While packing I've discovered a program - 'Portrait artist competition UK' - I'm glued, watching - 3 different artist enter to paint a portrait of someone famous...  incredibly versatile on styles & mediums, fast, creative - it's inspired me to paint more people. 

Many of the artists for practice paint themselves, not because we love our own reflection but because - it's free & easy... well easy for some.  I for one do not enjoy looking at myself in the mirror for long periods of time- once I remember and focus at what I am doing - I get past vanity & on to learning & painting. Vincent VanGogh painted himself many times... a painted journal - the original selfie king.   Today being slightly  grumpy - needing to paint, my hands are sore from all the packing & yes, I'm mentally exhausted - to think of 'what to paint' - forget it, what I decided was start a mini journal of portraits ONLY  most dont take longer that 15 mins., - all who will sit... but I will sit for me first - because it's easy, fast & free. I'll TRY for one a day!

Problem is...   if people go by 'my self portraits - LOL - they won't think I'm any good. I am what I am... as a matter of fact I thought this particular portrait is pretty accurate.
I'm pleased.                    Our face has little to do with our abilities.  

My ego is the asshole that occasionally reminds me about my "ugly face"... 
- not for most peoples  standards anyhow, then I am reminded thankfully - child of God you were created to create & Jesus loves me. hee hee I like saying it, I say it out loud to my girls all the time.  Gratefully, I'm not overly concerned about other peoples standards any longer..   My face is in twitchmode big time... stress, moving, $$$, meeting strangers, having them come through your private home - daunting. I can't imagine hoarders going through this... I'm getting nothing but positive feedback and still find it's stressful- the hermit in me is not not happy- I've had to step out of my comfort zone too many times lately and I'm ready to embrace the forest with each passing moment.  Packing is waiting.

This is me. This is a good first self portrait - I caught me.
If you do like ME as I am - thank you... I am trying.
If you don't like me - what are YOU doing here?  Creeper.....   lol
 
Boxes to pack.. 
with TLC & THC
​Georgia
​

Storm showed up yesterday (unexpected- we know how busy he is) complete with Tomahawk, special salt, pepper, potatoes & organic Arrugla - craft Raspberry beer in a cool artsy can for us to enjoy -we joked about  cananbis edible 'regulatons'  as we cheered'.
It's all the news - Oct is the date but by Christmas - watch out- Santas has stockings to stuff!
I will have several Chrismas cards available on Forever Grateful soon.  I'm excited! 
Many alcoholic beverages now infused with cananbis are going to be available & here is where I guess I am o.k. with the limit being so low..  for those NOT use to cananbis- it is ALCOHOL added to the mix' that concerns me regarding  safety. PLEASE drink responsibly  Cheers - I will try a couple - but not being a fan of alcohol - will stick with the joint, bong & edibles! Nom Nom!

I  already have a rule at the new house.. no booze.
No alcohol - I won't be serving it - other than perhaps A glass of wine  or A beer  - with a great meal... I would never forgive myself knowing someone I care for left my home - impaired. It's a long drive.  Been there done that -  Alcohol has been the destroyer of many (too many)  days in my life - either due to others being under the influence or myself.  Those days are done. Norm does not drink now, why start?
He has a to do list longer than the driveway already!
Weeeeeeeee...    & lifetime to do it.

I've actaully have been refraining from feeling elated, that shit with the bank - talk about buzzkill.  BE HERE NOW.     Fine.. until I get the keys - I paint.
I painted this for a gift for the woman who is currently in the home. Last night during dinner  I admitted to the guys...  "I think we even LOOK alike!" & Norm choked- "YOU do! I thought so too!"  I did not even look at the kitchen - (speaks volumes) I was so - 'stunned' at how much that house looked & felt like me - all the masks, art, buddhas, prayer- I can't wait to PAINT.  Norm has to build right outside my studio a deck across the back of the house :) (we are both excited) I will have him add an outdoor easle - big enought to hold HUGE boards to paint- like my friend Bonnie does (check out her work! I love it)  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am knowing I am moving up here - with birds, trees & peace - to paint. God promised.
Every obstacle shall be removed!  Weeeee! 

Packing up the office today - I will miss this amazing office that has the one full custom built in wall (wish I could take it with me - I take the handman instead ;))
All who have seen the house are amazed with Norms craftmanship - not me.. too bad it took 26 years. Better late than never! Amen.

Just imagine what we create together next! 
O - is for OFFICE   ;)

I love this song....   SAVE us ALL      Tracy Chapman       

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia 

Inside of card:
                          Rest is a luxury few can afford & fewer appreciate.  ~Me.

I made this for a friend who is about tot retire!  My girlfriend has worked hard her entire life- as a teacher.. and this is her last year- in a few months she is done! WoooooHoooo! 
I couldn't be happier for her.  I know though - she is truly far from retirement.. she has parents that are now dealing with issues associated with age,  young adult children  - that we never stop stressing over & caring about -a husband and duties that won't end,  she is far for retiring..  she won't be plopping herself infront of any TV eating bonbons all day.
A womans work is never done.

This past week was emotional  & stress filled -  a FUCKING important lesson as usual was learned the hard way.  We went from being elated about our new home to days later being told the bank "miscalculated" only by  a small amount... $400,000.   That's right - a bank employee made an error & yes, we are all human..  but did not inform us of such error - we were signing legal contracts & house hunting under false pretences.. We went from being approved to not being approved ? & no one told us.  It made NO sense to anyone as we do not currently have a mortgage - my dream home - where I have mentally moved in  & decided where to place my easel & started painting - lol - was gone..  I cried  the entire day - what a mind fuck this is..   After my pity party where only the girls and I attended.. suffering from a nasty headache I thought -- how dare I  cry over a 'house' when so few even have a bed, reality kicked in  & so did a little anger.
Time to Take control of this situation instead of crying about it & it controlling me.   

WTF... I tired to get in touch with someone.  TRIED' being the key word- NOPE - no such luck.. when I TRIED to call someone I was told - You can't speak to anyone - there is NO one to complain to  per-say ...  only the 'branch manager' -  all she kept saying was:
I was not there I did not witness it...   - well, isn't that fucking special, I thought to myself.
Trying to find out what the fuck went wrong!? Here is what I learned -  apparently the RBC can 'miscalculate  - by $400,000 but God forbid I say...
                                       'are you fucking kidding' me!?  on the PHONE!
'CLICK.'  

WOW. I was silly enough to try again... thinking Georgia - stay calm.. blah blah blah  blah blah... from them   Me: $400,00o! is no fuckng minor MISCALCU..."  CLICK
          $400,00O - You tell me how you would feel, boxes packed- house bought.

Did I get an apology - No...  & suddenly  a little denial entered the conversation.  
Not appreciated. 
Not only did they ignore the issue, as if no wrong was done... BUT they did focus on my swearing stating: 'I should treat them with respect'..  I then asked them to explain  how respectful it was to make a $400,00o fucking mistake & not even have the decency to inform us.   Speechless is the word then that comes to mind.
A small miscalculation for them a big mental breakdown for me, a big dose of fucking stress WE did not need OR deserve.

Had we signed a contract we couldn't get out of under false pretences  - would the bank have paid for their miscalculation?  I doubt it.  We opened the account the day we bought this house - it was a tiny office & I quickly became friends with a few of the ladies whom work there still - the service amazing.  Now they have moved, are much bigger, fancier - but the service....   $400,000 "miscalculation" is no fucking tiny mistake, not to us.
​
Click.

Stress - yikes.. Rest is what I need NOW - I admit - it knocked me out physically & mentally - but just for a couple of days - tomorrow  is a new day & I am excited for it....
it is just a house...  just a mistake - Focus on the deer you will paint.  
All 'apparently, has been resolved.

​The Science of Swearing - just one more way men are taken seriously & women thought trashy - educate yourself & others - because when someone makes  $400,000 mistake...      I guarantee you - you will swear.

   27 years.. no more than numbers.   

With TLC & THC 
Georgia 


To see my Father's Day contribution - head over to Forever Grateful Greetings!

Weeeee! The Raptors won! Born & raised in Toronto -although not much of a sports fan- yes I'm thrilled they won!  Way to go & the fans clearly are thrilled - It's going to be some parage on Monday!  I decided to make this Raptors BUD special since it is history making by only creating this special trophy Raptors bud 420 - if you want' him check out the site & send me an email.. www.forevergratefulgreetings.com  -BTW I made a mistake this a.m. - a type-o... BUT caught it thankfull.. one letter was changed, the l to an F  - LOL made for an amusing website' and morning.

 Thank you to everyone so far who has 'adpoted' a  little bud card,  I have been thanked for making it an easy process.. I accept paypal, direct deposit or you may even snail mail me  a check. ;)  Let the celebrations continue! 

If you knew the past 48 hours I have experienced..  cowabunga - Moving is stressFULL.
I won't be attending the parade I will be filling boxes...
I've packed all my clothes leaving only 3 outfits to wear- hahaha  BUt I COULD not pack my paints- YET- I'm starting the scarecrow today.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Up, down, up, down, weeeeeeeeeeeeee.. I end it UP - cause ain't nothing WORTH being down about. Eh?  Really! I've discovered my happy pill again - painting cards so the Poppy card is perfect to end this day. Inspired by the last groomer who did her nails... hee hee

Today AGAIN, I'm reminded:  Being a woman in Canada or specifically 'a stay at home mom' - being a mom - is worth nothing is the eyes on the ...? Government..  System ? For mothers  it is difficult & I am not struggling/suffering & it gets infuriating  at times for me -so- I can only imagine how difficult it is for many women to get out of abusive relationships they should no longer be in & IF I FUCKING hear one more time: you don't matter.. OR  you did'nt "work" a.k.a.  earn '$'  so .. you don't matter... it doesn't count.
I will lose it on the MF!  
​Really Canada, You care about women in this country?
                                                       How much$$$

 I am learning more about myself during this  'sale' than all else as usual..
Don't try to Rush me - I'll back off because the REALITY of all of this is: it is a house -  PERSPECTIVE - how many don't even have a bed.  

Research missing women & girls in Canada  for 3 hours - then please educate me... 
How is it not 'genocide? 

I end this day on a HIGH knowing some little buds are going to new homes- several of my weed cards have been purchased & found new homes - & I can't stop creating them - it's become a personal challenge & private joy  - How big will my bud family be?
...I like BIG buds & cannot lie! Weeeeeeee   d!  Thank you!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

 Yesterday- June 10th   we celebrated being in our home 26 years! When we moved in, there was nothing - not one fence post, not one tree... you can see the LOVE we put into our home - walking around my backyard NOW is like being up at the cottage - everyone who visits - says the same: What an oasis you have created!  Birds included - woodpeckers, bluejays & grosbeaks!  Yes we did.  Blood, sweat, tears & many memories have been created here!  Storm moved... (took me 3 months to stop crying) and he's not moving back- he's moving up.. I'm beyond proud of my son in every aspect and am as excited for his continued journey as I am my own - but this house feels too big & too lonely and with too many stairs, so.... 

 Yesterday, Norm & I celebrated big time - by purchasing our next home!!!  
I have been actively looking & viewing the past few months (my decision) we had an offer in one place & it was declined - thank God- I said to the agent at the time:
 "No worries, God want's me to keep looking..."  he seems to 'get me - so that was good.
 We went to put an offer in on a place I had liked (time to show Norm) and our agent (I am grateful for)  said..  "since you're here why not check this other place out."
Thank God - we did.

We drove up the driveway - I stepped out on the ground (felt at peace) walked into the house & thought "OH my GOSH - I'm here."  There were 3 women - there - I did not know the owner but I said: "O.k. - I want to know who my soulmate is?"    LOL
I told Storm later: I felt as though God laid that house in front of me - the first being the current occupant - I know she has filled that house with LOVE, prayers & peace the past decade +, there was Buddhas, masks  art and wall colors - Norm remarked "We'll we don't have to paint! This is already George."  It's true. It's already me.  

I woke the day after we put in the offer & I CRIED!!! I knew we got it, before the agent told us.  Felt frightened then  instantly at peace - I was reminded: Georgia... YOUR prayers have been answered - CELEBRATE!  I told you! I promised...  I love you!             hee hee hee  
Think I'm crazy - say it if it makes you feel better but- I'm moving into my DREAM HOME!  Prayers have been answered - miracles happen.  The woman held my hand - we were chatting & I felt love. I know no other way to describe it  & her room  - that she  prayed in every day (I know) is NOW my painting room - filled with LOVE & light! & birds new home too - weeeeeee!!!!  & my  new view.. have a peek- MY view is the view I have wanted my entire life!  Lions, tigers & bears - Oh My! Moose, deer & bears OH MY!  Apparently, I will see them all in my backyard! 

Norm & I had also discussed parting ways - if we couldn't find something  & soon - I was going with or without him - he was stuck- stuck here & I was already mentally moved. He has asked to join me, after weeks of conversation - 27 years to ponder... the journey continues  & I can't deny - we make a very creative team - after all, we created Storm. ;)  
I can only imagine what we will add to this new home - we are BOTH beyond excited - I've got to pack!  

I keep saying to the girls "Wait till you see what we bought you!!!"   lol
Bad news: I had/have to pack my painting supplies- too much going on & too much dust! Too much to do - I am itching to paint nature- now that I know I've got nature to paint! So I'll be taking a break from painting- as if- lol (still have the gouache out)  as I am packing & moving BUT - as soon as I am up there- watch OUT! 

Thank you God.
Thank you Jesus! Jesus told me..  he jokingly whispered:
Good morning Ranger George!  
I called myself this thinking of all the animals on the property - waiting to introduce themselves!  & I knew - it was mine!  Forest Ranger George, as we NOW own a tiny forest - ready to document & PAINT the wildlife...   Moose, deer & bears OH MY!  
Tee pee for companee- hee hee hee - Mushroom foray! OH my!  Walking MY driveway with the girls every day! FUCK YEAH!!!    

Thank you God! Prayers answered! Miracles happen!
I can't stop giggling.    
​Oh - Guess what I have ! - A BIRD viewing deck!!!  


With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

We went on a little road trip, out of the suburbs & into the forest... where I was reminded of the quote:
                            Into the forest I go to lose my mind & find my soul.   

I am  at peace surrounded by nature... the urge to break out my brushes is overpowering- too bad I forgot my sketch book at home.
​
The drive, the people we met...  the things we saw,  the places we visited - it was pretty much a perfect day.  

In nature I feel closest to God... who wouldn't want that?

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Wee - excited to start a new adventure - an art adventure!  The best kind.  
This morning  I've got a new canvas in front of me & it is big!  My biggest yet.
Kinda nervous... until the creative adrenaline kicks in and I can't wait to start!!!
A new project in the works for a while & now there is serious interest to complete it - this entails other projects be put aside  for focus....  no sharing- not until a proper introduction' can be arranged.  Now  research, take a visual adventurer on my computer, on the road & in my mind on a project that goes beyond cannabis.  
Mushrooms, Cannabis, stars, trees  I can't begin to explain my level of excitement for this next project. Or have I?   lol 

It's caused for some experimental painting like the cowardly lion & these bears - which was not as easy as I thought training  my brain to think shades of purple & not brown.
Little cannabis Buds now enter my mind at all times even when out and about - it's really comical, who knew my little Weeed cards would make 'me' laugh as much as they do...  
not I.
 
The Canadian life expectancy for the first time  in it's history, has not increased in Canada... Opiates are responsible,  mostly men are dying - dealing with pain mental & physical - overdosing -   I  for one do NOT enjoy being 'wasted' - the feeling Pills give me- not wanting to do anything but sleep...  it's not enjoyable - not on pills, booze or cannabis.
Can we focus on the REAL problem killing Canadians & finally stop stressing over cannabis HYPE- this afternoon I admitted to a girlfriend - had I not had my vaporizer by my bedside this past couple weeks - I'd of been on opiates, my hip/bum hurt so bad & still aches- although I finally slept  last night.  Had I went to the hospital right away  & they gave me 'something for pain' - I probably would have taken in my moment of weakness...
Life hurts occasionally - it teaches us this way.
Embrace it - It was a kick in the ass from God - It worked!  Tuff love.  
 
Thank God for this glorious plant!  
​How many years have I been planting this seed - not enough. Have you tried it yet?  
There a few closet tokers 'now' come out in the open to me...   about time. 

Please consider cannabis for pain if you injury yourself before you take opiates.  

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Change is good.. it's exciting anyway.   lol
So much on the go yesterday I woke up and said - GO PAINT Georgia! No computer- no email.. just go.  I'm inspired by Stephen Bohemes Cowardly lion & poppies... hmmmmmm.    

I recently met a artist 'Bonnie who makes AMAZING soap with Goat milk- I kid you not -tee hee. The lemon bar has me washing more than usual & the lavender - oh my goodness, I cut it into 6 chunks to put in my dresser drawers ;D  I highly recommend.
​She does not have a website (old school) her e mail is: bonniebee@bell.net   

​Toronto lost  a cannabis activist her name was Tracy Curley - Tracy & I only ever shared a hello &  hug, I don't "get out much as many are aware" I do remember meeting her at the first TY EXPO's & she was lovely. I understand she was fierce, loud & didn't care what anyone 'thought' so... well done, I'm grateful for her contribution while she grace us with her presence.

  It's the LIFT expo in TO for any who want to explore this weekend... if you see my son - say Hi!   I've already got plans.

I've got plans! An adventure - Weeeeeeee!
Life is an adventure. 

Below my process for my Cowardly lion...
with TLC & THC  
​Georgia 

Love.
​Love is at the root of everything...
Love or the lack of it.

~Mr.Rogers. 

I concur.    
with TLC & THC
​Georgia