I thought today might be a good day to tell you about Walnut INK! This way you can scope out a walnut tree and try to make some of your own this fall! I heard about this when in Halliburton listening to the radio - I wished I could have went to the evening so I contacted the woman and she shared her walnut ink recipe with me 
! Below is the e mail she shared! Enjoy! 

WALNUT INK                                      Judith Jaimet Bainbridge
 
Walking in the Experimental Farm in the fall, I noticed lots of rotting walnuts on the ground, under, of course, a black walnut tree, and I decided to make my own walnut ink.
It is fabulous for painting and writing. 
The recipe I found on the net was surprisingly easy.
I filled a pot with all the bits, fruit and seeds, rotting or not.
It is best to use the fruit when it is starting to turn black.  
Then I covered them with water and got it boiling.
It simmered all day, making the house smell all earthy, like a hobbit hole.
They recommend doing it outside, but I didn’t mind the smell. 
I strained the mess through cheesecloth and got the liquid boiling again.
It was about 10 cups at this point.

The idea is to boil it down until you have an almost black ink.
It made finally about one cup. Pouring it into sterilized jars will keep it from getting mouldy. When you use it, if you pour a little into a small container to dip your pen into, the original amount will stay germ-free longer. I froze some to see if it will stay useable when it is thawed, but I lost the cubes in my move. Try it and let me know please. 

The result was a gorgeous, brown-black ink- a nicer colour than the synthetic kind- that flowed smoothly and made crisp hairlines. I loved it! BUT it FADES! 
In about six months in a window, it had lost most of its intensity and was very pale.
That was a year and a half ago and it hasn’t faded away completely.
The old manuscripts that we see of brown ink were initially almost black. I have since learned that a little vinegar and salt will make it lightfast. I have not tested that. 
The synthetic, dried ink you buy from *John Neal Bookseller, is made from all natural substances and starts with peat. It is lightfast. It keeps and carries well because it comes in dried crystal form and requires only the addition of distilled water to make it useable.
 *johnnealbooks.com                       [email protected]

***Judith is retired from doing heraldic art and calligraphy for the Governor General and the Federal Government. She now does sculpture and the book arts.  She live 6 months in Ottawa and 6 months in Minden where she teaches for the HSA or for Fay @ Visible Voices Open art Studio!  They call the gatherings ‘Creative Interludes’ - short bursts of playful creativity - rather than workshops.  I wish it was closer! I'd be there!!
Leaders share their skill and knowledge and  all learn from each other. A Creative Interlude suggests an informality, a relatively short time to explore, experiment and experience that is open to anyone interested. Sometimes they get people who don’t really consider themselves to be ‘creative’  but are intrigued…and they want to encourage that.  If people want ‘more’ then they organize that.  Check it out:

Facebook: Visible Voices Open Arts Studio
www.openartsstudio.ca

Judith has not retired from teaching- 'I love it'.  It shows! I am thankful she shared this recipe with me IF you do try it PLEASE let me know as well! 

Believe! 
xox <>< 
​GET creative today! 

Another Kitty has reached its destination!
This Kitty I kept a secret but it's a special number FUR a Puuuurfect person - I've admired for a while! I was thrilled she liked her Kitty(s) in the Grass,  reading her email made me smile.  I won't tell you who this owner is as she travels and It's more fun this way.  

A couple more kittys are in the mail and already on the way!
This Lion made me smile as I painted it, like how I feel when I think of the recipient.  ;) 
I might do another lions but no two kitties will ever be the same...

Would you be interested in Kitty in the Grass? Let me know 'why' in an e mail message.  
I'll see what I can do. 
​
By the way - if this person never took another photo of her Kitties - I'd be o.k. -  I know SHE plants the seed of cannabis education and then some and has long before I started drawing about it,  She has represented the plant proud in my opinion. ;)
​
Please never stop planting the seed of cannabis education, I read wonderful news one moment and terrible news the next,  over 'Plants'. 
Have a creative cannabis conversation.  <3 

Have Faith  (in yourself) 
xox
​<><    

I like to WARM up!
Stretch my body, water, coffee & some fruit or juiced stuff start my day for the brain then I'm in my office/studio and  before I start what I am already currently working on - I like to warm up my brain with my watercolor!  
I recently purchased some fine water color cards & envelopes to do just that.  
I love to create custom cards and better -  I love to give them away. 
Better then any bought card any day!
The perfect warm up before I start more serious painting business.
Up with the birds, I have a Dr.s Apointment in a couple of hours (me & Poppy)  and I heard this doctors Dachshund died recently  :(  he loved his little dog - that I know. 
The card a gift for him. Todays Job for making someone smile is done. 

Have Faith! 
<><
xox 

To learn about the eggs: http://www.welovedaruma.com/en/about_daruma.html   Easter and the symbolism of rebirth, spring, new growth, forgiveness & hope.
I feel stronger about this Easter and what it stands for than  I did only a year ago. 

I asked the guys if they wouldn't mind staying home this Easter even though we were invited to the 'family dinner - actually, I said I was staying home but they could go - lol -it did not go as planned... so, I painted  eggs to give to a very 'select few', purchased a new everyday tablecloth,  Norm  helped clean - we picked up some tulips and  Easter dinner  (cooked and catered by mom) was  terrific. Perfect. 

​It  was a peaceful day... leading up to a mini Spring break. 
I've decided to take some time to read and draw, think and draw... spend time with Jesus- as I become less religious.  This Rosary you see is my meditation.  
I sleep with it wrapped around my hand and wake up with it still there many mornings. 
Think what you want- I don't care, it brings me peace.  
It reminds me that miracles happen every second of every day, inspired by LOVE.
Time again to Go within, with Buddha and past time with Poppy as spring gets closer to becoming summer. 

I can't promise I will keep up the blog the next few weeks, I only have a short allowance for internet time, I can promise I will be keeping very creative!
I will post one  'image' a day if nothing else, but this won't include original art work- some of it is top secret at the moment,  a few gifts I don't want people to know about yet...  a couple pieces taking a while to complete and a NEW project -  I'm not at liberty to discuss - yet.  ;) The days are getting longer and I am getting busier!  Amen.
 
To learn about the eggs: http://www.welovedaruma.com/en/about_daruma.html 
I also made something neat-- going on my ETSY page soon... 
​
Do what you love & the rest will follow!
Believe
xox <>< 

​

Good Friday was not a holiday for Norm. 
We were hit with an ice storm, of course - now that the blooms were on the tree...  Late Thursday I heard a 'bang and then ice and thought it was the  iceplow truck and they had hit the sidewalk, the dogs barked,  Norm & Storm also heard it .. we thought nothing more.

Up at 6 the next morning, out the back window I could see how the ice had covered the backyard trees, the sun just rising - it was beautiful and I had to get a shot, I ran up to get my camera glanced out my  office window and "OHMY Go -NORM GET UP!!!"  He was still in bed, not for long.  
Norm said the reason our vehicles did not get damaged was a miracle and 'all the ice' - worked at a protector. Neither vehicle  even has a scratch, let alone a dent.

My heart and the tree are the ones broken.  Birds nest gone.
My view of leaves gone.
Norm says 'we can plant another',  that one took 23 years. 
No one to blame and only grateful,  the guys were worried about that tree, ever since we had to have one removed because of beetle damage.  
​Trees are down all over but the ground is grateful for the melting snow... back to it today, it was just too slippery yesterday.
Poppy & I get to stay warm and what else - paint Eggs!  Happy Easter Weekend.

Believe
xox
​<>< 

Mexican proverb. What a wonderful way to view life - much like Spring, impossible to keep from coming. I have been to Mexico a few times in my life and every time was a pleasure!
I don't know where I've been, that I haven't liked the people.
I had once a friend have her wallet taken in Mexico, our fault, tourists - drunk, giggling carrying her wallet openly - easy prey. Too easy targets & I get it.  It happens EVERYwhere.
 
Mexican people are beyond Lovely, caring and friendly like every 'race' we  usually only hear the negative in the media and don't often see the beautiful and celebrated. Now we can.
We are in control of what we chose to see. I enjoy the land, culture, FOOD and friends I have made over the internet, if my days of travel are not over - I'd love to visit Mexico again
 It's not just the people -it's the sunshine,  just the thought of the beaches has me sitting here longing for sand under my feet and I don't mean the kind Daisy dragged in . ;)

Imagine my dismay when researching for the past 'DT' (presidential 'hopeful') cartoon, to read some of the things he says about Mexicans.  Wow.  
Yes Don,  IF you become president... Build a wall!  lol    Do the Mexicans a favour.  
To think the average American might think this way is not reassuring luckily,  from the few I know I highly believe it to be possible. As the Dali Lama said 'It is your business'.

I would never vote for anyone that spoke so poorly of others, let alone an entire race.
I am sure Stephen H. said a lot we did not hear. Luckily.

This original has many layers, you can't see all the details in the scan. It is not the direction I thought I was going but it was certainly a lesson in watercolor all the same. I believe I'll re-draw this quote/proverb I think it is powerful and beautiful. 
​
Believe
xox  <><

F*cking Cowards.    opps sorry... 'One word' : COWARD.
This drawing on my desk before my son/sun was even up.
I read something was happening on isntagram and have watched the death tolls steadily climb all morning. COWARDS.
Storm reminds me 'These are people who have grown up seeing bombs drop their entire life and have seen family & friends killed countlessly. They are confused & have nothing to lose... raised to believe in a hateful, hurtful religion and education has been suppressed.' 
I love my son, still  he agrees 'cowards might be the right word'
Mentally ill, but not enough to know what they are doing.  COWARDS.
​I asked on FB here are some words people suggested:
​Lost, Vile, Evil, Cowards, Soulless, Devastation, Ungrateful, Homicide, Dedicated,  Brainwashed, Fooled, Deranged, Desperate, Islam, Mislead
& A  couple of more than two words (always happens):
"One Word : Coward = my definition : A lost soul that can't confront their own demons and instead go for false prophecy of something they can never obtain" 
 "A very desperate person who has absolutely nothing to lose, driven by vengeance, hate, ideology and/or religion, and most likely someone who seen their loved ones killed from war. If you lived in a war torn country (probably caused by the USA) then you would see how someone can be driven to that point"
^^^
To the last I say: BULLSHIT.
I watched a clip the other day where a  woman was commenting  'stop blaming the West, we have been  slaughtering each other for before the United States even existed.  She also comments on how bad treatment is  to have your hand cut off, stoned in the streets, don't get me started on how they treat women. Not sure if link will work but this is it:
https://www.facebook.com/KenWebsterJr/videos/1913266932232481/?pnref=story
Yes, no wonder they do not have any respect or value for human lives. To witness this 'as a common 'way to treat each other, can only cause people to grow up ANGRY.
I truly do feel sorry for them.  I have researched this topic for cartoons I draw- they do have it terrible - BUT look at the numbers- and do NOT blame a race, culture, religion, country for the acts of a FEW  NASTY COWARDS.
Sick Cowards who want to hurt innocent people. 

Another thing, I know thoughts of suicide... MILLIONS have committed and will still & think about suicide daily, YET NEVER do they think of harming others.
JUST like every person who owns a gun does not go on a shooting rampage.

They need to be 'GLORIFIED' as what they truly are.
COWARDS.   Not felt sorry for or as 'victims'.
Not what they 'think' they are - or what other 'like them' think they are - they are nothing more than Puppet Cowards.  They have no respect for anyone or anything on the planet.
That terrorist in Russia who cut off that babies head a couple of weeks ago -  I wish she committed suicide before she killed that poor baby.
She is nothing more than a SICK coward who is using life as an excuse for being miserable, who takes it out on poor innocent victims. Coward waited until the parents left. Coward. Coward walks down the street blaming others for her act of hatred.  

Educate others on what they are. 
Do not blame the masses for the occasional murdering madman/woman.
Forgive me for my judgement today. I AM ONLY HUMAN.
One that does not believe in slaughtering other humans... I am not one to pass judgement or try to understand why..  but boy oh boy it's hard to see/hear & ignore.

Please send some loving, healing prayers and good vibes to Brussels.

Believe
xox <><

Spring is here & the birds are chirping! The bluejays calling - eery morning around 8 for their peanuts. The grackles are there too, I'm trying to ignore them.  We hung 3 new bird houses yesterday and Norm suggest we put a sign 'for rent' on the front lawn. 
I have been blessed this past winter.. I had my own little bird and we have bonded, my bird 'Bird' & I. 
Bird is Bird, it the name that has stuck with all of us and the one 'Bird seems to respond to the best.  lol 
He is 'no cute little clown' that I thought he might - he is very opinionated, skillful in his flying  and quite the art critic! He sings like Elvis and serenades me all day and night long, as long as I draw.  It's taken some time and we have accomplished some training. 
When I'm in my office or painting room so is Bird. 
The door closed and his cage open he is encouraged to fly and exercise- a happy bird is a healthy bird.  What does Bird do? He flys around my head a couple of times and back into his cage! It must look like a warner brother cartoon, I've just had an anvil dropped on my head.  He has a little warning tweet he makes before he is going to fly - so I know. 
I will say the newest move on his part puts a smile on my face and my guys (Poppy - she is not so impressed. - she could care less about bird) he likes to fly over to my desk lamp and perch while I draw!  He looks down at what I'm doing as if to offer advice, every time he does it - it makes me smile without fail - my little feathered friend.
I made sure to hold him very gently and bring him over to the window a few times to let him know 'he couldn't fly through it', he seems to have 'gotten it and flys  back and forth.

It's very convenient and smart of bird and puts me at ease, when anyone but me comes in the room - he goes back into his cage and does not come out. 
His singing is  wonderful! He will sit and face me and do his little tweet - 'Look at me" 
Then he starts to sing and makes eye contact with me all the time.  Storm laughs as I say this outloud. He does.  It feels like Bird is little kids saying 'watch me! watch me! sometimes. Luckily it does not bother me.
I'm glad about our little addition to the family, his singing and sweetness have inspired me countless ways and everyone likes him.  
Please show our wild birds some love as they return this spring!  
Nesting material, food - until  it starts to appear on its own!
Bee's too - add a  saucer for water.

Today is the first day of Spring! The birds are singing and so am I! 
Time to get busy and get outside for some brisk fresh air and then paint.

Believe 
xox <><
​
Its also world happiness day, I feel happy. - as I type bird has just landed on my lamp! ;D
​Time to get outside and get the backyard ready for spring!

I'm struggling at the moment with a few things...  I do not want to have any more surgery and I don't want to have gamma radiation.  
I don't even want to think about it and it IS my body & life so - how will I live with what is happening is the question. 
​I've still not been given any definitive answers regarding what is causing this to happen, only suggestions on how to try to stop - once tried already and not successful and the other  has no guarantees either, possibly just more complications.

I am sharing in the hopes that anyone might have some information to offer- suggestions are welcome- unless your just going to TRY to SELL me something - don't bother.  Also it will help educate others  about Trigeminal neuralgia, semi facia spasms and compassion.  
The most difficult part for me often- besides the pain, never knowing when the attacks come and exhaustion- is others. People & their reaction to me.
& ME - me not caring what others think.
Me, remembering I am still very much me & more... I think I'm a new and Improved me :)
What does not kill us makes us stronger. Thor move over. lol 
Me trying to REMEMBER that  sometimes the people who are witnessing what I am dealing with, ONLY LOVE me, wish it was not happening and feel just as helpless as I do.
Me thinking friends will only see the twitch in me. 
Me.. :(   

Everything triggers it, movement and simply walking make it more active.  
When I sit and draw it calms a bit and I can forget  by being distracted  in paint. 
I have decided to draw only what I want.  
As you will see - and another reason I share- I can't quite keep up, its becoming more about quality than quantity for me with everything.  Even art -has become a new challenge (I am thankful and blessed to have!) but, this twitch can mess with me - as I paint details and suddenly my  brush hits the paper when I did not want it to.  I refuse to give in and let it consume- so I draw.  
If you don't have any advice to offer - I get that too... Please offer prayers and good vibes instead, that will be enough. 
* Note- I did not put on make-up - for who? I don't think I even brushed my hair. 
If you want 'pretty, faking all is o.k.' - go some please else.  This is my real life. 
It's not always pretty but it can be pretty terrific at times!

Child of God you were created to create!

The clip ends with my terrific bird "Bird" who makes me smile.. more on him tomorrow, 
 a new painting - Mexican proverb.
 Spring ! The first day of SPRING is Tomorrow!  
Oh my Gosh, what am I doing on here... time to toon! 

https://vimeo.com/159510266 < video of me

​Believe <>< xox

Just to name a few.

Believe
xox
<><
​

Hello, I almost forgot...
I agreed to a radio interview this evening.. if interested it will be:
https://www.facebook.com/paceradioshow/?__mref=message_bubble
​The pace radio show.
I'm not sure what I will say, I speak from the heart.
I don't know why I agreed to a P.M. interview, I like Al & Kim - so that's why... but my contractions are usually stronger so I will be medicating for sure.  
I also have problems with speech sometimes slurring, but today so far is a great day!
It's all good!

Speaking of which. I have recorded what it is like living with what I am. 
I guess it's time to up load it. What happens to me all day long, I do get nice 'breaks' some as long as 10 minutes!!! lol- the more medicated the  more content to ignore my pain, contractions and more.. to be able to draw. Amen
I do not think I can go though anymore brain surgeries, I have to learn olive with this as best I can. Even if it means serious withdrawal from.. life.
If you are an artist close your one eye and keep it that way, suddenly your depth perception is gone.  It's not the twitch, pain - its the frustration and why I am now forcing myself to work in more detail.
I'm a bit nervous of showing this vid.  
​All my handsome followers will run screaming - lol   ow well. 
Those who matter...  

I will share it tomorrow. I think.

Today - we paint! Time to finish that Octopus!!!
Believe <><  xox

Todays carton is by my good friend & mentor Ivan Art:

I wanted to send a friend something to cheer her up... something I knew will make her smile...

I came up with my custom little  "Hello Girlfriend"  I took at look at her instagram page - that was all I needed! I painted a mini 'TARA' and had fun the entire time!
I was so excited I made a mini 'Me' next!  When I was taking photos of Tara's paper doll I was truly giggling, then Norm saw it and chuckled .. Storm as well.  
I had even more fun posing my doll around my house as you will see below. 
Suddenly, I can stand on my head again! I can do that downward dog! It feels fantastic!
My body is free. My little paper doll reminds me.  ;)
                                I Am not a body I am free - only my mind limits me! 

The next thing I know I have a few girlfriends interested in girlfriends!
They make fun gifts & custom cards all in one.
I know I have 2 on the go! The thoughts of these little women going out in snail mail... they wiggle & dangle you can't help but smile! They are painted on  Archers 140 pound water color paper & come wrapped in a pretty little envelope.
The easiest thing to do is ask  a few questions, check out FB or instagram accounts of photos... 'Hello Girlfriends & Guy friends' will go out the door in small envelopes and bring big smiles across the faces of those who receive them!  
IF you are interested in ordering a 'Hello Girlfriend'  for someone special * no age limit, race doe not matter - religion- It doesn't matter to me - what ever makes you happy!
I love to draw them all!  
Go to my 'Art for purchase page' - purchase a doll and we will take it from there.
This is for a limited time only. because it is custom work will will take some thought.
I will work on my little girlfriends in the middle of the night or first thing in the a.m. and each one will get a hug from ME (and photo of us for the collection) before it leaves the studio door! 

Each Hello girlfriend comes with a letter of originality! Handprinted by me! 
What will you dream up today! Accept no imitations!  
When inspired by love you can not fail! 

Believe   xox   <>< 

Instagram fun.
I am drawing a green sloth for my newest barter agreement.
With a talented young lady in Taiwan.  From what I see she draws mostly on her iPad.
It’s not just the drawing I like - but her creativity!  
I think she would make a good cartoonist as she gets the point across with a single drawing.

I watched for  bit, she follows me - its how we were introduced, I asked her 'what do you want..'  A GREEN SLOTH.   lol  A Sloth it is and I learned some pretty amazing sloth facts!  Great conversation for the diner table. Did you know there use to be Sloths  the size of elephants!  Prehistoric sloths.. and they swim- much faster than they move - who knew. 

As a bonus  - I was having so much fun painting my sloth, I forgot to make him green so, I have two on the go, I will put it on Etsy. You will see the other after it reaches it's final destination! I love this.   I had another Etsy sale the other day ! Thank you!!
​
Storm commented (when I shared info. about the newest artist I was bartering with) “it’s like your studio all over again mom, you see a kid with talent and you go that extra bit to encourage them…”  I thought: It IS!!  I can!!  
How wonderful! No cricket club but it will have to do!  I am THRILLED.

My only concern is to make sure the parent are o.k. with me sending them ‘snail mail’. 
Hee hee, I like to add a couple of little things. ‘Canadian’ , I found these BIG chocolate Toonies and I tape a real one to the back. I think it’s interesting, I giggle as I sit here- I’m sure some reading are rolling their eyes.. I care not. I always include some form of maple syrup - mmmmmmm. If I havnt eaten it all.

I make sure the person - wants to exchange. I never know age - I don't really care..  Someone is trying to draw and express themselves and  shares it with all of us. ;)  
This is a reason I also think it's an interesting way to meet others.  I would also be using if I was single to meet others with the same interests. Who cares if they live far away- it shouldn't stop us from forming friendships. 
Another talented young man puts ‘Dogs heads on humans’, such a distinct look already!
 I had to tell him.  If you ever have the opportunity to ‘really encourage' someone younger - in your profession for example,  please take it. 

I feel special as well, my friend Hunter in the USA , who I bartered with shared his ‘picking a prom jacket photo’ with me  ;) 

Well its’ time to get back to the Sloth.

This too made me smile.  (Photo Below)
Happy, I can make someone feel happy.  Check out that smile!
It’s as big as my cats - are you smiling??  See! That is how it works.  ;) 

Believe 
Have faith 
<><
xox 

Too much.
After Yoga today, I was laying there in dead stump pose, Storm walked by and commented
"There is a Yoga pose even I can do".   I did not even realize the lesson was over. 
Todays lesson stretching for beginners and it was something.
I sat up.. looked at the T.V. Screen and this is what was on it:

Yoga had me in tears today.   Fill Your Life With people you Love  
I don't know what did it more  the physical stretching parts I don't think have been stretched in a while it seems. The frustration from time to time of NOT even allowing myself 25 minutes without thoughts entering I don't need to have enter. Or the reality of the past few days & what I have to contemplate on.  
It knocked me out on my purple yoga matt.
Storm started to ask me questions as I sat on the floor  looking UP at the dark screen with white words.
They stayed there, I don't even remember him saying Namaste!
I couldn't answer... I felt bad. I was choked up with tears.  He gets it. I got a hug. 

A confirmed appointment and I feel  tension again, on 4/20 of course.
God help me.  Everything for a reason.  

I am tired... I am out of water color paper but I did put in an order with Deserres,  & my friend Linda, so tomorrow I should be painting.
Tonight, I think I'll sketch a few ideas I'm working on.

Too much speaking, explaining & thinking has my mind full. 
Do what you love at it will bring you some peace.  
It does make me smile to know some are getting originals this week  & makes me want to paint more. & I have more going out, I hope to actually be caught up by the end of March. 

Tomorrow is Friday & I celebrate the weekend  with a bit of wishful thinking ;) 
I think that is good  too sometimes.  I wish I was a  CD launch party, lol ... doesn't everyone?
I wish I was at a Millie Madness event, I wish I was over in Europe visiting some friends, I wish I could learn how to paint 'space' in water color better & and octopus or two..  that I can do.

Believe
xox  <><

About Donald Drumpf
Are you kidding America? He appears to be an adult Bully & nothing more.
I saw a little T.v. yesterday and thanked God it was LITTLE. On it was a  little man.
One who spouts anger and hatred directed at other humans, has no disregard for women, well - except those he uses his little penis on. He is such a joke.
Calls an entire race derogatory comments I won't bother repeating.

When I was painting this cartoon, it just happened - I thought:
He will paint the streets of America RED if voted in as President.  With blood. 
I'm sharing on Fb. I wonder if my numbers will decrease - so be it. 
A friend said 'he can't be bothered to draw about it.'
I am and I'm not American.  BE bothered.
Don't think about moving here if you can't be bothered. lol

I have a few friends in mind, If I could I'd bring them up RIGHT NOW and we'd open an artist compound somewhere in Canada -  turning out works to inspire one LOVE.
This world is too small with  the age of information - we should all care about who is becoming the next American president - do you not think it will effect us all?
Especially if this ... this.. lol,  I am at a loss for words.
'Yuk of a Human'  has power.

Please tell me you're only kidding! 

Believe
<><
xox

*** I actually edited this blog a day later when i read I put the words 'Holy Cow'  in it, too close to Donald's junk'.
What an insult to the holy cow, in the same paragraph.  

Today was  great day..   I went to my moms and she fed me -  lol.  I eat more in one day  there then I do in a week. Poppy too!  She asked what I wanted for my birthday meal and I bet you'll never guess...      are you trying? I know some will immediately turn their noses at just the thought.... lol ... no not 
OX Tails!  My mom cooks them in a 'pressure cooker' she has had, easily for 4 decades. 
With potatoes, carrots tomatoes cause - I.m not sure what else. I would like to say unless you try it don't knock it - but I made the mistake of saying that to Norm and he loves it- so I had to share with him.. then I ask my moms friend 'have you ever tried them?' Well..  I noticed he is now a fan as well. I was lucky to get any leftovers.   I won't eat them anyplace else, same with my moms chilli.. it was a nice relaxing day, lots of catch up  Birthday cake and more.
Would you eat OX tail? How about Chicha:
Throughout the Amazon Basin (including the interiors of Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil), chicha is usually made from cassava, but also cooking plantain is known to be used. Traditionally, the women chew the washed and peeled cassava and spit the juice into a bowl. Cassava root is very starchy, and therefore the enzymes in the preparer's saliva rapidly convert the starch to simple sugar, which is further converted by wild yeast or bacteria into alcohol. After the juice has fermented in the bowl for few hours, the result will be mildly sweet and sour chicha, similar in appearance to defatted milk. In Peruvian Amazonia, the drink is called masato.
It is traditional for families to offer chicha to arriving guests. Children are offered new chicha that has not fermented, whereas adults are offered fermented chicha; the most highly fermented chicha, with its significant alcohol content, is reserved for men.
I eat  small amounts of meat, I'm sure you could fit the amount in a week  on one plate, so I try not to feel too bad about it. I do not think I would consume Chicha.  Who knows.

I am painting! Tomorrow all day- for my birthday I did get a better camera- and have taken better shots of .. BIRD! lol  Blue Jays tomorrow - depending on the weather. 
Thanks to anyone what has sent a birthday message.. I saw Jerry Kelly posted a HOT laughing buddha on instagram! Made me smile.. so many smile the past two days - no time for anything else.

A miracle today came true. Truly.
I am having a hard time wrapping my head around it and will just try to absorb it for a few days.  YOU have to believe!  You have to have faith in God and you have too  try to be the best person you can be. Not every one likes this person. You will never, no matter who or what you are, please everyone. I speak up, speak my mind and don't take much crap.
Who has time for games of bullshit?   Don't f*ck with my family.  We are all the same...
it just depends on the extent of your family. 
Norm and I had quite the day today... it started at 5 am with a very serious conversation.
Where after a nights thought he admitted to me 'I was right!'
Call the papers!!! lol - Actually it was because  our son also sided with me on the topic.
Then, I also predicted another 'tiny' event,  what would happen - and guess what...
I was right again! Almost to the T.  Today has ben a very sweet day.  

Really it was.  Thanks for all the Birthday wishes. 

Tomorrow I draw.

Amen! GIVE thanks! You will see... Try it!  What have you go to lose? 
Listen - if anyone has an EXCUSE right now to be grumpy - it might be me.. kinda-  f*ck that!  Time to  get excited and paint something fun!  
I'm on my way down stairs rightness to do just that.

Postive Cannabis cartoons coming soon.. Poppy doing Yoga.  Kitties in the grass going out again soon.. Stuff for  Todd - I am excited! 
I need to medicate more. That is a good thing.  I thank God it is not with something that is destroying my insides and turning me into an addicted zombie.  
 
I can do this.
I have accomplished things the past few years when I sit here and think about  it and yes. sometimes people remind me - I think holy cow - I did that? 
I can do this. With help.... I am never alone - we can do this.

Believe.
​xox <>< 

Well I've been given options again to consider,  consider BOTH for 2 different things happening...  just the thought makes me want to vomit- literally.  
I am the one living it.

I'm feel in a 'quiet mood' today I can tell you that much...
I think it was because my son, sensing my day- to 'NOT do' YOGA- gave me my birthday gift. ;)  Lululemon yoga pants & top & more!
I shall be the coolest Yoga mom in the house! 
This is the lesson I had today: Yoga for stress relief  
& it was nice, Poppy did sneak over at the opportune moment..  
I didn't care, she stayed there until the end being very yoga quiet. lol  

I'm cleaning my desk ready to celebrate the day tomorrow  by treating myself  to drawing.
​I try not to cry because I am  having to think about stuff that I'd rather not  & what happened 'IF' I don't. What happenes 'IF' I do it again, it does not work  -again.  
That thought is to much to bare at the moment. 
I was there already once and it was not fun to say the leas, I don't want to do it again..
as much as I want to stick a fork in a light socket. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microvascular_decompression

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brain-stereotactic-radiosurgery/basics/definition/prc-20014760 


Better to let it run around in my mind a bit today because I will not let it continue tomorrow or after that! I have too much drawing to do! 
Spring is in March too! Daylight savings time- Easter! 
Time to plant seeds!
​
I feel bad in a way about timing.
Why this crazy timing of small events one day and  what the next, I'm not in the mood to 'celebrate' my birthday - no restaurant, no  party - it's enough of celebration  - a day to  be here.  Do what you love. This is a lesson I am grateful for the past few years.
I won't be on FB for a few days.. I feel bad about that - it's my birthday.  Funny how it can make me feel - as though I am not being polite - if you let it.
It can be an added stress form so many if WE let it. 

Those who matter won't mind...
​
Believe
xox
​

Believe
xox
<><
​

 'It's been a great day to celebrate! My pal Linda popped over! I commissioned her to make me a gift for my Russian friend! I can;t show you what--  Linda is Silver Wind Studio on FB, and its always a good visit! Her bead work is really beautiful - have peek.
Linda brought me some items from my friend Kat's of Kat's Gallery! Haha! I cant show you them either! Both are gifts & I cannot spoil the surprise. Kat does all my framing for decades - wait until you see the framing on the work... I can show you Hunters!

The very talented young man- Hunter_ (cool name if I do say so myself), a friend I made on instagram drew this little beauty, I wanted it kept small and simple, not to take anything away from the art. We love it.  It is Storms, but I think we'll​ hang it in the living room ;) What talent so young and it's in his heart you know it!
I can't wait to see where this young mans talent will take him!
Today, I celebrated by NOW meeting and exchanging art with a young friend in Taiwan,
I also put together a little 'Easter Basket' for my Russian friend! What fun!  MUST mail tomorrow!
Speaking of mail... I know a few are waiting and I am thrilled to say 'by the end of March I will be all caught up! All mail will be gone - all art sent! Wood Hooo!
​Celebration Time  -woo hooo!

I have been very busy - working on several projects -I know I do it intentionally I even accepted - two- no -3 ! 3 custom orders- I cant share again - they did not get them yet- so YOU will be seeing a lot of art work! One order I painted a little bonus - because I can. 
I am blessed to sit here and draw and paint and be serenaded by a little bird all dat.

Tomorrow I return to the Dr.s for the results of incredibly long MRA - dye injected to run through the veins to show problems in the veins and aneurysm  and such.  I really hope they do see the problem and can possibly make a few suggestions that I feel will be positive.
Anyone who reads this blog knows words I am not fond of either- so...   I said to my good friend  "What if they don't find anything" - and she said "how can they not!?"  
How can they not... look at me .

Yes, How can they NOT!?
Prayers are appreciated.
I don't know what to do other than to do what I'm doing...
I don't know the direction life will go. 
Tomorrow is a new day- either way talk about timing - two days later is my birthday!
See, it's the month of celebration and there  is more! Every day something!
Something so great happened the other day I told Linda- "
I expected to wake up and this be gone too! A miracle!  
I am open to receiving. 
I believe.  
xox

It's the 2nd of March and today I did experience a much more difficult lesson in  Yoga - still for beginners-  lol - the last 10 minutes you just lay there- and 'He" talked you through, wow 
I felt terrific. I must say: I have a body sore,  a different kind- the kind I get every weekend in May after Norm opens the pool and I dive in!!
I would never of thought after the little bit I did yesterday that I would get the same feeling of a workout like swimming in the pool.  Clearly it needs to be done.  
I loved it! The dogs inside - Celebrate! We finally have about a a good 6 inches or more of snow ! It is beautiful, the ground needs it.
A firm 'GO lie down girls' - close enough they could watch all was good until the last 5 minutes of my 'OH' so relaxing session, Scruffy lying beside me - stretched out toe to toe - starts to SNORE.  lol.  I am using and enjoying:
                         Do Yoga with Me- free online - I put it on the living room TV 
A friend also told me about a kids program I'd like to share- I found it very amusing! 
Cosmic Kids Yoga- Brilliant!  < Also FREE, and online! If Storm was little I'd have him right beside me!  
Check them out! Try- what have you got to lose?
A stiff body & mind? lol 

A bit of a let down on the Tom Hardy Movie- way too violent for me.  
lol - Gangster movie - clue in' Georgia & they talk so fast- several times - I can't understand the accent.  
It is interesting as he plays both roles and does it well.  
​
I am painting a little nature cannabis inspired' piece and I tell you  - SIZE has nothing to do with it! I am enjoying the layering aspect of watercolor- each painting is also a lesson in patience, paint & more.  

I mailed out a package of original art - sure to make someone smile! I know HE will!
Hee hee hee! 

Believe 
xox
<><

March the Month of celebration! I shall make it so!
March 1st:
NEW hair cut!  
Yoga mat and swanky outfit (lol) It does feel good, it was not expensive. 
Start YOGA today! DONE! 
Watch new  'Tom Hardy' movie tonight on Netflix (Yes, I am a Tom Hardy fan)!
Mail out a postcard make someone happy! DONE

 Tara Roberts is a glass artist who just finished a very cool Alice in Wonderland pendant with the assistance of her partner Jason Lee.  Both incredible glass artists - have  a look, you will see why, but it's Tara's Yoga stuff that has me smiling... her outfits are crazy! I guess I never knew Yoga outfits looked like that.  It's been on 'My Mind and today was the Day!
She posts herself and I've decided to do the same.  More on Tara's glass soon.

In a few days I'll be 'another year here.' :)
I don't sruggle with weight at all- anymore, with what is happening in this brain - but - the other day I had to get under my desk  - and had just as hard a time getting down as I did getting up again!! Seriously! I thought "my God Georgia! STRETCH and do it right!,  I know too many '80 year olds',  who could run circles around me right now!"  
I got my hair cut at Aldos salon, in town for as long as I have - he still looks th same & Mary who cut my hair, made it a lovely exeerience, I was relaxed. I am grateful. 
Anyhow Yoga was a failure- I couldn't see my computer once on the floor, the dogs had me laughing so hard it could hardly catch my breath at on point and Poppy was poppy! When I had an attack, she comes and stands over me - the harder the twitch the harder she presses down! lol So, Yoga was infact a great success. I felt good, stretched - I did very little - that was the agreement I made with myself.
I'll finish this evening the same way, before bed. Without he dogs.
Scruffy too, would not get off my matt!! Never a dull moment.
Back to my painting - cannabis nature quote 

​Believe
xox