The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.

- Pablo Picasso -

Winter is coming & inspiration has me painting purple Octopus plucking petals. 
This 'doing what ever' it takes is working.  I meditate, listen to music & paint.
I also eat better, refrain from alcohol & only smoke cannabis.
I have made attempts in my immediate surroundings  to be 'love' inspired
(Purple elephants), cleaning my office and painting  every day, all day... it's my thing.  It's what makes me want to sing- Surrounding myself with positive friends here and there... near & far & I am smiling more.  I won't add 'twitching less' but it seems to be less - painful. lol  Truly,  I don't know how else to put it.  That & cannabis keeps me smiling- Thank God! It's working.  

Here is what I am noticing: new cannabis cartoons and ideas again starting to fill the air in my mind & office.  I can't put it into words- as it would give away the cartoon on my desk for tomorrow.  It's for all the dispensaries who have been shut down - in "our best interest." Bullshit. 

An animal drawing recently was "liked" - I don't normal check them out as I don't have time- and don't want to start which would = less drawing, -  sure enough late last night, in bed I check out a cartoon and one of my 'likes' is from this 'beautiful, huntress'.  
She 'likes' this image about saving our wildlife - as she sits with a fucking bear she killed while she visited Canada and  "can't wait to get back."  wow. 
I was so pissed off last night all I could see was a beautiful, selfish MURDERER.  
Today, I woke up.. new day - she is still these things in my opinion. We are losing animals at an alarming rate on this planet 2/3 of wildlife will disappear by 2020 - so thank you beautiful, spoiled rotten,  murderer for helping this along faster.
WHY!? Because you eat it all - bullshit.  
You need it to survive?  To keep you warm? You LOVE animals? 
Yes, like an alcoholic husband beats the wife 'he loves'.  
I no longer see 'beauty' anymore.  
I see a beautiful 'shell', and I feel nothing but pity for this 'pretty', young, life snuffing princess.. she has many years ahead- to think about her own actions.  
Check out this specimen of a human- HUNTING?!! They bait the bear with food/he comes here to eat obviously, hide (like the cowards they are) - and use a spear -  torture- phhhhbt.  He is a poor example of a good 'man' in my opinion. I am so happy they dumped them & more will continue to do so. 
Surrounded by love? I think these hunters will only attract so much hatred into their lives from so many,  who might attempt to harm/hunt them- which I'm reading about. 
Just like I want to harm a stranger who I see torturing a dog in a dog eating festival in China.  I do.   Can we not 'BAN' these hunters from other countries?  
Justin Trudeau- ASK your kids what they think???

The election - Yikes.

Back to painting this beautiful sunshine filed day!
Looking at the last petals before they are pulled off by the wind.
Au revoir les amis! Jusqu'à demain!
Thinking of France today. Wild France - on Netflix - watch it!!!

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 <><

I drew this same idea a few years back, it wanted to be drawn again. 
Imagine me sitting at my desk - and drawing this, to draw such happy faces - it helps if you feel happy! Boat & bylaws aside, lol - I have much to be happy for! 

I'll share today- something I do love about Keswick and have for over 19 years is Quick Pizza. We go way back! 
When I use to have my studio, teaching kids art, cartooning & crafts I also had parties - It was crazy - some Saturdays I had 3 parties! Kids loved it here. I still miss it. 
BUT Quick Pizza provided the food.  Over the years.. stuff. One time I craved it but had no money, I phoned, Hamid (the owner) answered, I told him the truth and a pizza was delivered and paid for at a later date. I did this a few times over the years. it was on our account to just send the pizza.  It is what it is. He and I were o.k. with it.  
They have also offered Toonie Tuesday for as long as I can remember, think what you will, for years every Tuesday we have had Quick Pizza - $2. for a slice (and use to be drink) of fantastic pizza - you bet! That is $6.00 for diner for 3! Woot Woot! 
Canada is not the USA - this is a deal! lol I have several friends who have all admitted this.

They say you never miss anything until it is gone...  tis true, even with pizza.
Norm went to get diner a couple of weeks ago and they were CLOSED! What??  OMGoodness!  Norm spoke with Hamid and learned renovations were underway!  We had about 2 weeks to wait! Last Night - we had Quick again!  Amen & thank you!  Not just for, seriously the best pizza around - it is what company from the city now looks forward to & asks for! lol  Lucky for me!  It's much more than that.
Hamid and I are friends. I can say that. I like him, he and I have spoke over the years, usually as I waited for my pizza to cook. He shared much with me, as I with him. What many people don't know is he came here with nothing and could not even speak english but he WORKED and never stopped.  He forced himself to learn English anyway he could and he even paid a young kid (more than minimum wage) to correct him and help him with his English and his store as he started Quick.  The rest is history.  He never stopped working, I can tell you 9 out of 10 times he is there! Still.  He is a family man, some stories over the years we shared of our teen frustration - lol  We both have come out the other side with amazing Children, in our opinion.

He also reminded me to put racism aside when it was high, because we are friends. We should have a friend of every race, color and religion - we would try harder to get along.  In a perfect world.  He has the same struggles we all have & MORE and has persevered!  
We all sing a different song, pray to different Gods, 'Like' different comments - lol  
Let it Be. 
Work and be nice! Thats about it.  We have talked about everything and we agree it's simple... Be nice first. 
Are you going to judge people you don't know?  Go for it, your loss.  Or take the time to get to know someone, you might end up with a friend and great food. lol 

Recently, I ordered a pizza with company from the city here... the conversation was kinda filled with the usually: Hello handsome! You bet my dear! Alright I can't wait! 
A few seconds after hanging up, the phone rang.  My cousin could hear the person on the other end.. "Hello my love- you forgot mushrooms!"  lol! 
I replied:  "no darling, I have company and they do not like mushrooms!"
My cousin couldn't get over the relationship I have with 'my pizza guy', who delivers personally, our delicious pizza.   
Hahaha! The  names are just something we developed over the years. 
What I really call him is friend. Who happens to make the best pizza around! 
We had Quick for diner last night! YIPPIE!! Let me tell you - It got better! 
Can you believe it? Norm and I must have said 3 times - 'wow, this s good'.   I look forward to many more meals! Toonie  Tuesday or not - the price was bound to go up sooner or later - it is a once a week staple in our home.  
So, I am thankful for Hamid & family, for friendship and food!
I look forward to the next 20!! Nom Nom Nom! 
I should take photo of the pizza - but I never remember because we can't wait to dig in! 

Have Faith! 
xox 
<>< 

Sunday we had a trip to the city planned, visit a few stores and see a couple of friends.
I had it in my mind how the day would go.  It went another way.
Storm and I had a good day and did see some people we have not seen in a while,  & it was great to say Hello and catch up a bit.
But the day had an event that really stuck in my head. Enough to draw it.

I suggested to Storm that we find an outdoor patio so that I could medicate. Which was badly needed. Young st. was busy - what else is knew... the level of poor was new, to me anyhow. Everything you see in the cartoon is TRUE and more.  It was a visual smorgasbord!   

The color, the people, the noise were slightly overwhelming as it is but when we finally found an empty patio and had just ordered a coffee, was about to medicate, I heard this strange beeping...  you know s sound you know but are not sure where....

I turned to see a woman in a hospital gown, no shoes on her feet... walking towards us - with an IV pole - she was hooked up. The blood backed up into the line connecting to her arm.  The machine on the IV pole beeping! 

I instantly thought of TIFF and thought it might be some stunt.. 
She walked right where we were sitting, when an EMT worker pulled up beside her and started to question her. We were sitting right beside her.

He was nice and asked her where she was going, he said she had walked 5 km from a hospital?!  5 km and no one stopped her? No one asked her where she was going or what she was doing. ;(  The conversation continued and he expressed concern about the IV Pole  stating a few times “it’s worth about $3,000...  “  I was thinking - buddy - she is in her hospital gown in the middle of young street attached to an IV POLE do you think she was thinking about the cost?

Well a couple of police cars later... she had slid down the railing where we were sitting almost within touching distance.. she did turn and say “sorry”

I told her she had no need to apologize.  I felt bad for her. She was here from Alberta, no family, at a shelter and sick., She had a bad infection and was in the hospital to get better. It is great in this country she can be treated!  I get it bout the IV Pole.. but really? What has played on my mind is the fact that he got so far. How sad. :( So many people just ignoring everything. stepping over the poor liek they re trash on the street. 

I bet people looked at her  when she was not looking and they thought she must be crazy. Who is cray? THOSE who see and do NOTHING are the closest to mad there is. No compassion.

I did not leave, We sat there. I at one point thought the conversation might have gone differently if she were alone. The other officer made a point about asking her is she had been in trouble and  also the cost of the Pole.
Then they talked about how they needed bigger cars. 

An ambulance finally arrived and she had to go back. Back to where she was so very tired of.  I don’t have the answers. Better security at the hospitals?

This cartoon is full of mental illness. Alcohol abuse. Sexual obsession,  Shopaholics. The rich and the poor. People together but a great percentage alone.  Many on phones. Obese people getting more obese on the takeout  Blvd. as they stroll past a woman begging for food. 

Everyone in their own world. 
NOT.   

WE ARE here TOGETHER!  One day that might be you! 

What is happening to you Toronto? Not the city I know and loved. 
That could easily be someone's sister or mother. 
I talked it over with a friend who work in the city and she said “you see so much so often you just learn to turn your head.”

I don’t think that is what Jesus meant when he said ‘Turn the other cheek’.
Forgive us, for we know squat.  ;( .
xox <>< 

There is a sign of hope in the cartoon. Can you find it?

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  <>< 

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
<><