An editorial. I've not been doing many... why- because they make me angry.
Celebrate woman's day?  I couldn't.
WTF do we (women) have to celebrate when bullshit like this is permitted to happen!?? OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

We should've celebrated it by throwing Al Rawi in jail.  He was literally caught with his pants down by police. A young woman passed out drunk in the back seat, he also had her underwear, she was raped. A Halifax a judge ruled he's not guilty... so I guess I shouldn't draw this- F*CK THAT!!  Today, I read he's been investigated before under a different name & if I had to GUESS -I'd  bet it's not the only victims.  Drunk, ashamed - not wanting to report this low life scum.  Raped-for getting drunk?  
That appears to be the only 'Crime'. For having a few too many.  
This could be your sister, mom, wife, daughter, grand daughter, all she wanted was a SAFE RIDE home. Which they PAID for, BIG TIME!!  
Partying, bars, drinking- ALL NORMAL stuff  MILLIONS do- thank GOD I did not get this parasite or someone like him to safely take me home in one of the many taxi rides I took.  

 AL RAWI or  Bassam Adbullatif:The search warrant application in the May 2015 case notes that a crime analyst mentioned a file from 2012 related to a cab driver called Bassam Abdullatif. Abdullatif and Al-Rawi are the same person, according to the application.
In the 2012 case, the woman reported being intoxicated and driven to an apartment where she was sexually assaulted.
"I was approached by his cab when I was walking alone on a street in Halifax," the 32-year-old woman told CBC News in an interview. She is not being identified given the nature of her allegations.
"He offered to take me where I needed to go. I eventually got in his cab. He didn't start the meter."

Hailing a cab - drunk' is NOT an invite for SEX from a TAXI driver. 
One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch- I say it- in this case too bad, I want every young woman- any woman to try to end this now. SUSPECT every taxi driver- if that is what it takes to be safe.  

Do you really think this problem only happens in Halifax? I highly doubt it.

What can we as women do?  Tell me, I'll share!
How about as friends- take a photo of the taxi driver when your drunk friend gets in the cab and tell them, 'you know how long it takes for them' to get home and will be checking with their roommate - EVEN if this is not true- you have planted the seed. 

Ladies- take a photo of him yourself before you get into the cab and SEND it to a friend.
Set this up before hand so perhaps get a system can get in place.  
'No judgement 'call a cab' agreement.  ;)
​CAB/Taxi companies- investigate! WE are not paying you to be raped.


​He took advantage of the condition the women were in. "Clearly".
I wonder if the judge was drunk- to the point he clearly where he pee'd his pants and was passed out - if someone say- robbed him -  "Clearly, Drunks can consent..."  right?
The judge stated & has opened pandoras box, if you ask me.

The case has been appealed. Go figure.
A petition to have the judge removed has been started. Go figure.

​I put love into his drawing, as I do with all... for the women.
​More love than you can imagine.


Have Faith
<><
xox

Georgia ... On my Mind.        Thief.
Every now and then I see 'my art' on someone else's social media page with no credit to me. Taking compliments for my work- instead of redirecting people- "Check out Georgiatoons @ whatever..."  I have even seen people go so far as remove my name and enter in their own.
I very recently, saw one of my ideas almost re-drawn detail for detail  with a  few minor changes, the 'artist' took no credit (I guess not)- but 'the company' did for it's 'originality'.
At first I was in shock... slowly I felt a 'smile materialize across my face- like the Grinch,  a  pathetic attempt to steal my idea - without the talent - please.
I am owning it.  I DID create it. 
Did it get more 'likes' than mine? Yes. lol -  more people.  That's how it works. 
It won't make me give up.
All it does is show me who is paying attention & trying to make attempts at being - ME.
Am I wrong?  I am the only 'Georgia Toons.

Talent. Yes. I work hard. I paint EVERY day, all day-  It is a skill like any other.  
Go ahead, try. You can't steal my creativity or talent.  

It is stealing and it means: 
          YOU LACK imagination & morals.

simply, you are a thief like every other petty thief,  taking what does not belong to you.
***Print my artwork and sell my card ideas without my permission - Thief.
Re draw my idea with a few tweaks": Thief.
Re-use my work and take credit: Thief and someone will let me know sooner or later.
Take any work off this website without my permission to use.. thief.

It has me wondering about instagram - again to share or not to share. 
My goal is to educate, hopefully make people smile & think.
It won't happen if I do not share. 

I am in the process of working on a couple projects,  out in time for next year. I finally feel- 'strong enough to focus on a few of these projects. Guaranteed to make every cannabis enthusiast smile. Never before seen ART.  I paint all day - every day, you don't see 1/2.  I'm getting better every day, ideas and painting- while thieves surf on line and seal others ideas. That is how it will always be.  

I feel 'wonderful, elated, powerful & passionate when creating.
A Thief will never feel the same stealing. 

Here is another blog by an artist .. 
Please read this blog to better understand:
http://brendaswenson.blogspot.ca/2015/11/stealing-is-not-form-of-flattery.html

Back to painting..  

With Love
Georgia
<><
xox

Are you Marching today!? www.womensmarch.com
Please Do if you are able!!
If not please help make others aware of the issues women are marching for today! 
I JUST read of some Canadian women denied entry into the USA because they said they were going to the MARCH! WTF?
www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/20/womens-march-canada-protesters-denied-entry-us
Have Faith
<><
xox

Tomorrow is the Women's World wide march!!!  I can't wait. I will not attend in body - but I am there already in spirit and art!


One in five women will be raped in her lifetime. 
By a spouse, relative, co-worker, classmate, friend or stranger. 
1 in 4 college students in the USA! wow...  I would make sure my daughter was home schooled or knew karate and carried pedlar spray during her school years.
Did I forget anyone?
& then- most will be humiliated - IF they report it. Simple & disgusting facts.
IF they find the courage to report it- they will be judged on such things like their outfit, time, place, alcohol factors, “was she asking for it’, & more…  
The rapist will not be asked “what were you wearing, was it provocative?” 
Rarely by any judge will the rapist simply be addressed as what he is,  a rapist.  The rapist IS THE ONLY PERSON  with the PROBLEM. 
THEY LOSE CONTROL. THEY ARE the criminals. 
Baby girls, old women and every woman in between.
Women, the main CARE providers of the world -1 in 5 will be used as a object against their wishes.  Some gang raped and left to die:
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/raped-shot-and-left-to-die-13-year-old-survives-to-fight-back-1263969
UGLY, TRUTHFUL FACTS.  https://www.rainn.org/about-sexual-assault


1 in 5.  
This could be your mother, sister, daughter, wife, cousin, granddaughter, school mate, co workers & friends.  please join the Womens march TOMORROW in a city near you! Go hear to learn more:  #whywemarch  #womensmarchs
 I can’t be there in body, so I drew about in hopes of educating a few. 
The only one with the problem regarding RAPE is the RAPIST. 
Not the woman, not the outfit, not the alcohol. 


A man who forces himself on a woman without her consent or knowledge 
is the one with the problem.  ALWAYS.


The only way this planet will ever work is when women can walk down the streets and not fear being attacked or worse not being able to feel safe in their own homes, with their own families.


WOMEN need to help & support each other any chance we get, above all else we should try to make each other feel SAFE. Heard. Understood and loved- for those who have survived.


I am dreading today for the USA (my personal opinion),  I pray there is no violence and President Trump starts off on the right foot - by not putting it in his mouth. 

Instead I wish to focus on tomorrows WOMENS MARCH!!!  
Loud & proud!!! Many PINK touques! The women pink pussy March

1 in 5?  WTF.
How about  1 in 100,000. that would be a start.
Will you be a victim?

2017! I’t’s  days away from a  new year! 
2016 was I believe a good year for Cannabis - As in ending the insanity and sending less humans to prison/court for it!  More states in the USA became legal, recreational (i think they like to call it ‘Adult’) and more medical, more lives helped.  Advances are being made, although the DEA still wants some way to convict and control.  I think this will always be the case, and IF you are doing something you should not- then you have to prepare for the possibility of still being prosecuted and going to jail.

What can I say? I don't agree with the ‘drug war’ at all, anymore.  I am just stating what I see & read happening.  We all understand BIG pharma will also want a piece of the Cannapie, still less will be in jail because of cannabis!  Fewer minor possession charges, and in Canada- wow- legalization in 2017 - fewer lives ruined for possession & growing. Everyone eventually able to grow 4 plants- I hope they do, it is such a beautiful plant!  
You then will also see fresh cannabis appearing  at the super market- for those that wish to juice and add some peppery bud to a  fresh salad! It will be all the rage!  Nom Nom Nom!  The times are changing. Thank God

Fellow Canadians, please let us not forget how terrible it was under Stephen Harper, the constant harassment, serious insults and more.  Patients never knowing which way to go- PRIVATE classified information being given out for everyone to see & note.  THREATENING Canadians (patients, many very sick & terminally ill)  to destroy OUR medicine in with ‘kitty litter’ - or we would be persecuted - raided by the police- shoot our dogs?  YES, a reality for some. 
I felt an incredible weight lifted off my heart when Justing became prime Minister.  Breath. 
It takes time, he said he would. He will.  A new era has arrived in Canada - a healthier one IMO. 

2016 brought positive change for cannabis but some countries are still struggling.  
We can not make them change their minds but we can educate by example.  
Less Alcohol, lower addiction rates for tobacco as well- If you believe what you read. Research it.  People are puffing more bud, with far less harmful results- as for brain damage- long term- careful- if that were the case we would see it amongst all those that did ‘inhale- back in the day, and pretty much calling the shots NOW.  
& More revenue going to go to our schools, hospitals and cities & towns etc. because of CANNABIS. I seriously hope the Indian reserves in Canada are researching growing as well. 

I just bought a tube of ‘Brilliant green’ gouache, for more Brilliant Bud painting!
Now, it’s a few days of painting & praying for me.. no social media. 
What do you want in 2017?  I hope you get all you desire.

So - SMILE as we get set to burn the last bud of 2016 & turn over he new leaf of 2017!
Give Thanks! 

                  Fill your bowl and hold  up your BONG with a cheer!  
                              2017 is going to be a  BETTER YEAR!!


Have faith
xox
<><

See No, Speak No & hear No evil.   
Help end the lies surrounding cannabis!!  Its time.

See no evil- don't stand for bullshit. If you can take steps to correct it - please do. I once saw a DARE table with a cannabis display on it, I immediatly went to the person, told them it was false informaton, get rid of it or I'd complain. They did.   

Hear No evil, when you hear it- again take steps to inform and correct. Nicely.
There are enough assholes already out there  & there is no need for nasty.  
I have no issues asking questions when I hear false statements  and ask:
Can you prove that?  
That shuts liars up pretty quick.

Speak no evil.. don't.   Tell the truth, alwasy. 
Please don't humor me with lies.. it only leads to confusion.
When you hear people speak- & it is false information - ask questions. 
Demand results. 

On my mind.. I wrote a blog yesterday, went to make a correction then accidently deleted & was too tired to do over. lol   I have my christmas card list complete- all 100! I didn't think I had that many but the list came to us without and struggle- friends, family, Dr.s, business friends - even a movie star.. lol  It was a pleasurable experience sitting and thinking of everyone in our life who has 'touched' us one way or another.  

It is yet another grey day here in Ontario - wtf.
Glad I am NOT in B.C. I believe they do get worse winters than us.. I'll stay in Ontario.  
On a postivie note- what better to do on grey days- than paint!? Today It will be this Proverb:

                  Be humble for you are made of earth.
                      Be noble for you are made of stars.

                                 - Serbian Proverb -
Have faith
xox 
<><
​

If they could, I know they would.
Water is Life.  #nodapl
I stand with Standing Rock.
​
Have faith
xox
<><

Tell me the world is NOT watching this.  I can't believe what I am seeing with the North Dakota pipeline Violence.  History repeating itself... the ones with the bigger guns wins.
Or bullies moving in and taking whatever the fuck they want.
Bullies with BUCKS!!  $$$$$$$$$$$$
I don't understand why all AMERICANS, not just Indians are not ALL Standing with Standing Rock!?  Look at the devastation already with PIPELINE leaks all over the world already destroying  our water, wildlife and US!  Wake the fuck up. 

They are fighting for ALL of our clean drinking water.  Pipeline accidents happen and the results devastating,  the damage in most to all cases can never be properly cleaned/contained.  But this is not just the blockade.. it's the violence on peaceful protestors.  Rubber bullets -  God forgive them.  I had no idea the damage they did, so they don't kill- big deal! IT IS inhumane  treatment of others!  This pepper spray shit, Jeeze I can't help but want to see those spraying - sprayed...  and this is what happens.. anger is fuelled by both sides. In my case Anger against the American government who would let this happen. 
If you research treatment of American Indians in History- we don't need to - is anyone still oblivious to this past disgrace? Here it is repeating itself LIVE for the world to watch this time, and it does not look good America on you. It happens all the time, Native Americans in America are incarcerated/shot   on average more than most.. after the well known statistics of African American Abuse, that is.
This time the world IS watching.  
Yesterday ironically, as I painted I watched a documentary : Before the Flood
It was not pleasant.. it was the truth and very crucial RIGHT NOW!  Please watch and then lets see how you feel about this profit only pipeline!  I understand people are upset regarding work- it only brings them a couple of months work at best- (which I understand many people survive on ) but it will destroy the land they live on for the future generations to come - we have other resources that need to be focused on- EVEN I understand this!

I don't know what is going to happen, sadly I see this pipeline happening...
History repeating itself regardless how ugly it was the first time.

Canada has it's own Indigenous people shame we have to deal with & we are, I hope.
WE need to focus on our Tar sands ;(  How sad to see Canada ripped apart like you do in the documentary. ;(

Norm had no clue about the Dakota Pipeline protest, has not heard one thing these past days at work (he listens to the radio all the time), yet we hear about what some bullshit with Brad and Angelina on a plane.. bullshit.
www.facebook.com/Standing-Rock-Sioux-Tribe-402298239798452/
Please show Standing rock your support.
I stand with Standing rock .

Wake the Fuck Up People.
Please.

Have faith 
<><
​xox

Is there any better way to spend a day then to stare at a deer (preferably living), bear or cute squirrel, nature at it's finest! Give thanks to the many talented photographers who  share magnificent images of snails with raindrops. No words.
To study & stare into the eyes  of the animals is heart melting  for moi.
Relaxing & meditating.  Nature never goes out of style. 

Nature never goes out of stye - it becomes prohibited.

It becomes prohibited and we got to jail.. over plants. This is the biggest crime.
I'd get it if we were using it to harm others.  Cannabis helps. It has never killed.
I do get the NEED to prohibit some medications like fentanyl, read about opioid death increase in Canada - it is shocking, it was for me.
​Reading and understanding the facts and then knowing cannabis has never caused a death infuriates me. I need nature. 
Friends in jail, children suffering, children dying, police raiding.  BULLSHIT.
In Canada & the USA, anywhere in the world... You can not hide the the sun, moon or truth.
When 'Health Boards' are focusing on music videos - don't get me wrong- I don't agree- lets not get down and boogie with plants' unless out in the wild- it would be hard for me to resist.  :)     Address it and MOVE on, now - it's just a distraction.
What can possibly compare these days to some of the statements out of Donalds mouth?  Asking Canadians repeatedly, to discard our MEDICINE in Canada as though it were cat feces. It's degrading we continually are faced with  these distractions when all we want to do is medicate ourselves with plants and MOVE on.

On a positive note, Linda was over my twitch was 'very busy', I had 4 bongs hits in a row just to sit and have a somewhat relaxed conversation - it's been a busy week. She commented the improvement.  Time to make some edibles.  
I need some nature, rest.. sleep  lol
I'm happy to admit it & I'm bringing Poppy cause I like  good back rub.
hee hee hee.  Sketchbook and I'm set. 

Nature never goes out of style...  it becomes prohibited or we kill it. 

Have faith
<>< xox
​

More research is needed.. Please, every time I hear this my eyes roll.
Yes, I agree research is needed and  let's see what plants may be used to help whom..
Using  the term as an excuse is another story.
Research? Lets start with this:
Read this interesting article about a cannabis plant that was recently discovered.
"Archaeologists are hailing the discovery of an "extraordinary cache" of cannabis found in an ancient burial in northwest China, saying that the unique find adds considerably to our understanding of how ancient Eurasian cultures used the plant for ritual and medicinal purposes."  
It dates back as long as some refuse to acknowledge. 

No one has ever been documented of dying from cannabis alone, in history.
Compare that with the number of alcohol related deaths..  are you?  
Think about it.
NOW before one more kid dies.. before one more kid is arrested.
​This conversation should end now.. 

OBVIOUSLY DRUGS ARE NOT TESTED  the amount of time cannabis has been documented with the number of related deaths that continually happen throughout history with man made medications. Lets start this 'research' with Fentanyl.

It is insanity & it is ALL  because of CONTROL.. controlling people.
Punishing people for what they enjoy.
Jail =control & $$$.
& now drug manufacturing. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Its on the way. Its happening so be it.
Hopefully it will done with with thoughts for others in some way..
anyway that helps to improve better the lives of people. 
STOP arresting over personal cannabis consumption & growing.
It's not easy, most people won't dedicate the time or money & would rather go to an easier safe source. Make it affordable. 
Make it available to those who need it like young patients with seizures.
Educate about it. It's just a plant.  A magnificent plant!!

Google: Kids who use medical cannabis.
There are so many now you can find out about... you bet their parents did 'research'.
I don't need to, I have living proof.     Thank God. 

* Please call it "cannabis" as it is the PROPER name. 

Research?!  Please...
Plant.  Grown for centuries to help humans.
Which no one apparently (I'm sure some cave man might have choked on a bud) has ever died from.
Start there for research.
​
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

We are family! I got all my sisters and me!!!   lol    Sing it! 
It's time for the Mushrooms! Today is another Foray day!  We will be leaving soon.
I am amazed at the variety of mushrooms found on the last foray  including a Blue mushroom,  it's a wonderful way to learn about nature as well as informative on mushrooms and how much they effect our environment.  I hope to find an edible one! 
This is a gouache painting.. the only thing I forgot was a bug or two. I can still add them.

Later today, I'm working on a new painting and thinking of a couple of cannabis related cartoons, here in Canada I think a 'calm'- regarding cannabis has fallen..  legalization in 2017 is on the way, still in the United states it's legal here and not there, I find it hard to believe how celebrated the plant is in some states- yet it others it's still backwards! A NewMexico state fair stopped a medical Cannabis provider from allowing a plant or even brochures at a fair!?  WTF. I don't get it. I remember years ago Treating Yourself was at the Women's Home show!  Marco Renda -made sure 'Treating Yourself' was everywhere - The Toronto Home show, garden shows and even tiny town Home shows.  At the Women's show- it was the only booth of its kind -  let it be everywhere, educate everyone. Familiarize people to the plant. PLANT. I truly believe at this point, anyone that prohibits such 'displays' is only contributing to abuse, addiction and even death of generations to come. 

I did read a response editorial written by Duke Rodriguez, CEO and President of Ultra Health which reminds me of struggles we are currently having with Health Canada and dispensaries.  'Dorothy' at the State fair:
​
Dorothy, the three ­week old medical cannabis plant who was proudly on display at the New Mexico State Fair for a mere 6 hours, was the center of attention for many fairgoers yesterday. It was also surprisingly the center of attention for members of the Department of Health and state fair officials.
But, Dorothy was never intended to be a surprise. The entire time Dorothy was secured and under the supervision of the licensed producer. Law enforcement was cooperative and present throughout the display period.
The fact that the DOH is going out of its way to scrutinize Ultra Health’s activity at the New Mexico State Fair is both absurd and a waste of DOH resources. There are several other issues with the Medical Cannabis Program, including dispensaries operating illegally and without approval as well as delays on patient cards, that the DOH should be focusing on, rather than a medical cannabis plant with only trace amounts of THC that was approved by officials operating the fair.
Ultra Health applied for a booth at the fair on August 1, with our application explicitly stating we would be providing at least one medical cannabis plant for viewing and educational materials about the health benefits of cannabis. Ultra Health even provided a mockup of what the booth would look like, plants included.
After weeks of back and forth communication, the director of the Concessions Department notified Ultra Health of an opening on September 6, just two days before the fair was to open. The fair notified Ultra Health that the contract must be signed and the booth paid for by Wednesday, September 7 and its booth must be fully functional by the morning of September 8.
With less than 48 hours notice, Ultra Health complied with the state fair’s demands and respectfully followed through with the booth it had planned from the beginning.
Ultra Health should not be faulted for a poor handling that happened wholly on the fair’s end.
The New Mexico State Fair has beer gardens and an array of unhealthy, fried foods. Neither beer nor these varieties of food have any known health benefits, unlike cannabis, which is improving the qualify of life for more than 30,000 New Mexicans today and more than one million across the country.
To quote DEA Administrative Law Judge Francis Young, "​ In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating 10 raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death. Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care.”
The fact of the matter is that the world is changing. Just last month, Oregon featured an entire cannabis exhibit at their state fair, including a live plant competition and learning opportunities
for growers. In Washington D.C. cannabis plants have been put on display to the public. Isn’t it time New Mexico embraced a plant that it should truly be proud of? 



WE ARE FAMILY.. Please show your support whenever you see an injustice regarding the cannabis plant. The more it is seen, doodles, pictures, brochures - the more it will be recognized and decriminalized- at least in the minds of many - (I laugh typing that) the fact that we have to TRY to make a plant seem normal, natural - wow.  
Ultra Health, is on instagram, please show them some love.  www.instagram.com/ultra_health/   Strength in numbers, it does not matter if we are Canadian or American or  __________ (fill in the blank), we are all striving for the same thing.  Freedom to choose what we want to put in our own bodies. 
The healthier option  for me..  is Cannabis.
​
Time to get ready for the foray!! yay!! 
Have a terrific day All!
We are family! ... I got all my sisters and me!

Have faith... in good things to come! I feel it!  I Am ready!
xox - for all who need a kiss and hug! This ones for you!
<><    ...what a man. 

This year I did not intentionally  celebrate 'happy international women's day'.  I am happy to be a women but not  thrilled about a lot of whats going on.. STILL.
All above is true, I started with the HOMEMAKER who does it all, raises kids, cleans, cooks, gardens, shops, looks after pets (in most cases) etc.. and gets nothing, not even a thank you from society let alone most husbands. Many women do this as well as hold down jobs.
There is still a misconception that men come home and can rest up, put your dirty shoes up and take a fucken break. When does a 'housewifes' day end?
Long after the kids are cleaned up and in bed.  
This article covers it.. some:     
http://www.marieclaire.com/politics/news/a15652/gender-inequality-stats/
How about the fact that we send our girls to school and they are getting abused by fellow students who don't seem to have any serious repercussions for their actions? 
http://www.teenvogue.com/story/brock-allen-turner-stanford-rapist-6-months-race

​ Canada is doing  better now with having more women in political power, thank you Justin.

So No, I'm not 'celebrating'.. don't wish me a 'Happy International women's day!'
Instead JUST recognize the problems still existing and change them.  
I have young women I worry about!!  

Don't celebrate them please..  recognize them for what & who they are and the shit they constantly have to deal with... Then HELP.  ONE way- Don't contribute to it! THINK.

Ending on a positive note.. our son made a delicious pizza on the BBQ last night for all of us, Including getting all the fresh ingredients... I appreciate not having to cook - all the time, but a meal made by our son is always most appreciated and  loved.


Have Faith
XOX *** I send out these 'kisses and Hug' for anyone who things they need them! Free! 
<><      I have faith in Jesus.. my own little way to say ' Thank you'.
It's o.k. if you don't.  Do what ever helps your heart. 
Follow anyone who inspires positive change. 

Alcohol.. is abused more than any other drug.. well sugar.  Don't get me started.
It will be, soon in Canada a & I am thrilled.  Provided people educate themselves.
There will always be some shady character  to buy drugs off- we can
t stop human trafficking- we will never stop drugs, why bother!
Spend the money on education & rehabilitation. xox

Please think about that drink. How many did you have tonight?
I read about a man (my heart breaks for him) who left his babies in the car on a hot day, went in and had a drink, then a nap and his babies died.  It read very sad for him.  ;(  
How many times around the world, every day does someone die because of alcohol?
Cheers. I know I 'piss people off' with this. Good.  
You should be having 2 days a week where you do NOT drink. Do you?
Storm clarified it nicely when he commented: a Rye & Coke = ethanol & fructose-glucose.
It is that simple..   Who wants to put that into their body? Mind? Poison 
**According to The Office of the Surgeon General, alcohol is used by more young people in the United States than tobacco or illicit drugs, resulting in a serious public health concern.
Alcohol can be lethal if the amount of alcohol reaches a concentration above 460 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (0.46 g/dL). Death from respiratory depression can occur with severe alcohol intoxication, and this can be hastened if alcohol is combined with CNS depressant medications.
Mixing alcohol with caffeine, either in premixed drinks or by adding liquor to energy drinks has become a common way for younger crowds to consumer alcohol. With this dangerous combination, drinkers may feel somewhat less intoxicated than if they had consumed alcohol alone. However, they are just as impaired and more likely to take risks. This drinking practice often takes place in and around college campuses.
Excessive use of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, or alcohol dependence. There are four cardinal symptoms in alcoholism: craving, loss of control, physical dependence, and tolerance. A clinician is able to diagnose alcoholism based upon a specific set of criteria published by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization.5

Alcohol is a poison - check  out this site for facts and what To Do and what NOT to Do - Yikes, I was doing ALL the WRONG stuff! Do not make drunks drink coffee, do not let them 'sleep it off'...

Please, think about what you put in your body and don't judge others...  been there done that,  help if you can, raise up.  
​Play Now, Pay later.  
​
Have Faith
xox  <>< 

I don't get it...   o.k., for all those out walking - who never walked- Terrific!!  Everyone else who is not thinking and walking  or DRIVING at the same time...  are you PokeZombies??  Clearly smart enough to work a phone... but it seems to end there?  Did you see the guy who rear ended two cops- caught all on film- playing Pokemon while driving. How about the one who drove into a school?  People are "so Wrapped up in the game".. they are being attacked, robbed and more.  Someone shot a teen for entering their home  'Trespassing'( WTF?) to get a  Pokemon. * I  put 2 's' in trespassing .. I should have said Tresssssspassing!"
​& Nintendo - has made it clear when you sign off they have signed off of all damages, accidents and even Kids walking out onto highways!?  Where is common sense?   *All over the world instantly causing accident and more.  What a joke to be played on all who play it.
In Japan the government had to release a safety sheet- on what 'Not to do' when playing. Nintendo should  have been responsible for this. As a responsible  '?' company that we are making $$$.
Do not come onto my property or my dog will bite you, then I will have to put my dog down- because of fucking pokemon??   I know we have a pokemon close I think it's a #208. I heard kids out front of my house looking & yelling, Storm noticed someone pointing their phone in this direction a few times... # 208, if I find you I will crush you and put you under a real rock where you belong.  

Storm was into Pokemon- I am thrilled he is not little now.. even pedophiles are playing Pokemon GO, you know it.  Groping all the wile pretending to look for a Giratina.

So I have to ask AGAIN.. Parents.. Really????!!!
What is more harmful to your kids Cannabis or Pokemon Go?   
​EDUCATIONs the key and clearly some of you don't give a fuck about your kids as you are not taking the time to explain to them! NO - do not go on private property for a Pokemon! Even though this is not America - you might get shot or Canadian style get whacked with a hockey stick or bat a few times as a trespasser. NO - DO NOT DRIVE *** although both drivers I read about already are stupid fucking adults. Wow,  was that Pokemon worth that? Hows the car insurance now? $$$$$$$$$$ Kids not watching where they are going ;(
Look both ways before crossing- one of the first lessons we teach them as parents - suddenly is gone.  

Pokemon is more dangerous than Cannabis.  Already more kids have been killed - a young woman in Australia- not looking - hit and run dragged her  such a terrible distance ;(
​Pleaase do not talk to me about Pokemon Go  -  I see it as  A waste of life.. unless you're that one guy that never got off the sofa for 5 years. How long will it last. Lets see?  
How many more accidents will we read about?  I pray not many.

Pokemon GO  More dangerous/deadly than Cannabis, and it's only  3 weeks old. 
Cannabis around for centuries and no documented cause of death ever due to cannabis alone... there is always however that one tiny factor. Stupidity.
I know myself I do stupid things, from time to time.  ;)
Have faith
xox <><
​

WARNING all the links below contain videos/clips of just a TINY, tiny footage of DIRTY FUCKING Sneaky. LYING COPS  (I like Pigs, so I don't call them that) 

WTF America is going on *down there?  
This is about  bad fucking cops! I am thrilled each time I see one caught on tape and disgusted at the same time, short clips that bring  me to  tears. PIGS. I don't care what people are doing - you don't fucking  beat, punch them when handcuffed!
From the moment he slams her against the wall..  I don't know what to say, maybe this guy just lost it.. then get out of your fucking job.
This one will  frighten you... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHy_gNnBDuE
it makes me sick to my stomach. In front of their children?   This  PIG should go to jail. watch the entire clip. America has a serious problem going on. Listen to him, you can hear his ANGER, RAGE. he is a cop - he is  suppose to be the one in control.
They should lose their  jobs and GO TO JAIL!!!
Please wake up America,  there are so many  clips of dirty power hungry cops that are getting way out of line, and

    THIS is WHAT THEY DO WHEN THEY ARE BEING FILMED!!
       WHAT ARE THEY DOING WHEN THEY ARE NOT BEING  FILMED
​
What a 'sick  man'  this cop is.. imagine.   & it is being encouraged.
Encouraged by the American government when they outfit them for one - as if they are ARMY.  It is a mental thing. TOO many Americans are o.k. with all this, until what?
Until it happens to them.   Guns should be taken away in the USA and start with the cops.
& the cops working with them who go along with it are EQUALLY as guilty. When you see them beat a drunk, shoot a mentally ill man and THE cuff him!?  & then clean up all the evidence - no wonder people are shooting the police.  No wonder americans don't want to lose their guns.  ;(  
Read what our police have done and why CRIME IS GOING DOWN in Canada. 

Imagine the children now who are witnessing all this brutality- in the future there will be so much hatred towards the police- once thought of as 'heroes and defenders'... now sneaks and murderers.

This is an editorial cartoon and nothing is fucking funny about it.
As a matter of fact the second panel - I know that little girl who had that fucking  gun held to her head. FIRST hand. my friend Todd still in jail.. where all these dirty cops should be but never go. THAT IS the crime committed against America.
​EVERY time she sees a police office that memory is imbedded in her head.

DIRTY, Nasty, evil people - who are not in the job for he right reason - & get this- DO YOU FORGET?  Do you understand... YOU PAY THEM?    When you see the men (mostly) who are cops .. abuse some people like they do, hit cuffed people who can not defend themselves and others watch. There are no words for these people that I can think of  with out hatred welling inside me.
I don't know what the solution is, first de-militarize the intimidating police power shit....  Donald Trump wants to build a wall  which makes me think a lot of Mexicans are thrilled.  

I'm focusing on  getting a few acres somewhere so I can invite my American friends to come up, hang out, be creative! & DE fucking stress... I know I get stressed with life- Imagine being aa American with Donald trump possibly as the next president - YIKES!!!
You must leave their guns at home btw.
I'll have one gun for 'bear protection' if necessary. that's it. lol  
Never stop dreaming then working.

* forgive my mindset with he 'down there' - the same as saying 'down south', on a map you are .. down there ;)

Have faith
xox <>< 

Is it just me?  Am I the only one to think an e mail sent to the person  - actually goes to the person with the name attached?
* I am feeling naive.  ;(  
​I sent a letter to John Torey.. I went to his www and it says to contact the mayor see below:

I e mailed a Letter to John Torey  SO, I ASSumed ;(  here is his e mail address:

 Is it just me?  If you  go to a www and you see the e mail address - I expect it to be going to that person!  I sent a private, personal e mail to this address thinking it was JOHN TOREY  Only to find I was responded to by an assistant & given 'HIS opinion' to my letter to John Torey.  

WTF.. Well, thank you - had I wanted your opinion I would have asked for it!
NO WHERE on this website does it state:
Your letters will be received and addressed by JOHN TOREY STAFF!   WTF!
Had it STATED that - My letter would have been DIFFERENT.
JUST more bullshit- talk about unprofessional, I'm constantly reading how he judges and comments on others 'professional behaviour' - well DONE John Torey. I was talking  this over with a few- and we all agree. Rob Ford- Like him or not-   actually cared about individuals. Seems like Mr. Torey is making it clear who HIS 'preferred people' are. .. 
NOT Anyone that uses medical cannabis for their medicine. 

I guess as long as I'm not 'kissing ass' and in agreement MR. Torey is too busy to even read or consider my e mail, but who am I - just a nobody to Mr. Torey.  In his defence... I will say I do not live in Toronto anymore - and why should he acknowledge me,  I feel very passionately about it, I lived their my entire life and know many still who do and need compassion clubs.

YET today he is out and about helping those new to the community-  who gives a f*ck about those  existing and in need John?  
He blatantly suggest compassion clubs are a farse.
Just a reflection of the man speaking - I don't know?  
It is NOT  necessary- instead of 'helping everyone', he is stepping on some very seriously ill people with his remarks. He is 'the mayor' after all, not the PM.  Why does he think he has this much power over the people?  I think he is going to be in for a rude awakening..  everyone  is tired of this - how many times do the sick have to be dragged through court because of a politician? BECAUSE we choose to use a  healthier option as our medicine? 
IT is,  Opiate addiction and deaths rise daily in Toronto -  am I making this stuff up?
Cannabis deaths '0' yet- Cannabis patients are still persecuted in this Province,  Country -Canada. 

He clearly  IMO  (* and remember you are here, reading 'My BLOG' and this is all my opinion - not even necessarily that of my family- with the exception of Poppy - She agrees with me.) will ONLY show respect and support for those whom he and his STAFF feel  are deserving.   So be it.   

So you know and don't feel as naive as I do -  IF you  send a letter to the Mayor
- it does not go to the mayor - just another nobody like me, with an opinion will respond.

Believe
<><
xox 


​

Mortgage insurance.. do you have it? 
We did and I want to educate you with our own experience regarding it.
*longish blog- sorry - I tried to shortened it .
​
When I started to get ill and could no longer work- even walk (pre brain surgery) I could no longer teach kids,  paint murals, anything and now along with being very ill  we started to feel the stress of  only a one income home,  I was getting sicker because of it. 
My Dr. asked ‘Do you have  mortgage insurance?’ I came home and asked Norm- YES! 
We actually did! & It was to our understanding - If  one spouse gets sick and can no longer help, the bank would pay off the mortgage!  So we ASSumed.

I filled out the papers, had Dr.s letters, from several including a couple of neurologists all stating I could no longer work-  We read the fine print and dropped the forms off at the bank. They came back DECLINED.
Although we have been married 22 years (at the time of applying) because I did not have a “Normal 9- 5 job that I went to every day-  I was not seen as a  $$$ contributor to the family home. In their opinion.
I was a stay at home mom and therefor I did not work.  wow. I was floored…  & I was still very sick and getting sicker. Everyone said - they knew that would happen, the bank never helps people. Forget about it.

I did - what else could I do.. 
I had the surgery, as you are aware - it did not work  BUT it did relieve some pressure and was a bit better for a while- it’s since progressed again ;( - anyhow—- I still could not work - i remembering crying thinking ‘even Walmart won’t hire me..” and we were getting into financial difficulties- as most people do when there is only suddenly one income.  Really bad, worried about losing our home bad.

It was a snowstorm, I was alone and crying- feeling completely helpless, defeated and very sick   I remember it so well -  I don't care WTF anyone thinks about this: 
 I heard it in my head, so warm and reassuring,  God said.. 
Get up! 
Get DRESSED
Go to the bank and MAKE them  listen.

I got up, got dressed, grabbed all my paperwork (now more from the failed surgery)
and walked over to the bank! It was difficult- I met a friend on the way and she gave me hug… 
I walked into the bank, found the manager and said something along these lines:

“That is it!  My husband and I are both very hard working people and we paid mortgage insurance our entire marriage and I fucking contributed  so much to this marriage it would not have  survived!  Here is my paper work- I am applying again!
 Decline me again - fine - the next time you see me it will be with a lawyer and the press & I want a response by the end of the fucking week!”

I put the papers down and left.

Listen, I do swear, and when my head is pounding it comes out even more… it is mostly frustration coming out..  I remember  she looked at me (I was friends with this woman in a way,  I was there the day the bank opened) she said “O.k. Georgia- I’ll send them in”
How dare anyone say a stay at home mom does not earn anything! We are raising the next generation! Hopefully with love- i had to stay at home also to look after Storm properly!  I did contribute over the years -  I made money and I would buy the groceries, help with bills, etc! 
Our entire marriage -  talk about inequality bullshit still! I was angry and with every right-  it was more of less saying I had no value all these years and I DID - I DO.

Norm woke me  a week later at 5 a.m. - “George, Something is wrong! - there is all this money in the bank account! “  
They had not declined this time.  I never heard a thing.. BUT-  they did not pay off the mortgage as one might think - they paid me for a couple of years ‘LOST wages.’ 
THANK you GOD! 
IRONICALLY - If I could go to work for a month- I could re apply and they would pay me again- IT is so fucked up - HOW could I work for a month? Still sick - at least, I could breath easier about the bills.      

It was enough to pay off ALL our credit cards,  bank loan- ( yep I know some you have them)  and pay off a chunk of the mortgage.. so it’s not what you think.  You have to be careful if you have mortgage insurance - you might never get.
& look what I had to go through for it.  They do not care. 

I am proud of myself - everyone told me don't bother, give up…  
We were literally weeks away from having to claim bankruptcy & losing our home.

The lesson I want people to understand is HOW can anyone say a house wife does not contribute to a marriage?   
That is BULLSHIT & something I would have not learned if we did not live through it.
So, if you are purchasing a new house - will you or won't you? I don't know what to advise. 
Norm goes to work every day and does his task.. I stayed home, raise Storm, educate, clean, look after the animals, cooked meals, gardened, created - the list is endless.  I think I have worked harder than my husband many days!  When I use to teach and had 10 kids at a time all day long- it was terrific! If I had the option- trust me, I wished I could work again.
Either way - with the help of God, I am not stressed anymore - we have things under control. I truly believe it was a miracle that day- that “GET UP - Get dressed and Go!” Stop feeling sorry for myself and make things happen.

Very recently, Norm made the same mistake and  pulled a  “No, it’s MY money..”  when we were having a conversation and I mentioned  ‘I wanted to purchase something..’  Our conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument and Norm has since regretted his remark as he f*cking should & I KNOW he is NOT alone.  It is too common. It’s not o.k. 

I know many men who think like this and it is terrible,  instead of celebrating, and treating each other as equals, nourishing each other  and celebrating what each other brings to the table,  a stay at home wife works just as hard if not harder than many moms I know who go and sit in an office all day.  I know there are woman who work very hard outside the home (probably getting paid less than men for the same work) 
BUT WE clearly are being punished for choosing to stay home and look after our families and there is no way way I will let anyone tell me - I am 'not contributing'. 
What Norm lacks - I make up, what I can't do - he can- IT is how it works, BOTH of us these 25 years contributing to a marriage, $  blood, sweat and too many tears.  

It won’t happen again. I am much wiser. 
Ladies & gentlemen - have this conversation with  your spouse EARLY.
Sort it out so you don't fight it out.  
READ the fine print - and IF you are right and YOU know it  - PRAY! 
& GET up! 
Get dressed!
GO!  

With God all things are possible.

I can actually start to enjoy myself a bit with our money, and am planning a vacation, very soon. 


Believe
<>< 
xox

Tomorrow back to painting and fun stuff! Wait and see! 

Im feeling angry, yes probably about Jim, how fucking unfair this life can seem some days,
good people go and 'scum' remain to torment and torture. Last night we watched netflix- a crime FBI show..  more or less to pass a bit of time as we unwind, usually the 3 of us watch TV together - since we do so little - and we vote, we all must agree or we do not watch.  I will say I've gone 'off' of horror and violent movies and  Norm and Storm are going along with, thank God.  During the episode the police officer said over 600 women are dumped along the highway every year in Texas alone. WTF?  Can this be true?? So I did a tiny bit of research .. it's true and worse.  It's terrible. 

I'm suffering from PTSD (thank God for Cannabis) - First I'd would like the opportunity for a class acton law suit against Stephen Harper next  I wish women everywhere would start a class action lawsuits against the judges that let  ANY violent attacker against women OFF & then  'JUDGES' the women- how they dress, text messages, - WERE they there? DOES any  old man understand texting? Pressure and  being  woman.   Being a woman is not easy.
Do you know out of EVERY 100 attacks only 6  'SIX' are reported.
​Why - because women once attacked are never the same. FEAR has enterer their life forever.  I was 'date raped' with a drink - I knew the person - we worked at a car dealership together, he convinced me to have a drink with him  - 'put our differences aside', I was NOT fond of him to say the least - he was everything I did not like in a man, winey, huge ego, pretty boy, mindless jock - I woke up in his bed the next day and remembered NOTHING after I had that fucking drink. ONE DRINK.   I woke up and answered 'his phone' a couple of times - thinking the caller had the wrong number.. because I THOUGHT I was at home in my own bed alone- very hung over. When  I rolled over and saw him I was sick to my stomach.  I was NOT a slut, I was out to have a nice evening. I was  abused by a cock who lost control and a SNEAKY one at that. 
I've blogged about it before. I met him years later! - I had Storming his carriage- do you know what he said to me: "Hey, I still have one of your earrings!!".  
Years later & the disgust returned, the GUT feeling that told me he was  a SHIT person and I was right. How many more women did he do that to?  MamaBear kicked in and I told him - 'keep it - I certainly don't need the reminder of the biggest mistake of my life"  and walked away. I never called him on it. I should look him up today and fucking say 'hello' - I'm not who I was thats for sure. It' in the past.  He can no longer hurt me, I understand what HE did...
HE lost control.  
HE is the one with the problem.  He is the bad example of a human being.
He needed to control his cock. 

If a cock was in the city and it lost control and did what ever it wanted. It would quickly become soup. A bird. YET we have  humans that have such little respect for others- they drug, beat, rape and abuse and kill women as if they were no more than an object to use and discard. It must stop.
That was just one  attack in my lifetime - I had another , and many tiny ones, comments, remarks from former bosses- it was NEVER ending... because I was born with boobs.
Do you have a daughter? Sister.. wife? Mother, grandmother?
They are all candidates for rape, for COCKS who can not control themselves.
​
Belive
xox 
<><

A little lighter topic tomorrow - Gifts!  Gifts of love and art and more..

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
<><

​

Yesterday was 4/20 a day to 'celebrate cannabis', now recognized around the world.  I did not do anything 'too special' yesterday- what I did do is enjoy the day, shopping and touring around Aurora with Poppy & my mom, looking for some garden inspiration & something for my mom's B-day - BUT, I was able to do this because of CANNABIS.  Medicating in-between stops, we enjoyed the day.  I was originally  booked to meet with the brain surgeon again, I have as you know decided against this. Id be lying if I said - it did play on my mind a bit yesterday- have I made right choice? I feel I have.

***Todays blog is a guest blog... written by someone I met recently,  just one of the  many stories that far too many people never get to hear. I am grateful she shared & STILL completely GET why she did not use her real name... yet.  
Enjoy. 

Apri 20th, 2-16

Dear Colorado,
You don’t know me.  You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between me and a whole lot of other people.  I’m 38, central/eastern European ethnicity, average height, from a big Midwestern city.  I have a pretty interesting job.   I’m a runner, but not a particularly fast one and not of enormous distances.  I am not unattractive, but I am not a supermodel.   My eyes are a bit of an unusual color.  Overall, I’m really pretty normal.  If you met me at a party, you’d tell your wife that I was friendly and maybe kind of entertaining.  (I think you are a straight dude, Colorado.  I think you’ve got a wife.)
However.
I’ve struggled hard with my mental health for my entire life.  I’ve been in and out of therapy--mostly in--for twenty-one years.  I’ve seen at least seventeen different therapists and doctors.  I’ve taken nine different kinds of mainstream psych meds and I’ve been incorrectly diagnosed five separate times.  A few years ago, I had the breakdown that had been coming, and finally got the correct diagnosis.  PTSD.  I worked and worked and worked to get better and I got to…functional and maybe even mostly OK.  And I thought that mostly OK, most of the time, was as good as I was going to get.
Here is where you enter the picture, Colorado.   Important piece of backstory:  I had never smoked weed ever.  Ever.  Not once.  Not interested.  I am not a criminal.  Smoking is gross.  Etc.  Etc.  But I was going to be on vacation, and when in Rome, you know, so I decided to be a little brave. 

My best friend and I nervously bought some 10mg chocolate bars from Canary’s Song in beautiful Nederland.  After about an hour, I felt...fine.  She got giggly and hilarious, but I was…fine.  Day wrapped up with me sleeping through the night (a rarity—sleep disturbances are a hallmark of PTSD).  The next morning, I woke up, anticipating a galactic hangover, and I felt...good.  Then I ran eight miles in the hotel gym. 
I texted my surprised reaction to my pleasant experience to a friend and got back:  “Do we have a fledgling stoner on our hands?”  I thought, “Of course not.  What a ridiculous idea.”
I announced that I was glad I tried it, and figured that was the end of that.  

My travel companions, however, had other ideas.  After my husband brazenly carried a bag of candy through security at Denver International  (thanks for looking the other way on that one, btw), I was home to start conducting a scientific study on myself.  Turns out, I was NOT worse on weed.  Turns out I was better.  I was a lot better.  

Except.

I was the one person who had swallowed every bit of misleading, politically driven racist bullshit about gateway drugs, about stoners being directionless losers, about how it was going to kill my ambition.  The one kid who believed Nancy Reagan, was, apparently, me.  For months, every time I did something flaky or forgot something, I would freak.  My husband started regularly reminding me that I’ve done flaky shit my whole life.  I kept waiting to wake up in the morning, unable to do anything except dunk Cheetoes in CoolWhip and listen to Phish.
You’ll think this is funny, Colorado, as you used to be the residence of the late Dr Thompson, but I seriously thought that smoking weed was going to send me on some sort of strange path careening into unemployment and God knows what else.
Except, what happened was the more cannabis I consumed, the more things continued to not get worse.  
I discovered I could sit still longer at my desk every day at work.  I started regularly sleeping through the night.  I went to the doctor and dealt with a persistent running injury with the physical therapist.  I noticed that my caffeine consumption went down.  My business revenue went up.  I tackled some more issues with my PTSD.  My husband and I worked out some longstanding problems.   I lost 20 pounds.  I quit drinking.
And I realized that I had to overcome a massive case of culturally conditioned stoner shaming.  And I looked at you, Colorado, and I saw a bunch of people who were out hiking your mountains and biking your trails.   And I talked to people in the cannabis community and found out that everyone to be friendly, welcoming, and not judgmental.  And realized that I’m the healthiest I’ve been, ever, even if I do own a lighter for the first time in my entire life.   
So, Colorado, I guess what I’m trying to say is, you changed my life for the better.  And, in doing that, you changed a lot of lives around me for the better, too.  You can’t even calculate how far this ripple effect could go.   And I’m just one person. 
Millions of people visit you every year.  My story is repeating every day.
Keep up the great work.  The world is watching.  
Eternally grateful, 
Jane

PS Of course Jane is not my real name.  
PPS  But maybe someday I will publish this and sign my real name.  That would be big progress.
PPPS  Buying my first bong for my 39th birthday.  That’s a sentence I thought I’d never write.
PPPPS  I still don’t like the Grateful Dead, but, turns out, Cheech and Chong are funny.
​

;D  Thank you Jane! xox Georgia
Believe
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As you might know,I'm out of the FB bubble... lol - my son told me this a.m.  Dana Larson
was arrested for GIVING away seeds.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/dana-larsen-custody-pot-seed-handout-tour-1.3524504
GOOD FOR HIM!! I wanted to do this a couple years back! I drew a cartoon about it - Free seeds with every comic but my friend Marco informed me it wouldn't be wise as 'I could be arrested' even though I was giving them away for FREE.  I thought then it was ridiclous and still do!  Already - tax payers dollars are NOW being wasted! AGAIN.  Seriously - have we nothing better to focus on!? 
The police will give a statement on this- big deal-  what can they possibly say?
He was giving away free seeds. Many will never get planted.   Seed for a PLANT that  has never  killed anyone - it is not poisonous - as a matter of fact the USA government has taken the patent out on it for its medicinal values- yet greedy politicians  in the USA also still send  people to jail over plants.  A Plant never been linked to a death  only helps many  feel better - I KNOW.
How much money do you think it has already cost us?
Here is a good article McLeans wrote back in 2013!  Phbbbbt.  http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/why-its-time-to-legalize-marijuana/
 2016 and arrested for seeds!
What judge will see this in court?  
I'm reading about people growing who are getting  $5. fines and then tossed out of court.  
If ONLY our money was going towards education, healthcare, hunger, jobs.. GEEZE!
Put the money towards 'potholes' would be better productive!  No.. lets 'bust' someone for GIVING away seeds. What ever dufus made that decision.. seriously needs to be educated on cannabis and empathy towards others.

Me.. I'm painting, learning gouache, drawing a cartoon, and painting a birdhouse...
​How about YOU?  

Believe
xox
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