2017! I’t’s  days away from a  new year! 
2016 was I believe a good year for Cannabis - As in ending the insanity and sending less humans to prison/court for it!  More states in the USA became legal, recreational (i think they like to call it ‘Adult’) and more medical, more lives helped.  Advances are being made, although the DEA still wants some way to convict and control.  I think this will always be the case, and IF you are doing something you should not- then you have to prepare for the possibility of still being prosecuted and going to jail.

What can I say? I don't agree with the ‘drug war’ at all, anymore.  I am just stating what I see & read happening.  We all understand BIG pharma will also want a piece of the Cannapie, still less will be in jail because of cannabis!  Fewer minor possession charges, and in Canada- wow- legalization in 2017 - fewer lives ruined for possession & growing. Everyone eventually able to grow 4 plants- I hope they do, it is such a beautiful plant!  
You then will also see fresh cannabis appearing  at the super market- for those that wish to juice and add some peppery bud to a  fresh salad! It will be all the rage!  Nom Nom Nom!  The times are changing. Thank God

Fellow Canadians, please let us not forget how terrible it was under Stephen Harper, the constant harassment, serious insults and more.  Patients never knowing which way to go- PRIVATE classified information being given out for everyone to see & note.  THREATENING Canadians (patients, many very sick & terminally ill)  to destroy OUR medicine in with ‘kitty litter’ - or we would be persecuted - raided by the police- shoot our dogs?  YES, a reality for some. 
I felt an incredible weight lifted off my heart when Justing became prime Minister.  Breath. 
It takes time, he said he would. He will.  A new era has arrived in Canada - a healthier one IMO. 

2016 brought positive change for cannabis but some countries are still struggling.  
We can not make them change their minds but we can educate by example.  
Less Alcohol, lower addiction rates for tobacco as well- If you believe what you read. Research it.  People are puffing more bud, with far less harmful results- as for brain damage- long term- careful- if that were the case we would see it amongst all those that did ‘inhale- back in the day, and pretty much calling the shots NOW.  
& More revenue going to go to our schools, hospitals and cities & towns etc. because of CANNABIS. I seriously hope the Indian reserves in Canada are researching growing as well. 

I just bought a tube of ‘Brilliant green’ gouache, for more Brilliant Bud painting!
Now, it’s a few days of painting & praying for me.. no social media. 
What do you want in 2017?  I hope you get all you desire.

So - SMILE as we get set to burn the last bud of 2016 & turn over he new leaf of 2017!
Give Thanks! 

                  Fill your bowl and hold  up your BONG with a cheer!  
                              2017 is going to be a  BETTER YEAR!!


Have faith
xox
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Which, I no longer do.

I have so much to do you don't  even know.  Tired as fuck.
​hee hee hee

Have Faith
<><
xox

Who is not in agreement?
What ever you do - 'IF' it impaired your ability to drive , DON'T DO IT. Simple.  
There are many  things that will and can impair your ability.  
I had a  'fender bender' - crashed into Norm - LOL!  He was in front of me and I looked down at the radio- had to find that perfect song for the long drive up North.. SMACK.
Luckily, no one was hurt- except my pride - hitting my own husband - I never will live it down.  Should all radios be removed from automobiles?
Do you know how many drivers get into accidents because they are eating?  
Should we close all drive through windows that offer take out?
The worst culprit for IMPAIRED driving is Alcohol.  It truly 'impairs your' ability IMO.
Cannabis will never surpass this IMO- most people I know who use cannabis - like to CHILL  or relax, unwind - not go for a drive.  Alcohol charges for impaired driving increase every year, as does alcohol abuse.
PUT me behind the wheel with anyone who  consumed a joint over a drink any day.
I KNOW the difference.  Shall we close all bars? BBQs and restaurants that serve alcohol? 

Lets not forget HOW many MILLIONS are currently IMPAIRED driving with pills in their system- Not just opiates, many medicines tell you: DO NOT OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY while using this medication -  the average car weights:

So, while the press will soon have you terrified about all the POTential dangerous of cannabis patients on the road- do not fool yourself - because it could save your life., being educated on the subject.

DO not USE anything that could impair your ability to drive, stupid.  
I will call you stupid - because if you send that text while driving, YOU ARE.    
Is my own son stupid if he preforms this task?  You bet.
I know he is aware of the dangers associated with..   so many smart people behave so stupid when driving.
Unless using that phone to save someone's life - while driving- you are stupid and you are WORSE - IF you practice this behaviour with your children watching your every move.  
Maybe  parents need to look into the future for just a moment...  who will 'they blame' when their teen is in a car accident while impaired (in any way) driving?  
Sadly, probably themselves. 

Harsh, fine by me, especially IF it makes you for one second THINK about any of what I said.

I love my fellow humans.  
I love my own son more than most and he is on the road with you.

If you see anyone who is clearly IMPAIRED/distracted, texting and driving...
FOCUS and try to get safely away from them as soon as possible.
IF something impairs your ability to drive - Don't Do it.

It is that simple.
FOCUS

PLEASE make educated drivers - do not believe the lies & fear mongering regarding cannabis.

​Believe
​<><  

Just to name a few.

Believe
xox
<><
​

It's a new day.. I need it.
What a blessing  - each new day a new start. 
Today like every day I start with asking: 'o.k. what do you want to teach me today?'
I should not have asked. lol 
I see how 'Jared of Subway Fame - you know the guy who lost all the weight - eating subs..
 is now going to jail for being a PEDOPHILE - and guess what - he might only get what Todd got- for growing plants. Ruin a mind of a child for life and get a couple of years. Grow plants to help ease minds.. get several years and some serve a LIFE sentence! 

Then I watch how the FDA approved a new  drug for women and could be coming to Canada near you! It does not mess with the body - like a man  viagra- it messes with your mind instead.  Watch the interview... I am so glad 'his rats are frisky', go to his professional page and see he is paid  by these companies.  ?  Come to your own conclusions.
He actually says 'it puts the brakes on part of your brain',  and it STILL really depends on the person. How many women will suffer from side effects- God forbid they don't happen as you sleep like they recommend you take the medication... & you have to take it for months in advance. $$$ long term customers.. Is it addictive?  
       "The FDA loves the idea of a sexual satisfying encounter"  This made me LOL when he said it. WTF!? Isn't that special. Perhaps the FDA should fucking focus on our health. FOOD & Drugs and not our sexual encounters,  he states "interestingly they all come through his lab".  ?
Yes, that's of interest.  It should be, shouldn't it?
A conflict of interest- we hear/read about it all the time now. 
Am I making this stuff up? 

The FDA still passes pills that they know kill. We read about it every day and many we don't dread about.
For those small percentage that  might have an adverse reaction - oh well, too bad, so sad.

You decide.. Norm and I we know how to  romance each other - Not with pills.
When we do struggle - we still don't think it's worth the side effects- all relationships struggle.  The choice is yours but hopefully YOU will READ the WARNING labels.

More reading on the topic: http://www.vox.com/2015/8/18/9173067/flibanserin-female-viagra-science  
here also: 
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/02/16/384043661/female-libido-pill-fires-up-debate-about-women-and-sex

My friend Ivan Art put it best:

it's now 9:11 a.m. and I'm turning on my music and off the computer - drawing about nature and what else Birds.  I will go out back to the patio to paint and  pray & perhaps a bit of play with my girls! New news on Poppy! She is two now you know!
**If you want one of Ivan's post cards instead of mine- send me a e mail message. 
I have a couple I'd be thrilled to mail out! This above will be one!  
Time to paint draw!  
Have a creative day.
Have Faith!  
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No fucking way! 
Good Afternoon! Woot Woot!  Let's get crackin!
I just finished my first toon of the day, about to go and start a new pallet sign and then lunch, then more drawing! A new Bear toon that I can't wait to start!
Is this the same mood my day started. NO.
It started at 6, when the twitch alarm clock clicked in.  The pain not long after.
I lay there thinking, tears welling up...  again.

I remembered NOW. 
Now, I am still here, I have been given another day to enjoy. In joy.
I know what it is , I've had it for a while, I know how it feels, it terrifies me several times a day - but only for a few seconds, that is not to say the pain is not there all the time. It is.
Today as I felt the first tear roll down my cheek- Poppy stirred and shook her head, when she does it makes this neat ear flapping noise, a little kiss good morning... I am loved.
Get up.  ENJOY! 
Be - feel the cool air, see the beautiful leaves, hear the rustling of Daisy as she forever patrols the lot for squirrels. 

Am I depressed. YES. 
Forever? NO.  Short periods and occasionally - yes, I do go back to bed, but less and less with each passing day!  I'll work to keep it that way,  by doing STUFF! 
 
Some might get upset by this cartoon - some who feel antidepressants are helping them.  I am speaking from 1st hand experience. I did it for decades.  I research antidepressants now and  the only conclusion I continually come to is: DONT!!!  
 I was in shock to read one antidepressant in particular was 
pulled by the FDA (of course  or should I say - probably RE-designed and re-packaged out to the public* NEW patents and name changes happen ALL the time) because it was responsible for putting ON anywhere from 20 to 1oo lbs!!!  100 lbs!?  
Now, think.. more women are on antidepressants, more than men. Women already suffering with poor self images as we are aware - a huge problem in our society -  add those pound and it is a recipe for DEPRESSION!  I KNOW! 

What do I suggest?  Guess.
Keeping BUSY!  Busy hands - less time for the mind to wallow/plot. ;) 
&
Cannabis. 
I feel more importantly - in my case Cannabis is helping me DEAL with all that I have presented to me.  
RESEARCH! What have you got to lose? 
YOUR LIFE! 

xox <><