It’s January the 2nd and I can’t remember the last time I felt so hopeful going into the new year! We had a wonderful, quiet holiday. Time to just hang out. For Norm that means nap ;)  Actually, we were all feeling relaxed and yes as tacky as it sounds, just blessed to be in each others company. Since surgery, my condition has again progressed.  It is what it is.  It is above all else, a constant lesson & reminder on  time and how precious it is. By the grace of God I’m up every day - we all are. I am then blessed to do what I love and that is draw! Even more blessed that I have some people who like my drawings - LOL, SO I can share my gift. It makes it much more fun, although I create what is passionate to me and many others. We are determined to go into this year positive!

Our year ended with Norm getting a bonus to bring tears! To both out eyes! LOL  
Not even the bonus but the fact that he appears to be working for a great guy & company! He comes home happy! Excited to tell me about the job that he did! Not the bullshit he had to put up with. The drive is no longer an issue and he is as happy as can be - so are we! 

Storm ended his year on a very positive note - one he has been struggling with for over a year! Enough is enough, time for change. I can’t tell you how proud his dad and I both were for him being a man and taking charge & Remaining the gentleman that he obviously is. 

I received a Christmas card from a old friend, she follows wrote she follows me on FB and is inspired by the battle that I ‘choose’ to stand up for on FB. It was a beautiful card, caught me out of the blue ;-) but it had me thinking yes, we do have our battles on FB Many also have other battles, I had several serious ones this past year. Most concerning and on going my health, but we had a couple of others as well.  Ones you ARE NOT reading about on Face Book. We all do. I think that is important to remember. 
Many worried, confused as we head into a new year and they should be. It is concerning their health and financial issues - many already struggling on disability - NOT because they want to be!  Not everyone IS a FAKER. 

I will end this by saying I am so proud of myself! Recovering from surgery - I did continue to fight for a few things I BELIEVED!  To comment’s like “ It won’t happen”,
“Give it up..” and ‘good luck..’  BUT I persisted! As exhausted as I feel  - I am done!!!
 I deserve to be here! YOU deserve to be here! We deserve the right to be happy! 
 DO no harm - and carry on! Carry on providing health! What ever it takes! 
 Today we had some POSITIVE over due news in this home.  
 Because, I did not GIVE UP. 


We are heading into 2014 on a very positive note! 
Change is in the air and those other fights - they were not the ones I chose to share on FB because they were not the ones MOST important to me. 
Wow, Now I have even more time to focus on what is! 
Thank You God! 

That being said, I DO need admit-tingly, to rest daily, and I NEED to do what I love best and that is draw. Less time on FB. I’m looking into ways to tame the beast! ;) No, Not Norm, the twitch. I have a few projects on the Go! 

I feel blessed today, a weight lifted like no other, prayers were answered!!!
GIVE THANKS! 


As long as He gives me the gift of a new day I will give it my best in return! 
<>< xox

My son often says to me... " Let it go... " and yes it is a trait I need to learn to be better at. 
I let stuff 'get to me'. Always have. I wear my heart on my sleeve. So what. I will not apologize for it. It amazes me how I am realizing what triggers such emotions that GET me going.  So - everything happens for a reason. 
If you ask my opinion I tell you and honestly. 
I made a promise about 18 years ago that I am not breaking for anyone. Including myself.
The truth shall set you free! ;) I tell you WHAT!  It never lets you down when you want to have that perfect 'reply' to someone, especially when the topic is something YOU are passionate about.  I have a few of those topics.
I believe in standing up for what I believe in. Bridges are bound to get burned. 
Not everyone is going to love me. That is not why we are here. We are hear to learn from each other. Make each other THINK! Good and bad lessons. Wise &  not so wise choices ;-) The greatest lesson in all of it I believe (and the hardest)  is THEN to move on! 
MOVE ON! Let it out of your heart.  Distraction robs us of today, now and doing what we LOVE with those we love. WHY the heck is anyone surrounding themselves with people that bring them misery and frustration and pain? 

Just before the last TY Expo I was contacted by a friend David, asking if I’d consider making Laughing Buddha into  glass art?  One thing led to another, and two incredibly talented glass artists made a couple of my characters out of GLASS!  It’s is officially called a Murrine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murrine

Below are a few photos of Laughing Buddha actually being made.  I look at things all the time and often I think, I can do that! I look at how these talented artists make these little works of art and I am BLOWN away! I think ‘How in the heck do they do that’? I have looked at my Laughing Buddha murrine and then the drawing and think HOW the heck does he even figure out HOW to do that!? Patience for sure. 

I nearly lost them at the EXO and once home, every time I showed someone I  was putting them someplace and did not know how to display them... time to bring in an expert.
I put all call into Kat @ Kats Gallery (ON FB) and simply said (more or less) I’m making a special Laughing Buddha and this is what I want.. blah blah blah. Do your thing.  

I believe everyone is an artist in many ways. Kat is an artist when it comes to framing and creativity. Not only did she clearly put thought into it but to place the pieces on silk flowers! It just blends beautifully! Storm commented - “what... awesome, are those the only real flowers”  - it really makes you take a closer look at the entire piece.  It just is beautiful if I do say so myself! I also asked her to keep FUN!  She has known me for almost 30 years  so I knew I did not have to worry.  I’d rather someone else take it over. I do want to add  I have another framer as well, and over the years - when I need something framed  and ‘need a mans opinion’  or the drawing for a man,  I use my friend Bob Doyling (also on FB & a very talented photographer!)  Both artist in their own right, and as different as acrylic and water color! Variety is the spice of life! 

This laughing Buddha speaks for itself. It is a 4 artist combination! Including Kat.
 It IMO is the perfect way to display my one of a kind prize possessions ;-) 
Now everyone can see them, not touch, drop or lose them!  It hangs in my kitchen and so far not one person has walked past without commenting! 

Another Idea I had (after) was to have the glass and then have me and the artist in a photo cut into the matt above! NEXT year! The artists that made my Murrine are: Jerry Kelly, he made Laughing Buddha and is in the photos below and the Zen Kitty creator is  Stephen Boehme! They are both on FB and both doing some incredible work.

Sorry, It is nor will it ever be for sale. I was so honored by the gentlemen that made these you have no idea. Flattered, honored and humbled! LOL  
Do you have any creative way to display your Murrine?

My Laughing Buddha Murrine  & Zen Kitty may be purchased through Murrine Scene 
 You can find them on FB or @: https://www.facebook.com/murrine.scene?fref=ts

xox <><  

Have a Peek at the slide show below to see details and How Laughing Buddha was made! 

To delete or not to delete that is the question... 
Having a limit on Fb has posed a problem, I have people wanting to friend, I check out their page and see we have things in common or  I like the vibe they are putting out,  so I accept. 
Every now and then.. recently, I had someone start to message me. He wanted to argue about God.  Really, nothing more. 
He did not care for my opinion and insisted I should read my bible and I had to be an idiot to think any other way than his..  LOL
He knew nothing about me, had not been to  this website, only passed Judgement on a few quick FB posts.  I found it upsetting. 
Not that fact that he wanted to argue about God- If you know me you know by now - What ever it takes, I don't force anyone to believe in what I do- I know you can not. I do not consider myself a bible thumper - I've read it, I find it,  for lack of a better word interesting & entertaining. I am well aware of the fact it was wrote by mortal men. 
We shall leave it at that.  

If you do not believe in God, well - Oh, well. BUT to try to destroy what someone believes... have YOU NOTHING better to do???   <That is it in a nutshell. 
 - He was 1/2 across the world, when we became FB friends I was thrilled! I love seeing FB photos from other places and better yet, it is a first hand peek into a place I have never been! An opportunity to learn, share and friend.  * Some people have setting so you can NOT see all that is on their page UNTIL you friend them. I've had that rude awakening a few times... I think it's sneaky and a 'turn off' right there. 
Instead it seems all this person wanted to do was set about and destroy what brings others peace.  I had checked out his page and it was full of hatred, not just Anti God, but anti Jew, muslim, christian - you name it we are all stupid.  
UN Friend. SIMPLE. Done.

Why? Should I not try to  accept him and understand?  FORGET it. 
WHY the heck would anyone want to surround themselves with such negativity? It for me had nothing to do with God - Other that I have noticed it is the ' Atheists' On FB that remind me the most of God with all their posts -LOL Irony. 
The Lord works in mysterious ways.    

We have an opportunity to educate, explore, help, encourage, support and Make new FRIENDS all around the world! Send a positive message! 
FRIENDS... Are not someone that want to crush what you believe in because they don't,
and have nothing better to do that to fight with you about it.
If you're a nasty, name calling person - I would not hang out with you in real life so I'm not about to do it on FB.  
Life is nasty enough on it's own some days.
BTW, I also un-friend sometimes because IMO, I see people I CARE about posting things and I have a hard time not commenting, thinking - WTF are you thinking?  Others that pretend to be friends only to hear otherwise, I've no time for bullshit or games.  ;)
A few times, I need a space quick! So, I un friend a friend! A real friend. 
They can see my stuff anyhow and  they are true friends and know they an e mail me.  

You know .. It's nothing personal. 
It has boiled right down to the cartoon.
I just can't be bothered. 
I want to surround myself with Good, if you think something is wrong with that.. 
that is your problem and NOT mine. ❤ Un Friend      
Do not surround yourself with negative people - life is too short. 
xox <>< 

Time to focus on Laughing Buddha <3  for a bit...
It was a buddhatiful day. 
xox
<><

Introducing Running with Buddha.

Many of you might not be aware of my Hempy Stalkers.... probably because every year I am lucky if I can produce 10. This year only 8.  Each Hempy stalker is made with THC & TLC  & every year they get better and better. It’s only been 3 and like any other work you get better and fine tune it as you go along.  The problem is - NOT a problem for me - I have a few collectors that come back every year, so in essence they are sold before I even display them.

NOT this year!’
I did 2 things. I told all, they have to wait until the EXPO is officially one before they can purchase anything and Running with Buddha is NOT for sale. I decided that  with my ‘show special’ (More on that Wed.) 100 bags- every bag purchased is the only way you also get a chance to WIN Running with Buddha. 1 in 100, those are pretty good odds! 
If you do not win you still get an awesome limited edition bag full of Happy Hippie stuff. 
This way someone that might not be able to afford a Hempy Stalker can possibly own one.

My hubby is right now in the garage building me an awesome display!  Just for my Stalkers ;-) Each made with THC & TLC! Here are a couple of photo of Running with Buddha but like everything else ‘she’ is much more beautiful in real life.  

Of course there will be several available to purchase they are priced from $65.00 Up to $400. for “the Twins”  if you are interested you better decide early...   

Each takes a long time to make, almost a full year, proper drying and prep  then painting, bringing to life - most of them guide me as to what they become ;-)  I add little details, charms, beads, glass and what ever else seems to want to be part of Hempy Stalker ART. 

I have had Running with Buddha on display in my own living room and it is going to be hard to part with. Not one person walks by and does not make a comment! What a wonderful way to start a conversation about Cannabis.  Ideal for a Compassion CLUB, HOME. OFFICE anywhere!   I have a friend with one on order after the EXPO  to display in her store front window! EXCITING! 

To me they are sculpture, art...  that is what they are, NOT for Children. They are not toys. They are a little delicate but made to be handled, touched and appreciated for all they are, and all they represent! 
      LIFE - GROWTH and LOVE.

Want to see more!? See you at the EXPO and I will have a blog with all the Stalkers after the EXPO - sorry no point even showing them now, I don’t like to tell people “No.”
xox <>< 

It was time for a Laughing Buddha. 
Just fun, just draw...
Just breathe.
I want to inhale all the good stuff and keep it deep inside, bring it into my soul.
I will exhale the bullshit- I have no room for it.
An added bonus is while coloring this toon, this a.m., 
I had a wonderful conversation with my son about all of it. It is all we can do. 
Why hold on to anger, hate and darkness... it only makes us sick, distracted and tired. 
Been there, done that and I am tired of it. 
I shall hang this visual reminder above my desk!  Unless someone who really needs it, contacts me.... we all need reminders.  I hope it is shared, simply to provide others of a visual reminder they might need too...  Inhale the good `shit and exhale the bad shit' 
- a Zen kitty version of this toon on the way .... ;-)     Have an AWESOME day and remember to EXHALE <3  xox
<><

How true the quote is (by: Robert H. Schuller) With every seed planted we also plant hope - and that tiny seed  is a source for huge hope! When we start our tomato seeds every year the first thought I have is: I wonder how many tomatoes we will get and how great they will be - juicy, firm, red - better than anything purchased in a store! Well - other than the farmers market.

As with life - we only need a tiny seed sometimes of hope. I have to say when I woke up this morning,  it took so long (over 40 mins.)  for my twitch to kick in I thought - It's gone! 
It's gone! I got up - dressed, had coffee and still only a tiny little linger...

Let there be no confusion where my loyalties are. 
I thank God ever day for Cannabis.
I thank God every day the second I am awake. 
I said when Storm was diagnosed with a terminal illness was when I started to pray but that would be wrong.
I started to pray when he was a baby and he cried and screamed  for hours on end. 
When we could see his pain.
I prayed.  I begged.  I promised. 
Tell me you would do different.

Norm and I were at the ktichen the other day and I asked , do you wish we didn't go public with all this and he instantly looked at me and said "How can we not? We saw from the first day how it made Storms life better."
For what ever reason we are here. By the Grace of God. 
Our son is doing amazing right now! Mentally and physically he is strong. That is with nothing but Cannabis in his system, controlling his pain.  
Who else should I thank?
The government?  Hell no.
The system? Hell no.

If you believe in God, the bible and you try to tell me that on the very first page - God forgot  to include a > * < regarding Cannabis :

1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding *seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. *Does not include Cannabis.

GIVE me a fricken break.  
Who should I thank? Who do you thank? 
I thank God, you can thank who every you feel you need to thank.
God, Mother Earth, The dolphin gods( for my pal Ron ;-)), Evolution.
Thank you sun, soil and rain! ☮♥<><  

Almost at the end of the EXPO - this was it my weekend to spread the word! 
I was embarrassed at the beginning of the expo because I wrote on FB I am going to speak-  and people asked me - or commented - “Oh when are you speaking, near Jodie?” 
I was so embarrassed - I meant I was going to speak to anyone that would listen to me from my booth.  Get on stage with my face and twitch ? No thanks. 
Anyhow, I met so many amazing people and Sunday the best day yet! I was stewing in my booth  remembering a conversation (very short) I had had and was thinking and told myself - move on, remember why you are here- and I swear to you - these two Buddhists walked up to my booth! Sounds like the start of a bad joke... I speak to everyone - sure enough one likes cartoons and draws but is a Dr. so he does not get to draw  much anymore.   The english was a little difficult, but I believe if we want to we can communicate with anyone (I had a wonderful conversation with Lauren in the Vape lounge and don’t speak sign)  you just have to be open and patient. - I am so glad I was!!! So any how these two Buddhist - one is a Dr.,  the other a MONK! (former) We start Ommani - that is how it started! He noticed my necklace and asked me if I knew what it meant! HOW COOL! Compassion - it gave me the idea for Cultivating Compassion (former blog) I was telling them the mantras I listen to when I draw ;-))) 
 I was once again at peace!
 My mind again on track we laughed, exchanged cards, good vibes, they laughed at laughing Buddha! LOL! So glad he was with me. I remember thanking God for ‘that sign’ - how cool!!!  
This was the last day - it got really quiet and I prayed I had made a difference - this insanity and ignorance about Cannabis has to end - too many people are suffering because of it.
So, I thanked God and thought the show is almost over - anyone else I need to speak with best be soon...
 He sent me Moses! LOL - I was lying in bed when that toon popped in my head and I started to giggle - I have a head cold and have felt crappy pretty much all day
BUT I had to get up and draw! God sent me Moses ;-)))

I said I was going to talk and hoped someone would listen. I saw Moses standing over to the side and I realized who he was and I was instantly nervous! OMGOSH! That’s Moses! If you are not Canadian you might NOT know who Moses is `but I do! 
This was it! IF I had once chance to spread the word and there is MOSES! 
I’m giggling because I just started to walk over and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into my booth! The man did not have a choice ;-) I STILL cannot believe I did it. Storm was so proud of me. Perhaps I was not meant to talk to a crowd ;-) I think I was able to do it because I saw (in my mind- not crazy) Michelle - I still miss her - she was a class act in my book. Her hair, red lips and smile always a hug and a genuine one at that. She sent Storm a goodie box when she found out he was legal!  She would want me to speak to her friend Moses!  I remembered the year they two of them walked around the expo arm and arm.  That was it! I’m not sure who exactly kicked me in the ass but I took that first step! That leap of faith-  I planted the seed about cannabis and kids in Moses mind - LOL - o.k. it’s probably already there - the man does everything, but I refreshed ;-).

We had a wonderful conversation I introduced him to Storm - OMGosh I think I forgot about  Marie-  I was shaking when he left. He was so soft spoken and I yell! LOL - Hearing impaired child,  I hope I didn’t frighten him. I was talking to a man that I admire- who makes a difference and has for a long time and I am reminded of the incredible difference one man can make! One man one woman!
Oh - Moses was just as peaceful as my Buddhist!  
HOLY COW!  LOL - I think I said that to them! ;-) We laughed a lot it was  so nice, so I guess I got a sign for sure! 
From Buddha and God!  HAVE FAITH!

It was wonderful. I am grinning from ear to ear. We are blessed.
xox <><  Read More about Moses here:  http://www.mosesznaimer.com/
Tommorrow I blog about "Oscar (not his real name as he is only 16) and wants Cannabis as his medicine. I was honored to meet him and his family too.