After reading about the guy strip searched cause his little 4 year old drew a gun - it got me thinking. Columbia tried to sue Mike Peters (Mother Goose & Grimm) for a cartoon he did, we all heard about the cartoonist who drew a God as a dog. Burnt his home to the ground ;-( 
I draw about Cannabis all the time - an illegal drug.  I am sure at some point I might have someone say something to me. 
Actually a while back I did - something along the lines as 'using a comic strip to educate about Cannabis, something geared towards kids...'  Well it just happens to be a comic strip because that is what I do - was born to do, LOVE to do -  I found recently some images of cartoon characters smoking- not only were they smoking but they were promoting SMOKING! Intentionally!!        Yikes.             NOT o.k.  
We choose - actually, LOOK around- did you choose to have that giant alcohol/underwear/donut ad in front of you where you walk by everyday - no - we are bombarded with images that we did not choose. 
BUT what we choose to do about them is a different situation. 
I do NOT feel alcohol is a disease. A sickness yes. A disease you wake up with everyday - you have no control.  Some people are born with them. AN alcoholic chooses to lift that drink to his/her lips with each sip.  So - if after you read my cartoons you go and smoke a fattie - the choice was yours. But if you smoke a go do something stupid-  I'm having trouble even finishing this sentence - its the person people, NOT the POT!  Just like every person that drinks and drives and kills someone cannot go and sue the alcohol that got him that way .. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm   Or the prescription drug - when mixed with your other medication - stopped your heart - well you can TRY to sue. If your still alive.
We need to take responsibility of our own choices. We need to be making educated choices.
Recreationally, Cannabis is much safer that alcohol. 
Medicinally - Cannabis is much safer than many prescribed medications. 
So If I have changed your mind - over to Cannabis with a cartoon -I'm thrilled - it's a start in the educated direction.  If I have made you at least question your other choices - Yippie!! 
If you plan on suing me because you over ate a brownie or two and missed that job interview - IT'S the person NOT the pot! 

- People draw much worse, they draw about murder, crime, rape, torture- it's endless... we all do what we feel we have to.  It is art.  It is how someone expresses this life. 
Who is anyone to say it is wrong- if it is NOT physically harming anyone - it is an image. 
If you do not agree with it - make your own choice.  
It is as simple as - if it is a product - do not buy it.

There is nothing like a PUP!  Daisy is home recovering from being spayed this week. You would never know it to watch her and I am constantly telling her to "cool it" but I am so happy she seems like nothing even happened. 
 I only take drawing jobs that I know I will truly enjoy and early Jan. I was approached by someone who is putting out a training product.  If you now me you know I'm already a  Cesar fan and we have a pup so I thought great (even though I already know quite a bit -or so I thought).  I have LOVED this job.  The product NOT on shelves yet - so I can not disclose too much, I can tell you that it takes what I have learned with Cesar to a whole new level, many times I would think - Yeah, but Cesar knows that - his life is dog,  the average pet owner (unexperienced) does not know what to look for. I not only learned so much as a dog owner but as a cartoonist! Stuff that once I drew, read and understood my mind simply clicked "That is SOO TRUE!"  Storm and I have been talking about it quite a bit, I have drawn over 140+ pups for this project and he also notices the stuff to look for to train a happy  healthy pup. People are commenting all the time on how well Daisy behaves. SHE is only 5 months and still has work to do and her puppy energy - is just that! Puppy energy! Embrace it ;-)  It is fantastic! Very cool to own a well behaved dog ;-)) 
A bonus of the job was also getting to meet and friend the woman behind it all. I was convinced to draw for her for a few reasons, mostly her passion. She is in the field and is aware of the problems with people giving their dogs to shelters because of bad behavior. She sees all the dogs who need homes and are put to sleep because of people who do not take the time to train a pup properly. When people get pups - do they not THINK - this PUP *IF they are lucky - will be with them for possibly 15 years or more! Take the time to train early for a life time with a great companion.
When this program hits the shelves I will be promoting it - NOT because I drew it - (that's a bonus) BUT because I know it works and believe in it. I believe this program can save many canine lives and a few sofas! So stay tooned..   I am honored to be a part of such a good thing. 

 I have to say Scruffy is right on with the program! LOL - She wants to compete with Daisy.
Tequila is old and grumpy and still calls the shots - mostly from her basket! LOL 

:-)   I know what most are thinking - too late..  LOL
But it will not stop me for reading and researching and planning on a few more drawings!
I plan on re-drawing the above toon - my favorite for the next EXPO. It will be my new banner. To us Living Proof has become the most important proof of all. 
Oh, I also cannot do laundry , dishes or stuff! BLISS in disguise!! Yeah!!   Timed perfectly I am in between jobs, literally just finished one this a.m. and one starts next week! I am going to blog tomorrow about the job I have been working on as it has been such a pawsitive experience!!  For now... time to pick up on some serious research.

I have so many blond moments it's not even funny. I would like to say that I have been a blond several times during my life - some of the best times ;-)  So I use the term only as a stereotype.  Of course I usually vocalize them to either Norm or Storm and the two usually just look at me for a moment and then burst out laughing. Or I get a 'Derp'  back in the day it would have been a 'Duh...'   I saw a light pluged above the sink in the garage and said you better tie that into a knot - if NOT it could unplug fall into the sink with water and electrocute  someone.   Derp.
 This toon above, I do not have photoshop or I am not a computer wizard by any means but- I TRY. I usually fail but just keep trying.  I drew the toon and thought I'll cut off the top so I can scan and place it on another image in the computer.. 
I actually did it and then thought as it was scanning.. DUH... DERP! Did I think the top of the scanner would disappear. LOL - I did for a second!!  Anyhow - I figured out how to do it in a program I have, because I was forced to - I challenged myself - it might not seem to be a big deal for you - it was for me. It was well received and now I know how to do it and am anxious to try other stuff..   Below - My friend Josh helped me with Scruffy - and I thought - O.k. Georgia - you can't ask Josh every time you need something cropped. 
EVERYDAY we have an opportunity to learn something! DO IT!! Don't sit and watch/surf the tube/monitor all day - no wonder so many people are having brain problems, being vegetables for so long and just watching. 
Go!
Do! 
Be!
xox


Below - Scruffy laying on the grass..

Drew this the other day and it has had me giggling since.  I was not going to post any of the cards... - and this will be the only one -  I figure I'll add it in as a bonus.  I think it will make a few people smile.  How cool is that?   CARDS now available ;-) Each one drawn with LOVE.     

What a great BUSY day today was.. first I was up early as I was asked to draw my opinion on this Wall St. thing. Well you know how I feel but what I drew is below. I did not know much so I researched and found out the symbol is this huge brass BULL with BIG balls (so typical male mascot) the balls made me laugh s they are so shiny - from all the people that rub them! I guess for luck..  A symbol once standing for pride and power and $$$  .. and it came to me .. the bulls looking a little tarnished these days. So  I could not wait to wake and draw.
My day just got better when Lauren and her mom showed for a visit. I am extremely fond of this young lady ;-) We met because her medicine is Cannabis. Recently deaf - I can't believe how great her lip reading is! It is always a pleasure and a few laughs. I am quite fond of mom too as she makes me laugh and is such a nice woman, very down to earth.  I will admit that I also know this mom knows exactly where I am coming from and both of us are always amazed at the stigma Bull*&^% that we have to deal with, especially from "friends" on top of everything else, BUT we do not care. We love our kids and will do WHAT EVER it takes to help them . ;-) Such positive people. I can't wait to spend time again. Scruffy LOVEs when Lauren visits as does Tequila and Lauren does not realize Tequila growls the entire time. She is not afraid because she can't hear her and Tequila loves being able to vocalize. What I love most is that all you need to do is spend a little time with Lauren and you quickly forget she is deaf - because she is so beautiful - inside and out ;-) funny and talented!! Josh and I will soon have some competition! I think she secretly comes up to spy.. hmmmmmm Cartoon secrets. Storm enlightened us with a story about 'balls'.. but thats another blog! 
Funny my day started with Bulls balls, we talked about HUGE water mellon balls (poor guy) and I showed a Kangaroo coin purse that I just happen to have in my studio  - made from Kangaroo's balls! LOL  One of those days... 
Later in the afternoon I went and checked the mail and got to see my FIRST EVER HALLMARK CARD!! ;-))
It was,  I must admit very cool!  You know that hallmark symbol on the back.. my name and photo! But more so Scruffy on the front! Once again I am reminded how much I love my little 4 legged friends. They continue to inspire me daily.  A few photos below.. 
Time to think of some pet toons.  Cannabis related of course. xox <><

Seriously, for years  when I say my name  "Georgia"  people  reply  "On my mind.." and usually break out in a song. The last person to do it was my Brain Dr. ;-)  Who can resist that Willie Nelson tune. Actually there are several versions out there, Willie does it best. Well Ray Charles is also sweet...    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thls_tMuFkc

A while ago I thought of calling the strip Georgia... on my mind.  Then it changed to Pet Peeves.. Mood Swing (which I still like), Blah Blah Bog, Laughing Buddha and a few more in between.  Tonight thinking about things .  What's on my mind and the irony of the sometimes pain in my brain. That is it.   Georgia ... On My Mind.  That is the name of my strip from now on. The Happy Hippie is it's own as is Cultivating Compassion. They sometimes cross over. But that is o.k.  I'll draw a new header image soon.  
So On my Mind.  
I was just outside watching Hope and Scruffy who are becoming fast friends.  You can't help giggle as a puppy. It's energy and clumsiness  and soooo sweet. Every day she learns a new trick.  I am amazed at how smart she is. Sigh of relief.  So a intro toon. I am sure she will change as all my characters do over time but this is the first drawing of Hope.  The material on the other hand is endless. I Hope you like it. We do. 
Naked lady: After seeing her photo ( I have great FB fans - I asked and sure enough I got one) I won't post it here but if you watch the Naked News your going to see her give her interview. She was pretty and has a great shape and GOOD for her.  Originally in the garden of Eden, God decided we did not need clothing so (shrug) who am I to say. BUT I would not be able to do it! No panties even! In a crowd of 40,000.  I also think the times are not as innocent where there were only 2 Humans...  and I do think it somewhat dangerous. That being said If you go tit, flaun tit!
FB: Not a huge fan of Face book. I do not like when I see negativity spread at a rate that boggles the brain. ;-(  Today I touched base with someone I use to know. Joe Rock Head.
Like yesterday memories came back - all good . LOL -some really good ;-) (Long before Norman) So wonderful to see photos of him and his beautiful family. You realize how much time has passed.  It also was nice when he mentioned something I drew for him way back when. I forgot about it.  It has been my gift to people over the years. I've been blessed.
As for Joe Rock Head- So frickin happy for him and he looks blessed with his funky family,
Still the cool guy he was way back when.   The delightful side of FB.  
Hmmm... think I'll go reminisce some more. 
Hope:  

It was a great weekend. the weather was beautiful and we took our dogs for a long walk. We have two dogs now Tequila (11) and Scruffy (4). I LOVE our dogs.  Scruff is not the sharpest pencil in the box and Tequila is getting up there.
Each has her own personality. Just looking at either can make me smile.  I did this toon a while ago after Scruffy was 'Fixed"  Donated the original (framed) with $$ going to our local shelter. I hope it did well. I don't have $$$ but I have my talent and I am blessed with friend  who has a Gallery frames my donations for free. Her donation!!  Together we are trying to make a difference.  On FB this a.m. a stranger - I've never met said they thought of me and smiled and I am making a difference with my cartoons.
What a great way to start my day. And nice for someone to say.

FB  - some days I can take it or leave it. I saw a post yesterday that "grinds my gears!" Someone on EASTER Sunday posted a photo of Jesus coming out of his tomb. He is Risen! (Beautiful image) and some one commented, along the lines.. "and he saw his shadow and returned for another 6 weeks of winter. "
      WHO does that?  I found that so sad. 
He makes a joke about this womans saviour on one of the holiest days of the year. I do not care what you Believe- or do not Believe,   I did not find it funny. I found it petty. To criticize others for what they believe? What helps them make it another day in this life? The person that posted the comment is someone I know and like, a friend. Hmmmmm..  Not impressed. 
I decided not to say anything to him.
Buddha: If you have nothing nice to say 
              ... say Nothing.
Jesus: Pull the stick out of your own eye before     you point out the speck in someone elses.
    Me: I think he has a stick.. not in his eye.

Well this is my favorite toon I did of Scruffy. 
For all you dog lovers! ENJOY. xox

I worked at my friends gallery yesterday and a gentleman came in with a iron grate,  looking for an artist to paint. It was my lucky day ;-) It is so funky. I've been telling myself I need to paint. I love to paint but get distracted. I think I need to just let go for a few days -and I'm getting paid! 
So the Grate - I believe was fate. It has to be primed first then I'll paint I will take before and after photos.  Until then I thought a lot last night... I have a few cartoon ideas to keep me busy today. BUSY,  I need to keep busy. This was the first cartoon I did since Hunny passed. You know for a bit - I thought I could not draw her anymore. I've had some encouraging words and was reminded by Chuck that now Hunny can be all I want her to be. She has been immortalized. A cartoon that shows my LOVE - fist for my son, His medicine (Thank God) And Hunny has wings.  This cartoon says it all for me. I hope people like it and more importantly SHARE it. 
This insanity has to stop. When ever we as humans can help each other we should. It is THAT simple.  

Thank you to my friends who have shown me support this past week.