3 things won't be hidden long.


Have Faith
<><
xox
​

My friend Jerry Kelly shared he had to have some dental work done - ouch.. Jerry made my Laughing Buddha in glass and I could not resist drawing this one with only 'three teeth' just to tease! lol   I bet Jerry used Cannabis to help with his pain - now that he can, legally!
Woo woo USA.  The more that I think of it,  anything you hear 'negative' in the USA regarding cannabis will be fearmongering! There is no way Cannabis is turning back now.  Thankfully.  No more people in prison over a plant. 
More and more educated on the healing powers of this plant!
Let's not forget, reactional (are you attending the next Cannabis cup? I was thinking about it  I'm curious how it differs from Canadian attitudes at the moment)  use will increase & hopefully, the more deadly opiate/alcohol consuption will decrease.  Give thanks!  
Be Laughing Buddha!  Focus on the Positive! 

One day.. I will have a Laughing Buddha pipe to smoke my medicine out of... (she types yearning)  are you reading this Jer?  lol!  I love to "bug" Jerry, especially regarding our NEW project - I am terribly excited, I love Kermit!!... & Mr.s Piggy.   Heee Heee!!  I send him messages with tiny photos of it to remind him, as 'if' he has forgotten.
I believe I drew the ultimate tribute to them >:)     hee hee hee.  Wait & see!  
When Jerry creates this image in  glass - as he did  with my Laughing Buddha,  I know it's going to be EXTRAORDINARY!
It is Jerrys focus, life, livelyhood & most of all it is his passion. 

Laughing Buddha wants to be PASSIONATE & peaceful!   Highly attainable.
That heart is just starting to burst.

Offer thanks for Cannabis today, offer thanks for passion & what inspires you,
what makes you smile.  Remember to say .. thank you.
and FOCUS on the positive!

I'm off to paint ornaments!
For a select few.  
a little sample below.. 
 
Have a creative day....  I have 50 to paint! 
Every single one an orignal! 
Thats a tiny 'bud tree' in the snow globe btw,  educate every way you can.
Inspired by love we can not fail.

Have Faith
<><
xox

My good friend Todd Stimson (still incarcerated in  the USA for cannabis- legal lies)  is married to Kerry. This tiny little shell of a woman- right!  Kick ass Kerry - she is strong, determined and a down to earth woman effected more than most on this F&^%ing  lie of a War of Drugs - WAR on Us.  I saw her comment online one day..  "Sweep off your own porch before you come inspecting mine!" It stuck with me.  
I was not sweepingly own porch.  I am learning - everyday I breath - thank God.
So, here I am drawing how bad African Americans have it across the border (and they do!) but then I started to hear we were worse!  Gasp? How is that?
We treat and have treated our Aboriginal people like they are nothing. 
How ashamed I feel - ashamed: I had no clue.
Was I aware before 'The Hip mention', yes.. look into Human trafficking.  
Where you aware? Are you aware?

Who does not know about missing aboriginal women, to think of it is heart wrenching, so it's time to draw about it.  I don't know how.. how so it will bring justice to artwork & individuals.. for the lives of so many lovely, lost souls.. being born into generations of abuse- abuse of alcohol, abuse of the system- supposedly in place to protect them- to protect ALL Canadians, abuse by more than I can even imagine to know about. 
I read this article in a Dr.s office a few weeks ago:
http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/canadas-prisons-are-the-new-residential-schools/
Most are in jail for NON-violent crimes. IF only we took some of the money to put people into jail & help them instead with education and support.  Money wasted on the Drug WAR.
When you know better. Do better. 

I am reaching a point personally I can tell you, though my education on cannabis - what I read happening around the world. Just F*cking legalize it, enough already and stop putting people behind bars because of  it! So many poor, disadvantaged people already being taken  and thrown behind bars, WE should ALL feel ashamed and continue to do so until WE all speak up and demand it end.  Imagine the kids- the newest generation waiting.. to go to jail. Kids who never get to get a break from the start because the color of their skin. Fact. 


Have Faith
<>< xox

Tis true. I know.  ;)
What seeds will you plant in 2016?  
Seeds of love or hate? It is that simple.

About the drawing...
I did it late last night. 
Too tired to look for my 'better water color', I use a pkg. purchased with 'art cards' many moons ago. The cards are great but the paint is CHALKY, the sensation is not pleasant as my hands glide across the drawing.  
Thank goodness for the program that edits or you would not see the black! 
1/2 way I was tempted to stop... clearly, I did not.
I went with the flow of the paint and the evening.

Either way it turned out here.
So, it is just an illusion.  The message is real. 
I have drawn very similar before - I guess, it keep wanting to repeat.  
BE Nice.  

Most Quotes drawn this year will be taken from a calendar, my wonderful friend Cathy gets me EVEY year for Christmas . I am sure you can still get one - and maybe for a deal-  I've included a link.  ;)
Above was  the 1st. date & drawing inspired, todays..
Hellen Keller.   hee hee hee. I can't wait.

Believe
​xox <><

Never. Not in my mind. Not within.
I really enjoyed making this cartoon - it was a test to myself in many ways.
F*ck it!  I want to have some fun. 
I put on my kermit the frog headphones - *Still remember they were a great deal.  
Turned on my music- it plays quit an assortment- It chooses:
Dr Hook started: Hooked on a Feeling.  Oooga, Oooga , Oooga , Oooga CHAKA! Oooga Chaka!  I see my frogs dance!  
Choose it does, nothing is left to fate.  
Are you paying attention to every moment?

I went within and started to think of what was making me feel unhappy & what makes me feel happy. What, who, music, mood.. makes me smile, inspires - this included researching beautiful images of lotus flowers on PIN &- google, beauty & fun images of frogs in ponds.  Some actually make me giggle out loud.  

I remember, I am a child of God who is thankful for everything, including the pencils before me!   A sketch soon turns to painting. 
Tears have turned to a grin.. I am calm within.
My twitch seems to almost tame.  

I step out for a dinner snack & back.
Poppy and I paint well into 3:15a.m. this is when I put the music to sleep.
My frogs end with a slow Dance- Chris Issace: Wicked game. 

I couldn't wait to wake up and start all over again.

Have Faith
<><  

​What will you create today - Good or bad?

I have a bit of time before we go.. and I can't paint 'Peeps' Cage stand, as much as I want to- or even cartoon because - If I do I will get ink or paint on my outfit.
51 years has taught me this if nothing else. lol 
I realized as I was getting ready, I am dressed head to toe in  an outfit provided my son - even my necklace! Which I must add was made by my good friend Linda! Talk about having good connections - when we were out they had a necklace with my top that looks good - but 
I wanted perfect. Why not? Storm suggested Linda!  Duh.
I e mailed  as soon as I got home: Linda! I need a necklace  blah blah blah by tomorrow.
So she came over & while we caught up, she whipped up my necklace & earrings.
Exactly what I wanted and Not PLASTIC not mass produced. I'm done with crap. 
I only want  buy from my friends when it comes to stuff like this.
Support the smaller businesses.  Artists or individual store owners Like Kat's up in Sutton.
I will be going soon because I know she has "neat things". Other friends who make personal items.. ;) Some I am bartering with! I <3 it when that happens! lol

Well here is my new outfit - but you cant see my feet- lol
This was my Christmas gift, I really do not 'cloths shop' so he treated me and I felt like a queen, we even had a great lunch and now dinner. ;) . ;) I don't think I'll ever take of this purple sparkly sweater- mmmmmmmmmmmmmm I can hug myself .   lol.
So happy to be going out with my son - did I tell you he is on the board now & is the Foray Leader/Director!? 

I feel great, makeup was a challenge - I know why I don't do it anymore. - it takes me forever! With, (thank God) many bong hits in between! lol 
You try putting on mascara with a twitch!
Oh, it was hard to pull away from Peep's cage stands front door! 
I know what I'm doing tomorrow - chores? - no! Painting!
I might when I come home tonight!  ;)  

Check out he menu below from the restaurant tonight Rossini  - no wonder Im excitedI
I'll let you know how it was tomorrow! 

xox 
Have Faith
<><    xox

I almost forgot!! My laughing Buddha Pendant! All day every day! ;)
​

We found these foam shapes behind Walmart, garbage tossed from packaging we figure.
A peace sign shouted out! Well we had two, they looked like a Mercedes symbol you can see the piece we added.  Follow the photos below - step by step ... pretty easy stuff really!

I checked out Leslie The Bird Nerd just after posting this project and read this:
Today is also 'International Day of Peace' 
The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace. 
                              `Wishing you all a lovely and peace-filled day

How cool was that?  No wonder this peace sign called to me! 
Peace be with you!   Make your own!  If you don't have foam use cardboard! 
Use your imagination! I made a peace sign out of grapevine! 
Photos below!


A Very happy Birthday to the love of my life.. Storm, who is a young man of 23 years old.
I am beyond proud of the man he has become, and I've no doubts will continues to be.

Have Faith! 
<><
xox


*The winner of the contest (mini saw blade) was announced on the post and contacted

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

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

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

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

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

Have Faith! 
xox 
<>< 

Some days I find my tolerance is low.  Tolerance of everything and everyone.
I've only myself to blame.  
The things that upset me some days can seem so trivial - on the grand scale.
I must remind myself to focus. 
Focus  is painting. Peace is painting.  
Do what you love and get lost in it. Let go and let God!

I am in such a Laughing Buddha mood! Jerry Kelly sent me a Laughing Buddha pendant! 
It is  beautiful -I look at it in amazement!  The next thing I know, I realize I have such a smile across my face!  I feel loved when I wear it (them) I know when I work on art for anyone I put TLC into it - as most artist do - so yes, I feel blessed and to turn LB into glass - for more to enjoy!  It too puts a smile on my face! *It's nice to have my face hurt from smiling.

He also included a slice of his signature rose and a flower that is also in the pendant! 
As an artist- I stare in awe! He draws as well in glass as I can on paper! 
He has found his peace! Look where it got him! He will be on 'this bus' at The Grateful Glass Gathering,  he is excited and I get why.  He has been making glass for 20 years and IT became his love at a Grateful Dead concert as I understand. How it all started...  all day every day. 
I wore my pendant right away on hemp rope but I need to make a proper rope for it with a  couple of beads. I hope you can't 'wear out' glass from fondling. lol 
I'm considering a road trip to visiti Jerry - I'd love to see something made from start to finish.

NOW, I'm finishing a cartoon for tomorrow and starting a painting of edible mushrooms
on the forrest floor with some sails thrown in for good measure - so I might be away for a few days. ;) 
Peace be with YOU.

Have Faith <><  

Put your mouse over the photos below to see my Laughing Buddha Pendant!
Thank you Jerry! XOX!