Bear!  On the wrong side of the fence.  On this side.
I was chilling with the dogs who were all asleep around me, I glanced up to see a BIG BLACK BEAR looking right at me - in my front yard - not 30 feet from us & walking in my fucking direction! YEEEE!! I can't belive a bear that big & we did not hear it! None of us.  
I JUMPED UP and started screaming like a demon: GET INSIDE! IN! IN! IN!  Thank God, the girls listen to me and ran in behind me - then Daisy saw the bear & they all started barking & that bear kept coming!!  I started screaming at it- "Get out of here!!"  It turned & walked - slowly- down my driveway.  Holy bear.  I panicked. I had no idea I would respond as I did. The bear still standing on my drive way- I tried to call someone - fearing it might come back -I could not stop shaking. lol 

Norm was not home, I called him but was not able to speak other than say  'Bear.. big bear.. '
My pal Jim - who lives  close- not that close but my mind  said close enough- I could'nt speak- all I was able to say between hyperventilating was BEAR.... BIG BEAR!! - He talked me thu it- calmly - "are your dogs in? Is everyone safe.. o.k. then.. you're safe.. "  Then I cried.  It was all very fast and furious.  Darn, I wished I had gotten better photos of my first bear sighting IN MY YARD! Yeah, I am lucky  that went as it did.  I also called in my panick my neighbour - who was not home- apparently he was shooting at the bear the other day- I was told he must live in the area & looking for - not dogs to eat- but nuts. berries.. bird feeder stuff.    I also tried to message a few- not quite susscssfully - IT WAS A LESSON- NEXT time I will be prepared.  I WILL have someone on speed dial & know where the bear spray is. 

Foghorn Leghorn is  keeping the ladies safe, I did see them all scatter under the coop yesterday and realized a hawk was flying overhead!  I already love this bird - he comes to the fence to crow at me - when I yell at him thru  my dining room window.  Henny & Penny  are already use to Ginger trying to smell their butts and don't pay much attention. Poppy - little beast, put the chickens to a quit run - keeping them on their toes. Scruffy could care less, she likes to sleep in the chicken run. Daisy- NOPE- not getting close tot he chickens- yet.  It's all about dog training now.  Foghorn let us all sleep in today until 5:30 hee hee..  I went & had my 2 coffees & watched them eat an apple for breakfast.  I find all I want to dois watch these birds!  Last night I decided to paint my first Foghorn - it's easy to get a photo of him yelling! This one looked like he had a look of 'Awe' & I wondered if they have seen the stars, sicne they go to bed in the coop - how neat at about 6:30.   If he did- he would look like this:

Starting a canvas cock later today! & I'm making chicken spray - for nice smelling & bug free birds.  Next - a transgender' inspired  painting.
with TLC & THC
 me

Chickens!  They are good for my mental  health - I leaped out of bed with my new alarm clock at 4:33 - lol  got dressed & ran out to open the chicken door & then that rooster - stayed in until the sun came up 5:30 -lol! Got me - first day.  
I  love them!  

Foghorn Leghorn is my rooster - come on- you must have guest that! I'm only having the one rooster.. when I named him, while sittinging the pen with Norm - I said  (in my Foghorn Leghorn voice) "Hey Boy! I said... Hey Boy - you like that name Foghorn?!" & he ran over to me and we both burst out laughing.  Ginger chasing Gloria (my all black Chicken)  is sure to lose weight- it's very amusing - She doesn't have a chance.  Henny & Penny are Foghorn's ladies...   who knew Chickens would bring so much joy? Me.  
No eggs yet - but lots of laughter.  Norm had the roost in, just in time -  I went out this a.m. and there is Foghorn looking at me from the shelf! & only Gloria was on the roost.
I have CHICKENS!!!

Planning, research, shopping, building, approving, youtubing - oh my  yes, this has been great for my mental health- who has time to wallow when we've got work to do?  Missing Bird this past week was exceptionaly difficult, Gloria let me pat her this morning,  she closed her eyes & I could tell she trust me already... so, that was nice. Happy to have birds.

I've not had time to think - Covid, Trump or racism - which is good because it was really starting to get me down. What the flock is wrong with the USA?  Do they not understand PANDEMIC?    I don't know, but YES - I am very grateful for my chinckens - I've been out taking photos all morning and start my first Foghorn painting today.  Chickens are work too - work I am grateful for, who wants to sit ont he sofa and eat bonbons & watch TV- NOT me - that is NOT living... it's watching.  Waiting for triggers - that control the mind -if they can.
I had a trigger - listening to Canoe radio the other day, usually a segment that shares short stories (which I alwasy enjoy) had a  incredibly judgemental statement about swearing and how you are less of a person IF you swear...  more or less- WOW.  Fuck that.  Again, just an opinion - but who needs those seeds planted?  Why judge someone for swearing- are there NOT far more serious crimes being commited than saying 'Fuck'... yes there fucking are. I went from being in a great mood with a list to do - and went blank after that 'short talk'... I realized why & how it effected me and made up my mind to NOT let it.  
I have chickens to look after, watch & paint.  
What will you focus on - afterall you are in control...

I hear Foghorn calling! Time to rock that rooster with a portrait! lol
 The best thing for mentsl HEALTH is focusing on a new passion - it doesn't have to be chickens- PICK something and become better at it- more knowledgable about it- Your brain will thank you.

Bwaaaak Bwaaak!  
​xox

What many moms 'now' imagine... instant internet sensations are born daily.  
I wonder if chickens feel the same about each egg.  Each egg will be a gift.
Each child is a gift.   Every day is a gift,  have you offered  'thanks' for today?
I am thankful we have created the Zen Hen Den- Norm & Storm had the difficult part.
​
This is the first week of summer & it's going to be hot!
Bring on the chickens & bring on the heat, I've already made a watermelon, pea, strawberry frozen treat. 

The Zen Hen Den chickens - shall lay, daily.  Have Faith.

 Introducing the 'Zen Hen  & her Den.
​
Yep! Straw is in and the chickens will be soon - I hear Norm, screwing the gate together as I type - we've got the food, treats & toys.  The nesting beds have been lined with straw & have petals from roses, marigolds & lavender tossed in, both Poppy & Ginger insisted a sniff too.  ..  I'm glad they can't jump in on their own - I don't think.  The entire family is excited!  Daisy  found her favourite place - under the coop,  not for  longer.   Not until they have had lessons with chickens. 

As we've planned & worked and educated ourselves on chickens & more,  I've had fun with a few cartoon ideas - cards too..  I'll be sketching & painting in the coop - it's got two comfortable chairs ready, why not make it official and  create this Zen Hen & have some fun with the imagined & real adventures in the ZEN HEN DEN!  It is an awesome chicken coop! YAY! We make a great team! Thank you Norman - who wonders (out loud, on occasion) what 'not working' must feel like - hee hee hee.   He is just as eggcited - don't be fooled by his grumbling.  We've already had countless laughs and each step is getting better.  This coop is top of the line & thought out, I'll show more in a few days - it's all about the details NOW - the ladies will soon be home.
After losing bird ( frig, I miss him, very much) I thought .. should I get chickens?  
Yes, Bird would want me to get chickens,  we had 'chatted' about them,  as his cage was at the window & he was aware of the building going on.  I will try to show my chickens the same love I did with bird.  Not coming in my house tho. 

Determined not to contrubite to the sadness/madness  & wanting to lay a bit of words of wisdom on us, from time to time - the Zen Hens  focus is on Teaching Love - in reality... we all lose control from time to time so CLUCK Ya!  Sometimes feathers gotta fly!   The official start of her cartoon strip is on Sunday. 

Time to get cracking!  
With TLC & THC
Mother Clucker G

Painted rocks are easy & fun!   Anyone can paint a rainbow or flower & leave the rock gems for strangers to find in the woods or on a path somewhere.. it will make someones day. 
I noticed a charity on IG 'Stepstones'  (stepstonesforyouth.com) that donates money to kids for every rock you paint & #loverocks  so I decided to paint a rock for the cause.  The only thing I could think of looking at this rock was a tongue.. and it just happened.  I thought it turned out pretty good- I was/am still kinda blue over bird- but I forced myself.  
Glad I did.. I kept painting.
It's a gift for me to be able to paint & I will not waste one day. 

It was missing something so I asked IG and  I had some very creative responses.. more than I thought of:  A pill, stamp, sucker (my initial idea), peircing (Ouch - lol), snowflake & many suggested -acid tab!  Tab so tab it is.. it made me smile.  I'm not sure if I'll leave this one lying around since it freaked out a few thinking it was a real cows tongue -maybe I'll leave it near a dairy farm... lol
I am painting another to leave on my next trip into town.. soon.
​Maybe you will know where and go get it to decorate your own garden.

Shout out to Norm, who IS working in the rain to have the coop open & ready by the weekend!  We are all beyond EGGcited. I had sketches on my desk the past week & decided  to start a new strip - I already have the name & the Instagram page.. hee hee hee
It's just about one Chick & her alter Eggo.  Dedicated to Bird - B507 2015- 2020.

Trying to be Good with help from God ... a little bad & a little bold.
& chicken friends too! I think a few of my 'real life pals' are soon to become chickens! HAHAHA - this already amuses me to no end- are you a friend?  Nervous?  lol

How can I help make this world a better place... maybe plant a few seeds & have the most enjoyment...?  How shall I serve best?
The asnwer has always been... draw.
New strip coming!  CLUCK YA!!

With TLC & THC - Me!

No new website tho- who has the time? Not me.
So - if you want to find out- stay tooned.

Bird died.   I cried.
I've had bird since January 2015, I trained him to fly free - first in my office - then he'd explore my bedroom  & fly downstairs at the last house, when he wanted company.  Bird had a huge personality and would smack my guests on the head - if he liked you.. some it took months, others minutes before you'd be ducking as bird did his flyby'.   Bird hated when I cried.. he'd fly in my bedroom & stare (glare at me) as if to say: Enough.. get up and keep going.  

He'd call out!  Sounding like a car alarm and chirp until I'd say- I hear you bird!.. or I'm right here bird, come see me... & he would.  He's fly in my tiny studio & sit on my easel, desk lamp or his favourite spot - my tiny desk ROOR bong- lol (he love sitting on my bongs).   

Storm & I were able to hold bird and snuggle him and he liked it. I'd kiss him on his beek and he'd peck me back - very gently & he could pinch, if he wanted to.  Most amazing- Bird never flew away.  I would go out and wander in the woods only to return (hours later) & notice ! I forgot to close the screen door when I left! My heart would beat faster until I saw him. Usually sitting on top of his cage looking at me again as if to say: Where the fcuk did you go?! I was worried.  He also told me when the fire went out I guess sensitive to the heat from the chimney - he'd start chirping until I'd get up from my desk to see what all the comotion was about- until I noticed a pattern- It was time to throw a log on the fire. Ask Norm, he'll tell you - it's true.  

I cried until I gave myself a headache and fell asleep.  I'm still teary and can't help but notice the lack of  chirping & singing.. it will take a bit.  I knew it was coming tho.. I told Storm, when he was here: Birds not been himself lately.
He'd fly & land on the floor lately & that was not normal & he was not singing as much.
I read when I got bird,  they usually live 5 - 15 years.. I wished I had the 15.

The one thing that helps me is: I LOVED BIRD & BIRD knew it..  fresh hemp daily (organic),  fresh greens all year long! It was a given 'Birds salad'- always mixed greens - organic! He ate what ever I ate (mostly - only safe things)  because he could fly & was a powerful flier he did not get obese.  A slice of apple or pear daily, he loved sweet potato... so Bird was spoiled.  No wonder he never flew away.   I know I will miss him forever.. I do not think I can or will replace him. 

I was grateful that I started this  chicken painting "commotion in the coop" & decided to honour Bird, by NOT laying around feeling sad - paint.  
Charles Schults, said not being able to create at all times, was for amatures.
Our gift is never gone.  Learn to use it at all times & it will help you most through the most difficult times.  Life has bad days and good days and really sad days...  
God teaches us many lessons, for many reasons.  What did I learn.
I was good to Bird & Bird loved me as much as I loved his tiny little self.

I was educated on how  tiny Birds can love & care for us Humans... how many can say that?
Bird was  a gift from God I was incredibly grateful to experience.

with TLC & THC
Georgia
​

 So...  I have a new friend (we met the first month I was here) & let me tell you - it is a clear OPPOSITES attract.  The more I see her, the more I like her.  I swear (as you are aware) & can see it in her face - her eyes widen- I don't  think she's ever said 'Fuck off' in her life.  lol  We have much in common too tho.  I feel,  I found a pal I know - we will PUSH each other beyond our own comfort zones & become richer for it.   Shes' kind and positive & trying to make this place a better place. THAT is who I want in my life - anyone trying to make this place - a better place.  Nicely.

I realize why I was so upset about my Haliburton shopping experience that was not pleasant, only a few months prior (pre covid) I was living in the friendliest, happy community I've ever been in.. :(. #fuckcovid I get it.. I don't know that I'd want to work either, let alone all the confusion - masks no, masks.  I'm wearing a mask... for others as much as myself. There is a business in this small community - before I even moved up here- I WANTED to visit! Excited to visit...  it was closed a couple of times, snow storm another time.. anyway I was prevented from going one way or another - then I started to notice the store owners posts on IG - and I must say - WTF?  Terrified faces in masks that state 'I can't breath' - accompanied with hashtags referring to all who are concerned #Maskwearing morons,  sheep (you get the idea) - covid is not real,blah blah blah - angry, nasty.  Really, who in their right mind - in a small community,  a business owner calls others  -MASK MORONS? Who does this anyhow? It's mean. So what, you don't agree (you do judge - that's obvious) but to call people names - what for? Feel better?  People are afraid of getting sick and dying- you call them names? Yikes.  Says a lot more about this person than the mask wearing morons & I wondered... who is really afraid?   

 All I 'see' (& I doubt I'm the only one)  is a bully & I thought this person in particular was a HEALER.  I don't get it- I wonder if they post a sign on the door of the business #MASK WEARING morons welcome..  I do know - now,  this #maskwearing moron will absolutely shop elsewhere... my excitement to visit the establishment - greatly diminished, by the owner... not covid. I thank her tho.. she reminded me - No, I do not want to contribute to the mass anger, sadness thats currently thriving- I want to be a healer.  I am a healer. 
I'm painting things to help others smile..  I can still educate against hatred & be nice.  Mostly. ;)
 
My friend shared this.. made me cry.  So true.    Please watch & ponder.
Grateful for the education.   
https://vimeo.com/398088783?ref=fb-share&1

with TLC & THC
​back to chickens tomorrow...

Instead of judging anyone today, I am asking to bless.
EVERYONE that crosses my mind today, Lord - Please bless.
EVERYONE. 
Amen.  

Tweet Tweet! A Bird identy board for children - and adults too!
Simple, easy to read.. big (taller than me) and bold (not my usual canvas time allotment- hee heee) still - I think it turned out terrific - I'd like to see this somewhere if I was out wandering the woods. 

I made it with a specific spot in mind- a place where children visit.  If we help create a curiosity, if kids learn & have fun learning about birds- there MIGHT be hope. This board makes it easy to spot the differences..  not too complicated or detailed.  Grackles have appeared & the chick-adees gone.. but I know they will return all winter and spring, before the beasts (grackles) that walk the grounds return again.  It's 30 out (in the shade) & I completed the board in time for a nap- haha - as Norm insulates & roofs (rooves) the Chicken coop. I am absolutly making my chickens an identy board! 

Norms painting the inside and tomorrow I go in and decorate! Hang a few canvas... hang the   Roost branches.. hang the nesting boxes - the grit cups- I've been reading a lot about chickens. Apparently they like to lay eggs as soon as they are off the roost & the two should hang close, not close enough for them to think they can roost tho... we'll put the nesting boxes where the sun hits them in the morning. As I sing "Rise & Shine Mothers clickers!!" 
Good thing I'm an early bird they have to be let out in the a.m. & locked up in the P.M.

Time for me to start the next painting on a round canvas (for the house) titled:
 Commotion at the Coop! 

I plan on painting more Identify boards - different themes - I hope other artists will be inspired to do the same.  Come back and have a peek to see the rest- I think I'll make one for my property on edible mushrooms as I find them - with a warning that reads:

                                                NEVER eat a wild mushroom
                                                 IF you are not 100% positive
                                                          You could die.  

 When it comes to kids - never mince words.
​YOU could die. DONT eat - ever.  
​Simple, educational, colorful & fun.  Teach them young! 

Happy Fathers day! I might let Norm take the day off- not.   lol
When Storm visited, we also celebrated fathers day and all I will say...
Norm is one loved dad.   The coop ain't gonna build itself! 

To all the dads who don't give a shit about their kids or help out at home, or leave the wives/mothers -  at an alarming rate - according to statistics...
keep your pecker in your pants.    Problem solved.

To ALL the dads who ARE there... All the dads who teach their little humans to be better big humans - Amen!  To all the dads who teach their children - life is about real emotions and good & bad times...   To the dad who are active in their children lives - I think  you rock! 
​
Thank you

Storm brought me 4 plants!  It's so lovely to have them on the patio  I miss seeing plants..  I also enjoy eatting fresh cannabis in a salad & juiced so I'm excited to watch them growing.  I wonder if chickens like cannabis leaves? I hear goats really do.  I have already asked a nice young man I know, when the time comes will he trim them for me - he said he'd be honored.. Yeah!  ;)   Thinking about plants I painted my friend kitty..  for fun.

I apologize, I have chickens on the brain at the moment! I have come up with the name and logo- lol  for my Chicken house..  I shall let you know at the unveiling!  Still about a week & I am anxious!  I can't wait for the fence to go up!! The serious dog training begins.  I feel like I'm setting up a nursery...  toys, treats.  I pick marigolds, lavander & rose petals to make lovely nest box bedding for my girls - not even here yet.  Tis coop is the cream of the crop! Designed to be a tiny version of the house - everyday I just look at it and smile.. Norm not so much - hahaha!  He is doing an outstanding job (of course) - I can't deny.  Someone has already inquired how much to build a coop matching their house - NOT "cheap".  I would guess prices would START at $5000. & UP.  Done right... from the start.  
​We have put MUCH thought into this coop.
We visited a new friend who has a LOVELY littly hobby farm & she has really helped us out already - book are fantastic - still, there is nothing like seeing the real thing in action.. she is much braver than I - chickens, goats, a BIG pig (that frightens me as much as I seemed to frighten him), turkeys, ducks! & 2 little ones (tiny humans)- she sure has her hands full- and I am envious! I can't possibley think of a better way to raise children.
I'm so glad Storm will get to 'experience chickens' - even if he's all grown now. lol 

Today,  I'm painting a BIRD identify board for kids! Easy simple - colorful - teach them to be tiny birders & to care for our feathered friends- that's the plan anyhow. 
I think my chickens will have their own instagram page.   hee hee  
​I already have had a few cartoon ideas, I think I'll have some fun with it! 

Created to create- get busy!!!

with TLC & THC 
​Georgia

below - some before & after beautification with paint! Old becomes new again.

I still have to paint the good/bad eggs painting -I am distracted and struggling NOT to draw some images  for an editorial running thru my mind- they are NOT NICE.  
I struggle, not to draw about dead black people.  I don't know how to get my point across -I'm too angry..  who doesn't think these hangings and deaths the past few days are related?  Really.. are we to belive they are all suicide?  When is this going to stop?  
Reading about our own RCMP in particular regarding the Nova Scotia shooter is very disappointing, heart breaking... WTF.  Bring on the lawsuits if this is what it takes - do it.
Do your fucking JOB.  Police abuse here is coming out of the woodwork...  good.
I guess.
Sad too.  
Is it o.k. to draw #indianslivesmatter  am I being politiacally correct?  Will people think I'm racist? Black chefs on breakfast boxes.. do I encourage the ignorance with my $$? Probably - not intentionally.  Should they change the images - absolutly!  What to do, what to draw.

It happend yesterday, art (paintings) meant for Germany, ended up in Toronto.. which means the painting for Toronto is on it's way to Germany.. sigh.  By the grace of God, I decided it was time for psilocybin tea & had just consumed (all this racism has me down) when I  was made aware.. I went and lay down, chilled, was reminded we all fuck up and it will all be corrected soon. On the grand scale -  nada.  I napped, and drempt about coop names...  time to pull out the new bible.

The bible inspires (many), everytime I pick it up I am inspired.   I want something PEACEFUL for my Poulet hee hee -so I turn to the bible- full of murder, violence, adultry, greed (it's really a great read) but the lessons I learn most, are those of LOVE.  Like anybook we all take away our own perspective. Sadly, some who read it see only the wars, fighting and justification of their actions. Anyhow, the next thing I knew I wrote  'The Chicken prayer" - with Gods help!    Painted it- it took me 3 tries before I was pleased - I had to say to myself: Georgia! This is going in the chicken Poop coop - they will love it- ease up.

Another prayer, I read in a little book I picked up and thought 'YES!'
That is my morning prayer, so simple & true... I painted it too.  
Prayer changes things.. Prayer brings clarity.

Hating one simply because of the shade of their skin in 2020  is chosen IGNORANCE 
& if you do think this way - you should pray, because if you believe in GOD, if you claim to be Christian, If you say you believe & Love Jesus.. Belive in The Buddha- - THIS happening NOW...  it is NOT acceptable. 
Hating anyone simply because you do not know them  is wrong. 
'Hate crimes' like we are witnessing  are not hate - BUT FEAR.
This is how cowards handle stuff...  encouraged by cowards who hide in bunkers.

Time for me to go pray & paint.. chickens.