Ask the people and you shall see it is time for Legalization in Of cannabis in Canada. 
That is not just the opinion of the Liberal party.  EVEN those who do NOT smoke cannabis agree the insanity over something as harmless as Cannabis  compared to Tobacco and Alcohol  agree that things have to change. I believe with all the information regarding Medicinal proof and statistics that show how harmful other  "legal" substances are there is no denying it is time for CHANGE. How cool would it be if Canada became the first country to Legalize Cannabis. We were the first to legalize for medicinal purposes. FINALLY  common sense - tax it regulate it and  RESEARCH it!   

Well the week is over and it has been an eventful one to say the least. Good and bad.  Lessons learned ;-) LOL - Life is just chocked full of them!  One of the bad/sad ones was when I confronted someone - who always calls my hubby when they need help with something. The problem is in this particular case - we have NOT heard from that person in over a year- then they call cause they need him to 'fix'  something.  When I suggested - in the future they call a handy man - suddenly I am a 'mean bitch'.   You really JUST have to look at where it comes from.  When I confronted the reaction - I got a reply  'you may think I'm nice but I can be a real bitch "  LOL - I have to laugh, YES- I did think she was nice, WOW - I do  finally see that she can be a 'real bitch' and I guess  it is better sooner than later. I will say I was warned, many times so I guess it is my own fault.  I feel better though I am very tired of being taken advantage of or in this case my helpful husband being taken advantage of.  Not to mention after spending several hours - he was not even offered $20 buck to grab a 12 pac.  I was told I will never hear from them again - so a blessing in disguise? Perhaps. 

The great news though out shines the bad! I did get a drawing job - drawing something I LOVE - no, NOT Cannabis -PUPPIES!!  Lot's of puppies. It is for a fantastic new product BUT I have been sworn to secrecy until the product hits shelves. So until then I can't
 share any info or drawings BUT I'm having fun! Using my own puppy Daisy as the main model the timing could not have been better! 
MORE great news... I have found a new framer who is besides being a great framer a wonderful human being! We will soon also be offering limited editions of my work and some  on Canvas!  They look fantastic - a bit bigger than toon size.  I have been approached to do murals - I can't - travel, time - a few reasons -I did find out that I can draw anything and have it blown up onto canvas HUGE - a size to fill any wall! I will be printing my first soon and sending it down to the USA for a new club opening!  NOT to mention the prices are fantastic! Much cheaper than a mural would be, also you can take it with you - when you leave ;-)  I have to say that the gentleman also made a point to tell me what a great job I am doing with educating the masses about Cannabis and it is a 'pleasure' to know me - wow - what a difference - from another experiences where a business did not want me even having - God forbid, a sketch book with Cannabis stickers on it. 
ALL things happen for a reason and in this case when one door closes a bigger and better one opened!!  I thank God for each road block that comes my way -It teaches me something and I become better and stronger than I was before.  
I did spend the weekend drawing - but again for a publication that I can not share.. 'sigh' I wish I could one drawing had me cracking up all morning ... If they don't use it I will publish it, but I'm pretty sure they will. If they do publish it I'll have to mention it so people can go and check it out or buy the magazine.   Tomorrow is a new day of a new week in this still new year! What a stupefying, breathtaking, awesome, awe-inspiring, sensational, remarkable, spectacular, stupendous, phenomenal, extraordinary, incredible, unbelievable year it is going to be!!  xox

Did you know that all over the world they are trying to patent plants and seeds,  for example the Cannabis plant - patent already taken out by guess who: Google:6630507
but many other plants as well like tomoto's and herbs that make vitamins. Monsanto - has designed seeds that self destruct after a harvest so that they become no good to the farmer. 
Imagine the seriousness of all of this. Some 'one/company' being in control of all seeds. Seeds = plants= vegetables+ fruit = FOOD.. And suddenly it is illegal to have seeds or grow your own vegetables. Well like it or not - all of you who believe Cannabis (a plant) is illegal and should be controlled you are setting precedence for a very grim future for your own family and children. You can't say it's o.k. to do one plant and not another.  Think .. it's not JUST about Cannabis.  Remember this the next time you slice that beautiful tomato  for that perfect BLT or green peppers and see the seeds. The seeds OF hope..   
The seeds that God provided for ALL of us!!! 
$$$?  Money - what will money mean when you can't buy food.  What will money mean when you see the rest of the world starving and it eats at your insides to witness global suffering on an even bigger scale than it is now.    So end this control.  Stand up for what all humans are entitled to and deserve. SEEDS  to grow and feed themselves.
ALL SEEDS.   
xox  <><

I have given 2012 much thought.. It was a very difficult 2011 (blog tomorrow.) causing me to REALLY think... and I think  (I pray) I finally get it. LOL  
 ONE LOVE.   I love Bob Marley - always have. The man and the music. He knew what was important to him and shared it with the world!  His faith incredible - I admire that in anyone, regardless of the faith. His words educate, remind and sooth us with love.  

Call it corny, I simply want to be a better person in 2012. I had someone comment to me that “as an activist - you don’t get out much -”  ha ha ! No and as a Canadian I prefer to hibernate in the winter! Always have.  I think I am doing pretty good, thank you. As an activist I believe I have accomplished quite a bit ;-D So what does it mean for 2012? I need to draw. I draw for my own sanity and I thank God that I am afforded this 'luxury'.   I am making a difference, creating a curiosity - but where would I be without all of you?  Nowhere. I know this. It is through sharing that we can help educate others in everything. What good would any of my drawing be If I just drew and  did not share! LOL 
Thing is... I cannot NOT share! Drawing makes me happy.
 If I think my drawings will make someone happy I want to share! Simple. 

It is my gift from God and I want to share. Do what you love. Bob clearly did what he loved, he  was confident and knew  his ‘music will last forever’  WHY?  He had faith! Faith in God and faith in himself, Faith in EACH OTHER!  In 2012 I plan on focusing on the good, all the good things that come into our lives I will welcome and not question! 

I have faith.

My tribute toon to Bob. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us and making this world a BETTER PLACE!
 xox <><

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdB-8eLEW8g

Happy Holidays! It's Christmas to me Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. This year  was one of the best Christmas's in a long time. It is almost easier to tell you what is was NOT about this year.. It was not about $$$,  It was not about Christmas parties, it was not about celebrating with alcohol, it was not about the past.  
It was about my family 2 and 4 legs and just being happy to relax and remind each other of exactly what we do have. I did get the most perfect gifts from each of my guys. Norm - the Wizard of OZ.  My favorite movie and its not on netflix- I have the VHS but the tape is wearing out LOL  - so we watched it today ;)))  Our new Christmas day tradition! From  Storm - a tibetan singing bowl. The most beautiful I have seen with a buddha on the inside.  I am intrigued with them, I cannot walk past one with out tapping it - I LOVE it.  It is also something I want to focus more on in the new year,  positive energy with some chanting, meditation and always prayer - try to tame my monkey mind. Not an easy task many days.  
Christmas eve was spent at my moms for diner and it was wonderful, my mom went all out - 
munchies galore, a wonderful turkey diner and tea and cake to end the evening. As well as some very thoughtful gifts. The best gift I feel we all had this year was each other, patience and hope.
 Norm and I had an incredibly proud moment  when our son took his champagne glass and his dads and passed - other than a sip to toast. They both had to drive home. How wonderful is that?  We have a 19 year old that get's it, we were saying we wish we thought like that when we were his age.  It has been a stress free wonderful Christmas.  Daisy - a wonderful addition, looking simply perfect in her new collar from her boy. Scruffy got a Christmas bath and trim and Tequila was allowed to give us all STINKY, old (16 year old) dog breath kisses. I had a draw on FB for a Christmas cartoon and was thrilled with the number of people that shared. It was my gift - I know everyone can't afford one of my drawings - lol - I could not afford one of my drawings! *They are very affordable BTW for an original ! ;-)) The girl that one- I know is a big fan so I figure it was meant to be.  3 different people chose the final winner - I was expecting someone from 1/2 around the world - but here it was someone from Scarborough!  The Lord works in mysterious ways. 
What does any of this have to do with Jesus. Before the holiday season I thought much about Forgiveness, Giving of our talent, Patience, Material objects and what exactly is most important to me in this world. Being close to the end of 2011 I thought about how difficult this past year has been, loss of friends and family,  our ongoing battles and struggles, and the problems I have had with my own health.  I really knew what I wanted for Christmas.
Peace of MIND.   I already have everything I need. A home, food, health (taken back a bit - lol, but so much better off than so many)  and the love of my guys - the love of everyone else is gravy ;-) much appreciated of course. It is Jesus that has taught me all of this.  I know some people do not agree and shake their heads and that is part of the problem .. can't you just love me for who I am? For who I am today. Me?  I'm not asking anyone to 'think, believe  or behave the same...  we all must and will come to our own conclusions but this is where I am at.  It is what is getting me by.   It was a wonderful Christmas...  Something to celebrate!  xox <><

As you might imagine I get a few requests.. "draw me!" ;-)) Or "can you draw this idea..."
Most of them funny and I enjoy the ideas. Some It takes longer than others or sometimes and idea will trigger a different toon in the same direction. Some "I Get" & some "I Don't" 
just like many people with my comics. YOU can NOT please everyone. ;-)

But the other day I got a request, just a couple of lines that have forever changed my life. 
-"if you dont mind i would like to request cartoon for ending dead execution for cannabis in my country malaysia...to educate my people mind.."
My first thoughts: What?! Seriously? ...What? Oh my God... I asked for more information and it was provided. How sad. How sad all of this is on too many levels.
 HOW wrong it all is. WAR on Drugs? More like WAR on  WEAK. 
Then I had trouble. How could I? How can I draw this easily, seriously and pray it gets the message across. I thought about it all day yesterday. I went to bed feeling very tired (my twitch is constant & frankly exhausting) and a little sorry for myself. Then it came to me. Almost asleep ... quite simply: IT IS so sad on so many levels. 
I read earlier this week about a young mom who got sent to jail for 12 years! Leaving 3 kids. FIRST OFFENSE,  just over 4 grams. I think it said $30.00 worth. The judge 'justifying' it by 'setting an example'. OF what!? To her kids of how cruel life can be?  Selling a HERB that does not HURT anyone. Not a rapist, murderer, human trafficking, child pornographer.. not scum of the earth.  A MOM. How much will it cost for her to be in prison for 12 years? What will happen to her children? Clearly that judge does not care. Generations have suffered  and will continue to do so because of this war on CANNABIS. A PLANT.   

In Canada they are talking about taking away the already legal rights of the sick - so that they can no longer be responsible for growing their own medicine. Forcing the already suffering to resort back to "dealers" Legal or other wise.. Many can hardly afford our prescriptions now. ALSO limiting the types of strains that work for many different people. NOT to mention that it is a PLANT.  
HOW many gardeners out there would be devastated if your were told "NOPE - you can not grow another plant." If we say O.K. to Cannabis - what will be next- Tomatoes?  The funny thing  is that, it is NOT a JOKE.
                    But come on.. people being executed for Cannabis? PUT TO DEATH? 
                    For a PLANT that GOD placed on this earth.  Truly, that is a SIN.
PEOPLE we MUST work together.  You don't have to smoke it - BUT IF YOU DO and you don't stand up for your right to smoke a HERB    **ESPECIALLY if is is easing your suffering??    Others are DYING for that luxury.  NEVER be ashamed of what eases your pain.  Those of you who just like to smoke Cannabis, Thank God you you live where you do.
                            PLANT the SEED of CANNABIS EDUCATION TODAY!
How could I not do the drawing?  I know what Cannabis does. I have witnessed it. It is a MIRACLE plant that needs to be researched and Legalized to end all this madness...
over a plant.   So sad.  
I came up with this drawing. I hope and pray it gets people thinking. That is all I can do. More people have to be educated.  **Norm saw the drawing when he came home and said "I think that hanging is a bit much..."  I said "Me too!" And then told him the story and what I learned. He also had no idea. So Is it a bit much?  NO, it is the TRUTH . 
The truth shall set you free.                         
                    Please... PLANT the SEED of CANNABIS EDUCATION TODAY!

 Last Saturday I was out in the garden all day weeding and playing with the dogs. We have a pool so in between we took dips to cool off. At 6 I went to get some groceries for dinner. Not in the door, groceries in hand and Storm told yelled "mom there is something wrong with Hope!" She was hardly able to walk and when she saw me she walked and stumbled to me and fell on the floor, I ran around looking to see what she got into and saw a pill bottle on my bed, chewed open. ;-(( I ran down and grabbed the phone and called our vet, I knew on Sat they would be closed but there is always someone there. The vets office told me you should call this poison control first. I wanted to find an emergency clinic so we could get her there but  - no call the number first.  I called the number - I was not completely calm if you can imagine Hope was on the floor drooling and now starting to moan, Storm crying and yelling "mom tell them to hurry, where do we take her!?" I told the girl that she has taken some medicine and WHERE do I take her? She then informed me I needed to provide her with my credit card!! ?? WTF  - Before she would tell me anything.  So there you have it dog dying on the floor and I'm being asked for my credit card. - it gets worse.  
I did not know where my credit card was, I did not know where my wallet was (-it was in my truck with the rest of groceries - that I remembered on Sunday)  Hope then had a bowel movement and started to moan louder, I was crying at this point and begging just tell me where do I take her. She then said what's  your postal code? I gave it to her and she named off this town that I have never heard of ! I said no - "tell me what's near Newmarket!!!??" Her reply - "How do I know I'm in Illinois!!!"  The entire time Storm crying, Hope moaning and me feeling completely helpless and in shock. Storm got on his phone and called the vet again, This time they told us where to go. I am sure it was only minutes but it felt like hours on that phone call ;-(( 

We rushed her to the emergency clinic in Newmarket, her moaning all the time and we could see her slipping away from us. The first thing they did was give us a number and tell us to call it for poison info...  YOU think a VET emergency clinic would have a link on google or a number that they could quickly find out the info. Again we were told to call and were charged again. The first phone call as you know was completely useless.  WHAT is this!? Your pet is dying and they don't care. How dare they say they care when the first thing they say is what is your credit card number!? The vet came and told us that it was too late. The toxisity level in Hope was too high and she did not advise that we continue - they COULD if we wanted but it would have cost us 1000's of $$ and she personally felt it was too late. 
It still ended up costing us over 700.  It was a long sad drive home. 
It is not about the money it is about the morals. 
Please tell me that if it is a child and you call the poison hotline they don't say -what's your credit card number?- as you watch your child dying.  It can't be. I have not looked into that yet but it can't be- it would have to be illegal and as far as I am concerned it should be for our pets also. 

I called our vet the next day and asked WHY they gave us that number. She did not have much of a response other than "that is the number we use." She was NOT aware that they charged and I also asked why a USA number. I did ask is they get a 'kick back' for suggesting people to use that number - she assured me they did not. Then WHY that F%!!^%$ number that was of no use to us what so ever??  I like my Vet as a person. I have known her for years and have taught her kids.  I do feel that if you are giving a number to hopefully help people in times of trouble you KNOW more about it!   
I am still so hurt. So is Storm. Hope jumped up on my bed, over to my dresser and took them out of a box containing other stuff like hand cream,  brush... things in my opinion would have been much more fun to chew ;-( Those pills were there the entire time I was away at my retreat -  yet, I went out for less than a hour and ..  it was an accident but my heart breaks thinking I could have avoided it.  It was my medicine ;-(  I feel terrible.   I have always had dogs, from Great Danes to Scruffy ( no clue on what she is - besides lovable) 
never, ever has anything like this happened.  They all lived long lives  with the exception of Hunny - ;-(( that died not too long ago and that was from the bone marrow of a soup bone. ANOTHER thing I did not know. I have given my dogs bones forever. You buy them at the pet store, but some dogs just can not stomach them. 
I got Hope to help get over Hunny. Now, how do I get over Hope.   What does not kill us makes us stronger. I want people to know about what happened. There are numbers you can call that are free. 
ASK YOUR VET! >>What number do you provide? <<  Bring it to their attention.
I do have the location of a 24 hour emergency clinic  now ;-((  
Hope would take stuff when we were not looking, fridge magnets, the remote for the apple T.v., the remote, stuff out of the blue box, garden tools, I have many visual half chewed reminders. I never smacked her for this ... she was a puppy, WE LOVED her. I have all kinds of special toys that we bought - extra tuff - and too big now for Scruffy and Tequila. I will put them away for now ;-(  I am afraid to even think about getting another dog.  Again the loss is like a huge void. Scruffy is really moping, they played constantly, we joked "what's Hopes favorite chew toy - Scruffy! "  The garden only 1/2 finished I will force myself out there again today. It's just not going to be the same. I did draw this cartoon (it was a shut door- that means I do not want to be disturbed, while crying)  but it gives me some feeling of peace. It is how I heal.  I pray Hope has forgiven me. I pray that someone will learn and this won't happen to them . It was not something I would wish on anyone. I use to miss the click click of Hunny's paws, how quickly I now notice the missing thud thud thud of those big clumsy puppy paws.
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.  ~Ben Williams

Time to take out Scruffy and Tequila and throw a ball and play in the pool.
 

Hope is now bigger than Scruffy ;-)  She is nipping  (always seems to want to have your hand in her mouth) but  I read that that is common and more about teething than biting.   It's raining here the past few days but that is O.K.!  There are leaves on the trees and birds chirping everywhere.  I am busy getting last minute things done for the EXPO.  My friend Josh is going to come and visit a few days before (a.k.a The Green Reefer) We're looking forward to that too. 
Reading: Clan of the Cave Bears.  By Jean M Auel. I read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I have never read a book twice but want to read the others that follow this one so I decided to refresh my memory and am pleased I have chosen to do so. I especially like all the parts about healing with natural plants.  ;-)  
I am so looking forward to this long weekend - although a busy one, I get to spend I with my guys doing stuff around here getting ready to welcome in summer! 
A new photo of Hope. With a dirty digging nose! 

I woke up this morning and there are leaves on the trees! How does that happen!? Even my husband commented they were not there yesterday!  I can smell the dirt and the rain and LOVE every second of it!  Summer around the corner. Give me heat over snow anyday. I LOVE Canada and our seasons but this past winter seemed like an especially long and cold one.  Our puppy - after only one week is house trained! I do not - or ever have crated my dogs.  I just make sure they have a lot of attention especially the first week! It means I am POOPED but - The quicker you let them know how its going to be the better!  
It's a rainy day - I'm painting some details on a Prop. for the TY EXPO!  And doing what else - some drawing..  in between helping hubby, playing with my girls and doing domestic.
I must remember to stop and look at the LEAVES!