What a year. Looking back calmly that I realize how ‘emotional” this past year has been. I have had emotions pushed to the limit and back. Loss..  my faithful side kick & 4 legged companion for the past 9 years, Hunny passed. Thinking about it still bring tears to my eyes!  Hope... another loved pet.  One of the hardest lessons I have ever learned.  A sad heart from the loss of a friend Don, Knowing now he is not suffering but Jammin’ with Bob & The Merrymen of Barbados brings a smile to my face and peace in my heart and that is what he would want.  

Most powerful this year was me being sick. Not knowing w.t.f it is and at times truly wondering several times a week if I will live to see another day. There is nothing like a little brain pain to kick start your life. Giving it much thought - even thought I tried very hard not to- but brain pain  consumes and becomes a power where all I could do is focus on it. It has after all control of my entire body. But not my soul ;-)))  Thank God.

 I thought.. and thought... What would I miss? My mac * (Thank you Steve Jobs for sharing your gift)? My house? What have I not done or will not be able to do... NOPE - I was not thinking of any of that. I was thinking Oh My God.  I love my son and my husband and need to be here for them. I have to get better. I love my son more than anyone on this planet ;-).  With all he deals with mentally & physically, and how he handles himself I feel my heart want to burst as I type. He is my hero. My husband -for better or worse and - yep - LOL - I can be worse! He never ... stops loving me. How wonderful it is to know this. So God gave me the ultimate kick in the ass. Dr.s still don’t know what is happening. It does not matter. I woke up today to breath one more.. and if God wants it I will do the same tomorrow. I am done stressing about it. 

In 2012 I will try to continue to make people smile and think- It is all I can do. It is what I love to do and my purpose in life. It is what brings me peace. I will also continue to try to educate about cannabis - a terrible injustice to humanity making people suffer over a plant. MY son’s medicine.  I started to draw mostly for my son, but now I draw for many including myself. I try to put it plainly - so that LOL - I would ’get it’ - This chose me. I did not choose it.  Cannabis Cartoonist? AND PROUD OF IT!  As matter of fact - should I go - tomorrow  (just pretent-hee hee) it will be something I am most proud of. Thanks to everyone who has said our story has helped and inspired  and my toons made them smile. Better than a Hallmark card.. Oh wait! That was kinda cool!!  A Hallmark card! A dream come true for me! A letter from Jeremy, A CD cover, More magazines, radio interviews 5000+ friends like & share my cartoons! I think I can continue to be an activist right where I am most comfortable - my drawing desk. My friend Mike reminded me only yesterday ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ - I hope that includes pencil crayons and India ink! ;-) 

So in fact, I’m grateful for my brain pain. Giving the push and strength and LOVE I needed to focus. Thinking back but looking forward -  2012 is going to be Fantastic! I can’t wait!!  Stay TOONED!

Happy NEW year!  xox <><
What do I want more of in  2012? Awareness   ;-) xox
HOW? Plant the seed of Cannabis education !  

I have given 2012 much thought.. It was a very difficult 2011 (blog tomorrow.) causing me to REALLY think... and I think  (I pray) I finally get it. LOL  
 ONE LOVE.   I love Bob Marley - always have. The man and the music. He knew what was important to him and shared it with the world!  His faith incredible - I admire that in anyone, regardless of the faith. His words educate, remind and sooth us with love.  

Call it corny, I simply want to be a better person in 2012. I had someone comment to me that “as an activist - you don’t get out much -”  ha ha ! No and as a Canadian I prefer to hibernate in the winter! Always have.  I think I am doing pretty good, thank you. As an activist I believe I have accomplished quite a bit ;-D So what does it mean for 2012? I need to draw. I draw for my own sanity and I thank God that I am afforded this 'luxury'.   I am making a difference, creating a curiosity - but where would I be without all of you?  Nowhere. I know this. It is through sharing that we can help educate others in everything. What good would any of my drawing be If I just drew and  did not share! LOL 
Thing is... I cannot NOT share! Drawing makes me happy.
 If I think my drawings will make someone happy I want to share! Simple. 

It is my gift from God and I want to share. Do what you love. Bob clearly did what he loved, he  was confident and knew  his ‘music will last forever’  WHY?  He had faith! Faith in God and faith in himself, Faith in EACH OTHER!  In 2012 I plan on focusing on the good, all the good things that come into our lives I will welcome and not question! 

I have faith.

My tribute toon to Bob. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us and making this world a BETTER PLACE!
 xox <><

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdB-8eLEW8g

      We have been watching the Dog Whisperer -Cesar Millan. I can honestly tell you that already in a week Daisy responds to sit, paw, down and come! When I do that “CHHHHHT” she instantly looks at me and sits. 
      Now here is the amazing part- So does Scruffy! She is only now learning to sit on command. I have not taken them for walks because Scruffy - little power house that she is, pulls terribly and I have arthritis in both hands & sore hands = no draw. So I bought her a choke collar and already she is not pulling and walking amazing!  Hail Cesar! 
     Tequila has growled at everyone forever and she just looks at me with eyes that clearly say - you have got to be kidding. She is 16 and a wonderful dog. She has her puppy moments and never refuses to chase a ball - so I have no intentions of pinning her to the ground to make her listen. She does acknowledge that I am pac leader and quietly walks away when discipline the others. hee hee hee.  Daisy right now loves the new snow! Her first snow ever! How exciting it must be! She comes in through that dog door and bounds right up to who ever she sees! CRAZY DOG!!  Scruffy use to be a crazy dog until one day when Norm for a joke pinched her nipple(s) made the sound of milking a cow (? my cartoonist mind has created -as I have never milked a cow) and she instantly lay back  it was like she was hypnotized!  LOL To this day it is all that it takes to calm her down *she really does look like the toon when it happens. Isn’t it amazing how much they affect our lives these wonderful furry creatures! Not a day goes by where they don’t make me smile or lavish me with affection. 

Yes we love our dogs but we do realize they do need discipline, they need to listen, it takes time but I believe when you get past this crazy puppy stage you will have a friend for life! One that doesn’t piss you off cause she ate your purse handle or favorite bra! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. 

Thank you Cesar for sharing  your gift . Doing what you love and helping so many animals from being put down or given away.  xox  
http://www.cesarsway.com/

I am a very visual person. I am a complete spaz when it comes to number and math.  BUT I am aware of this, I know I learn best visually. I watch documentaries then I research some points I have learned. I am so grateful for these people who help educate us.. The Union - one of the best docs. to date about Cannabis. I do not limit myself with Cannabis documentaries  I watch all sorts. I have recently watched several that deal with GMO's and all I can think is OMG!! WHAT were they/we thinking!   As a parent I wished I was aware sooner - part of the problem again - we are sheeple.. we just follow along. It has to stop.
Decisions are being made regarding our lives that affect us now and will in the future- we do not even realize yet how some of these thing will turn out - or do we.. and we are afraid it is out of control.   I watched :  http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/life-running-out-of-control/    If I had one wish today it would be that I could inspire someone to watch this. That is the beginning. There are several people who inspire me in this documentary, and although seriously frightening -these handful of people are raising global awareness and making some serious changes! WE can learn from India who's plants were being patented and that has been revoked!!  YES we the people -REVOKE patents on plants!  NO one/company should be responsible for making a decision on that we can not grow/eat on this planet. REVOKE the patent on Cannabis - it was provided for all of us.. not a country! Not a pharmaceutical company who want to control our natural medicine.. Not Monsanto who wants to control food around the world. Don't believe me?  On this boxing day - take some time and educate yourself. For your family, your children and our future. Or this toon might just turn out to be NOT so funny...       
xox<><

Happy Holidays! It's Christmas to me Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. This year  was one of the best Christmas's in a long time. It is almost easier to tell you what is was NOT about this year.. It was not about $$$,  It was not about Christmas parties, it was not about celebrating with alcohol, it was not about the past.  
It was about my family 2 and 4 legs and just being happy to relax and remind each other of exactly what we do have. I did get the most perfect gifts from each of my guys. Norm - the Wizard of OZ.  My favorite movie and its not on netflix- I have the VHS but the tape is wearing out LOL  - so we watched it today ;)))  Our new Christmas day tradition! From  Storm - a tibetan singing bowl. The most beautiful I have seen with a buddha on the inside.  I am intrigued with them, I cannot walk past one with out tapping it - I LOVE it.  It is also something I want to focus more on in the new year,  positive energy with some chanting, meditation and always prayer - try to tame my monkey mind. Not an easy task many days.  
Christmas eve was spent at my moms for diner and it was wonderful, my mom went all out - 
munchies galore, a wonderful turkey diner and tea and cake to end the evening. As well as some very thoughtful gifts. The best gift I feel we all had this year was each other, patience and hope.
 Norm and I had an incredibly proud moment  when our son took his champagne glass and his dads and passed - other than a sip to toast. They both had to drive home. How wonderful is that?  We have a 19 year old that get's it, we were saying we wish we thought like that when we were his age.  It has been a stress free wonderful Christmas.  Daisy - a wonderful addition, looking simply perfect in her new collar from her boy. Scruffy got a Christmas bath and trim and Tequila was allowed to give us all STINKY, old (16 year old) dog breath kisses. I had a draw on FB for a Christmas cartoon and was thrilled with the number of people that shared. It was my gift - I know everyone can't afford one of my drawings - lol - I could not afford one of my drawings! *They are very affordable BTW for an original ! ;-)) The girl that one- I know is a big fan so I figure it was meant to be.  3 different people chose the final winner - I was expecting someone from 1/2 around the world - but here it was someone from Scarborough!  The Lord works in mysterious ways. 
What does any of this have to do with Jesus. Before the holiday season I thought much about Forgiveness, Giving of our talent, Patience, Material objects and what exactly is most important to me in this world. Being close to the end of 2011 I thought about how difficult this past year has been, loss of friends and family,  our ongoing battles and struggles, and the problems I have had with my own health.  I really knew what I wanted for Christmas.
Peace of MIND.   I already have everything I need. A home, food, health (taken back a bit - lol, but so much better off than so many)  and the love of my guys - the love of everyone else is gravy ;-) much appreciated of course. It is Jesus that has taught me all of this.  I know some people do not agree and shake their heads and that is part of the problem .. can't you just love me for who I am? For who I am today. Me?  I'm not asking anyone to 'think, believe  or behave the same...  we all must and will come to our own conclusions but this is where I am at.  It is what is getting me by.   It was a wonderful Christmas...  Something to celebrate!  xox <><

“He doesn’t look sick...”  Or  “He looks great! He looks healthy!”  To which my reply is usually ‘yes he does Thank God.’ it is just one less thing to deal with. BUT that does not mean he is o.k. He looks good but he does continue to suffer from chronic pain every day of his life.  He looks great but he does have a progressive bone disease. I get frustrated - I’ve dealt with comments like this ever since he was diagnosed. I have to say it has been one of the most valuable lessons I have had during this journey.  I have learned on several levels that we need to stop judging period. Can you see someone who is dying from a brain tumor,  HIV or cancer? Not unless you see them at their worst. How many people look fine and are not even aware they are terminally ill.  So now to have to be questioned every time they medicate. Honestly, it can be exhausting.  As if most medicinal patients are not already dealing with enough. Ignorance should not have to be tolerated on top of everything else.  Because someone looks great means 'SQUAT'.  They can look fantastic and be miserable. How many times has someone taken their life only to have people say ‘I had no idea the last time I saw her, she looked terrific.’   It goes beyond health.  We judge on race, clothing, size, material possessions, physical appearances and education, to name just a few.  How often do you really talk to someone to find out who or what they are about before judging them.   I'm far from perfect, are you perfect?  I have over heard comments but most the time I just ignore them. Why acknowledge someone’s ignorance.  Lead me not into temptation. LOL
I am determined to direct my energy to positive drawing, education and not towards wasting my time talking to narrow minded individuals who are usually not only miserable with medicinal cannabis but wih life in general.

I believe this is one of life secrets - share your gift! Everyone has something they can share- everyone. It might not be what you think it is, not everyone can draw or sing but some bake, clean (trust me I believe that to be a talent), proof read, fish, frame, knit, sew, play the harmonica, organize.. there are so many talents. The key is to share. What good is anything if it is not appreciated or enjoyed or admired even. To share your TALENT is a gift to everyone else.  

I met through facebook a very nice guy named Steve, we have actually been in touch for a while but I finally just drew his cover for his newest CD.  He asked me a while ago and at first I said o.k. then I declined.  I declined because I had a few things going on and was in a slump... he waited, then I tried to turn him on to another artist friend - he declined, he said ‘he liked my vintage style.’ ;-)

I stalled some more... he persisted.  Do you know what it was? I was nervous. Perhaps a little intimidated by his talent.

I listened to his music - which I was extremely impressed with, his words and thoughts - intelligent and well put. His understanding & appreciation of this beautiful PLANT obvious. We think the same. What I draw I feel he sings. His words inspired me.  A few other things inspired me - he seems to be a hard worker, several things on the go- you can tell he is someone that believes - in himself.  Look within. Believe. He clearly is not where he is at from sitting on the sofa getting high all day!!  WAKE up ‘stoners’. Life is work.  One of the things that impressed me most about Steve were his photos of Facebook.  I look at everyones who requests friends profiles.  I saw a great dad - in a tutu If I recall correctly.. A little princess.  I saw not a ‘rock star’ but a person who I believe cares about what he is doing.  Passionate about what he is singing, saying. Rapping? LOL  You know what I mean.  It is clearly paying off Steve is on the rise. He was just featured in this months High Times magazine and is being talked about all over. Like anything =  research it for yourself check out Steve’s links.  When he finally asked again - I sat down and drew. He LOVED it.  He made my day, I am very proud to be the artist for one Steves C.D.s. I am grateful he bugged me &  believed in me.  Steve Caprio on FB his web site:    http://www.ominouswords.net/       
CD  Blunts for Breakfast.
Sharing his talent. ;-)))   
xox <><

Before we celebrate and welcome in a new year, I believe it is important to reflect and remember the past year, those who we have lost ;-( , and some events that now with the new year many might hope will be put 'behind us' . We must forgive but we can NOT forget.  For in forgetting we set ourselves up  for a repeat. Too many things happened this year that should not have. The oil spill, you don't hear anything about it anymore but there are many that still have not had their livelihood returned, lives lost, creatures lost. For Greed. 
Greed was a hot topic in 2011.  Harper and his Jails - God help us.  Obama and his broken promises hurting many already suffering victims. Broken promises broken dreams ;-( 
Monsanto and the suicide seeds.  Trying to control FOOD around the world!? W.T.F?
FOOD should be available for all - forever! Especially if you can grow it.  GMO's in general are on the top of the Naughty list. 
Sooner or later changes have to be made. I do believe that the biggest part of the problem is not being educated on the topics.  It has nothing to do with being stupid- It is about being interested or made aware of the details, and how can you be when so much energy and $$$$ is being put on the opposite- keeping us in the closet. Distracted. Not to mention life keeping us all busy - trying to survive it. The only way we will survive is if we work together and educate the masses. AT LEAST - get them thinking! ;-))) So if it starts with a cartoon - fantastic!  I believe with this toon, people will look at it and try to figure out what I am saying. Most will get it - LOL -I hope.  I started a contest today (see contest page) 
in hopes that people will share this cartoon and perhaps get someone curious enough to start to pay attention. So do NOT forget the Naughty - DO not let the Naughty get away with repeating  the nasty they did in 2011. Make 2012 s better place for ALL of us.  
My wish for 2012.

As it happens I just like to draw Santa and Rudolph ;-)   
Busy and long day - catching up before I have stuff to do for the Holidays.
It's Monday! A new week, a new leaf! LOL 
I am grateful for good books. 
I am grateful for homemade cookies medicated or not!
I am grateful for all the support I get from friends & strangers a like.
I am grateful for a space to create & paint and draw.
I am grateful for everyone who SHARES their talent - It's NOT all about $$$-It is about the gift and sharing and making others feel good.

I'm drawing a cartoon for someone I like and I'm trying to combine a dog and fish.. anyhow I search quotes to get inspired. I saw that quote above and of course the first thing that came to my mind was my girls. Such inspiration. I giggled when I was drawing it and again when I was inking it.  I wish you could see the original - so much more detail but I have been told not to post stuff at a high res. thats' how people can steal my work. I don't mind sharing but not steal ;-) Anyhow made up my mind. It's mine ;-)   To celebrate love, puppies, crazy dogs and old dogs and medicine! A natural medicine that has eased our pain! On several levels.
I still giggle now when I look at it. Thank God.  I LOVE what I do but if you think it is easy it is not. Not the drawing but the learning.  Learning about people who go to jail. Sick people. I say everyone should have the right but don't be confused... I believe the only way to end this stupidity is to legalize, and I want it ended for the love of my son, family and friends.  I am not a scholar, business woman or expert on any of this. I'm still learning. My son teaches me the most. He is very smart about all of it. I am so proud of him.  I thank God for him several times a day ;-)
I believe we meet everyone for a reason.. at my first protest I was walking one way and I met a young man walking in the opposite direction, he was carrying a plant. I do not know how we started talking but we did and I was instantly impressed.  His backpack looked heavy and I remember telling him if he needed a place to stay he was welcome to camp in our backyard. Anyhow  at the end of the protest he gave Storm his little plant. I was so excited! I want to protest! To tell the world - My son is not hurting!!! My son is enjoying life! For the first time! Sleeping at night! Not worried about the future! BECAUSE of this amazing plant!!  Adam and I have crossed paths a few times now and I have had the pleasure of also meeting his lovely girlfriend.  Every time I walk away thinking what a great guy. What a bright future. What a big heart. Please take a moment to read this, Adam puts it so perfectly.  I am proud of him too. _http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Canada+needs+medical+marijuana+policy+that+puts+patients+first/5867102/story.html

So I don't alwasy have something to giggle about..  but then I just think, remember why I am doing what I am and who I am working for ;-) Back to work!  xox <><