The above cartoon says it all for me. I have listened to so many people who are very sick and tell me their Dr. won't even consider cannabis.  If you go prepared - I suggest you print out information and provide links, research and studies regarding  Cannabis and how it can help your condition. ALSO print out a few side effects of pre-scribed medications - and why you DON'T want to take them.
 I have been blessed - I have great Dr.s  that clearly put the care of the patient and understanding concerns above their own.  I can imagine (no,  I know) how frustrating this is.  Being forced to feel like a criminal and continue to break the law. If you are like us you will break the law because you KNOW what Cannabis is doing for you and you will probably continue to use it illegally - rather than to keep looking for another Dr.  If that is the case I too understand. Especially when sick and tired of being sick and tired..  BUT  if your Dr. says no then at least question it, you deserve a proper explanation from your "professional care giver" They also need to have something to think about. I am convinced change is in the air, the way only it will happen is to get everyone talking and thinking!  Especially OUR Dr.s.  I do ask that you do not disrespect them.. most have worked hard to get where they are and deserve to be there, and just like the  MILLIONS of us have been mislead & misinformed. They cannot continue to deny the OBVIOUS facts. 

* side note.. yesterday someone made a comment that honestly - hurt. 
"Georgia Toons advertisements are cute and contain jokes, it goes over people's heads that they are truly ads for her website, and artwork that she sells. Just forget that she is allowed to advertise here."  My cartoons advertisements?? To get people to come to my site to buy stuff? Goes over peoples heads?? It had me think -is that what people really feel I am doing??  Am I not permitted to try to earn an income like everyone else? What many do not realize is no one pays me for my Cannabis cartoons.  I just started to get paid from one magazine I am in because he feels I deserve to get paid, but most do not. I am o.k. with that, it is more important to me that the message gets out. *I am very appreciative to those who do purchase my comic and the occasional item it shows me support and  it is very rewarding for me to help my hubby with the bills from time to time.  As MUCH as I LOVE what I do and WHO I do it for -  it is work. It takes research, time & thought - to try to get a message out with one drawing  - one that hopefully will appeal to others so that they might share.  GET people thinking! Make them aware that there are many children as well that are benefiting from Cannabis use as well as the millions of adults. I am PASSIONATE about what I am doing.  I was angry at the person who made that comment - he has since apologized.  Anyhow, already this a.m. I woke up thought - he has made me a better person, I was more determined to draw.Then  I logged onto FB and was overwhelmed with the support. I am ashamed that I doubted for even a split second. Rest assured I will not again.  Faith restored - pencils sharpened Brush dipped!   I have more cartoons to finish!XOX <><

Prozac & Paxil  - I have been on both at one time in my life. When my twitch started to get really bad I stopped taking all medications. That is when I started to look into 'stuff'.  I have taken anti-depressants on and off (mostly on) since my late teens. I'd rather not get into details, it was painful while lived so why remember... move on.  I can tell you, to this date I do remember that I went though SERIOUS withdrawal trying to go OFF of Paxil because It made me feel terrible. At the time I thought this is what it must be for an alcoholic. Yet today with all that we do know, children - yes CHILDREN are still prescribed anti-depressants when having a difficult time.  The difficult time -perhaps for many parents dealing with an overactive kid/teen. Teachers who recommend anti-depressants should LOSE their job.  Are they teachers or Dr.s?  Even Dr.s are not educated on all the side effects of anti depressants; they are instead convinced by a REP. from the company that makes the drug that they are the newest and greatest thing ever! I do not blame Dr.s -it is their job to try to figure out that is wrong with us and the hundreds of other patients they have, they hardly have time to do this let alone research each new drug on the market. Sales Reps. and the companies they work for should be held accountable.  If I was selling something I would make sure I know all about it.  Legal Drug pushers.  Do you know someone on Paxil or Prozac? If so share this doc. you just might save a life. http://www.cchr.org/videos/marketing-of-madness/introduction.html
There is no mention of cannabis in this video. There need not be, but any one with a brain will soon realize that is is in fact the reason why Cannabis is kept illegal.  
I can tell you I am living proof - when I was told to stop my antidepressants I worried!  Now off completely for over a year I can tell you my head feels clearer that it has for years! It is the Cannabis that helps me now with depression. YES, I still get depressed, we  ALL deal with some very difficult 'events' in our lives. We need to focus on  the positive, keep busy and pray for a better day- it comes. More importantly we need to look around and be thankful for what we do have. Do you have food for your belly?  That there is reason enough to be thankful for another day.
I will be doing several cartoons about depression and P.T.S.D - it is important that Cannabis  is an option for so many before they are forced to put toxic chemicals into their body. 
Please share. 

I always add  'Planting the seed of Cannabis education!'  I keep trying to think how can I get this message out  and start them young! It is children what I believe cannabis can benefit the most. Sick children.  They already endure so much, Cannabis as I have witnessed first hand in helping my son with his chronic pain is a miracle medicine!  My son legally using Cannabis now since 15 -he is 19 - Is thriving much like the plant! ;-) Our life turned around finally as he can control his chronic pain. He still has difficult days but nothing like he use to, as long as he is medicated he is able to function and live life like everyone else- and he makes the most of it. Thank God for Cannabis. 
 A Plant.
I am ashamed for those who lie and say there is no medicinal value to Cannabis... all for PROFIT when millions suffer - especially children. Children who have cancer- should be offered cannabis cookies to ease nausea, ease pain.. and that is just the beginning. 
So what better way to start a conversation! 
Awwwwwwwww...  my beautiful model all the way from Pennsylvania  is living proof we need to start them young! NOT with lies but with education for this GENERATION..  NOW.  Plant the seed first in the minds of our children, family and friends  then Dr.s, nurses, teachers..  Feel free to share our story and my comics - good ice breakers ;-)
If it helps than it makes my jobs the most amazing  job in the world! If just one parent learned from us and it eased their child's suffering, as well as their own;   then I have been truly BLESSED.
Tell them the truth. 
End the insanity.  

I will have baby outfits at the Treating Yourself EXPO 2012.  May 25, 26 and 27th
for those of you who are interested in an outfit and will not be coming to the show you can e me.  Thank you to my beautiful little baby and her very smart parents - planting the seed now.     xoxoxo

I was out the other day and saw these wine glasses at a big department store. Wine glass that says on it  'Mommy's sippy cup'. What kind of message is that sending to kids? Yet no one seems overly concerned.  O.K don't get me wrong, I LOVE a nice glass of wine - well did, and will still from time to time enjoy a nice glass on a special occasion (love Toasted Head *red) - so it's NOT about the wine. I have had several times when someone has commented on what I was wearing, once it was earrings with  cannabis leaves on them; made for me by an artist friend and beautiful with green beads, another time was a necklace that another friend bought me - it has a glass pot leaf, black on one side and colorful on the other. Both times I had negative comments. Over a leaf, nowhere do they say 'SMOKE grass' or 'Pick Pot' .. or 'Mommy's leafy helper'.  Yet for some reason these 'Mommy's sippy cup' are not only acceptable but it sells for about$12 a glass -Not filled with wine.  
A sippy cup is what little babies & toddlers use so they don't spill stuff so what exact message are we trying to send? This is your sippy cup and when you get bigger this is a sippy cup too. Who will be blamed when the child has an alcohol problem? Mommy's sippy cup?  YET this is O.K.?  Alcohol -legal, kills people every day, destroys lives, physically and financially, Cannabis saves lives, eases pain and suffering, helps people unwind and has never killed anyone - Illegal.  YET -I get dirty looks for a necklace?    
I am very tired of the double standards. I do know people who can drink in moderation - I will admit I know many more that don't - they drink to feel shit faced.  
Some of the worst to criticize Cannabis users are Alcohol consumers.  If you want to drink - drink, but how dare anyone criticize someone for their Cannabis use, especially when used for medicinal reasons. Don't smoke a joint but pop back a few martini's -that's o.k.
F*&^%$ Hypocrites.  A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation.
Adlai E. Stevenson
 Cannabis a problem? ALCOHOL is a serious problem with our young all around the world.
And Mommy's little sippy cup is NOT helping.  

It's Monday so just a bit of fun  with todays toon! 
If you are Canadian - chances are like skating you have experienced ice fishing.
Huddled in a little hut, sitting around a hole, much like regular fishing but more of a guessing game. Usually soup out of a tin and peeing in a bucket LOL ! I have tried it but shall stick to summer fishing. Still there is always a few laughs and ALWAYS have I heard of tales of what got dropped  in the hole - My dad was one of those items one year -LOL -R.I.P. Billy xox  If your Canadian and you love winter then you love ice fishing ;-)  I'm Canadian , not so fond of winter but understand the importance of ice fishing. It has been around since the beginning of time! As I sure many ice hut, hot boxes have been around just as long.
Well- a busy week for me! Lot's of drawing to do!
Im grateful for the safe return of my ice fishing son, sadly no fish but a fun time was had and that is what it is all about.  I grateful for a cold winter morning that gets me moving faster than normal! Friction. 
I am grateful for  the many ideas in my head that I need to get out on paper! I am grateful for sharp pencils! I am grateful to time to draw! 
Time to get busy - xox

A koala was sitting in a gum tree smoking a joint
when a little lizard walked  past,  looked up and said, 'Hey Koala! 
What are you  doing?'
The koala said, 'Smoking a joint, come up and have some.'   
So the little lizard climbed up and sat next to the koala where they enjoyed a few joints.  After a while the little lizard said that his mouth was 'dry' and that he  was going to get a drink from the river.

The little lizard was so stoned that he leaned over too far and fell into the river.
A crocodile saw this and swam over to the little lizard and helped him to the side. Then he asked the little lizard, 'What's the matter with you?'
The little lizard explained to the crocodile that he had been sitting with  the koala in the tree, smoking a joint, but got too stoned and fell into the river while taking a drink..

The crocodile said that he had to check this out and walked into the rain forest, found the tree where the koala was sitting finishing a joint. 
The crocodile looked up and said, 'Hey you!'


So the koala looked down at him and said,
'Fuuuuuuck,  dude...
How much water did you drink!?'  

and take time to watch the grass grow.  Given my own little twist.  As a kid I loved grass! lying on it, eating it, running my hands through it and putting it between my thumbs and blowing to make a grass screeeeech to be heard around the block! I could lay there for hours. Now It seems the only time I relax is then I am forced to - my friendly little twitch controller. My mind always racing.  What if... of course it does not help my son is far away
in the wilderness out of phone reach. What if...  Then, I have to stop and say! HE IS FINE, he is probably having a blast and I am thrilled!  What if he's cold... what if...
Note to self he is 19 - if he has not figured stuff out by now he's in trouble. I am reminded of Robert Munch 'My baby you'll always be.'   I know I'm blessed.  My son a gift.  I will always 'what if...' I AM MOM. 
As fate would have it I have my little friend over for a crafting weekend and she is happily keeping me distracted from a few of the What if's...  something usually only drawing will do. 
I did this drawing this morning to remind myself TAKE a breath.  When I am reading, watching, surfing, living Cannabis - I can get so CRAZY - CRAZY this is still going on!!?  Many before me have said what I have said, lets hope not many after ;-)  BUT it makes me say to myself .. time to step back, breath, re-group and then continue forward! 
Easier said than done some days.   

It is my own personal buddha called Storm that tells me to "live in the moment mom, nowhere but now."  How true it is .. I can get the past out of my mind easier as there is not much you can do about the past other than learn, do not repeat and GO directly PAST Jail.  The future - Who are any of us trying to kid if we think we have any control of the future -  God has me right where he wants me to be and I know it. I am thankful for another day - even it if has a few What ifs... in it.  
So, I drew this toon (above) in the a.m. and later in the day my good friend Josh sent me his toon that he just drew. (below) LOL, I'd say SPRING is in the air! Great minds think alike!(?)  It gave me a good giggle. Josh was turned back at the border the last time he tried to enter. ;-( He had charges for having a roach on his person a few years back. Not a murderer, sex traffic smuggler, MULE (lol) A roach.  Not a joint but the little remaining piece - not smokable unless - well LOL unless your Josh! hahahaha - seriously - Josh stayed with us and he quickly became a Special Peschel favorite house guest. We (all three - and dogs) were disappointed at this last attempt. JUST one more crazy reason to end the insanity. Is'nt he a great cartoonist too?  See more of Josh at>> Josh Boulet

Laughing Buddha..  normally I do not re-draw something but a friend asked me for this image for her timeline FB page. I can never get enough laughing buddha so it was a pleasure.
How true, the sun the moon and the truth.  Sooner or later they all come out. Cannabis is a healing medicine. FOR centuries, all around the world.  Seed planted by God for all the human race to ease suffering of the mind and body.  
Plant the seed of Cannabis education today! 

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!   

'Reefer madness' was really just a marketing ploy against cannabis. Playing on the minds of uneducated, instilling fear into the masses about something they knew little about to begin with. Roofie Madness.. YIKES!!  I recently really learned about Roofies after an article in the paper. Roofie is slang - Its a pill form of the drug rohypnal which causes the taker...or in this case victim..to lose all self control, independence and slight conscious loss so that they can be raped without resistance. Most cases involve the rapist putting the disolvable pill into an unattended beverage. 
Side effects: The most worrying side effect of rohypnol is that it can easily be administered without the victims knowledge and lengthy sexual assaults can take place with the victim having no memory of events afterwards. In many cases, victims are even unaware that assaults have taken place until their symptoms are recognised or their memory returns. It's a very nasty drug.
Be very wary of accepting opened drinks from strangers or people you don't trust, even if they are only soft drinks. If you feel odd, nauseous or drunk after only a couple of drinks, leave immediately and go to a place of safety. If you are alone or with a stranger, call friends to tell them where you are and/or go to the landlord or manager and explain your situation. 
Health risks: Used on its own, Rohypnol is unlikely to be fatal, but when combined with other drugs such as alcohol  the risk increases greatly - as the drug suppresses the central nervous and respiratory systems, there's a chance that you could stop breathing. Other side effects include hallucinations, vertigo, skin rashes, stomach problems and changes in libido.
If you ask me ROOFIES are terrible - What kind of a man would do such a thing?
NOT much of one at all. 
If you have a daughter and YOU do NOT educate her on THIS drug you are failing as a parent.  I would start at age 12.  IF you have a son and do not share with him how disgusting using a drug like this is on another human being - you are failing as a human.
xox

It's fun to say 'been there done that' when referred to such places as Atlantis in 'the Bahamas, Disney land.. BUT not so fun to say 'been there done that' as seen above. I'm honest. I have been there done that. Far too many times than I care to remember/admit in the case of the  big bowl.  So YES, I speak from experience and it is perhaps those experiences that allow me to draw what I do today. How many times have you got drunk?
For me, I seemed to be fine and then one drink too many and I was beyond the point of no return. There is nothing like a hangover.  With alcohol - never mind all the other arguments - it is so easy to lose control. You think your having a great time and then - it hits you. The old saying 'one tequila, two tequila, three tequila - floor." Sadly many people drive under this condition, fight, black out, argue and damage and hurt - all under the influence of alcohol- only to say the next day - "I AM sorry - I was drunk."  That makes it o.k.?  NO. 
*Booze so easy to get, a cornucopia of selections, cheap and tasty  until its coming back up.
Then it tastes like the true poison that it is.
Cannabis, I personally have never had a hangover from Cannabis. I have talked with some friends and the top complaint the morning after is at most - the munchies and being tired.  
I did have someone tell me he got very sick but admitted he probably had a 
*Jeffrey: a mammoth joint filled entirely with an assortment of drugs. Marijuana, opium, angel dust, meth, painkillers etc. Half of the ingredients are unknown, but one things for sure, it f*&^# you up.  But straight cannabis alone...   YOU won't wake up not knowing where you are with your head in a toilet bowl, wondering only God knows what happened and if the photos will later show up on FB! A Jeffery is also a problem that would be eliminated should Cannabis become LEGAL and we were in control of what we got and where we got it.  
IF I had a daughter -preferably 18 and up - knowing what I now know I would be sharing with her my past experiences in hopes that she might avoid some of the same mistakes. WHY lie?  I would also be telling her that if she feel she needs to let lose - please do it with some organic bud.  
The irony of Alcohol being legal, the facts - ALCOHOL does kill every day! 
Cannabis is illegal and has NEVER killed anyone .  
Somethin' pretty fishy goin' on round here.  Could it be about $$$$$$  ????

Before someone wants to ask me "why pick on blonds" in my drawings?    
All I have to say is :
Been there done that!
xox <><    

I missed yesterday - a bit under the weather. We certainly can not complain about this winter here in Canada - unless of course you LIKE snow. I like it - to look at but that's about it.  So today I am grateful for photos- visuals that summer is around the corner and the promise of spring - NEW life with it! 
I watched a documentary last night on North Korea. I am thankful I AM in Canada.
To be ruled by a man (men) who watch their people starve, keep them ignorant so that they do not realize what the rest of the world is like. The only one  obese in the Documentary was Kim Jong il. They worship no God other than Kim Jong il. They have prisons every where and most things are punishable by death. Speak Ill of il and you are put to death.
The ones that do escape to China are then treated like dogs and forced into sexual labour - or sent back  - where they will be put to death.  Shame on China. 
I say Thank God I am born in Canada and then I look at our leader - S----- H----- -( fill in the blanks any way you wish.) With him building  the new prisons and turning Canadians into criminals. Changing the name of OUR government to Harpers Government.  I had a friend who bitched about S.H all the time but when it came time to vote - she didn't have time to look into the other candidates so she voted "for the evil she knew". 
Instead of making a change because of being lazy - that is what it is all about, not going to vote, not finding out who possibly has your best interest at heart. LAZY. Vote for the evil you know? Then deserve the evil you get.  BUT your children don't.  I did not VOTE for S.H.  I WILL NOT vote for S.H.  In this country we have the right to vote. I will not vote for the lesser evil but for someone who gives me hope. I am thankful I was born in Canada and hopeful next election we will vote out our Kim Jon- opppps I meant S.H.
GIVE thanks.  Not sure who you will vote for, I suggest you start looking into it now...  or just look around, people hurting, losing jobs, jails being built...   

I am thankful for my girls who bring me smiles every day. No dogs in North Korea. ;-(

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

As hard as I try to stay positive I read or hear about someone that has been convicted of being a criminal for Cannabis. For growing a plant.  O.k. - possibly for growing many plants.  If you have a legal license to grow - fantastic! It means you believe in what you are doing and have gone about it the proper routes.  I am not hear to judge, if you 'qualify' for a license or not -it's  between you and your Dr. If you grow illegally - well you are taking chances.   I am NOT promoting illegal GROW's   especially those who do it illegally and destroys others homes (renters). Not Nice.  Not professional. 
BUT put this into perspective. Legal or illegal - Growing plants?  If you are not harming anyone in the process-  Growing plants  should not be a crime punishable like it is.  In Canada (sigh - Oh, Canada)  our 'leader'  S---. H---. (feel free to fill in the blanks yourself). has it so that if you grow Cannabis you are treated like a criminal and suffer a harsher sentence than  a pedophile.  This applies to patients legal to grow as well. I know of a few people personally who although legal and due to a lack of response on Health Canada's time with the MMAR licenses - have put legal growers (in most cases also seriously ill patients) in danger of being arrested. 
Pedophile: Someone who is sexually attracted to children usually under the age of 12, stalks and  physically and mentally hurts children.  Damaging them for LIFE in most cases. Some people never get over it. Yet grow a few plants and you go to jail.  
 WHAT makes sense about that ??? Really?  No wonder I  (we) get angry.  

It's incredible when you start o research a topic like Cannabis and learn so much more. 
I have in fact I guess been awakened. Rather than blame myself for my past ignorance I hope to  forgive and try to make it better.  It is not until my  .. '40ish' (hee hee) years that  I will admit rarely did I think past me, me & mine.  Or perhaps it has nothing to do with my age but more precisely  life lessons that have finally made me stop and take a good look around.  Oh well, what matters is I am here now and there is no turning back.

O.K.,  EVEN if you don't agree with me on Cannabis (I believe in time, once educated that will change - how can it not?) - are you aware that in places all over the world  "they" and we we all know who 'they' are, 'they' who only care about $$$.  
THEY are trying to have many, many, many plants patented -OWNED by a company and punishable to anyone else if you grow these plants.  These plants are NOT cannabis.
The plants 'they' are talking about are herbs, flowers in your garden, plants that make vitamins.  Even vitamins that you can buy over the counter  - you may soon need a prescription for.  Availability down and cost UP.   DON'T believe me!? Research it for yourself.  Don't care?  You will one day...
Humans.. we try to control everything - plants, animals, each other.  Each time we hurt anything we are really hurting ourselves. We don't have to all like each other. BUT for the greater good we better all start to get along and work together to NOT let some stuff that is happening- HAPPEN.  Stop hurting each other. 

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 woke up.    Need it be more complicated than that?
The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.
- Paul Valery -

If you have been paying close attention to my strip you might have noticed my character now more involved with the actual cannabis. Art imitates life. With life comes experience and knowledge. We hope! ;-) 

When I got my license someone said - what will people think?  I thought   “Who cares?”  It is one thing to defend my son, especially when he was just 14 - and thankfully I have not had to, for me - what will people think?  From the wise words of Dr. Seuss: 
           Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter." 
  It was a decision between my Dr. and I.  This past 2 years I have had a difficult time with what started as a ‘twitch’.  I even drew it into the strip.   It steadily grew in strength and frequency. One of the first things that Dr.s were concerned about was what medications I had been taking and I stopped everything. I was at the time on an antidepressant  & antidepressant enhancer!  Methotrexate (self injected every week for over 2 years) *Methotrexate has infrequently caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. Therefore, this medication should be used only to treat cancer or severe diseases caused by an overactive immune system (e.g., psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis).  A muscle relaxant for my twitch, plus and anti inflammatory and the occasional Tylenol for pain.  In just a few short months I lost over 60lbs I constantly felt like I was going to vomit.  I just kept getting sicker. 

My twitch took over. It starts a few moments after I wake up. It was constant 24/7 I had MRI’s to rule out a brain tumor(twice) and several other tests. For over a year I have also had botox injections on the right side of my face and head and neck to try to calm it down.  The funny thing is as I was doing my cannabis research for the strip I also started to read about prescribed medications  deaths and serious side effects. I watched several documentaries on this topic - Generation Rx and The Marketing of Madness are just two I suggest you watch if you get the chance.  I watched them both on line I think on TopDocs.  I was suggested a new medication and within days of starting it I started to get incredibly itchy from the inside out - I stopped it and that was it. I am afraid to use any prescribed medication and mostly because to date I am still not diagnosed. 

There are times when my twitch is so bad it has had me unable to draw or even read as my eye pulls to one side and the pain takes over my every thought. I have had several attacks where I cannot even pray. The good news is they do not last long but I do have a couple a day.  As I am going through all of this I was constantly coming across sites about brain research and Cannabis, how it is proven to shrink brain tumors and increase brain cell growth. So the way I look at it I am on the best medicine. I shake my head and look at all of this and  it seems that I am on a path that does not take many detours! I can say that although Cannabis does not stop my twitch attacks completely - I find that as long as I medicate I get breaks - and it is those breaks that keep me SANE. It also decreases the pain of the attacks by about 80%. I have such a new respect for people who suffer from Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, Huntingtons, MS, Epilepsy, to name a few.  All things, I might add I have read are significantly helped by Cannabis.   

It has also been difficult because unlike my son who looks the picture of health ;-) (thank God) I don’t. Every time I go out in this wonderful small town and I see someone I know who I might not have seen for a few months - they look at me with shock and then if my twitch acts up I see sometimes a look of pity. It is coming from mostly people who I know care about me and - I understand. I  am very uncomfortable with it though. Remember the pink Panther and Chief Inspector Charles LaRousse Dreyfus - and his twitch? 
I think I look crazy!   The most pain usually comes at night or when I am already tired.  
Also when I am medicated I can function. It gets me up and keeps me going. When I start to get depressed from all of this it reminds me I can go and cry or I can go and draw and draw it is - do what I love. Keep busy and distracted. 

The one thing I would not consider myself is  “stoned” or even high. What do I do when “high”  I function.  I clean, cook, play with my pets, interact with my guys, do laundry, garden, wash floors, wash dogs, draw, scan, oraganize -keep in touch with the magazines and continue to try to promote Cannabis education.  I try to keep busy and distracted. 

Now on Cannabis every day, a couple of times a day, I can say I only consume the equivalent to a joint. I no longer take Methotrexate, have not started anti depressants - and WILL NOT!  I do not even take one tylenol, I still take an anti inflammatory and a mild muscle relaxant that I also hope to stop and still have to get botox injections. I have kept my weight the same now for couple of moths but that is an effort. I have no headaches and rarely feel sick unless I have an exceptionally bad attack but that passes quickly.

This and dealing with everything else - who cares what anyone thinks.  I must try to get better. It is that simple and I am very tired of feeling sick not to mention worried, so yes Cannabis is my medicine and when it also makes me feel a bit giddy from time to time... AMEN!!! It helps me sleep too!  A cookie and tea at bedtime and I can now sleep though an entire night - for those with arthritis you know what a rarity that it.  I am starting to feel better. My pain not as intense but I try to never let my twitch get so bad. As soon as I feel it build up I have a small puff on my mini roor (love it) wait a few moments and then I  can get past it. I thank God and my son for showing me this healing herb. At first I had living proof and now we are living proof. I can tell you it was my son who asked me to consider using Cannabis because he loves and cares for me and did not like me taking everything I was. 

What a journey this is.  I know for one, my Dr.s are happy - I’ve talked about cannabis every time I visit and have the support of my neurologist, arthritis specialist and GP &  mental health Dr.  - who is also thrilled I have stopped my anti depressants.  I feel like I am slowly getting better. My head feels clearer that it has for decades!!  I have hope. 

Everything happens for a reason. I will continue to draw and share as I learn from our personal experiences. I do not want to talk about my illness or focus on it - it has already stole too much of my time and energy the past - almost 2 years. I have more important things to do  like enjoy my blessed life with my family and our pets and keep doing what I love to do most - draw.  Which is what I need to do now....

Peace, Love, Health & Happiness  - something we all deserve.
What ever it takes.  XoX <><

I’ve thought recently: I wish FB had a ‘thank you’ button.  I have several comments on my toons that have just made my day! A few words can make someone continue to work hard, feel joy and smile.  Thank you, Two simple words. 

So often I visit peoples pages and see the posts and they are posting educational, informative and positive things. I get many ideas from other peoples posts. I am learning and becoming stronger with each educational fact, video I see.  There are many people being Cannabis advocates  but sadly sometimes I see that they also post negative  comments - quick to judge others and put them down,  ‘stir the pot’ as they or “s*^# disturbers”  they are commonly called. I feel this can do almost as much damage to the movement as all the positive. It reinforces the negative stereo types associated with Marijuana  -days gone by - a Pot head, stoner mentality. Or someone who is an activist and all they post is ‘GET HIGH!’  Stay baked... Is that all life is about?  If only.  

I intend to thank those at least once a day, someone who I feel is working very hard. Trying to help get rid of that negative stigma, educate the masses and do it without walking all over others.  Making a difference.  I’m also suggesting people tag someone that they feel is doing the same. 

After a lengthy conversation with my son on this topic, I have decided that the first post will be on Jodie Emery’s page. I DO NOT know Jodie personally. We have said hello and that’s about it. If you know me I am determined not to judge someone on what I have HEARD but on what I witness with my own eyes and hear with my own ears. In this life we will always have someone who does not like us and has negative remarks to make, that is LIFE.  Jodie herself has posted about 'haters'.  All we can do is keep moving forward and know that in our own hearts and mind we are trying to do the right thing. 

I have watched and Jodie is tireless, always professional with her appearance, never seems to lose that smile for each supporter/fan that asks for a photo but more importantly  her posts are educational on Cannabis awareness and political actions  that involve all of us - mostly Canadian as Jodie is Canadian. It cannot be easy to do all this with her  husband in jail for his Cannabis activism. Yet she continues to prove by her actions what is very important to her and all of us.  I thank her for what she is doing. 

I plan on posting it not just on ‘famous’ activists but many patients walls who are also dealing with an illness on top of everything else.  There are so many people out there who believe and are determined to make a difference and help end his insanity! So if you do tag someone please make sure they are Cannabis activists making a positive difference in this Cannabis conundrum!  If you are reading  this blog you are helping me by sharing and being supportive an I truly Thank you. xox <><

Yesterday I did a radio interview about medical Cannabis. I was asked a few months ago and thought what a great way to start off my new year. It is one thing to draw  but sometimes we have to speak.  I had a conversation with someone not long ago and I said to her.. "people don't get it - they don't know what's its really like.." Her reply  "Because you don't tell them what it is really like. How can they know?"   I can sit and write - alone in my studio, I can sit and draw, think, cry & giggle -   get it out of my system and on paper. I can not talk about some things  that are too painful.  I can NOT think too long on things that are  painful. Instead I force myself to think of more positive things and how I can possibly make a difference.  I will from time talk about it If I am asked - how can I not? 

Everyday you can read about drunk drivers, and that is usually just the stories where they have killed someone.  Many do not realize that even if no one is killed  the results from a impaired driving charge can be devastating - not to mention $$$$ - court, your record, insurance (that will not pay if you are impaired) shame and the tole it takes on a family. They happen every day, at all times of the day - I use to think; I don't like to be out on the roads late  for fear of impaired drivers - then I saw a lady on T.V who killed a little girl because she was impaired at 9:30 a.m.   I will admit when I was younger I did drive impaired and I have thanked God that I did not kill anyone or hurt myself. We hear about it all the time, we read about it all the time and we continue to do it all the time...  
 It is hard NOT to get caught up in the cannabis/alcohol comparison when you start to research all of this. If anything should be illegal it is alcohol.
Been there done that..  that is NOT going to happen.  
*NOW more proof: 
http://www.businessinsider.com/it-turns-out-that-smoking-marijuana-may-actually-make-you-a-better-driver-2011-12    
 proof that  *1 given the option people would rather get 'high" than drink alcohol. Why? Because they know Cannabis is safer. *2 Cannabis does make people more cautious drivers. Well with a couple of exceptions, I've noticed AGAIN its the person not the pot.  Aggressive, bad drivers - are still bad drivers. But I have been with many drivers that are 'high' medicated and noticed a sense of calm.  I can tell you about a year ago I was having a bad day and took a pain pill for my arthritis, 20 mins. later I was feeling so doped out I had to cancel plans because I knew I could not drive.   
I AM NOT saying to drive HIGH either. Different peole are effected  by Cannabis in different ways. IF you are not in control of your mind/body you should not get behind the wheel! Guess what makes people the second most dangerous drivers? - Prescribed medications, and then sleep  - being tired. 
Hmmm.. Cannabis once again seems to be less harmful that several other things. 
Also this was only once recent article on the driving thing.. want more proof  - start to research it - you will be amazed, confused and angry.
Drive Safe! Please do not drink and drive. xox <><

Comfort food, for me it would be without a doubt Mashed potatoes!  Grill cheese, pea soup, homemade chilli.  For my son it is my peanut butter Cannabis cookies!  Comfort food on an entirely new level.  My son suffers from chronic pain.  He medicates all the time with Cannabis. When he started at 14, we had several conversations about him medicating. In order to go anywhere  for example -a mall - before going into the mall my son will medicate, simply so he might walk around pain free for a little while.  If we know we are going somewhere in public and will be gone most of the day - usually he mediates with edibles. 
They take longer to work but when you do feel the cannabis - it can also last longer, carefully monitored he can take cookies to keep his pain at bay for most of the day.  Cookies, candies, bars - the options are now limitless - just search online. I am a limited baker - LOL (to put it nicely) but I can pull off a few good recipes.  In my opinion - I think eating Cannabis is the way to go and now I have seen this video -please watch:  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0VUsak2o9E&feature=share
It is only a matter of time before you start to hear all about this. A while back I read about juicing in Treating Yourself -You can read back issues here: http://treatingyourself.com/published-issues.php   One of the best medicinal magazines to education to date. You can read all the issues online free. No excuses ;-) 
Do you see these plans? A room full of green. LIKE so many others. I have rosemary in my kitchen right now - I made tea from it, use it in recipes and more! To me there is no difference. I had a friend send me some Cannabis juice and it was terrific (add a carrot and simply delightful!) it was made from just the leaves he said - in a standard juicer.  I tasted something like it before - I believe it was grass - grass - like the kind on the front lawn -LOL - without the chemicals!  I did not get HIGH from the juice and I certainly did not get harmed.   I am coming more to the conclusion every day that Cannabis is just too big.  Too many people are learning and listening & trying and BELIEVING!  It is not going anywhere so  enough already - STOP punishing people for wanting to be healthy, happy
gardeners! 
My dream is that one day they will offer cookies to kids in hospitals to help with cancer, chronic pain, terminal illness.  JUST by doing this they would mentally help a young child that already is enduring TOO much. 

Do you know someone like this? If you answer no - then you live in a cave. We are not smokers - non of us in the house and we don't allow smokers. Why would we? It is our home/haven and to humor the occasional smoker  just does not make sense. We do have a back deck with some ashtrays ;-)  I am lucky my mom never smoked either- I think this is how I escaped the temptation of tobacco, but my grandma - she smoked as did other family members and countless friends. I remember as a kid going to the store for my 'Nanny' to buy her her cigs. I was little!  I'd ask and they hand them to me! No I.D. no questions asked.  Luckily some changes have been made since then - that and the price of cigarettes - I imagine most smokers are careful about making sure no kids are taking them for that reason alone. As  for recreational Cannabis -I do think it would be wonderful if there was -like alcohol, an age limit  for any drugs.. but would it change anyone? I think if a child is going to try and use drugs, the problem does not lie with the child but with the lack of education from a parent/media/life.  When I say Media - I don't mean with lies or scare tactics - This is your brain on drugs.. how about true life, education and facts. KIDS re smart!!!!!  Smart enough to make the right decisions.  Parental guidance is the most important. What are our kids watching us do- that will lecture them on leter?? LOL
As for alcohol.. especially the past couple of days - In the past I was one for 'The Hair of the dog'   usually the morning after around 11 is when I'd self medicate with a ceasar (not the dog whisperer;-) that is what it is when you have a hang over and drink- SELF MEDICATING. 
I can tell you truthfully.. I know many, many  Cannabis users  that forget to medicate- unlike pills that you take every 4 hours - with Cannabis another true blessing is you use it and it helps your pain within minutes. I've yet to meet someone who has the shakes from not having a joint! It is more a disappointment than anything else.  On the other hand I have had my share of too many people (including myself) who were hung over and MISERABLE to those around them - until they drink again. Or smokers that just get nasty because they need a smoke. Do you smoke ? Can you start your day before you have a smoke?? I know someone who just admitted to me they don't even get out of bed until the 3rd cig,  or go to sleep - SMOKIN IN BED- ;-(( - until they have had another 2.  So you think there is a problem with Cannabis being additive? Think again.  

xox <><

Monday! I realized yesterday - doing my domestic diva stuff, every where I looked I am surrounded by LOVE!  Day after day I am loved unconditionally. Pets help us. They comfort, assist humor and love us. Also recently learning they need to obey us as well. How wonderful to have a turkey diner and not have all the dogs begging at the side of our chair.. thank you Cesar.  So Simply today I am thankful for my pets.  From oldest to youngest... Each age is the info under the image - you might be shocked!   If you can rescue a cat or dog with some training and lots of love you will have a companion and friend for their life. Or in the case of Larry - they might outlive you!  All living in one house, playing, eating together, sleeping- Fur, skin, scales - True LOVE sees no difference! I am blessed to have these beasts!
Not to mention all the cartoon ideas they inspire! ;-)) hee hee 
xox <><