Robert was my first unofficial guest to our new home... He was the the person who hooked up the internet.  It was an incredibly hot day and he was on the roof.  Robert is proof if you have good employees it can help your business.  I've not beeen pleased with 'the company' he works for but I was impressed with his patience & kindness.  He was polite, & friendly & professional.  ​He reminds me of my own son & makes me miss my own son.   

Due to circumstance, Robert had to visit a few times and we've become friends ;).  He has chickens! I'm excited about getting chickens (hopefully this summer)  I have fresh eggs.
Learning portriat painting- you need humans, I prefer to take my own photos so I can get the light exactly so.  Robert  informed during his visits- he loves to fish, so I asked him to go & take a few photos of his fish hut for me  (I even drew a photo of how I'd like to see it).. he did and then I put it together in my studio.  His fish hut has a personality of it's own.

Robert liked his painting, when I first showed him he blushed! hee hee hee
His smile said it all & I am very happy he's happy.  I might paint Robert again in the future with one of his chickens.  When he was holding his painting I could see - I did do a fairly good job!  Both of us pleased.

I'm meeting so many lovely people up here..  everyday I wake excited to continue the adventure.  The next 3 portraits are lined up already & DeSerres delivers right to my door- happy day!  I ordered 10 canvas - today I start my next Portrait.

I am not a fan of ice fishing, Robert assures me that the ice is VERY thick and no harm shall come to him.   I was thinking of thin ice..  I read in the 12 rules for life-- Beware the thin ice on which we all skate.  Yep.  
It's difficult not to think of ice and snow.. surrounded by it, apparently we are to get more SNOW... weee.  20 cm.  Weee.. I'm also painting Bill the 'wood' guy too - my other new friend. lol   Enjoy your day!  I will!

​Georgia

On my mind... I have happy dogs.  Ginger in particular is happy & chatty, providing constant amusement & smiles.  She is the opposite with strangers. My dogs love me & they know I love them..
All this land and Daisy never leaves the property - she circles it silently,  looking for rascals.  I've been reading & painting, painting & reading.  My truck was broke but my mechanic fixed it, not that I minded being house bound. I love it. 
I've made a new best friend the past 8 months.  Me.  

I've been reading 12 rules for life. I kept hearing about this guy.. a twitch from medication, detoxed in Russia, put into a coma to avoid withdrawal - then at the library I mentioned his name to the lovely librarian, she walked over & pulled it off the shelf, right in front of me.  
I believe it is by far one of the best books ever wrote and recommend it to all.  
        12 rules for life - an antidote to chaos  once again I was reminded of my limited (by choice) outside influences and realize 'this guy' - is allover youtube- you can watch many of his talks.  I like to encourage reading- it stimulates the brain.  I had to look up a few words. 'Nihilism' for one...  lol  Glad, I am not one who practices'.  He is Canadian, I giggled several times reading his book and pondered `Do Australians know what we mean when we say: Your on thin ice mister!!  
More on that later...next

It's Saturaday, I have a full day of painting and more planned.
Norms busy building- something. 

Teachers- Have you ever taught in an elementary school for a week?  You would understand VERY quickly WHY they DO deserve more money...  more than most hockey, football players or politicians'.

I read about a life prisoner murdering 2 known child pedophiles in jail.  I think he will be praised.  I'm not sure how I feel about it... Good in truth, I guess.  2 less terrible people on the planet.  Apparently, they were watching 'kids tv shows', taunting other inmates..
I know this happens I've discussed it in detail with my brother, who is no stranger to the prison system in Canada.  They also watch hunting shows, movies like the Dukes of Hazard,  (mindless crap) often violent & degrading to women in many regards.
Negative television  & news (in an already very negative environment)  only fuels anxiety in jail.    It is common sense to most of us out here- probably not a good choice.
My brother said "we don't care.. out of sight out of mind." He is writing a book on the topic in hopes of educating others...  nothing like first hand experience.
I agreed, out of sight out of mind but it is not that I think; we don't care as much as-
WE don't know.
It needs to be addresses for EVERYones sake. The sooner the better.
The fact that they are 'in jail' and  "authorities" seem to show no initiative for the  opportunity of EDUCATIONAL television is confusing to me. What any T.v> give them books.  You might not think this is important but most come out nastier than when they go in...  & they do, get out.  Fact. 

This railway protesting & RCMP are creating animosity and more hatred directed specifically toward indigenous people in Canada. 
I am with them.  I thank them.  I appreciate what they are doing for us.
We should be concerned only at this point about the health of Canada. Eh.
Gas? GREED. $$$$$$$$  
Short term jobs for Canadians - Long term and often permanent damage to our environment, plants, creatures- great & small.   
I'm so grateful to be surrounded by trees & birds, snow...  more than you know.

Now for some Saturday Morning fun:
The original Skunk & skunk . hee hee 

My next kitty will be orange.  
We have to get a kitten as to train her to like bird (like a brother - not a snack).  

We had a cat die not long ago.. she was sick for a while & it makes me sad to think of her,  with the move and all - I did not let it effect me like it usually does - I couln't.
We still have 'Fluffy' - very old cat, who remained with Norm during the transition, Fluffy was our outdoor cat that alwasy came home at night. Up here, I'm worried because she is so old that she  will  go out into the forest & not come back.  
These things, I finally understand are all part of life.. part of the journey.
Cats go missing...   Humans too.     

I'm getting a kitten & it will be able to go out the dog door into the enclosed area behing the house - to explore, the dogs can do their business. The plans have been drawn! Oh my, the plans.. Norms 'to do' list is longer than the driveway, I laugh.. everytime I tell someone.  Norm has already been offered a job - or two.  
Norm has a new boss & he knows it. Me.
This house needs a new floor - this 'parkay' has seen it's day!  
Then, he has a shop to build...  & a studio.

I'm painting! To fill my studio!  I have a new quote I found  & have printed it for our daily reminder:                                Work like God.  
                                               No task too humble.
                                              No scheme too grand.       ~R. Doughty

Amen! 

This orange kitty was imagined.  I have at least 6 that people have sent me  kitty photos via Instagram.  I plan on painting a few of them...
I'm going to send out a love calling into the universe for our new kitty to enter our home- An orange one that won't eat bird.  Time to bring in some wood- it's getting COLD tonight.
Norm & I will sauna just so we can run into the house at these temperatures and have our own private Polar bear run.  hee hee hee

with TLC & THC
Georgia

I paint a lot of dogs..  I think I'll practice a few kitties. 
Cannabis is human catnip. ;)  Makes us feel good- relaxed, energetic and playful... mostly.
Some still are experiencing some aniexity -mostly- NOT regular users.
I've tried to educate some friends - who are using it NOW for pain, they want to try.. the trick I believe is having it in your system so you don't feel STONED.  
Have a little bit in the morning if your sore & stiff.  
Do I recommend people using it at work?  Do you take  pain killers (pills) at work?
Then there is your asnser.

If you are taking it to 'get high' at work & not focusing on your job - do not blame Cannabis when you lose our job.  

​I woke the other day with sniffles.. not  a good sign for many and a reason for a bit of fear... I am isolated.  I see no one unless I invite them.  I will admit - yes, I am a bit of a germaphobe. I feel as though I've been sick for so long (this TN a daily reminder)  I don't take any chances & have not for years.. I remember  last winter when I kicked out one of my best friends for showing up sick, after a long drive.   No thanks.  Today I feel fine.
Do not visit me if you are not feeling well.  We prefer to remain cold/flu/virus free.  

I do think of my son daily, I get - business must continue, work must continue... life continues.  Virus or no virus. When I think of the countless cruises I experienced... I know how confining/helpless you can feel on a ship as I did once in particular, after a bought of serious sea sickness - all I wanted at the time was to be at home & in my own bed- not in the middle of the ocean...  I feel for those people.  The cruise business I feel is going to go under.  I watched a doc on cruise lines - they are terrible on their own, never mind the virus, they are bad for the environment,  sexual abuse is at a high since there is no policing, it makes it complicated if raped on a crusie ship - educate yourself & your family before YOU go.
​They pollute the oceans  and now are contained water quarantine camps.   

Today, I will focus on LOVE - not because of Valentines day but because  the world needs a little more love right now..    I'll send some love into the universe & hope you do the same.
Want me to paint your kitty? Send me an image.  No, I won't give you the painting but I will share the image with you.  georgiatoons@gmail.com

Back to kitties, love and washing my hands.

With TLC & THC
Georgia

To see a time-lapse of this kitty being created  visit either of my IG pages:  
Forever grateful greetings or Georgia. Toons.
Have a CREATIVE day!
​

Is it Or, Orr, Ore.. or Oar?   I learned just now, it is Oar.  
The long stick that you row your boat with... not with this stick tho.  ;)

This Oar was painted for my son! I gave him it blank for Christmas  & asked him what he wanted on it.  I can't express my glee when someone noticed it and before I could say anything - he said  " Nice Pike!"  
Weeee!  lol  He knew it was a Pike.  I don't fish.  I just paint fish.
They kinda all look the same to me so to have a fisherman know it was a pike - was perfect.

I've sold 2 Oars already.  They are enjoyable to paint!
If you are reading this an would like an Oar for your home OR cottage- you can OR-der one for $160.00 - plus shipping.   All you have to do is tell me what you would like to see on an Oar and perhaps a few colors you might like incorportated  - the rest I will create & mail you your Oar.. until I don't want to paint oars - any mORe.  
I'm  painting myself a loon Oar or a bear Oar.. 

Have a lovely day and remember:  You were created to create!

We've got more snow and more snow is on the way.
Another weekend with -27 temperatures...
I can't remember the last time, I loved winter MORE.

With TLC & THC

Georgia

My newest portrait was incredibly enjoyable to paint!   
A friend sent me a photo of his daughter while they were out on a winter adventure and I was instantly taken with it, I couldn't help but smile.  First she's a cute kid, my teeth use to be like that too.  The hat & rosie cheeks - I had to paint her & I knew she likes sloths already  (what little/big girl does not?) so why not!  My first child protrait, not my last.

It  kept me lighthearted while painting & I needed it.. It had been an incredibly stressful few days.  Painting for sure- brings me PEACE. Staring at a smiling face is always enjoyable & the time flew as did my stress - turning into bliss. 

With each painting I learn a bit more,  see differently and get slightly better due to practice.  I did realize with this painting I enjoy adding the aspect of imagination..  I'll play with object and imagine backgrounds in all furture paintings.   I've already started the next portrait -another winter theme - Tis the season- BRRRRR! This morning it was -25 when we got up and tomorrow is expected the same.. I had to wait until  my studio warmed to paint today.

I mailed the painting to my little friend and she loved it! She hugged it. hee hee hee 
It made my day - painting and knowing it was well received -double the pleasure.  
Her father shared a photo (below) - It makes me SMILE as big as the sloths smile.

Next my first Orr .. or is it ORE? The thing you row a boat with, not this one though.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

My first painting of 'Georgie Porgie'...  I did not name the bluejay, the woman that runs the Animal sanctuary did.   As fate has it,  Monika and I go way back!  She use to call me Georgie Porgie then... I had no clue that she lived 10 minutes from us when we bought this house.  The universe has brought us together again.  & NOW she runs a Animal Sanctuary! : Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary  
Friends with befits! She said I can come & take photos & paint the animals if I desire. I do!

I was relieved someone would know what to do with my bluejay!
Monica tells me he seems a bit better, is eating and is quite the chatterbox.  I'm so happy he is still alive, I think if he kept falling on his back - it would only have been a matter of time before some other creature would have gotten him.  These photos are my inspiration and I have more.. I'm also going to pop over & visit him soon.  

The Sanctuary is having a fundraiser for Valentines day & I think it's a terrific idea! 
For only $30.00 you can sponsor a little furry/feathered loved one for your loved one.
A Wild One for your Loved One!  
I already sponsored Georgie but you can too - it will help to pay for his care & the care of many other animals Monika & her team take in.  

I'm going to paint Georgie - several times, this was the first Gouache on black acid free paper.  8 x 10.  The feathers were relaxing.. I had a hard time stopping. lol
IF you would like to purchase this painting for a donation to (minimum $50.00, includes shipping) - The Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, send me an e mail. You can pay them direct & I'll send it out!  All proceeds will go for the animals. Even shipping. ;) 

Here are some details on the Valentine day fundraiser - I know I'd rather have an owl, deer  or fox - better than a box of chocolates that are not so good for me or my hips..  Spread the love to our little friends who need it most.  After watching Australia & it's wildlife perish...
I think it should make ALL of us a little more aware and care. 

Have a terrific day!
It's giong to get to -25 tonight, I've got wood to stack & bluejays to paint!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

​Below... my next 'canvas' & a gift for my son.

I tell ya - there's nothing like living in the Canadian bush in winter to make you appreciate FIRE.   YeeeHaw! I'm up at 5 to get the fire going every morning. We have a furnace that I can start with the push of a button.... BUT I love it- I love starting the fire knowing I'm keeping me and my family warm - for free!  Free because we have land and dead trees.  
Timing tho has us buying wood this winter - as we were only able to cut down one tree before winter arrivcd. So, we're learning much about wood.  It is work - don't kid yourself and there are times I get so involved in my painting- the fire goes out- almost.  
It's work  -for Norm mostly! hee hee

My home is toasty this morning, the fire roaring.
I'm very excited for our new woodstove!  RED.. coming soon.  This current one will go into my studio - not built yet - LOL ! So many plans.
It's slightly larger and will do an even better job. -24 outside and I have this stove still providing ambers in the morning and keeping the house about 17 all night long.  It has got me thinkng of others...  others that might not be able to cut trees down - or afford wood. About $150 in wood lasts me - 3 weeks ?  I think.. perhaps a bit longer. If someone is older- it's possibly too much work. It can't be easy for some up here - luckily, they have a heat bank!  How cool is that? Wonderful.

http://www.heatbankhc.ca  check them out and donate if you can.  
I noticed when I was out and about they also sell  'Heat Bank'  hot sauce - all proceeds go to the foodbank -my son loves hotsauce so I purchased some.. It is delicious, there was no advertising where I bought it @Abby gardens  so I made them some.. lol  

 !Pick up a jar to add some HEAT to your Valentine dinner!!  
You will be helping the communtiy literally stay warm. How cool is that?  
I will be donating framed art for their next fundraiser.
Time to throw another log on the fire.

Come back tomorrow to see my first painting of my bluejay - named: "Georgie Porgie"
I did not name him . ;)  & get another GREAT idea for Valentines day for only $30.......

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Kitty love.. a few years ago I might have called this pussy love.  
I don't feel the desire to play on certain  words lately..  
which is difficult when designing cards.  

Do you think of the 'Love you' spread online or are you spreading something else?
Do you think of the seeds you plant?

I don't get it when I see a woman, especially with daughters post images of women in bondage.  I don't understand the message any woman is sending out or teaching  with a tied up and gagged woman - how is this thought of as cute anylonger?
What you do in your own bedroom is up to you, none of my business.  
This is about what you put on-line for all ​to see all the time.  
I sure do not find that image "cute", even in a creative way.  

Why am I offended by it?  I don't know... Maybe I find this visualization in particular offensive because for the last few years I've educated myself on missing Indigenous women in Canada.  How could any eduacted woman be happy about sharing images of tied up and gagged women, knowing that there is a river they drag & routinely find women this way.   All over Canada.. along highways.. all over the world.

Ask parents, sisters, family if they find these images "cute".   Will you find it cute when your daughter is brutalized by her partner - yet you seemed to think it was o.k. to encourage this sort of idea?  Nope. I don't get it. 
  
Women around the world not being Loved for the beautiful beings that we are... but brutalized, probably a few on Valentines day after a few too many drinks.  
It happened to me once - long ago.  It happens to many, too many times.
If only this was not reality,  to not discuss it  - keeps it continuing.

Am I being self-righteous?  I don't know.  I don't think so - I could care less what turns someone on...  I have more importnat things to focus on & paintings to preoccupy my mind.
I'd rather be considered self-righteous than someone who's ignorance encourages negative treatment twoards another.  
Amen 

Or makes light of a really bad situation.

This is for all the  crazy cat lovers * I enjoyed painting the sloths -it's also a challenge to think of how things will fit' in a heart... 
I might try 2 bears.  ;)  

Show each other some love.
Please think about the ideas you encourage.  I am trying.  
Is that not why we are here?
Wash your hands!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Many of us have upsidedown thinking... including me.  
In the past anyway.. currently, I believe I've finally flipped it around.  
Commonly, loving others we often forget to love ourself.  

Always striving to please... who?                      WHY?
Working hard for... what?                      Who?                 Why?

Please show yourself some love and answer these questions honestly.

If the number one person is not you - you have upsidedown thinking.  I think.
When we do not put ourselves first with selfcare and selflove, we become tired, drained and occasionally even resentful and we really have no one to blame but ourselves. 

Get rid of what you do not want & keep what you do.

I love me! How?  With good food,  fresh fruit, rest, play, painting, pups, cannabis, good books, educational movies, life changing documentaries, chilling with music, watching the birds... much makes 'me happy' and feel wonderful =  wanting to spread joy to those I love... after me.   Self Love creates more love for others.

Go show yourself some love. Right side up.
With THC & TLC.