Today was one of those days.. Admittedly I'm not feeling 100%  My twitch at full speed again, I had to go back to the Dr.s for a Botox injection. I'm not quite a fan of Botox but it does help - so I guess I am becoming more of a fan. It think it bothers me more, that- I just can't seem to get my brain under control. It is also exhausting. 
I did not draw today.  I did watch a terrific Doc. Called The Buddha. It is a really nice story about Buddha - on how he came to be. I can understand anyone wanting to become like Buddha. To be the best person you can be. 
I want to become like Buddha ;-)  

I decided to check my mail before I retire with my KOBO (LOVE it)  and I shall end January on a GREAT NOTE:  My comic strip The Happy Hippie has just been picked up by another Medicinal magazine!!! That's 5 publications.
I am thrilled.  People need to become aware. Education and a giggle! 
I am so happy that is is becoming so well received! Everything happens for a reason.  Tomorrow I am going to wake up and DRAW! Pencils sharpened!
Have faith... Ask and ye shall receive...
Amen and Good night ;-)

Inspired by LOVE I can not fail.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.. Baby it's cold outside....
it is days like this I thank God I am not homeless and think of those who are. Why don't we have more shelters, money for our homeless and hungry?
Part of researching Cannabis  is the education of all the money that is being wasted.  To me it is a rude awakening.  People being busted for growing a plant, good kids getting records that will follow them there entire lives 
- for what!? Smoking a joint?
I ask everyone - have you ever smoked pot (*I call it pot, weed and grass - that is what my generation called it, although I have a new respect for the plant and prefer to call it Cannabis) and the reply is always the same -"Oh yeah... " or " I tried it but I didn't like it" or "hell yes ! I still do!" This from everyday NORMAL hard working people, most now parents, Dr.s, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, priests, lawyers, teachers..   Is the world crazier because of it!? NO. SO why is it still illegal?  I read recently - someone posted on face book - "we don't need famous people talking about Cannabis, we need patients talking about Cannabis" YES, that is correct, BUT we need everyone that is willing to talk about Cannabis to 
talk about Cannabis! PAST and present!
It says in my Happy Hippie Comic Book =
 I hope to see it decriminalized, legalized, Un-DRAMATIZED & 
Researched.
Families being ripped apart by  legal loopholes, losing money, relations and HOPE. Not to mention the money that can be made for the economy... and the benefits of HEMP!  I do not like to say anything bad about anyone.
sooooo....Do you know where Steven Harper stands on Cannabis?  I do. ;-(
All three of us vote in this family. Rain or shine, health or sickness.
 If you don't vote, don't voice your opinion.
Research before it is too late.  One day you might want to use cannabis to treat your pain. Or want to help ease someone who is close to you of their suffering. If Cannabis can do that (we know it does) then you should have that choice.

The following toon is just one way I feel money wasted on Cannabis prohibition  could be better spent. On a REAL, SERIOUS problem. 
<>< have faith
 

I woke up this morning with a cartoon in my brain! One of the ones that I HOPE - PRAY will make people think! Can't wait to draw it! Also my husband handed me the money for the printer for our comic book. Like many of you money is tight - to say the least. To know that my guys believe in me and what we are doing is the best feeling in the world. 
I can not fail with LOVE backing me.   Today we are invited to celebration
where there will be many other legal Medicinal Cannabis patients. I look forward to meeting them as I always walk away inspired! By strength and passion. I'll post a few photos later tonight.
So now I draw! One step closer to my dreams  I am drawing my dreams come true! I am using my gift provided by God - that I have always had-
to MAKE my dreams come true!  Only it took me this long to realize it!!!
The best part of this gift it I can give it to others! All is costs me is my time. I drew a toon for a friend Neev. Neev runs C.A.L.M  - He has been battling in court for Medicinal Cannabis and his Compassion club. He fights for all of us wether we realize it or not. I have also gotten to know a bit of the other side of Neev- The dad, business man and friend. I am glad he fights for us. I am glad to call him my friend.
 I love drawing for someone as I think about them the entire time I draw. How we met, things they have done and said... how they inspire, made me laugh. Of course each drawing is done with LOVE.  He will get it next week I am so excited I want to post it but I want it to be a surprise!  Either way it is a win win situation! I get to thank them and they smile when they see their drawings.  One step closer to GAKAC! LOL

Time to draw! 

It is important to have goals and dreams. They are HOPE.
I hope to be syndicated. I guess I am already in a way ;-)) Im published in 3 magazines. More work on the way. O.k. ...I hope to be syndicated and paying some bills! LOL  
I have a goal - not what you might think. One of the magazines asked me to design a t-shirt  and the money will go to a charity of my choice. So I started to think of a charity. I LOVE pets, drawing, teaching kids cartooning.. drawing  having fun! 
Then I started to think more.. I love kids. CREATIVE kids.  Kids are not afraid to draw crazy stuff!  Over the years I have been blessed by being able to teach kids how to draw/cartoon.  ONLY later, did I realize how cool it was to have these kids tell me  "I still have that fish you drew" or 'because of you I learned how to draw.." 
As I kid I LOVED to draw. I did it all the time. I drew some crazy stuff too.
To this day  when I spy a new box of crayola crayons! 64 with a built in sharpener- I get excited!!! That and blank paper! Really, I'd rather that then an - ipod.   I also really like the restaurants that have paper on the table! SADLY _ they always provide the cheap crappy crayons.   
Back to Charity...GAKAC!  GAKAC!!  Sounds like I have a hair ball!  GAKAC
                               Give A Kid A Crayon!  GAKAC
I want to create my own charity. Program. I want to give kids a sketchbook and crayons! (Crayola)  Kids who can draw but don't have the supplies. A sketchbook is like a diary for kids that can draw. A place for them to release, express and DREAM!  I truly thank God for always having provided me with crayons growing up. Had I not been able to draw and dream.. 
I'm not sure I'd be the person I am today. It was the one thing that I did and I did well, Or better than most. It gave me hope and allowed me to keep dreaming. ULTIMATE dream? To go to places where kids have nothing and give them sketchbooks and crayons and HOPE. A few cartooning lessons... 
That is a goal I intend on keeping!!   Now.. how do I start. 
I guess I contact crayola & I keep drawing so I can make my dream a reality.

I already drew my LOGO. So I'm ready!  HAVE FAITH!

First and foremost... A 'stoner' to me is NOT a Hippie. In my opinion from paying close attention... A 'stoner' is someone that smokes POT all the time 
and has no desire to do much else. I do not know many 'stoners.' Thank God.  Most people that I know, that smoke Cannabis all the time are hard working individuals.  Sitting on the sofa, eating munchies all day is only wishful thinking for some.   Sadly I have met a few 'stupid stoners'. 
         The toon below is a true tale, happened at the last TY EXPO.
After explaining that  my son did get his license at 15 because he was born with a very painful progress bone disease all this 'stoner' had to say was 
"15 - he was legal! That F*&^% rocks Dude!  He is so LUCKY!"

                              Lucky?  

Stoner Mentality? No, I just think a stupid mentality. Not thinking for a second about what those words actually mean.  
Does anyone think if we had a choice to smoke Cannabis legally at 15 or NOT have a terminal illness - We would chose Cannabis?  
NOT everyone who smokes cannabis is a stoner, far from it! 
Not all -luckily - NOT all stoners are stupid.  But once and a while we come across this mentality. A few times it has been said.  ;-(  
All I can do is hope to educate. If someone chooses to be a stoner and say stupid things without thinking -stay, sit on the sofa all day - the choice is yours. 
On the other hand... if  by using Cannabis you are like the many millions that are inspired, stimulated, motivated to get off the sofa and do something! (Many medicinal patients -suffering with pain and sickness) THANK YOU! for your inspiration.  You are making the world a better place. 
Cannabis or no cannabis the choice is yours. Educated or Stupid... The choice is yours. Cannabis or Prescribed medications- the choice should be ours.

Yippie!!! Just got the new magazine that is carrying the Happy Hippie comic strip. Now knows as Cultivating Compassion.
Even though I know I am going to be published in a newspaper/magazine before I actually see it..  it is NOT until I see it that I say 
"HEY! That is very cool. I'm in a magazine!"
I just got my copy of The GreenLeaf and 'leafed' though it (;-) I have to say I am looking forward to reading it! Visually its crisp and clean! Full of information, product reviews, myths & facts, recipes (YUMM!-Cannabis Whip cream topping! A patient's story, legal expert advice and more!
I can say, I am proud to be in this new magazine! KNOWLEDGE is power. Also - through my comic strip I hope to educate and 'spark" interest!  
                               NOW in Arizona.  NOW in the USA! 
More readers! More education! More awareness!  Well done Greeen Leaf!
Time to go make a tea and read my magazine - with the coolest cartoons ever ;-)!! Born of LOVE how could it be anything but!!!
to see more or get your own subscription check out:
http://www.thegreenleafaz.com

I can't wait for the next issue! 

;-) Watched some movies, drew.. spent time with my guys. It was  a great way to spend a cold snowy weekend.  Grateful for  time to relax. Today I did not go to mass. I do not believe you need to go to church, BUT I like to go. Today I was sore and tired.  I posted 3 new toons on Amen. So, not in body but in mind I have thought much about God this weekend.
And how blessed I am.   

Sometimes I read stuff and have to draw a cartoon right away. How can you not? It is an editorial i guess on topics from around the world. This was was funny- NOT! This poor woman had police all over her home, Police raided her "CANNABIS FACTORY" only to find it was indeed a home to her two Guinea pigs!  The war on drugs and tax payers money continues.
Could time be better spent of arresting serious criminals!? I think so.
In the news every day I read of such silly things.  Silly and sad.  Cannabis is NOT going away. Research is being done.  Legalize. 
Put energy, money and time into more serious subjects.

here is the link on the story above..
http://www.independent.ie/and-finally/drug-raid-finds-guinea-pig-heater-2493576.html

Last Thursday I went to bed feeling overly stressed.. My comic sent to the printer - now waiting on a quote, I have a estimate and I am afraid. More money we don't have.  I have worked so hard on this comic. Each toon drawn with LOVE and it is in my own way - my effort to try to understand it ALL.  And I am afraid.. What if. What is no one buys it?  My mind is my own worst enemy.  I had very little sleep.. Friday morning I woke feeling the same. My husband works so hard and now to have to get a loan.. more $$stress... 
I read my calender that morning,  a very good friend (& my biggest giggling fan to date)  Cathy gave me for Christmas. The quote that day said 
  :May I have the courage today ... to postpone my dream no longer..."
Then later that day Storm picked up my prototype from the printers! He phoned and said "I'm reading the Happy Hippie and it is Awesome MOM!!"

We have 2 copies. Both have been signed now by Me, Storm and Norm.
Only us three will have such a copy. My husband and son both say that this is amazing and my husband says -"we'll get by George. We will manage - It has to be done"   So I must put fear aside. Have FAITH as my comic book states on the cover and not postpone my dream  a day longer!
I posted a photo of me with the comic on FB and got such positive feedback. 
Fear is so powerful. It is what keeps us down.  Life is too short to be afraid. 
Afraid of standing up for what you believe in, Afraid of being rejected.  So Im going outside my box - I have one line to add to the cover.  
                             MEDICINAL CANNABIS CARTOONS
Wednesday I give the o.k. PRINT!  I have spent all weekend thinking about this. Today I post my new favorite cartoon 
(Amen & Cultivating Compassion) in celebration! Sunday -a day of rest and recharging. - I thank God for my gift and for the courage to go forward with my dream- and always for my family. 2 legs and 4 ;-) xox <><   HAVE FAITH!!!

My very first cartoon "sea weed" I have it framed and in my office. NFS Although I could have sold it now a few times over. It is how I got the idea to draw The Happy Hippie. Mike Peters (one of my FAVORITE cartoonists) had just phoned me and said DRAW what you know. You can't always make stuff up. And you will also have stuff to fall back on. Draw it all. 
I had mentioned to him that call " I am thinking of drawing about Marijuana" - He started laughing!  
I started.  Then  Sea Weed was published in a paper and a magazine and someone in California had it in the background of his youtube clip! One of my son's friends saw it and called me. How cool was that! Better than being stuck up on someone fridge! LOL -- AND all the way in California! 
It hit me. I was a published cartoonist!
A secret.. every single cartoon I draw has an intentional fish in it. <><  
I draw a fish to remind myself to thank God for my talent, the fact that I am able to draw, have my family,  Inspiration and have a home, room and food that allow me to draw. How easy it is to forget about the so many other that do not.  
I have many ideas for many cartoons but Storm reminded me to stay focused.  And I do have to. I can also be dragged down by all the stuff you think about.  But I need to focus on what I have to be thankful for. So every drawing has it's fish. Sometimes hidden sometimes obvious. 
Can you find the fish in Seaweed?  ;-) 

Drawing is like anything else. Anyone can learn how to do it and the more I draw the better I get.  I use to teach kids. I love teaching kids. Kids THINK they can draw! -That is all you need. Every now and then I would get a kid who said "I can't do it! - It does not look like yours!"  To which my reply was -" first of all I have been practicing a LOT longer than you!! I won't look like mine.."  But then I would show them this elephant painting and asked them what they think.. Most like it - how can you not... (below)

Then I told them who painted it - AN ELEPHANT!  you can watch the video - http://www.exoticworldgifts.com   So with practice, patience and hopefully passion - ANYONE can draw and paint. It might not LOOK like mine but who cares! Create- HAVE FUN. DOODLE see what you can come up with - What a wonderful way to spend a few moments or in my case hours.
       NEVER let anyone be the judge of your work. You be the judge. 
Did you have fun doing it? Keep it up I guarantee you will get better the more you do it. 

I read the Bible and talk to Jesus and Mary. What ever it takes!
What ever gets you thought the night.. Whatever gets me through the day..

The Bible - I find interesting and confusing - I Believe it is the ultimate text/test book. It makes me THINK. As it should ;-) This is why we have brains. TO think for ourselves.
I find the names interesting as well as the stories.  I PRAY. 
What mother would not? My son has a progressive illness.
No treatment - no cure. NOT yet! I believe in Miracles. I pray.
As a family we did a lot of talking over the holidays, especially since the Strip is getting more attention.  In 3 Major magazines and a BC newspaper. 
The facts are. Cannabis is the medicine that has my son thriving!
Like a plant from a plant.4 years now! Something that eases his suffering. 
But the more I learn ( I read about it every day) the more frustrated I get.
Not to mention the people I meet. It's making me crazy!  I BELIEVE if 
everyone just started to seriously look into it, CHANGE is inevitable.
Cannabis is In our life to stay! Cannabis is NOT going away!
LEGALIZE and research. Get together on this.  Get past the Hippie thing.. 
and think about it . Really think about it. 
I have to say for every little negative thing that is said.. usually - it is said "might" or "could".. never states that is is a fact that Cannabis causes..
 I live with results. How can you deny what you see every day? 
And now yes, I guess it is my job to learn more. As I continue to learn I continue to draw. 
I'd like to say on one note.. Health Canada. Anytime we have contacted health Canada they have been polite and seem to be trying their hardest.
I feel they are between a rock and hard place. I am a PROUD Canadian. They need to FIX the problems they are currently having and step up to continue to support people who need their medicine. I feel Canada is ahead of the game with Cannabis and HEMP. I am a proud Canadian but I am a 
Prouder Earthing.  For the greater good. I guess i am officially a Cannabis Activist.  YIKES!  I am! How the heck did I get here! Sadly - Blood , sweat and tears. Has turned into LOVE and paint and Joy.  I would not change a thing! I love my guys. Tonight's toon on Cultivating Compassion page. 
Have a peek ;-)  xox <><

Oh, The twitch is back ;-( Got that crazy thing going on again! At Walmart this a.m. I caught my reflection in the window- thought oh my gosh!!! Some ones going to take my photo - the crazy people that shop at Walmart. So be it. There are worse things in this life.  So instead of tweets I've got Twitch! I have 11 followers! LOL- Time to figure it out. Maybe not.. Drawing and family more important than Twitting. TIME to draw.. Storm came up with the next TWO !  (He really is my inspiration) ;-)

My morning started with getting an e mail from  Lester Grinspoon, M.D., Harvard Medical School. He is a very inspiring man. Those dealing or researching Cannabis know who he is. He also has some first hand experience dealing with medicinal Cannabis. He is one person (of many) that helped us on our journey just by sharing his information and experience. SPEAKING up.  LAST year - (like it was so long ago) I thought a lot about letting those you care about know it.  Those who make you a better person - Do they know it?  All to easily we let people know when they disappoint us.. I want to make sure I thank people.  

I had a great day, cleaned, drew and spent time with my guys. Nothing special. BUT every moment special because they are with me.  Oh, we have our moments! Doesn't everyone!  But when you know someone loves you unconditionally - you move on. Get past it.  I know my guys love me unconditionally.  How cool is that. 

At one point today Storm said to me there is no where I would rather be or anything I'd rather be doing than right now.  One could not ask for a nicer compliment.  I was trying to think of HEMP cartoons. My son told me of   Eddy Lepp who is currently serving a 10 year sentence for the crime of "conspiracy and cultivation with the intent to distribute marijuana".  He planted seeds all over. He lost his home, family and finances. FOR PLANTING SEEDS!? Seeds God created for this earth. Seeds that can help feed the world.

 So I wondered....  I know seeds are expensive, but I can dream.  -Tonight's toon. Thank you Mr. Lepp. 
 Thank you GOD for the seed that can feed the world and help ease suffering.  We should do you proud and plant it everywhere!