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  <><