Dealing with a head cold (tis the season) today, I turned up the heater (bundled Poppy on my lap)  & painted this lovely Rumi Quote.  
The moment I read it, I thought how beautiful... 'a love so deep the ocean would get jealous.'   It's what we all deserve.   It's what I deserve.  
I can handle the ocean getting jealous, anything else is just added drama I no longer desier.
That, would be a very intense love.  For awhile anyway... that is why we must have individual hobbies and passions - to fulfill our lives when  our other Love is "lacking" or distracted.
                       
Today is December the 1st.
I  am not decorating inside this year, my heart is not 'in it'.  
The kitchen is not finished..  not that it matters. I've discussed it with Storm, he 'get's it'.  
I get defensive- in the past  I'm called a grinch, why?  Because I won't go into debt for 'gifts' we dont need or want. No thanks. Those days are done.  When I give someone  a gift it will becasue I want to - not because a date on the calander demands it, and expected to give to several - no wonder people get overwhelmed... I  won't contribute to it.
I'd rather have some good times with friends, a nice meal.. quality time with my son. We are going to the museum soon! ;)    * I 'get it' wanting Christmas to be special for little ones but the facts are the majority of people can not afford Christmas to the extent they do.
Please don't.  Give your children the gift of your time, not your added stress after the holidays when the bills come in.

On a positive note! Thanks to sites like PIN - there is an abundance of creative, affordable craft ideas for kids of all ages!!  Make something fun & I guarentee you - you will be creating a memory that wil last a life time!  I am making a fairy lamp! lol - Not that I have anyone in particular to give it to- yet- I will.  Have a peek if you can surf FB you can find a creative way to have fun with the kids or grandkids this holiday- cheap! xox
​Check the snowman below to bring you to PIN.

Have Faith!                                                                                                                                          23
xox
<><

If you are worried about your child and cannabis- tell me - did you buy them a trampoline? If so - do your research. Don't tell me accidents don't happen and bizarre ones at that. Today, I'm thinking of Jim it would be his birthday.  :(  
He died when thrown from a golf cart this week last year.  My heart feels heavy.
Accidents happen.  Not one child has ever been recorded to die from cannabis.
If you have such proof - please share. 

What do they die from or become permanently injured from - something fun- a trampoline.
Did you know 1.8 million are sold world wide every year.  
​Do you know how many children visit the emergency rooms every year because of them?        I do.  IF YOU have the stomach for it- Google 'trampoline injury images'.  
I saw one image- that made me instantly turn away from the computer.  You have been warned.   How about deaths from trampolines?  They  happen:
Trampoline Injury Facts

• According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), 246,875 medically treated trampoline injuries occur annually in the U.S. Of this total, 186,405 of these injuries occurred among children aged 14 or younger.
  
  
• According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hospital emergency room-treated trampoline injuries almost tripled in the last decade - from an estimated 37,500 in 1991 to almost 100,000 in 1999.
  
  
• The commission has received reports of 11 deaths relating to trampoline use from 1990 to 1999. Those victims ranged in age from 3 to 43. Six were between the ages of 12 and 19. 
  
  
• Falls off the trampoline often resulted in crippling injury and/or death including paralysis from spinal cord injury. Somersaults and coming into contact with other persons on the trampoline's surface likewise resulted in many serious and crippling injuries as well as death.
  
  
• Nearly two-thirds of trampoline injury victims were children 6 to 14 years of age.
  
  
• About 15% of trampoline injuries involved young children under 6 years old.
  
  
• In 1999, injuries to the leg/foot were reported most frequently, accounting for 40% of the total. Injuries to the arm/hand accounted for 29% of the total, head/face/neck accounted for 20%, and shoulder/trunk were associated 10% of the total.
  
  
• Approximately 4% of all trampoline emergency-room treated injuries result in hospitalization.
  
  
• Most trips to the emergency room are the result of jumpers colliding with one another, falling on the trampoline springs or frame, falling or jumping off the trampoline, or attempting somersaults and stunts.
• *taken from: http://www.fscip.org/tramp.html

​Facts.  
What is the point of all this you might task. Facts.  
IF our government was truly worried about our children they would have tougher laws on trampolines - not cannabis.

Unfortunately, I see & hear trampolines-  daily- it often ends in tears - in the surrounding backyards.  I don't know what to do, commonly - I see a trampoline with 7 kids on it at a time including a toddler and then water sprinkler added to the mix- it is an accident or worse waiting to happen.. do you say anything if you see this?  No,  if I did I'd be a nasty meddling neighbour.  It blows my mind that parents go along with this... perhaps some do not know,  many trampoline accidents happen at other children's homes.  
Very often I witness kids on them with NO adult supervision.  It makes me shake my head... but that's because I have researched.  I am sure a parent does not intentionally want to hurt their kids - you can just as easily if you don't research EVERYthing.

Do not be a sheep or puppet and fall for reefer madness- know the facts.
​Educate your child on ALL things- ESPECIALLY the dangers of trampolines this summer- 'harmless fun'.

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

A is for.... 
I'm not there yet! I skipped and drew a F is For Fox on January the first, in fabulous footwear with a frog feasting on fried fungi! & MORE!  
I had a peaceful time thinking & painting the fox on wood I just finished.
I don't know where to hang it..lol   I believe it will be a gift in the future for someone.
Beautiful creatures,  I think of the best of both - a cat and a dog combined... it's a cartoonist thing.  Last time Storm was away camping in bear country he had a 'friend Fox' who came and sat on the opposite of the camp fire at night. It was incredible to see & quite the experience for him.  He felt blessed, alone just him and his fox, it also stayed around during the day - curious. I think it was still just a pup.
In Japan they have  place full of foxes!   I might visit it one day - when I go and visit my friend Yasunori Abe, we met an an TY EXPO a few years ago and are now pen-pals. I am so honoured he takes the time to write to me and read my letters. He does not speak English. 
He is on my mind - I started a letter today.
I believe foxes beautiful, peaceful, creatures with a real natural playful side!
Not to mention WOW! Fiery Red fox! An artist delight.
I have a drawing soon with them and a beautiful quote. 3 days work no doubt.
I think if it works out and FB helps... I'll ask for Assistance for A and each letter After. 
I will have the A B C  coloring pages ready for download soon! They will be  tagged ABC!!
You can go and download the entire alphabet - if you so desire.
I'm also going to color them for a complete finished book in the end. 

Let the day begin! 
Georgia... On My Mind Mondays.
Lets see is I can get a routine going 2016. Ha!

*Dear friends who get my e mails and read my blog... I apologize for all my mistakes.  
I just reread an e mail to a friend and I see mistakes. Like I said: Canadian and Canadian & I meant to say Canadian and American. ;(  & simple things,  I write 'who instead of 'how.
I often see I don't type the "t' in 'the'.. stuff.  No matter how many times I proof read - I don't see them, It brings me down. I know they know, I am not well but all the same... it gets to me.
 
Now, I remember I am blessed - because I am about to go and finish tomorrows cartoon!

Believe & Have Faith! 
<><
xox

Here is Randal Ralph the Reality Elf with Tip two!
I don't gift wrap.. well sometimes and only with paper that I have had in my craft room for a decade. I don't buy it anymore. I feel it is like gambling; may as well take that money and burn it - along with the ink, chemicals and trees. 'Reality Elf 'remember.
BUT! If you think I don't like gift wrapped gifts you would be mistaken.

I do like the VISUAL "presentation' wrapping and some people are very creative, I have this friend who's  wrapping would put Santa to shame - her  gifts so visually beautiful, each wrapping was a gift in itself!  I must admit, Norm too has a knack and he loves to wrap.
The majority of us  don't do a great job, or even enjoy the task that much - so:
         Let it Go!!  Tis the Season to Be Jolly! Start a new Holiday tradition!  
Get creative! Tie it in a pillowcase! A Reusable gift bag - I already received (TY Mona! xox) a very cute chihuahua "new library bag", a old drawing! An old cherished T! 
ESPECIALLY for kids who  TEAR it to shreds- Who could care less about  the appearance or thought and only want the gift (we've all been there) - can't we teach them  that until they grasp the concept of environment - we should let them have the choice wrapped or reused.

Never all mind all of that because - the only thing that DOES matter - Is your love, patience and attention during the holiday season and every day of the year.
It's just stuff and it's just stuffed wrapped around the stuff.

Love is all you need, fa la la la la  laaaaalaaaalaaalaa.
Paper or not - I still peek.  TY Mona!  
Have Faith
<><
xox

I love to READ! It is how I start every day. 
I love to encourage reading & crafting & cartooning & coloring! 
I have combined them all  & wanted to know If I could offer it as a FREE download off
of my website...  Here it is! 
I drew the book marks, printed on card stock colored, cut out and you can see I am using my own book marks! 
All you have to do is click on the image below and it should open a better quality image that you can print and color yourself!
Please let me know if it worked! 
I was planning on designing a few coloring sheets! Come Cannabis inspired of course.
 A few photos of my bookmarks below! ;) 

Have Faith! 
xox
​ <><

Did you try it? E mail me a photo of you finished bookmarks in action and I will mail the first person a comic (signed), and then the next 3 - postcards!  Try it! Young or old we can all use a book mark. TRY something creative today!!! 
​
xox

Stay tooned! A Free Download coloring sheet soon! 

During my researching about Cannabis you often read about other related topics. Mushrooms are another. Another natural substance that has been  forbidden.  Made illegal.
I do not know enough but what I have read - leads one to the same conclusion -  Mushrooms are in fact medicine.  Food Of the Gods,  natural plants that help heal our minds & therefore body... 
As soon as Storm was old enough to ask questions we told him the truth. 
Here is a perfect opportunity to do that, have some fun - educate on mushrooms- how to never eat any that they might find in the wild! Unless educated of course. ;) 
Teach about food and medicine!  Natural medicines can be talked about - like Cannabis! Ayahuasca and even Aloe!  The more your children know, they better prepared as young adults.  Educate - not lie. 
If they are aware enough to seriously question  Santa- Reindeer? 
Then they are aware enough to question much more.
Do you know why they say Reindeer fly? 
http://www.livescience.com/25731-magic-mushrooms-santa-claus.html


Give the gift of knowledge this Christmas. 
Start a new Christmas tradition! 
Teach them about natural plants and medicine. Let food be thy medicine.
You might possibly save your own child from years of misery later in life. 

Have faith 
xox <>< 

In other words .. TELL THEM THE TRUTH!
I don't even know what I can say about this anymore.
Look up deaths from any of the above, especially cough syrup ;( 
Enough already!  
Stop with the bullshit. We are killing our children with lies.

xox <>< 

Kills will try to get high. It is a sad fact. When drawing this piece, I thought not me.. not realizing that yes, I was high duh with alcohol, but such a normal part of our lives - it hardly goes noticed.  It was easy to get booze. Deny if you want but sooner or later your kid will - the facts PROVE that. SO WHY NOT be the ones to be having this conversation.

I was not sure about including the choking, but someone commented it on Fb and it was not to long ago in my own town a young man passed that way. Everyone was shocked.  The article went on to say that many people don't disclose the information and that is is all too common!!!  TALK about it, it is NOT 'o.k.' and NOT something to play with.  

None os this is about suicide, it is about wanting to experience  a 'Euphoria', high, carelessness.  I have learned in all of this,  children want to do it -naturally- just like adults,  why do you think there are so many  alcoholics?  Children first experience getting high by spinning, or holding their breath...   then most kids are introduced by a sibling or peer. They do get creative! Out of necessity. OUT of prohibition. Look how the worlds poorest children get high, usually inhaling a harmful chemical out of a bag. 
The rest is history. Some of these highs are damaging and can make children very ill and kill them.  This new one, Sham-boiling - I had to look it up to believe it was real.  Tell me that is NOT harmful - chemical inhaling.. ANYone can do it. 
EDUCATE your kids.  
So now I am wondering and yet again - the one that no one has ever died from is the one that remains illegal? WF is wrong with us?

Seriously ask yourself,   After you research!!:
If your 12/14   year old, came to you and said they wanted to experience getting HIGH, they would do it with or without you- they had several friend who have offered to get them high several ways .. what would you do? 

You better do something. Drug abuse is on the rise amongst kids 11 and up... but guess what  -it's not cannabis it is pharmaceuticals. < prove me wrong.  Do not believe the fear mongering.  Educate your kids and then have faith in them, and you. 
Our children are our gift.     xox  <>< 

If you ask any loving parent, would you let your child become a human Guinea pig? 
"GASP" !?  NO!!!  Would be the response. 
With each purchase you are making a decision and you are 'being the CHANGE'. 
If you buy it, you support it - simple.  What are you teaching your children every time you buy them something? Do you read labels for GMO products? Paying attention to the amount of sugar they get daily?  

Fear Mongering. I see it daily in the paper - still. Hanging on to the reefer madness threads that have has us all believing a tangled web of lies for decades!  But the only fear mongering it seems possible is for ' the children'. Of course.  
If we make Cannabis legal  more children will use it. <Is what the conservatives want you to believe.  Keeping Cannabis illegal thinking your kid won't try it - well good luck. We all have been there, have we not?  I remember  one of Storms friend when  younger, telling me 'cannabis will fry your brain', he now smokes.  Kids ARE finding out the truth with the power of the internet and are learning Cannabis is NOT as bad as we have been led to believe.  

 Perfect timing, visiting a friend and she was reading this article, I love it when everything literally falls into place. 

This article in national geographic is one of the best at explaining sugar, IMO. 
Sugar is considered as dangerous as the tobacco industry and as ruthless. 
I personally had no idea sugar was in so much and for years fell into the fat free frenzy. 
I believe the best blessings come in disguise - it was not until I became ILL that I started to eat healthier, fresh, organic and now, after I eat this last peanut butter cup- more sugarless!  

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/08/sugar/cohen-text?rptregcta=join_free_np&rptregcampaign=20130826_lightbox_membership_nonhp_all_c#close-modal

When Storm was little I was guilty of sugar ignorance. Now addicted, mostly for the foods I Introduced into his life and diet (shitty gatekeeper)  all I can do now is make all our meals healthier, shop for the best ingredients and educate. Storm is great he is the most health conscience of all of us. 

NORM, now there is the serious addict. 
ASK anyone. We still argue weekly, over his eating habit, he will go an entire day eating only candy - HIS choice. Only last week I said it quite simply - “If at the age of 51 knowing all we know about food, health, etc, - and if he lives in this house - HE DOES, yet he still will choose to consume an entire bag of twizzlers for lunch - Oh well. I have no control over him or his choices. Twizzle away. Make sure the insurance is paid.”

 What else can one do? Generations have been brain washed and force fed without even realizing it. 

EVEN with what I know I STILL WILL have this peanut butter cup.  I am addicted.
For anyone that might be confused... 
I am NOT saying: give your kids cannabis! Sugar is worse!

I am saying Wake up! Pay attention! Research and HELP your children! 
I believe there is some serious fear mongering still continuing to go on today - and it is a wonderful distraction- while we continue to put toxins in our children, creating a future generation dependent on medicine. <$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Seriously, before cannabis your child will probably be introduced to these other common Highs and you are not even aware:  Sugar high - Cake, Pop, cookies, cereal
Children’s cough medicines - sugar and chemical high, prescribed medications - more children are on a prescription medication now than ever in history, children as young as 2 have been diagnosed and prescribed antidepressants designed for ADULTS. Alcohol, either from being introduced  for a celebration or kids ‘sneaking’ alcohol is a common practice in many households. Alcohol addiction is one of the worst in the world. Tobacco, as with alcohol is usually first introduced by a family member.

Don’t forget Coffee, energy drinks, glue & solvents...

What example are you setting for your child today? 
WE are the original gatekeepers. How are your kids getting high? 
Please STOP being distracted by fear mongering. Take control.
xox <><

I read all the time. Every now and then I come across an article and think - wow I did not know that! That is what happened when I read about kids drinking low fat milk - the healthier choice. IT is NOT a healthier choice.. I read that they remove the fat - using it for other products ($$$) and all that's left really is sugars in the milk - making it harder for your body and actually making it fatter. I am trying to find that exact article but It was a few weeks back - no matter just GOOGLE.
      http://butterbeliever.com/fat-free-dairy-skim-milk-secrets/   <Just one of many!
I am not - nor have I ever been a fan of milk  unless I have a warm brownie fresh baked and want a glas to wash it down. I am also not a fan of Ice cream. I want the good stuff if i DO and that means CREAM. Why do we let them play with out stuff? Our food our nutrition and our life?  I am even less a fan of milk after I did research on hormones.  

Please pay attention,  I really would never wish my twitch on anyone. Dr.s DO not know what caused it or still do not know what is causing it. WHO knows? I am learning to try to live with it. BUT why take any chances?? This is our children.

Please look at some of the links below to read more on LOW fat garbage. If it's low fat don't buy - learn to make healthier choices. 
xox <><

It amazes me how few peole even know what the DSM is. I know of several schools that have a copy. Just the way your friendly pharmacy company likes it.  More and more children are becoming  pill poppers. LEGAL pills.  
Read this article in Macleans magazine:
                                                         http://www2.macleans.ca/tag/dsm/
Is your child mental or normal? 3 out bursts a week, and they could be diagnosed mental!  Some schools even have a copy of the DSM... WTF!? 

It is one thing to diagnose an adult with a mental illness but a child? Give them a chance to be a kid, that included outbursts and bratty behavior from time to time.  Embrace it, it is a chance to teach a lesson to both parent and child.

If I thought the DSM was helping more than hurting I would probably just go about my business, but it is HURTING. 
More and more children are diagnosed every year - that does not mean they get help. In many cases they get a prescription and nothing more. Well, besides the stigma of being labeled mental. As if kids don’t have it hard enough.

 Then to put them on a medication - for depression? Possibly a psychotropic drug that will cause more long term damage than not.  Because a BOOK suggests it! 

Yep. They sit around a table and make suggestions.  No scientific facts. No X-rays, No blood tests, No test to prove a chemical imbalance - Even Dr.s & Psychiatrists are starting to question the DSM. 

“The result is that people with normal variations in emotion, behavior, and thought can receive a psychiatric diagnosis, leading to stigma and inappropriate treatment.

Because we have to live with a diagnostic system that is provisional—and that will almost certainly prove invalid in the long run—much of the research on mental disorders has to be taken with a grain of salt. “  
Read more:       http://www.neuropsychotherapist.com/dsm-5-handle-with-care/

I guess so, especially when they must  explain to the parent of a child on medication that does them more harm in long run. In some cases the child commits suicide on the drugs they are prescribed to help them. FACT - Google side effects of PROZAC  
I took that crap for too long...      twitch, twitch...

Think about also how your child might feel about YOUR decision to medicate them, when they are 30, they might have an opinion on what you decided regarding their mental state. If they live that long.  Do you think I am being dramatic? 
Research. Look at the rise in numbers with children being medicated and prescribed with such things like Bipolar at the age of 2!  
Perhaps not your children but your grand children? ANY child! We need to speak up for the ones that can’t.

 Calling yourself crazy and having someone diagnose you as crazy are two very serious and different things. It could affect the child forever. 
I have several cartoon ideas and I plan on drawing them all. 

WE ARE NOT CRAZY!   
WE DONT NEED the DRUGS! 
We just need MORE TLC.

xox   <><

Ignorance is bliss... ? How about when it is killing our kids? Still feeling blissful?

How about when you get a F*&^% twitch that drives crazy? Did you know it was a common side effect of one of earliest “mood” drugs approved by the  “who’s, who’s”
and pushed to the millions as ‘mama’s little helper’.  And tongue* darting...  lovely.
Twitches that never go away.   They made a pill to try,  but that just paralyzed motor skills.

I met William on Fb  a long time ago... I don't know who became who's (WHOM?)  friend, but I can tell you I have grown fond of him. I knew him before Ryuu ;-)  He makes me laugh. I'm not always sure why. I find him honest and upfront.
He has had me slightly 'ticked' to put it nicely, a few times! Once about breast feeding.  He gets me thinking.  I like his wife and I have never even seen her, usually only what banter William decides to share.  I think he is one of my favorite dads. It has been interesting for me watching and seeing the posts of a stay at home dad.... anyhow I am thankful for meeting them and look forward to watching the family grow 
;-) .  Ask and you shall receive, and he did. G

It Has Been A Year and My Baby Is Not Even Broken. 
By William F. Steele

On April 17th Ryuu Dio Steele will be turning over his first leaf. My child will be one years old. It will be a joyful day filled with all kinds of grilled meats and cakes. Let us also not forget it will be a day of swollen egos. You see I suffered through many “talks” being told too many times on how I am one of those who will never really understand what it is like to truly raise an offspring just because, you know, I have male parts. Because of all those little talks I am overly ecstatic to be here with my testosterone filled battle cry “the babe lives! Ye woman folk can move along now RawR!”

As my baby boy’s birthday nears I find myself looking back at all the little “talks” I had gotten from parents-in-the-know. Some ranged from what brands of diapers to get while others explained how colors of cups will dictate my child’s sexual preference. Some I listened to most I ignored and in the end other than a few scrapes I have made it through the first year with an intact child. You may applaud now as I take a bow. Thank you! Thank you!

Before I get feedback of “well you had it easy your wife worked and did chores” I would like to bring up during my first year as the main caregiver I was going through some drama of my own. Short version of a long story: A few months before my son’s birth my mother dies in front of me. Being a huge momma’s boy I really miss my mother. It’s funny. I can’t touch bacon anymore because I can still taste it from when I was doing CPR on her on a morning a few days before my birthday. Now no dwelling let us move on to a month before my son’s birth my house was invaded by 20 or so combat ready individuals because a friend decided to make a snitch’s paycheck. He knew being the cannabis activist that I am I would most likely have a few cannabis plants here and there plus he knew just what to say to get me to hand one over. Thirty two years old never been arrested the first time a cannabis plant leaves my home a friend gives me up for some drug money. Isn’t that just funny let me tell you once I realized who had snitched me out my cell mates all looked at me a little worried as I laughed so hard I could not breath. Oh ya before I forget about how I also was stuck playing nice to my father’s other family as she moves into my mother’s house and drives my mother’s car. No comment move along nothing more to see here. Now throw in general bad luck stuff like how I threw my back out getting out of bed when my wife’s water broke and that pretty much sums up the disadvantage parts going on during the first year or so.

I do not bring up these woeful times to glum your day I bring it up to show off my brilliance as a stay at home parent. During this time when it would have been understandable to just shut down I put on a smile, did a little laugh, and pulled up my big boy pants so I could play the role that was set before me.

And these are a few random things I’ve learned. Over these past months.

Changing Diapers Suck! And I still have not decided yet what is worse: breathing through my nose or through my mouth. Tough call do I just want to smell it or smell it and taste it in theory if I breathe through my mouth. Even if you try to go all rodeo and get it done at record speed it still sucks. As soon as the rugrat was able to sit up on his own bathroom training began. It has been a long slow road but the outcome will be its weight in gold.

This bit of advice I will have to give credit to mother’s worldwide. “When the baby sleeps you sleep!” That is such a golden rule it would be wise to burn it in to your memory if you’re a first time parent.

It does not matter what color, cloths, or if I love hello kitty my child has an even chance of becoming straight, gay, or cross gender. It irks me to no ends when a parent-in-the-know tries to push the idealism that he must conform. I have no time for this foolishness because in the end it is not the neon pink and purple sippy cup that could make him gay. Pretty sure it would be the interest in other males he develops on his own time through his own experiences that does it.

The day will come when he finds some one he wants to share his love with and it will be a happy day that’s all I know. The idea where the option of shaming him to change to the “norm” causing confusion and self loathing that can very well drive him out of our lives or worst lead to one day where we find him hanging in his own closet is just unheard of in this house hold. The king of the castle has spoken so be it ordered.

Anyone can learn a lot by listening to the advice from another. But there was this one statement that I would hear every now and then that would just drive me right up the wall. “He is too young for that.” Well of course he is too young to understand physicist Brian Cox talking about whatever he seems to be excited about that day. I don’t expect him to. Nor do I feel my baby has to be able to grasp all of the sign language we practice throughout the week. The goal is to lay down the tracks for when he is at the point where he should be able to understand it. It’s a pity that so many parents will limit their child just because they are too young. 4 months into Ryuu’s life he was responding to me with simple nods and crude signs of yes or no. Once we had this crude way of communicating I knew right then age limit is just a limit of the mind. I still believe in this theory as I practice math on chalk boards with Ryuu sitting on my shoulders.

On a side note when Ryuu learned that if he signed “up” he will get thrown into the air great for him but for me I ended up doing reps of thirty lifts a day as he grew heavier. But as time went on we started to branch out into other feats of daring acrobatics like now of days he is practicing how to stand on my shoulders as I walk around. We have so much fun that all started with the American Sign Language sign for “up”.

Yes I have a child, yes I am worried about going to prison, no I will not stop being an open cannabis activist. As of a few weeks ago we have decided to up my game and try my hand with politics at a local level. The idea of leaving these unjust cannabis prohibition laws where they are scares me more than prison. The idea that my child might have to go through an arrest like I had experienced sends chills down my spine that fuels an anger inside of me.

No one has ever died from an overdose of cannabis and it’s a plant with thousands of uses. With hard work I’ll be able to show my child that if the people stand up against unjust practices they can be stopped. This will be one of the most important lessons I teach my child I believe.

Now if you happen to live in Alabama don’t forget to vote for William F. Steele in 2018. Your support would be greatly appreciated. https://www.facebook.com/WilliamFSteele

To leave you hungry for more I will brush up on the topic of food. Most understand it as one must eat to live but around here it is live to eat. My fear from all of the “talks” was I would be doomed to serving nothing but chicken nuggets and hotdogs. As a hobby chef and a cookbook author I was terrified let me tell you. I am just that skilled or I must have lucked out. No lie I have a little food disposal unit. It does not matter, veggies, seafood, sweets, meats, he is willing to eat it as long as it is offered to him. The fact that he was willing to eat anything opened the doors for so many healthy dishes without much fuss but plenty of adorable messes.

Seeing that rugrat gobbling up a simple chicken stir fry with a huge grin and smacking those lips is one of my favorite feelings. The simple joy of knowing I won’t ever need to offer Ryuu over processed foods just so he will eat is the greatest. One of my favorite cooking tips is to add hemp seeds to your meals. Those little seeds are packed full with so much healthy goodness its foolish not to add them.

Rugrat Approved Chicken Stir Fry
Can server 2 adults 1 child
1 pound of thinly sliced chicken breast or 2 deboned chicken thighs thinly sliced up
½ a cup of chopped onion
4 crushed and diced garlic cloves
Pinch of red pepper
1 table spoon of hemp seeds
½ a cup of sliced mushrooms
½ a cup of sliced bell peppers
½ a cup of (veggie of choice)
Splash of cooking oil
Soy sauce to taste (I usually use about 1/3 cup of soy sauce)
1-2 teaspoon of honey (optional)
1teaspoon of corn starch dissolved in a little water (if you want a thick sauce)

Let us start by pre heating the oil in a large wok or frying pan over a med high heat. To this we need to add the garlic giving it enough time to release its flavor without burning.

The chicken will go in next along with the soy sauce, pepper and add the honey if you want a sweet twist. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Now it is time for the veggies and depending on how you enjoy your vegetables depends on when to add them. I generally add them all in at the same time just allowing them to heat up throughout. I love keeping the crispiness of vegetables when I am cooking for myself but to each their own.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking you’re done unless you would like the sauce to be thicker. Lower the heat to a simmer then stir in the corn starch water mixture. The sauce will turn milky for a minute but will clear up as it mixes in so don’t panic. Allow it to simmer allowing the sauce time to thicken up to almost a syrup texture.
Serve on top of rice and Enjoy!

William sent me his cookbook! Probably not knowing I don't cook. BUT I figure IF I do cook - It will be from this book, and I will let you know how it went ;-) . William is also ambitious and hey WHY NOT! We have one shot at this life- I wanted to be a syndicated cartoonist, I have people who share my cartoons all over the world. ;-) And TEACH RYUU to reach fro the stars too!  You can get his cook book at:   http://www.amazon.ca/Cannabis-Cuisine-Whipping-Some-ebook/dp/B0053YQEMG

I read about Bulling all the time and it is very sad, many cases lead to kids attempting suicide. Too many are successful.
There is constant talk - How to take the bully out of schools. I don't think that is where one should start I think they should take it out of homes. 
AS in TURN OFF  the television.
Storm said - he is not a bully and he watched TV and played the games, but if fact we did not watch a lot of television - when we did it was usually as a family and would discuss much - the same is true today ;-) 
In just 10 years I cannot believe the 'quality'- OR rather LACK of it on television.  
It is easy to understand how children are bullies when we witness it daily on television, and in  MOST cases the bullies they are watching are NOT other children - it is other adults.

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/New-study-shows-bad-behavior-linked-to-kids-watching-too-much-TV-192380841.html   <the amount on this topic is overwhelming online.  Also another sign to start paying attention.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/TVs-in-Children-s-Bedrooms-Linked-to-Bad-Behavior-and-Alienation-108173.shtml

How can we expect them to be nice and treat others with respect when we have such examples like Tots in tiara's, the Desperate housewives - nasty name calling and making fun of people. If it is o.k. to watch - why not act it out? It seems to get results on television. 
They see brats, bullies and bitches 24/7. 
How do you expect them to behave differently?

T.V. shows making girls mean:
http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2011/10/05/8166200-are-tv-shows-making-girls-mean?lite

"Because they are not directly participating in any of these hijinks, most viewers feel that watching reality TV is a harmless recreation, an escape from their own lives. Yet some psychologists are discussing whether reality shows are as harmless as most people believe. After all, whose reality are we viewing? And is it healthy to constantly observe people who are unafraid of any recourse or repercussions?"  Read more:
http://brainworldmagazine.com/the-reality-of-reality-tv-can-viewing-bad-behavior-on-the-small-screen-affect-the-way-we-treat-each-other/

TURN it off. 
Give your kid a book!! 
When you do watch T.V.  talk to your children! 
xox<><

I was mentioning to a friend recently how glad I am a ‘Head Shop’ for lack of a better word has opened in my town! YIPPIE! It is terrific!  I no longer have to drive to 30 mins or more for supplies - or even further Toronto! The shop is really nice, well stocked and the couple that owns it are equally friendly and always pleasant. It is NOT a XXX, sex shop, they don’t have porn (well there is that glass penis bong). Go check it out you might find it really interesting!

They have water pipes and smoking supplies, hats, incense - stuff - MUCH like a cigar shop in many towns. Only - Cannabis won’t hurt you like a cigar does. 
- Never mind that - hopefully you are AWARE of that fact by now. 

The store is always busy and I believe it is actually bringing business into our town.  It is the nicest store around, nicer than any I have seen in Newmarket. I welcome all new business to town! I have seen a few empty stores and THAT is NOT a good sign in any town.

That conversation started another... I said 
“I look forward to the day when we have a Compassion club/dispensary...”  

WHAT??!!    The look of shock on my friends face - this was another story - 

“A place where you can buy Cannabis?”  

“YES, Of course.”   I state.

Well - that she did not totally agree with... 
 “I’ll HAVE to have the drug talk then, I’ll be forced too...” 

"Excuse me? Your kid is 11! I’d say you better have that drug talk NOW!"
 "AND why, just because of a Cannabis dispensary- OUR medicine? Geeze!!"

I wanted to say - But that clinic for the heroine addicts that you walk past daily - that was not a cause for conversation? 
The fact that kid are more prone to first experience a drug from their own parents medicine/alcohol cabinet - that is no reason to have the DRUG talk?

NO wonder kids have problems! TALK to them. 
EXPLAIN what happens when people abuse Drugs. 
EDUCATE them so they can then make informed educated choices!

When we were little it was easier for parents to keep stuff from up, but with the internet and kids being what they are today - you can not afford to wait! I did remind my friend that now children all over are using Cannabis as a medicine! For cancer, autism, pain and more! Millions of adults all over the world use it recreationally and medicinally. 

Get over it. I was angry- again, someone does not ‘get it’. They won’t until it is their child or themselves.  I took a deep breath, remembered in my heart how grateful I am for Cannabis! This amazing healing plant! 

I moved past it. 
Your ignorance is not my problem. I thought to myself. *When I say ignorant, I do mean lack of education on the topic... nothing more.

AT 11 years old, if you think your kid does not know anything about drugs with all you see on television alone -you are wrong.
If you do not educate them their friends will. Friends that might not be raised, the way you choose to raise your child.

         NOTE: I don’t say LIE to them I say EDUCATE them.

*While discussing this toon, my hubby admitted to me -when he was a kid he sniffed model glue!  Glue! It was the classic - the older boy they hung around told them it was cool and safe. ;-(   Kowabunga!  Good thing it did not damage that smart brain of his.
PLEASE, talk to your children about all drugs. Good and bad and  about drug abuse

Today - not tomorrow.
xox <><

When I draw for someone I ask them questions. It was a heart breaking reality for me when reminded that Alex does not and has not communicated since little.  Alex is completely non-verbal.
Dad told me they call him 'Alexander Salamander'! That's enough. 
;-) Boys, toads, bugs, all I wanted to draw was happy, at the same time keeping the mood very boy. ;-) What an awesome little boy he is . That photo - wow ❤ look at that smile!!!
*and promise me you will watch the link below.

I have known about Alex for a while - I have already talked about him in a blog.
I am so thrilled that Axel is finally getting some media attention.

Imagine how frustrated you are that you can not use cannabis - recreationally because you want to enjoy and relax- I see nothing wrong with it. But...
O.k. Now imagine that your child is seriously ill and Cannabis eases his/her pain and 
they can not use it medically. Imagine that level of frustration.
 YOU can't. 

This is Alex ❤:
 http://www.kptv.com/story/20660400/medical-marijuana-used-to-treat-autism

I am really getting tired of hearing a Dr. say that "the long term use..." 
Look around. There is already a lot of long term use proof. Centuries of it. 
Do they forget the long term use of Prescribed medications!? I  looked into that when I thought that my son was going to live a life on pain killers &  Morphine from the age of 4. The long term use of  all of the medications I was looking at was pretty much the same-  and to be honest with you - I'm not going there. 

Cannabis - Thank God is Storm's medicine and  thank God for Alex too, who looks like he is at PEACE when medicated! Imagine how his parents feel to watch him, see the difference and then -know they have to stress over political bullshit! I won't even pretend to imagine what they deal with.  All I can do is draw and pray for their continued strength, send good vibes!!
They live with this heart ache of watching Alex suffer as it is. 
I really think these decisions should be strictly between a Dr. and patient and parent.
The final call parent.  

My girls are much like myself and prefer the comfort of home  to the outdoors - Daisy loves it outside and she goes out regular to walk the property perimeter in search of squirrels that might have entered while she was busy. 
Yesterday, I had a friend come over to help with the Valentine craft for the magazines. I also had to have Storm help- as much as my mind tells me I am ready - my body still does not. I joked with my friend Cathy that "people pay  money to stagger like this!"  Something that most do only after several glasses of wine;-)  

I am excited to say that when I vaporize - I am NOW noticing -getting longer breaks in between the twitch - so I am still very much hopeful that it might fade! The pain also not so intense. 
I HAVE to try not get upset. When I do it only seems to aggravate everything.  This might seem funny - and aside from the small things that get to me - it is the stuff that I read about that gets my blood boiling,  I need to take a break and just focus on drawing for a few days..
I am not angry but frustrated.  When I read the comments "mom gets daughter stoned"  Dr.s saying thing like  "parents will give children joints", or  "drug gets child HIGH" - NO Kidding! Tell me what drug does not get a child HIGH? How is this any different from a prescribed medication - say for pain? You get a feeling of high - omly without the  toxic side effects, possible addiction OR overdose.

    I wish for one second these people would be sitting across from the Dr. that tells them 
"your child is terminally ill, has cancer, leukemia.."  Then and only then after you do research on the medications your child will need - tell us YOUR opinion on Cannabis.  Here is little girl that is using Cannabis to help her- I LOVE that she likes how it makes her LAUGH! She is so cute, I love that cupcake hat ;-)
https://www.facebook.com/BraveMyKayla  
I will never stop sharing this until this insanity is over. 
I am proud of this mom I pray for her continued strength.
Then...
I see a photo of Bobby Brown with 3 joints in his mouth - saying - "don't worry it is medicinal" ..
Joke?  If it was Truly medicinal I don't think he would think it's such a joke.  It is sad. It makes me tired and I am still very tired from this surgery. So what is the best thing to do - TUNE out and turn on to what surrounds you with LOVE.  Drawing, crafting & I am able to do some cooking ;-)  and spending time with my girls who are an endless source of entertainment and LOVE.

Norm - who proved to be a TERRIBLE nurse - and informed me "I don't know how to make diner" - 50 years old and can't make a diner! WTF? -My fault - perhaps yes. Needless to say some changes are going to be made. Starting with Norm cooking a meal at LEAST once a week.
He did do what he does best and made for 'US' a bench I designed before surgery. It lets the girls sit and look out the window and 2 baskets below one for dog toys  - the other my drawing supplies for when I sit downstairs and draw... easily hidden when Company comes!  They love it. They also LOVE carrots- better than bones. They prefer them chilled. 
I do love the good vibes I get from FB - so many people working together to make changes - helping each other. I have had several people interested in being a Guest Blogger and I am thrilled!!! 
Now - It's time to draw, hang out with my son (I love it when he has a day off)  play with the girls and focus on 'being better'.
MIND BODY AND SOUL   xox LOVE Georgia 

Well I had planned on what I was going to blog about all week and then was thrown a wee 'monkey' wrench, Cashy Hyde passed away. http://cashhyde.blogspot.ca/   I was on FB for only a moment and wanted to check out his mom's page to see how things were and I saw a sentence and went back to the 'safety' of my page to ask did Cashy pass?  I did not want to read it- I was not prepared ;-(.
 My head is still dizzy and I am trying to stay off the computer, when I read 'YES he did' I burst into tears. Not good under the situation. 
I thought about Cashy so much while in the hospital - him and my good friend Lauren.  Both have gone through so much - makes my operation look like Mickey Mouse ;-(   I wonder how they did it, and in Lauren's case will continue to do so.  Every time I felt like crying I thought of them for strength. 
I have cried a few times this week as it appears my twitch is still here. ;(
BUT - I am still here too.  Thank you God for that.  So -  FORWARD.
I read the thanksgiving blog and I am so touched and impressed with the woman that Kalli Hyde is - you have no idea. Her strength and sharing the details - I hope and pray it helps her to 'get it out'.   As HEARTBREAKING as the photo of Cashy is in his little coffin - I admire her for posting it as it is a fact. Children are dying from cancer.  If this photo hits home with just one person - they might make a difference, or at least might just be a little more compassionate to those around them & it might make some parents realize the gift that our children are.  I understand Kalli for doing this and  love the family for it, I am sure it was well thought out. 

Cannabis helped Cashy - Cannabis should be in my opinion one of the first choices when helping children with pain- be it from cancer, a terminal illness,  juvenile arthritis, HIV  - sadly the list is long. It is far less TOXIC that many other medications given to our babies every day. I also understood her calling the Dr. for Morphine.  To see your child suffer you would do what ever it takes to end the suffering.  Cashy is in God's arms. He was not here for long but he has changed the world, for the better. I am sure his mom being a nurse is one of the best nurses as she has a new understanding of compassion that thankfully many of us will not understand in our lifetime.  There is no greater love than a mother/father and child and to lose a child is the greatest loss. One I thank God I have not experienced, although I'd be a liar if I had not thought about it - (too much) you have a tendency to do that when Dr.s tell you: they only expect your son to live to the age of 12. 
My son is here and I thank God every day! LOL - especially recently - he is just amazing, helping me, cleaning the house, helping with everything and making me laugh! I've been pretty grumpy off and on and he has just ignored that. He is so friggen wise for 20 it blows my mind.  Kalli mentioned  Cashy was 'an old sole' and I feel this with Storm, they have already dealt with more in a life time than most of us ever will. 

I have so much I want to do today - I can get up and about but still have to take it easy - my body not fully co-operating with my legs and my head woozy after only a short time. I'm drawing and thinking of my next craft!  I am also going to enjoy all the beauty around me! 
The Christmas cactus that greeted on my kitchen table was not in bloom when I went into the hospital! Plants!!! Everyday miracles!  Enjoy the day! In honor of Cashy I will be posting 'how to draw a cute little monkey' later today.  
Tell your kid(s)  If they are 2 or 45... tell them.  
I LOVE you Storm! 

I had a few of friends ask me recently "are you painting a fish?"  I had no idea what they were talking about - they just assumed I would have been contacted. I am thrilled they told me I have always wanted to do this - like the MOOSE all over Toronto - I wish I had a Moose, or Tulips all over the Danforth ( I think) and now painted piano's across Toronto! I painted my fish! it is for Splashfest in Jackson's point http://www.splashfestival.ca/home.php
( Georgina) just 20 mins from where I live.  To me the first thing I thought of was KIDS!  Water and FUN!  I know what kids like ;-) Boogers and unexpected things ;-) My kitty I believe will be unexpected!  There is alsoe a lesson I am trying to get across and I guess it is DREAM BIG! GO BIG! And the little guy DOES win!  
Against odds the little guy can lead and win!  The typical "fatcat" in the belly of the fish along with his predecessor. The mouse is the 99% .
Below are a few details of my fish. You can not see it is covered in glitter as well bringing that fishy shimmer I know all too well from my fishing experience lately. Well Storm's experience - my watching. 
You can see all the fish - below two other fish as well by artist friends. 
You can see all the fish at the Splash fest! It looks to be great fun for the entire family - I will go out to the day- as they have great sidewalk sales, galleries, music and more  Jackson's point/Sutton are beautiful little towns. Prizes will be awarded for the best fish but I already have mine - so far everyone that sees it smiles and giggles. That is reward enough - I know the kids will love it too!!! AND I had too much fun painting it - thanks to Norman for the details of the hinges and chain making my fish ready for view. 

Questions are being asked. I've been reading how Obama knows he just might win IF he legalizes Cannabis, although you have to wonder - once bitten, twice shy?  It is in the news, 
not just FOX.  People are asking questions! Will you know the answers? I do!!! 
 IF  your children ask - tell them the truth! Educate them properly - not with lies that they will only end up resenting you for in the future - because it is in fact their FUTURE!  Educate them on Cannabis AND HEMP! Help them make their world a better place for their children. 
As it says above... BECAUSE it works!!
That is why this little plant (weed if you prefer) IS STILL HERE. 
People are willing to fight for it.  I know I am. 
Cannabis is medicine.
xox <><