Michelle Rainey
One night Storm and I walking back from the hard rock we both had mentioned how much we missed Michelle. Just the presence of Michelle. We knew her briefly compared to most so I am sure we were not the only ones thinking about her. I heard that a friend won the Michelle Rainey award! - I do not know the details (will find out more) - I am sure it is an award for cannabis awareness and compassion beyond what others only speak about. Al who is P.A.C.E is another hard working gentleman, as is his wife and his good friend Mike. I really enjoy when I see them and look forward to our talks. I am learning the EXPO is not the place for that to happen. So once again I am inspired by Michelle... and continue to draw for change. 
Also missing Marc Emery.
His giant banner and his t-shirts and buttons and beautiful wife Jodie all there. All there for Marc.  I have never met the man, but with most things I try to do a little research -I have educated myself to know that he is a very determined and educated man with strong opinions and is not afraid of making waves for what he believes in. For that I admire anyone.  I told Jodie, it was a moment  when I am normally a very proud Canadian... I was a little ashamed.  I cannot believe that we (as a Country) sent Marc to the U.S.A  and for what - in all reality .. A PLANT.    A PLANT grown from a seed planted originally here by GOD. I shake my head just thinking about it. 
You never know what tomorrow may bring! It may bring Marc home. AT least back to Canada to serve the remaining time. It is cruel and unusual punishment to be taken so far away.  I also told Jodie I saw a documentary about  Jack Herer, he created his best work in jail!   The Emperor wears no clothes. http://www.jackherer.com/thebook/chapter-two
I can only imagine with Marc will come out with. That and a wicked guitar Duo coming up with Tommy Chong! ;-)))   I am excited about that.
Well, I think that was the only thing about the EXPO that I felt was missing ... of course Jack..  but we know people leave us,  some  we will never forget or stop missing.. for me it will be Michelle.   

Tomorrow... ladies of the EXPO! 

Storm braved the snow to the mailbox for me. If you do not know I do not like snow! LOVELY to look at but thats about it. I live in Canada and do not know how to ice skate. The mail box - just around the corner had what I was waiting for!  The new Treating Yourself magazine!!  
Before I was in treating Yourself ( The happy Hippie) we would buy it at the corner store because we found it to be one of the most informative, educational and entertaining magazine out there.  I read it from cover to cover. Before TY it was Oprah ;-) 

Now my strip The happy Hippie has been in the magazine since issue 16, 2009. I can't tell you how THRILLING it is a a cartoonist to pick up a magazine and see your work in it!  BUT to have a magazine that you believe in, Inspires you! It's a dream come true. 

I feel blessed to be in Treating Yourself. Over the years I take copies to Dr.s, give them to friends to read and leave it out on my coffee table for all to browse. I am PROUD to be a cartoonist but I am even prouder to be someone that might make people smile and think about Cannabis. 

6 years ago I set out to become a syndicated cartoonist! Little did I know that a few years later, It is not about syndication but more importantly  about bringing an awareness to others about Cannabis as medicine. I know first hand what Cannabis can do. I witness it every day. God has put us on this path (Thank you!) I get to use my gift - that brings me happiness and peace! My son gets pain relief from Cannabis. 

Last week someone sent me a copy of TY in the mail to please autograph!
WOW! How cool was that!? It included a SASE to send it back to The U.S.A. I was honored and slipped in a matted toon to say thanks! 

If you get a chance pick up your copy and see why I am so proud.
I do not even submit my work to the syndications anymore. I am quite content doing what I am doing. It is with LOVE and that is all that matters. 
Time to go make a tea, snuggle with my new magazine and have a good read and get inspired! 

When my son first got his  license to use Cannabis I remember reading an article by Michelle Rainey. Finally, I thought!  After seeing many magazines  
(learning and doing our research -Storm more than I) I read an article in Treating Yourself by someone that you could tell cared.  I wrote to Michelle told her about our son  & thanked her for her inspiration. She phoned that night. She spoke with Storm on the phone and told him to be brave. As she did with me. She was So Happy for him, that Cannabis helped his pain. Michelle believe this with every bone in her body. 
SHE KNEW.


She sent Storm his first package in the mail. I won't go into 'details' but
needless to say Storm thought Christmas came early! And became a fan of Afghani Bull Rider. (These are things you learn about ;-) Every time we saw her it was huge hugs no matter who was around, Michelle continued to make sure Storm had some cool new T shirt and I was always welcomed to phone her anytime day or night. 
I also have a couple of T-shirts! I shall wear with even more pride NOW.
Although Michelle filled hers out better. ;-)

We did not get to talk as much as I would have liked. She was a Lady on a Mission and DID it WELL. She was a Compassion Cultivator! ;-D 

Not many women can pull off RED lipstick. Michelle could! Her passion, as red as her lips! Her heart as big as her t-shirt. I bet she looks fabulous
as an angel!  Especially the red lips ;-*

A sad loss for Cannabis advocacy. A great loss for friends and family. 
I had a hard time drawing this tonight but, could think of nothing else ;-(
it brings the reality of this journey all the closer to home. 
Good Bye Michelle THANK YOU.


I have no doubts you are in God's hands. 
Tonight I will pray for strength. 

xox