Some of my favorite signs.

I was recently asked again to do an interview,  I don't mind newspaper interviews but video and radio .. I am self conscious about my facial twitch - but more so for what ever reason  I still choke up when I talk about Storms pain so I am reluctant to be a babbling baby when talking about something that is so important.  I've done 2 interviews now and my friends are right it gets easier. My first interview was with my friend Amy,  seen on her www:  http://www.amyanonymous.ca/my-blog--videos.html  I was not nervous as I know & like Amy and it was just like having a chat. The second interview, Serra Franks Of Moms for Marijuana http://www.momsformarijuana.com/   - a friend I've had now online for a while asked me. She does a radio show called A Different View, done with NORML in The United States.  At first I was reluctant - but then she told me I would share the time with Casy's & Alex's dad (links on my Cannabis Research page of other children who are using Medicinal Cannabis). I had been in contact with both dads  before this and was well aware of who they were - So I felt honored.  I said yes.  I was nervous for a few reasons, it's very laid back so no prepared questions, It was via SKYPE  and I'm not familiar with Skype yet - only my second call &  it was my first radio interview- turns out they were running late - to keep from being nervous I read some e mail. One was about Steve Jobs and I read: 
"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
 Reading that minutes before was soothing. I soon stopped being nervous and realized this is a chance to change minds. A chance to educate others about how important Cannabis is as a medicine. I followed my heart.   
I was asked in the interview - how do I feel about what other people think -  I don't remember my exact words but the idea was -I don't care what people think -  we as parents have no time to care what people "think".   Walk in our shoes for just a few hours, feel the emotions we have, share the worries we have, watch your child suffer, think about your child dying  - educate yourself on prescribed medications and the harm they can do to your children and then.. educate yourself of Cannabis & then share your opinion.  
No one likes to think about death but I have to say that this past year especially - the pain I have been experiencing in my head has caused me to do such thinking.   I am doing what is most important to me, everything happens for a reason and as crazy (overwhelming)  as it all seems somedays- it continues to fall into place.  I am ( like it or not) exactly where He wants me to be.  So I think it does get easier, easier because I believe in what I am doing and want to HELP other parents. Other people.  The link to hear the show  "a different view"

As I continue to research the dangers of Cannabis - very little, I constantly come across the dangers of real problem drugs and the 3 I mostly read about are:  Abuse of prescribed medications,  ALCOHOL and tobacco.  One of the biggest growing problems in the United states across campus's everywhere (Canada too I bet) is the increase of Date Rape ;-( Imagine you look into schools, save your money and send your little girl off to school and she attends a party -  where usually the booze is plentiful for the ladies and sometimes  even worse - they have something slipped into their drinks. It is a VERY common occurrence.  
I have been very honest with my son. I feel the best way to learn is to tell the truth and let others learn from our own experiences. WHY lie? That is part of the problem.  
Parents are not perfect. Everything happens for a reason. When I was younger I was very much into drinking. 
I can honestly tell you one time I was at a bar, ran into this guy that I despised.
I knew him well, we had worked together at a car company for a few years. I did not like him, how he treated women - I could barely stomach being in the same room with him. 
To make a long story short. He offered to buy me a drink - "come on ! It won't kill you to have a drink with me.."  Well I woke up the next day to the phone ringing, sicker than a dog,
I answered the phone and told the caller they had the wrong number... I opened my eyes and realized I was not in my own bed - horrified, I was in his.  To this day it makes my skin crawl! I do not know how it happened. I was no stranger to drinking or getting drunk but this was different.  Was it date rape? In my mind yes. I still can not believe it happened. YUK.   I have to say, years later - I ran into him (my son in his stroller) and he said  "remember that great night we had?"  I wanted to vomit. 
Imagine how many women this is happening to. I have yet to hear from anyone that used Cannabis, STRICTLY (not in combination with Alcohol) that this has ever happened. If anything when you use Cannabis and suddenly feel uncomfortable you can come down from your high quicker.  When you do like someone and smoke cannabis- it might loosen you up also - but this is NOT to be confused with date rape.   Ladies how many times have you had a guy say - "oh have another drink.. " because they know the more you drink you get the better their chances.. Sad really.  So by sharing if I can save just one young woman from doing the same I am glad I shared. IF I had a daughter - I know that partying is a part of the college experience. I would be encouraging her - if she felt she need to get "high", to use cannabis and Not Alcohol.  Sitting here now.. everything does happen for a reason, my experiences with alcohol have mostly been bad. My cartoons come from the heart.   
Better to learn late than never.  

5 years ago - had you asked me these questions I might have said yes to a couple.  Now I know better. I learn more every day. It has become my job. I had a mom e mail me who's child suffers from childhood arthritis and I told her what I know, I also told her that she should talk to her Dr.s.  When it comes to our children I think  most parents do not want to pump their children with toxic chemicals! I hope most would not. Sadly I am realizing many do not even give it a second thought ;-(  Especially children that will have to take these medications for life. Compared to most options Cannabis is a safe medicine! If it can be used to control pain on top of other medications needed it should be explored! I tell all my Dr.s.  THEY need to hear it from people. 


Storm and I had a great day today - as always when we go out and some good conversations. One was about Dr.s and what we read on FB : A woman was saying while at a "Dr.s" office she was going to try to get her license for sleeping problems - and does not want to use harmful chemicals. The office was full of people many admitting they just want to have a license to smoke pot!  She also heard that for $2000, she would get it guaranteed with a plant limit of 43.  Heres the thing.. these Dr.s. ..ARRRRRRGGGHHH!!!   There are many many people who seriously need cannabis to help theme ease their pain. My son is one of them. This Dr. - gives it to who ever pays - of course you are going to go to him.  If you need it medically -ASK YOUR normal Dr.                      OR HOW will it ever change!?
In the past I have posted how - be prepared, provide facts regarding your condition. If at first they say no - ask why and have an intelligent conversation. Perhaps they need to be educated. We have been lied to for decades - they are just like us. This is my passion I make time to research, educate.  My Dr.s are busy every day trying to figure out hundreds of aliments - they do not have the time to research. BUT ASK.  One person said they would be too embarrassed to ask their "real doctor"  in my opinion then -you don't BELIEVE. 
I am NOT ashamed of our medicine.  
I have said it before - I have no issues with those who want to use it recreationally -been there done that.  IF YOU DO just want to get "HIGH" - ADMIT IT !  STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS AS A HUMAN!  VOTE! VOICE!  Don't be going to a Dr. paying $200 and saying you need it medically - don't make up some bullshit excuse. IF you do you are part of the problem! You are helping prohibition! 
Once you understand the pain that some of these people are going through to use a medicine - the negative stigma attached because of those that do just use it as an excuse to get high..  It is not right, It is bad karma and quite frankly your fucking with my kids medicine! 
Mine and many others.  One day you might NEED it.  I pray you don't.
Perhaps  - you think your getting 'high' but  perhaps it is helping you more that you realize. 
Cannabis is medicine. As for the person that said they would get it for them for $2000. guaranteed,  they are a vulture. Preying on the sick. Making it all about $$$ And that is why we are all here in the first place.   These jokers that just want to get high and then joke/brag about it, you wonder why seriously sick people are getting pissed off?  I do know of a couple of people that went to the 'Dr.' - and paid and I was happy for them,  as I agree knowing the situations -they would benefit from Cannabis.  I can only hope that they were not embarrassed to ask their own Dr. first.  I am not a Dr.  BUT I am a BELIEVER.  If more and more people go to their Dr. and ask they are going to have to start to listen , AND if they  are narrow minded, FIND A NEW DR.!  This is your life you are talking about. Do you want someone like that?
I am blessed I have great Dr.s - I can say that I have talked about it with all of them, each if anything has listened. That is a step in the right direction.  IT is between YOU and your Dr., No one else can feel your pain.  IF you like your Dr. and your Dr. does not agree - don't give up - educate them each time you go in...  never give up.  I think it is almost as important to like the person. Like your Dr. you have to be honest with them too.  If they think you just want to get high - then I agree with them. Declined. Dr.s are not stupid ( LOL - at least I hope my brain Dr. knows what he's doing, hee hee hee) DON'T insult them with a bullshit excuse. They deal with some very seriously ill, very sick people. 
  STAND up for your rights.   IT is much less harmful than alcohol. 
BEFORE anything   
BELIEVE

IF you use Cannabis ADMIT IT!  Especially for medical reasons. If not, you are part of the problem enforcing the negative stigma attached to Cannabis.  Medically or recreationally - ADMIT it!  Do your research  - Alcohol or Cannabis - read the statistics. AS for the government trying to control cannabis for us.. think about this one thing : ***443,000 deaths annually -More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined.1,2  ***-Alcohol abuse kills some 75,000 Americans each year and shortens the lives of these people by an average of 30 years, a U.S. government study suggested.
 ***If they really cared you think they would be banning Cigarettes. OR Alcohol . No - they make        $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 
And the government CAN NOT make money from a plant that anyone can grow in your own backyard! 
                                          IT IS that simple.   
                     THINK ABOUT IT!!!  Then, please admit it. 
Simple to you, but to me and a few other mom's and dad I personally know now - IT IS OUR children's life saving medicine! That is surrounded by all this bullshit. No wonder I'm tired ;-( 
 I am tired, could be the head cold, life, stress, worry... Why am I worried about my son's medicine.. You tell me. What if it was your child? I wish I could personally ask that to Mr. Steven Harper or President Obama. Have them look me in the eye and give me an honest answer. 
One more thing...  Got an e mail this a.m. asking me to boycott "someone" .. I get angry when this happens.. BOYCOTT someone because they do not share the same opinion as yours? Boycott someone that is trying to educate the masses on Cannabis.. THIS madness will never end UNLESS WE ALL work together!Do not ask me to boycott someone, I am trying to look at the greater picture, not be involved with 'petty name calling' because really - that is all it is.. If you want to pick a side, PICK the side of legalizing Cannabis-HELP everyone.
 All the rest is a distraction.

This is a sad but true comic, true because the two dummies (and yes that is what they were, you should not be trying to smoke plants that you are  not educated on! Just as bad as the two idiots that decided to snort fire ants!)  had no pot - because it is illegal, so they tried to smoke some other plant and died.  They were two young kids.
They died because of prohibition. If Cannabis were legal  and easily obtainable it would be a win, win situation all around.  ESPECIALLY for people who need & use it medicinally.  Instead people are forced to buy illegal drugs - being forced into a 'gateway' or harsher substance and crime from some NOT so nice people.  The prices are kept high, we are not educated on it properly, it can not be researched properly because of prohibition. The united States of America can NOT even grow it! Becuase of prohibition they are suffering, it could make billions of legal dollars.  Here is a great simple video to check out, It's only a few moments and I feel exactly the same way. Only he said it better.. I'll try to draw it.
check it out::   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN9h5Arul2c&sns=fb

Several months ago I asked people to share their stories on their pets and cannabis. All my dogs have consumed Cannabis at one time or another. They love it. Tequila will take it right off the table in any form, bud, cookie and she loves the vapor bag. I had several e mail  so many in fact I can draw a few cartoons ;-))) But this was one of my first.  I would also like to add that at the time when I brought my dog into the vet because she had consumed a cookie one of the assistants said "Dogs die from cannabis all the time."  Really - all the time? then why can't I find anything  about this?  DESPITE her saying this I have researched and asked and asked and to date I have not found one case of a pet dying because of cannabis.. So - just more reefer madness?  
I also know a few pet owners that have given their pets prescription drugs for anxiety? They of course come with a warning of overdose!  WTF? Or a pet is too hyper!? They walk the pet, play with the pet! Don't be popping pills into you pets! If it has an ind=fection or something and needs medicine that is a different story - but anxiety pills?   Cannabis was used in history for years as a veterinary medicine!  It is the obvious choice.  A HEALTHY herbal medicine. Below are actual facts *especially that cannabis kills cancerous brain cells and promotes new brain cell growth in rats and humans!! Don't believe me? RESEARCH IT!
Prove me wrong!  I am blessed to have two beautiful dogs. I lost 2 this year and the pain I can tell you still creeps up on me some days. My one girl Tequila is 16 and suffers from arthritis and is getting 'lumpy' so when she sneaks a little bit of Storms medicine or comes and stands near him when he vaporizes we.. Let it be! Watching her roll on the floor after and run and get her ball is more than the proof we need.  Scruffy on the other hand does not really seem to care for it so much - It's all about choice Scruffy!  
xox   <><

Well what a weekend that was! Thanksgiving weekend is our set up the display (outside) weekend, that and turkey ;-) WHAT a beautiful weekend it was! A Canadian -Indian summer?  I think that is what it is called. It was hot! Short weather, not seeming like fall at all.  Norm started at 7:30a.m. on Sat.  and I swear, he went right until Monday night! I took photos every 1/2 hour (posted on the Hubby & Halloween page!) it looks terrific!  I think ThanksGiving is one of my favorite holidays and nice to actually GIVE Thanks. I have much to be thankful for.   
Sadly, we did lose someone very close to us as well. Our good friend Don. The only reason this loss is easier to deal with I think, is because he suffered a long time with pain and infection.  It still makes us feel sad. We are suddenly flooded with memories. Thankfully, I have many good ones of Don. Especially jumping in the pool EARLY MAY one year when it was only in the 50's  - just so he could say he was the first one in the pool that year! 
Oh - Did I mention he was 72 when he did that!??? He is missed by all of us. He was a second grandpa to Storm. He use to like to sit and watch Norm put the display up a few years in a row... now he has the best seat in the house;-)
xox

Well Norm has me taking photos every 1/2 hour of my monkey man - putting up the display! He has it down to a skill after 15 years! Each panel numbered and he is up and down on the roof all day. Should be fun - for him!  I will post photos tomorrow.
I HOPE this is the best year ever - for the food pantry. When I see al the food that people bring it really does warm my heart,  I have never been hungry - well, you know  .. in between meals but there have always been meals.  For a mother to have to watch her child suffer fom hunger must be very difficult - especially in the world where FOOD is everywhere - in your face! I don't understand world hunger. Rather - why it exists when we seem to have so much money to spend on other resources... Like THE failing war on drugs.  I want to try to do our part - hopefully we an help.
Yesterday we went fishing AGAIN!  Say what you want, think what you will but I can tell you how I feel.. when I am on the property I feel peace come over me, I think it is from all the people that have prayed over the years on the same grounds. Yesterday we brought the 'girls'.  We realized, neither Tequila or Scruffy has seen the lake!  Scruffy a little intimidated but that quickly passed and she would lie down in the water at the shore. Tequila LOVED watching the fish in the water and soon both were in and out all day. Tequila also was quick to learn that when that bobber went there was a fish on the other end! They never left our side. I have such good girls. All the exploring I felt like I was riding a horse this a.m. I was so stiff...  Storm and I had a great day. I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time with my son, especially now that he is 19... he humors me by letting me tag along ;-D 
MUCH to do today! Im teaching at 10, must go get some goodies for ThanksGiving dinner! 
Mostly I must keep my monkey man well fed and hydrated!   xox <><

Storm and I went to a store and there it was right in front my Hallmark card ;-))) My uncle Jesse phoned me to tell me he also saw it in stores ;-) It's been fun and exciting and has just made me more determined to do it again! Well to keep drawing anyhow... Like I was going to stop any time soon!  Photo below ;-)) It was very cool and both places the card was in the front! Norm said he went into a store to buy one - they had them the day before and they were all gone!  Only available in Canada.  
Today we went fishing! It was so nice. We both said it is our dream to live on the water.. to be able to wake up and see such peace each morning,  just to sit there. The time flew! 
There were school of hundreds of fish! We have never seen that before - the entire time we were there. Too small to catch but really cool to watch! We hope to get in a couple of more days before this Canadian weather starts to turn. The pool is closed, the pond turned off and this weekend the front Halloween gate goes up! Also below is a visitor I had last night outside my bedroom window! I hissed at him to scare him and he turned and walked right up to the window. I must admit they are VERY cute.   Tequila on the other hand disagrees and growled at the window all night ;-)   Off to bed I go for tomorrow we fish! 
OH very cool I had  a letter from someone in Indonesia telling me  my toons are a huge hit over there ;-) Changing minds one toon at a time ;-)  

Tipsy Maple Pecan Pie 
3/4 cup maple sugar (or organic raw sugar)
3/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1/2 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar or honey)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup bourbon
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 Basic Pie Dough (use your favorite 9-inch crust, or recipe below)

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
2. Put the molasses, sugar, agave, butter, and salt into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Increase heat to high and let the mixture boil for 1 minute, then emove from heat, pour into a mixing bowl and let cool to room temperature.
4. Whisk eggs, vanilla, and bourbon into the molasses. Stir in the pecans, then pour mix into the prepared pie crust.
5. Bake the pie on middle rack for about 1 hour–it should be firm around the edge and nearly set but still a little soft in the middle (it should wiggle when you nudge it). Allow to cool completely before serving.

Basic Pie Dough (9-Inch)
This is such a simple crust, just make sure not to work it too much. Once you’ve added the ice water, stop fussing with it. To make ahead, this can rolled out and frozen for future use, or shaped into a disc and refrigerated for a few hours.

1/2 cup organic all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour (or your favorite baking four)
1 teaspoon raw sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons cold butter, diced, plus a little more to grease the pan

1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut the butter into the flour until it feels like cornmeal. Sprinkle in ice water, as needed (as many as 4 tablespoons) mixing it into the dough until it can form a ball. Press the dough into a round, flat disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
2. Coat a 9-inch pie pan with softened butter, then sprinkle with flour. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Fit the dough into the pan. Trim and crimp the edges.