I thought today might be a good day to tell you about Walnut INK! This way you can scope out a walnut tree and try to make some of your own this fall! I heard about this when in Halliburton listening to the radio - I wished I could have went to the evening so I contacted the woman and she shared her walnut ink recipe with me 
! Below is the e mail she shared! Enjoy! 

WALNUT INK                                      Judith Jaimet Bainbridge
 
Walking in the Experimental Farm in the fall, I noticed lots of rotting walnuts on the ground, under, of course, a black walnut tree, and I decided to make my own walnut ink.
It is fabulous for painting and writing. 
The recipe I found on the net was surprisingly easy.
I filled a pot with all the bits, fruit and seeds, rotting or not.
It is best to use the fruit when it is starting to turn black.  
Then I covered them with water and got it boiling.
It simmered all day, making the house smell all earthy, like a hobbit hole.
They recommend doing it outside, but I didn’t mind the smell. 
I strained the mess through cheesecloth and got the liquid boiling again.
It was about 10 cups at this point.

The idea is to boil it down until you have an almost black ink.
It made finally about one cup. Pouring it into sterilized jars will keep it from getting mouldy. When you use it, if you pour a little into a small container to dip your pen into, the original amount will stay germ-free longer. I froze some to see if it will stay useable when it is thawed, but I lost the cubes in my move. Try it and let me know please. 

The result was a gorgeous, brown-black ink- a nicer colour than the synthetic kind- that flowed smoothly and made crisp hairlines. I loved it! BUT it FADES! 
In about six months in a window, it had lost most of its intensity and was very pale.
That was a year and a half ago and it hasn’t faded away completely.
The old manuscripts that we see of brown ink were initially almost black. I have since learned that a little vinegar and salt will make it lightfast. I have not tested that. 
The synthetic, dried ink you buy from *John Neal Bookseller, is made from all natural substances and starts with peat. It is lightfast. It keeps and carries well because it comes in dried crystal form and requires only the addition of distilled water to make it useable.
 *johnnealbooks.com                       jaimetbainbridge@yahyoo.com

***Judith is retired from doing heraldic art and calligraphy for the Governor General and the Federal Government. She now does sculpture and the book arts.  She live 6 months in Ottawa and 6 months in Minden where she teaches for the HSA or for Fay @ Visible Voices Open art Studio!  They call the gatherings ‘Creative Interludes’ - short bursts of playful creativity - rather than workshops.  I wish it was closer! I'd be there!!
Leaders share their skill and knowledge and  all learn from each other. A Creative Interlude suggests an informality, a relatively short time to explore, experiment and experience that is open to anyone interested. Sometimes they get people who don’t really consider themselves to be ‘creative’  but are intrigued…and they want to encourage that.  If people want ‘more’ then they organize that.  Check it out:

Facebook: Visible Voices Open Arts Studio
www.openartsstudio.ca

Judith has not retired from teaching- 'I love it'.  It shows! I am thankful she shared this recipe with me IF you do try it PLEASE let me know as well! 

Believe! 
xox <>< 
​GET creative today! 

,I am really enjoying Instagram!! 
You don't really know anything about anyone.  Only what you SEE. lol
It is more sharing your own images that someone else's.
Unless stated you don't know if it is a man or woman & there is far less politics than FB
WAY LESS Trump - and that makes it worthwhile right there.  

You can select who you want to 'follow' based on visual - I've said it a million times - I'm visual & I am a visual learner- Craftsy- Youtube, Pin bring it on!
There ARE no excuses any longer!  What catches my attention on IG is NOT WHO but What! For example before Christmas - I was drawn into & curious by the artwork of one person named 'Konrad'- I assumed a man - haunting images - I  cant read the language - yet the images keep me coming back and I follow.
To make a long story short I approached Konrad * (Now by another more feminine name I call her I'll keep it a secret!) with a message and ask if 'they ? - would be interested in _Bartering Christmas cards?
That is how it begins, the next thing I know, I now have a wonderful new penal in Russia!! 
She wants to learn English - so, the deal is Now we exchange mail only by snail mail! ;)
I'm excited!! I got her package first! It was such a wonderful gift! She still does not have mine, I am not worried as a package I sent to Norway Dec. 5th Just arrived the other day! Almost 2 months to the date! So, Russia- it might be a few more days.
The timing was blessed - I was on a roller coaster with news of Jamie,  it was nice to have such a neat, cool, 'Russia!?' - little 'pick me up reminder from my  incredibly talented Russian friend! Who knew?  How cool is this world Right now?  Please - I asked her and she said it's o.k. Go check out her work.. WORK it is, she is also a student is a 'institution for architecture. I see the amount of work, passion and thought she outs into her drawings!
This is another talented young woman going places! Konrad. ;)

Storm has teased me, I cant stop eating the chocolates- even tho I was going to share them with everyone- they have the cutest little wrapper.. 
From Russia with Love-  both Norm & Storm thought it was very cool - so I guess - you just have to ask.

Once I learned more - like He was a She, and only in her early 20's - a student, l I made sure to ask her, to tell her mom what we were doing.  ;) Mom first.  All is good.
I can tell you, her English is better than mine already - her vocabulary extensive.
I guess she is using a dictionary right now to translate my letters and write back,  what a job  for her and I am honoured that she is taking this task - one I know, I would not even attempt.  I wonder how much she retains- I am sure it's quite a bit- I can tell by her work- she pays attention to detail.
I am very pleased to have a new friend. I've blogged about Mona before, my young friend I  wrote to many  many MOONS ago - we too, are friends on instagram. 30 years later (?) I am keeping my account more to for my visual mind, stimulation if you will.  I am following only a few artists and will change so my feed changes.
More drawing and meditation. I'm trying a new online brain meditation also.  
​We've just started and agreed to be snail mail pals, today I wrote to Yasunori Abe-in Japan, to be continued tomorrow!  & Todd in prison. 

I honestly do feel a connection to a few people - I'm not one to question why or try to understand. This young woman is gifted and here for a reason - this much I know.
Aren't we all? Her package warmed OUR heart- TEA! It's tea in the lipton doll, (duh)I have 'Lipton french onion soup' on the brain!  I read the name and...  anyhow, its wonderful.
Every drop... 'from Russia with Love! <*Just saying that makes Norms day. Bond freak, that he is.

Thank you for the gift of today. 
Believe
​xox <>< 

Tis time! I am painting & losing wall space, canvas & paint,  to feed my addiction - which is keeping me healthy(?), happy and sane - lol - I need to part with some art.  From time to time I will place art on my 'Art for purchase'  page. - all sorts- all prices.  
I am thankful for the requests I receive ALTHOUGH, I am no longer taking commissions. 
I will be removing the page.
What you see is what you get!  lol 
I can't stop painting - but it's time to toon! This bunny - again sitting out on the back deck, suddenly my hare had a doozie in his mouth! I said bunny with a blunt but blunt is not technically correct - a blunt i smoked with tobacco leaves and not  papers like a joint. Come on Georgia! It's called 'artistic license'. I've used before I will will use it again  it is what artist do - especially cartoonists with talking dogs! 
I have difficulty selling work, putting a price on 'art'. 
My time and talent is worth something - as is anyones and this is the gift God has given me ;) & I need supplies!  The prices are what I am willing to let them go at. So, thank you for your consideration. Check back to my  Art for Purchase page...  and Im going to add a paintings page - I have no intention of stopping any time soon! Right now - I'm drawing the cutest little logo you ever did see! lol - I cant show you of course until the owner does...  time to draw! 
Like Buds Bunny? He makes me smile sitting right now on my desk. Painted with TLC & THC  the cannabis keeps coming out - paint me! Draw me! Talk about time! plant the seed of cannabis education! 

Thankfully,  I am not a starving artist by any means but my talent and time is worth as much as yours.   
                                      `Georgia

Have Faith  xox <><


To see more of what is available click here!:   Art for Purchase
I also have a donate button.  All money earned goes towards art supplies, postage, printing and more! Keeping me creative! I have no intentions of stopping anytime soon. 
God provides!  & so do some friends and supporters.  lol  Thank you! 
 

Art in the garden!  Every year my friends and I go to craft sales and events. I asked them to join me this mothers day for an 'art show' our own little display.  LOL - Who needs an excuse to hang out with friends and look at art!  
I don't get around like I use to  so why not! 
Everyone seemed keen - even Norm! I'm sure you'll be able to view a coffin in our garden. 
I'll try to make them cheery! lol
Its not about purchasing really - I sit here and panic for a second thinking what have I got to sell -  I will have some mini paintings, a few garden signs, I might part with a Laughing Buddha or two, who knows! - I want to have a great weekend in the garden! What better way to start then with a couple of good friends!  If you are around I hope you will consider joining us for peek! Of course we have an area for kids to color and an assistant to help! 

Ellen is big on butterflies and plans on educating us all a little.. Linda knows the newest knots in beadwork - I look at it and am amazed at her detail and I am encouraging all our local Bees to come out and join us this beautiful day!!  Come say hello! if you can! 
OH- I'm also making - with he help of my handy dandy hubby - a new 'Best Blooms'  Photos Op. display - JUST for Mothers day! Bring your cameras! It's one of the 'poke your head' through the hole thing! ;)  
Pets too are welcome as long as they stay on the leash and away from the Pool! Scruffy will be upset! * it will be blocked off ;) 
We have poop bags and they are free to those that need, Also a drinking area for dogs. ;) 
Come take your photo with mom! Enter the free draw and more!! 
Wait and see! Invite a bee!!! ;) 

Oh, Canada!!
Canada has changed a lot in the past 10 years, but never so shockingly as it did in December, 2012. That month Canada went from 2.5 million protected lakes and rivers to 159 protected lakes and rivers. 

You need to ask, why?  This is a quote from the Huff Post, it’s a pretty good assessment.

"It means the removal of almost every lake and river we know from the Navigable Waters Protection Act. From one day to the next we went from 2.5 million protected lakes and rivers in Canada to 159 lakes and rivers protected. You name the river, you name the lake and it is no longer protected by this act, and this has nothing to do with the budget that the government rammed through, it has everything to do with pipelines, because you are able to now are able to ruin navigation and not trigger an environmental assessment."

One little tidbit they didn’t mention is the most of the protected lakes and river are in Conservative ridings. Places that have millionaires cottages perched on the shores. The rest of us can just suck it up.

I’m angry; my children will likely lose the opportunity to swim in clear clean water (unless they marry money) and the risk to the environment, just when the rest of the world is starting to clean their countries up, will have reached epic proportion in Canada. My grand children will be at risk, their health, safety, lifestyle and living environment will be negatively impacted to benefit a handful of international mining companies and their rich shareholders (who live with THEIR children beside the protected lakes.)

This just boggles my mind.. since when is one group of people more important than another? Since when has Canada been willing to sellout its citizens? There is no net benefit, no silver lining, no payoff , unless of course you’ve invested in mining companies.

We need to ask our Conservative government a few questions. First- who are you working for? Second- Why are you so willing to risk your children’s future when you have a choice not to? Third, do you know what your grandchildren will think and say about you?

We need to get angry, folks, we need to start showing an interest in what our governments, at all levels, do in our names.

CETA, the European free trade deal is set to be ratified in September. Once that’s through we can expect even more attacks on what laws we have in place provincially to protect our wild and not so wild areas. This trade deals allow corporations to sue countries who have environmental laws that might hurt their “future” profits.. nice for them, eh? We’re rapidly losing control of our laws to greedy corporations and this Conservative government is smoothing the way.

Go find a nice lake or river bank this weekend, swim.. wash your hair, take a tire tube and show the kids how to paddle around the shore looking for minnows and turtles. You better take pictures though, as this is likely the last generation who will be able to enjoy it.


*Thank You Ellen Durkee!  Terrific Guest Blog. 
I get by with a little help from my friends!  <><
Read this.. more on the topic! 
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/lakes-across-canada-face-being-turned-into-mine-dump-sites-1.733972
You won't believe <>< ;( 


To see the Stephfin carper  in the flesh (yours), join me tomorrow at the Painted Perch Challenge!  I think it's going to be a lot of fun, Norm myself & Poppy! Adopting out - Zen Kitties and enjoying the day! My other artist friend Ellen Downe is also going! 
The kitties are $20 each with $5. for each purchase going to the Georgina Food pantry. 
* I figure that would cover mailing and they sell on line for $20 ;)  


I am just looking forward to the DAY!! In the park! Music! Crafts! Friends! Fun!
Come say hello, and if YOU want a free post card, just ask ;) 
xox <>< 

It has been almost a week already! Since 4/20 and the day @ Conspiracy Culture - I can’t tell you the number of times the week has come up in conversation, mostly between us three.  So many  “little’ things happened, that have had such a huge impact on us.  It wa by far the ‘richest’ 4/20 we have as a family experienced to sate. Tt was also Easter and  me personally, I was struggling with conflict, promote cannabis education on Easter ! He is Risen! ;) What would Jesus do? 

NO doubt, shake his head at all the insanity.

Then, all you had to do was be there.  I will not apologize - I am truly grateful for each soul that came that day  but Jamie... when he walked in with that Big SMILE and Easter goodies...  when he opened the cartoon, the excitement still rings in my ears with the laughter and pointing to everything in the drawing! I had to choke back tears! WOW! 
Then to top it off *Kisses from Poppy. 

It was all ‘realigned’.  I had friends show up and draw, that I never imagined would. 
We laughed, Had cookies!  Took breaks to medicate and I chatted. AS ALWAYS not enough time to just sit and chat with many.  

One gentleman said he drove to hear and meet me, I said - "oh we had a bit of a drive - we came from Keswick,"  then he said    “I drove from Sault St.Marie.”  
 My jaw dropped! I asked him if it was worth the drive and we started to laugh, he assured me it was.   His son is having issues, such a dilemma for so many of use because WE CARE for those we love.  When our child (at any age) is suffering we do also as parents, he son struggling with schizophrenia issues and prefers cannabis over other meds. but there seems to be so much  involved - THERE IS!! So much involved for so many of us.  Who is ANYONE - including Dr.s who spend only ‘fractions’ of our REAL lives with us?  I don’t think I did help him, I only shared an opinion. 

I met a woman who had questions, but her English was not that great, to make a long story short - we talked for a while and at the end of our conversation I hugged her. It caught her off guard - and me - her reaction of tearing up. Only to tell me I was her first hug since she came to Canada. Nothing to do with Cannabis.  HUGS.

A very old friend - just the sight of her warmed my heart, our timing still not meant to be though... lol  she was arriving as we were leaving, and we were all very tired by this point.

I met new friends and was surrounded by old,  I actually got to meet face to face a few FB friends! How awesome.  and yes... I had a gentleman show up and give me some RSO and a vial of cannabis glycerine!  Smiled... then he left.  I hardly had time to thank him, I felt like a doofus. I will say I am VERY thankful. It’s been a difficult week, physically.  How incredible is that? 

"I want to help you feel better."   Simple.     IF ONLY.
I am already drawing for some new little children, next a little girl in Ontario. 
I felt so blessed as we drove home and following and still do... Storm is here. 
We are here. All we can do is keep going.  
As usual the day had a most excellent lesson  
The day was definitely all about quality & not quantity. 

One of the neatest thing for me to hear  was my guys took a stroll with Poppy in her little pink dress on the boardwalk! The days was so beautiful! Storm said there were lot’s of smiles! LOL I bet.   It was a day I will fondly remember for a long time.  

 PLEASE  ASK yourself one thing today:

Is my lack of Cannabis education/support hurting anyone?
Then look at the photos below.  
Jamie is already dealing with enough, as is his family. 
He just wants to be a kid. He just want to feel better. 

Not pot heads, not drug dealers. 
People who care about people. 
How blessed was this Easter Sunday for me and my family
 - all about giving, and it’s never felt better.  
xox <>< 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting Toronto - Yorkville to be specific, to see a friends art exhibit! My best friends sister, sent me an e mail asking if I'd like to join her to see Kyles work only days before.. so I though why not!  Glad I said YES!
It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining! Kelly drove,  I just sat, admired the view and chatted away! I was excited as Kelly is a teacher and I wanted to talk about stuff I had seen on PIN recently and a few other ideas. We talked about all things and  she was also educated on the medical side of cannabis although has never  needed or used... how refreshing.  
I asked Storm to roll me 3 joints and had my DaVinci,  just in case. I medicated just before the show - met 2 nice gentlemen in the 'smoking area; with me ;) We exchanged a few good words and a laugh. I love meeting strangers. Then into the Gallery!  

Kyles work is in all the outside windows as well...            Wow.  
Hard to believe, when ever I am at a loss for words. 
It really MUST be seen to be appreciated to the fullest. The detail, direction, power and peace it makes me feel is strange. I WOULD sit and stare for hours. It pulls you in and you find yourself wandering and wondering.  I know they represent buildings and I am NOT a fan of 'city living' but I find a sense of calm - the colors excite me. I wish I could afford one, ONE day!  I did not touch, as tempted as I was.

I do believe in owning original art. 
You'll never hear, "Oh, my 80 year old aunt has that one over her sofa too! "
You are supporting a PERSON directly. Encouraging an artist to continue - hopefully.
Inspiring others by sharing your art and more. Every piece, I wonder... how long did that take, how did they do that? What were they thinking? Feeling?
 I've included links below to Kyles FB page  you can find out when the show is running, with a link to the Gallery. Also photos of the day.
We then, all three walked around Yorkville, again Kyle is one of those guys that knows all sorts of interesting facts and never fails to amuse. I had no idea all the art, just in the one area. Can't wait to take Poppy in the summer. ;) I wished we had longer but the idea was to beat the traffic and we we did! 
I have included photos below.  I am thankful for the day, the experience and getting to see Kyles work up close! Inspired? YOU BET!!! A new laughing Buddha on the drawing board as I type. Posting tomorrow. 
BTW - I was not HIGH, I was able to walk around Yorkville and enjoy the afternoon, medicated.  NOT, it would not have happened and yes I feel it today - so what ;) I am extra sore but it was worth it. 
xox <>< 

KYLE on FB : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kyle-Clements/134084013295096
Kyles www page - link to the gallery also :  
http://kyleclements.com/contact.html

I AM ready!  
My artwork chosen and framed for my  
Cultivating Compassion exhibit at 
Conspiracy Culture!
My work will be on display from 
March the 8th - April the 26th, 2014.  

I felt honored that Patrick asked me, as Conspiracy Culture is a thinking humans book store!   I like to think that my cartoons do exactly that - GET people thinking! 

Storm and I will also head down to the city to enjoy 4/20!   April 20th, 2014!  
Open special just for that day!! We will be there from 2 - 5. ;) 
 I'll have an easel and will doodle &  teach you how while I'm at it!!
I figure I want to keep it fun and easy, I'll have paper and pencils/crayons for those willing to give it a try! No age requirement needed ;-) 

I will also be talking about what is near and dear to my heart. 
My son and his medicine. Cannabis.  My medicine as well, the medicine of many that I am honored to call friends. Perhaps someone that has a child not well, will come  to the show out of curiosity- that is a start. ;)

 I have no idea or speculate how the day will go, I for one am so TIRED of winter and cabin fever - just the thought brings a huge smile to my face and I can't wait!!! I never need an excuse to spend the day with my son.   Below are a few samples of some work that will be on display! (& for SALE)  Every original comes with a letter of authenticity and a 'Georgia Toons' Limited edition gift bag.  
There will also be a DRAW basket @ the Show - with a framed original  and several other goodies $2.00 a ticket. 
Not a bad deal for a chance at an original.  
Please go and visit! Say hello and if you can come and say hello on the 2oth of April that will be terrific too!  I look forward to every second. 

The most difficult for me was, as always deciding on which originals I will part with.   
My originals are no longer for sale off this website. The only originals available will be custom work or from time to time some framed work that I am showing.  
Simply because,  I can't keep up and do not want to part with  any of my older work.  Thanks once again my friend Kathy of Kat's Gallery and Framing. 
Kat & I friends for years, I usually just ask her to work her magic.  
She did.

Have a peek below! 
Sorry NO *holding or pre sales - I only have enough for the exhibit.  
If you have any questions - don't hesitate to ask! E me! 
To see more You will just have to attend the show! See you there! 
<>< xox

Introducing Running with Buddha.

Many of you might not be aware of my Hempy Stalkers.... probably because every year I am lucky if I can produce 10. This year only 8.  Each Hempy stalker is made with THC & TLC  & every year they get better and better. It’s only been 3 and like any other work you get better and fine tune it as you go along.  The problem is - NOT a problem for me - I have a few collectors that come back every year, so in essence they are sold before I even display them.

NOT this year!’
I did 2 things. I told all, they have to wait until the EXPO is officially one before they can purchase anything and Running with Buddha is NOT for sale. I decided that  with my ‘show special’ (More on that Wed.) 100 bags- every bag purchased is the only way you also get a chance to WIN Running with Buddha. 1 in 100, those are pretty good odds! 
If you do not win you still get an awesome limited edition bag full of Happy Hippie stuff. 
This way someone that might not be able to afford a Hempy Stalker can possibly own one.

My hubby is right now in the garage building me an awesome display!  Just for my Stalkers ;-) Each made with THC & TLC! Here are a couple of photo of Running with Buddha but like everything else ‘she’ is much more beautiful in real life.  

Of course there will be several available to purchase they are priced from $65.00 Up to $400. for “the Twins”  if you are interested you better decide early...   

Each takes a long time to make, almost a full year, proper drying and prep  then painting, bringing to life - most of them guide me as to what they become ;-)  I add little details, charms, beads, glass and what ever else seems to want to be part of Hempy Stalker ART. 

I have had Running with Buddha on display in my own living room and it is going to be hard to part with. Not one person walks by and does not make a comment! What a wonderful way to start a conversation about Cannabis.  Ideal for a Compassion CLUB, HOME. OFFICE anywhere!   I have a friend with one on order after the EXPO  to display in her store front window! EXCITING! 

To me they are sculpture, art...  that is what they are, NOT for Children. They are not toys. They are a little delicate but made to be handled, touched and appreciated for all they are, and all they represent! 
      LIFE - GROWTH and LOVE.

Want to see more!? See you at the EXPO and I will have a blog with all the Stalkers after the EXPO - sorry no point even showing them now, I don’t like to tell people “No.”
xox <><