It's a Laughing Buddha day! The sun is shining!  I am thankful to be alive!   
I looked up flowers that represent peace and came up with Cosmos - (as seen above) I love these flowers and have fond memories of them all over my grandma's yard.  Shades of pink and purples - each one reaching for the sun!  I have been working hard at Occupying my own mind, it is a constant effort.  Living in the moment. Moving past the past, not stressing over the future - enjoying each moment.  I asked Storm what he believes in - I believe in God - I believe in all things good. I believe all religions have good in them  - and that is what each should embrace.  
He believes in himself. He finds strength in himself. I believe he got it long before I have.
I have come to the realization that Peace - unless you have it first in your own mind and heart - you are not going to find it anywhere else. With so much chaos, responsibilities,  media - we owe it to ourselves to find a bit of Peace in our day.  
I am working on a cartoon about peace.  I asked people in one word what brings them peace - such wonderful answers - I feel I have to do it justice  when I draw it! *As with all my toons  - Let's just say it has me inspired.   xox <><

Today was a wonderful family day, got in some drawing (this one) had much needed quality time - sleep in's (if you call 8 sleeping in). We get to talk as a family because were not so tired or distracted, my mom/ Storms grandma joined us for diner - it was in my opinion a nice relaxing day.
I drew several cannabis cartoons! I did not want to push my wrist so I made myself stop. 
I need a few days to get them out on paper. 
Family day  was especially nice with our 4 legged friends who are all  passed out in different corners of my room. The quote on the cartoon above I saw posted on my brothers wall quite a while ago, when I read it - it really struck me. How beautiful is that to say or think of someone? I hope I feel that way about everyone I think about. There are a few people in my life that do make me feel that way. Thank God. 
That is what we all need people who help us feel beautiful (inner) and at peace. When you think of them you get a smile across your face. Who does that for you? I am going to continue to surround myself with people who add to my garden.
;-)

Happy Holidays! It's Christmas to me Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. This year  was one of the best Christmas's in a long time. It is almost easier to tell you what is was NOT about this year.. It was not about $$$,  It was not about Christmas parties, it was not about celebrating with alcohol, it was not about the past.  
It was about my family 2 and 4 legs and just being happy to relax and remind each other of exactly what we do have. I did get the most perfect gifts from each of my guys. Norm - the Wizard of OZ.  My favorite movie and its not on netflix- I have the VHS but the tape is wearing out LOL  - so we watched it today ;)))  Our new Christmas day tradition! From  Storm - a tibetan singing bowl. The most beautiful I have seen with a buddha on the inside.  I am intrigued with them, I cannot walk past one with out tapping it - I LOVE it.  It is also something I want to focus more on in the new year,  positive energy with some chanting, meditation and always prayer - try to tame my monkey mind. Not an easy task many days.  
Christmas eve was spent at my moms for diner and it was wonderful, my mom went all out - 
munchies galore, a wonderful turkey diner and tea and cake to end the evening. As well as some very thoughtful gifts. The best gift I feel we all had this year was each other, patience and hope.
 Norm and I had an incredibly proud moment  when our son took his champagne glass and his dads and passed - other than a sip to toast. They both had to drive home. How wonderful is that?  We have a 19 year old that get's it, we were saying we wish we thought like that when we were his age.  It has been a stress free wonderful Christmas.  Daisy - a wonderful addition, looking simply perfect in her new collar from her boy. Scruffy got a Christmas bath and trim and Tequila was allowed to give us all STINKY, old (16 year old) dog breath kisses. I had a draw on FB for a Christmas cartoon and was thrilled with the number of people that shared. It was my gift - I know everyone can't afford one of my drawings - lol - I could not afford one of my drawings! *They are very affordable BTW for an original ! ;-)) The girl that one- I know is a big fan so I figure it was meant to be.  3 different people chose the final winner - I was expecting someone from 1/2 around the world - but here it was someone from Scarborough!  The Lord works in mysterious ways. 
What does any of this have to do with Jesus. Before the holiday season I thought much about Forgiveness, Giving of our talent, Patience, Material objects and what exactly is most important to me in this world. Being close to the end of 2011 I thought about how difficult this past year has been, loss of friends and family,  our ongoing battles and struggles, and the problems I have had with my own health.  I really knew what I wanted for Christmas.
Peace of MIND.   I already have everything I need. A home, food, health (taken back a bit - lol, but so much better off than so many)  and the love of my guys - the love of everyone else is gravy ;-) much appreciated of course. It is Jesus that has taught me all of this.  I know some people do not agree and shake their heads and that is part of the problem .. can't you just love me for who I am? For who I am today. Me?  I'm not asking anyone to 'think, believe  or behave the same...  we all must and will come to our own conclusions but this is where I am at.  It is what is getting me by.   It was a wonderful Christmas...  Something to celebrate!  xox <><

Finally my much awaited test results today. MRI looks o.k.    I breath a sigh of relief.  Unfortunately I am no closer to knowing what is going on.  I admit my Dr. appeared just as confused and frustrated as I am. I felt bad for him.  I like him. Even though he does not know what is wrong with me. LOL   I think this is part of the battle.. liking your Dr. feeling like you an actually talk to them. "A strange case"  I'm too tired to think about that. The twitch continues with MEGA twitch making an appearance from time to time so I know I'll be thinking about it from time to time. 
I came home to a clean house! Mom's are you with me!? My FLoORS WASHED! Bed made, bathroom cleaned! The entire time I was away my amazing son cleaned our house. I am still speechless. I got a big hug and I love you when we talked about the Dr.s.  He made my day.
We cheered with apple juice.      I love my son.  
SO .. F%$#! TWITCH!!!  You steal too much fun from me as it is.  No tumor! AMEN!
You know when I was in my car I was thanking God over and over and over. I hope he heard me ;-)

I am drawing and cleaning my studio, going to chant a little Om Mani padme hum and later tonight sneak in some time with my Giant Laughing BUDDHA!!  I can not wait till he is on my wall Glowing... with LOVE. At first I was going to sell him outright..  No way. I'm enjoying the time I spend with him in painting meditation. He makes me smile think and  remember all things good and that how lucky I am to be able to be here yet another day;-))
It goes without saying I got a great toon idea from the Dr.s office.. be drawing too.

11/11/11  Miss you big time pop. Love George. & Don. xox

Well Norm has me taking photos every 1/2 hour of my monkey man - putting up the display! He has it down to a skill after 15 years! Each panel numbered and he is up and down on the roof all day. Should be fun - for him!  I will post photos tomorrow.
I HOPE this is the best year ever - for the food pantry. When I see al the food that people bring it really does warm my heart,  I have never been hungry - well, you know  .. in between meals but there have always been meals.  For a mother to have to watch her child suffer fom hunger must be very difficult - especially in the world where FOOD is everywhere - in your face! I don't understand world hunger. Rather - why it exists when we seem to have so much money to spend on other resources... Like THE failing war on drugs.  I want to try to do our part - hopefully we an help.
Yesterday we went fishing AGAIN!  Say what you want, think what you will but I can tell you how I feel.. when I am on the property I feel peace come over me, I think it is from all the people that have prayed over the years on the same grounds. Yesterday we brought the 'girls'.  We realized, neither Tequila or Scruffy has seen the lake!  Scruffy a little intimidated but that quickly passed and she would lie down in the water at the shore. Tequila LOVED watching the fish in the water and soon both were in and out all day. Tequila also was quick to learn that when that bobber went there was a fish on the other end! They never left our side. I have such good girls. All the exploring I felt like I was riding a horse this a.m. I was so stiff...  Storm and I had a great day. I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time with my son, especially now that he is 19... he humors me by letting me tag along ;-D 
MUCH to do today! Im teaching at 10, must go get some goodies for ThanksGiving dinner! 
Mostly I must keep my monkey man well fed and hydrated!   xox <><

I can be somewhat of a recluse. Especially with the twitch. I did not get my botox and will not until we can possibly figure out what is going on.  I pretty much twitch all the time with breaks in between of facial peace ;-) I am getting use to it but I still bothers me when I'm out. It is also much worse when I am tired or stressed ;-) So -great excuse to stay home and relax. Who needs an excuse? My favorite place to be is in our backyard. Especially on a day like today. i-pod with chanting monks "Om Mani Padme Hum".. and Deva Premal,  a bit of the Stones thrown in from time to time. Terrific  breeze the pool and LOTS to do. Being a holiday I LOVE it as the entire family is out in the backyard. Me, Norm, Storm, Tequila, Scruffy, Darkie, Jaws, fluffy and even Larry is going to get some fresh air.  Where ever I go I am followed by my 4 legged friends. * Which as you might imagine, makes me miss it even more when I remember that two are missing.  And I never forget, so I guess they kinda still are here. Even as I garden, pull weeds, pick up pooh (the glamourous life of a cartoonist- hee hee) they follow me. (photos below)
I heard all 3 wives around me today bitch at hubby about cutting the grass. ha ha ha  
I did not bitch, I only suggested it - several times- to Storm ;-DD 
Dad is fixing the car... again.  I can't start "the beast" or push it around the entire yard so Storm's job. 
Storm said "O.k. I'm going to go medicate then I'll cut it."  
10 mins later and he was cutting the grass. 
BECAUSE he was medicated. 
NOT STONED.  
Storm is a very hard worker. He does not let his pain stop him from doing what he wants to do. Chronic pain is a way of life for my son. Even sitting too long can cause him great pain.  ***So if your kids is smoking a joint and then sittng on the sofa doing nothing all day - Do me a favor in the future.. blame the kid (part parents) not the Cannabis!  To my son being able work is a luxury. HE also does all his laundry - he does not trust my domestic diva skills when it comes to his clothing.  We are so blessed to have our backyard - I have peace here.. even as I listen to Greg curse (2 door over) as he cuts the grass Hee hee he. I am blessed to have and use this little green eden. I was thankful today I do NOT have a laptop.
Garden inspired  Laughing Buddha  * Features Cannabis, Morning Glories & Poppies 
     3 Of Gods Miracles on the list of a Godzillion!  And you can't go any further.  

A friend asked me if I would help her - She runs a place called Loretto Maryholme,  I have been blessed being able to go there in past for Potlucks (not that kind) ;-) other  events - book readings etc. . Working there today - helping with cleaning the cottages was  amazing.
There is a little log cabin that indians built for the original property owner one of the  Sisters was telling me..  It is full of rooms and has a beautiful wrap around porch and the property is simply breath taking. When I am there I feel better. I feel that because it is a retreat so many people have prayed there I feel it in the air. Surrounded by beauty, looking at the lake.. being in all the rooms imagining all the wonderful events that have taken place there over the many years. Hard not to feel closer to God. 
It can be rented! Or you could attend one of the many retreats. Normally with the EXPO  in a few days I would have declined. BUT I am so happy I did not.
I also get to see some women I LOVE, good friends..  I even enjoyed doing the laundry! LOL

                  http://www.lorettomaryholme.ca

If you want to get away , attend an incredible retreat, meet some beautiful women this is the place for you and if you know me- hey -give me a call Im only a stones throw away! ;-) 
I get paid by the hour but next week I think I'm gonna need an hour nap after the EXPO on that swinging bed in the front porch! hee hee hee  I go on the Monday after the EXPO - I'm going to remember to bring my camera or better yet - SKETCH BOOK!!  ;-)

Waiting now on the Green Reefer... Blog tomorrow and photos! ;-) Going to do some creative stuff!! ;-) xox <><

I was thinking, I'm not sure of anything else that does a GLOBAL day to bring awareness. ALL over the world. ONE day - ONE LOVE.   CLEARLY it is time for this insanity to end. People want to have a choice. I JUST want my son to have his medicine without all the bullshit & STRESS that comes with it.  There I said it! 
I want all the people I now know, to NOT have to feel like a criminal for bringing peace to their minds and bodies! I want them to have safe access to what they DESERVE.  IT is that simple.  *Parents - I am going to start posting child related stories. You know why - BECAUSE there are many of them! Cannabis helping kids who have seisures!  Brain Tumors! Chronic pain! ADHD! AND MORE. The last thing parents should have to worry about is our children's life saving MEDICINE!  I trust in God and his medicine. I have seen how it works DO not judge me or my choices until you have walked in my shoes.   For me it is simple and yes, selfish.  I LOVE my son.  I see him be able to control his pain for the first time in his life.   What I do not see is equally as important - I do not see the constant suffering.   
This is because of CANNABIS.. A PLANT.

I've been paying attention to drug companies now that want to make something 'ALMOST' 'EXACTLY' like it - but without the "high" the 'euphoria' one gets. WHAT the &^%$ is wrong with it!?  Doesn't that just sound insane?  Recently a Patient with his license was criticized for saying "lets get high!"-  What is wrong with feeling GOOD?!!  These people suffer more than most and want to feel GOOD, is that a CRIME ?  Laughter comes easier with Cannabis. Just ask.  I can not tell you the number of people who I have heard say - if they did not have cannabis they would end their life.   
Tomorrow  stand up for what you believe in. 
Peacefully. 
Have faith and Believe. 

Halloween was great, BUSY and the food donations were fantastic.
I am never sad to see it go.  My husband works so hard, my house is a disaster and I'm tired of Halloween when you live with it a great part of the year.  I have one piece that managed to stay out year round. It is hubby's passion and I try to go with the flow.  It keeps him out of my hair. 
So many people we see just once a year, we meet new people all the time, most thank us for all the work obviously put into the Display. That part I love. I've watched so many kids grow in Keswick! The people who tell me what's changed since last year and the things they notice!  How do they see all these details with their eyes closed while screaming! LOL