For the 50 shades fan..  
I did not read the book but I've read some of the lines from the book on PIN.
Hee hee

Well we have SNOW and more snow.
It's been the kind the past few days that remains on the trees- every branch, it's stunning to wake up to such beauty - a blanket of snow - it makes me want to stay under the blankets some mornings.  Poppy goes out to pee and runs back in- her extent of winter adventuring. 
Once again- on these mornings - I'm up - listen to 'Biggy'- started my day- lol, stretch and smoke a BIG FAT JOINT - my bones ache  with this snow, my wrists today need a little extra TLC & THC before I start to paint.. Thanks to cannabis I can.  
​Apparently in the city- they have no snow. frig. lol

I'm painting two bears in an embrace of LOVE in the garden, it's one of my best loved to date.   It's been a challenge this month of painting 'love' so far...   I'm not in love. 
I don't feel 'loved'.  Not like that.   It is what is. Right?  lol      
I'm not alone.
You are not alone in being alone this valentine days.  Remember that.
Millions do not have someone to celebrate 'V day with. 
Love yourself.

It really is just another day on the calendar.
If You love someone you'll send them a card any day, tell them ANY day. 
As a cartoonist and artist -tuff luck butter cup- suck it up and do your job.
The fact that  my bears show such love- I have in my heart.. is enough.
My bears tomorrow.

Have faith
<><
XOX

Stay Tooned...
Yoda inspired me, did he... see & wait, must you.

 **** & very soon..****
A Free  downloadable & printable 'Valentines Day cards' cut out sheet & More.
7 mini Cannabis friendly cards! *1 for the fungi lovers thrown in!

Simply - Color, Cut & Convey your love to someone! 
I'd like to help you spread some love this month! TLC & THC   
At least give someone  a giggle!
When is the last time someone one gave you a home made Valentine!?

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

Thinking about old dogs and missing  my old girl 'Tequila.
She loved cannabis. 
Several of our dogs enjoyed cannabis.
They know when and what helps.  

Have Faith
​<><
​xox

 'I love Canada.  Even in the winter..  I get more painting done!  Nature is my clock.
What do I love about Canada? Stunning nature, trees, GREEN, bluejays, maple syrup (Heaven's is my favourite')  Justin,  poutine, Beavers, Moose & loons!  The Ex- even tho  I no longer attend,  Mounties, Inukshuks...  the list is endless & Now- Canada allows Medical Cannabis patients to grow their own medicine!  Amen.  
It has me wanting to celebrate and combine my love of Canada with my love of cannabis and here was the first in a series Im calling 'Home Grown Canadian'.

My sons long time friend Sam, surprised me with a new piece to add to my collection!!
​Check out my sweet little glass nugget. ;) I'm very proud of him as I have bugged him a long time to keep creative!   A little upset he admitted he is slacking lately and only working about 3 hours. That's not going to cut it. Treat it like a job you LOVE  9-5 at least!
Check out Soul Masta's Glass on FB!  

On my Mind - my first sketch of the day... My MUGSHOT 

Next on the desk.. a little Alice Fun..  Peek A Boo, peek thru. I'm going to Time-lapse!

 On my mind...  I will NOW only tolerate people, thing, events, jobs in life that
Turn Me On!   Turn on my mind first and the rest follows! Meaning my heart.

On my mind.. Scruffy of course. I will admit yesterday during a TN attack and my face cramped for what seems like forever- it is my right side, my eye pulls shut and stays that way.. well Scruffy now has her right eye always shut.  The things that dog does for me.  
Dr. Karen Norman called me this am and assured me she was doing well.  Scruffy went out for a pee - "make sure she is on a least she knows her way home!"  and she said already you see her personality shine through. She is pretty bruised still, I can't wait for tomorrow- around 10, I walk up and go get her! 

Lot's to celebrate! 

Have faith
<><
​xox

My Hallmark  girl is in the hospital...  please send her some loving vibes today.
Me too.    

As you know Tequila just died... She was our oldest dog - 19, and still called the shots- even with Daisy who was easily 4 times her size, she trained Daisy - as Daisy watched her, so did all our dogs-  Tequila was well behaved.  If Daisy got out of line  'Ticky would go over and growl at her and Daisy would back off.  WE noticed the past week, Scruffy 'claimed the basket' (Tequilas basket that she had her entire life) no one else used it.  
We let it go- someone has to use it but I saw Daisy going over & giving her a dirty look.  Really.

Anyhow Daisy and Scruffy have always fought.. maybe 3 times a year they get yelled (we never let our dogs fight with each other) at & Scruffy- a 1/4 of Daisy's size never backs down! She is my problem child with the most attitude!  Well,  yesterday  they got into a fight, over nothing... Storm was right there with a friend (thank God)  I was up painting, my first in a series of  "Home Grown Canada".  Storm calmly yelled to me "Mom, come - we need to take Scruffy to the vet... its bad mom,  prepare yourself."   He was incredibly calm- as he gets- thank God.  When I saw Scruffy - My heart sank.    ;(    
One of her eyeballs was on her face.
I held her still as Storm ran of his keys..  she was calm, looking at me  ;( with both eyes and all I could was cry silently and hug her and tell her its o.k...    

Just then, Norm came through he door (Scruffy is  his dog)  and they rushed her to the vet.. it was closing... so they were advised to take her to the 'emergency clinic'.... Here is where I start to get extremely pissed off, so I best keep calm...   $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$    they were told it could cost up to $4,000 if they did it.  BUT if we wait and take her back to our vet today it will be much cheaper, WTF!?   !!!!!!!!
ARGGGHHHHH!!!  Bullshit!
Just do your fucking job and don't try to gouge everyone!
What a fucking joke..  :(          O.k. Im still very upset and cried all night.
My girl is in the hospital with her eye on her cheek because of $.  
We had to wait, we don't have the $ - we are waiting now to go and get her and bring her to surgery.  Norm had to get a credit card   to pay.  ;(  we were credit card free.  & it has already cost us $700. cash..   to sedate and send her back to another vet.    >:(  Fucking joke.

What do you do- say put her to sleep for $150. ;(    
No, she is one of my girls, family!  OMGosh, just the thought putting her to sleep  has me sick to my stomach.  2 dogs in less than 2 weeks.. Scruffy is our rescue 9 years now I think she is..   we were told they won't be able to save her eye.

The one thing I will say is Scruffy is our tuff girl, I'm sure even with one eye, she will be a hand full still. I cant wait to hug and kiss her.

The vet did say that sometimes a dogs like Scruffy- can have an eye pop if they sneeze!
Daisy is in the doghouse and she knows it.  It was an accident, they are normally best buds.

Please send us ALL some loving vibes and prayers today as Scruffy has her surgery.
And I don't freak on the vet. I will update tomorrow.
I just had her photo put onto a canvas.. to paint around her, to pay with and have fun.

Have Faith
​xox <>< 

* Update..  we had to PU scruffy before 7:30 or paid another $150.. we did then drove to the vet and had to wait until they 'Opened' at 8:30. She is now at our vet - since we moved up here. Dr. Karen Norman, whom I would rather do Scruffys surgery anyway.
BUT  they could have done the surgery, the estimate was $2000.  for a Rookie vet.. Oh they had a much more 'formal way' of telling us - I looked at her and said "so, a Rookie?"    
 I got No response- only a look of 'yes, I guess so.'  OR a trained practicing vet for $4000.! + more if complications- but  hey, the rookie - if they had complications - oh well, you got what you paid for.  Fear mongering is what it is. HAVE ONE FUCKING PRICE.

This industry is another that is only concerned with money- what happened to Dr.s caring about patients!?  Scruffy went in there with her eye dangling on her fucking face!  They bandaged her up and I'm supusto be happy with the cute little fucking bandage-  we paid almost $500. 
Awwww... FUCK that! Look after my fucking dog you hypocrites.
​EMERGENCY CLINICS RIP YOU OFF!

*They made sure we paid our money before we got our dog- BUT did not have the change to give us, instead Norm has to make a return visit to them, there was cash in the drawer - but not enough and it wold have 'inconvenienced them'. Icing not he fucking cake.
 
​We will get a call later after surgery and hopefully she will be home Monday.

We started today with an adventure! I'm determined to take a vacation this fall - somewhere - I'm even contemplating Norway.. but that will mean walking - so I am walking! We left the house this a.m. at 8 and just returned its almost 10. I love my girls... they listen well - even when chasing wild rabbits, Daisy is away camping with Storm so I try to take these two out so they don't feel left out. I also have a things for Rocks and found a 'few' - I'll be painting later in the week. IF more people had dogs - less people would be taking pills, especially children. Dogs are probably cheaper than pills also in the long run.
Today it's painting cards for a few I love. I'll show you one below! I'm pretty sure this friend ( a male) does not have time to read my blog so I'm not worried about spoiling the surprise 
I had fun with this card - all the info and message on the back.. hee hee he  
It's for a friend who has not been so successful as of late with his fishing  - lol 
I'm sure he will smile when he gets this forever fish! A one of a kind!
Hallmark - should make these cards, if I do say so myself ;)  Time to get creative- how about you? Or will you come up with some excuse today as why you can't?
The choice is ours!

Me- I'm going to go spend time alone- which I really enjoy, alone with the dogs.. lol.
Painting in Peace, creating beautiful images someone is sure to enjoy. 

Have faith
​xox <><

There is nothing like a spring day or walk in the sunshine to realign the mind.
I was up and out with the girls before 7 - Let the day begin! It was a very busy one, we (as in Norm, I supervise)  painted the back deck!  It's been.. oh about... 22 years.
It needed it badly - thats too many dogs to mention, paws in an out! & with the main Doggen lucky enough to go camping with her best friend-  was perfect timing.  But - hee hee Scruffy and Poppy still managed to  assist. So we went and sat in the gazebo and read Alice in wonderland  & the cow turtle. Actually I thought of my newest! Tall like my last! 
Which was a gift to Tara Roberts- a glass artist  who was making Alice in Glass! I have a slice of Alice! (more  on Tara soon)... I think we should do something 'girlie' hmmmmph....
a huge grin sneaks across my face. "Girlie"  me? I just realized that is what my mom called me growing up most of my life. 'George or Girlie' Today is my moms birthday, we will get together in the week for a celebratory lunch with Poppy. 

I am right now finishing my details on the last of my dog drawings! As soon as it is complete my sketch for Alice starts. I have two I'm excited about- I must stop reading it- it inspires  constantly.
I wish I was camping.

I'm not- I'm here - Excited to wake up tomorrow and get the deck back together- everything is on the lawn below and paint of course. Today was a terrific day! We even ran into Sr. Mary at the grocery store and got a hug - Oh - and from a stranger! lol  I just remembered -I gave a  hug to a stranger.. Thats too long of a story to get into. A pharmacist of all people!  On my driveway.  Isn't life funny - Did I tell him about cannabis- you know I did!
I just 'liked' the guy, he liked me too.  Even though he works for the pharmacy industry.
I hugged a stranger today!
Thank you God. I am smiling right now. 
Good night. 

Here are some of my favourite moments from this day! Give Thanks! 

I had a blog..  suff. 
It suddenly felt like too much to proof read.  

The meaning of life is to find your gift.
​The purpose of life is to give it away.
- Pablo Picasso -
​
Believe
<><
xox

I refuse work all the time lately, many times it is a project that seems too long,  others want me to draw 'their comics', conflict of interests, I need more time for my own  ideas, it's too daunting, not something I'd enjoy drawing for the next 3 months, there are  many reasons artists might not want to work except for the $$ - really, and as God has it - I don't need to work for money.  

I am thankfully, pretty darn content at the moment.  Many times the past couple of years especially, I have thought - I can't do it for obvious physical reasons and it's added stress to some degree - because jobs come with deadlines. I like to draw when the mood, idea hits.
This is one deadline I'm sure I'll meet, I love drawing & painting these  images.
17 for sure for the book!  I just realized last night I AM already 1/2 done! because I'm having so much fun! BONUS -I was given sheets with 'outlines' - draw what you want!  
Draw what i want!? YOU BET! And that is exactly what I am doing with all the LOVE I can muster I might add! I want this book to help and be successful - Not for the reasons most do - I want it to work! I want children to have safe interactions with dogs. 
I know a couple of children & adults who have been bitten over the years, I've blogged about it several times. Storm was bit when little. My fault. ;( I left him with our dog - who I felt more than safe with, but another male dog who' was in heat was visiting and Storm got in the way - one second.  I should he been more careful with a dog I did not know. Lesson learned.

Do what you love!  
I did work for Windy Willow Pet service in the past, Go check out the link: http://www.windywillowspetservices.ca
They have a little video I just saw and you will see my earlier work  for them!  The puppy training kit - it is easy and fun and interactive for children I highly recommend it for anyone bringing home a puppy!!  I was honoured when Rachelle the owner of the company called me again, not to mention I really like her- we hit it off & she trust me - I know what she wants - and will do my pest to provide it.
These paintings  will also make wonderful framed prints imo, or even gift cards.  
Either way I will helping prevent accident between dogs and children and that is fricken AWESOME!!! 
Wow, it brought back memories- Daisy was a pup when worked on the puppy kit project and she is in many of the images! Poppy was not even thought of, time flies.
Well it's back to it!  I have  drawings to do - I'm going to sneak in all our dogs of course and  few of my friends dogs too!

I had a great cannabis cartoon come to mind in the tub and I believe I will try to start a daily strip - probably about the dogs. I'm going to draw them smaller to see if I can still squeeze them in more often!!  
Have a terrific day.
Spend it with a dog you love... I have 4! That a lot of patting - I'm up for the task! 

Do what you love and the rest will follow! 

Oh, listening to a new podcast called the Cavern of Secrets.  I Am enjoying.  Like girlfriends hanging out and they talk about it all. I agree with most. If you wan to hear a normal Canadian conversation - have a listen.
Is it only Canadians who admit how f*cking scary Donald Trump is?

Believe
<>< 
xox

I like to WARM up!
Stretch my body, water, coffee & some fruit or juiced stuff start my day for the brain then I'm in my office/studio and  before I start what I am already currently working on - I like to warm up my brain with my watercolor!  
I recently purchased some fine water color cards & envelopes to do just that.  
I love to create custom cards and better -  I love to give them away. 
Better then any bought card any day!
The perfect warm up before I start more serious painting business.
Up with the birds, I have a Dr.s Apointment in a couple of hours (me & Poppy)  and I heard this doctors Dachshund died recently  :(  he loved his little dog - that I know. 
The card a gift for him. Todays Job for making someone smile is done. 

Have Faith! 
<><
xox 

Who does not love animals may as well stay away from here. lol
Below are photos of my best friends. Two legs and 4.  
I have very few friends that invite over but those that come often are shown how much they are loved... by me and my girls! 
Like it or Not! 
Pint size Poppy has to get in her loving and has mastered the 'neck manauver'... with the help of my son! Teaching her to ride on his shoulder comfortably - she takes to it and stays there! 
If you are sitting you are a potential pillow for poppy. Cathy is allergic - BUT they all love her as you can see as she sits on my sofa for a visit.  
She visited today - unexpected  but ALWAYS welcome. 

I had just sent out a message DO NOT DISTURB.. lol - she missed it.
I am taking real break.
No FB, No E mail, no PHONE.. nada. 
Snail mail - or you are out of luck. 
Peace, prayer and PAINT.
DRAW, Ask, Believe, Receive.  ( not what you think...)
I am not alone, I am never alone. 
If I want company I have them 4 of them - ready to play, go for a walk, run around in the back yard or lie on the sofa with a good book and snuggle, here they are ready and willing.
I know dog haters- I don't invite them to my home - I don't care who they are. 
The last thing I want my dogs to feel is uncomfortable in their home because of someone that dislikes animals. We are not that way. We show them love as they show us. It's why they never run away. 
Poppy was locked out once, in our confusion of arriving home - and stood at the front door and barked to get in! Thank God.

I have no tolerance for people who abuse dogs. 
I do believe they show little respect for others as well, 
pay attention and decide for yourself. 
WE are ONE on this planet. 
We are not here to mistreat or abuse animals. 
They are born to live, explore and 'be' as we are.  
We are not here to mistreat each other.  We do. 
Who are the animals?
Some days I'm not so sure.  I'm taking a break.

Some days I don't understand, feel blue and quite frankly - beat down. 
The load seems to be too heavy to bare. I don't want to see all the nasty in the world.
After a bit of a teary visit, Cathy  reassured me - I have reason to feel blue and be blue - 
she knows I won't be for long. ;) 
I won't because I have friends like Cathy in my life.

Until then.. I will blog - daily! For the next week at least.
And BE creative... focus on Teaching Only LOVE for that is what we are.
xox <>< Have Faith.

Wait until you see what she is making me! LOL

I am feeling a bit better rested.  Many I know are feeling under the weather. Could it be this day? Has anyone told Mother nature its AUGUST? The windows are closed and I'm very tempted to crank the heat! 
Good day to snuggle with a book in between painting.
I planning to be at the painted Perch Challenge on the weekend up @ Jackson's point.
I've got my Zen Kitties ready to go!  What does not sell I'll advertise online after! 
I had to ask people to stop purchasing them so I have enough! Thank you. LOL 

I have found a support group for people with TN, perhaps If I could find others dealing with the same, I might not feel so alienated some days.

I hope you are all keeping warm, safe and educated and medicated on this August afternoon!  ;) 
xox <>< 

I have had Great Danes, the domestic giants of the dog breeds and now a Chihuahua.. the pint size powerhouse that steals your heart like a Great Dane can.  A year old now, it has not even been a year since we had her - Poppy is one and full of fun!  She slowly now over time has also warmed up to only a select few. Norm, Storm Linda and Cathy - we are the select few to know the pleasures of poppy! LOL Bouncing off our chests to give us kisses in the ears, nostrils and where every else the big dogs might have missed.
I watch with glee to see Poppy get to them, Linda never claimed to like dogs much, let alone these small yappy ones, I can say without a doubt - her favorite small dog is Poppy ;) 
Cathy's too!  Just today, I was delighted to see Poppy demand to Cathy that she 'be picked up' and be quick about it! Yap Yap! Cathy bent down and lifted. LOL 

Poppy does seem to have a gift for getting her tongue in your ears and then in your nostril before you even know what hit you!  I love every dog kiss I get. My girls are not overly friendly with their kisses.. well Scruffy is the exception (as usual)

I am busy painting Zen Kitties, my Stephfin Carper - for the painted Perch Festival
on August 16th, just over a week away!! I hope you come out for the day and say hello.

I have had so many dogs and the names are important. 

I swear! As a cartoonist, I have the perfect life. 
With my family, not a moment goes by where there is not something going on, well -only when we nap or sleep. I love every moment - even the crazy ones. We just took the girls for a walk - all of them - that is another blog.
Norm finished the brick  path! It turned out great, just one of those things..  he never stops but since we practically LIVE in our backyard, we spend more time and energy there.   When he was working on it,  I sat out and decided to catch up on some drawing  ( I draw everywhere- Norm made me several drawing boards ;))  Yes, kinda spoiled that way) the 'girls' started to play in the sand! 
It was so cute everyone of them! Daisy digging and lying, Scruffy digging for buried treasure and Poppy rolling down! Tequila sniffed all over! 
They crack me up. Norm said "Imagine if we had kids!!"  - he could not see them.
Storm and I both laughing, well they had so much fun- next thing I joined it! 
LOL - I'm sad the sand is gone.  Perhaps I need some sort of sand box in the back yard! 
NOT - Been there done that - giant kitty litter. 
Draw what you know. I know this and I know dog lovers will appreciate it. :)
I love it as my digital journal entry.  
My mind needs a break - more on that and a cannabis blog /toon,  mañana. <3 
xox 
<>< 

Last Sunday I went out to pick up the paper at the end of the drive way.. a seemingly simple task - TURNED NOT.  LOL

I spied the paper at the end of the drive way, a beautiful day and I had just been contemplating,  should attend mass?  It’s been a while...  such a beautiful day, my guys away - peace & quiet ...  “No” I’ll get the paper and relax.  
So I thought.

I opened the door and headed to the end of the driveway, my tiny Poppy had poked her head between my feet and was out the second the door was opened!  She does not like to be without 'mom' and her new thing is - if she can get outside with me - she thinks she is going. LOL  

It is very quite in our neighborhood on a Sunday early a.m., but my neighbor Diane also happened to be on her driveway (across from me) and she was talking to a older gentleman  who did 'not' have his little dog on a leash. It was a good little dog and stayed with him but to the girls: she/he was  'LOOSE' & free and needed to be told! 

Poppy spied Diane, then the little dog running around and be-lined it for the road! 
Me being a mom - GASP!! BUT as she started yapping, I'm still just out the door.. Daisy - hearing Poppy’s barking flew past me and out and Scruffy followed for the excitement! 
* Old Tequila is deaf and was oblivious to all of this. Thankfully.

Daisy starts after the small dog, running lose - to protect Poppy, Poppy is chasing the little lose dog and Scruffy is already getting loving from Diane and could care less about anything else. I’m running around,  darting left and right!!  Trying to get Poppy and Daisy and it’s impossible as the other dog is loose and running away from them - LOL  
Canine CHAOS! 

All the while the old man and Diane, just watching in utter amazement and amusement... lol - not much else they could do.
I FINALLY stopped focusing on Poppy and Said: "DAISY! COME!!!"
Daisy came, sat and then Poppy followed. 
GEEZE!! LOL - My bad. 

As I was walking back to my house, across the street, Daisy by the collar, Poppy in my arms and telling Scruffy to follow... I glanced down at myself. 
I was IN ONLY MY purple house coat slippers and NOTHING else. I spied a hint of a nipple and I felt my entire body BLUSH at that moment. 

OMGod!! What did they just witness? 
Later, I thought about it and the bible quote “when two or more people speak my name, I am there”. LOL
I know Diane was thinking it - the elderly gentleman was speechless.. but I bet he was thinking it! LOL  
No mass needed this day. ;)

Later I saw Diane and we both had a good chuckle.
She said “Boy, I bet you never thought you had that in you!” 
She was right.

Never a dull moment. Thank you Lord for your continued sense of humor.
Note to self: Dress before you go out to get the paper.
& Poppy needs some listening lessons!! 

My little girl is ONE this week...
Turn  into a toon contest details tomorrow!!!

I have a new calling! 
 Poppy Couture!

Not only did I create the little hat in only a few moments - for fun - when I tried it on Poppy - thinking it would be off in seconds,  she did not seem to even mind! LOL   

Time to put on the thinking Cap! 
The possibilities are endless! 
Holiday hats! 
Theme hats! 
All colors of  hats!!  
I did see how to make the little roses on PIN. 

I think Poppy's next hat will have to be her Easter Bonnet! 

I am taking a break, resting, catching up.   
Me, give up cartooning? 
Never. 
As long as I am able I will.  xox <>< 
A few details tomorrow on the 'Cultivating Compassion' Exhibit!

Our little Poppy was spayed on Monday and is doing terrific! Keeping her calm still is the only difficulty we have.  They did send home two syringes with 'pain medication' for Poppy, but I decided against it after reading side effects.  I am blessed in the fact that I can stay home, provide lots of loving and comfort.  IF I worked I might have reconsidered.  
She is doing fantastic!  Thank God.  Our furry friends are our family as well.

Much to do! Planning for the Show and other stuff on the horizon!  Cabin fever has tried to take over the past few days! I'm determined not to let it...  is so comforting to just see the sunshine! I keep reminding myself and my dogs..  in 3 months we shall return to the garden! (sooner) but to sit by the pool and draw and dream. 
Peace on earth, for me anyhow .
xox <>< 

It's Saturday and the sun is shining! But- Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Baby it's cold out! 
I am always cold! It has definitely been the winter of layering! My hands are freezing - I feel terrible when I pick up my little 'hot pocket Poppy' with these hands.  I have seen Storm recoil as though was touched with hot pokers over the years with my ice cold hands, to the point where on cold days he starts with a "don't touch me!"  LOL 
Poppy is a heat monger! She lies directly in front of vents and refuses to go outside unless it's above '0' (today - now -12) which is fine with me! She does  go to the bathroom in the bathroom, she goes in the middle of the night or early morning.  It really is no big deal and I can not complain as I'm not able to walk her yet. 

Baby it's cold out! I feel colder these past few days than when it was -14? Canadian Winters! or perhaps a bout of Cabin fever? I bet many pioneer men succumb to that dreaded deadliest of winter flu: Cabinmenopause Fever.  ;)
Actually all is GREAT! 
Today, We are confirming details but come this 4/20 I'll be in Toronto promoting Cannabis awareness the best way I know how!!!  Cartooning! Free lessons!!!
What better way to spend the day doing what I love, seeing friends , meeting new friends and Planting the Seed Of Cannabis Education through my passion my cartoons. 
More details tomorrow!! 
 Well.. maybe later.
Depending on how my son feels after his apt. ;-) Mom first. 

I am feeling a bit chilled today! Nothing, a good Book, blanket, Poppy and hot cup of tea and medicated cookies  won't help,   I'm blessed to have all of that and be able to 
do exactly that. 
<><  xox   

That's my girl! Daisy got her bone and Poppy said sharing, sharing, sharing! It was/is very cute to watch. Daisy is the most patient dog - well she is when it comes to Poppy. It was too funny when Poppy dragged it under the coffee table. Daisy was out of luck. 

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 <><

Picture time!  
Many of us hate having our photo taken. Imagine now you have a  "twitch' that contorts your face most of the time. Photo's? Yippie.  
I was asked for a photo for an upcoming interview & need one for another project and a book photo so I thought best to get it done right. 
Who better than someone I have known for years.  I asked Kyle Clements,  a very talented artist and photographer and the next day he showed up!!  Kyle is also down to earth and what I consider "quirky" in a great way, so I was at ease. 
I think that is part of the battle right there! As an added bonus Kyle brought his mom! 
LOL  *just in this case- as she is my best friend too, I am sure he does not show up for photo shoots with mom in tow, she did a great job of holding the light and making me laugh.   
When I got the photos I became teary, because I like them. 
I usually avoid  mirrors at all costs. I feel my face contorting a million times a day - 
I don't need to see it.    Know what I mean?
This is me. This is how I am and have been for the past 4 years now..  I wish I did not have the pain that goes with it. It is the pain and concern is what allows me to get past the rest though, see how trivial it all is.   
No touched up photos here, no fancy dress, no elaborate props...  they  all just add to the illusion.      

I have no time for pretend. 

Love me or leave me I care not - I will survive and continue on! 
It does not matter what we look like only that we still remain. 
What a difficult lesson this has been BUT I am grateful for every bit of it! 
It broke a barrier for me- I look differently at people with disabilities and those with vanity issues.  The more beautiful as of late, are those that YOU really see - not those that disguise it all with a beautiful shell and can be very ugly on the inside. 

My son puts it better than anyone ever will. 
"Mom when I look at any photo of you I see Love."
No one else's opinion matters. 

<>< 
Thank you Kyle.. I get by with a little help from my friends ;-) xox

Poppy is so playful! She is out of that baby stage and now into playing, fetching, tug of war and  chase! Today she was running with a stuffed toy 3 times her size and tripping every other step. She has also taken to sitting in the toy basket, to guarantee first dibs, I guess.   It is a continual source of amusement for me and all who visit.   
I had a visit - I can't get over Poppy all over my best bud Cathy below! She was on her lap and showering her is kisses!  
All my girls love Cathy as you can see! Of course they do! But, sure enough as Cathy pats them - her nose gets itchy and she starts to sneeze - lol,  but they cannot resist and clearly neither can she.  Just looking at this photo I can't help but smile. I had to share. 
Cathy will kill me she's not big on photos (neither am I)  but not to share an image of love - Look at Poppy's tail! Wagging so fast it's a blur! Cathy could not even speak between kisses and giggles.

Daisy and Poppy are best friends.  I am blessed to have Cathy as my best friend for several years now.  She is 'THAT ONE' friend.  All you need.  She has seen me at my best, worst, prettiest and scariest, she actually told me today she 'Liked' my hair and I was thinking - Oh, you are such a good friend (heehee) ! She has shared tears, cried, laughed and hugged  me a lifetime of hugs. She does not judge me - not even when I answer the door at 3 in my flannel P.J.'s.   Or when I show her my next  craft creation - she's ready to sign up for a how to! She also is the one I call in an emergency - crafting or cooking... 
She inspires creativity and makes me want to be a better person. 
All we need is one friend like that,  I actually have a couple... but Cathy is my Bud.

 I love her. If she ever tries to smuggle Poppy out of here, I shall show her no mercy.
:D 
xox <><