I've always admired 'Georgia the artist but was not aware of 'Georgia the woman until recently.   Where to begin - she did what made her happy, painting alone in the middle of nowhere...  to many this would sound unattractive- to me it is a dream come true.  lol  
There is nothing more frustrating  than to be constantly interrupted when trying to paint, back then, she ALSO did not have a computer and cell phone to assist with such distractions.  I believe she would be like this Georgia - I'll pass on the cell phone.  Georgia did not want to be ignored as an artist,  in a world dominated by men (even the art world) simply because they were, so she painted HUGE so she could not be ignored.    For years she lived in an apartment in NewYork and painted the city from their window.. yuk, I like the art- but for an artist...  I get why she did it, for LOVE as usual.  In love with a man who she could not control  (much like Frida) but he helped take her to 'new levels',  with her art and passion - a loyal love bond created until he died. Bring on love. 

I was not aware Georgia was not thrilled with people believing her flower art was 'sexual-  to the point of stating her art represented the female clitoris.  It did not- she just painted shapes and colors which her mind saw,  yet a stranger THINKS they know what the painting represents to the artist. Please.  No wonder she was pissed, sadly to the point she started to paint still life, like a bowl of pears.
"You write about my flower as if I think and see what you think and see of the flower - and I don't."

Luckily Georgia Found New Mexico  and Ghost Ranch for all of us. I've never seen such images- coming from Canada- the land of trees rock and more trees. Fascinating! The sky alone!! I look at images and think - they must be photoshopped!  Colors that stimulate my brain screaming for paint! Georgia has a couple of quotes that resonated with me to the point of being painful or celebrated! I'll choose celebrated:

I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.
  
I think it's so foolish for people to want to be happy. Happy is so momentary--you're happy for an instant and then you start thinking again. Interest is the most important thing in life; happiness is temporary, but interest is continuous.
I have a single track mind. I work on an idea for a long time. It's like getting acquainted with a person, and I don't get acquainted easily.    * this one is especially true. lol 


What a strong, beautiful (outside and in) woman.  Happy by herself.  
I cannot put into words my true admiration for Georgia.  Look at her work.  Deeply, as it was meant to be looked at.   I want to see some of Georgia's work 'live'.  It is on the top 5 of my to do list.  Number one on my TO DO list makes SMILE.  lol   It's a secret.  
Make a list.   Paint. I'd love to see Georgias home, but I have the feeling it's not open to the public- you can take a walking tour around the area.  I watched a documentary on Georgia - all it did was make me want some HUGE canvas... soon Georgia - it's coming.
Huge canvas,  huge landscapes and huge life...  
​"You get whatever accomplishment you are willing to declare." 

I'm about to do that right now..    
Do what you love and the rest will follow.
Georgia died on my birthdate March 6, 1986 (aged 98)  it made me feel a little more connected.   This birthday I will be celebrating  Georgia!  Wait & see.

Have Faith 
xox 
<><

Swim your own risk..  Poppy is ready for adventure.
I've been coming up with some funny cartoons lately. Life related.
I've decided to make Poppy my alter Ego and draw more strips.

This painting  took me a while, I started it in the spring when my friend came to paint and could not seem to complete it, first it was a goldfish then Poppy, today it is finished.  Sometimes it just takes a while for something 'click.
You will see there are sharks in the water Poppy.. it's never just simple swimming fun.
You never know who swims in the shadows.  
The octopus is on our side so all is good, it's  powerful purple presence is passionately perplexed by Poppy.
I finished it today thinking of new adventure, forgetting problems of the day.  
If God puts it in front of me - I am taking the chance -  Me & Poppy! 
Wether it is an actual adventure or one in painting, cartooning... It's all ONE big adventure.
Bring it on!!  

It's my new painting for my bathroom so I can sit and ponder at the swim ahead every morning.  
hee hee

I have a NEW bigger canvas waiting..
Black.. Not for long.

Have faith
<>< xox
​

Painting with Poppy.  As you know my little sidekick never leaves my side.. but in the evening late art night- when I am painting in my studio or drawing in my office she will look at me at some point and say: (telepathically of course) Mom- is it time for bed yet?
That is this face.. lol  I look a few- because it was fun... below.
I don't like photos anymore- my face as it is now, you can see it is permanently distorted from the constant twitch. I have an appointment in March and I know some of what we might discussing...  my thinking is:
    
I don't want my face permanently paralyzed- because when I smile - my entire sole feels it.
That is it.  The moments when I'm laughing and smiling (daily) I am capable of forgetting.

I had such a wonderful conversation with Kerry Stimson yesterday.. a bit teary - I can't talk about Todd in Prison. ;(  BUT she assures me he is talked to and treated well, and the staff knows who they are (they don't even need to show I.D)  and are nice to the family  because even those who are keeping Todd prisoner - know he does not belong there.  For that I am truly grateful.  Even when I write - I understand they read the mail- how could they read everyones? lol  But sometimes,  I say hello to them.  I'm sure Todd is amused by it.  I don't care, I will do what ever I can... I can draw. 
Today a little card, hand painted, again will be posted with info on Todd and all who share will automatically be entered to win it.  Someone will get it in the mail a few days later!

You won't see many photos of me - I just don't feel so photogenic or 'pretty/attractive' anymore these days - and that does it matter.
It's whats inside - and you can't see that anyhow- well, you can in the photo above - see love. I hope.

* I thought I'd sneak in and change my 'profile photo' on GeorgiaToons  last night.  I don't know how so many people are 'seeing it'. I have it hidden from my timeline. If you did see it and have commented, thank you. I just posted it because I was having fun with Poppy & it makes me smile, time for a change.  I'm not about to be loading regular selfies, not to worry.
I did take a scree shot - of my FB page.
The  option for me to: reply, like or comment on my own page and posts - no-existant, but thanks.
 & Thank you for sharing recent Todds cartoon as much as you have!


​
Believe
xox <><
​

Art in the garden!  Every year my friends and I go to craft sales and events. I asked them to join me this mothers day for an 'art show' our own little display.  LOL - Who needs an excuse to hang out with friends and look at art!  
I don't get around like I use to  so why not! 
Everyone seemed keen - even Norm! I'm sure you'll be able to view a coffin in our garden. 
I'll try to make them cheery! lol
Its not about purchasing really - I sit here and panic for a second thinking what have I got to sell -  I will have some mini paintings, a few garden signs, I might part with a Laughing Buddha or two, who knows! - I want to have a great weekend in the garden! What better way to start then with a couple of good friends!  If you are around I hope you will consider joining us for peek! Of course we have an area for kids to color and an assistant to help! 

Ellen is big on butterflies and plans on educating us all a little.. Linda knows the newest knots in beadwork - I look at it and am amazed at her detail and I am encouraging all our local Bees to come out and join us this beautiful day!!  Come say hello! if you can! 
OH- I'm also making - with he help of my handy dandy hubby - a new 'Best Blooms'  Photos Op. display - JUST for Mothers day! Bring your cameras! It's one of the 'poke your head' through the hole thing! ;)  
Pets too are welcome as long as they stay on the leash and away from the Pool! Scruffy will be upset! * it will be blocked off ;) 
We have poop bags and they are free to those that need, Also a drinking area for dogs. ;) 
Come take your photo with mom! Enter the free draw and more!! 
Wait and see! Invite a bee!!! ;) 

It's been a great long weekend & It's NOT over! 
Today, I decided to get crafty and create a sign for the front door entrance.
I wanted to use pallets - Free wood.  
I WILL admit,  Norm did re-nail them a 'bit closer' for me, and then sanded the entire thing with an electric sander. Accomplishing in mere minutes what would take me hours. 
Storm carried it out back and I painted in the sunshine! 
Now it hangs in the front entrance and I am already working on a Christmas one!!!

Most days, it is a good thing when you must keep busy. 
I also drew the cover for the NEXT Cannabis Digest newspaper! 
You might be aware, we love Halloween.. It was so much fun.
(more on the cover - after it is published)  
It's like crack for my brain thinking of halloween!  ;) 
I can't share it - You have to wait until it hits 'news stands' like me! 

Imagine if we were all permitted to just do what we love?
Have faith! Give thanks and NEVER give up!!!

Oh, Canada!!
Canada has changed a lot in the past 10 years, but never so shockingly as it did in December, 2012. That month Canada went from 2.5 million protected lakes and rivers to 159 protected lakes and rivers. 

You need to ask, why?  This is a quote from the Huff Post, it’s a pretty good assessment.

"It means the removal of almost every lake and river we know from the Navigable Waters Protection Act. From one day to the next we went from 2.5 million protected lakes and rivers in Canada to 159 lakes and rivers protected. You name the river, you name the lake and it is no longer protected by this act, and this has nothing to do with the budget that the government rammed through, it has everything to do with pipelines, because you are able to now are able to ruin navigation and not trigger an environmental assessment."

One little tidbit they didn’t mention is the most of the protected lakes and river are in Conservative ridings. Places that have millionaires cottages perched on the shores. The rest of us can just suck it up.

I’m angry; my children will likely lose the opportunity to swim in clear clean water (unless they marry money) and the risk to the environment, just when the rest of the world is starting to clean their countries up, will have reached epic proportion in Canada. My grand children will be at risk, their health, safety, lifestyle and living environment will be negatively impacted to benefit a handful of international mining companies and their rich shareholders (who live with THEIR children beside the protected lakes.)

This just boggles my mind.. since when is one group of people more important than another? Since when has Canada been willing to sellout its citizens? There is no net benefit, no silver lining, no payoff , unless of course you’ve invested in mining companies.

We need to ask our Conservative government a few questions. First- who are you working for? Second- Why are you so willing to risk your children’s future when you have a choice not to? Third, do you know what your grandchildren will think and say about you?

We need to get angry, folks, we need to start showing an interest in what our governments, at all levels, do in our names.

CETA, the European free trade deal is set to be ratified in September. Once that’s through we can expect even more attacks on what laws we have in place provincially to protect our wild and not so wild areas. This trade deals allow corporations to sue countries who have environmental laws that might hurt their “future” profits.. nice for them, eh? We’re rapidly losing control of our laws to greedy corporations and this Conservative government is smoothing the way.

Go find a nice lake or river bank this weekend, swim.. wash your hair, take a tire tube and show the kids how to paddle around the shore looking for minnows and turtles. You better take pictures though, as this is likely the last generation who will be able to enjoy it.


*Thank You Ellen Durkee!  Terrific Guest Blog. 
I get by with a little help from my friends!  <><
Read this.. more on the topic! 
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/lakes-across-canada-face-being-turned-into-mine-dump-sites-1.733972
You won't believe <>< ;( 


To see the Stephfin carper  in the flesh (yours), join me tomorrow at the Painted Perch Challenge!  I think it's going to be a lot of fun, Norm myself & Poppy! Adopting out - Zen Kitties and enjoying the day! My other artist friend Ellen Downe is also going! 
The kitties are $20 each with $5. for each purchase going to the Georgina Food pantry. 
* I figure that would cover mailing and they sell on line for $20 ;)  


I am just looking forward to the DAY!! In the park! Music! Crafts! Friends! Fun!
Come say hello, and if YOU want a free post card, just ask ;) 
xox <>< 

I have discovered the secret to keeping my saintly. Keeping busy. LOL 
So far so good.  I know all too well I can sit and twitch or I can sit and twitch and keep creative and focus on  keeping creative - rather than keep focused on the problem, one that appears to be staying with me.  
I am feeling very  lucky, blessed and grateful that I am still able to paint, draw and just amuse myself ;)  lol  I have several projects on the go!  I can literally walk from room to room with something set up in a corner to paint, prime or doodle as I please! I have no excuse for boredom!  
Several situations recently once again, have had me withdraw and rethink. 

Boredom is  the root of evil. I know many marriages all pretty happy, until someone starts to feel bored.  Usually that boredom turns to looking for something else, and many times that something can end up being someone.  I find between the dogs, life , crafts - twitch I have little time to feel bored.  I spend a great part of my day feeling frustrated.  Take anything that you do and now add a twitch that literally shakes you head and sometimes hand (when at it's strongest) with every movement, and paint.  LOL

I'm tired of listening to others complain about life.. 'how bad they have it'- when all it seems to me, is they are bored. Too much time to sit and stew and think and let the negative ferment until it consumes.  Been there and done that. I do have a few friends that complain, most with very good reason - the ones IMO that have the most justifiable reasons- complain the less.   

Get busy! I've decided to keep busy! Recently I played with a  few empty beer bottles I have! Buddha beer in particular! What fun!  I have had the bottles for a while being a fan of Buddha- the bottles are too easy to paint! The last screamed Rob Ford before I could even finish the flash paint! LOL  Norm picked up a diamond bit and I plan on turning a few into water pipes ;) !  Stay tooned, I will sell a couple but as usual, much of my work ends up being gifts!  

In my attempts to make some extra$$ (is there such a thing?) I created Mini Zen kitties!! I love these little kitties, it brings me peace to paint them! A rainbow of colors and each one slightly different - that huge grin looking back at me while I paint!  I am making some for the Painted Perch festival - more on that the next couple of days!  I also have to get to work on my celebrity fish for the day!  The Stephfin Carper!!!  
I have offered ZenKitties on line - once they are done they are gone. ;) You can get one here - if you order quick enough! http://www.georgiatoons.com/for-sale.html

It's simple. IF you are bored then do something about it! Serve someone other than yourself.  Look within. Create! Write a card/poem, bake a dish to give, cookies... plant a plant! Clean your home! Toss out clutter!  Knit, crochet... PAINT! 
Or be bored.  The CHOICE is yours.
xox <><