For as long as I can remember I've seen images associated with Cannabis and women (and men) running through tall grass in all their nakedness. W.T.F? Honestly - I HAVE never had any desire what so ever in all my history of experiences with Cannabis of stripping off all my clothing and running anywhere naked! LOL - Much to my hubby's disappointment.  If people took off their clothes at Woodstock and ran naked well it was the MOOD, the people and perhaps something a little stronger than Cannabis.  Still - more than anything it is the person - confident with themselves and feeling free. I see no harm. LOL - Not that I've ever witnessed such an event or care to do so at this point.   As a matter of fact I often ask people have you ever- I have never met anyone that has had such an extreme 'high'.  Yes, I have heard people say they 'hear things'? I think they might hear something and then the imagination (under the power of the plant) might take over, but nothing as extreme as walls warping, colors morphing, boobies being bared! Hee hee hee    
I have had an unpleasant experience or two... to be tooned,  again still no stripping involved - again much to my hubby's disappointment.  Spread the facts! END the lies -time to realize!

Facts! NOT Fiction.   xox <><

I posted a toon that got the response I was hoping for. Someone said it was "succinct!"  I had to look it up ;-) succinct  adjective;what is your succinct appraisal of our situation? concise, short (and sweet), brief, compact, condensed, crisp, laconic, terse, to the point,pithy, epigrammatic, synoptic, gnomic.  - Somone else said "ouch"  For a cartoonist that is a great compliment. The truth hurts.

To try to get a message across with  few words. Successfully. The sad thing is it is TRUE.
Kids are gifts from God. We are their  protectors, caregivers & teachers. Well.. not always true but- we should be!
They do not ask to be born.  Instead of so many people learning from mistakes and trying to change for the better - they follow in the same steps on a downward spiral. 
The victims are their own children.  I see some parents and I just think those poor kids what chance do they have, what chance did the parents have? Well, we all have choices and they have to be made!
If your going to walk around with a butt hanging out of your mouth, eat a poor diet and abuse alcohol or other drugs and you have a child then you are selfish.  If you chose to F*&^% up your own life - so be it. BUT a child - your own child? You should be ashamed of yourself.  What example is that to set for a little human?  You know booze F*&^%$#d you up so why not give your kid a chance? They are gifts from God. THE ULTIMATE GIFT.
They say your life changes forever when you have a child, well it should. FOR the better! 

As much as I am drawing about cannabis education. This is really about Life. I know how important this is -Legalization- but there are things more important. Hunger. Child abuse, Homelessness...   We can not continue to turn a blind eye, no wonder we are having so many problems with our children.  WE are the gatekeepers if we educate them with words and love then that is the best chance they get in this life! The don't ask for it - they DESERVE IT.

I always say everything and everyone we meet happens for a reason. 
I have been Blessed to now meet a few of the best. ;-)At the EXPO I met many men, it is clearly  a male run industry.  The amazing thing about being in a trade show is watching it come together.  I have to say how impressed I was watching the pro's at work. I commented to my son Storm that I noticed Franco - from Green House seeds is there first thing  setting up, it is a lot of work!  I also saw for the first time one of the Strain Hunter videos  and  am amazed at all these guys do.  They are fine examples of hard workers. I admire the energy.   I am so tired of people thinking that everyone who smokes cannabis is nothing but a lazy stoner. I have witnessed the opposite in a huge room full of many who smoke Cannabis daily - these guys are far from stoners. They are very HARD working business men (and a few women). They are professional and educated with what they do. They are also passionate and there passion has gotten them where they are today. They are some of the best in the industry.  As we say in Canada Eh.. The Union ;-) 
Mr. Birzle:   I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Birzle from ROOR. His passion has him producing some of the best glass in the industry - you can see him make some of the Cups for the treating Yourself EXPO  on the ROOR website:    http://www.roor.de     
I have to say I was honored when Mr. Birzle asked me a few questions and then returned with my very own ROOR picked by the master himself!  It is a beautiful collection for my studio and I am thrilled to own a ROOR.  Now if I can just keep Storm away from it  hee hee hee (me and Martin Below) I also met one of his colleague's Laszlo, another person who never stopped working each time I saw him.  From what I saw it is no wonder they are a successful business.
RUSS:   Russ was a great guy, he informed us about Graves disease.  His eyes buldge (photo below) I have to say when Storm and I looked at this photo we giggled. I was worried how I now appear but here is this guy who has lived most of his life with this condition. It was an awakening moment. I am not making a face on purpose and Russ - his eyes not so bad as he was medicated. He showed us what he looks like when he is not medicated and said he has had difficulty all his life with even children being frighteneed of his appearance.  If you had the pleasure of talking to Russ, he was informative and funny. A nice guy. Sad he is having such a difficult time finding a Dr. to prescribe Cannabis for him.
He made us laugh and educated us.. watch for a toon soon about Russ.
Mark: Mark gets a lot of attention for the Cannabis movement in a completely different way. He is out there making people smile every event. I don't want to say WHO Mark is you'll have to figure that out on your own. HE works very hard, is non stop and I also am impressed with his energy and dedication.  He is very creative and I am please to have got to know him. 
THREE very different men. 
ALL use Cannabis NONE of them - what I would consider a "stoner".   
Did I see any stoners at the EXPO ? Well I could say I did see the 'stereo typical' stoners -I think really they were mostly young guys, not educated on the whole cannabis industry - just out for a good time.  They were all laid back, none of them nasty...  I had a few comments same as last year -  "your sons legal? That's cool man!"  To which I relpy 
"Really? Which part is 'cool' the part he is legal to use cannabis for his medicine or the fact that he has a terminal illness?"   I am NOT saying this to be mean, just expressing the fact hoping they  realize that not everyone is about getting stoned sitting on the sofa eating munchies playing video games.  All in all, I saw VERY few stoners at the Treating Yourself Medicinal Marijuana EXPO.  Change is in the air and its all good ;-))
Below:  Just  a few of my favorite men I met at this years EXPO. Can't wait to see them again next YEAR!!

A week today I will be at the EXPO. It starts next Friday (less than a week)  - and like MOST artists I know I am still doing stuff!! Last minute - me and my Sherpa are hard at it
 ;-)  I had an idea last year just before the expo that was a huge hit.  Imagine your at an Cannabis EXPO and someone offers you a "little baggie full of dried green stuff"! That is exactly what I did last year and I had them running to my booth when their eyes caught my samples!   On the other side of the baggie is my business card (below) and it says on it CATNIP> L.O.L That is what I give out CATNIP for your furry feline friends.  It usually gives everyone quite a chuckle once they realize it is Not what they thought it was.  So it's a nice ice breaker! I also have to say most people laughed and kept my business cards - most people have cats!   So it is a great idea if I do say so myself for pennies ;-) and I'm making many little kitties happier!  hee hee hee

This EXPO is about many things to US. 
ONE:   EDUCATION   for us to become educated and hopefully to Educate a few people. A better word would be to share our experience and encourage people to Educate themselves. It is the only way you truly learn something when you are curious to do so.  We all know that from all the useless stuff we learned in High School ;-)  We learned best what we were most interested in.  I have patients come and share info with me. Some have become good friends.Last year Storm  learned about a few different strains that really helped with his "body pain". When you are in chronic pain it is nice to be able to control the body pain and some strains also make you feel good too. THIS is very important.  It makes me shake my head when they (BIG PHARM) says they can make cannabis that takes the "high" feeling out.
When you suffer  with health issues you have much to think about.  A little  mental feel GOOD is just as important as the physical aspects.  Ask anyone who is suffering with pain daily in their life. How it can take its toll on you some days.  Sadly some people it takes it's toll on them and they no longer feel they can continue.
TWO:  FUN!!!
We get so socialize, see friends that we don't get to see that often!  Check out all the cool stuff, cannabis related and other,  get some amazing clothing. I am going to invest in something HEMP for myself ;-)  Storm gets to meet some incredible people who love Gardening and Cannabis. People who really know their stuff and are as passionate as he is. His passion is learning about the plant.  It always has been - you should see our vegetable garden this year! ;-))  We laugh - I get to hang with the Green Reefer who make me laugh all the time  with his simple e mails  over the past year - he is coming to visit us tomorrow for a couple of days!  I did not warn him that this is a house that does NOT sleep in.. hee hee
*the one thing is Norm does not get to come. We have a house full of animals! HOPE is a full time puppy!! So Norm stays home - Not to mention he has to get that pool ready for the HOT weather we are expecting!! LOL  But I talk to him all the time and he is my sherpa - with set up and take down - He is also my personal set design and PROP man! LOL - I am so FRICKIN LUCKY!  And he works for - peanuts .. wink wink, nudge nudge...

So I better get back to work and print my business cards I certainly don't want to let down any FELINE friends this year! * If anyone grows catnap and wants to donate some in exchange for some free advertising let me know for next year!   This year is already bigger and better than last year so you know its just going to continue! Perhaps next year it will be legal!  Perhaps one day I can hand out free sample of God's natural healing medicine! !! IMAGINE!

I love my friend Kat! I work for her at her Gallery  once a week - different days and  some weekends to give her a break .  Every now and then - (More every than then .. hee hee hee)
I bring her a toon and ask her to frame it. That's it . I always let her choose. She is gifted at what she does.  She knows that I am giving these as gifts and I can't afford to frame them - LOL   so she donates all material. She is helping me helping spread smiles!! One toon at a time!  - so I keep telling her.. Anyhow - SHE is OSCAR and I am Felix!  I cleaned today - did not do what she wanted me to do but - I had to ..  I don't know how she works in there! BUT she does and has for over 25 years!  She has clients from all over. Really - if you need framing and want to tell her make it look its best - see Kat.  It drives me nuts - the stuff - it cracks me up too.  I know I measure wrong.  I don't charge enough! LOL - I frame something up only to find out there is a little ball of fluff in there .. hee hee hee  but I get to be around amazing art, meet some really nice people, have cool conversations and I like it.  She has not fired me so I guess she loves me too ;-)  I also get to bring my dogs and eat her food.  I have a great job.  I get to see Mike who always makes me laugh. I am grateful to Kat for my job and her friendship ;-) 
I brought home a drawing I did for a young lady today! I am excited to give it to her, I asked someone what she liked.. - I am hoping to give it to her a the TY EXPO. Kat framed it very funky ;-) and we talked about the young lady. 
Hayley Jade Rose what a beautiful name!  Cannabis is helping her.  Google her name...  Educate yourself a bit more.. ;-)   Walk in her mothers shoes. 

We went to the Global Marijuana March on Saturday and - WOW. The people.  All shapes and sizes, colors and costumes! & more! All there to enjoy themselves and enjoy some cannabis.  Hmmm I have to be 100% honest and say: there were a few people that I believe hmmm.. again (I drew it before) can cause more damage to such a cause.  I was told by several different people that there was a NAKED woman (completely) except for the nipple rings and running shoes. One was an EYE witness that I know and believe.  I have to say that this woman probably has nothing to do with Cannabis but only saw it as a chance for some attention. YIKES  Right away people will think 'if you smoke Cannabis this is what will happen'. I can tell you NO it is not what people who smoke cannabis do.  I have to say she had balls! LOL - actually she was apparently completely clean shaven so of course it is just an expression. I was also a bit disappointed to see so many kids.  12- 13..  who is to blame ? The kids. NO the parents.   EDUCATION.  Honestly - It is not for me. It is more for my son's age. Although the music was incredible and I was able to see many people I know, I think I will pass in the future. I felt .. older LOL and I'm not into crowds. I avoid the malls at Christmas and hardly ever attended any concerts growing up.   As for those that arranged the event! Bravo. You have to stand up for what you believe in. SIMPLE.

My husband and I did bring HOPE, cutest puppy there. We had to, the day before I took my eyes off of her and she slipped in the pool! The winter tarp still on  but no chances being taken.  Pool is now drained and the stairs will go in before the water goes back in. We teach all our pets including the cats (and rabbits - in the past) to swim and swim to the stairs to get out. They learn amazingly quick.
HOPE! I can not believe how smart she is! She already uses the dog door! Only had 2 accidents in the house and sits and knows her name! She is so cute. Tequila likes her and we were a bit worried as Scruffy wanted nothing to do with her. Today was another story! 
They played all day! Scruffy has a new best friend! Someone to tire her out!  I'm going to draw my first Hope toon tonight.  I feel blessed.  It was what I needed.  She is also already fixed. I am so glad we picked a pup from the shelter.  Here is a new photo. Right now she is the same size as the other two but she has BIG paws.  Hee hee hee   Just the thought of her growing and messing with Scruffy's mind give me a good giggle..   I have Hope. 
My mom came and took me out to lunch today also. We sat out on the patio it was a beautiful day. 

I was thinking, I'm not sure of anything else that does a GLOBAL day to bring awareness. ALL over the world. ONE day - ONE LOVE.   CLEARLY it is time for this insanity to end. People want to have a choice. I JUST want my son to have his medicine without all the bullshit & STRESS that comes with it.  There I said it! 
I want all the people I now know, to NOT have to feel like a criminal for bringing peace to their minds and bodies! I want them to have safe access to what they DESERVE.  IT is that simple.  *Parents - I am going to start posting child related stories. You know why - BECAUSE there are many of them! Cannabis helping kids who have seisures!  Brain Tumors! Chronic pain! ADHD! AND MORE. The last thing parents should have to worry about is our children's life saving MEDICINE!  I trust in God and his medicine. I have seen how it works DO not judge me or my choices until you have walked in my shoes.   For me it is simple and yes, selfish.  I LOVE my son.  I see him be able to control his pain for the first time in his life.   What I do not see is equally as important - I do not see the constant suffering.   
This is because of CANNABIS.. A PLANT.

I've been paying attention to drug companies now that want to make something 'ALMOST' 'EXACTLY' like it - but without the "high" the 'euphoria' one gets. WHAT the &^%$ is wrong with it!?  Doesn't that just sound insane?  Recently a Patient with his license was criticized for saying "lets get high!"-  What is wrong with feeling GOOD?!!  These people suffer more than most and want to feel GOOD, is that a CRIME ?  Laughter comes easier with Cannabis. Just ask.  I can not tell you the number of people who I have heard say - if they did not have cannabis they would end their life.   
Tomorrow  stand up for what you believe in. 
Peacefully. 
Have faith and Believe. 

This weekend is a day celebrated all around the WORLD!   The Global Marijuana March! 
This will be our third year. I have had such a good time every year, SO many people with all smiling faces. To be honest I was not sure if I was going to go because of my botox, I'm only reacting with 1/2 a face again .. BUT I have been inspired by a young lady a Medicinal Cannabis user. She will be there - so looking forward to meeting her and she has  the same problem  + a few others. I have only had the pleasure of an e mail or two but she has inspired ;-)  TWITCH and all I can't wait!  I get to see my magazine family as well - Treating Yourself! All our friends from C.A.L.M  and many others I have met over the past 4 years. 

If you can find me - I'll have the coolest purse (LOVE the LEAF!) COME say hi! High (what ever you prefer;-)) I will have a couple of comic books for sale but I'm mostly there to celebrate! `And then less than a month away it will be the treating Yourself EXPO!  WHAT a great month this is going to be!  Now time to go and draw something for the BIG day! 
The newest issue of Treating Yourself is out there!  Pick up a copy!  I'll sign it if you can find me ;-) hee hee hee     Like looking for Waldo!  
IF you are going please remember to party peacefully! No BOOZE - our friends have worked too hard to obtain this permit to bring us this great event.  LOVE the LEAF!