Sunday was mothers day,  although we had plans I received a e mail from my
cousins son Logan, telling us he was playing an exhibition game - mothers day eve at 8 - at the rogers centre! In case we were interested...
!! How could we not be interested!?
We ended up spending mothers day down in the city and watched the best baseball game I've ever seen at the rogers centre - if I do say so myself  & they won.

It was a wonderful day and I am incredibly proud of Logan! He is such a fine young man, very well grounded and  polite, smart, handsome & kind.  Do what you love and it shows. We met family,  had many laughs, peanuts, baseballs catches! Logan's Grandma Jeannie- caught him a baseball! She dove for it like a PRO I might add!! lol  It was, by far one of the best mothers day yet!  

I have to say it is Logan and his sister Sierra who have made me stronger this past year, they both inspired me. Every day they move forward and  they are two very strong, loving beings on this plant - and it is a better place because of them.  They have had an incredibly difficult time the past year and they have risen above in love and are stronger better people because of it.   I'm sure they have no clue how much they truly mean to me,  just seeing them make my heart beat faster. I love them.   
They keep me inspired and going.

Jim was there in spirit and in all our hearts and on all our minds, I've no doubts.

* I am currently very busy, painting a positive "cannabis vibe" painting, a bee house, bee logo- finally and more.. I am beyond excited with the projects coming up in the next few weeks/months - I can hardly contain myself!  Designing a new AWESOME  postcard for something very special! Hee hee hee.. top secret! 
The time is NOW to focus on what I want and make it happen... all good stuff!
Surrounded by only those  I enjoy, love and make me happy!
The rest can, well lets say... they can stay where they are.
Not my problem. Not my circus not my monkeys.  I like that one! I should draw it.
I am moving forward,  onward and upward. lol   YeeeHaaa!!  

Lets the fun begin - I am ready to play on this giant playground called Earth. 

A few photos from the day!

Believe
XOX
<>< 

To learn about the eggs: http://www.welovedaruma.com/en/about_daruma.html   Easter and the symbolism of rebirth, spring, new growth, forgiveness & hope.
I feel stronger about this Easter and what it stands for than  I did only a year ago. 

I asked the guys if they wouldn't mind staying home this Easter even though we were invited to the 'family dinner - actually, I said I was staying home but they could go - lol -it did not go as planned... so, I painted  eggs to give to a very 'select few', purchased a new everyday tablecloth,  Norm  helped clean - we picked up some tulips and  Easter dinner  (cooked and catered by mom) was  terrific. Perfect. 

​It  was a peaceful day... leading up to a mini Spring break. 
I've decided to take some time to read and draw, think and draw... spend time with Jesus- as I become less religious.  This Rosary you see is my meditation.  
I sleep with it wrapped around my hand and wake up with it still there many mornings. 
Think what you want- I don't care, it brings me peace.  
It reminds me that miracles happen every second of every day, inspired by LOVE.
Time again to Go within, with Buddha and past time with Poppy as spring gets closer to becoming summer. 

I can't promise I will keep up the blog the next few weeks, I only have a short allowance for internet time, I can promise I will be keeping very creative!
I will post one  'image' a day if nothing else, but this won't include original art work- some of it is top secret at the moment,  a few gifts I don't want people to know about yet...  a couple pieces taking a while to complete and a NEW project -  I'm not at liberty to discuss - yet.  ;) The days are getting longer and I am getting busier!  Amen.
 
To learn about the eggs: http://www.welovedaruma.com/en/about_daruma.html 
I also made something neat-- going on my ETSY page soon... 
​
Do what you love & the rest will follow!
Believe
xox <>< 

​

We have a ritual in this house.. it's called reading.   I  introduced it to Storm very early & encouraged it big time.  I am beyond thrilled, he still LOVES to do so.
In the morning before we start all else, we read I start at 4-6 and *Storm usually up at 8.
It's wonderful when he joins me with a book as he did this morning.  BUT...  the sun is shining! I was up early...

Norm woke up having to clean vomit - off our bed  - just appeared, when Poppy ( Poppy is so delicate)  woke up - me still lying in bed- now gagging! Good Morning!! 
I was having a great low twitch morning also! ;)
Then he stood in Poppy Poo!  Me giggling now..  we go down stairs have coffee he puts on his boots for work and the cat has peed in them.  I am laughing out loud at this, the universe is in alignment! Ha, serves him right for all the smart ass remarks as of late.  
Back to reading.. so,  Storm joins me and makes a point to say "I'm reading."
A bit of time passes.. I am myself and  can't seem to  keep quiet this morning.. he turns straight faced and says:

it took a moment to sink in.. he looks at me I look at him and he starts giggling with a smirk. I am too.. so I draw - another thing I do every morning.. he reads.  Time passes he gets up walks over take one glance at my drawing and burst out laughing!! Me too!  He did not even read it - just the look on  Poppys face was enough.  He said "it sounds bad when you say it like that!"   (Still laughing) I say - "That is how you said it!"  lol 
He goes up to the shower and I hear him still laughing in the shower a few moments later.  
What a wonderful moment. Give thanks. 

I ask: Have you  set up your instagram account yet? ...Cause your making you debut! #Ilovestorm  #ilovemyson

Then Norm came home! Day off! Woot Woot! I got work for him to do! lol 
me - I'm about to medicate- draw & 'see', if I am in correct - Bird loves Elvis.
Me too Bird! Me too!

Believe 
xox <><

P.S: New cannabis art soon. Compassion and cannabis = love.
I painted a postcard for Todd too BTW, in jail - hearing about Canada - shaking his head - wondering... why the F*ck am I sitting here for growing plants ;(

 I keep telling him "God had a reason - look, listen and learn!"
That applies to all of us - every second of every day!
 Time to paint!!! 
;)

A couple days past Christmas and it appears we are getting our first snowfall of the season! It was certainly cold enough today, the last day of Christmas holidays 2015. legally you also have to give 'Boxing day' off in Canada so some companies - like Norms - gave today as the holiday. He returns now- Friday is a holiday! New years Day!
2016. Wow. Where did this year go... I know. 

Our Christmas meal was wonderful! I was telling the guys 'it FLEW!'  We had dinner at my aunts ,15 in total, the meal was a constant chatter of cutlery, laughing, talk and compliments, cracker joke reading - the cracker you pull- hee hee hee.  
My aunt outdid herself with the cooking, my mom and Elly helped- I was to bring a trifle - but forgot! There was more than enough so - all was good.
Just an hour before Norm made Storms UGLY Chrismas Sweater- Elly pulled a fast one! lol She told everyone 'I said' it as ugly sweater Christmas!  hee hee and then got me too - so it was fun!  Just seeing my uncle Jess in his Festive Fleece Navidad cardigan, made me smile! Even the dogs and Princess Poppy - had on a new red sequine dress from her grandma. - it was certainly a colourful Christmas!

I made ornaments- guess when- at 5:00a.m. Christmas morning lol - talk about cutting it close. The tree slices from my friends property up north - wait until you see how many times you can put a dead tree to good use.  I woke up made my coffee and thought about others, mainly Jim. He is not with us, a first Christmas in a long time... I miss hearing from him.  Elly had moments when she teared but she is quick to catch herself.  It's a big day for everyone.  Jim parents also joined us,  I had the honour of sitting beside 'Grampy' and he made me smile several times throughout the meal. It was a pleasure.  Elly on my other side the meal was so delicious I don't remember much else - the talking would come later.

I love Elly, she made me laugh, smile, feel loved (as usual), what a year she has had - she recently had her roof replaced by a terrible roofing company in Toronto, they did a crappy job, exposed nails everywhere, mess left in the gutters & else where,  a foot was put through the roof - into her ceiling of her living room -  shingles covered where a vent should go  & MORE.  NO company names on the vehicles. Let that be a clue.  I think had she not been still so devastated by Jims death (doing this now on her own - ladies .. would you know what to do?  Not me) she might have realized earlier what a  terrible person she was dealing with.  One who tried to take advantage it appears.
Of course they are taking her to court - because she did not want to pay him for terrible job, Elly said fine.  Good.
Any of my close friends give me a call I will share with you 'who the company' IS - I don't want anyone else in Toronto  dealing with the same misfortune.

Bah Humbug Canada post! I ordered ONE gift for Storm - lol - I bought ONE gift for Storm, it did not come on time and I was like 'Little Cindy Lou Who' until the very last hour!  ;( Then I was bummed.  My fault, I was told it would have been replaced weeks ago (and is being replaced) had only I let him know sooner. Here I am again. Something gone missing who to 'blame' I have no clue. It makes me want to stop using Canada Post all together - no wonder they claim to be struggling. I can't be the only one, and not this frequent.
I have something in the process, a few friends have made wonderful suggestions. 
 
I did get 4 books - all gifts - Each from a different person. Each so different - It had me thinking... who does that say more about ? Me or them.  

Other things that made me laugh- my son in Grinch P.J.s!  Still giggle overtime it comes to mind. Daisy ripping through her gift!  The Elf... not on the shelf.  Sweet Georgia Browns strategically  placed. Elly driving up to see me. 

Christmas day was still one of the best days I have had in a while. ;) 
I was surrounded by love - in UGLY sweaters! 
Who could want anything more?  Not me. 

​Tomorrow I plan on spending in my P.J.'s! looking at the snow and painting! 
​Drive safe icy road warnings in effect, if you are reading this from California - Never mind!  
Thank you. 

2016:  I Go within & withDRAW, more.

Have Faith
<>< xox

Yep - it is officially here!!! The leaves are turning yellow and red and a few have fallen to the front lawn! Tis time! Time to pull out the warm blankets, socks (I'm not a fan of them), slippers and toque - Eh! For those brisk morning bluejay peanut runs to the feeders!  Brrrr!
Apples, cinnamon, cider with rum (sometimes) and a pat of butter & brown sugar - yes!
​Cabbabe boil, cabbage rolls and chicken casarols! Bring On Fall!

I apologize for my in between posts but Today is ThankGiving in this house and I can't wait!
My house ei clean! The turkey is in the oven - the other in the garage!  Company will soon be arriving and I hope they sty late! It's going to be great, I can feel it in my head & heart! 

Have a wonderful day... give thanks for those you choose to surround yourself with & for those that we can not - for what ever reason.
Everyone we meet makes us stronger, wiser and hopefully more caring towards everyone.
I am truly thankful for the beasts that gave their lives for the family feast today.

Above all else I am thankful to God for all that has been provided on this Fabulous Fall Feasting Day day!
​
Just thinking of everyone here  has a smile on my face!  THANK YOU!

Have Faith!
xox <><

Baaaaaaaack at it! 
Norm came home the other day and had to go back to work on an emergency..  I usually 'unwind' with Norm, we watch a movie together and then off to bed,  but with him back to work - I thought - why not!  back to work for me too!
Into the studio/painting room and there was this white chair, it had been white for at least 6 years, time to just add paint! No sketches, no thoughts of what I was even going to paint... it did not take long for my sheep to appear, the rest...  just felt good. 
I did remember to take  few photos as I went along.  Norm arrived  home but by this time I was in my groove - lol.. he went to bed and I stayed up painting past two.
 
I need the chair! I'm having company this thanksgiving!!  
I asked thinking, it's been a very difficult year for this family with the death of Jim*,  and I know  sometimes we don't want to celebrate much - let alone holidays - so I would have been be fine either way, it was for my cousin to decide  & Elly said "Sure! A change will be nice" and I AM THRILLED!  I'm painting chairs and on PIN for decorating ideas!  
I cannot pull it off anymore by myself (not even close) - so it's a pot luck too! (the food kind) I need a chair(s) and the white was simply too boring for the day! 
I already feel truly blessed to be having our Fall Feast here!  
I wish I could invite more, really! lol  My house will be full as it is! 

                                   Family, friends, Dogs and LOVE = FULL HOUSE!
 
I mailed out the invites and now that they have seen them all and said YES! lol 
I can show you! Hand painted on HEMP cards of course.
It's weeks away but I have much to do! Today I'm transforming my kitchen chairs, finishing a custom made garland, painting the Turkey giveaway & more!

My son has gone away for the weekend, I was teary when he left, I tried to hide it but was not completely successful - it bothers me  that I am physically unable to go with him. 
I thought maybe this year.. he left reminding me 'your having better days than last year mom...'  after he pulled away I burst into tears.  Then, I said to myself - fell sorry or go create something  that WILL make someone smile.  That has become my job - lol. 
It's not like I get paid to draw or paint every day,  and I have  been blessed by all of you - to realize - money means nothing - as usual.  
I have been blessed, thanked and reminded a thousand times over now.
It is ALL about making others SMILE & occasionally - think.  ;)  

Time to go paint. I will be waiting until he comes back home for my hug and to hear what fish he caught in his new BIGGER net. I am so proud of our son, who ventures out on his own - exploring the world - not waiting for others or even life to 'wait until it's convenient'
He certainly is not afraid of much.  Bears beware. ;)

Have Faith! 
<><  xox  -

* Jim (Elly's husband) died earlier this year in a terrible accident. Golfing.
I will continue to educate on this subject as long as I live. It should NOT have happened.
We all miss Jim very, very much.  xox    

You can read about it by clicking on the tag Jim Smith ? Golf cart death.

Some days for me are a little better, focused on painting and keeping my mind in  the right place… tonight as I read the article on Jim in the paper, then online - I'm feeling very sad again.  It’s o.k., It’s different.  Jim Smith died at the end of April and it has had me terribly sad, to put it mildly. I apologize for making you sad too ;( but it is a part of life and hopefully - it will make someone stronger.* Right now, I'm confused as to whom. 
It is not for me to understand.

Sad for the loss of Jim, sad now to see what Elly is dealing dealing with and to see how sad and heartbroken she truly is… even thought she puts on a good front.. for the sake of Sierra &  Logan, and even me.  I can see her black circles and lack of sparkle in her eyes.

Jim and Elly have been my family rock the past few years, even at times when I was not communicating so well with my own mom (she get’s it), Jim helping in many ways I am only realizing now - of course, ;( including recipes. 
Sierra and Logan, a testament to Jim also brave faces but I see the sadness slip in constantly during the corse of a few hours. They were very close. They went everywhere as a family, and did much!

He was out golfing for his birthday.  He was thrown from the golf cart and died after sustaining “significant” head injuries. Head injuries that no family member of a loved one should have to witness as he lay in a hospital bed with everything hooked to him.  I won’t forget  it for a while and I know his family and children will not.  Not after speaking to him, holding his hand, kissing his cheek as he lay in a coma. All begging him to come back. 
Elly will not forget for a very long time - she lost her best friend.  

Sad is putting it mildly - just like reading ‘significant’ - when I want to say - never in my life would I have though he would have looked like that after being thrown from a golf cart.  Devastated, shocked, horrified, traumatized - they are words that come to mind. Still they make the ‘actual visual’  seem mild.  At the time - we still only saw Jim. 

Are you aware how many injuries happen on Golf courses and how many children are hurt in golf cart accidents? Do some research… I had no clue.  
Does a family member play? A loved one? Then take the time to make them aware!   
There is much more Elly is learning. I can only shake my head in shock at most. 

People don’t talk about it but they should. OR it might be your husband, brother or dad that this can happen to. Lady golfers too! I use to be one.

Jim made me laugh every time I spoke to him, every e mail he replied would ‘try’ to make me laugh & was successful, either  because it was funny or I could say - “You’re such a *&^%!”  and then we would both laugh.  
I’m a bit better, because well - I know Jim above all else would not want us to be crying. 
Elly shared with me, because of his size many would comment once they heard: it was on a golf course - ‘Oh - a heart attack!’  Compared to this - that would have been a blessing.  

Well no,  not a blessing you see Jim also besides giving blood, raising thousands of dollars for research, coached  kids baseball, volunteered countless hours for too much to mention - - donated his organs and a gentleman received his heart! 
Someone is still alive because of Jim and his selflessness.  

http://omnifeed.com/article/www.torontosun.com/2015/06/24/widow-of-man-who-died-in-golf-cart-mishap-wants-answers

PLEASE share this Blog, story, article.
I read the comments on the bottom of the online article and at first I was angry - instant- then a calm came over me - none of these people knew Jim, they are all making ASSumptions and they are being mean, thoughtless judgmental &^%$#.  Norm said they would never say such things to us in person as they hide under internet anonymity. I’ve heard in such cases - people are told - ‘go write something negative’ -  we all see it now on the many court dramas - some of the levels people will stoop.  
Fine by me, fine by us.. any of us who knew  (& LOVED) Jim, we do not care what anyone thinks.  Because we KNOW. 

I can’t remember the last time I was at a 'packed house'  funeral - standing room only.  
That was Jim.  Elly is still getting letters of condolences, still calls from people only now finding out and no... it was not a heart attack.
He was thrown from a golf cart and died  a horrible death! 

A day I wish I could take back for Elly, Sierra, Logan my aunt & uncle and cousin Joe ;(  ALL of US! Jim’s family, our extended family and the many, many friends and co workers - who Jim made LAUGH.  We miss him very much…  Elly is missing him more. 
Elly just  had her first 22 year anniversary - withOUT  her husband & in the same weekend,
Sierra & Logan just had their first fathers day with out their dad. 
Taken too soon, a wonderful dad with so much still to share.

A few of my favourite family photos below…
I miss you Jim.

Thrown from a golf cart and died a tragic death.
 I was there when he died,  I know.  ;(

Thanking you in advance. 
Georgia & Family - even Tequila 
- The only one she ever thought ‘tasty enough’ to bite - in her 18 years, was Jim. lol  

Have Faith,
<>< 
xox

You know you want too...  
I live with two men and over the years I have witnessed some serious ball scratching going gone. I try to turn a blind eye as - it is what guys do.  When in the comfort of their own home - they do it more frequently - so I am to understand.  I actually try not to give it too much thought but the other day - something was said along these lines and we all started to laugh, Norm and I giggled about it all night.  Storm not so much.  lol
The drawing a bit of a challenge & I was worried until; Linda was over visiting and we made our way up to my office as we usually do, she spied the unfinished toon on my desk, leaned over to read it and burst out laughing . ;)  Oh, good! I guess I got the point across;)
 I decided to cold and here it is I pray it provided a few of you with a Friday smile! 
I know not all will find it funny. 
Oh well.  It made us all laugh.  Move on to NOW.

Not everyone 'gets it'... move on, focus on NOW.  
Do what you love because you love to do it! I tell you - IF I let every bit of negativity that tried to sneak into my soul - effect me. I would hardly draw.  
My Dandy Lion  (the lion and lamb drawing, below) I had someone (I like - don't really know that well) E me, they 'did not approve' more or less...
"Children seeing it might get confused and think it o.k. to pat a lion...  "
My first reaction was confusion & then.... - lol - defence:  
Give me a break!  ? Really? WTF - Then every lion driving a car - watch out kids!  
How about those elephants driving firetrucks! Hippo's dancing the ballet- watch out toes.
2nd: a bit later. anger.. Was that comment really necessary? WTF? What was that all about?
3rd: hurt... that was cruel.. why would they say that.. I love this drawing.. 
much later... when I remembered to ask for assistance so i could get past it myself..  Done. To each his own. 
The last thing I should care to do is explain about lions and children books and inspiring young imaginations!  
NOR do I care to defend or try to explain a drawing I did to this person. LOL  
It was drawn from love and still holds love for me when I look at it.
Filled with love as I drew it - sent out with LOVE. 
If the first thing another sees is 'a child being attacked from a lion'- by looking at this drawing - who does the problem lie with?
No me.

So - a nice lesson again, I guess 'I' took it personally in the first place as it came from someone 'I' put judgement on- really. My mistake. 
Put your creations out there - with love. 
With Love we can not fail.
Nay sayers or not.  They are here to keep us focused and strong and help me to get along. 
I sent up prayers and smiles finally - that she might one day look at such a simple drawing and see it for what it was, a cute lion and lamb laying in the grass playing - a hope for peace. 
A cartoonists drawing. 
Simple.

Have we not more important things to focus on, or make others aware of?  I do!! 

Yeah! I am back to sharing toons! 
Thank You Norman! & Thank you Normans' employer Findlay Restoration.
Norm loves his job, thank God.  He believes the owner is a good man.  
How awesome! He can't wait to go in the morning! lol - I get up with him now!
He was asked to work all weekend and he did, mostly for me... and partly for his own sanity! 
LOL He lives with me! Some only get a glimpse of what I can BE. <3 
That is why I try to keep it only from love!  I can post cartoons again! 
Share smiles and love! 
OH! The teach only LOVE cards are ready!! 
I can't wait to start mailing some out! 
Stay tooned!! 

xox <><  Have Faith!

I was blessed yesterday by my friend Marie!  And what a blessing it was!
Marie makes Trifle. I met Marie through the parish many years ago. 

At functions Marie makes a Trifle.. 
I alwasy get the left overs for Norm and He loves it! 
Remember I'm not a great cook... 
Jello and I have issues, so I have never made it.

My friend Marie showed up yesterday to teach me how! 
It was awesome. I don't even need a recipe! 
I already know it and I can't wait to try another, perhaps one with oranges and chocolate! Nom nom!  We chatted, stirred, sliced, chatted.... went out for a tea in the gazebo and chatted some more. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I always find Marie interesting and one of the most compassionate people I know. Marie educates me every time I see her,  of course shw also cares very much about our planet. I guess you could say we are tree huggers and PROUD! lol

I have several friends like this. They inspire me to be a better person.  
I can't wait to pay it forward the next time I have company and share a dessert made with TLC  for them! 

I was blessed with a visit from a  friend - who brought all the ingredients! 
Provided  a TLC treat that my guys have been more that thrilled  with! LOL  
I admitting had it for breakfast and yes, it is almost gone. 
I am sure it will be after dinner this evening! 

Share your gift. 

I needed it. I am thankful for it. 
I had quite an experience the day before in Toronto that I had been thinking about, so it was nice to realign the mind. More on that tomorrow...

 xox  <><