I like to say "I have an assistant"- who assist me and it's been a blessing this summer!
I was telling a friend I needed help, with all sorts of stuff, finding art, hanging art in the office, sorting the paint room and was at a loss.. she said "ask that girl at the coffee shop,  she likes your cartooning!"  Jessie, she had drawn me that cute little 'get sconed'.. what did I have to lose?  I asked she said "YES!"   I explained the deal, we would barter *as I do with many, for art lessons, original art - what ever.  She showed up an  we instantly hit it off. How could you not like her?    
I can't help but think of her as a firecracker- petite with red hair but huge on personality and talent!  We had a drawing lesson, more to see what she was capable of and I soon realized she was quick to pick up what ever I showed her & has what many do not-  the imagination to go with!   & her own distinctive style already- even if she does not realize it.  Next an introduction to gouache & sure enough her first sample, painted in her own time blew me away.. Check out the cute little bag she made for  the 'coffee scrubs':

After only a quick introductory lesson?? I didn't know if wanted to smack her or hug her! 
lol..  I get this way when I meet someone with artistic talent and find out they are not using it,  how does everyone not eat, breath and sleep art, I don't know.   ;) 
Jessie has joined me up at the cottage,  there too she was incredibly helpful and simply a pleasure to be around, although it is where Poppy 'decided to like her' - and since, is having no problems showing her affection as does Daisy!  You can hear her speak it "Jessies here!" she runs to get what ever toy she knows Jessie will throw.

What started as some assistance has turned into a friendship, I will miss her when she returns to school but will be visiting all the time - so that's good.   Never let age get in the way of speaking to anyone, as I teach her, quite offen she teaches me something as well.  I've got to know a  couple of her sisters and it is really  wonderful to know they are all smart, educated, traveled, kind, successful & funny young woman (well Jenny, another sister- she's another story, she cracks me up... I'm not sure why, she too manages to make me smile instantly- good thing, since I see her usually for 'our first coffee of the day)  they have been a blessing in our lives and I'm happy to know them!  * Jade too- who returns to law school in a few weeks in B.C. ! One more excuse to visit and I asked her to become 'something I can use..' Not a criminal lawyer- lol I know from our short interactions - watch out.  Just the thought of her being a lawyer - kicking ass- makes me smile.

Jessie also makes unbelievable body scrubs- so far I've had the lemon, coffee and  mint- they exfoliate my psoriasis and have helped get it a little more manageable lately, not to mention  stimulate all the senses.  I really think Jessie is going to be something- CREATIVE!  I look forward to watching it happen!  

I've included my favourite photo taken at the cottage.  
She has proven to be much needed & added sunshine this summer and I'm truly grateful to God for the  introduction.  & Jenny - for having her work in her coffeeshop and make fun of her 'little sister', as sisters do.  

Today she's coming over  I have a surprise a backyard painting journal!!! 
I'm forcing her to start one! lol   I'll show you when complete - she has talent and I can't wait to see it blossom! In full out gouache color!  
​Do what you love, surround yourself with people you enjoy and inspire and make you smile.  
​
Come back tomorrow to see 'our nature journal' and the FUN  'Hawaiian' photo op/cut out we made! 

​Have faith
xox <><    

* P.S. there are still about 3 people waiting for art - I've not forgot..
have faith, trust in me...  it will come,  you will see.  ;)

BTW all my framing is done by my longtime friend Kat of Kat's gallery. 
I highly recommend. :  https://www.instagram.com/kats.gallery/   
Just don't ask her personal questions about us, I can't remember if we are fighting or not, she probably can't either...  30, years I think.  hee hee hee  xox

It's time to show myself some love.
Yesterday, I told you about the death of my dog.. today it is the death of my marriage.
This too will come as no surprise to many who know 'us' well.  
All I ask from anyone is prayers for a smooth transition into a new chapter of my life.
​For myself as well as Norm. 

I found this quote last night on PIN:

'My son is older and now wiser.  
I want him to be in a happy relationship, I know they exist.  

I think it would be better also for me to be alone and 'content' - even happy maybe,  than to be continually in a relationship where we do not get along anymore, fight constantly about everything from no name chips to paint chips and it's just not fucking fun anymore.. it never was.  Not the fighting.  It has physically taken its toll one the past few years, expecting to be who I was not and being in an environment that never stops - with work all around me not complete, it's made it almost impossible to 'stay on top of'.  When not fighting we each do our own thing we never talk about anything other than the weather - I hardly ever get asked 'how was your day?    I'm just not interesting anymore, I guess.    I still ask daily.
 No more. 

You try to 'keep the peace', because it's what you think we should do, at some point you really start to think about the price for peace you are paying and this one is too steep for me.

If you read this blog you have a pretty good idea of what's been happening.
Time has passed.. we went in different directions.  
I told Norm the kitchen won't make a difference - just like everything before- it is all stuff.  By the time 'it' gets done the amount of fighting before - years in fact over something as simple as a set of stairs.. that can be finally accomplished in a matter of hours is all about control in my opinion.  

The most recent remarks about not contributing to this marriage, because I did not go to a 9 - 5 fucking job every day-  pushed me over the edge. As I hope it does to every  mother, woman out there.

It is time I take back control of my own life.
I appreciate and good vibes/prayers  you send  & thank all for their continued support.

I want to find a place where I might paint peacefully, surrounded by my dogs and friends who I know want to be in my company.  I am  planning on moving a bit North- you know me...  I Love nature.  

Now, I'm looking into my options and painting peacefully.
Ironically, I do feel pretty peaceful about this decision...
it's how I know it is right. 
​
No more tears.. fuck that.
I take control back,  NOW.

Have faith 
xox <>< 

Back to painting.  
I'm keeping this one.
I'm framing it and getting it ready to hang in my new home.
​

Storm was away.  He likes to camp and is fine with doing it alone. I am not so fine. LOL
Well, I think about him when he is in bear country, by himself hours from all..  he does have an emergency response thing - should the situation arise.  He had such a great time. I knew he would. it's in his blood. I never had a problem traveling alone. I drove myself to Halifax. ;) Traveled to Mexico alone and more.  
If you have to wait for friends, lives, jobs to align up - you miss stuff. If you can go... GO! 
This time he was joined by a friend. A fox.  He came to the camp several times, he seems as amused with Storm as Storm was with him. Just looking at his photos, it was the perfect trip.  
I read if you are in a forest and you ask a bird what time is it...  "Now" 
will be the only response,   animals don't care, they always just enjoy the now. 
I Am doing the same. Right now... I'm fine. 
I missed Storm of course, I'm just glad he is home safe! 
Adventures to share and planning his next fishing/camping trip already! 
Do what you love. That includes NATURE. If it feels good do it! 
I know he loves it- he did not complain once, about the lack of a musky.. this time.
LOL
I asked if I could share a photo or two:
xox <><