Well, Thursday we go set up for the EXPO - I guess I am as ready as I am going to be. 
I've got my hand painted purses, Originals, Minis (matted) - COMIC books! A few hand painted T's, sketch book - stuff! ;-)  Yesterday I hung out with the creator of The Green Reefer,  Joshua Boulet all the way from Texas. He is staying with us until the expo. We talked about how excited we are and discussed a few comic ideas for future toons. We also each drew a cartoons and posted them on FB. Sitting by the pool - funny thing the pool has no water in it! LOL The first time since we got it it has not been opened yet! LATE delivery of pool liner.. But it's still a great spot to sit and chat and sketch!  It's not every day you get to hang out with a comic super hero ;-) 
Now ready for the EXPO  I just want to be there! Seeing all the people from last year and meeting some new faces!  Having Josh stay has been interesting and fun! ;-) I was shocked to hear that in TEXAS you can go to jail for having a roach! How sad it that?  To have your life ruined by smoking a joint.   A crime worth going to jail for?   NEVER.   
I really hope to get my message across this time - I am more experienced (a little shy) but I realize this is my opportunity ( Thank you Marco Renda- who is also a patient  and knows  better than most the importance of his medicine )  to tell people what we know.  To help get out the message. I need to take only one look at my son and I am reminded why I am here doing what I am doing.    
Not sure I'll get much of a chance to blog until after the EXPO now - but I will be posting photos and  sharing stories after so I hope you continue to check in..   A purse at the EXPO - this one is MINE ;-)  I have only a couple for sale so if your interested come see me early! ;-) 
Ready or not here we come! ;-)) 
You can purchase only if you promise to carry it LOUD and PROUD!

A friend asked me if I would help her - She runs a place called Loretto Maryholme,  I have been blessed being able to go there in past for Potlucks (not that kind) ;-) other  events - book readings etc. . Working there today - helping with cleaning the cottages was  amazing.
There is a little log cabin that indians built for the original property owner one of the  Sisters was telling me..  It is full of rooms and has a beautiful wrap around porch and the property is simply breath taking. When I am there I feel better. I feel that because it is a retreat so many people have prayed there I feel it in the air. Surrounded by beauty, looking at the lake.. being in all the rooms imagining all the wonderful events that have taken place there over the many years. Hard not to feel closer to God. 
It can be rented! Or you could attend one of the many retreats. Normally with the EXPO  in a few days I would have declined. BUT I am so happy I did not.
I also get to see some women I LOVE, good friends..  I even enjoyed doing the laundry! LOL

                  http://www.lorettomaryholme.ca

If you want to get away , attend an incredible retreat, meet some beautiful women this is the place for you and if you know me- hey -give me a call Im only a stones throw away! ;-) 
I get paid by the hour but next week I think I'm gonna need an hour nap after the EXPO on that swinging bed in the front porch! hee hee hee  I go on the Monday after the EXPO - I'm going to remember to bring my camera or better yet - SKETCH BOOK!!  ;-)

Waiting now on the Green Reefer... Blog tomorrow and photos! ;-) Going to do some creative stuff!! ;-) xox <><

A week today I will be at the EXPO. It starts next Friday (less than a week)  - and like MOST artists I know I am still doing stuff!! Last minute - me and my Sherpa are hard at it
 ;-)  I had an idea last year just before the expo that was a huge hit.  Imagine your at an Cannabis EXPO and someone offers you a "little baggie full of dried green stuff"! That is exactly what I did last year and I had them running to my booth when their eyes caught my samples!   On the other side of the baggie is my business card (below) and it says on it CATNIP> L.O.L That is what I give out CATNIP for your furry feline friends.  It usually gives everyone quite a chuckle once they realize it is Not what they thought it was.  So it's a nice ice breaker! I also have to say most people laughed and kept my business cards - most people have cats!   So it is a great idea if I do say so myself for pennies ;-) and I'm making many little kitties happier!  hee hee hee

This EXPO is about many things to US. 
ONE:   EDUCATION   for us to become educated and hopefully to Educate a few people. A better word would be to share our experience and encourage people to Educate themselves. It is the only way you truly learn something when you are curious to do so.  We all know that from all the useless stuff we learned in High School ;-)  We learned best what we were most interested in.  I have patients come and share info with me. Some have become good friends.Last year Storm  learned about a few different strains that really helped with his "body pain". When you are in chronic pain it is nice to be able to control the body pain and some strains also make you feel good too. THIS is very important.  It makes me shake my head when they (BIG PHARM) says they can make cannabis that takes the "high" feeling out.
When you suffer  with health issues you have much to think about.  A little  mental feel GOOD is just as important as the physical aspects.  Ask anyone who is suffering with pain daily in their life. How it can take its toll on you some days.  Sadly some people it takes it's toll on them and they no longer feel they can continue.
TWO:  FUN!!!
We get so socialize, see friends that we don't get to see that often!  Check out all the cool stuff, cannabis related and other,  get some amazing clothing. I am going to invest in something HEMP for myself ;-)  Storm gets to meet some incredible people who love Gardening and Cannabis. People who really know their stuff and are as passionate as he is. His passion is learning about the plant.  It always has been - you should see our vegetable garden this year! ;-))  We laugh - I get to hang with the Green Reefer who make me laugh all the time  with his simple e mails  over the past year - he is coming to visit us tomorrow for a couple of days!  I did not warn him that this is a house that does NOT sleep in.. hee hee
*the one thing is Norm does not get to come. We have a house full of animals! HOPE is a full time puppy!! So Norm stays home - Not to mention he has to get that pool ready for the HOT weather we are expecting!! LOL  But I talk to him all the time and he is my sherpa - with set up and take down - He is also my personal set design and PROP man! LOL - I am so FRICKIN LUCKY!  And he works for - peanuts .. wink wink, nudge nudge...

So I better get back to work and print my business cards I certainly don't want to let down any FELINE friends this year! * If anyone grows catnap and wants to donate some in exchange for some free advertising let me know for next year!   This year is already bigger and better than last year so you know its just going to continue! Perhaps next year it will be legal!  Perhaps one day I can hand out free sample of God's natural healing medicine! !! IMAGINE!

O.k. here goes.. if you read this and IF you care about me, my son .. someone you love? SOMEONE you know who has cancer, someone hurting?  What if someone you know gets cancer in a year.. you will wish you knew. PLEASE  watch this you tube video. Seriously I am asking you.  It is important to me. 
It is 15 mins. If you care at all what I am doing,  if you have ever smiled at one of my cartoons? I made you smile?? ;-)   Am I asking too much ?  15 mins. Please.   
                                          If it were your child and you asked me I would watch.   
                 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ZD9JFo7Vw&feature=share

  Our son's story is going to be in the next Issue of Treating Yourself.  Issue # 29 a good friend said to me "you know you might get some flack.."    My reply -walk in our shoes.  
This story was hard to write. Because it is not a story it is true life. To tell enough, to make enough people realize how important this is.  As you might know I don't like to talk about it. It is painful for us to know our son is hurting. I get too emotional, I'm a wimp, I tear up..  I am inspired by love to draw and make sure people learn.  ESPECIALLY PARENTS.   I DO NOT want to have to worry about my son's medicine! I HAVE SEEN it take away his pain. IT is that simple. NO ONE has died from it. Do you know how many people die from prescribed medications every day? It is TIME to speak up.  KNOW that you have a choice.  So that's all I can say to anyone. This is our child. The love of our life. What would you do? What ever it takes..
I'll post when the issue of Treating Yourself is out. PLEASE watch this video. 
If you don't believe it look it up yourself! 

It's the long weekend but far from being a weekend of rest! It seems to be our weekend to get ready for the rest of the summer.  We have already got so much done. I love my backyard!  When we moved into out house there was a picnic table in the back yard and a little bush. THAT is it, no fence - nothing. Every year we add or do something now it is a little oasis (for us anyhow) footsteps from our door.   This year we had to replace our pool liner - first time - so the first once really lasted well.  It should be complete by the weekend. :-) I hope as I have invited my friend Josh (visiting from Texas) to swim! LOL - Water would be nice.    We took out a railing will add new stairs and planted a big garden - Storm planted the garden - being the expert! OF course we planted a few extra tomato plants to bring some produce to the local food bank. I also want to learn how to make my own sauce! . The guys do most of it I watch and point! heee hee hee and make meals and bring drinks and keep company. In between drawing. 
When we are outside the girls are out there with us Hope seems to really like the pond and like King Kong has squashed a tomato plant in the garden already. She still has to learn OUT! Of the garden. I'm looking forward to her in the pool. Tequila loves the pool and I think Hope will also.  Scruffy LOVES to beat on Hope. I usually stay 'out of it' as I know soon Hope will be much bigger than Scruffy so let her dream ! ha ha Our neighbor sent over a few baby toys for Hope. That was very thoughtful of her.  Well I better get my butt back outside back to work! I hope everyone has a fantastic LONG weekend - almost over!  ENJOY it while you can!  

Hope is now bigger than Scruffy ;-)  She is nipping  (always seems to want to have your hand in her mouth) but  I read that that is common and more about teething than biting.   It's raining here the past few days but that is O.K.!  There are leaves on the trees and birds chirping everywhere.  I am busy getting last minute things done for the EXPO.  My friend Josh is going to come and visit a few days before (a.k.a The Green Reefer) We're looking forward to that too. 
Reading: Clan of the Cave Bears.  By Jean M Auel. I read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I have never read a book twice but want to read the others that follow this one so I decided to refresh my memory and am pleased I have chosen to do so. I especially like all the parts about healing with natural plants.  ;-)  
I am so looking forward to this long weekend - although a busy one, I get to spend I with my guys doing stuff around here getting ready to welcome in summer! 
A new photo of Hope. With a dirty digging nose! 

Well the EXPO is 16 days away. Treating Yourself Expo in Toronto.  I was invited last year by Marco. He is the editor of the magazine my comic strip is in. Treating Yourself.  The EXPO is a chance to become educated! Meet others learn about everything from strains of cannabis - there are many-  learn about growing your own medicine and MUCH MUCH MORE!  I am very excited. Marco again has been very good to me, this year I am sharing a booth with Josh Boulet,  another super, amazing cartoonist. There was to be 3, but Ivan Art can not make it as he has much to do and is traveling.  
I wanted to make something to make people smile!  This is it. I don't know about any of you but it has already made the 3 of us smile and giggle.  Below is a photo of my favorite bud! Storm! XOX   
The EXPO is so much fun for us. I am very grateful to Marco and Treating Yourself for helping  me EDUCATE, share our experience and letting me be a part of this incredible event! He has also become a friend ;-) 
Last year I had people telling me "your comic is the first thing I look for in the magazine!"
"Your comic makes me giggle every time I see it!"  That is what it has always been for me to make someone smile! A stranger? Someone in another province, country, smile! How cool is that!? Too cool ;-)))   
So  I hope to get many photos of people with my Happy Hippie!  Just the thought of them laughing and liking their photo makes my day. Special thanks for my handy Hubby - Norman  for making my drawing become a reality xoxoxox I'd be lost without my guys. 
I must be excited it's only 6:30 a.m.!  

A cut and dry decision, I think Not.  I believe you should have a choice in what you put in your body, when you are educated and want, what you BELIEVE is best for yourself.  CHOICE.  
What comes out of your body - The miracle of life...  at first I would like to say NO! 
Against abortion!  God makes no mistakes...   It is not that simple.  
What about a child never wanted.  Abused mentally and physically over the years because
of someone's 'mistake'?  To be raise being told they were never wanted.  In that case would it not have been better not to be born?  
Simply - EDUCATION.. I really feel that in this day and age to get pregnant with a unwanted child is  UN-educated, selfish and lazy.  Does  a child ask to be born? No.  *Rape is the only special case. Being drunk, careless, forgetful, lazy..  no exceptions
To some a child comes not planned, but if they are wanted  and loved it does not matter.
IF you do NOT WANT a child and you are going to have sex, THEN use protection.  SIMPLE
No excuses.. what excuse do you have that would justify being responsible for a life? 
So if you have a child and you do not want it the right thing to do would be to put it up for adoption.  If you have a child and do not want it . YOU do not deserve it.  A child is a Gift.
If you have a child and you think that makes you a mother. YOU are wrong. Mother is just a word.   It is a title that should be deserved like any other.  
Mothers day for me is every day because I have a son who tells me EVERY day  he loves me and I'm a great mom. My son was and always be the best GIFT I ever received in my life. 
I know the kind of mother I DO NOT want to be. 
I've heard things a mother should never say to a child.  I've witnessed children being treated the way no mother should treat a child.  Some people will never realize the 'Gift' of a child, they have been given.  
I am blessed - 
1. For my son  
2. Because I KNOW he is the best thing that ever happened in my life. 
3. I have a small but wonderful family that LOVES me and that is ALL that I need.
On my mind.....        back to drawing. 

I woke up this morning and there are leaves on the trees! How does that happen!? Even my husband commented they were not there yesterday!  I can smell the dirt and the rain and LOVE every second of it!  Summer around the corner. Give me heat over snow anyday. I LOVE Canada and our seasons but this past winter seemed like an especially long and cold one.  Our puppy - after only one week is house trained! I do not - or ever have crated my dogs.  I just make sure they have a lot of attention especially the first week! It means I am POOPED but - The quicker you let them know how its going to be the better!  
It's a rainy day - I'm painting some details on a Prop. for the TY EXPO!  And doing what else - some drawing..  in between helping hubby, playing with my girls and doing domestic.
I must remember to stop and look at the LEAVES! 

I love my friend Kat! I work for her at her Gallery  once a week - different days and  some weekends to give her a break .  Every now and then - (More every than then .. hee hee hee)
I bring her a toon and ask her to frame it. That's it . I always let her choose. She is gifted at what she does.  She knows that I am giving these as gifts and I can't afford to frame them - LOL   so she donates all material. She is helping me helping spread smiles!! One toon at a time!  - so I keep telling her.. Anyhow - SHE is OSCAR and I am Felix!  I cleaned today - did not do what she wanted me to do but - I had to ..  I don't know how she works in there! BUT she does and has for over 25 years!  She has clients from all over. Really - if you need framing and want to tell her make it look its best - see Kat.  It drives me nuts - the stuff - it cracks me up too.  I know I measure wrong.  I don't charge enough! LOL - I frame something up only to find out there is a little ball of fluff in there .. hee hee hee  but I get to be around amazing art, meet some really nice people, have cool conversations and I like it.  She has not fired me so I guess she loves me too ;-)  I also get to bring my dogs and eat her food.  I have a great job.  I get to see Mike who always makes me laugh. I am grateful to Kat for my job and her friendship ;-) 
I brought home a drawing I did for a young lady today! I am excited to give it to her, I asked someone what she liked.. - I am hoping to give it to her a the TY EXPO. Kat framed it very funky ;-) and we talked about the young lady. 
Hayley Jade Rose what a beautiful name!  Cannabis is helping her.  Google her name...  Educate yourself a bit more.. ;-)   Walk in her mothers shoes.