and there it was!! Just under the waters surface at the edge enough I had to jump in and walk a few feet with the frogs! We were elated, hee hee.

Back home & in the Pool for an hour! The air was still cool this a.m & the pool was warm! Now, I'm ready for bed - LOL   No... - NOW, Im ready to paint! A strip has been started about marketing cannabis - I'll share next,  my goose has to be finished and a tiger by the tail.. a lama.. and crafting kitties, another 'drawing about a past experience... my plate & pallet are full...   & and don't forget Oz!   It's gonna be HOT!! I plan of staying cool by the pool - giving thanks to God for such a beautiful day and all we are blessed with.

I'm not the only Canadian who is not currently shopping USA BTW Read about this woman:​ www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/pocketbook-patriotism-hallman-1.4709439?cmp=news-digests-canada-and-world-morning
Being here watching what is happening, feeling as though we have no say at all-- it is the only way many KNOW we can make a difference, HIT TRUMP where it hurts- MONEY.  I have already paid an 'American crafter' for  another service - IF I believe in the Artist- I don't care where they live or who they are or who their president is - but I will try to buy all other stuff Canadian (especially groceries - and that IS easier than you think. Just not anything from the USA until he is GONE. #buyCanadian.

Well - the girls & I have another full day to ourselves, seeing as it is fathers day and Storm took his dad fishing,  I hope ever dad spends the day with their kids, not the T.V.  BECAUSE that is what it is ABOUT.  Happy Fathers day to all deserving DADs!
​& all the moms that have to be dads too.

with THC & TLC
Georgia

This little guy was too sweet not to enjoy painting him. 
Another artist asked if I'd consider painting a sloth with cannabis & luckily I'd already gave it thought when panting my mushroom sloth. Natural medicine on my mind and taking it easy..sloth life.  Have you see photos of Sloths?  I've never seen a sloth live' - thats to some strangers - I have seen them all over the world now.  Sharing, teaching educating others.. this is what we are doing..  The good the bad & the ugly, or how else will it ever change?

My son expressed slight upset (I don't discuss the things with anyone but my homeboy, FYI) at my post - my reply was  "I love you, it is a problem, I'm sorry but It IS how I feel."   People have to realize they are not alone... especially young women - young artists. I have known several young women far less confident than I was who are already struggling.   I can help by admitting 'here's me' and it's been a struggle of an on for a good part of my life- I KNOW get why. Why does not matter NOW, I'm good with the past & all in it.

My problem 'now' is usually brought on by physical  jolts of pain, my heart & mind are good because I AM good with God.  With Storm moved, Norm and I have had lots of time to 'chat'  I feel an awakening has shifted.. somewhere.   Let's  avoid any unnecessary bickering - this is how it is..   stuff - Right?  

Of course my Sloth is grinning he's got his carved wooden bong on his back- and a lovely Indica to help get him in the mood for some peaceful, calming, R & R.

I'd hang out with him - how about you?
I associate with a sloth, alone, slow, content - covered in moss if we sit too long & loves to swim.  :D  Happy Sloth to you! 
He will make a cute little cananbis card,   Inside words:

Can I come hang with you? Or  Hanging with you keeps me SMILING!   

Next a cananbis Tiger & then... Dorothy & the  Scarecrow.
​
 Made with TLC & THC of course.
Georgia

I was informed some suggest Anony was possibly murdered.  
It might be possible. Robin Williams too was a shock..    
You know what's a bigger shock 1 in 10 Canadians every day take their own life.


Right now- I'm good  I'm in Gods hands happily playing with paint & tigers & bears & lions oh My!  I love my son. I am excited to watch his adventure! 

I get it.

Have you watched 100% hotter?  
It's all about beauty & the beast. 
The beast called BEAUTY' .  
Insecure, lonely, sad beautiful people - afraid to be - themselves.  
What will happen when make - up doesn't cut it anymore? 
Your guess is as good as mine...
I guess they will follow Anthony's footsteps  sooner or later.

Afraid to leave their homes, afraid to interact with others without the mask.
Who are you?  Can you be seen as you truly ARE?  Hmmm? 
My mask is off... with it came off the rose colored glasses. 

Thinking about Anthony, all he witnessed, lived, tried... tasted,   I get it. 
It's enough to put a sour taste in anyones stomach & he was witness more than most.  
Suicide is still taboo - because people do not want to admit they ARE part of the problem.  We are all part of the problem. Have you watched Audrie & Daisy?
 IF I had a daughter I would sit her down & watch it with her  & TALK about it.
*Talk about Alcohol while YOU are at it.  It is a common denominator.

In a world FULL Of humans - to feel so alone... this is the problem.
What does  'it' matter? The money, travel, food.. all stuff.
​All stuff that does not matter when you constantly witness cruelties against each other, he was aware of this #metoo thing, if I had to guess - in all his travels,  he's witnessed more than most and was just tired. I get it.

I am so tired some days.. mostly due to this condition  attacking the right 1/2 of my body, from head to toe - spend an hour with me and you will witness it, I guarantee. I've even doubted my ability to travel lately, France seems so far away some days,  traveling to the mailbox  feels like an adventure.  The constant reminders that so few understand or try to understand  if what frustrates me the most, I therefore enjoy days of solitude -where no explaining is necessary. This past weekend I was alone ALL weekend and felt very refreshed at the end of it.  I was very much in the NOW.  
I have had 'family' throw it in my face..  which was a terrific lesson- You should learn to walk/run away from people - get them out of your life 'FAMILY' is just a word- not everyone deserves to BE in your life- no matter WHO they are. 

With examples like Trump running 'the show' my trust in humans diminishes daily.  What if Trump attempts to commit suicide & decides to take a few countries out as he goes?  I think he has clearly proven how unstable he is in countless ways..   
Anything is possible - clearly he is president after all.

Yes, this painting depicts how I feel, physically.
I'm sorry my son knows how I feel above all else.. but he also understands events in my/our life &  how 'I got this way'.  He KNOWS I try every day to be better, to be positive to be love...   to just BE.

I don't need or want pity- this is more or less me  "coming out" because I KNOW I am not alone, I KNOW many feel like I do.. I know some young ladies in particular feel exactly like I do & have  a harder time NOW with social media- it's an entirely new level of added pressures for most.  

Watch Audrie & Daisy- worried about your kids and cannabis?
Watch Audrie & Daisy and learn what you would be concerned about.
My art has saved my life time and time again.  Focus on your passions.

I do often tell people  "If not for my brain pain- my life would be perfect.."
it's learning to LIVE with the PAIN.  So far so good. 
I also have  incredible Dr.s  who Listen & TALK and keep me here without antidepressants' & remind me: I do have reason to feel the way I do.. it's NOT all in my head.
 
I know I push people away - constantly.
Some look forward to it- then they don't have to SEE what I am living with. 
For those that remain thank you for your understanding & love, all others..
​
Fuck you, you're not worth the mental energy I could be using towards painting.

Suicide rates are on the increase with Canadian women:   I get it. 
​globalnews.ca/news/4274136/suicide-rates-women-men-canada/
Clearly, I AM not alone.   
For now... I am in good hands.  
So is Anthony.
Gods.

Back to Sloths & cannabis next.. back to painting what makes me smile.
Thank God.   Make yourself SMILE.

Dear Anthony - I get it.
Your call.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia
​

I've recently discovered this Japanese artist on Twitter..
Go here:
https://twitter.com/avogado6   
His work displays how many of us feel at times during our lives & it's not always enjoyable these are some powerful images.  

It has inspired me to work on some drawings of my own.
It's a way to deal with the issues and educate - doing what I do best.... drawing.
Painting can also be part of a specific healing process, I'm not sure about other artists but once it's OUT on paper it's out of my mind and life goes on.. I guess a drawing purge of sorts.  I drew countless images over the years afraid to show them- not realizing how many  would actually 'relate to my drawings.  We are not so different.
Maybe that reason alone is helpful for those who can't put into words what they are experiencing. 

Viewers be warned. It won't be your usual bear, sloth work.
Tomorrows painting is titled:                   Dear Anthony,  I get it.


Ending on positive note.. my son visited yesterday (with Burger priest for lunch) to do laundry and an oil change, it was nice to just sit in the driveway while he worked, the girls on the front lawn as we all listened to city adventures.  I can hear the appreciation for the best of both worlds Storm has at the moment.  Daisy was thrilled and laid more of a guilt trip on him when he was getting ready to leave that I do! LOL   It's good to be loved.  
 
With TLC & THC
Georgia

A friend sent me an e mail showing my website BLOCKED  in the USA  (New York)
Reason given Category : Abused Drugs.
This is what is happening in America right now.
Have you seen the new documentary on Netflix about Social media & privacy?
How the CIA is breaking down doors of 12 year olds and putting tourists in jail for posting derogatory remarks about Trump?
You will only be shown what they want you to see. 
Where is democracy going?
Free Speech.

 

Our on Forays I've noticed a few things besides the mushrooms, birds & chipmunks - trash.
TRASH - Garbage left by trashy people with no respect of our 'living' room called earth.
Seriously people - what's the problem?
You can't carry that empty coffee cup any further?
That empty pop bottle too heavy to tote now that you consumed the content? 
Worse - every time I've gone on a foray chances are I stumble across  a condom. WTF?  
You are a dirty PIG if you fuck in the woods and leave your condoms there for others to find and nature to insult. 

What the fuck are you doing fucking in the woods in a public parks in the first place?!
This is not acceptable behaviour- there are rooms, hotels - we don't need to find your trace in OUR PUBLIC space - show some respect for others & yourself.

There is nothing nastier than finding a beautiful edible chanterelle - with a used condom beside it.  Following this grossness is cigarette butts!  Talk about ignorance and carelessness  and again I find myself wondering why? Why be out here in the wood surrounded by everything natural & beautiful - peaceful - if you're the type of person to throw your cigarettes  on the forest floor - you don't deserve to be there. 

Many occasions I wear rubbers myself - the GLOVE kind -  & pick up others trash, while I wait for mushroom identification to occur.  It's easy to get a garbage bag full in most cases.  I recently discovered a woman who lives locally on IG - she calls herself The Ditch Bitch- and she cleans up others trash- in my neighbourhood!  I decided to thank her with a little original (below)... and it inspired my gnome.  
Make a difference.. pick up trash - better yet- DON'T drop it in the first place.

A keep your fucking condoms on your weiner until you get into your own car or home thanks -  for all those who do leave 'parts of themselves' in the forrest, your trashy treasures left for us to discover: 
​May a tick find and bite you where it counts.

With TLC & THC for nature
​Georgia