What a great BUSY day today was.. first I was up early as I was asked to draw my opinion on this Wall St. thing. Well you know how I feel but what I drew is below. I did not know much so I researched and found out the symbol is this huge brass BULL with BIG balls (so typical male mascot) the balls made me laugh s they are so shiny - from all the people that rub them! I guess for luck..  A symbol once standing for pride and power and $$$  .. and it came to me .. the bulls looking a little tarnished these days. So  I could not wait to wake and draw.
My day just got better when Lauren and her mom showed for a visit. I am extremely fond of this young lady ;-) We met because her medicine is Cannabis. Recently deaf - I can't believe how great her lip reading is! It is always a pleasure and a few laughs. I am quite fond of mom too as she makes me laugh and is such a nice woman, very down to earth.  I will admit that I also know this mom knows exactly where I am coming from and both of us are always amazed at the stigma Bull*&^% that we have to deal with, especially from "friends" on top of everything else, BUT we do not care. We love our kids and will do WHAT EVER it takes to help them . ;-) Such positive people. I can't wait to spend time again. Scruffy LOVEs when Lauren visits as does Tequila and Lauren does not realize Tequila growls the entire time. She is not afraid because she can't hear her and Tequila loves being able to vocalize. What I love most is that all you need to do is spend a little time with Lauren and you quickly forget she is deaf - because she is so beautiful - inside and out ;-) funny and talented!! Josh and I will soon have some competition! I think she secretly comes up to spy.. hmmmmmm Cartoon secrets. Storm enlightened us with a story about 'balls'.. but thats another blog! 
Funny my day started with Bulls balls, we talked about HUGE water mellon balls (poor guy) and I showed a Kangaroo coin purse that I just happen to have in my studio  - made from Kangaroo's balls! LOL  One of those days... 
Later in the afternoon I went and checked the mail and got to see my FIRST EVER HALLMARK CARD!! ;-))
It was,  I must admit very cool!  You know that hallmark symbol on the back.. my name and photo! But more so Scruffy on the front! Once again I am reminded how much I love my little 4 legged friends. They continue to inspire me daily.  A few photos below.. 
Time to think of some pet toons.  Cannabis related of course. xox <><

Find I'm playing that anxious waiting game again.  MRI Nov.2
I will admit today  the twitch won. It woke me up at 4 and never left my side.
My head actually, like a big old ugly hat that weighs 20 lbs. I should draw that. 

Anyhow.. Tomorrow I am looking forward to a wonderful visit from a lovely young lady.
Just the thought has a smile on my face. See, if none of this was to happen.. I would not have met so many wonderful people. Learned so much. It has taught me so much.  I want to focus on the compassionate side.  When I started this strip I had a somewhat of a stoner mentality, (F&^% the grammar I'm very tired)  and a  not even completely sure of it myself - believing all the reefer madness stuff. Then I saw Storm starting to feel good. Being able to do more and not suffer so much for it. Talk about the future ;-))) Not  hurting. Living.
And more.. so much more that I don't have the time to even put into words. 
 I thank God for Cannabis, my son and my husband every  morning. 
So twitch and all I am blessed. 
I am right where he wants me to be.

I think I need to take a break, pull back and breath.   
So sad how the world is behaving on Wall St.  I do NOT know the politics of it, I have an idea, but to see people who just want to voice their opinions and be heard -beaten, pepper sprayed...  In a country that is famous for 'We the People...' is heart breaking.  America is not looking like the land of opportunity to me tonight. I feel for my American friends.
So I need to turn off and toon in -to what is important to me.
Make myself draw A little Laughing Buddha to pull me up.  Focus on some Love.
Below A toon I drew at 6 this a.m..  because we have to remember to giggle or we will all go craz'ier'. 
Stoners just are at a different mind frame. They are not criminals for smoking pot just as a person is not a criminal when drinking - it is your actions that make you a criminal. It's not the drug it's the person. 
Sooner or later we realize are all responsible for our own lives. 
At the end of the day I have one judge .. and it's not you. ;-)
xox <><

Well, still September but the garage is starting to transform, no more tires and tools.. time for  goblins & ghouls!  Halloween is a month away. For the next month do not even think Of speaking to Norman if it isn't about Halloween!  Nothing else gets done and we fight, we fight about him getting tired and props going off in the middle of the night, leaving  bodies where I don't expect them and causing me mini heart attacks throughout the month.  As I LOVE to draw my hubby is passionate about Halloween so I try TRY to bite my tongue. The work that goes into this display is insane. All this labour for one night? Well it has grown to more than one night but really? Really. I can not deny that it is impressive. I do not understand how any of it works other than most are on sensors and run with a compressor. 
I really want to keep a journal as how it goes up so I plan on taking photos hourly when he is at work.  The most amazing part is that we do NOT charge - we ask that guests bring a food bank donation! So it is ALL for a very good cause. A couple of sneak peek photos below
of a few bodies being assembled (every thing moves!) -I am sure if he knew I was posting these photo's Id be banned from the garage. Hee hee hee
As you can see we all keep busy. I believe that is the key to happiness ;-)  & Sanity.  Find out what it is you love and DO it, Norm does not do it all year but HE thinks about it all year!
Today I paint!  I did not even get to touch it yesterday - it was a busy daw drawing and cleaning.  

In other words it is time to clean my house. I do it one day a week.. Laundry, floors it all. I like to have it done and out of the way. I woke this a.m. with a cartoon on my mind so I will squeeze that in between loads of laundry. I LOVE hanging my laundry outside I have not used the drier once all summer since May! It gives me a chance to look outside , hear the birds watch the dogs and witness countless mini miracles!  I have been given a nice distraction ... I've been asked to draw for a catnip company ;-) LOL - a natural herb that makes cats feel good.  I just can't seem to get away from it can I ?? 
Updated Eve... Even EVE will have to wait until the floors are washed. Tomorrow - I PAINT ;-)  I did have a terrific time yesterday with my friend as we helped with the church tea! It was amazing. Next year I'm not going to be a helper but a planner- with my own table - tea for 8! Guess what I found on my treasure hunting!?  A laughing buddha for my painting room. I wonder why they all have the slits in the mouth?  
Mop is waiting.. Today, I am thankful I have a home to clean.

The day of rest ;-)  Today I'm excited I have a good friend coming up from the city and were going to a Ladies 'High Tea.'  A fundraiser by my church group so not the 'High' tea that I would normally be invited to ;-) I will be surrounded by great women I love, good friends and home made goodies ;-) Then were off to an antique barn near by to look for a new treasure. It is a interesting place and nice to just stroll around and chat. I alway look for funky things and will be hunting  for a buddha. I also like cartoon memorabilia  of stuff when I was younger. Scooby doo, HR PUFF-N-STUFF, The Flintstones - who I grew up with - not to leave out Snoopy! We are working on a Christmas display this year. Snoopy theme! LOL - actually If I can sneak into the secret lab/garage - it is already into full swing - Dr. Normanstiens mad lab, I will take a photo and post tomorrow.  

I want to Get outside today it is beautiful!
Eve - I painted on and off most of yesterday .. now comes the layering and the details - that takes the longest. Of course both my 'in house art critics' say Eve should have bigger boobs!  My eve is O'Natural thank you. The mother of all things living she represents every seed - including the seed of man. 

I NEED to go paint. Painting is my sanity and I just feel so insane some days. I feel insane because of what I am learning and witnessing and can't F&^%$#! figure out why ending suffering is NOT the top priority on peoples minds! 

It's raining, It's fall I can smell it in the air! And I am painting! I NOW have my own place to paint. As an artist having the place is key, I can leave stuff out - not worry about the mess and come back when I want to create without having to worry about stuff. My DARLING hubby - and personal contractor painted my room for me just this past weekend! Finally a spare room again! You should see all the Halloween stuff in the garage - thats another bitch - OPPS! I meant Blog....  wink, wink. 
I am keeping busy painting, sometimes I just need to take a break from stuff. I did not know what to paint and was thinking of one of my favorite toons that I sold the original to- I have decided just paint myself a bigger one! ;-) I can not believe how the time flies when I am painting and my brain almost gets into a meditative state.  I am enjoying the process big time and will be at it for a few days..  
Also including a few photos of Storm yesterday morning - it's dark because he started his birthday day at 5! So he could go fishing with friends. AND mom always makes birthday breakfast! Cake and bacon! LOL  I especially like his first shoe photo.  
Back to painting.
Thank you Norman for the room and God for the inspiration ;-) 

19 years ago today was the best day ever!  At 10:01 today my baby turns 19!  19!!!  
Today - we were all up at 5- as Storm has gone fishing already with some friends and we wanted to celebrate his birthday from the second he got up! CAKE for breakfast! Yes a Cannabis theme cake - why not every other year it has been special - from Thomas the train cake to a construction site cake to a Cannabis cake! WOW how time flies!!! Every year a gift. The most precious gift I ever received - a gift from God ;-) 
As we sat around the table this a.m. we told Storm well this is it..  you are a man. Your last teen year. If at this point we have not taught you right from wrong  we are out of luck. I am confident to say that we have done a good job. 
It was easy as Storm is a great person. He knows right from wrong and he is a compassionate person. Kind and smart.
 So today,  'sigh'  I officially cut the apron strings.. but the apron stays on! Always. Once a mama bear always a mama bear.
My husband and I both think the best thing to ever happen to us was US, and to be blessed with such a wonderful son. He is a fine young man to be proud of.  
I asked the guys when they picked Storm up "is Muskie was just a code word for hooters...
They yelled back 'maybe.....'  LOL.    
Yikes he is also old enough to go to the beer store. Dad is thrilled. 

I had Amy Anonymous  http://www.amyanonymous.ca/other-stuff-i-make.html  up on the weekend and she asked me what I thought about the new changes expected here in Canada with the MMAR. I told her "people have to fight." 
Let me clarify  - how do you fight? (LOOK AT TOON BELOW) 
You fight by educating others including Dr.s. IF you believe Cannabis is beneficial to your health then explain why. Better yet bring proof. I bring copies of magazines  to every Dr. I see. **I admit I am lucky I have extra copies of all the great magazines ;-)- if you do not then find info and print it off, make a cannabis education package. LEAVE it with your Dr. regardless of the decision they make, hopefully they will read it and get more knowledge on the subject.  There are so many documented cases now on SO MANY ailments.
Do your research, go to your Dr. and if they says no then he/she owes you an explanation why...  Dr.s work for us!  If he/she says no- then I suggest you remind them of the oath he/she took, your rights  a human and wanting to chose the best options for your own health.  If they still say no- then thank them & tell him you will be looking for a new Dr.   That is what you have to do. There are Dr.s out there who do care and are educated on the subject and some that are paying attention.  I will say one this this only applies if you believe.  

If you just want to get high - your on your own. IF that is the case then I also suggest you do your part by educating people! Tell them about the medical facts, how it is SAFE drug compared to other legal drugs such as alcohol and Tobacco and pre-scribed drugs. How much harm the war on drugs is harming people all OVER this PLANET! From jail to death.  PUSH for legalization. VOTE. SUPPORT.  
No one gets a free ride. 
IF you believe in CANNABIS stand up for what you believe in.  
Change minds first. 

Hee hee, he hates it when I say that.  On the weekend Norm gave me a great gift- a painting room! Guest room/painting room. I figure - for the amount of time we have guests I'm not going to leave that room empty - bad enough I sat wasted- filled with props for years. So I've been painting all day!  Painting I use more freedom than cartooning and today while painting I came up with some cool new logos! I painting something for little ones and big ones! I just like to create and If I make something  that is creative - someone will wear it and spread the word! Make others think.  It's that simple. Time for change. 
The first thing to change is MINDS!!!  
I had Amy Anonymous over on the weekend, for my first ever live interview (hee hee) I like Amy - she's always been so nice and funny and is trying to make a difference. It is always nice to see people when you can relax and hang out and I also got to spend some time with her little guy and hubby.  SHE is a busy woman. Now doing a radio show! I tell you I can't keep up with these social butterflies. Marco Renda is one of the hardest working men in the business of educating and everything else!  Serra Frank (moms for marijuana), So many  and others who are educating-  some by baking, some by research, helping by making stuff easier for others to find help, having picnics! ALL THIS HELPS!  Todd, Mike, Erin, Chris.. names that keep appearing on FB all doing positive things. I watch and see these people and admire what they are doing and accomplishing - but I'll stick to my drawing board thanks. Well as long as I can paint. Everyone does stuff in their own way.  I am proud to know these people. They are standing up for what they believe in & in NON violent ways!  Through education.

Tomorrow I'm going to spend the day painting & drawing. No computer - No FB - Some Deva Premal,  Smokey Robinson, Blind Boys, Bono and even 'the Boss'.
I need to catch up on a few things and focus. My baby is turning 19 on the 22nd an it has me being extra thankful to God. For the best gift ever! Off to sleep inspired and grateful.

Buzzed...
My first masterpiece out of my sunshine art room. Completely done - just for fun!
This sort of thing is mindless, I just let my pencil and then paint play. 
I love Bee's .  I also like the tacky  "Bee Happy"
Acrylic on canvas> (comes from the word Cannabis) 4 x 4

I posted a toon that got the response I was hoping for. Someone said it was "succinct!"  I had to look it up ;-) succinct  adjective;what is your succinct appraisal of our situation? concise, short (and sweet), brief, compact, condensed, crisp, laconic, terse, to the point,pithy, epigrammatic, synoptic, gnomic.  - Somone else said "ouch"  For a cartoonist that is a great compliment. The truth hurts.

To try to get a message across with  few words. Successfully. The sad thing is it is TRUE.
Kids are gifts from God. We are their  protectors, caregivers & teachers. Well.. not always true but- we should be!
They do not ask to be born.  Instead of so many people learning from mistakes and trying to change for the better - they follow in the same steps on a downward spiral. 
The victims are their own children.  I see some parents and I just think those poor kids what chance do they have, what chance did the parents have? Well, we all have choices and they have to be made!
If your going to walk around with a butt hanging out of your mouth, eat a poor diet and abuse alcohol or other drugs and you have a child then you are selfish.  If you chose to F*&^% up your own life - so be it. BUT a child - your own child? You should be ashamed of yourself.  What example is that to set for a little human?  You know booze F*&^%$#d you up so why not give your kid a chance? They are gifts from God. THE ULTIMATE GIFT.
They say your life changes forever when you have a child, well it should. FOR the better! 

As much as I am drawing about cannabis education. This is really about Life. I know how important this is -Legalization- but there are things more important. Hunger. Child abuse, Homelessness...   We can not continue to turn a blind eye, no wonder we are having so many problems with our children.  WE are the gatekeepers if we educate them with words and love then that is the best chance they get in this life! The don't ask for it - they DESERVE IT.

How could I not as I sit and think about what a great weekend we had. Yesterday was the best. Storm got me up at 6 and we were fishing by 7 ;-) It started at our fishing hole but we just were not getting any bites and it was becoming a busy spot so we decided to go on an adventure. We went to this other place in Hollandlanding, a public trail along a river, near a dam. It was beautiful. It also had the bonus of dogs. ;-) Wish I had thought to bring mine.. 
Storm would fish and I walked the path saying good morning to all passers by and their pooches. I talk to everyone. 
You can go a while without seeing anyone and the freakiest thing happened RIGHT where we were fishing and I saw the whole thing. It played in my mind slow motion a few times yesterday. A kid was walking by, about 17 (looked about Storm's age) I said 'Hi' and he did too with a smile, and then -a guy on his bike (looked like he did this all the time) was riding past with his dog on the leash - a beautiful Husky -and as I looked at the dog I realized what was happening an could not get the words out soon enough! The kid was close-lined! He flew up into the air like a toon! Flat on his back OUCH!!  The guy on the bike was very, very, sorry- the obviously well trained dog was very sorry for what he done and the kid of course was up in a flash and blushing like he tripped! I asked him if he was o.k. and he said 'yes he was..' A few words passed and I told him "well not to many people can say they were close lined by a dog.."  He laughed and went on his way. The guy on the bike still shaken up sat for a few minutes more.  I just thanked God it was not the old lady I had seen earlier. OR ME! LOL   Anyhow - no fish, a few nibbles, lots of turtles and much to explore.
Home at lunch for food, a swim with dad and the dogs then we went out again. Norm not much of a fisherman and you know his mind is else where these days.....
 A friend said we could use the dock ;-)) It was so beautiful. Our catch you can see! I caught the first one and Storm was jealous- hee hee hee. We talked and laughed.  At one point I realize- Storm walking ahead of me carrying his Pole. Me carrying: My sketchbooks, munchies, beverages, my pole, my camera and the Buddha bacon bait;-) And Storms napsack, his sweater, bait box.. I just had to laugh - he did too when he realized why I was laughing. I am his fishing sherpa. Actually he said, he is Jeremy and I am his his camera guy. LOL 
Again a beautiful weekend.  Oh and  God provided the rainbow to make the day complete.

Yes halloween has power in this house, it is ALSO a dirty word NOT to be mentioned until.. October. Well who am I trying to kid? If we can go until July - thats good. It is September and today were talking Halloween. I have had a guest room I have not been able to use for 4 years! Packed full of Halloween props! 2 1/2 rooms actually in my house..  Bodies, wires. webs and what ever else you can think of - If you have seen our display you understand. One of the main questions asked every year (over and over again) is where do you put all this stuff?
Last year we did not have a party for a few reasons. I told my husband If you give me my guest room back .. we'll have a small get together for Halloween! WELL!!! I can't believe it ! The room is empty and will be painted  by the middle of the week! YIPPIE!! Now I can have guests sleep over and not on my sofa. Got the 'Green Reefer' coming from TEXAS for Halloween!!  And my friend Candice in the summer!! I am so excited!  The props will go in a new extension to the deck outside. Well protected. I can't even walk past that area with out getting the creeps.. you see legs and feet sticking out, hands and huge spiders.
I even have friends asking me already - getting ready for Halloween!? My friend sent me e mail links to share with my hubby! -HE NEEDS no help CHUCK!   But it is the one thing he does, he does not drink - a beer here and there, does not smoke, womanize - not to my knowledge.. why have hamburger when you have lobster at home ;-) Hee hee hee  
So here we go... toons to follow as alwasy.   
No plans for Halloween ... I'll be busy! It is a full time job that month. REMEMBER if you come please bring a food bank donation! For now - I have my guest room back and my hubby has earned some bonus points ;-) Time to go and paint a few props while he paints the bedroom    SUNSHINE 

Started our day today by going fishing. My son asked me last night and I said sure!  You can't help when you are fishing to relax, surrounded by nature, the water, the plants and the ducks! Just no fish! LOL  
It did not matter - as always- it is about the journey not the destination ;-)  We had fun.
We each had a few nibbles but no river monsters here. My absolute favorite flower is the lotus. There were many lily pads but no flowers. They in themselves are beautiful, inspiring me with Laughing Buddha images.  Just a normal day. Thank God.  
I look forward to the next time we go fishing .  Fish or not it was a great way to start my day. xox <>< 

When I explain to people all that I have learned and the many, many ailments that Cannabis is proven to help people with, they all ask the same thing - "then why is it NOT legal?"  The answer is simple : What big drug company wants you to grow your own medicine (with the help of mother nature) when they can charge you $20 a pill to help ease your pain?  
NONE!  
When Cannabis becomes legal they will lose billions of $$$. Don't believe me ?
I'll provide a few  links below so perhaps you can do your own research..  Prove me wrong.
 
While researching Cannabis I came across a few things that really made me curious. People saying it helps them with mental pain. PTSD, depression, anxiety and sleep.  ALL these things are helped with Cannabis but most peole are taking pre-scribed drugs called 'psychotropic drugs'  you all know them they are (just to name a few): Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Duloxetine (sold under the brand names Cymbalta, Ariclaim, Xeristar, Yentreve,Duzela), Ritalin  etc.  Drugs given to the masses to make the millions (billions)
At what cost to the public? A HUGE one.  Terrible side effects, addictive -people killing themselves. BUT  most disturbing to me is in finding out  the rise of these drugs -given to our children is on a frightening increase. Many without the knowledge of what damage  these pills can do. I would like to admit that I am in fact speaking from experience. 
I took pills for depression for years. It was not until this unexplained twitch that I myself started to research and have read that my twitch is nothing compared to the side effects some people get. I can't get angry at my Dr., as these companies have huge marketing programs and pay off many so called experts to promote their product and even lie (proven)
to our Dr.s.   Our Dr.s have so much to do without being able to research every drug on top of everything else. I also have been blessed with a Dr. that has always gone above and beyond with me over the years. I know in my heart he would never give anyone anything if he knew it caused harm. No one would. But these companies THEY know. YET the mighty $$$ wins out every time.  
Over and over again this book is mentioned. DSM. To hear how they come up with these diagnoses is  deplorable!  I was inspired to do this toon.  (below)  I have much more material... sad to admit.  IF YOU or your child takes any of these medication for ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder - anything --- RESEARCH it! 
                                           AS a parent it is your obligation! 
Generation Rx: ** note - we watched it on netflix   http://www.ovguide.com/movies_tv/generation_rx.htm
http://www.fulfilldisc.com/index.php/generationrx.html?products_id=72
The Marketing of Madness: http://www.cchr.org/videos/marketing-of-madness.html
can be watched on topdocs. and youtube..

Very informative: http://www.drugenquirer.com

God knew what he was doing then he said we need a day of rest! Thank God. 
It is so sad over the years it has come to be anything but for many. They still have to go to work, or because of such a busy week they have to catch up on all other duties. I LOVE Sunday. It is a day of rest, puttering , painting and hanging out with my guys. I make a point NOT to clean, laundry or anything else deemed work. OF course that does not include drawing ;-D Never WORK.  It is also a day of reflection. 
Much to reflect this week.
First I have had much to think about because of the argument with my friend. We have been friends a long time and it is only out of LOVE that we are able to speak to each other like we did. I truly believe that Norman and I are still together (20 year) because we have had some "doozies" . Better to get it out then to find out it has all been a lie. Sooner than later. I  know why I am doing what I am doing.  I am guided by love. A stronger love, a love for my son and a passion for truth, and love of my family.  That comes first to me. 
So reflection - I am glad things were said - it was no secret really. I knew how she really felt and even thought the 'last straw was about Cannabis' there were several factors leading up to it.  As mush as my heart does not want to let go - my head & brain (physically) tells me 'time to move on.' 
 It has given me so much to think about, lessons learned! I am a better person because of it.
So really I am thankful.  Someone said to me -' it is sad to lose your friendship' and I thought yes, it is ... but I have realized it is much bigger than us and our argument -even sadder is when families - parents and children, brothers and sisters are torn apart - because of what ?  A plant? Lives are ruined and people suffer because a plant is illegal. 
I understand my friends opinion - I know there are people out there who are "potheads" BUT the saying goes 'one bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch' - If that was the case where would we be- there are many bad apples in ever bunch! Dr.s, lawyers, cops, parents, priests -it would never end.  So to say such things is simply passing judgement.  I had a good talk with another friend about all of this and she said it simply- "I would not care if someone judged me over cannabis as I love you and support you and would be able to set anyone straight because I love you. It is more important to me as a person to have you as a friend than to care what a stranger thinks."  If only everone felt that way! LOL - I guess not everyone is going to love me - I bet a few don't even like me ;-) So what.  From this day forward I will only surround myself with people who are good for me.  IT would be stupidity to have it any other way. Not people who are negative, nasty or just don't care. Because I do care.  I have no intentions of letting anyone (let alone a 'friend')  bring me down because of "Reefer Madness' and lack of education on a subject. I do not have the energy  or time for it for it. 
A hunky-dory, rainy day to reflect - draw and be thankful!!!  I am thankful for chicken soup (my son has a cold), Jeremy Wade - watched 3 episodes of River Monsters - always entertaining. I can't help think  what a good man he must be - all that time to reflect waiting for the fish, all he has seen and where he has been, thankful for the education & laughs he provides.  Thankful for Norm - working this weekend - always working. Such a hard working man I have. Thankful for time to reflect and strength to continue on.  I will only post happy toons on Sundays, Laughing Buddha or just something simple. ;-)  
Now - time to go rest and hang out with my son to watch a movie. 
Thank God it's Sunday -   Thank GOD tomorrow is a holiday!! ;-))  BONUS! 
Oh - there is one other day that God said should be an official holiday (bible) - It is July 10th.  Also happen to be our anniversary date. Pretty neet Eh!?
 I tell you I've go God on my side. Who could ask for anything more?

I am understanding this expression more and more each day. Wisdom? LOL, I hope.
In my case the 'prize' is Cannabis and bringing awareness to it and hope for its legalization.
So my son and everyone  else that is ill and suffering will no longer have the added STRESS of the OUT dated, NOT true, negative  stigma attached to Cannabis.  I hope one day they can use their medicine in PEACE.
 It is not always police that treat  cannabis users as criminals it is other people. It is all about judgement. WHEN it should be about personal choice and well being.  Recently I had a conversation - a rather heated one, to which I still shake my head. It was from a former "pot smoker" - to me a pot smoker is someone who smokes Cannabis but is not educated on its scientific, beneficial, PROVEN use.  I have no problems with 'pot smokers' I'd much rather socialize with one than a drunk. They smoke cannabis to relax and have fun, most of time harmless, AND if ever not harmless then look at the 'person' not the 'pot'.
 A now reformed 'pot' smoker - said she does not approve of people (her word was not 'people' it was much more insulting)  who use it recreationally -  I questioned her  use of alcohol and prescribed medication (at the same time) WHICH millions of people do every day (even thought the pill bottle tells them not to)!  Her intelligent (?) reply - "That is my choice and my business."  What a 'uneducated, selfish comment'  WHAT about everyone elses choice and their business!? HOW UNFAIR is a comment like that from a former "pot head'. People die from alcohol and prescribed drug use daily!  She also comment she is "o.k. with Storm's  USE of cannabis" - lucky for me.
I asked her why her use of morphine  is o.k.? Her reply "IT IS LEGAL and MY Doctor prescribed it!"My reply - "MY SON's MEDICINE IS  also legally prescribed medication from his DR."  To this I got a  "whatever"...  Much more was said, some comments I am ashamed to repeat... because it was said from a 'friend', and a true friend of mine would never have said some of the things she said.  Clearly I think I am mistaken, I am a friend as long as I agree to agree with her choices. My friend although I have tried to educate her - it is not important to her so "whatever".  I honestly do pray - that it never becomes as important to her as it has to us. I wish it on NO ONE.
Well sadly I will not have the relationship with my friend ever the same again. Some words cannot be taken back. Although I forgive her - I forgive her ignorance on the subject and -her comment said in a heated conversation - probably not well thought out - it is time to move on.  I have much more important things to focus on. 
My friends seem to come out of the wood work when I need them. THEY certainly do not judge me for 'pot' sticker on my sketch book. Although she will say she was not judging 'me' - that is in fact what she did. MY FRIENDS do not care what others think - they know the importance Cannabis, they know my sons situation past and present (as does she) and they thank me for what I am doing, educating. 
So another test I guess, but I shall keep my eye on the prize..  The prize to me is helping others who are suffering make their cause aware. Trying to assist on ending this insanity. Bring much needed attention.  I should thank her I have tons of new material. It is never good when you lose a friend. Perhaps I just need to re-think my meaning of friend. 
She  also made a 'crack about my  '"F!*&^%$ loser pot head 'friends' on FB."  I can tell you 
- I have had many more intelligent conversations and encouragement from them and what I am doing than she and I ever did. 
Perhaps she needs a better mirror. 
Back to the drawing board. 
I also say Whatever...   
WHAT ever it takes. 
That is what got me where I am today and I am PROUD of what I am doing. 
When guided by love I can not fail.