Yesterday we celebrated ThanksGiving! 
Sitting here today I realize what a Thankful dinner it was, nothing fancy, Mom cooked a ham and scalloped potatoes! & made Storm venison stew! Mom kicked me out of the kitchen - "I don't like anyone around when I'm cooking!" - I get it! I don't like anyone around when I'm painting.  The occasional distraction is nice, but usually - No.  
As it happened we had an unexpected guest!
A friend of Storms who we all know - at first I was like- Do we have enough? lol Then I remembered my friend Roberts quote.. "more than a mouthful is more than enough to share."  something like that.. lol    So, we made a place at the table! 

​Here's the thing... his family just last week lost everything to a devastating fire in Keswick.
Tom is the owner of the original postcard with the dogs.. 'Grass a day' - It did not get lost in
the fire it was in his Barrie apt.  Holy cow.. I don't even know what to say, his family has already been through so much, anyhow- I'm thrilled we had an unexpected guest! We all were.  It made thanks Giving all the more thankful. 

I actually baked a carrot cake - stuffed with cream cheese! It was relaxing, fun & stress free.
Today I painted a little Give away for facebook, The image you see above. I will draw for the original tomorrow.
Why? because I'm thankful I get to paint!
I can mail it to someone to make them happy. 
I can share my gift.  Make a stranger smile.

Amen

Happy Thanks Giving Canada! 

I just wanted to say Thank you!
Thank you to:
`Everyone who supports medical cannabis- even if they do not use it themselves.
`All who do use cannabis and are not ashamed but part of the educational movement - for healthier options for pain relief- mental relief, seizure relief, chronic pain.. you get it.
`Recreational users who also take the time to educate.
`Dr.s who are finally on board and supporting patients and giving them another option.
` Closet smokers - who are coming out of the closet! 
`Politicians who know we are adults who should be permitted to make informed decisions regarding our bodies.
`Kids who educate us by witnessing the miracle of cannabis as a medicine. I have one! 
`People who grow! Show and  then teach others what they know! 
`Women who are talking and toking more than ever - out loud!
`Professionals, actors, 'respected members of the community'  - those in power to be heard  saying something intelligent about cannabis, not contributing to the lies of confusion that already exist.

The list is endless - so, Thank YOU!  
Truly, you are making this journey easier and safer for us all. 

A fan from the first expo invited me to the Lift Expo. How neat was that!
He was even going to come up, get me and bring home. It was really kind of him...
Storm's also going and invited me as well so, I believe I will go.
I am excited as well as a bit nervous, its been a while since I've seen - it will be a new experience to finally go to an expo and take it all in..  We are attending Saturday, I kinda wish I was going Sunday as I prefer the  speakers- a few topics I've been very interested in.  Either way an eventful day! Poppy is joining me so if you go and see us say hello! 

I am giggling because - I am curious to see the Metro convention centre security guard. I hope she is still there. She cracked me up!  I am getting more excited just thinking about it to see everyone! Woo Hoo! 

Tomorrow!! The introduction to my 'International Cannabis collection! 
Lets have some creative fun!  & educate as well as bring attention to cannabis around the world!  First stop: Scotland! 

Believe 
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 <><
​

A few things triggered another argument around here & another weekend where little conversation is happening, what else is new.  

I gave away postcards the other day and someone asked me 'if I could send one to someone' in particular and "tagged' the woman, I checked out her page - as I do & the first post I read said:
                        "There are days I wish I did not survive my brain surgery."

Me too. 

It is something when you have days where you feel the only  creature in on the planet that would miss you when your gone are your dogs.  No wonder I love this little dog so much. 

Time to shut myself in my office and paint.
It is what seems to keep everyone the happiest.

Believe 
<><

Tis the season! & I don't buy gifts. I refuse to go to the mall.
I paint or craft, of course I've left it late so only a couple will be getting a 'real painted' gift.
* I also purchase from other artists and crafters. No 'big store' stuff.  I can, so I do.
I actually have a great idea for another gift - I won't make it for Christmas - I'll make it and gift it during the year - Just because I love the person I am thinking of.  She will love it too.
Oh My Gosh! Did I have fun with Saw 12!
My moms boyfriend Hugh gave me 'two saws' at thanksgiving, the hand saw kind!
What fun! He said - "maybe I'll get one back" with a big grin. I like Hugh!
He is interesting, every now and then he or I mention stuff that - no one else ever seems to know...  lol Like Oblio and Arrow. Hugh knew. 
He bought me great books last christmas - one about the gentleman responsible for the dictionary.. should technically, be called the Dicktionary.. hee hee hee.
Anyhow,  he loves elephants and I NEEDED to paint so  I did. Talk about meditation.
I started at 6 and finished at 8 with a few breaks here and there.
I looked at elephants on the computer - but  I didn't have anything in front of me when I painted,  (no ink) this elephant is mostly imagination. I thought of elephants as I painted.
Today, I'm inspired to do a drawing- probably won't get it done until after the holidays about another elephant " I am not a body, I am free! I am as God created me!" is the title.
Have a   peek at Hugh's Elephant - Saw 12!  He promised me he would not peek at my blog.
I can't wait to paint the other for our own home. 
back to making more Christmas gifts...

have Faith
<>< xox

There is nothing like nature to bring me back to where I need to be. I believe it's the same with most of us.  Reading A Course in Miracles-  I was reminded simply: 
I am here. 
Every leaf, every stone, every bird every mushroom reminds me of God and Jesus and a presence that surrounds and comforts me - should I take the time to only stop, look & listen. 
While away, I couldn't stop thinking about fall- the colors the 'death of a season' getting  ready for snowfall and then rebirth in spring!  Birds are it for me- I can't take my eyes off of them. I was fortunate to see many bluejays while away and a giant woodpecker &  a deer family that visited at least 2 times a day. BUT - I missed 'My' bluejays who were born near my house & I have watched since babies. I am in love with Bluejays. They are curious, beautiful and funny. I have about 3 babies who visit regular & have no problems letting me know - there are no nuts in the bowl! 
Nature- it just does it's thing.  A reminder - God looks after us.  
Keep going, enjoy the sunshine, leaves, birds and small creature comforts that surround us and make us part of the planet. 
I am here.
Who walks with me? Always.
I know.
I can't find anything more comforting to me, than that.  
​
More nature from my mini Halliburton stay. Give thanks.
I hope too, some of you are enjoying a glimpse of Canada - rocks and trees - lol
I'm not sure of any of the 'mushroom names' and can't attempt to figure them out so..lol DONT EAT any from the wild! Unless you are positive they are NOT poisonous.
Can deer eat mushrooms that would kill us? I wonder....
Below also my best deer photo. My friend who lives up there - takes these beasts for granted- He see's them all the time- I think he was getting tired of me:  
"Jim! Come see the deer!!"      lol! 
I could not get enough - it's my new goal.  
I want a place to go and watch the deer & be closest with my creator... when ever I want.
Note to self:  * Let's make it happen Georgia!  ;)  How will I get my bluejays to come along?
The bluejay photos are from my backyard.

Have Faith
<>< xox
​

 While exploring  Instagram, thinking about ThanksGiving & finetooning  a fall cartoon
I took a tea break & received an e mail from the Georgina Public Library  stating  
hey would be  thrilled to have "The Mayor" visit them for the month of October!
To encourage little readers with a flair for the creepy side (Kids love 'CREEPY') to have fun and get a smile or startle when 'The Mayor Of Halloween Town' turns and speaks to them!

I volunteered a coloring sheet!  It was a great excuse to sit in front of my favourite Halloween flick - Tim Burtons - Nightmare Before Christmas and have a bit of coloring page idea doodling! 
If you get the chance  stop in - get a good book & visit the Mayor! 

Poppy & I plan on visiting early next week for some fall reading material!
We will take a selfie with The Mayor while he is away from home! 

Any good  reading suggestions?

The next few days are busier than usual... It's nearly time for a fall feast, it promises to be a beautiful day full of sunshine & too many dishes to mention! 
If I am able to post, I will.

Much on the drawing board as well on my mind. 

Have Faith
<>< xox

I'm not sure why.. but every time we're in Walmart *with poppy in her vest - employees feel it is their job to question me.  Here is the thing (and I get it that they do not understand) I go just to get out,  to get a break, to think, buy my birds peanuts & I can only buy what I can carry (Norm loves it) and every time they talk to me - they force me to respond (or I feel rude- must get over that) and it triggers my face and I am in pain - and stressed - "here we go" and  my simple outing to Walmart turns into a reminder of all thats going wrong with this face. 
I know when I cry - I'm not crying over Walmart (please)  I am crying because of this illness that is very difficult to deal with socially, mentally & physically. ONCE someone starts to speak to me and they witness the side of my face and neck pulling- they usually shut up.
Too late.  I was assured by the store manager: employees wold be spoken to and reminded not to address a service dog- clearly he did not get to all of them..  rather than cry I came home and drew.

A simple little toon that I will be walking over - hopefully, later today.
2 -one for the mens staff/change room and one for the women (if they have that?)
I threw in the treat them like everyone else - 'ignore them' - for a giggle
I am after all a cartoonist.
I have decided to make little cutouts of this and have the 'Walmart space' left blank..
I was in another store on the weekend and the woman said:
"Oh yes, service dogs are permitted but YOU MUST carry them.."   lol
Oh my Gosh, I couldn't even respond! Really? What if it was a Lab? 

* I will again share - Poppy is very well behaved and trained, everywhere we go = people come right up to me - especially ones with the same breed and comment on her behaviour,
don't kid yourself - if you come here - she barks!  It is the pack mentality then that takes over.  We walked past a woman (inches away) and her dog never stopped - Poppy just strolled right past! So proud of my little Poppy. - As for the not barking - how did I train her? I think she just knows.  I look forward to our next library visit this week! 

I am not angry with anyone at walmart- how could they understand?
Clearly there is an issue for people with service dogs.  This, I hope is a start to education.
I will NEVER again explain what is wrong with me to any employee at any store.
I won't even speak I'll have these little cards and on the back will say: if it's a problem, I suggest you get your store superior/contact number for head office
They can write it right the back!  Poppy power! ( TY Jo- lol)

The journey continues..  ;)
Teach only love... change hearts and minds one toon at a time.
Tomorrow an anti social media toon - lol - that being said:
I have a new account on instagram:  georgia.toons   check it out! ;)

Have faith
​<>< xox

To think when Norm first asked me if I wanted Poppy (not yet born, or named- lol) 
I said: 'No'.
Why - because I had just had surgery - it was not successful, I could hardly walk right let alone look after a new pup. He persisted.. I said - Only "if" it was dark, and sure enough - Poppy was the only dark pup in the litter. 8 weeks later my tiny, tiny puppy sat on my lap and has not jumped off since!  Only to pee and chase squirrels..  o.k. No, joking. 
Poppy became my little lap dog and so much more. 

Her first year was all about teaching, protecting, educating the other dogs and loving her.
She started to "service" me before I even realized. She is now 2.
When I have my severe attacks, she jumps up, licks my face -(which she hardly ever does) and  makes a little squeaking noises.. I find before I know it, I'm focusing on her and NOT what is happening to me- I remember to breath and pray - this will pass. It's that simple.
She has become my 'comfort pill'.  Healthier than any addictive anxiety medication. *AND this is not anxiety.  Problem is- she is so darn cute- no one takes her seriously. 
Or me...  but a recent chain of events pushed me past 'that' point.  
I was told very recently told "you're too nice".  I'm not too nice! lol
 I just don't want to get people into trouble- sometimes I don't think they even realize what they do/say - I don't know all the time! 
From NOW on, I will be taken seriously and so will Poppy.

We will just have to work harder. Right Jo! Right Cathy! (Thanks Ladies - lol) 
That is exactly what we are doing!  I honestly will admit to crying over my Walmart experience with Poppy. The entire confrontal "What's wrong with you!" thing has just embarrased and depressed me. I just want to buy my f*cking bird seed.  
Not be questioned about Poppy every time go in the store.  My bluejays love peanuts and I walk there to get them. It gets me out.  It keep me focusing on walking and living! I only hope I can continue do it in the winter.  So, I was feeling at my end and I remembered to ask - lol  How simple is this.

I asked God for help in resolving this matter, I feel too tired to deal with issues sometimes.
The next day the very first e mail is is from care2 and it's all about service dogs! 
The first phone call is from Walmart head office..  from what I understand the matter has been addressed and I won't be having anymore issues. Thank you Walmart.
Then I find out September is service dog month!  So,  I decide to take Poppy to her first library visit! Storm drove me and in we went.  All was wonderful, we strolled around, looked at some books, she just stayed by my side, never made a peep. This was my biggest concern- she does not bark when I take her anywhere but not in the library! Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
I decided to read  the latest national geographic - animal issues and sure enough a few pages in and it's about dogs that help people! We sat and read about bloodhounds and 'pitties'. 
It was quite relaxing, Poppy glanced out the window from time to time at passers by. 
We walked home from there and a hike it was!  I did make a stop on the way and met a handsome young man named London. Cool name.  So - it was a great experience! A win win day! Thank you! 

I plan on sharing every great experience! A new adventure awaits! 
 I did not ask for this & I will not be shamed by it. 
Poppy is my service dog - if you don't get that - the problem is yours not mine. 
PLEASE show some understanding if you see someone with a service dog and PLEASE do NOT be quick to judge.  I know now - it could be for many reasons. 

Linda shared she saw a woman at Upper Canada Mall  one day  with a little dog, in a pink vest with a  pink bow in it's head being pushed around in a stroller ?  I don't get that. 
I do not agree with a dog in a stroller - lol  How is this good for a dog? AND yes, I do think this woman is NOT helping with the issue but I don't know her & I don't care, it is the malls decision not mine.

I care about being able to continue to explore this world with Poppy by my side. 
She is able to provide me with comfort at a time when humans  only seem to look at me with judgement & confusion.

Have Faith.
I must just simply remember this myself, certainly not worth wasting tears over. 

Tomorrow is the day! Tomorrow I will be posting the photo of the mini saw blade for someone to WIN FREE anywhere in the wold!!  Planting the seed of Love all over! Hahaha!
Just as it has been shown to me.  Get ready! All you have to do is comment! 
Have a terrific day! I'm off to paint!
<><  xox 

A full blown head cold, messing with my mind.  ;(  It's been a week.
Still dealing with feeling more tired than usual, I've been taking it easy  but not feeling like physically crafting/painting as much,  * mentally I still do. I'm happy to report as soon as I finish this entry - the paint is going to hit the  saw blade! The mini blade to be won by someone! 

Soon a new work of  art - I'm excited,  a new piece in mind called: 'Passerine Queen Flora'! 

Also on my mind... Poppy.  
Rather than allowing myself to get frustraited about how some 'see Poppy' - until they do I will continue to educate.  Teach Only Love. 
This is not an easy task -  think, think, think...  
Well! I have been taking Poppy with me to Shoppers Drugmart, easily a year, and they  never have even made mention. On our last visit she did have on her 'new vest' & was noticed and got a few more smiles but thankfully, no attention. 
She also must get use to her new position. "woot, woot" I am writing them a thank you card "Georgia Toons" style! and delivering it on Friday when I mail out my next batch. 
I have a couple of other places as well!  
The reason for this is I have had issues, leaving me feeling  depressed about not being able to get out.  It does not take much... I can admit, to keep me from going out.  
 I feel a strange sense of power with this little creature that cares for me & looks our for me. - and IF she was a big dog - no one would even question me. ;(  What is with people.  Wait until you see the first idea we are working on! More On Poppy tomorrow - It's national Service dog month!!!

My friend Todd Stimson wrote me from jail. 
If you knew Todd like I know Todd- your heart would break a little.. Todd wrote he had to physically defend himself. Bloodied hands.  Todd is the sort of guy who would not start a fight, he probably would not have to resort for violence - he is thoughtful, charming and I feel naturally - a lover, not a fighter.  I am sure Kerry his lovely wife would agree. & THAT is what JAIL does not non-violent offenders.  
Being beaten down, mentally & physically for growing plants. PLANTS.  On top of this he misses both his daughters so bad, I can feel his tears in his letters. 
For what?    Plants.   

Good News.. another court case was won. 
Cannabis is a medicine recognized in this country by the Supreme Court of Canada!
Not only are we now 'legally' permitted to eat our medicine - I've no doubts in my mind 
Seriously ill patients permitted to grow their medicine will be able to continue to do so.
Thank God, I know several people who were truly talking about ending their lives. People who do not want to take drugs that cause them to feel worse than the actual disease killing them!  If you leaned about  serious opiates - you would prefer more people used Cannabis. So many reasons.  TRY! Learn! Research! 
Turn off the tube and turn on your mind! ;)

People who hunt to hunt. Big Game.  I saw the bear video circulating on the internet, I did not know what I was watching until it was already started and it was disgusting. YES, I am making a judgement call.. COLD, nasty, senseless, cruel murder of an innocent creature.
Do you know the numbers of animals left remaining on this planet that we destroy.   
For what?  NOT the meat.  Not for necessity... For a HEAD on a wall.  
It is a level of selfishness unlike any other.  I don't know what to do about it, do you? 
I feel though the tides are turning against such actions, and the hunters will become the hunted if not careful. Some comments I have read on these stories make me realize there are people out there as passionate against big game killing as we are about our own lives.
Drawing about this today. I woke up with it on my mind.

Check out what this woman is doing: http://www.fear-project.com
AWESOME! What are you afraid of? 
I submitted an entry. I think she is saving minds and lives, really.

That's all for now..  time to PAINT that mini saw blade! 
Tomorrow a blog on Poppy
Saturday - I will post the mini saw blade and then leave it a few days - enough time for a few to enter if they wish. Tuesday the 22nd- in honour of Storms 23- I will give a gift to a stranger! 

Have faith 
xox
<><