Bearing Gifts...  8 x 8 gouache on black

It's the time for gift giving & guessing: Will they enjoy this gift?  I only purchase gifts  for  handful but it does not make the task any easier.  My Christmas shopping is done, with the exception of a special treat for the girls, they have all they need - including a forest full of sticks to fetch, maybe a meal they can share.  What is the perfect gift?
It's on the mushroom.    It's right in front of our eyes.  Love.

Love for each other  as humans. All else is part of the learning process & should be left for God alone to judge.
The guide book  is The Holy Bible  & Jesus is the way & the light. 

Love for each other as humans... all on the same journey of searching for Love.

A young man, a kid, a young boy just took his own life because of 'sextortion'.  It will be a sad Christmas for his family. 
We can't blame God, we can blame ourselves & society & being massively mislead by all 'our Leaders', world wide.  
Blame the  one who lured & lied to a child, in this case it's probably  not 'who the boy thought' he was communicating with. 
Children need to be educated on how to use tech as soon as they touch tech (the later the better).  

Remind them, the criminals' are the ones misusing & sharing the 'private' photos. Teach kids we ALL have the same parts'... maybe if we turn "parts" into something normal.  For example: Encouraging women to breastfeed, comfortably in public.  Hopefully this fascination with photos of privates 'fad' will pass and become boring, as it is.  "Ya, Seen one ya seen em all."  attitude might be helpful.     

Then no one can threaten others, using moments of misjudgement', that I am positive a few million have now shared' the same experiences..  Those that mislead & threaten vulnerable, young kids to the point of suicide...   will be judged, sooner or later.

Everything for a reason, I have faith he is now with Jesus.  
Exactly where he is meant to be.

The best gift is Love and a little shared wisdom, I'd rather have a difficult conversation with my child than have my child have a difficult experience with a stranger, that might have been avoided, with some awkward conversations.
Whew, It's tuff having tiny ones now,  in the day of technology. May God Bless you and guide you. 



  

                                                     The Grinch...   at it again.   8 x 8.  gouache on black

A bit of bud fun for the holidaze'.  The Classic Grinch, a yearly occurrence of a Chuck Jones, Dr. Seuss classic masterpiece & yearly recreation by me - inspired by them.  

The grinch was created in 1966, it's been enjoyed & loved and has inspired a few Christmas memories for many over the years and is almost 60.   I enjoy adding an element of grown-up fun, it's easy to do, just watch and change it up a bit. Can you see this particular scene that I've recreated from the original, with a tiny twist?  In the original, he's plucking petals off a poinsettia.  

It's December 1st, Christmas will be here before we know it, I'm already planing my Jesus art for the occasion, there too I plan of having a bit of fun. Sketching begins today.

Note: the Grinch has a drop of discolour on his face, that's from a drop of water I did not notice until later.  I know this from the time(s) I have forgotten gouache paintings outside, depending on the drops (rain) a painting can be easily washed away.

The best quote from the movie:    He puzzled and puzzed till his puzzler was sore.
                                                             Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
                                                             Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store.
                                                             Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!

Created To Create.

Comfort food time as I look at all the snow... this morning I baked a cake that sounded like nothing I've made before & oh my goodness - it's an immediate new favourite.  So good, I decided to share it NOW.  I have to tell myself- no more.
I could easily go for another piece, or two maybe even 3.

The recipe is from the Church cookbook, you can't beat church cookbooks -as most are dishes that are well loved comfort food specials, and Canadian to boot -eh!  This recipe was so tasty, I'll thank the contributor the next time I'm at church.
Tomorrow is not promised - have cake.  

My friend who I spoke of a few days ago has passed.  
He suffered quite a bit the past few weeks so I was grateful his suffering is over. 
Are you still here?  Relatively healthy?  Did you wake today to celebrate another day?
​Here to bake a cake?

Give thanks. 

Doesn't that look like a painting!? It will be soon - Icicles!  Our first major snow has arrived in all its chilly elegance.
Most of it while dark - every time we turned on the outdoor lights there was more.   How magnificent is Gods canvas!
To add to this snow show the moon was bright last night - so much so things were casting shadows at 2 a.m.
I had to get up and take some photos.  Arrow thought we were going on an adventure, had I been prepared with boots & such we just might have.  It's here to stay for the season.  Just weeks ago we were sunning ourselves. How does one not see such 'events' as miracles?  Below are a few photos of the last 24 hours - Our Winter Wonderland is here!  

The dogs (big dogs) love it - Poppy  & Ginger not so much , lol. they can only walk on the cleared driveway, snow is too deep for such tiny legs.   I've got to take more icicle photos and then - knock them off, specifically  over the door entrance as I don't want them coming down on the dogs when going out or waiting to come in.  This afternoon we'll go out and take more photos form painting reference.  Winter has arrived - give thanks!  I'm also thankful Norm loves to shovel snow. lol What a splendid day to paint more Christmas Cards!

​Created to create.

A friend tells me "I don't feel like painting."  I replied, too bad - paint anyway!  
I know she is bummed/depressed..  overwhelmed.  Paint through it! You'll feel better.  Charles Schultz taught me that.
I recommend she read the book below.  I get it though and it's been decades of pain and painting through it that helped me.   There have been numerous times I wanted to give up - especially as I watched my hands deform to the point it's painful to hold a brush - oh well - paint through it!   I paint daily - the card above I painted when I did not want to paint - it's no masterpiece but it's a cute Christmas card that was blank only minutes before.

I too have had a difficult week- someone I know is very near death,  he had a major cancer surgery then the next thing I heard they wanted him in again (hardly weeks passed and he was not healed from the first surgery) this time brain cancer.  it did not go well - his brain swelled from the surgery and he has not been the same since, as a matter of fact - from the first surgery he was feeling better & hopeful - then they did the brain and he's gone down hill so fast - it makes me fucking angry. I tried to tell them "no..  don't let them.. take a break."  But he did not listen and I understand, he was/is afraid.    People forget , especially in Canada - because we dont' pay - hospitals, surgeries & Dr.s are a business.  I feel the Dr.s used him to make money before he died - three surgeries and multiple tests later - he's now dying.  His treatment while in hospital was so poor he checked himself out.  

Today I read about a Dr. who died -  fact: not from his cancer but the MEDICINE killed him. He was a Dr., his brothers are Dr.s and they had no clue. I guess NOT - Cancer is a BILLION dollar business.   I have known about cancer medications for a while and have read about many times when patients have died.  I have read stories of Dr.s who would not let family go through cancer treatments'.  Others I have known, who do take cancer medicine, usually end up dying soon after (less than 5 years) and the quality of their lives diminishes rapidly, after medication.  How does this continue.    The odds of dying from the medicine are greater than most realize.

There's a conspiracy theory, if you create the cure for cancer- you'll be killed - Cancer is big business. So is cancer medicine. I don't know what to tell anyone under the situation but PLEASE do your research.  
Look after your temple that houses Jesus.  Perhaps if we think of it that way - we will treat our bodies better.
Put your trust in God first.   I know it is easier said than done, especially when feeling very sick.  

So... no, I don't really feel like painting either -but I do.  Thank God for the  privilege  of another day to create & be joyful. Painting makes me joyful.  Storm shared a post that said: Be grateful for 'nothing!
Be grateful we are not in a war torn country, we are not homeless from devastation like fires and floods, we are not forced from our homeland in search of a better life...  give thanks for 'nothing.  

​
created to create

                                                                         Snow bear.  gouache on black. 8 x 8 

                     Where ever two or more are gathered in His name...    Do snow bears count? ...I think so.

I'm working on a few more cards today, get them ready to go and I'm done for another holiday season.
On to debating wether or not to set up the tree, I always start to think 'Id like a real tree' -but then I go for a walk in the woods and the thought of killing a tree to sit in my living room for a month, is not an option... especially considering it could live a few more decades where it is, house critters, provide shade, nutrients and beauty... without glass baubles.  
​Fake or nothing...   maybe I'll dig up a small one that is growing too close to the driveway, pot it for Christmas and plant it in the spring in a better location.   

Created to Create

Hopping thru the snow.  5 x 7  Christmas card.  

Still painting Christmas cards! There's a dusting of snow on the ground & it puts me in the mood for winter painting. 
*My address was changed by the post office, new postal code and  & no delivery to the P.O. Box.*   A couple of friends have told me they can't mail me a package, the post office tells them: the address does not exist.  

Another neighbour brought our mail, delivered to them. We had to change everything at our expense.
I probably won't get some Christmas cards... Oh well, on the grand scale - it's a tiny spec.  A snowflake in a blizzard.
Instead of getting angry or upset - which 'Tis the season' and people are already stressing over very serious subjects such as war, health'care', rising costs to LIVE... as well as:  the post office will be especially busy.  I'll say a prayer for all of them (around the globe) & give thanks for them keeping us connected!  
I've received many blessings in the mail over the years, bad news too.  All lessons,

This  is life and this  is the lesson - what is it' on the grand scale?
I woke up, my limbs all moving, my 'family' all here, still... to give thanks all over again.  
I have a friend(s) one whom is not doing well, he might not make it until Christmas.  He is on my mind & in my prayers, her too.   Good, bad. Sad, Happy.  How would we know one without the other?
How would we appreciate JOY without knowing the occasional sorrow.

I'm going to remind myself this season, when I deal with the usual stresses...  
On the grand scale of things? Is this worth stressing over?  
I will pray instead of stress.  I'll paint and say Thanks to The Lord for the opportunity to do so. Paint some cards - I've painted 3 pet cards for Christmas, to unsuspecting recipients (via instagram) in hope of adding a sprinkle of joy this season.  It's also a JOY to paint frogs in Santa hats. 

Have a Blessed day - expect miracles!  
​Give Thanks and say "Hi" to the post person - Tis the Season for them to be BUSY.
Happy Black Friday (should you partake) - where would 'it' be, without those who deliver packages - like the post office. 
​
Created to Create.

                                                                                   Santa Frog  card. 5 x 7 
Tis the Season for Christmas Cards!   'm ahead this year with a few cards ready to go!   Why a frog?  Why not.  He looks great in the snow and was fun to  paint!  What's in the package?  Your guess is as good as mine.
​Perhaps homemade cookies? 

Cookies! It's baking season too & I found a terrific recipe for easy, fast, fluffy cookies.
The 'viral' recipe was seen on Instagram.

You need:  1 cake mix,  1 container of cool whip, (1 egg optional) .  
                 Mix them, the dough will be very sticky.
                drop cookie dough off spoon into a bowl of icing sugar & roll - this helps them keep their shape                
                and be less sticky.  
                Place on parchment on cookie sheets and bake at 400 for 15 minutes.
                 
That's it! Easy, fast fluffy, tasty cookies.   We made  a plain cake mix batch & lemon cake batch. Both were good - the lemon was preferred.  It was mentioned the egg makes them a little crunchier', I added the egg but others online only used the 2 ingredients & said they were terrific.     

Speaking of cookies...  There's still time if you want to donate a gently used coat, mitts or hats!  
​My friend Amy does this every year and it's a wonderful success!   Information below:
​
Created to create - cards & cookies!

                                                                    Trust In God.     gouache on black  8 x 8  
​

                                                                       Ben in the garden.   8 x 8 Gouache

Ben is a gift for a friend, Ben is no longer on earth & I hope enough time has past that when my friend gets this gift she will smile and not cry.  Gifts - dogs are gifts from above, everything is.. but dogs are the best gifts.  Children too.   I love my girls as everyone who knows me is aware.  When one is not well, I have trouble focusing on other things, my dogs are my family, companions - loves with fur.  I wake up in the middle of the night -just to check on them.   Daisy has had dental issues but is doing better, with lots of TLC, hot compress, extra babying'  -she's not let on at all she's in any pain since the start, playing ball running, eating - if not for the swelling we would not have known.   She's our oldest dog and  they get spoiled - more than pups, she gets aways with destroying toys, barking and pooping on the chihuahua pee pads (which must be s feat to see her aiming just right) lol. I will take cleaning up poop rather than losing my girl any day.

Poppy is up there too - the grey is what gives her away, the thought of losing her brings me to immediate tears - so I don't think about it.   Instagram today - had me sobbing first thing and I think I'll take a break.  2 corgis I love, one always talking (in human) to her owner - he's very creative,  one of the corgis suddenly died the other day & the guy posted a heart wrenching post - I could not read through the tears. I was sobbing and thought 'forget this.  There is enough happening around the world  to make one feel overwhelmed already - dogs dying is another that I don't want to consider, it effecting me the way it did, is a sign to myself - take a break. I think I'll paint something Christmasy', Jesus related ;)  and then take some time away, finish a few books I've been slacking at.

I didn't feel like painting a bear yesterday so I painted this gift 'Ben'.  As always (so it seems)  just as I finished - Norm walked in the door with 2 packages.  Gifts! My girlfriend for no reason - sent me mushroom socks, mushroom T & a sampling of her diamond dot art- which I have never seen up close and am amazed at the amount of dots!  I don't think I'd be able to do it with my hands, it was cool to see - and they glitter in the light which I can see how they would be addictive.  The other was from another friend who sent me a sampling of his bud grown this year to thank me for a painting I sent him a while ago. It was perfect timing as I had very little bud left.  We have not grown any for the past 2 years - simply because we've been busy growing an actual garden with vegetables, hopefully next year.  
I always find it neat - the timing of such gifts.  I'm still painting gifts - cards for the holidays... some have bears. 

To give is to express gratitude & love.  Love from above is the greatest gift  next to the love of a faithful dog. Did you hear about the dog who stayed with his dead master (while hiking) for 10 weeks! Alone - a tiny Jack Russel protecting his masters body. Oh my gosh I'm tearing again.   Dogs -  Love from God, to help us on our Journey, I don't know where Id be without mine.

I am grateful to do so, and grateful to receive gifts of love.
Thank you friends & Thank you Universe... you're timing is as always PERFECT.

                                       'Lost.'    Detail.  gouache on black - size...?      Lost.

Above it an unfinished detail of the painting, oddly enough I have misplaced the original.  How?  I have no idea, my studio is not that large, neither is my home...  stuff just gets misplaced.  It's a great opportunity to clean my desk -maybe it will appear.  In general I am organized with art - they all end up in binders unless large, they end up in a drawer.  

I am immensely enjoying my book of C.S. Lewis books, once again sent from above at the most perfect time.
Wisdom.   I find Mr. Lewis a difficult read, perhaps it's his accent.  A way of phrasing combined with the  epoch, it soothing, like being read a story.  A calming, amazing journey The Lions, Witch & Wardrobe.  I end up re-reading this book a bit, when tired.  His vocabulary is extensive,  I usually have to look a definition every few chapters.
All His creations are heart warming, inspiring, hopeful and he can be blunt at times.  
His gift from God, shared with many.
He explains God.  He makes me think about God.  That's always a good thing. 

Anyhow...  God Bless You & lets hope we get another glorious day to learn what God wants us to learn, tomorrow.
I was Lost but Now I am found.   Jesus never lost me, I was the one getting distracted along the way.
Perhaps I'll find the 'Lost' painting above.

​Created to Create

Where paths cross.  This is my driveway, I walked up with the dogs the other day to see a deer grazing.  I saw the deer then turned so the dogs did not chase after it. Did you know female deer can have antlers?  It's  deer hunting season, I make sure the dogs are in dusk & dawn to make sure they don't case deer who are already 'skittish'.

The day we signed papers on this place a deer appeared at the end of the driveway to welcome me, since then I've seen a few on the property, mostly on trail cameras and on the driveway.  I feel blessed with every witness of these creatures.  There's someone complaining in the paper lately about 'feeding the deer', as it causes problems for them - the deer eat their landscaping... forgetting - we are the problem, living in their home.  I researched what plants to plant that deer are not fond of, rock placement.. dogs. there all sorts of deer deterrent.  Some people who move up here from the city,  complain about the deer, not realizing how much wildlife contributes to the community and being a tourist' area - tourism. I love seeing deer on peoples lawns and in the woods.  Deer is also food for many, & with rising food prices, I bet a lot more wish they had deer in their yards'.   If from the city and you don't like the deer - perhaps you prefer city life, they were here before us.  I like the deer, I'm pleased to see & read when people feed the deer.  

​With what's happening around the world - it's preposterous anyone even thinks to complain about deer eating plants.   

They also addressed deer ticks - which is laughable as deer ticks are also squirrel, chipmunk,  beaver, fisher, moose, owl... ticks.  Rats with ticks are a bigger problem than deer with ticks. Read about New Yorks current problem with rats taking over..  much more serious than deer munching on plants.   Ticks too are a part of wildlife, omitting deer will not omit the tick.  Deer causing car accidents is always addressed..  I'm not sure what to say, perhaps take caution when driving. The deer is not crossing the road as much as the road is crossing the forest.  I knew of someone who's mom died from a deer hitting their vehicle that was in Georgina..   what are the odds?  Is the answer to remove all  deer?    

I'm grateful for each tree, every deer and every  path - All paths lead to Jesus. It is on a path surrounded by forest, deer, bear, birds that I feel closest to Jesus.  That being said - it is deer hunting season and I'll avoid the woods for a few.  I wrote the other day - knowledge is power.. but it's not - Wisdom is power, knowledge isn't much if you don't know what to do with it.   How we use what we know, is wisdom.   I'm wise enough to understand the deer are here where they belong, instead of cursing them and wanting to eliminate them, we should give thanks we are still blessed and surrounded by Gods creations.

      Psalm 42:1    1As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
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created to create

Remembrance bear...   8 x 8 gouache on black.

Remembrance Day .. how could we forget, how can we ever forget with wars waging and looming?   With something new to be divided about daily.  Hopefully we don't forget, only to repeat senseless killing over political gains.  That's who' has always wins in wars. More funding for a bigger armies. I wonder how many, who have died for our rights',  would be 'rolling in their graves' to see what they died for, now.  Where would you even start. I am remembering all who have gone on this day, not just from war.   Missed and loved, always.

I am grateful for all those who fight for their beliefs - it is the political agenda behind them,  I am not grateful for.  
​It is the loss of innocent lives I disagree with, soldiers & civilians.  I will not pick sides.. there are no winners in war except for those encouraging the killing  = the war machine$$$.  War is a business & a select few profit from it, very much.

Today pray for Peace, give thanks for who help keep the peace,  in the past & future & pray thanks for those who did lose their life defending what they loved.   Pray we learn from our past so as not to keep repeating. 

​Pray to The King of Peace - Praise Jesus!   

Teacher bear. 8 x 8. 

Just playing around..    READ.  Knowledge is power & reading is powerful.  
​The more you know, the more you grow.

Have a creative day.

Rubber ducky.  8 x 8 gouache on black

Just a big bear sitting in a pond, enjoying the sunshine,  another painting done with the exception of the dots at the end, entirely with a wide flat brush.  The water shimmers in the light.   Using one brush is brain exercise.  The rubber ducky was just for fun.

I read some great news yesterday! Fantastic news...  The TIME is NOW! yes! Amen.  A Senate report is recommending the federal government “immediately” conduct a “major research program” into how psychedelics can help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).   It's a step in the right direction! Education, awareness - helping Canadians who're struggling and eventually, recognized for  depression for all.  An option with few side effects compared to currently available pharmaceuticals.   I've been reading about a club who's been busted for selling, promoting and encouraging mushrooms - The owner doesn't care, because he knows: it's just red tape, just like the decade of lies and red tape with Cannabis.  Bullshit laws/lies preventing another substance which is proven NOT addictive, and can often alleviate depression for months (years even) with just one session.   I read the report and was thrilled it mentions psilocybin for police too! Yes, I'm sure it will help, with all they do and see - veterans on their own turf.  Amazing news! 

I'll celebrate by microdosing!  When blue -and I am a bit , mostly from enhanced pain due to the change in weather today my wrist feels as though it is broken and I can see the damage being done by arthritis, it's become thick and unbendable  & just being worn down (which happens from time to time) from my TN, just because I don't talk about it does not mean it has stopped. Some days are unbearable (no pun intended)  I need to rest my face for about an hour daily.  I'm please I did not decide to use eyedrops... which I was told t do a decade ago -now reading how many are getting infected, losing sight and even death -from eye drops - ONCE APPROVED by Health Canada. <Please note, they make mistakes... all the time.
 The times they are a changing!  Psilocybin for health! yeah! Veterans getting the help and options they need - fantastic! 

​Created to create!

Rainy days. 8 x 8 gouache on black

Just because it's raining.. bears still linger.  

A bear got into a woman's van and destroyed it, ripped to shreds, I wonder if insurance covers such an incident,  they also get into homes.  Imagine a bear walking into your house.. they seem pretty skittish overall but occasionally I see videos where they seem astoundingly brazen.  If Arrow can open doors so can bears.  I've read they have an incredible sense of smell & why many will be long gone in the woods before you see them - they will smell you.   This wee bear is peeking inside, probably wanting in to be dry.  The above painting took more than usual consideration.  First, I painted the outside of the window with the washi' tape in place, for the black lines/window frames.  Then I removed the tape and painted the inside, the plants.  The fun part of learning a new process is you can continue to advance to make it better, the next painting.

What are you reading?  I just finished Robert Crumbs 'Genesis and consider all the work that went into it.  I wonder how long the project took... years, probably.  I just started C.S. Lewis, signature classics - several books in one, just completed the first and it  has me thinking about quite a bit about morality, God and looking forward to the rest.  I watched a documentary on C.S.Lewis, amazed he was at one point an atheist.  

I recall something I read in ACIM:

                   "Many are called but few are chosen."  should be    "All are called but few choose to listen."

It's raining, bears wait to be painted - for the month of Novembear,  what will you create today? 

The Clearing...    Hello!   8 x 8 gouache on black 

I don't think bears eat cannabis.. I don't know. I'm sure a bear has discovered a garden in the bush from time to time.... possibly a few humans too, with glee. I changed the direction of this painting, while painting 3 times.. if I don't like how something is progressing, I just continue & change it..  Every painting is still and always will be a learning process.  The background green is metallic that turns from green to gold warming up this black bear.   

Cold, damp and I am sore.. it's just how it is,  On these days I try to stretch a little more, take it easy, don't try things that I know only frustrate -like peel vegetables.  Read & paint & pray.  Once snow arrives it takes the edge off but days like today, I am grateful for cannabis.   I have a puff just to loosen my wrists today.   For people still concerned with getting high' , I can't remember the last time I got HIGH".  Cannabis has always been medicine for me, it does not stop the pain or prevent it, it does allow me to deal with it.  How wonderful now, we can access it easily, still no one has overdosed from it.  
How ridiculous it all seems now, that argument: it will hurt kids.  Fricken chips (hot taco chips, you get at a variety store) kill kids. Ironically, I tried those taco chips before I read a kid died from them - they were brutal yet addictive.  

Drugs are not killing people - the economy is. Trudeau.  Having no where to live (no wonder immigrants are leaving) -winter on the way.. food prices soaring, rent rising, everything has become more expensive, longer hours for " bullshit pay",  more mental health issues with less mental health help - is what is killing Canadians.  If cannabis helps take the edge off - without the fear of overdose, good. Better to smoke a joint that down a bottle of vodka - fact. Enough with these lies & excuses. Lies harm kids. Trampolines have hurt/killed more kids than imaginable yet - they'll be on sale again this spring. UTV accidents kill kids...  but cannabis - No, no child has died because of cannabis alone.   Education is what keeps kids safe,  lies only confuse them.  Cereal!  Lately, I'm reading about cereal > cancer causing breakfast stuff.  I'm not a fan, I can't remember the last bowl of cereal... I was reading cornflakes were invented to suppress masturbation -wtf?  Are you aware that many cereals available in the USA & Canada are prohibited in other parts of the world because they are so unhealthy?  What are YOU feeding you child? 

I was reading about the Halloween horror stories - we all know them -kids die from poisoned candy, a razorblades in a an apple.. turns out it's never happened, just the media creating fear... well, a child (or two) has died from drug overdoes and it was made to 'look like' it was halloween candy - it was carelessness by an adult -not keeping their drugs away from children.  It's very sad but the reality is carelessness kill kids, daily.    

If you don't need cannabis or medication -good for you! I truly hope you stay that way - what a blessing... but remember not to judge another's journey or how they try to ease their pain & fears.  Mental Health Monday - eat an old school breakfast- eggs, bacon real fruit!  Don't be hard on yourself,  we all learning everyday, something new, old lies exposed - a new opportunity to get it right - do better, be better.  Adult?  In pain... have you tried cannabis? Try before you try opiates. What have you got to lose... besides your life?

Have a creative day! 

Hello Honey!  8 x 8 gouache on black

This bear was painted using a 9flat wide brush, with the exception of a tiny liner for the sun details on the fur and a few leaves, most leaves are also the flat brush held on it's side, great for bunches of  leaves! I find it amusing, I tried to record it to show the process and did so on slow motion.  Once the camera is set up, I forget about it, that's how it should be.. focusing on the art being created - creating,  is what's important. 

While trying to take a photo my son was in the room and did son stuff,' that he's been doing 30 years and it made me laugh, he stuck his hand infront of my camera.  Sons.. intentionally annoying  moms since the beginning of time. lol I enjoy it, it keeps life normal.  Storm took me to dinner this past weekend - twice! The first time because we were ready but reservations were cancelled due to road issues, so we had to go to a different restaurant.  Rhubarb,  just around the corner.  The food and service was delicious as always. It did seem a little crowded though, I think it was just our table placement, luckily it didn't effect the food or company.  The next night we went to a new place Heathers Lodge & it was a wonderful evening and what a view! The timing was perfect on the drive there the sunset was brilliant and we arrived just in time to watch it disappear with a stunning reflection on the lake.  Each dish was a delight - since they had to cancel the reservation from the evening before we were also treated to complimentary drinks and chocolates. It's a clever menu  they have, coming from someone who helped run a restaurant.  It must save on time, preparation, service and $.  You can also stay overnight (no kids) "Adult Lodge'  & it's looks very comfortable, I was told it's booked solid, all summer - no doubts. 

Today, 'we' attended mass via zoom! My first zoom experience and I so happy I tuned in, it was nice to see everyone and it made me want to be there in person, the service was about Remembrance day, starting with one of my favourite parishioners reading:  In Flanders Field, a perfect 'first zoom' experience.  The dogs tried to distract but then settled down.  My remembrance day art is already complete, since we're hearing about 'war daily and more lives lost daily, it's been on my mind.  How anyone can choose a side ' when death, destruction, suffering is 'equal' on both sides, is beyond me.  
​WWJD?  

Enjoy today - tomorrow is not promised.

,                                                                                Got Smores? 8 x 8 gouache on black

This Bear has the expression as if I've caught him off guard, roasting marshmallows, the metallic embers lifting into the sky (you can't see them here) on a beautiful summers night.  I love the light of fire, candles an campfires, there's nothing like the warm glow & feeling of the wood stove when you come in from the cold.  Campfires especially are mesmerizing  as they hi light the trees and rocks closest to us...    This bears fur is shimmering with gold to reflect the fire.  
 ​...For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness. 

Not summer, snow on the ground, it's snowed twice already... it will melt.  Yesterdays bear (you'll see her next)  I remembered to record but did so on slow motion - so NO bear video. Too bad as I painted 90% of it with a wide flat brush to show you the difference.  I'll just have to do it again.

I was trying to think of famous bears -  can you think of any? Please, let me know.   Theres Yogi Bear & Booboo, Smokey The Bear, Baloo (Jungle book bear) and the 3 bears...   that's all I can think of, there's got to me more. Oh and Pooh Bear of course... Paddington Bear too.  Can you guess when I'm using sad bear?

​ We will have a few more outdoor fires, as long as the fire pit doesn't get covered in snow.  Tis the Season!  Clocks go back this weekend, I tell you having chickens proves how time/light effects us. They went from an egg a day - to none, maybe one a week... so imagine how the time change messes with our human internal clocks.  We are giving the chickens  a rest but will soon turn the lights on at 6 & off naturally , to try to get some consistent egg laying, at least for weekly baking.  I understand why people kill their chickens in the fall for stewing, and save eggs in water, it's less work in the winter, for birds not producing.  No chickens will be killed for stew... this year.  It's all lessons in life.  Ducks still like to venture outside for a stroll but the chickens prefer the warmth of the coop.  Time to get cracking with painting lessons & painting.

​Have a creative day!

 November and everything is covered in snow.. I don't think it will stay -I hope not, we still have to out stuff away.  It's Novembear here- a month of bear paintings! Perhaps.  Black bear, brown bear and even a Polar bear are already in the works.    I guess mushroom season is over too now covered in snow, put to bed until the spring and we get to explore the woods all over again.   Storm found chanterelle's,  they were bright yellow-orange and tasty.

After a month of painting bear, I might become better at it..   I'll have some imaginative fun and paint 'famous bears too... like pooh. I might even have an idea for the sad bear... stay tooned.   Bears and pets, pet cards, they are enjoyable to paint, mail and anticipate the recipients reaction to receiving... pet's I am fond of  and enjoy following' on IG.  Every now and then I see something that makes me cry, happy & sad tears.  Happy, I thank God for the reminder to be grateful, all the time.   Be Joyful in Gods Glory.   Sad tears... I thank God for the reminder to be grateful, all the time.   Be Joyful in Gods Glory.  Also to take a break from social media. 
 
​Currently, I'm reading The Book of Genesis by Robert Crumb, I know the Book, it's fascinating to see images I've had only in my own mind, the detail alone... holy, it is. A monumental task for an old school  cartoonist, Robert Crumb has my admiration for is dedication to cartooning.  I should draw my favourite.. David.  In my mind, mostly.  The Chosen - has already portrayed Jesus, perfect... as He is, was & ever shall be.

This morning, I was reminded: Israel = One who wrestles with God.  
​We should all be named Israel, if so.  
Perhaps, that is the point.   We are ALL Gods children.  
The Old Testament is just that, old. The old way.  Learn from others mistakes & inspirations.
The New Testament is the new way... The only way.    
& The new way requests, Jesus tells us:  Love each other.  

Created to create!   Go create something to celebrate NovemBear!  
​Poppy's telling me to put another log on the fire...