Music for your blog reading enjoyment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzs1K3caXJk
Wow, this cartoon smacked me right in the head ;-) Awesome.
It started with a joke from my best bud Cathy.♥ 
I was stressed wondering what to draw for 4/20?! 
The universal day of 
Celebration for Cannabis!!! 
A Plant.
Grown from a seed.
Made by *GOD.
(*original patent holder)


Medical, Recreational, Hemp, Food, Fuel.. 
It's the day and I want to say THANK YOU!  
                                       I have said it so many times, I thank God daily for this Plant! 
Give us this Day our daily Bud...  <3 Wow. YES,   I read recently  how powerful that prayer is;  Give us this dayour daily bread,  -not thanks for yesterday, or make sure I have it tomorrow. Give us THIS day.  Focus on today.
.. and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,
 and that                 ^ ^        ^  That simply put means  ^    ^  ^             :
                                               PEACE, PEOPLE!  
Religion aside... who can argue with those lines?  How else are we going to get ahead, clearly WAR is not the answer! 
Thank you Marvin, now in my head for the rest of the day.
People all around the world who suffer over a plant. A plant less toxic than many others,  proven helpful to ease pain, yet illegal and lives destroyed because of it.    
WTF?   O.M.God.  How disappointing.  
A PLANT.  While others  rape, kill, abuse, terrorize, suffer & starve needlessly... 
enough with the bullshit distraction. 
FOCUS on the REAL problems at hand. 

Rise Up people! Speak up! <3   Celebrate this Plant! Let it be a symbol of change.
It all starts with a SEED!!!  Life.

So.. Yes!
     Give us this Day our daily bud, 
       and thank you Lord  for it!
I do! Everyday! Keeping the Love of my life happy - How could I not give thanks?
Celebrate 4/20, Spread Peace and Love !!! 
- there are already enough assholes doing the opposite;-)


xox <><

Watch, soon you will start to read about the miracle medicine that Cannabis is. Not the snake oil that we have been  led/lied to believe.   I know because I am paying attention - not just to Cannabis as a medicine. I am reading about HEMP & the unlimited benefits from people juicing to cement. 
Go to the Grocery store and right there beside the Broccoli your cannabis to juice or add to a salad! 
Soon...  Juice Cannabis! < Read all about it. 

I had someone ask me with the look of  'REALLY?' on her face when I was telling her how after surgery, I used the vaporizer and was never sick again.  I see the 'REALLY?' Look when I tell them how great Storm is doing, and now I see the 'really!!'  look from a few close friends that are in my company when I medicate and can see many times; my twitch come to an instant halt if only for a few moments, after hours of endless twitching.  So I get it! I see the look often enough. I love it.

I really is depressing when you realize the many benefits of Cannabis that people could have been using and embracing and being educated on for years if not fo the STUPID - Simple word for exactly what it is. Stupid laws, prohibiting the use and education of the plant Cannabis.   As for people thinking it's snake oil, well - there sure are many people all around the wold willing to defend it's medicinal benefits.

I have said it before.
Walk in my shoes, learn what we have learned about Pharmacetuical drugs and then tell me you would not give your child Cannabis under the same circumstance! 
Watch this link and tell me this mother or father is wrong 
- LISTEN to the DR.  then .. imagine it is your child.
http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/parents-choose/50b663372b8c2a5d91000184
I am so tired of hearing this argument. 
WE live it. WE see it's miracle and  I <3 these parents! 
SHARE - teach! Sooner or later Dr.s will have to agree. 
AS PARENTS we must demand what is best for our children. ASK them - what would they do if it was their child?   
 The next time someone says - but there are medications for nausea - yes there are and while you are at it - LOOK up the side effects!!  Dr.s have no problem prescribing  drugs to children - but have issues with a PLANT? *  That has never caused OVERDOSE or DEATH.
WHAT parent in their right mind would give their children an opiate that they can become addicted to or even die from?  I'd rther watch my child laugh and happy than be a zombie on the sofa- TRUST me - I saw him for far too long sit and suffer and not play because he was in pain. UNTIL he tried cannabis. 
TALK to your Dr. 
The choice is Clear- Cannabis!!! 
I feel great about this news! Can you tell?  I drew this cartoon last week in bed and finally felt good enough to paint it today ;-))) - so Thank You God!  xox <>< 

* Note: Not all Dr.s I have been blessed with the best. ♥ .
Talk to your Dr. Help educate them. 
They are ONLY human. <super smart but still human ;-)
<><

More and more older people are turning back to cannabis! Why? Because although old they are far from stupid!  As we age we go to the Dr. and are given pills for our aches and pains.. they come with age for  most of us. That is life, happy to still be a part of it. 
Unfortunately, as we continue to age we are prescribed more pills for each ache and pain, sleep problems, stress, tired-- the list is endless.  Chemical cocktails, add to this already deadly mix- the fact that we forget! Accidental overdoes is a common problem with the aged.
That does not just happen to older people- it can happen to us all when not feeling well or distracted. It is not a problem with cannabis.  There is a 'home' in Isreal where Cannabis is handed out to patients who need it and benefit from it and because of -LIVING proof- it is becoming even more common. The next generation under the boomers - I was born in 64
are watching our parents being drugged for this and that. No wonder so many are turning back to something they KNOW makes them feel better- Still gives them a desire to live! Watch this short vid. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0VG3prgCDc
*if you click the CC box on the bottom you will get subtitles!
 It is just one of many examples! It is NEVER too late to try and feel better and that is our right! Share this with your parents! 
*Moderation. As much as I talk about anti booze- I do know several people who have always been able to have 'a drink'.  A drink after a long day - to take the edge off.. relax, unwind with a glass of wine. A (ONE) drink. EVERYTHING in moderation! My husbands dad was well into his 80's and said a shot of rum- kept his blood flowing. One shot - that was it. Usually in his evening coffee.  He died because of complications due to a car accident, it was not the rum - and he was by far one of the 'SHARPEST' pencils in the box. KEEP IN MIND, studies show that alcohol is more damaging to the body and brain than marijuana.
*the bong- Storm and I went to a great little new store  - http://www.thekockydog.ca/
nice to not have to drive to TO. for stuff.. any how I spotted this bong (a giant penis) and had to giggle! I said "who buys this..." and Storm said -"NOT YOU!"  LOL  so I thought I'd have fun with this toon! Of course I thought of the sippy cup* my friend Sue has a photo on FB with her and this cup and it makes me crack up every time I see it. Life is about having fun and feeling good. Not work, work till you die. So have a laugh and educate your elders about Cannabis!  <><   XOX

Cannabis is recognized as a medicine. Our Government and many US states (as well as other countries) all know Cannabis helps many life threatening illness and diseases. Chronic pain, cancer patients - and more. BUT some people are trying to get cannabis prescribed for headaches, depression and more and are being refused with Dr.s telling them it is NON-life threatening. In who's opinion?
I know from our own personal experience this past year with me not working as much, our financial situation 'tighter' than usual - and with that comes added stress. Stress because I am too sick to work, adding on top of everything else.  

My friend has been prescribed Migraine medication that is expensive and addictive! 
Fiorinal side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) slow, weak breathing, severe weakness or dizziness, black, bloody, or tarry stools or blood in your urine or vomit. Other, *less serious side effects may be more likely to occur: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite, dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness, ringing in your ears. 
Butalbital may be habit forming.* << She agrees.
She like me, says all she wants to do on these pills is SLEEP. She cannot function at work on them so she goes all day in pain - by the times she gets home and take the pill -it usually does not even help her very much. She said once home she has one puff- ONE PUFF- This I will tell you is NO lie- All I need is one puff and my twitch calms right down and I feel better.   You don't need to sit and smoke an entire doobie - well people with pain like Storm - they do. 
In my case I dont' and neither does my friend. 
The one puff does not get her 'high' - it keeps her going- even puts a smile on her face while doing it! She eats ALL natural is a vegetarian and cares about what she put in her body - no alcohol and as few chemicals as possible, she does not even use skin creams unless they are all natural ingredients. 
So why is she being FORCED to take something - where there is a safer, natural alternative?
As for Cannabis and depression... I KNOW it works.  
As for life threatening -  tell that to someone in pain, worried about paying the bills and still trying being a positive, productive member of society.
SHE LOVES being a teacher. Was born to do it she believes.. 
It is o.k. for her to take her prescribed medications at work - that keep her at her desk - not capable of much more that what is required.  So why not Cannabis?  xox <>< 

Fishing is so much more for me than the fish. LOL - I already giggle at that thinking Storm would say - Its all about the fish.  My boy loves to fish!  We went out yesterday - a BEAUTIFUL day on lake Simcoe!  We were out from about 3 to sundown. We laugh, talk, have snacks.. Storm fishes and I draw and take photos ;-)  I have had quite a bit on my mind the past couple of weeks. Stress higher than normal  yet- to sit there on that boat. Forced to just sit and see and listen - it overtakes you and al I could see after only a short while was all the beauty God provides us to see all the time - we just have to remember to look. 
When he first said he was getting a boat - I was a typical mom -- sigh.. oh, oh..  after yesterday watching him  get it in and out of the water and taking me on a tour of lake Simcoe, I now think- Thank you!  Thank you!  I loved every second of yesterday - including the water splashing us - cause I think he was driving a little too fast! (lol) The photos are in order and our day ended perfectly! With a gorgeous sunset and a Bass to boot!  Let go after the photo of course.  I'm looking forward to our next boat adventure! xox <><

To share or not to share that is the question, and I have decided to share.  I have decided because I myself have had a difficult time finding anyone with this medical problem. For the past 3 years I have not been well. It started with a tiny little twitch in my right lower eyelid, every now and then.. I did not give it much thought. Then it started to twitch all the time - more aggravating than anything but I did go see my Dr., tests were started. To make a long story short- and trust me there are days when it feels like an incredibly LONG story ;-)  It is now to the point where I have a constant twitch that can only be partially controlled by numerous botox injections.  Even with the botox  the twitch continues- I've noticed you can't see it as much on the outside but I feel it on the inside and I still have my mega twitches which pulls my face to the side and feels like it will stay that way  & it is very painful. 
Sometimes it is triggered by stress and other times simply by smiling. I have had a second opinion, and now my neurologist has arranged for me to see a Surgeon.
How has this twitch changed my life?  It stops me from socializing - partially because of how I look but mostly because it is incredibly uncomfortable, I lose my train of thought when I feel pressure pulling the back of my eyeball - IT is all I can think about when I am having a twitch attack. It is depressing. It is exhausting.  Every time the botox wears off the twitch is there with a vengeance. At that time I am a recluse. I even have difficulty walking (balance), drawing, reading and the twitch controls my life. I have to go lie down and pray it passes quickly- some so strong I fear that I just might not be normal when it is done or make it out alive during. It has taught me time can be shorter than we think - so best step it up -  it was the ultimate kick in the ass and I have accomplished quite a bit in the past 3 years - even feeling insane and in pain over 1/2 the time.  
Medication and botox are only  masking the problem at this point.
I am so ready to meet with the surgeon- I see it as hope, I know it is not going away - it's been 3 years, I am concerned as there have been some other side effects that I can not attribute to hemi facial spasm, pain in the area of the brain for one, weight loss and nausea.
I have read of people who have that the surgery and it stopped completely after only a couple of days- I can't even comprehend that at this point! 
So while I wait. I need to stay de-stressed, no coffee only GREEN tea for me and my medicine - Cannabis - even it does not stop the twitch but I will tell you what it does do- It allows me to get past it!  It makes my brain say - get up! Lying here will do nothing to help - Go draw! Go garden! Go play with the dogs! IT allows me to live my life.  It lets me see the beauty that surrounds me and gives me hope. 
So yes, Please do send me some loving vibes! I'll take all I can get! And remember - death does not take a holiday- if you are aware and breathing - you have another chance to get it right, do some good, make someone smile! Have some FUN! That is WHY we are here. 
I am thankful every day I wake up. I say thank you every time my brain wakes up. 
I thank God for another day to create - if not art than a memory. xox <><

If everyone that smoked it admitted to it.. 
If you smoke cannabis  recreationally or medicinally and don't take action to help promote legalization or even better Decriminalization they you don't deserve to smoke Cannabis. 
If you are not helping then you  ARE hurting.  Your worried what others will think, worried about losing your job, worried about losing your kids.  
FEAR is a powerful tool. 
All these thing we are all afraid of. If you believe are doing nothing wrong then why lie?
WHY? 
Why are we afraid to stand up for a PLANT, that eases pain and brings comfort and relaxation and (HELL YES) some fun and laughter from time to time. 
IF Alcohol is legal then we should be demanding Cannabis be made legal for all to use. 
No deaths from it EVER.  * YES I have to keep saying that - as it amazes me HOW many people I meet who just don't know that! 
How many deaths from Alcohol- you tell me.
ARE we not HUMANS - children of God ? All deserving a happy life?
We get one shot and I for one will not live my life in shame when I have nothing to be ashamed of.  Not for smoking, eating, vaporizing Cannabis. 
There are so many more dangerous things that are all legal - owning a boa constrictor, bungee jumping, ordering puffer fish at a restaurant, bath salts are legal to buy (the kind that Mess you up and eat your dog bath salts) so WHY? IT's ludicrous! 
There are enough of us - all around the world.  Many who do NOT use Cannabis but still admit & understand it's value and importance to medicine and  LIFE in general. 
So just admit it and move on there are far worse crimes in this world.  
Perhaps you will educate someone in the process- 
I'm not saying go to your kids school and announce at show and tell - I am saying, enough !  Cannabis is a safer option than alcohol and if YOU do use it for medicine be  LOUD and Proud! This is how change will happen. 

* If you are a parent - YOUR children must always come first - If you burn and then burnout - you are not a good parent. Kids need positive examples. If you smoke and sit on the sofa all day - you ARE NOT a setting a GOOD example. EDUCATE your children and  teaching by example is one of the best ways to help your children make the best choices for them when they are old enough to decide to try cannabis themselves.
Time to WAKE up! Time to Stand UP!!! 
Before we are shut up...  then, we will no one to blame but ourselves.

xox <>< 

It's May! No more April showers- well tell that to mother nature today! With May comes the knowledge of summer weather ahead! New buds and blooms and birds!! Yeah May! It ALSO means for us that the EXPO - is 24 days away! I say Us because it is a team - My husband is my sherpa ;-))) as is Storm, I could not do it without them.  I also have a few friends helping me in my booth this year! I realize the Medical marijuana Expo is a one shot weekend to try to educate as many people as I can! I talk with parents and others who are not sure about Cannabis and want to find out more. I WISH - I had known about such an EXPO when we started- Oh well, when you learn things the hard way you have a tendency to not forget much ;-D  Treating Yourself magazine has provided me with issues of the magazine featuring Storm's story and I plan of passing them out!  I will have originals for sale - framed and unframed, bags, baby outfits (only a few), jewelry, painting and MORE!! * Today I am posting this NEW -It is a RE-draw- but HEY ! It's my own re draw so I can do that. I always loved this toon and sold the first  (not as detailed) cartoon, but have decided to keep this one.  It is SO true -
 Then and Now - Those who Believe ! Yet we still sit in this legal mess where people cannot medicate themselves with a plant and are forced to have chemicals stuffed down their throats whether they like it or NOT - IT is WRONG.  So twitch or not - I will be there! I will be talking to who ever wants to know because I know how this medicine has changed & saved our lives!  We are LIVING PROOF!  All I ask is that you share! The more people that see the more people the seed has been planted in the mind.
THIS is also the toon for my contest!!!! So Make sure you LIKE it on FB and share! YOu could win!! Details: http://www.georgiatoons.com/contest-on-now.html

As I've said on this journey - I get by with a little help from my friends. AND yes I get HIGH with a little help from my friends. Friends who have shared wisdom, taught us what to look for, showed us the many different options and shared stories and lessons - in hopes that we might be able to avoid some of the harsher lessons.. why? Because they know how much this means to us. It is our life. I can not imagine my son without his medication. WILL NOT
I have met some really special people, some I see just in passing others I've worked up a bit of a friendship with through e mail. I have asked a few to share with me and in hope that I might share with you. Perhaps if we all could get past the negative stigma and meet some of the real people  you will understand why this issue is so important to so many people.
 
                                                                My Friend Patti:my story
 I've been smoking Cannabis for 35+ years. Looking back, it seems that I used it for different reasons depending on my situation at the time.
 I was born with Spina Bifida ( "split spine")
 Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect (NTD) which occurs within the first four weeks of pregnancy. The spinal column fails to develop properly resulting in varying degrees of permanent damage to the spinal cord and nervous system. Nerve damage is permanent. This results in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs.
 Because of Spina Bifida I developed Scoliosis and in my 30's Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
Myelomeningocele/Lipomyelomeningocele
 Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord
 I first tried Cannabis in my early teens. I liked it right away, and became a weekend thing. As soon as I was able to find it on my own, I was a daily smoker. Before during and after school.
 The world does not treat you right when you look different, so for me cannabis helped me thru my teens feel better about who I was, no matter what people said or did to me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I had panic attacks at and about being at school.
 I continued to smoke Cannabis thru my 20's daily as it just made me feel better and helped me get through my work day as well as home life. I always looked forward to every joint I smoked.
 When I was 32 my mom died unexpectedly. I was very close to her and at the time I didn't think I could survive thru the grief. Suffering from what I think was p.t.s.d with nightmares never ending tears, and depression......Cannabis was there for me. Helped me do what I had to do to survive.
 Life went on .... at 44 broke my hip in 4 pieces. Again cannabis was there for me through the recovery. I was given Oxy's but didn't take them. Recovery took over a year.
 From then on because of the "tethered" spinal cord, and my repaired hip I am now am in chronic pain. I was told by the doctor that my walking would get more limited and pain would get worse.
 So for now.....the Cannabis help dull the pain, and helps me function and get through my days. Special mention to: Thanking Blaine and MedCannAccess for making it possible to get good meds.

*** The toon above I drew for Patti and it was a pleasure to know I've made her smile. I thank her for sharing her e mail and photos and positive words. She has inspired me to work harder at what I do.