Not long ago I painted the Bear, Fox & frog.. Storm called it 'Moonlight sonata' and claimed it as his own, he rarely does this - I was happy to gift it to him, I  had my friend Kathy from Kats Gallery frame it (above)  for his birthday, as you can see he has hung  it in place of value! Beside the fishing poles.  Storms painting was a different mindset only a month or so ago.

I decided to paint myself a matching piece - this time 3 cats!
The Lion, Jaguar and kitty. Again, I sketched it and then stared at it for about a week.
This painting means already more to me than most will realize. 
More than I realized as I continue to work on it.  
The Lion.. the King of the jungle.  
As I was just painting, it crossed my mind..
I believe, I've met the King of the Jungle.
:)

"The King of the Jungle".   Are you the King/Queen of your jungle? I AM.
As soon as it's complete it's off to Kat to frame matching Storms then I will hang it where
I will see it first thing EVERY morning... to remind me of My King.
Give thanks and start my day.
​It will remind me to keep my strength, the King will look after me, so does the Jaguar... 
I am the cat, ready for  peace, love and prosperity.  

Before I started painting I picked up this piece of paper it says on the back:
"He will whisper words of comfort. That no other voice can speak."
Amen

A bible verse with the quote on the opposite side from my little 'Bread of Life ' holder, I have had forever : Isaiah 41:10 ¶Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
​
I carried it up to my desk, then I went on PIN for my good morning hello and to look at my cats, the first quote that found me was a bible verse..  amazing close to that I just put on my desk.. and I LOVE it. 

Protected by love I cannot fail.
Inspired by love I will not fail.

Have Faith 
<><
​xox
​

24 years ago today, my life changed for the better.
I became who I was meant to become... MOM.  
I can't even begin to express the love I have for my son, you've seen it in drawings and more. It's hard not to be proud when I know his heart. 
Happy Birthday Storm!!! I LOVE YOU!

We just had a lovely talk, reflection..  he is a really good, hardworking young man,  I can't put it in words. I don't need to.
He is starting to go his own direction and I'm focusing more on art and my own direction,
but he is NEVER going to be out of my heart for a second & I can not wait to see what the future holds.
Good things!  
Great things!!  
​F*cking awesome times ahead!

Have Faith
XOX
<><

I went to Scotland for a couple of hours and now I'm back at my desk! WHEW!!
Rob and I Skyped from Scotland & Canada (I got to squeeze in a quick hello to Ivan too!) - -this time in the Zen Kitty Cafe!!  We toured from the entrance to Robs office, checked out the pool table, jellies/sweets, rolling papers and more! Rob showed me the Spa - I let out a sigh just thinking of a good massage and then we sat in the cafe and chatted - I have to say it was a nice time &  a neat experience.

There is a wonderful feeling at the Zen kitty cafe, not just because I could sit and stare at my giant Logo on the wall- hee hee hee, but because I felt at peace,  surrounded by warmth, murals and comfort. We also have in common Cannabis, if you are surrounded by it you talk about it, Scotland has it's issues - they are all slightly the same  - Gov. wanting to control the amount of cannabis one uses and grows. A plant. Yet issues like human trafficking thrive.

The 'cannabus' was used to go on a tour!  Rob shared few vids of his kids - he explained the 'tribe' mentality over there - I got it.  It is different.  I shared what I was currently working on & it was nice to hear he thinks 'I've only scratched  the surface with my talent. He is a fan though, so I think he's a bit partial.  

Each time we hang out a world apart- I am reminded it was because of cannabis the belief this plant saves lives & it brings people together who are meant to be together.  
Just like mushrooms are the wiring under the surface.
I've made many good friends & contacts. I'm thankful and I'm making more.  
I doubt it will be this year I visit Europe,  I have other priorities now I have to focus on, Rob understands & encourages me happiness, that's what friends are for!  It was funny when Bird started flying around and Rob tried to call him..  ?  Poppy did  not even seem to notice but Scruffy did -she looked at the screen and wagged her tail.   'ScruffyOneEye'  is her new warrior name btw.

I spent the morning-  drawing a special birthday card & cards in general out with the birds in the early morning sun- my favourite time to 'jot & sketch', I felt very inspired.  There are some really positive things happening down in New Mexico with Cannabis from what I've been reading..  about time!   More on that soon. 

Ending on a positive note!  I received a box of art supplies today! Woo Hoo!  Thank YOU! 
You know what that means  - painting!  That is what Im about to do NOW...
​No drawings to share at the moment.  Just an IG photo below of when my supplies arrived.

Listening to a Scottish artist Gerry Rafferty to get me in the drawing  mood, I din't realize he was Scottish. What do you listen to when you create?  
Go listen.. 

Have Faith
xox 
<><

Last nights giggle:
I took poppy for a late (sun setting) nights long walk! It was a beautiful evening the sun still warm.. I wore jeans but wished I had wore shorts!  I am thrilled with all our walking this summer - last night I thought - this is fantastic, we kept up a great pace, no balance issues Life is good... until the snow arrives anyhow.  ;)

This older gentleman  (my age- lol) walks towards me with a cute little dog (off leash) it runs over to Poppy- I realize how small she is when this small dog is 2x her size..  

I say: "Oh, he's cute! Whats his name?

The guys responds :
"LaFleur!... Like the hockey player. My son named him!"  & smiles at me
then he asks "what's your dogs name?"
Me: "Poppy! ... like Opium. I named her!"

Well.. if you could have seen this guys face! He put his hand up to his forehead like he had to seriously think about what I just said... it took him a second and then he burst out laughing.
We both did.. then I said 'nice meeting you' and went on my way.
Giggling as I left- his face made it all worth while. lol

*I am Canadian I knew instantly who he was referring to,  btw- I'm not sure et it was Lafeur I do know it was a Canadian hockey player!! lol 
​I'm up and ready to PAINT! How about you? Lets get this show on the road!  
Have a terrific day! Do what you love & the rest WILL follow.

Have Faith
xox
​<><

My friend Justin came over... we had a nice afternoon walking around the garden, and speaking about anything and everything including cannabis - He brought me a very cool garden glass flower art sculpture - both Norm and Storm admired it,  I'll find a spot for it tomorrow.

Justin gave me the idea for the cartoon,  he believes everyone should have the right to consume cannabis and he is aware of  it's healing abilities.  We  discussed  the 'cannabis movement and the stage it is at - the gold rush turned green - everyone is getting on board, as it does with everything in life that makes you feel better.  We both agree, IF NOT for the SICK who came forward we would not be having this 'discussion' about cannabis, yet.  The children who are having seizures,  parents who came forward to educate- because of what they live & deal with daily.  Everyone knows someone who has died from cancer.
Thank God for cannabis.

Now it's all about: STUFF.  
Some  don't give a (POOP) about patients, they never did, they have no idea.
Unless you've watched someone suffer and witnessed the medicine that CANNABIS is
- how it works - not just for releasing and getting high.. you might think of taking a monet and thanking patients instead of ignoring them.    
Don't get me wrong I appreciate good 'stuff'- but other STUFF- it's going to  become just like the pink cancer ribbon turned green = Blender, bra or bumpersticker  - only green - Green with money.  A  friend shared today she has cancer, she has two little ones.  

I know of a few who are doing some really good things - Amazing new ventures  HELPING not hurting, helping patients and communities- get rid of this silly  stigma once and for all.  Cannabis is a money making industry - GO FOR IT!  Why not?  Someone will, lets hope they do it with understanding, compassion and thought for the patient.

Like anything else pay attention to who climbs up ladders and  who climbs over the backs of others. Some dispensaries are run by criminals and you have to be careful & this police officer in Toronto with his 'dispensary'- we are finding out about money, lies and more..  what is the solution - Do not visit  it.  
Yes, some are run by criminals you must be careful. PLEASE, EDUCATE YOURSELF. 

Give thanks if  you are not someone who truly needs cannabis as their medicine.
Enjoy it!   It took a lot of BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS to get Canabis where it today.

Cashy,  Jamie,  Michelle... too many names to mention.
I am very happy Storms story inspired Justin. 

Are you seeing patients over profits?  
​
Have Faith
<>< xox  
 

I went to bed feeling confused, alone and tired.. lol considering I was alone and tired - it's not so bad. I woke up feeling refreshed, clear headed, alone and not so tired! lol  It's a new day!  Yesterday I was hard on myself (as usual) I don't need to listen to how people can  beat me up - I do it to myself enough.

I've not talked about my twitch as much because it has become a part of my life, part of the routine.. but every now and then, for Example: when I think I'm going to meet someone I like  (lol- who cares if i don't like them)  suddenly my twitch is all that matters.  What if..  AS if it is all the person will see. Then, I get mad at me.   

Its been an interesting summer.  Norm & I agree we are going our own way here, so there is lot's to think about & do - mostly moving - I really have a calm over me and I'm not sure why, I believe it's because I know it is the right decision.. If you follow this blog, Norm and I were discussing divorce just before Jim passed. Grief put things on hold.  Grief does a lot to people I've learned this past year in particular.  Mostly nasty stuff.. ;( 
I do have friends and family who are worried - yes, because of my twitch - I informed my mom - "I'll be better than fine, I am being looked after and I believe it."  ;)   That's all that matters.

I'm thinking about something I've not really thought  seriously about - having fun.  
In general.
Playful, joking, teasing fun.  I decided to try something the past week in particular...
RUN WITH IT! GO FOR IT!  
 I thought - what have I got to lose?  
​Positive  imaging therapy, mental masterbation (Ivan calls it -  Not sexual - just incredibly stimulating)!
I sit,  close my eyes  force myself to think- then I realize I'm smiling - FULL smile... the twitch might be there but I forget - THAT right there is a miracle! lol. I forced myself the past week in particular to do this exercise several times a day and - I feel better!  Stronger and more determined to do what I know I need to do.  Not only do I feel better but I find I'm getting longer breaks.. as long as I can keep these happy thoughts- my twitch slows right the fuck down & I guess that says it all in many ways.   Not to mention the few FUN cartoons I came up with... they have me giggling!

I am doing nothing wrong,  I plan on keeping it up.  This is the right thing to do.
I will do what ever it takes to try to get 'this' under control- maybe thats just it- I need to lose control.   I feel so grateful for the boost- it's hard to contain my enthusiasm.. I think it can frighten some  - those who can't keep up.   That's o.k., It has PROVEN a few things to me.   I will be better than O.k. .
Watch & see.

Painting - Creating  brings peace-  I look forward to a future of painting, thinking pleasant thoughts!  Maybe even acting on a few... lol  
Today I feel fantastic and I'm running with it!
​If only in my mind for now- it's the perfect place to start.


Time to paint and think happy thoughts!  
'Child of God you are created to create!!'

Have faith 
xox <><

How do you warm up?  Get ready? Stretch the mind?
For me, this is it...  a new Doctopus distributing cannabis ;) 
I paint and think about what I'm panting next. This is my stretching.
I'm going to have quite the Octopus/Dr.Octopus collection eventually.

Do what you love and the rest falls into place.

Have Faith
<> 
xox

Thanks to Storm who told me - I'm not medicating enough & left  pre-rolled joints on my desk. Below is the first one I saw.. hee hee... I love my son. That is a large paintbrush btw.

My good friend Todd Stimson (still incarcerated in  the USA for cannabis- legal lies)  is married to Kerry. This tiny little shell of a woman- right!  Kick ass Kerry - she is strong, determined and a down to earth woman effected more than most on this F&^%ing  lie of a War of Drugs - WAR on Us.  I saw her comment online one day..  "Sweep off your own porch before you come inspecting mine!" It stuck with me.  
I was not sweepingly own porch.  I am learning - everyday I breath - thank God.
So, here I am drawing how bad African Americans have it across the border (and they do!) but then I started to hear we were worse!  Gasp? How is that?
We treat and have treated our Aboriginal people like they are nothing. 
How ashamed I feel - ashamed: I had no clue.
Was I aware before 'The Hip mention', yes.. look into Human trafficking.  
Where you aware? Are you aware?

Who does not know about missing aboriginal women, to think of it is heart wrenching, so it's time to draw about it.  I don't know how.. how so it will bring justice to artwork & individuals.. for the lives of so many lovely, lost souls.. being born into generations of abuse- abuse of alcohol, abuse of the system- supposedly in place to protect them- to protect ALL Canadians, abuse by more than I can even imagine to know about. 
I read this article in a Dr.s office a few weeks ago:
http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/canadas-prisons-are-the-new-residential-schools/
Most are in jail for NON-violent crimes. IF only we took some of the money to put people into jail & help them instead with education and support.  Money wasted on the Drug WAR.
When you know better. Do better. 

I am reaching a point personally I can tell you, though my education on cannabis - what I read happening around the world. Just F*cking legalize it, enough already and stop putting people behind bars because of  it! So many poor, disadvantaged people already being taken  and thrown behind bars, WE should ALL feel ashamed and continue to do so until WE all speak up and demand it end.  Imagine the kids- the newest generation waiting.. to go to jail. Kids who never get to get a break from the start because the color of their skin. Fact. 


Have Faith
<>< xox

Where would you go?  With changes come possibilities..  I know.
I've been researching properties in Canada. I love the water.  
Living where I am now it's not an option. Prices have gone up in Keswick since the 404 completion, now a shorter drive to the city has made properties prices raise beyond my budget... my long time pal Christine has already informed me of this - so then GO!  
I told Josh- "You're an American- You don't have to stay in Texas! (Sad still the state of Cannabis there, Imo.. people suffering needlessly) GO!! I said! Get on a bus and go.    
He went and is doing amazing in Seattle! Such a talented guy my pal Joshua.  < read about him here!  I will say, our time hanging out has made us life long friends. Another pal Peter - he hated it here in Toronto and always talked about the England.. I said GO!!! WTF are you doing?? lol - He went! he got a job before he even arrived- Frig, I am proud of him. He has friends, shipped his very cool bike over and  when I last saw- On a normal F*&^ Fb page- he was having a wonderful time and happy travelling all over!
 
So, now what? GO!! But where. Halliburton, I've been there my entire life off and on and love it. It's a friendly community with an intimacy you don't get in a big city, I even enjoy and still listen to canoe - the radio station. I never have problems meeting and speaking to new people, it is truly a gift I got from my mom. I've never had a problem making friends, when I want them.  As I get older I'm enjoying a small circle of great friends, wider circle of  good friends.  Still, I can't afford anything on the water...
Then I ventured a little further Turo!! Nova Scotia?  
Then I spied this "Inn"  - it is on my list of places to visit & stay. * these sites find me, btw.
Check this place out: www.fogoislandinn.ca/b/video  I love when WE help each other.
I wonder if I should move a little further.  
I Know what I want.   Peace & WiFi  lol 

I place to look at water, walk my dogs, have some chickens, have friends over for relaxing potluck meals. hee hee  I want to paint. I want to paint about aboriginal plights in this country, the struggles women are having around the world, poverty, child abuse.. an I want to paint  gouache birds & kertmit the frog.  
I'm working on a cartoon now calling it "I'm ashamed", I am...  but I can focus on doing better now that I am educating myself & draw! I want to draw!  

Slip in some travel, Spain, Scotland to see the Cannabus that features Georgia Toons!
Visit with Robert and the ZENkitty crew!  Visit Ivan and his talented wife!
She has already promised to teach me a clay class!  
​The USA is looking mighty appealing at the moment as well. 
Go. 

Where would you Go?