Ted talks are a favourite pastime while paint dries & as fate had it the first to show was ‘Draw your future’ & I think, 'If I can’t do this, who can?'  lol 
I loved it, of course.  Too close to home’ at one point, like a punch to the gut. Ouch.
I did what she said, only the first night I just went to bed and THOUGHT about it.  Every detail down to the birch trees and fungi… I know all about drawing and feeling better. Forcing my brain to play in the forest with bear and fox under a warm summer moon during a snow blizzard,  I know.

 Draw your Future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vl6wCiUZYc   <<<TED TALK

New Years Eve I spent the night 'Drawing my Destiny. I had more fun than expected, I was imagining who, what, when- right down to the Pizza with feta, sun-dried tomatoes & artichoke followed by anything slathered with maple syrup. What I’ll be doing, painting & who will be sharing my company with, besides the blue jays, bear & deer.
In between - I’ll travel - should I feel the desire.
The giant cacti might have given that clue away.

My next home (I know because I’ve drawn it now) will be a place of comfort & peace, laughing, painting, relaxing.. all things enjoyable. Love & dogs!
I've painted in' a guest cottage, far enough away but close enough for dinner company- boats for fun, fire pit for more meals & intimate conversations.
A big beautiful lake, finshing & endless painting..  I have a seperate studio with kiln - it's all off the grid with all the comforts of home, including highspeed internet and a fireplace, books, lots of places to snuggle. My hair greyer & longer lol   My clothing  freeeeee flowing.

I can’t wait!  Try it,  What do you have to lose? 
I won’t show you my ‘Before’,  no need.
It's my business and not up to everyones translation who does not fully understand a situation.  It does work try it- and pay attention to your mood!
The current mood..  Like 2016,  is done.  
What are you 'done'  with this year?

It was a wonderful way to send out the old.. drawing  the new.
DO NOT FORGET the 3 steps:   SEE IT!  Believe It! ACT ON IT.
​Be bold.

Have Faith
<><
XOX

How Low can they Go? I don’t know… pretty low. 
Changing the rules & laws to suit what ever works best for an already established corrupt Administration. Rise Up.  WE Stay High. 
Cannabis is here to stay.
Getting angry only gets people thrown in jail and gives the “Authority’ reason to shoot your dogs, as any dog lover knows - any loving dog will defend their master & sense the threat - so, many good dogs are going to die I’m afraid in the future, in the USA.  
A Good time for people to think about investing in the dog bite prevention kits, with my illustrations & puppy training - help prevent any event from harming a family member. 

When they Go Low - STAY HIGH. I don’t mean - sofa surfing the latest celebrity gossip on T.V. high. Educate! Yourself or someone on any topic that you are passionate about.  Hopefully, one will be Cannabis awareness. If Cannabis helps you feel better,  stay HIGH but stay active, creative and inspired.  Terrible news all the time can tear down the soul, throw in daily aches and pains, mental & physical, next you’re exhausted and not even enjoying all that you work so hard to accomplish. 
Stay Hi - when it helps you past the PTSD. 
Stay HIGH when dealing with chronic pain & even when dealing with a broken heart.. as many do starting the new year - it’s not healthy - so get HIGH, in  2016 you had a good cry - NOW get busy.  Heal thyself.  

This year... 
Chase your dreams not people, those who are meant to be in our lives will be.

I took steps to become better in 2016 was somewhat successful, when I sit, meditate, think positive thoughts about pleasant experiences & people - I had a smile on my face and everything seemed better… slowly.  I felt better, looked better and twitched less. Fact. 
It was work, I kid you not.  lol  I plan on working at it more this year.

I know what I need to focus on in 2017, more painting.  How about you?

Have Faith 
<><
xox

Mmmmmmmm Mmmmmmmmm Mushrooms!!
Last night was the fall mushroom dinner with my son @ Piatto Restaurant  and the meal was as usual - delectable!  From start to finish, every meal has mushrooms and each course better than the last! Also a nice detail with everyone having a 'big mushroom shaped potato' on their plate - I KNOW the amount of work this would have taken and it was a lovely, impressive touch.

We sat with some lovely people, very interesting (I feel like bugs bunny when I just said that) sharing adventures, travel stories and more- there was never a silent moment - unless we were all eating and even then - the conversations never stopped. From cat towers to waterfalls...  quite a few giggles were to be had. 

Ironically before arriving I asked Storm "do you mind if we sit alone tonight, I just want it to be about the meal- no idle chatter "  lol - so glad  when we arrived  we were immediately told 'where we were sitting - at the head table. hee hee - Storm looked at me -  we exchanged the here we go glance :) & had a  terrific evening as usual! I can't thank my son enough... he does not have to take me, it does me proud to attend this meal - to see my son 'the Foray Director' (hee hee) is respected & liked and everyone has a smile an something nice to say!   Not to mention his knowledge on mushrooms, he can hold a conversation with the best of them and does.  
The Mycological Society of Toronto is growing in leaps and bounds - I get it!!!
The Forays are FUN - the wide range of people is incredible, every profession and level of education all mingling - coming together by mycelium - Don't fool yourself if you think the mushrooms are not bringing all these people together.  Watch a documentary - here is a good one: World of Fungus   Have a watch.  You will learn something! The forays are also a way to LEARN which mushrooms are safe and which are NOT - *NEVER EAT A MUSHROOM YOU FIND IN THE WILD IF YOU DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO EAT.  People dies STILL all the time, recently a little boy in B.C. died from eating a "death cap" while on a foray with his parents - especially little ones! Teach THEM NOW, I've seen death caps all over this foray season.
Cannabis - O deaths.        Hmmmmmmmmmm... just sayin'.

One gentleman was sharing he is making a mini film with the song 'Oh' Canada' for our 150 this year!!  Canada will be 150 years young and there are many events planned this year
so  COME VISIT!: Canada is 150 years old!   I can't wait and will share when complete.  
Ending on a positive note - guess who was asked to draw a cartoon for the  MST newsletters?  I'm going to get right on that  & today I'm finishing my painting.               39

Have Faith
<><
​xox

          If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform
​                                           one million realities.

                                                - Maya Angelou -

Tell me the world is NOT watching this.  I can't believe what I am seeing with the North Dakota pipeline Violence.  History repeating itself... the ones with the bigger guns wins.
Or bullies moving in and taking whatever the fuck they want.
Bullies with BUCKS!!  $$$$$$$$$$$$
I don't understand why all AMERICANS, not just Indians are not ALL Standing with Standing Rock!?  Look at the devastation already with PIPELINE leaks all over the world already destroying  our water, wildlife and US!  Wake the fuck up. 

They are fighting for ALL of our clean drinking water.  Pipeline accidents happen and the results devastating,  the damage in most to all cases can never be properly cleaned/contained.  But this is not just the blockade.. it's the violence on peaceful protestors.  Rubber bullets -  God forgive them.  I had no idea the damage they did, so they don't kill- big deal! IT IS inhumane  treatment of others!  This pepper spray shit, Jeeze I can't help but want to see those spraying - sprayed...  and this is what happens.. anger is fuelled by both sides. In my case Anger against the American government who would let this happen. 
If you research treatment of American Indians in History- we don't need to - is anyone still oblivious to this past disgrace? Here it is repeating itself LIVE for the world to watch this time, and it does not look good America on you. It happens all the time, Native Americans in America are incarcerated/shot   on average more than most.. after the well known statistics of African American Abuse, that is.
This time the world IS watching.  
Yesterday ironically, as I painted I watched a documentary : Before the Flood
It was not pleasant.. it was the truth and very crucial RIGHT NOW!  Please watch and then lets see how you feel about this profit only pipeline!  I understand people are upset regarding work- it only brings them a couple of months work at best- (which I understand many people survive on ) but it will destroy the land they live on for the future generations to come - we have other resources that need to be focused on- EVEN I understand this!

I don't know what is going to happen, sadly I see this pipeline happening...
History repeating itself regardless how ugly it was the first time.

Canada has it's own Indigenous people shame we have to deal with & we are, I hope.
WE need to focus on our Tar sands ;(  How sad to see Canada ripped apart like you do in the documentary. ;(

Norm had no clue about the Dakota Pipeline protest, has not heard one thing these past days at work (he listens to the radio all the time), yet we hear about what some bullshit with Brad and Angelina on a plane.. bullshit.
www.facebook.com/Standing-Rock-Sioux-Tribe-402298239798452/
Please show Standing rock your support.
I stand with Standing rock .

Wake the Fuck Up People.
Please.

Have faith 
<><
​xox

I Am, the queen you all work of me.. who(m) is correct in this statement?

​Reading 'again', The Botany of Desire - a gift from our friend Justin &  it's just as much a joy the second time around - I've grown since the first reading a couple of years ago - hee hee - The Botany of Desire for those that do not want to READ ( but I hope you do!) can watch it here: http://naturedocumentaries.org/126/the-botany-of-desire/  I highly recommend!  
I will continue to read for now.
  Each statement is true.. and the correct answer is:

       We ALL work together or it's not going to work.

If the bees die the planet will follow soon after.
Do not believe me ? Research it, you should BEE... as hard as I try, I get a little concerned after I do research -  we have  already started this decline to mass destruction and are still not paying attention.  Ignorance is Bliss.
The Bees are still dropping dead all around the world. 
I am partly responsible... taking my little friends for granted.  
I will still consume honey, it will be locally gathered with tender loving care from someone I know tenderly, lovingly CARES. We do have a friends who are local BeeKeepers - so we also have been blessed with a bit of extra Bee education.
If interested you may contact Zephyr Creek Honey here: ls.iacono@xplornet.ca

Who does not know how important the bees are at this point?
The Botany Desire also discusses cannabis- it is interesting and I promise you will be wiser! 

It is my first attempt at this much of a detailed Gouache painting, I think I'm getting the hang of it, I certainly am enjoying it!  Already to start the next. 

Above is the cartoon shared on line for Fb .. Below is the image as it is I hope you enjoy, in real life it is very vibrant! It is what I enjoy most about gauche. Do what you love. 

Believe
<>< 
xox

Do you know what an Urban Desert is? I didn't until very recently.
.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_desert
Food desertFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A food desert is a geographic area where affordable and nutritious food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile.[1] Food deserts usually exist in rural areas and low-income communities. Some research links them to diet-related health problems in affected populations.[2] Food deserts are sometimes associated with supermarket shortages and food security. The concept is controversial, and not universally accepted.[3]  

I watched a documentary called  A Place at the table. What a rude awakening, on several topics.  Obesity, Starving children's brains, & the ridiculous amount some have to go to just to give their children a healthy meal! CRIMINAL.  Watch it. It's a heck of a lot more import than Honey BooBoo.  Kids don't have a chance. ;(  UNLESS we demand changes!! 
It is an American Documentary but if you think it is not starting to happen here think again and take a good look at your surroundings. 
It inspired me to plant our garden, I planted extra for friends, neighbors and the food bank - if we am blessed with  good crop.
It was a great day to be in the garden with my girls!  I felt wonderful,  I even baked a apple berry pie! Woot! Woot! 

BTW, I use fresh fruit- apples, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries! About 1/2 cup organic sugar/brown. THAT's all. Stir & place in homemade pie crust ;) 
Bake at 350 for 40 mins.
Not too much sugar and 'these two' never complain!  
Photos of my Pie below   ...hee hee hee

  Please educate yourself on FOOD and how we are losing control of it. 
It's not just about Cannabis.  It IS ABOUT our kids!  
xox
<>< 

American Drug War 2. 
http://americandrugwar2.com/  
 We rented it via Apple T.V., Apparently it can be found on youtube. 
We watched  the first of these documentaries a few times, I did, it is very educational and the producers story very honest. IMO. BUT  the second documentary shares also the story of Cashy Hyde.  & his beautiful family.

The bullshit that family had to endure on top of everything else. From medicine to police abuse. That is exactly what it was . OVER A FUCKING PLANT.

Does anyone deserve this over a plant that has never been responsible for a death? Parents who only want to do everything they possibly can to help their child?

I really do think when they said for Storm no treatment, no cure was a blessing in disguise some days. Well, I might think that now, I did NOT then.

What  Cashy endured...  my one fricken surgery (miniscule in comparison) and I am still reeling ;-(  Cashy died the day after my surgery - I did not find out until a few days later.. maybe even a week I don’t  remember, I just remember no one wanted to tell me. Which I am now thankful for. It was a direct blow to my heart.  How could it not be? It was for MILLIONS.  

Cashy  was a miracle, you have no idea and yes he was here for a reason. We are all blessed because of him. Yes, he was a ‘weed warrior,’ sadly we now have a few.  A few little warriors who are suffering with pain, disease as their parents stand and watch helplessly..  and then to fear for your life because a plant you give your child  and eases their pain is ILLEGAL? Alcohol, pills and tobacco are all easily attainable and all deadly?

Is there any wonder I feel I am going mad? How crazy is all of this?
Innocent children are being punished and made to suffer over $$$
We all are. OVER the next big money maker!  Imagine if it was YOUR child.
Google Children on Cannabis  I dare you.

I KNOW. I have living proof and I love him very much.  I am doing this for more than my own son. 

Imagine if it were your child and you knew you could not get him enough medicine, MEDICINE that you KNOW has helped him, eased his pain and could possibly be what is saving his life and  although it is something you should  be able to GROW in your back yard.  THEY COULD NOT.

IT needs to be acknowledged for what it is A VEGETABLE. 
A MIRACLE plant!  Prohibition is not the problem any longer, it is lack of education.
Once more people become educated on the subject, and get away from reefer madness it will only be a matter of time. 

My son says I am naive.  ;(     I’d like to say I STILL believe in US. ❤

Please take the time to watch something that will educate you. 
The American government is educated on the subject of cannabis don’t forget - that’s why they took out the patent on it. FOR its medicinal values.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
xox <><

Mike & Kalli Hyde.  
Rest in Peace Cashy. xox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK-5ELuMg5Qhttp://www.cashhydefoundation.com/
Dr. confirms Cannabis cures tumor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6iba3sEUIg

We watched a doc. called Blue Gold. About water and it’s worth.

http://www.bluegold-worldwaterwars.com
We watched it on netflix.
I LOVE water, I love to live by it, I am a pisces, I love to swim, snorkel and DRINK.  
I mostly drink water. I have difficulty when I drink tap water - If I can smell it or taste it, and at time there’s a bit of both going on. Right now the smell. Admit-tingly, (<Is that a word?)I have difficulties ‘sharing’ water or bottled anything. SO, this one hit home in too many ways.

The thought of drinking recycled sewage water and calling it ‘porcelain springs’ - really - I’m done. Gag reflex kicks in.  I can’t imagine being that thirsty. I have a britta and yes USE to drink bottled water. As of NOW, I am going to try to never ‘purchase’ another bottle of water again, just the concept has sweat on my brow;-)  

I was saddened to learn what water hogs we are. America is the worst. Compared to other places and we are NOT stupid! WE know how bad some places have it but did you know there are green houses in Africa that grow roses to EXPORT - the roses get better water than the people that live in that country! And Coke is cheaper than water! ? That is shameful. Keeping the sick down. What can I do? All I can think Is I will NEVER drink or buy another coke and will try VERY hard to always recycle my bottles and get tap water - while we can. It’s a start and before you knock me - what will you do? 

AT the very least I will share these facts from time to time.. just to get people thinking and I will never BUY roses again. That being said I give thanks for all our water - not something concerning many when they see Calgary ;( The documentary explains it really well (punn intended) why we need to take better care. 

One thing AGAIN - WE really NEED to get control of the pharmaceutical industry!  These systems were designed to clean sewage. NOT CHEMICAL WARFARE !!! It is a serious problem with documented effects and trust me - I’m not sure I want to even start to research it ;(  Frogs being born all female. Shrimp going crazy, fish becoming aggressive, cancer medications, anti depressants - from pills and what passes out our bodies.  

It was really interesting we suggest you watch.  You might then start to wonder what Steven Harper is doing with our water. 
Do you have a clue?  Don’t care?
When will you? 

All I can do is hope this toons gets one person thinking ;-)  
It got us thinking & inspired <3. 

ONE more reason to get back to NATURE all around! Never mind just Cannabis! 

xox <><

We watched an interesting doc. the other night, I was watching it and the guys joined me at some point. It was called: Food Matters     http://www.foodmatters.tv/
We watched it on netflix and it was awesome. 

Wake up call.
We recently watched ‘Inside Job’ on Netflix*  
You can watch here for free: http://www.theotherschoolofeconomics.org/?p=2499

What can I say about it...
The lies that were used and created so that the rich could richer is beyond disgusting.  

I use to have a sort of ‘respect’ for people that I believed were -well to do. 
As time has gone on, I realize they are NO better than anyone else, they only appear more ‘comfortable’.  
How they get where they are, walking across the backs of others, chasing the almighty dollar, building up false hopes and dreams and taking bets on people because they know they can’t possibly afford the corner they have them backed into.
Many hard working people lost everything... because of sneaky, greedy, lying 
people in power. It is heart breaking. It can’t possibly end well, this war on each other.
The rich all ended up getting bonuses - MILLION $$dollar bonuses. 
Middle class became poor.  

Things will not change until all those that are criminals are in jail behind bars. 
MONEY or NO money. RICH or poor.
Seeing how this is not the trend.. one can’t help but think - It’s gonna get ugly,
 prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.  

If you don’t watch because you don’t care and you remain un-educated on how things happened...  when it happens to you - Who will you blame?

Education is Key. My own husband could not believe some of the lies that were told to people to buy homes they could not afford, lies he has heard not to long ago from a banking establishment. 
So - it continues for those that are not aware.

Change your life - get educated there is not excuse not to with all the information available to us today. 
Unless you have more important things to watch like Honey booboo or anything with ”Snookie’ in it.  How is it possibly making your life better by watching those shows?
T.V is keeping America entertained and ignorant as it steals the front matt from under their feet!!!  As well as cable, but by then it’s too late. Welcome to tent city and no T.V. 

WAKE UP! 
TURN OFF!!
TUNE into LIFE!

*about Netflix. we never had problem until recently Rogers Cable company keeps telling us we are over our limit... this is strange since we hardly watched Netflix this month. We have been watching Sons of Anarchy on DVD.s  I spoke to 3 others who have all told me the same thing happening to them lately. 

Is Netflix - Rogers sneaky, dirty, loop hole to get us for all they can $$$?
 xox<><