A spark of light in the darkness -a glimmer of hope  is all we need.  
People ask me how long does it take to draw a cartoon - I usually say a couple of hours from start to finish but some take me much longer. When does the cartoon start ? When I first get the idea, then I usually think about wording ( hardest part) imagine the image, then I sketch the image in erasable pencil crayon, marker the wording and ink the drawing with a brush, let dry & erase - color with pencil crayon, go over with water brush - scan -done. So realistically most drawing I'd say take 4 hours+. To me that's nothing,  seems like seconds when I' working on a drawing I love.  Some take much longer - some I will think about for days. Custom work  takes even longer - I like to get a feel for who I am drawing.  The above toon took me a long time I painted all of it in a number 1 brush - but I needed it, the time to think and medicate & meditate in paint. 
I have several new toons that need to be colored today- thankfully I am NOT hungover! Yippie!! Another holiday - St. Patty's day and when you don't drink you feel terrific knowing you are surrounded by hangovers! LOL  Been there done that an I don't have a problem with most that do so now. Unless they drive, get abusive, vomit in public, etc.... MODERATION.
I know from first hand experience with drinking moderation is hard to accomplish - you have few - and then you can't seem to remember how many you have had and have a few more.  Today I am drawing a toon (collage - more like it) of Harper and Obama and alcohol,
both in todays paper raising a glass! I kinda feel sorry for the Irish,  responsible for the official day of drinking! Oh well. Sooner or later we get it. I hope. Most of us.
Hung over today? Your problem, not mine.   Thank God. 
But like a little light -- a glimmer of hope - you will feel better in a day or two.
Water, asprin (moderation), something to absorb the toxins and rest!! I use to like a greasy burger and poutine for a hang over, that or  beautiful bowl of RAMEN, Preferably in the sunshine outside;-) 

It's a Laughing Buddha day! The sun is shining!  I am thankful to be alive!   
I looked up flowers that represent peace and came up with Cosmos - (as seen above) I love these flowers and have fond memories of them all over my grandma's yard.  Shades of pink and purples - each one reaching for the sun!  I have been working hard at Occupying my own mind, it is a constant effort.  Living in the moment. Moving past the past, not stressing over the future - enjoying each moment.  I asked Storm what he believes in - I believe in God - I believe in all things good. I believe all religions have good in them  - and that is what each should embrace.  
He believes in himself. He finds strength in himself. I believe he got it long before I have.
I have come to the realization that Peace - unless you have it first in your own mind and heart - you are not going to find it anywhere else. With so much chaos, responsibilities,  media - we owe it to ourselves to find a bit of Peace in our day.  
I am working on a cartoon about peace.  I asked people in one word what brings them peace - such wonderful answers - I feel I have to do it justice  when I draw it! *As with all my toons  - Let's just say it has me inspired.   xox <><

Today was a wonderful family day, got in some drawing (this one) had much needed quality time - sleep in's (if you call 8 sleeping in). We get to talk as a family because were not so tired or distracted, my mom/ Storms grandma joined us for diner - it was in my opinion a nice relaxing day.
I drew several cannabis cartoons! I did not want to push my wrist so I made myself stop. 
I need a few days to get them out on paper. 
Family day  was especially nice with our 4 legged friends who are all  passed out in different corners of my room. The quote on the cartoon above I saw posted on my brothers wall quite a while ago, when I read it - it really struck me. How beautiful is that to say or think of someone? I hope I feel that way about everyone I think about. There are a few people in my life that do make me feel that way. Thank God. 
That is what we all need people who help us feel beautiful (inner) and at peace. When you think of them you get a smile across your face. Who does that for you? I am going to continue to surround myself with people who add to my garden.
;-)

When I told my son "love makes requests, not demands.." He is so quick, he looked a me with love in his eyes and said   "will you make me a B.T.L"  LOL How could I refuse?   
The Cannabis plant does not demand the humming birds attention, it just sits there in all it's beautiful glory..   Just like when your sitting there and a butterfly happens to land on your shoulder.  When your son comes out of the blue and hugs you and says I love you mom..  not because I have demanded it ;-)  Can it get any better than that? 
Today is a Beautiful - COLD - sunshine filled day!   
I plan on drawing several inspirational pieces this weekend.  
Did you know that this week is Medicinal Cannabis week??  
That is reason enough to spread LOVE. 
Forget Valentine's day (marketing money maker). 
Show someone you love them every day! 
Everyday that my son tells me 'I love you mom' is the greatest day!
As for hubby..   after 20 years - flowers are not needed, I'm turned off of diamonds (lucky him) The fact that today he woke up and did the dishes for me, brought me coffee in bed- is valentine enough!  He shows me he love me everyday - just by getting up and going to work every day. I am BLESSED!!  ARE you?

As things would have it - I spent today at Maryholme - and there was no more beautiful place to spend the morning with the first snow. Wish I had my camera. Chatting with Jane - homemade squash soup & a bit of Christmas decorating, I can not wait to get my tree this weekend. I had gone the last two years without a tree... 
What a wonderful day.  Inspired, it is time for a new  'Laughing Buddha' birthday wish... 
Tomorrow December 1st! Wow this year flew!  
xox 

I am very happy that my Laughing Buddha is liked.  It is easy to go though this life angry, resentful, jealous and to be mean and nasty. Some people  are so resentful and hang on to things that have happened to them in the past.  I know a few and quite frankly at this point in my life with what we have going on  - I no longer have the energy for it. I chose to remove such negative people from my life.  There are days when I  have to force myself to be positive.  I get angry, hurt and tired. Tired of trying to make sense of it all.  Tired of trying to understand why life seems so unfair. If someone is speaking bad about someone else.. look where it is coming from, sadly most of the time is stems from jealousy.  I have decided that  when someone talks poorly about someone else I'm going to simply walk away. I want to come to my own conclusions about people. I do NOT want to be apart of anyones gossip.
If only we all did this.  Formed our own educated opinions - about everything.
Laughing Buddha is for my own sanity, I read, get inspire and then draw.  Buddha sayings are so simple, all about being good. Look within. It is about Patience, Love and Kindness.
 So when I post a cartoons and see that others share. I feel HOPE.  Hope that I might be making a difference. 
Hope that I have lightened someone's load. If only for a second.  Brightened their day if only for a few moments.  I have decided to come up with my Laughing Buddha cards.  
My strips have done very well and I have sold a few Laughing Buddha originals. I know everyone can't afford an original but I hope  they might afford my cards.  Share the good vibes, positive words and help cheer up someone else with a little Laughing Buddha Wisdom.
The best thing about these cards - I have them to mail out! ;-)  Who needs Hallmark-  
I am my own Hallmark ;-)  Back to drawing.