Every now and then I find someone or something I like. 
 Something that catches my eye, a comment that someone makes and I think: 
 wow, that was nice, or that was really well put, thoughtful. 
 
I am blessed to have many of these comments. ;-) 
 Some thing that makes you smile...

The next such product was one of these items that instantly made me smile.
 I can’t tell you how many times I have knocked over a cup of coffee and it is a cartoonist nightmare!  I think it was earlier this year I fried my keyboard!  So, I like a good mug! 
A wide base! Just like my BONG!  Then I saw this!  A Zang Pipe Mug! < click!

Instantly, I loved them - well the ‘look’ anyhow... I wondered how well it would work. 
Hand crafted clay! (It is a dream of mine to own a pottery wheel and kiln - I STILL remember doing it in HIGH school!)  AND a Pipe Mug to boot!  LOL-  It made me smile.  

From there I checked out the site, youtube video - made me smile again, and checked out the FB page. Was led to a beautiful little gallery that I shall add to my bucket list! 
I ‘got a feel’ for the PIPE Mug People ;)  so I thought. 
I e mailed them, told them I liked the mugs, would they be interested in working together -  just the thought of the mug made me giggle and would give me a toon idea I’m sure.   
Well, talk about enthusiasm - I got a phone call only a short while later! 
 It was a fellow from Pipe Mugs  and he was happy to talk business! 
I was thrilled!! - I WAS ALSO drawing - my remembrance day toon and had to get it done. 
I told him I could not even think of this conversation right now.  ;-)  Luckily he 'got' that.  WE chatted and I instantly also liked the positive energy - by the end of the conversation - my mug was on it’s way! 

Here is the thing. I did tell him * there is a small detail... 
 IF I DO NOT like your product I will not promote it.   It also is hard for me to draw for something I do not believe in..  Simple. 

A couple of days later and my mug arrived! It is 100% true the instant I saw it, 
 I SMILED! 1st mission accomplished! I was running for the kettle to have a tea, 3 in the afternoon, no coffee for me. I giggle that my first thought was not to medicate- but it wasn’t.  I LOVE it as a mug! I have a problem with cold hands and this mug is like a good snuggle! Both hands! It’s nice and big. THEN the test...  the one I doubted would really work. Guess what ... I was wrong - Yes. I said it. LOL  IT was smooth! 

I will admit It took me a few tries , got out my hempwick <click  ;) and positioned it just right and it is a really NICE smooth pipe! It took several tries, I have mastered it I believe.

 I am impressed on a several levels.  2 weeks later.. I use it daily still. I can’t wait to try a pipe bowl!!  I still LOVE my happy face mug that I have had FOREVER - It’s a McCoy, you can still find them on ebay. Google Happy face mug MCCoy

As much as I love my Pipe Mug something was missing... 
I fixed that! ;) A neat way to display if I do say so myself.
*The flower is attached to a pipe cleaner! 
Good way to keep your mug clean and dust free!!!
 If it ever gets the chance to get dusty!    LOL. 

They have an awesome collection and are full of ideas!  Honestly, I do use my bong the most during the day to medicate and I have been trying drops.. more on that later. 
But, I love my mug- well enough to use it with out using it! LOL 

I was inspired by ZANG and the guys who operate it. 
I thank them. We all need to just smile from time to time.
<>< xox

Oh!   The  Carburetor hole, I blow in there before I wash my mug and then use 
super hot water.
 

***CANADA'S NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS: 
      WHAT ARE THEY REALLY ABOUT?


On March 13, 2014 the current medical marijuana laws in Canada will end and an entirely new system of laws concerning medical marijuana will take effect. The current laws allow those registered as medical marijuana patients to grow their own marijuana or to buy government produced marijuana from authorized pharmacies. Under the new laws that go into effect in a few months, medical marijuana patients will no longer be permitted to grow their own marijuana and the government will no longer produce marijuana, nor will pharmacists be involved in the sale of medical marijuana to patients.

The legal reasons stated for this drastic change in the medical marijuana laws in Canada are listed as public health, safety and security issues. Despite reading many articles and trying to discover these alleged public health, safety and security issues, one is hard pressed to find a single article describing exactly what those issues are. There were a few (very few) growers who had fires break out. Those were all related to poor wiring. Electrical issues are easy to cure and simple compliance inspections of grow operations would remove that issue from the table. As for public health and security, there was nothing describing exactly what they are, just the generic legal umbrella under which the politicians are able to enact new and stricter laws.                                                                         So why the need to fix that which is not broken?

There are currently 37,359 registered medical marijuana patients in Canada. That number is much higher than the 477 registered medical marijuana patients in 2002 evidencing the need for medical marijuana. Of those 37,359 registered medical marijuana patients, 25,600 are licensed to grow their own medical marijuana. Of those 25,600 licensed to grow their own medical marijuana, only 4,200 are specifically licensed to grow for one (and only one) other registered patient besides themselves. All of these rights will be stripped away from Canadian medical marijuana patients as of March 13, 2014.

Under the new laws there are currently 156 applications awaiting approval to grow medical marijuana on a much larger scale in huge warehouses. These warehouses will be owned and operated by those entrepreneurs with enough money to buy the licenses, the warehouses, the property on which the warehouses sit, the massive costs of filling that space with the maximum lighting possible and to employ a staff large enough to grow, trim and prepare the medical marijuana for public sale and to distribute it. With private sector businesses, profits tend to be the overriding priority rather than producing a high quality product that is organic and safe.

Under the new laws patients will be permitted to purchase medical marijuana from these massive warehouse farms. All sales will be through a mail order system and thoroughly regulated. The regulations only apply to the amount of marijuana sold and the income the entrepreneurs take in. These strict regulations will not cover the quality of medical marijuana grown nor the non-organic fertilizers and pesticides used to grow the marijuana to produce ever larger and more profitable plants. This puts unsuspecting (and already burdened with health issues) patients at further risk of ingesting marijuana and medical marijuana products that essentially contain poisons detrimental to their already deteriorating health.

Health Canada's current average price of medical marijuana is approximately $5 per gram. The projected cost of private sector medical marijuana after the new laws take effect in March is expected to be about $7.60 per gram. CannaMed, the first licensed distributor in the private sector is currently advertising their medical marijuana at a cost of $9 to $12 per gram once the new laws go into effect. Keep in mind that the current black market cost of marijuana in Canada is approximately $10 to $15 per gram. No matter how one tries to make sense of these new laws, they fail to address any alleged public health, safety or security issues. They also have the added disadvantage of driving up the cost of medical marijuana for patients. These patients are often already financially strapped due to their varying medical issues. 

So why the sudden change in medical marijuana laws that seemed to be working so well according to the patients who are the intended beneficiaries of these medical marijuana laws? It is simply a desire for profits. Health Canada has projected that by 2014 there will be 58,000 registered medical marijuana patients. They further project that by 2024 there will be 450,000 registered medical marijuana patients in Canada. Health Canada has estimated that by 2024 the medical marijuana industry will be a 1.3 billion dollar per year market. That 1.3 billion dollar per year market will all be taxed at a higher rate, a luxury tax, and not as a medical necessity. 

It appears to be obvious that the only reason for the change of the current medical marijuana laws in Canada is related to revenue collection and has little (or nothing) to do with any issues of public health, safety or security. Sadly, this massive change of the current and well functioning medical marijuana laws in Canada is more about a healthy economy than about a healthy population of Canadian citizens.


 Georgia:  AMEN! *Well said as always! Thank you Lisa! I am the first to admit - I know what I want to say, but often it is difficult - just as cartooning is difficult for many!  She once again put it perfectly IMO. Are you paying attention Canadians?  

I sit and giggle that I called my strip On MY mind.. really. 
Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
I LOVE Willie! 

I also have stuff ON MY MIND. 
It sure feels like it anyhow.  I realized I started my blog with the cartoon Blah Blah Blog.  Before I even knew what was going on was going on.  June 21,2010... this is a long time. Steadily progressing then surgery, again progressing. 
YES, I am thinking PLEASE LET them figure this out! I am exhausted, everyday is a challenge to continue through normal chores and experiences with a constant  prodding in my head every few minutes...   at the same time terrified that they will find something! 
How can they not? I have asked my self this before. 
Apparently this test will  help see if there are any blocks or aneurysms. 
Which makes me think - why the heck have I not had this already!? 4 YEARS. 
I know many suffering worse & waiting even longer. 
What is going on with this country? 
I read today of a family that has moved to Colorado to access cannabis for their  baby!? 
THEY KNOW IT WORKS! We know it works and the government knows it works that is why they are all about the $$$.  How shameful is that? 
We are Forced to take that route or we face possible  conviction in this country that recognized Cananbis as a legal medicine - No wonder I'm twitchin! !!!  

Enough - I need to go PAINT. My only true mind release! It takes thought, I become absorbed and LOVE EVERY SECOND of it. Twitch too. It is what it is.  
I am inspired by my little Poppy.

My handsome son is driving me tomorrow! Up and early! We will have breakfast and head into the big city! LOL  Before many rise for the day - I'll be back on my way, home to bed probably! 

I believe in the power of Prayer and Good VIBES,  I recently watched an interesting Documentary that stated it is often used by the USA government, Masons and prayer groups all over the world.  STRENGTH in numbers especially of the MIND! 
I know that already though.

Perhaps we should set a date - Wake up and demand  decriminalization!  
Ha ha ha 
That would be awesome! 
So any good vibes &  positive prayers send them! 
I am open to receive! Not just today every day!!! 
Bring it on! 

 Tomorrow is a Guest Blog! Please Read!!
 ;-)  
xox <><

My son often says to me... " Let it go... " and yes it is a trait I need to learn to be better at. 
I let stuff 'get to me'. Always have. I wear my heart on my sleeve. So what. I will not apologize for it. It amazes me how I am realizing what triggers such emotions that GET me going.  So - everything happens for a reason. 
If you ask my opinion I tell you and honestly. 
I made a promise about 18 years ago that I am not breaking for anyone. Including myself.
The truth shall set you free! ;) I tell you WHAT!  It never lets you down when you want to have that perfect 'reply' to someone, especially when the topic is something YOU are passionate about.  I have a few of those topics.
I believe in standing up for what I believe in. Bridges are bound to get burned. 
Not everyone is going to love me. That is not why we are here. We are hear to learn from each other. Make each other THINK! Good and bad lessons. Wise &  not so wise choices ;-) The greatest lesson in all of it I believe (and the hardest)  is THEN to move on! 
MOVE ON! Let it out of your heart.  Distraction robs us of today, now and doing what we LOVE with those we love. WHY the heck is anyone surrounding themselves with people that bring them misery and frustration and pain? 

Clearly, I was not alone and  news has it Health Canada is already trying to make up excuses for the latest fuck up. 
http://www.prairiedogmag.com/health-canada-breaches-privacy-of-medical-marijuana-users/

I am exhausted physically and mentally, this is all very upsetting, degrading and it's NOT over.  Today I share a post  from another ( a stranger really- I just saw this comment and asked If I could share) so you have an idea.  Until you live this HELLTH Canada - you have no idea.  I'm done. 
Bring it on and yes Health Canada - Should I have a home invasion, I too will hold Health Canada responsible.

She has asked I don't share her name.. Unlike Health canada I will RESPECT her wishes:

Health Canada has sent out notices to medical marijuana patients with "Medical Marijuana Program- Health Canada" in bold print on the front of the envelope. Up to this point all correspondence from Health Canada has been sent from "Health Canada" by registered mail. This was obviously a letter to a person who is part of the program. Some patients have had their postal workers comment about the program. I live in a small gossipy community, I know the post office gossips. My mail carrier is a close neighbour who can not be trusted with private information.

I feel that Myself and my family as well as my neighbours have been put at risk. It would seem like an easy hit for a criminal, a secluded house, only an ill woman home during the day.

In addition there is our reputation in this small community, my husband and myself are active in the church and the community. Many would not look fondly on us if it were known that I grew and used Marijuana, even as a medicine. My children and grand children are at risk of embarrassment. I could lose friends. My husband could have problems at work.

I feel this is a serious issue and I copied these point off your privacy list. They are all relevant to my and other patients situation.

1- information relating to the education or the medical, criminal or employment history of the individual or information relating to financial transactions in which the individual has been involved,
2- the address, fingerprints or blood type of the individual,
3- correspondence sent to a government institution by the individual that is implicitly or explicitly of a private or confidential nature, and replies to such correspondence that would reveal the contents of the original correspondence,
4- information relating to any discretionary benefit of a financial nature, including the granting of a licence or permit, conferred on an individual, including the name of the individual and the exact nature of the benefit,
It would seem that this was done purposely, with malice, perhaps it was stupidity or it could be that the Minister and her dept are just incompetent.

Whatever the reason, steps must be taken to satisfy the the anger and unease that patients now feel. I am personally very much afraid that the wrong person will find out about my license.

Thank you for your prompt attention. I look forward to your timely response.



More tomorrow - You bet! 
It's far from over.
xox <><

More on  the Health Canada mail. Not only did they make everyone a target by mailing out letters stating  on the outside of the envelope you are a recipient of the Marihuana Medical ACCESS Program 
- it just got more insane from there.

 THIS REALLY made me my hair hackle...
 Health Canada states that all medicine must be destroyed as of March 31, 2014.
 This means Not only are people NOT permitted to grow their own any longer, nor are they permitted to have a D.G. (Designated grower ) AND NOW IF they have ANY medicine in their possession as of March 31,2014 they will be considered criminals and can be charged!  

WAIT - there’s more! -  
YOU MUST DESTROY all YOUR MEDICINE by March 31,2014 Or ELSE!   
GET THIS - the only example they can think of to suggest at this time is to:     
          Mix it with water and add it to the kitty litter and throw it out!!!
        OR Call your local friendly police station and ask for assistance. 

OMGOSH! ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!

FU*K - I was mad when I read that. At first my brain could NOT register - I swear - I thought THIS HAS to be a joke!? DESTROY  OUR MEDICINE!? 
OUR medicine that is saving my sons life!?  TAMES my twitch and gives me a BIT of a break! Helps me eat!? Helps Storm function? OUR MEDICINE - OUR Dr. Prescribed!?
AND the only example you can give us instantly makes one think of cat shit!?! 

REALLY - I am sure that was intentional and it is appalling!!  It is adding insult to injury.

 I read it at night before I went to bed,  my twitch was full force. The next morning Storm came up to my office, (I was on the computer)  I decided NOT to start the day off with talking about it so I kept quiet. He was looking out my office window and he said 

ARRRRGGGH!!!!!!  I am so angry- I can’t even draw- 
I have so many wanting out of my head! 
 Never have I been so insulted as a parent  & as a Canadian.  We got mail. 
Storm & I, from Health Canada  Marihuana Medical Access Program! 
    ^                  ^                    ^
Could you be any more specific!? 
 On the FRONT of the envelope!?

Wow.  Yet the first thing you make sure to point out is the 'safety issues and home invasion' !? WTF!? This has to be some sort of sick joke.
& Don’t tell me there has never been a postal worker that has stole something. 
It happens. Never mind the odd time they accidently slip my mail in someone else's box. I've had it too many times to count.
YOU just made everyone a TARGET!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? 
INSTANTLY, I thought of my pal in her apt. building in a rough neighborhood! In a wheelchair.  And that’s just the start... talk about first impressions.

& THEN... 
Slap - I felt sick to my stomach when I read this!   
You’re also insulting my Dr.!  & the many professionals and Dr.s that have in fact recognized CANNABIS as a legal medicine in this country!  
To ‘Destroy’ my sons LIFE Saving Medicine!? 
Regardless of what you think.. their ARE people WHO NEED This medicine! 
CANNABIS.  Not 'Marihuana'.  Who checked the dictionary on that one? 

You should be treating it with the respect it deserves in a professional manner. 
Your ignorance on THIS topic is astounding.    
 Who do you think you are!? 
 WHO do you think I AM?  This is our only son. My only kid. 
 WHO has suffered more than most of you will ever know. 
 So ‘Destroy’ his medicine because YOU continue to FU*k up?
 Yeah.  I’ll be right on that.  

Who do YOU think WE are? You say there is 45,000 of us. 'Criminals'.
Now you just told everyone where we all live. Making your job much easier!
Class Action looking good...

THAT IS FEAR MONGERING AND you should be charged!!!
 The sooner our medicine is gone the sooner you start to rake in the $$$. 
 Welcome to Corporate fucking Canada! 
 Thank you Steven Harper - Leader of the pack (of wolves)!

 IS anyone paying attention?
 To be continued... 

*No husbands were hurt during the drawing of this toon. 
It still felt good regardless.  hee hee hee
xox <><

Last week was a year since my surgery. 
It has been an incredibly emotional week.  
Surgery was not a complete success. I have no doubts in my mind, my surgeon saved my life for I was much worse. 

Increasingly, since surgery my twitch (which is electrical impulses being shot off by my brain for no reason) has returned. Each one hurts. Some days I can hardly function physically, others I am doing all that I love, only not as quickly, for long or as often. 
It has come with many challenges mental and physical.

The neurologist I just visited (a new one) - a very nice, serious, older -a bit ‘higher up’ than the last, said he believes the diagnoses to be hemi facial spasm and Trigeminal neuralgia.
I agree as I am living it. I have several ‘attacks’ throughout the day. Still no diagnoses as to why - still looking.  I wish I knew then what I knew now-  I WOULD be much more careful as to what goes into this body.  I have returned to mother nature and feel better every day.
I am not willing to let them ‘look inside’ again at this time.  
I go next week for an MRA to rule out an aneurism. 

If you read the blog you know what I am experiencing. With each attack I find my breath is held until it is over and then I am visibly shaken and instantly exhausted.  With each one that passes the first thing that comes to mind is Thank you.  
Really ;)

I AM still here, thank you. 
People have aneurisms and die every minute all around the world. 
Thank you. I have lived with that fear EVERY day of my life for the past 4 years.  It’s enough to drive you mad. Now I SEE I am reminded EVERY DAY, several times a day (weather I like it or not! - LOL) what is important to me. 
For that I can only say  THANK YOU!!! What a blessing! 

I AM exactly where He wants me to be and am grateful for the lesson. 
I often find myself belting out  “I can see clearly now the rain has gone...”
It’s releasing! Uplifting! 
Not important to me: 
kissing ass! LOL - Really -WHAT a relief it is in life when you get to this point!  With my drawing and life - I no longer need anyones approval. It took IT to make me see. 
Was blind and now I see....
So, what ever gets you there is good!  
I’m done with nasty.  I choose to not have 'them' in my life. 
When I was 'beautiful' - I did not always feel that way... worried about my hair, make-up, skin,  teeth & love handles, that was on good days.
 All the outter shell. I won’t be putting on makeup for my Face Book posts, 
some days I don’t remember to brush my hair first! I live with the moment and enthusiasm. If I stop and think - will they like my hair? - then I'd never share. 
None of us would. 

I AM REAL LIFE.  And proud of it.
I am enjoying life! I am drawing, trying to make a positive difference and for the first time in my life, I know I am happiest when I help others. Draw for others in many cases. Helping others get their message and dreams out! Why NOT!? I have been approaching people I like and believe in,  I had one new friend tell me  “I’m intimidating!”  lol - I share ideas, toons and more if I can. It is one way to serve each other, help each other. 
I AM done with corporate greed - I prefer the little guy. 
IT is the little guy that got them there in the first place. Too many forget it.
Even when it comes to shopping I prefer small, independently owned stores.

I will admit - I don’t feel I have time to waste anymore.  Who does?
 So, this is me. I will be continuing to heal  as much as possible this winter (like all other Canadian Mama Bears, I shall hibernate) unfortunately, with all this going on - we still have the stresses coming with the expected changes with Health Canada. 
Really - this is what very sick Canadians are dealing with.  NOT ‘stoners’ and quite frankly WE DON'T NEED IT!  We need to continue to get strong and focus on our health!  

Cannabis has eased my sons pain since he was 14,   not OXY, not codeine, not morphine, Cannabis. Thank God.   For what ever reason it is NOW my medicine. I can’t eat without it. I can’t sleep without it - my twitch wakes me up.  I cannot function without it.  I get NO breaks without it. 

We have had several other lessons happen the past year - I plan on sharing... now that I am stronger. A few lesson learned the hard way - perhaps sharing, you might avoid. <3   

I am very grateful for the e mail, support and friendships I have made, some on the other side of the planet! How awesome is that!?
 So, I am very happy to be exactly where I am! 
 
I still have to get use to my new look.
My son said when he sees my photos all he sees is LOVE. 
Love is al you need.
Thank you for SHARING our message and cartoons! 
It is the best gift you could ever give. 
 Prayers & Good Vibes always appreciated.
xox <><

Below a few photos my friend Kyle took for me. 
 LOL - I guess it was my ‘coming out’ photo shoot!  
 This is me. 
 I am:

Daisy, I swear she was put here to be my personal trainer.
She is very vocal, everyone that visits us comments sooner or later. I don't mean bark - she is awesome at that, I mean talks. I have to record it soon. We often are telling her to shush!, especially during a movie while she and Poppy play on the floor. 

She keeps me moving. I do not walk her, Storm does but we play ball! Over and over and over and over. I love it. Muddy slippers and all. Photos below to prove it. People ask me where I get my cartoon ideas and this came to mind. I am curious to see how many people 'get it'. When outside counting  22...23...24...25...26... with hardly a breath in between...  it instantly came to my mind! How many licks! ;) WOW! PROOF of what and how powerful commercials are- YEARS later. It was one of my favorites. I watched it before i drew it and should see if I can send the cartoonist a thank you card!  It truly inspired me. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6rHeD5x2tI
Oh, and if you want to know the answer it is here apparently:
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/12/how-many-licks-it-takes-to-get-to-the-center-of-a-tootsie-roll-tootsie-pop/
As for Daisy and how many kicks.. well that is to be determined! <3 
Draw what you know! AND LOVE!
xox <><

It's been a long amazing day. A new adventure started with some good people. LOL
I am starting to scope out 'who I want to draw for'. Good People.
It finishes with thought of an exhibit in T.O.!!! 
Tomorrow will be one year since my surgery. 
I find it consumes me today. 
Fear refreshed.
Thoughts of tomorrow. 
If you think I have not thanked God for every single day you are mistaken...
and then I thank him for my family 2 legs & 4, 
& then Cannabis! 

Amen.

Best to be continued...