Today up at 4:44  ready to lite the fire, read & await this beautiful day.  Look out the window &  witness the winter wonderland we live in.  My warm up painting, an imagined Jesus, pondering the pandemic current milestone.
2,000,000.   2 Million dead in a year and the way the numbers are rising, it will only take another 3 months to reach another million milestone.  No, I'm not being a pessimist - I read.
Canada is not nearly over the HUMP or curve or what ever you choose to call it yet..   Maybe March.
Vaccine confusion - will we now get 1/2…?   Will 1/2 be good enough?   Will it work with the new strains? Will we have to take a vaccine every year from now on?  What will the side effects be?
The answers seem to be something like this: 
Perhaps, maybe,  we don't l know, there are no guarantees, some it won’t help.
God Bless you.

Hmmmmmm…  much to consider as I paint a bear in the woods.   

My newest Oar a Haliburton Fish caught in a local lake -there was a mix up because i forgot the print out & deleted the email - I thought it was a pike,  clearly I do not know my fish...  learning with each I paint.  I'm getting better at fish - I think.
This fish - was different with it's white dots- the background should not take attention away from his beauty, I thought.
This fish is  a 'Haliburton Gold Lake Trout, only caught here.  I'm not sure exactly where that "here" is,  so you'll have to figure that out if you hope to catch one.

It's off to the paddle Shop in Haliburton! 
It was very nice of the shop to provide paddles (& sanded them) for an affordable price - it's a creative painting surface &  delightful to design! AS soon as the pandemic is over - the Haliburton Forest paddle shop is on my to do list!   Follow them on instagram, I had no idea how much work goes into creating a paddle...  as well as the different style paddles with burned, stamped & painted enhancements.  

When the pandemic is over...
What will it take - IF they tell us to stay home to get it under control- "IT'S THE LAW" - stay the fuck home.  I don't get it .. whats the cost of covid?  A trip to the store for a bottle of booze & bag of chips?  A short visit with friends?  Running out for your Bingo sheets?  Essential services 'Extremely IMPORTANT'.  
According to the newest model of covid expected illness & death - vaccines won't help much at this rate.

Stay home.  Stay healthy. 

My newest portrait - is of a local’  (a friends girlfriend)  I’m taking a break from the post office, the line ups are long, the mood sombre so I’ll pass for now, I’m sure I can find enough locally to paint.  I could use a GRID when painting & these portraits would be much more accurate but I like how they look - free hand.  It’s also a very enjoyable process , NOT trying to be too realistic,  I know in the past I’ve tried to make something look ‘perfect’ - it’s stressful…  painting for me is about joy - It’s always a joyful experience or I walk away.  
I enjoyed this painting  - what a relaxing way to pass a grey day.

Lockdown has commenced, again.  Stay home - just do it.
We have no plans to venture out, hopefully we’ve enough groceries for a couple f weeks, the critters have food - time to enjoy the slitter and focus on our passions & goals.  On a  side note- I have been pigging out, not eating healthy - not junk but still way too much fried for example - it’s a slippery slope when you have no where to go, so for my health, I’m knocking it off.   Give me fruit!   I’d miss fruit, if we did not have any.. I’m excited for berries this summer.  

It’s a new day! A new opportunity to become closer to God & yourself…  
I’ve got an Oar on my desk, a canvas started on the easel & a new tiki idea  fluttering in my mind.  You can still shop LOCALLY,  curb side pick up - please continue to support local business.   Today I’m also starting anew project with Norms assistance & turning my closet into a desk ares- I have cloths I will never wear  like skirts - due to my psoriasis being as visible as it is- I doubt I’ll wear the sort of dresses that show my legs - all being donated this week… making room for more creativity.

Have a terrific day! 
Impeaching Trump - twice that’s a good start.​

       I have some canvas- sketched on or painted that I use when I just want to 'experiment'..
this canvas was one, first it was ALL sun & sky... the I added the snow & trees, something was STILL missing. lol   Arrow.   This is what I see - as Arrow sits on the deck and watches... everything.

After my last blog Norm went out to get grocories & got stuck on the road just off the driveway, due to poor plowing build up, no biggy.. he's no stranger to shoveling snow & knows how to drive in Canadian Winters  BUT the neighbour drove by as Norm was digging out & actually stopped  JUST to be sarcastic and then continued on 'without helping Norm.  Wow.  I was grateful - I needed that reminder!  The reminder that 'IF' Norm was to see anyone stuck on this road he would be one out there with his shovel - anyone who knows Norm - or me, knows this to be true.  ​I was also reminded of the few time others have helped,  like the kid that moved a log off my driveway that sat there for days, the neighbour clearly saw that too.  

I am learning much from my neighbours, during a deadly pandemic and we are reminded to  be kind,  be there for  each other  'for our neighbours'.  God knows...  God sees.
I thanked Norm..  yes, I guess it is the pandemic causing us to be more stressed & grumpy than usual  & we are concerned about Storm, of course.  The USA and thoughts of civil war.. Doug Ford- tells us "it's really scary but lets wait a few days more" - then - yes this is how it is but let's wait a few more days... is it or isn't it Doug?    
Holy talk about mixed messages.  There is much to ponder during the pandemic- good thing we are locked down & have much time to sort stuff out.

About Masks, Rick Warren nail it for me:
“Some churches are willing to gamble the health of their people. I’m not,”  Warren said, adding, “I don’t want to be a superspreader. I’m not doing this out of fear; I’m doing this out of love. You wear a mask for love [of] your neighbors, yourself.”
​
Vaccines.. frig- some are really worried and believe they will be safe when they get the vaccine & they MUST go to work...  give it to them first,  do what ever it takes to ease peoples stress.  I think ALL hospital staff, Dr.s then teachers & kids should be vaccinated first - if it will help slow the spread of so many dead. IF they choose.
 Give it to who actually does want it! Yes, there is much to be reminded of these days, above all else I am reminded of who   God expects me to be.

Thank you neighbour for reminding me:  Norm is the bigger man! 
Norm would have dug our neighbour out in a heart beat,  I was grateful & cut Norm some slack, he also likes doing the dishes, looks after all the animals , chopping trees and cutting out my stuff in between, building a shop,  baking fresh bagels, gets all out groceries and stuff & everything else..   ​I am thankful for him.  
I know still - if anyone  gets stuck,  still...  he will be there - shovel in hand.

Amen.

I’m resetting! Detoxing too.
Time to reset, less time on the phone,  I’ll check it when messages arrive only - other than that it’s  on a side table where I can’t see - or focus on it. 
I’ve only got a bit of bud & am NOT replenishing it -right away.. if I have it  - I’ll smoke it- so Time to cleanse my body & mind from all for a few weeks at least.  No mushroom medicine - this is o.k. too - as I don't  seem to 'CRAVE it',   it’s more of a thoughtful process & I’m good for a bit. Yes, I have discovered the best possible thing for my mental health - creating.  Painting.  

Creating- it’s the only time to  become absorbed in what I am doing and feel free! 
Free from all the stress of today and tomorrow.. concerned with covid bullshit mostly, has drained me & enhanced' - escalated my twitch, which is at an all time active high (not fun).  I understand I have very little control over it' - and others.  Here I’m content- thriving in solitude - happy even, yes, I prefer it.   Norm not so much,  he’s feeling frustrated because he can’t go out and mingle’… this is causing problems and frustration,  it also has me wondering  if Norm will ever be content here, there, anywhere..  
& I don’t care.

I thought I made it clear before 'we' moved here, there would be changes… or don’t join me.  I guess I didn’t make it clear enough,  one year didn’t do it.  That or he just lied to me & himself.    I don’t think it’s covid he has been miserable,  long before covid.
I don't care,  when I log off '  I will focus on art, music, dogs & God.  
Make yourself happy.. life goes too quick - even in lockdown.  
I am content, blessed even  - in Gods grace. 
Learning  daily how to keep myself happy & loved - remaining in God company… 
no one else is needed.

Anxious to see FUNGI peeking through the snow - I painted some.
Created to create- I have a gift - to create my own happiness & I AM.
​Psssst.... I'm pretty sure - you ALSO have this gift!  God told me.
​Go create.

Bible Painting is a peaceful  process. Amen.

I treated myself to a new Bible a while back- and Illuminated bible - with Gold pages and beautiful art.. I’ve read the bible- this will be my third time & I’ll be drawing what ‘amuses  & intrigues’ me.  

My opinion of the bible has changed with my age & mentality… at this stage in my life I am reading and enjoying and pondering leisurely. Cathy @ Masters bookstore  in Haliburton  is very helpful and thoughtful, since I’m not going in to the store - I view online whats available, call Cathy & Norm picks it up!  Cathy chose a weekly day timer for me - I just said I like Bird, Plants & God - lol  she picked a lovely day timer that also has Bible quotes and what to read each day - in order to read it by the end of the year.  Im set!

I’m actually ahead of where I should be, as I read I quickly sketch - whatever it is that  catches my attention - and it’s different than I’d imagine you’d find in other bibles… like the hand with the red string on it -I found very interesting. ;)

Are you looking for the ultimate ‘self help ‘ book - this is it… Just ask MANY - Many great ‘spiritual’ leaders of our time mention the bible.  Reading it during a pandemic is .. interesting- I am seeing with new eyes & it’s very AWAKENING.  I understand how many scholars have worked on the bible through the centuries & how much thought has been given to the word of God.   I don’t believe YOU NEED to read the bible to become closer to God- BUT to be a better human to each other  - there’s no better guide book.
Take the 10 commandments for example- pretty straight forward rules to follow for a righteous life.  I still struggle from time to time about women in the bible - Jacob Petersons perspective  has proven very exciting & accurate, imo, especially pertaining to Adam & Eve…  I’ve very excited for his new book. 

What are you focusing on? The deadly pandemic? Job losses, financial struggles, health issues? I can tell you I have struggled with them all!  It was NOT until I really decided to focus on God, out of struggle & exhaustion - I surrendered - many times.  Each time realizing - I should have handed it over to God sooner.  Above all else I have learned - God brings everyone into my life for a reason & visa versa - EVERYONE… & every lesson eventually, ends of being one that makes me wiser, richer & happier. 

Sometimes I wonder - REALLY Lord?  This person??  This person causing me grief?? 
Why are they in my life?  Not always clear at first… then I understand it is  for ME to fucking humble myself - get past my own EGO & issues & to: Pray for them.  

It’s really that simple.  Praying for someone is powerful - it’s asking GOD to help others not yourself - the actual miracle starts with the love that inspires a miracle.  
Me praying for some when they have hurt me or others - is a miracle in itself.

I can’t force anyone - but I hope to inspire many- read your bible!  Not only is it interesting & entertaining, IT has BEEN the most popular, best selling MOST read self help book on the planet for a reason. I’m excited to spend the day painting - it will be my most prized possession when finished.

God Bless!

There's a flock of Bluejays ready to take off - I’ve enjoyed the company of each one.
Here is the latest flock of bird houses ready to go - Tom & I took a break 
&  it’s a good time to mention Norm does the wood detailing for me- the heads and tails ;)

Each time I design one of these houses’ it’s already in my mind and the next is completely different & waiting… when will that be, I’m not sure.  IF you want one you should respond  quickly as they go fast. I had someone tell they were disappointed they could not buy a chicken in time. Chuck Cluck!   SQUAWK!! SQWAK!! is what the bluejays say!

Tom is still raising funds for the community, not an easy task during difficult times all around,  as long as he wishes to continue I will too,  by the Grace of God. 

I’ve been working on a very special project - Bible painting & it’s inspired a ‘few editorials, the bible is an interesting book, I’ve read it -  perhaps this is my 3rd time - each time it’s as if reading it through new eyes with a mew mind - I guess that’s true.  This time - is by far the most enjoyable, entertaining & thought provoking. ;)
 
I’ve got my birds all over my house! One of each - It will be fun when I actually decide where to put them all.  Tom will have these Bluejay birds Monday Afternoon - if interested- look up ‘Tom the Bird house guy in Minden’   He’s a nice man - say hello & please keep your distance, I want him healthy & building for a long time! ;)

SHOP, EAT, Explore… LOCAL.​
​
Below -  Check out the lovely sunrise I witnessed!  
Amen.

These two, Ginger & Arrow - Love Hate.. relationship.
They are an endless source of entertainment, they love to bug each other and make no bones about it.  I love my dogs.   Isolation doesn't seem so isolating with them around me all day.  Nap times is especially fun, I have trained my dogs to nap when I nap - I go and get all snuggled in and it doesnt take 5 minutes before they all arive & snuggle in too - I thank God for them everytime.

Constant love, un conditional.  They are quick to forgive and so am I - with them.
Arrow will absolutly train me to paint black dogs better.

The USA & TRUMP - what can I say?  Not my monkies not my circus... I do agree with the opinion, had it been blacks or muslims who stormed the capital - bullets would have been used on them - instead of a glorified  bunch of redneck photo shoots.  When will it end? 
Imagine - the president of the Untited States of America-  has been blocked from Facebook & twitter - for being an asshole. It's an editorial cartoonist dream - or nightmare. 

I have 9 screeching 'BLUEjay bird houses' - on my kitchen table waiting for paint & then delivered to Tom in Minden by Monday- heads up for any that are interested. These custom team work bird houses have proven to be a hit & have helped raise money for the comunity- lots to sqwak about.   On the easel- a portrait- female.  On the desk- my next patio FUNGI  door lock/bar...

So much to paint - so few hours in a day. 
I love it when I wake up and my desk invites me to GET  CREATING
 In my tiny studio - big things happen!  

The vaccine will keep us  alive!      Hurry. LINE UP!!  Phhhhbt.  Hmmmm.. will it? 
What about those side effects.. in 3 years.  Will the vaccine change  by then for the evolving pandemic - probably.  

How many vaccines will we put into our bodies before we can't handle anymore? 

There is no vaccine for all those who will suffer from job loss, shut downs, poverty & hunger, domestic abuse.. loneliness - a shot in the arm won't help any of these situations.  
Statement heard on a CBC podcast 'IDEAS' not my origianl idea regarding on how to address the pandemic.

AS our Canadian politicians WARN & put the fear of GOD in us “WEAR A MASK!! STAY HOME!!” Then travel to tropical islands  and LIE about it by posting illusions on Instagram - sneaky fucker. Has there ever been such hypocrisy for all to SEE?   In my opinion it should end up in an automatic loss of ‘entitlement’ to the POLITICIANS who pretend to support & represent ALL Canadians.. from the beaches of another country - during a global pandemic. Clearly they can’t resist the CHEAP travel deals.. worth the cost of covid.

No wonder we don’t trust what politicians tell us anymore as Walmart Costco & Amazon thrive… Doug Ford, just another  ‘leader of the pack’ it appears but they all push the ‘miracle vaccine!’…     It seems a little ‘too good to be true’…   does it not?

In the states.. some are olny getting 1/2 the vaccine now,  you know - the same vaccine that states we need to have 2 doses for it to work.   What is it? One or two?  Will the new vaccine work for the new Covid strains? Hmmm I can't find a POSITIVE response anywhere - it MIGHT. & if you have the vaccine - you should isolate still for 2 weeks- -it could take that long. but if you have covid- no point. FUCKED up confusion on a global scale. I'll wait.

The days are getting longer… more daylight to paint!
You were created to create- go create something.   
​Next- these two (below) - a source of constant amusement, thank God.
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Have you Smudged lately? 

I learned about smudging and incense long ago and have burned incense in particular daily for at least a decade, as an awareness of God & offering 'UP in smoke’ my intentions & prayers to God.  Painting sessions are always started by lighting a small candle, incense & usually a joint so I can really contemplate colour before I paint. 

I try to smudge every few months.. I smudged the evening I moved into this house.
I was gifted a Cedar smudge for Christmas which I appreciated, enjoyed  & it inspired me to make a ‘tiny smudging prayer book’ created with love… 
Click on the image to print- you could make and print & give with a smudge you create,  if you want to educate another - it’s a good start.  The prayer inspired by one I found on line & simplified for the tiny book , created with love & ‘cleansing intentions’.   You should do a little research first, it’s quite interesting.   I think “our” minds could use a little cleaning, since we’ve all cleaned our toilets & floors a little more than usual.

This tiny Smudge Prayer was joyfully created to share with you. 
I believe in the power of prayer.
Printed on one page, you cut down the red line (in the middle) and fold so  - it read’s like a tiny book, a fun tiny project for any idea. Enjoy!  The next created printable will be some pretty birds to print & hang, it’s a grey winter so far.  
I’ll be attempting to make at least one printable a month in 2021   

                   Prayer is the most important tool for your mission to the world.  
            People many refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenceless  
                                                        against our prayers.                                                      
                                                                                              ~ Rick Warren

​You were created to create.
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