Just Keep Swimming! Just keep swimming...  
It's all we can do Dori!
Just keep swimming.  Who better to enjoy some seeweed than Dori - right? 
These scans so not do my work justice, the colors are so vibrant... Dori almost swims off the page.  She has - she is already on her way to a new home!! 
I have a friend, once she saw Dori she had to have her! There are a few Dori fans as I had inquires as to when she was going to be complete.  I do not normally sell my art but I had an idea & IT was a fantastic one!  I asked if she would be interested in bartering.  
I desperately need a new easel- mine wobbles, can’t be adjusted, I’ve had it since high school and it frustrates more than anything- we'll I have a new easel being delivered this week! Eeeeeeeeee!!! I can’t wait.  
I’m cleaning my painting room today! Canvas are getting ready.  
I could have just asked for payment but this way - I have a gift of an easel from my art & a friend!  How cool is that? To create more art with MORE TLC & THC. 
Hurry up Mr. Postman! 

Just keep swimming… Speaking of scans..  today I’m off for a MRI with contrast.  
To see if things have stayed the same or have grown OR have gotten smaller or disappeared! Right?? Positive thinking!! I’m on the best medicine after all.  My friend Steve tells me “I have much work to do..”  lol,  
I’m not happy, I don’t want to go, my neurologist argued with me..  I don’t see the point, if it’s nothing that can be touched anyhow.  Or nothing they can DO and I am still living with what I am.  I’m going, I promised I would. This time anyhow.
More on this when I get my results, I’m making cards for a very select FEW.   Stay tuned.

I’m also going to see my friend Jodie before my scan so that is always interesting.  We’ll most likely talk about everything but (lol) it’s going to be busy today.

Right now.. just keep swimming, just keep swimming..    it’s all we can do.
Swimming into the painting room! Oh, I tell you, when it arrives, I’m locking myself in my room for at least a week!  Imagine what will emerge.

Give Thanks!  It’s all good, I was waiting for a miracle.. funny - I expected one at Christmas, but got the call for this MRI 2 days later-  so perhaps this is it!
​Positive, Positive, Positive.

Have faith!!
xox <><​

I do believe in the power of prayer, so if you’re reading this, and would not mind -  send me up a few! Thanks!

Back again!  hee hee  
I wonder if snails get high.

My little fox is having fun hanging out on my desk...
Todd sent me another photo he colored from jail. One of his last - he is counting down- under 100days left!  Might be under 75 now. I will start to think about his welcome home card!   I gave out postcards on IG yesterday...  today, I mail them off!  
​Out into the world, the furthest from this batch is going to Germany!

Time to paint - I couldn't wait today to start- with a card...  for a friend, of course.

By the Grace of God we'll all have a fantastic day!
<><
xox

'I was mailed a few gifts recently! Talk about feeling loved. ;)
 & believe it or not - I was gifted TWO recycled buddha bottles in the same day- I think LB is calling!! One was transformed into a wonderful incense burner (seen below) it works terrific as you can see in the photos, all the way from my friend Toti in Mexico! Talk about make me smile, her handsome hubby *I tell him this all the time, I cant help myself, he has such a wonderful smile...  he put some TLC  into this buddha bottle for me.  Earlier in the same day my pal Cathy came over with a 'Buddha Totem' recycled garden art! Complete with a bee glass my friend Dave from high school gifted me! -It is such a beautiful reminder by the pond of my friends, sunshine and  life in general!  I am so inspired I might try to make one!

Tara Roberts- a glass artist I've become IG friends with also send me a slice of her recent millie pull! Alice in wonderland! It's pointillism with glass IMO,  I shared the images before - Tara and her  partner - Jason also a glass artist are now working on a wolf in the forrest!
I hold the tiny pieces in my hand and admire the patience and work that goes into this glass masterpiece!  The rose in Taras piece was made by Jerry Kelly. It's so small, it amazes me to hold it. I have a bigger  rose and I also have been playing with it in a drawing.. more on that later!

I also had this woman make me a set of dish towels! I approached KC Kush on IG and asked if she would be interested in BARTERING, she said sure! We made a mutual agreement and  exchanged gifts! The thing was she did not really know me and she researched -  I received the dish towels and thanked her! I then - gifted a couple to friends - it's what its all about- they too loved them! Spreading the love one tea towel and POT holder at a time  ;) 
I was honest and told her I loved them, but I daunting out in the kitchen - I kept one town for my studio desk, I love it- being black - you do not see all the INK when I clean my brushes.  It turns out she read my blog and then made me a custom apron!!  
I clearly now own the coolest cutom Cannbis apron ever - called it.
K.C.Kush on Instagram  It is comfortable, funky & fun - not to mention my 2 favourite colors! She has an ETSY shop if anyone is interested: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pnwcannacreations

I like to 'gift' art as you might be aware and yes it is nice to get gifts in the mail, letters, cards, stickers, notes, books! My gosh - I just got two books from Norway! lol - perfect timing for the gazebo reading hour.  It's true give and you get back.  
​I tell you, I love each gift as much as the other - each was sent with TLC - that is what means most to ME. 

I'm going in my painting room now to paint a GIFT for friends...  cause thats what it's all about. 

tomorrow - the BEEhouse boxes. ;)

Believe
<><
​ xox

Instagram fun.
I am drawing a green sloth for my newest barter agreement.
With a talented young lady in Taiwan.  From what I see she draws mostly on her iPad.
It’s not just the drawing I like - but her creativity!  
I think she would make a good cartoonist as she gets the point across with a single drawing.

I watched for  bit, she follows me - its how we were introduced, I asked her 'what do you want..'  A GREEN SLOTH.   lol  A Sloth it is and I learned some pretty amazing sloth facts!  Great conversation for the diner table. Did you know there use to be Sloths  the size of elephants!  Prehistoric sloths.. and they swim- much faster than they move - who knew. 

As a bonus  - I was having so much fun painting my sloth, I forgot to make him green so, I have two on the go, I will put it on Etsy. You will see the other after it reaches it's final destination! I love this.   I had another Etsy sale the other day ! Thank you!!
​
Storm commented (when I shared info. about the newest artist I was bartering with) “it’s like your studio all over again mom, you see a kid with talent and you go that extra bit to encourage them…”  I thought: It IS!!  I can!!  
How wonderful! No cricket club but it will have to do!  I am THRILLED.

My only concern is to make sure the parent are o.k. with me sending them ‘snail mail’. 
Hee hee, I like to add a couple of little things. ‘Canadian’ , I found these BIG chocolate Toonies and I tape a real one to the back. I think it’s interesting, I giggle as I sit here- I’m sure some reading are rolling their eyes.. I care not. I always include some form of maple syrup - mmmmmmm. If I havnt eaten it all.

I make sure the person - wants to exchange. I never know age - I don't really care..  Someone is trying to draw and express themselves and  shares it with all of us. ;)  
This is a reason I also think it's an interesting way to meet others.  I would also be using if I was single to meet others with the same interests. Who cares if they live far away- it shouldn't stop us from forming friendships. 
Another talented young man puts ‘Dogs heads on humans’, such a distinct look already!
 I had to tell him.  If you ever have the opportunity to ‘really encourage' someone younger - in your profession for example,  please take it. 

I feel special as well, my friend Hunter in the USA , who I bartered with shared his ‘picking a prom jacket photo’ with me  ;) 

Well its’ time to get back to the Sloth.

This too made me smile.  (Photo Below)
Happy, I can make someone feel happy.  Check out that smile!
It’s as big as my cats - are you smiling??  See! That is how it works.  ;) 

Believe 
Have faith 
<><
xox 

We have a ritual in this house.. it's called reading.   I  introduced it to Storm very early & encouraged it big time.  I am beyond thrilled, he still LOVES to do so.
In the morning before we start all else, we read I start at 4-6 and *Storm usually up at 8.
It's wonderful when he joins me with a book as he did this morning.  BUT...  the sun is shining! I was up early...

Norm woke up having to clean vomit - off our bed  - just appeared, when Poppy ( Poppy is so delicate)  woke up - me still lying in bed- now gagging! Good Morning!! 
I was having a great low twitch morning also! ;)
Then he stood in Poppy Poo!  Me giggling now..  we go down stairs have coffee he puts on his boots for work and the cat has peed in them.  I am laughing out loud at this, the universe is in alignment! Ha, serves him right for all the smart ass remarks as of late.  
Back to reading.. so,  Storm joins me and makes a point to say "I'm reading."
A bit of time passes.. I am myself and  can't seem to  keep quiet this morning.. he turns straight faced and says:

it took a moment to sink in.. he looks at me I look at him and he starts giggling with a smirk. I am too.. so I draw - another thing I do every morning.. he reads.  Time passes he gets up walks over take one glance at my drawing and burst out laughing!! Me too!  He did not even read it - just the look on  Poppys face was enough.  He said "it sounds bad when you say it like that!"   (Still laughing) I say - "That is how you said it!"  lol 
He goes up to the shower and I hear him still laughing in the shower a few moments later.  
What a wonderful moment. Give thanks. 

I ask: Have you  set up your instagram account yet? ...Cause your making you debut! #Ilovestorm  #ilovemyson

Then Norm came home! Day off! Woot Woot! I got work for him to do! lol 
me - I'm about to medicate- draw & 'see', if I am in correct - Bird loves Elvis.
Me too Bird! Me too!

Believe 
xox <><

P.S: New cannabis art soon. Compassion and cannabis = love.
I painted a postcard for Todd too BTW, in jail - hearing about Canada - shaking his head - wondering... why the F*ck am I sitting here for growing plants ;(

 I keep telling him "God had a reason - look, listen and learn!"
That applies to all of us - every second of every day!
 Time to paint!!! 
;)

You've got mail!  
IT might be mine.  A joke - no, I'm not laughing.
What you see above is *MAIL** just picked up from our mail box with OUR very own private key - that I paid $35.00 so I could have the lock changed a while back.. mail that was in our mailbox - you know the big kind everyone is getting, that you go to with your keys to pick up your mail safely from the BOX with YOUR own key - Am I making myself clear??Here is more proof, I am documenting every time - I've had it!
Could you imagine IF we were receiving OUR medicine through Canada POST!? 
I argue with my son - almost daily - 'Please go check the mail'...  
I don't like going out- it's simple the cold hurts my face, balance, I don't like seeing people  - in the summer it's a different story. lol -
BUT Now, please go check the mail has turned into:
'I need the mail checked STUFF is going missing!!'

What do you do? Who do you blame- talk about frustration. Accidents happen all the time - this is proof - I get it - and if this is your job - man it must get mundane- BUT,  privately addressed for a neighbour * Norm has already delivered to the CORRECT address.
these are bank papers - identity theft is on the rise- and here is more than most  would need to know!   Check out how they tell us to keep safe from identity theft:

https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/kb/details.page?article=how_to_prevent_mail_&cattype=kb&cat=security&subcat=identifytheft  

Collect your mail daily! I would IF it was IN the CORRECT box - Canada Post.
Why am I upset? It's not a one time thing-  mails is going missing! 
I've had items I ordered never delivered. If you read this blog you know just before Christmas again, a very small package - never got it.
It was replaced by the shipper and I felt bad about it.  
Did we become targets when Health Canada mailed out their letters addressed for all to see? 
If I'm getting wrong mail  - someone is getting OUR mail. 
Imagine if it was Storms medicine OR mine- I forget about me- I think of him first - 
and was delivered to the wrong home - and lets say - its not such a trust worthy person, who is slightly curious, and more than slightly dishonest- well: kiss the mail goodbye.
I hate to think any such people exist in Keswick..  Ontario... Canada!  - lol 
I've been called naive before.

Why do we have this service and pay taxes - for what?
Proof- shit happens, mistakes are being made all the time... more than mistakes - things are being stolen that are not addressed to the person that they belong to.
Stealing is exactly what it is.  

Tell me what can be done? Do you know?
Really, I don't know what to do - the www. offers a royal run around - and simply suggests you deliver mail if not yours even though 'they are legally' responsible.
Legally responsible for setting us up for identity theft.  This is beyond frustrating.
No wonder, I 'demand' the mail is checked daily - they tease me - I TELL Storm - "Please GO, before  others come home & check their mail, incase & we get a key and they take out mail from A or B box.'  Its a fact. I wish I did not even think it, let alone say it - live it, trust me.

It is to the point, I don't think I will order anything that comes via Canada Post and is important to us. I don't trust the service any longer. 
Do you have my mail? If so kindly deliver it to the correct address. 

Belive
​<>< xox

Tomorrow, Alice.

,I am really enjoying Instagram!! 
You don't really know anything about anyone.  Only what you SEE. lol
It is more sharing your own images that someone else's.
Unless stated you don't know if it is a man or woman & there is far less politics than FB
WAY LESS Trump - and that makes it worthwhile right there.  

You can select who you want to 'follow' based on visual - I've said it a million times - I'm visual & I am a visual learner- Craftsy- Youtube, Pin bring it on!
There ARE no excuses any longer!  What catches my attention on IG is NOT WHO but What! For example before Christmas - I was drawn into & curious by the artwork of one person named 'Konrad'- I assumed a man - haunting images - I  cant read the language - yet the images keep me coming back and I follow.
To make a long story short I approached Konrad * (Now by another more feminine name I call her I'll keep it a secret!) with a message and ask if 'they ? - would be interested in _Bartering Christmas cards?
That is how it begins, the next thing I know, I now have a wonderful new penal in Russia!! 
She wants to learn English - so, the deal is Now we exchange mail only by snail mail! ;)
I'm excited!! I got her package first! It was such a wonderful gift! She still does not have mine, I am not worried as a package I sent to Norway Dec. 5th Just arrived the other day! Almost 2 months to the date! So, Russia- it might be a few more days.
The timing was blessed - I was on a roller coaster with news of Jamie,  it was nice to have such a neat, cool, 'Russia!?' - little 'pick me up reminder from my  incredibly talented Russian friend! Who knew?  How cool is this world Right now?  Please - I asked her and she said it's o.k. Go check out her work.. WORK it is, she is also a student is a 'institution for architecture. I see the amount of work, passion and thought she outs into her drawings!
This is another talented young woman going places! Konrad. ;)

Storm has teased me, I cant stop eating the chocolates- even tho I was going to share them with everyone- they have the cutest little wrapper.. 
From Russia with Love-  both Norm & Storm thought it was very cool - so I guess - you just have to ask.

Once I learned more - like He was a She, and only in her early 20's - a student, l I made sure to ask her, to tell her mom what we were doing.  ;) Mom first.  All is good.
I can tell you, her English is better than mine already - her vocabulary extensive.
I guess she is using a dictionary right now to translate my letters and write back,  what a job  for her and I am honoured that she is taking this task - one I know, I would not even attempt.  I wonder how much she retains- I am sure it's quite a bit- I can tell by her work- she pays attention to detail.
I am very pleased to have a new friend. I've blogged about Mona before, my young friend I  wrote to many  many MOONS ago - we too, are friends on instagram. 30 years later (?) I am keeping my account more to for my visual mind, stimulation if you will.  I am following only a few artists and will change so my feed changes.
More drawing and meditation. I'm trying a new online brain meditation also.  
​We've just started and agreed to be snail mail pals, today I wrote to Yasunori Abe-in Japan, to be continued tomorrow!  & Todd in prison. 

I honestly do feel a connection to a few people - I'm not one to question why or try to understand. This young woman is gifted and here for a reason - this much I know.
Aren't we all? Her package warmed OUR heart- TEA! It's tea in the lipton doll, (duh)I have 'Lipton french onion soup' on the brain!  I read the name and...  anyhow, its wonderful.
Every drop... 'from Russia with Love! <*Just saying that makes Norms day. Bond freak, that he is.

Thank you for the gift of today. 
Believe
​xox <><