Today I asked to be dropped off at the Ocean! Hows that sound? Well I can assure you sitting on he beach with poppy - it sounded lovely! I wan't there e5 minutes when I found a surfers watch amongst the rocks- and it was still working- complete with he date, I've kept it for a souvenir.  Poppy Loved the ocean! She constantly stared at the waves.

What did we do? We lay on the sand and listened to the waves...  searched for crabs, spied a tiny starfish and more - we loved it. Every grain. I think we just might do the same tomorrow... It will be a lovely way to spend Canada day! I'm told it's ben raining back home since I left-  glad to be in the sunshine.  It is hot and dry, there have been a few fires already -part of California living.   Today I met several lovely people, the life guard welcomed us and told me I don't even need to put Poppy's vest on- good she was hot! We walked the beach, she didn't leave my side and now she is an official Salty Dog! 

I also found a tiny, pristine rabbit skull, I'm going to paint it like Georgia O'Keefe! Sitting in the Cali sunshine.  Nevada is 'legal' tomorrow... but according to the LA times- good luck consuming, you can get a $600.oo fine if you smoke cannabis in your own car. Your own home is the only place, it's not as  cannabis friendly as one might think. Still 
Trump is in the papers and it's terrible, his tweets..  lol I can't believe I AM even typing about a president and 'his Tweets!' Nothing but bashing this president by his fellow Americans (I don't know who voted for him) talk about a divide. The L.A. Times is no fan, I'm finding reading the paper interesting - a different perspective.. 
Well this cali sunshine has me beat, time to enjoy some fine bud and perhaps paint! 
*OH - My bear surfing was found at Salt Creek Beach - by a surfer (just a young man) he sent me a  photo -thanking me! Holding it on Instagram,  he looked me up I guess... lol and he is pleased to have the tiny original! Made my day.   

Time to paint! I have my 'Canada day' ready for Tomorrow! <3
Keep creative! Stay dry fellow Canadians! I'll pray & send you a sunny day tomorrow! 
I can try.

With Love
G

Bears.
I'm feeling blue in California - surrounded by this sunshine, greenery, ocean  how can this be? Easy.  The heart wants what the heart wants.  
If you feel blue about something at home- chances are you'll feel blue about it when away.
I've tried all I know, my heart on my sleeve.. If I knew how to feel un-blue I would.
I can't 'do' anymore.  I think I know- but it's out of my control. I Gave it to God.
Time will tell.

Add to this, I am in an area where the people are in my opinion are not very friendly. I'm in a conservative area. If I had to ask.. I bet I'm in close proximity to a few Trump supporters- I'm not asking.  
I hope I do not offend but: What's Up Orange County?
This is after a week of constant little interactions and I thought I was alone until yesterday, I met a woman originally from New York and she said the same. She's been working & living here 10 years and tells me she hardly knows anyone and never socializes. ;( How sad.  She too said 'it's a different feel here'  -'when you speak to people here - they look at you like "Are you talking to me? You actually want to speak to me?"  Yes, that is it exactly!  & when I speak to any Mexicans who I see working  all over.. they too look at me like "is she speaking to me?"  They at least become friendlier when  they realize I am, and just want to say 'hello!' I don't know.  It has escalated  my feelings overall of being somewhat 'alone'.  
I'm glad I'm staying with a friend & met his lovely family or it would be quite the shock to my Canadian sweet (not just syrup) system- lol  
People I do communicate with (even strangers) constantly remark - "You are so nice!"
I'm just being Canadian 'Me.  

Understandably,  I found myself painting Bears as this song play in my head over & over.
Listen baby, ain't no mountain high,
Ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough baby
If you need me call me no matter where you are,
No matter how far; don't worry baby
Just call my name; I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry,
Oh baby there ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough,
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you babe.

I feel a bit better as I imagined my bears- as I do.  
There, with Bear - I feel nothing but love.
Look at them. 
I know it's there.
I gave it to God. 
I feel pretty good about it now that I have, I will admit! 

I'm working on my 'Happy Canada Day Tomorrow!'
Again Bear, Moose & Beaver in the woods!
Can't get much more Canadian that that, Eh!

With Love
g

Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh my!!
Rattlesnake & Coyote & Poppy Bye Bye!

On 3 separate occasions people have come up and warned me about Poppy.
I get it and THANK you.  
I was picking a flower today and Poppy was with me, on her leash but still... I was'nt paying attention to her- this Cali foliage has got me 'cra cra ' lol .. I heard "Mam....  Mam... (in a southern drawl)  You need to pay attention to your dog! My dog and I were attacked by 3 coyote the other day!"  She then proceeded to pull out this really cute portable Tazer!! Pink - at that  "I got it on Amazon, you should pick it up, keep it in your hand or purse.. those coyote would steal her up in a second!"  I thanked her- told her I was visiting from Canada - and then she blurted out - "Well then, You better pay attention to the rattlesnake too!"  
OH My gouache! lol   Where are the squirrels when you need them?  
Come to think of it, I have not seen a squirrel.
Tons of tiny lizards- I wish I could catch one for a better look! Bunnies, BEEs, birds.. 
Behind the house is a walking path - amazing views & plants and it leads to a park or you can take it to 'Salt Creek Beach 2.5 miles' I plan on getting up early tomorrow and walking it!  Me & Poppy.  Now we have our whistle (also advised by the lovely stranger), and a walking stick with a  strap! To whack at coyote,  there are many people on the path as well.   We won't see a Coyote (God's got my back- Poppy's too) but we're just gonna play it safe...  a backpack so my hands are free.  We're good to go! & I've painted  new TINY ART drop! I'm so happy a little girl found one- she inspired me to paint  "more fun" than a pelican. 

& WE GO everywhere together! We went to the Movies & watched a movie with Salma Hayek & John Lithgow (I think they are both terrific).. the movie made me cry a couple of times & it touched a nerve with me. ;(  I knew what was coming at the end & just wanted to get out of the theatre. I highly recommend it.  
I am a big believer in fate as was Salmas character.    & love..   & healing.
I don't understand much it appears sometimes and get incredibly frustrated at events or people that enter my life - for a reason presumably - I know God has a plan..   What it is - I give up.  I surrender. I can't even pretend to guess.   
Later while I lay in bed...  I  wished I hadn't seen the movie.

Poppy had a tear in  her eye at the end of the movie- I think it's because she was enjoying the air conditioned room so much and knew we were leaving. lol  
** I had a comment here but removed it as it might 'spoil' the movie**
BEFORE I agreed to this invite I asked my friend "Do you support Trump?"
Had he said 'yes, I'd of said 'no.  Fact. 
I  don't speak Trumps name around here.. I am clearly amongst supporters.

Today were just going to sit out back, listen to the birds and paint & ponder. 
This 'fate stuff' got me all confused today... time to sample some new cannabis I picked up and just enjoy the sunshine and let God do the rest.
I have faith God won't let me down.
 
With Love
​g

The Grass will be greener on the other side. Wait & see.   For you & Me!
Canada will legalize Cannabis!  & Make money from it- it will help our taxes and Justin (Love him) Trudeau will see it goes to assisting those who need assisted most.
I know.
People say - it' won't happen. For years they've been listening to FEAR mongers.. don't waste one more valuable moment.
Know it will be legalized and you won't ever have to worry about being busted for feeling good again.  Amen.

Inspire by old 'Victory Garden Art' (more to come), the moment I saw this girl I smiled, I will admit- painting her smile was another story and I'm reminded why I prefer animals.
Do you know we have in the past been encouraged to GROW our own & still should be.. before we become urban deserts.  Learn to become self sufficient.  Grow & Jar some vegetables. Grow & eat  & smoke your own pain management. Wow. 
The original is below, I'm having difficulty finding the artists name WWll Victory Garden.
Is lovely & I thank them (probably above by now- in the universe- stardust) for the inspiration.

With Love
​g

Poppy & I visited the Gerry Museum  #gettyinspired is correct- First of all- THANK YOU!
This California Museum is like no other I visited and it's FREE!! YEP! You pay parking $15. (same as at home) - that's it.  It has a bit of everything! Furniture, clocks, glass, statues, architecture, incredible views - it's endless! All stunning but..  I was moved to choking back tears when I entered the Impressionist painting room. Oh my gouache!!!  As soon as I spied the Vincent Van Gogh Irises - I could hardly contain myself!! Thank you Google  Culture for this: Check out this link and click on the painting!   My huge painting easel is going to get such  work out when I get home - it was all I could not to break out my paint box!
The strokes UP close - thinking what was he thinking when he painted this... I felt him - for only a few seconds and my heart has been forever touched.  Emotions arose that have not.
If I lived here- it would be someplace I would visit regular and just sit and stare in the impressionist room.  You can walk right up to the painting to lean in and look at the detail. Thank you California for this, what a gift you give to the rest of the world, sharing art for FREE! They also let you download art and see for free!
​But it gets better.. I know hard to believe right?

I turned the corner and there was this room - with art and statues and drawing easels!! You mentioned to the woman & she would give out paper & supplies and  you get to sit and draw- no line up- on a Saturday at a FREE museum. wow. Of course I did. If you make it to the California area and do not visit this museum it will be your loss- Just look at the views alone:

Indoor and outdoor there is so much to look at. I am grateful for the education.
Btw- Poppy loved it! Several people - which I found very amusing were not taking photos of art but Poppy, she is incredibly behaved - it  really amazes people, jumps on my lap when ever I sit and sits quietly. She also pee's on command... TRAIN YOUR DOGS & you will be happy! Both! When we wanted a break I'd take her outside and tell her to Pee and she would, all good.  lol    Poppy & I at the Getty!  History was made.
​Give Thanks! 

All that painting I was Getty Inspired ! 
lol - I did paint this little loon with some fresh bud on his back & in his beak... just for fun!
I did leave a little painting at the Getty my first art drop! & another on my walk this morning, more on that tomorrow!  
It's time for more California dreaming..
about what ?  
Hmmmmmmmmm... that's for me and Poppy to know and you to soon find out! lol

With Love
g

Yeeeeeee! What fun!  
My boy Boulet  (I like to call him), my good friend & cartoonist supreme  did an
'ART DROP' and showed me the video this a.m.!  He's done a few since.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Onqlnv5Ijdg
What a fantastic idea.  I'm doing the same TODAY!  I've put little canvas originals in a ziplock with a note, my e mail and have placed it somewhere on my walks around California for a stranger to find.

I think  this will be my 'new thing'- every time I leave my house! lol  
Why not? I'd love to find a little original on a stroll? No? 
It's my way to give back for this beautiful state! I am most impressed with your vegetation! Half  the time I'm hugging, feeling or picking at a tree or plant I've never seen before. I keep thinking - these must be plastic- lol  Nope.
​California growing season is all. ALL season all year long.

Are you an artist? TRY it today! Art Drop.
GIVE one away- Let fate decide 'who deserves your art in their heart! 

What I won't be 'giving away or selling' are my 'Bears...  I've had a couple of inquires.
It appears my bears are touching some hearts besides mine.  By the way  - Joshua might make it down to visit me while I'm here! If so we will sketch on the beach.
​On my to do list for a couple of years now.


With Love
g

We are here in sunny California! From the moment we arrived at the airpot - we got in line.. 
Poppy was a star - I realized she  relieved herself at 6 before we left the house.. then not agin until we arrived in California! She lines up with me- never made a peep- ignored all who tried to get her attention - she was my working girl! People loved watching her walk down the isle of the plane looking for our seats, as the plane took off - she looked out the window- lol , not sure what she thought about that. I am blessed with this little companion.  As soon as we arrived we had lunch with my friends son at our first patio restaurant! It was really nice, it made me feel super welcome. 
​
What's up California - No dogs on the beach?  Feathers that! I'm smuggling her Sunday for the day! Salt Creek Beach - we walked it today and it is lovely!! I also was fortunate to watch my friend Sam and his 3 long time buddies play a game of tennis. I kinda felt special sitting on the court watching these gentlemen play a private game for just us.  Wishing I could still hold a racket-  lucky for them I can't (I warned) I'd show them a tennis trick or two... lol  What pleasure to meet Dave, Harold & Jack!  

It was also a pleasure meeting Scott! From Buds & Bloom  My first visit to a California Dispensary - a beautiful one at that and I was a kid in a fricken candy store! Scott was incredibly helpful & nice, we hit it off instantly.   Talk about a lovely dispensary with an array of products like I've never seen.  We picked up an assortment to say the least, I will share with you later after I've tested' a few.  I am so incredibly grateful for being able to access medicine which I need and it frustrates me - all the legal bull.   I read today Alcohol is responsible for more hospital admissions than heart attacks! WTF? Cheers.  
Thank God Cannabis will be legal soon and more will switch over I pray.  ***Alcohol poisoning, alcohol withdrawal, liver disease, chronic alcohol abuse and other conditions that are "100 per cent caused by the harmful consumption of alcohol" accounted for about 77,000 admissions, according to a report released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).***

Last night we also had the pleasure of seeing Gordon Lightfoot! Imagine me having to wait to see a Canadian in California! He was terrific! He is getting UP' there for sure. Aren't we all'...
It was a lovely evening.  I've not painted much yet, just warm ups.  Theres too much to see and do! Tomorrow is another day- I can't wait. 

With Love
g

nWhat adventure awaits around the corner?! I'm not sure but I AM ready to find out!
By the time you read this I will be HIGH  up in the air!  Weeeeeee! Am I excited or what!
Feathering Cali!? Orange County no less!
I'm about to meet a long time friend of 20 years!  We've never met but have e mailed off and on over the years - when he e mailed me not on ago- How'd you like to come to California for a visit?  

Not a month later - I'm about to board a plane!
For how long- who knows ;)  A couple weeks at least.
I'm going to Miss Scruffy, Daisy & Bird butI know they are going to be looked after safe at home. Poppy & I  will look after each other.   

What an adventure it's going be - I KNOW.  
I'm not sure about blogging or e mail but do have my IG account set up.
I have  new work I can't wait to share..  Bear is ready.
I am too! 

God let me know I was going on an adventure...  about a year ago.
It's going to be more than I possibly can even imagine!!!

With Love
g

My paint box! I told Storm I'd rather be naked the the airport lose my paints!
Will you see me on the beach naked painting or not?... time till tell.

With Love.
g