How are you feeling?  A little blue?
I felt blue when I started this painting...  I decided to 'go with it',  instead of fight it.
I think this is key.  Learning to GO with it.  When you supress sadness - it does not go away, it just gets deeper,  if you think about it for a moment & ask - Why exactly, am I feeling sad?
Why?   Worried about things that might NOT happen?  Thinking about pain from the past.. don't give it power.  Force yourself to become active & creative - soon you will be thinking about what you are working on and not what's working on you.  
There is no trick' to mental HEALTH- it's work.  Life is work. 

More noticably on Instagram are artists posting they feel stuck.. blue, covid, politics, financial porblems, lack..  many are feeling a little bluer than usual - I try to encourage them to work through it. You would be amazed at the difference in paintings you can create - depending on your mood.  I forced myself to start Lady Algonquin' - I was in a terrific mood by the time I finished & had a new painting to show for it & a new experience with this "style".  Just DO it. 

Another reason for Artists in particular to be a little blue... ART is a luxury.  
In a time of uncertainty when people are worried about work, food & bills - art is not a top priority.  Someone recently asked to purchase a painting, at a discount. lol  
Well,  I'll expalain for all artists:

  Our prices have not dropped on our supplies, as a matter of fact hey have gone UP.  Do you know how much one good tube of acrylic paint costs $25 approx. - so 4 colours- $100. easy.. then there is canvas,  the price depends on the quality - I'd like to use HEMP but it's still too costly - I'd have to up the price of my paintings.  Brushes - each costs from $6. - to $35. they can be much more but I stay in this price range & brushes do not last forever, they have to be replaced steadily.  Time, each painting takes me at least 3 hours. Never mind the size,  bigger can take weeks.   Some think $50. a painting is too much,  for 3 hours work? 
'If I worked minimum wage, it would be about right. NOT including shipping..
I have worked very hard to become the artist I am, endless hours (decades) of sketching, painting drawing (obviously) to fine toon' my craft.  It's worh more than 'minimum wage.  
Thankfully (not luckily- luck has nothing to do with it)  I do well, I've started to sell on line (at least one or two a week) & steady comissions.  I've decided to sell more, only because I have SO much. I pull out my binders and can't even remember 1/2 of what I've painted, so I will part with a few originals & spread the love & fun.  
It's fun to own an original- I know - lol.   

Maybe an artist friend is struggling more than usual, if you can - help.
​BUY something, it might not pay the rent or bills but it will give them HOPE & that is priceless.  I'm going to buy original art today - just to support an artist I like & encourage them.. I know they are blue. 

If anyone is interested in this Blue 'Lady Algonquin' I will sell her for $60!
That is a deal! It took at least 5 hours. PLUS shipping.  ;) If not - she will continue to hang in my home & be enjoyed and remind me, it's just a feeling - paint it out- paint through it and give thanks for another day- blue or not.. it's a gift many will not get today.
Happy Mental Health Monday!  

Next another Canadian Female Artist who this 'hill' we live on  is named after! 

with THC & TLC
​Georgia

 Remember when Pinocchio grew ears and a tail!?  I was horrified, lol   I think that's why I never smoked or even tried as a kid, really.  It stuck with me that mental image.  Now, I think Pinnicchio was smoking more than he realized. Or perhaps inthe waves waiting for the whale he popped a tab... something to help him with the transformation  trauma.    
Have you shown your little one Pinocchio?   I'm watching it later this rainy afternoon.

The wood stoved passed with flying colors- RED! I knew it would, Norm installed it.
When we bought this house the old fireplace had to be removed and replaced. 
I choose completely different  from the existing as it opened up the house.
We did 'splurge' on the fireplace, it heats the entire house & sits in the middle of it, viewable from almost everywhere.   My brother remarked - Norm will need help! He won't get that in by himself..          Phhhbt.  Doubters.
No comment, then or now...  I know what Norm is capable of - more than Norm.

I call it "ninja moves,  Norm does stuff and I don't even see him!  It can be small or big - the other day I was panting & before I knew it - the fireplace was in the living room & ready to LITE! Yee Haw!  He even flipped the giant rock it sits on - that's brains for you - over braun. 
The inspector showed up Sunday- gave us the approval & remarked - 'Amazing job.  FYI  (in Canada) IF you don't get a licenced person to SIGN off when you change your fireplace,  your insurance company can & will deny payment if you have a fire.  Do it.

We are thrilled with this investment', it's fire engine red, until it gets hot then it turns a deep burgendy.  The viewing area is huge but the efficancy is  beyond  efficant! It  has 2 warming shelves since I used the last for cooking  I knew what I was hoping for, the 'top load' is a cook plate! Glove (slipper) warmers and  red cast iron dragons as detaills.   It's damp today so we lit it and in 10 minutes we are walking around  in shorts.  Not only is it stunning to look at  not lit - lol - but lit, Oh my! I also am amazed with how differently it does burn,  long and slow & bigger log mean: NO MORE GETTING UP in the middle of the night! Brutal in -40  mornings. hahaha  & I can easily heat my house to wear short & T this winter, if I want,  bring on the blizzards!!!  Ginger absolutely adores the new fireplace, can you tell?
Below you will see the photos and how it changes colour.  I highly recommend it, we purchased it from Mason House in Georgina.

* I have to add Norm said: You picked that fireplace & said we would be putting it in our new house, before we even saw this new house & it is PERFECT for this red house.  ;)
I thank God, with every match, every single time I lite it - out loud.
 The fuel is free.. in the backyard.  It's also work.  
I ask all guests' who express a desire to visit, especially in cooler months...
Can you use a chainsaw? I think, it discourages some.   Good.
Chop Wood & Carry Water.   How we live. Don't like it - don't visit.

Time to finish my 'BLUE Queen of Algonquin Highlands' & tell you about the amazing Canadian FEMALE artist who 'use' to live on this hill! After I sit by the fire & snuggle my girls and watch Pinnicchio with a hot chaga tea & fresh baked cookies, bong easily accessable.   Norms chopping wood.  

Hahaha... that made me laugh out loud. He would too.
Norm is the happiest I've ever seen him.    ;)

With THC & TLC G

Oh, bother...   Oh pooh...  Phhhbt - Oh Fuck.
During covid times - Pooh would be saying "Oh, Fuck."  What next 2020? What more?
It was fun painting Pooh - put me in mind to paint 'Tigger- soon. 

Another black man shot in broad daylight in front of his kids - riots, fires- no kidding.  
I'm sick of it. The people will do what needs to be done until this BULLSHIT is stopped. 
How can anyone be o.k. with this?  If police are so frightened they shoot someone in the back - 6- 7 times? They should not be police.  

I painted my clay & it turned out better than anticipated- I think I'll turn it into some sort of wind chime..  Norm had extra cement - yay! I made a new craft- to paint today- garden art, easy peasy..  cement, tiny containers & sticks.   Another glorious day today! Get outside - winter is on the way- we sure felt it this morning- brrr... the Fire is going!   lol - as if I need an excuse to have a fire in this  red wood stove!  It's national doggy day - I'll celebrate by exploring the woods with my girls!!!

With THC & TLC
​Georgia

Cockadoodle doooo!  I was up before the roster.  
Yesterday, as I do everyday- I get distracted by - nature.  I was in the middle of painting Pooh when the next thing I know I had a hand full of herbs and a bag of clay in my hands. LOL   So far so good!  My newest creation then sat in the sun as I continued to garden. I was so excited to start painting, I was up before the rooster & Norm. I'll finish Pooh today for tomorrow.

I can't believe what we've accomplished this summer.   Thank you Norm & Storm, even though his visiits are 'few' they are more meaningful & work full. He never stops working anyhow so.. hee hee hee. Workin is good. We all agree.  For one, look at what you achieve.  During covid even! Have you thought:  'if not for covid..."  for example.. my house is clean.
I could welcome company and not have to wonder where to hide the stuff. 
I shaved my head.  I appreciate my art supplies! I realized, of course I have time to train a puppy!  I appreciate everything & everyone, more. Yay Covid.  
It would be nice if we could all have realized these many lessons without the sickness & death.  The planet is healthier  for a bit...

I don't understand why we are still busting cannabis grows...   why?
                  I do understand human trafficking.   
                    I do understand we have a serious missing women problem.
                      I do understand people are dying from opiates - still, daily.
                        I do understand poverty exists in Canada.

Look at this glorious morning I woke up to today:

With THC & TLC 
Are you awake? Food? Water? 
Amen.

  Did you get to play Hookey (skip school for fun) when little?  I did! Yay!   I did get to skip school several times,  I was not good at school & now understand why.. no kidding.  I don't recall having any homework help.. ever,  this can't be true.   Can it?  I remember my aunt Marine  taught me how to tie my shoes & draw.  Yes, I was allowed to stay home from school - but not for some cool games or adventure.

I specifically recall on one occasion  when my aunt seemed a bit shocked, this was after a night of drinking to the point of vomiting,  that was normal - you didn't 'drink'  or "party"
until you puked. Often evenings  started with cheering:  "Party till you Puke!"
 I think it was big in the 70's as a common saying.  Maybe not. Throwing up was a regular weekend event - for as long as I remember.

Back to playing hookey.. I was allowed to stay home from school on several occasions - no, let me correct that -  I was made to stay home on several occasions  to clean spew buckets  & make campbells Cream of Mushroom soup & get Ginger-ale for my mom and aunt all day as they recouped from their hangovers.   I was told to be quiet & called only when someone  threw up... Yay!  My aunt at the time seemed shocked I was so good at this task, I had practice.  I've wondered over the years if she ever kept her kids home to nurse her hangovers...  maybe not.  The circle usually continues.

Fuck that. I intentionally pulled Storm out of school (at least 3 times a year) to have FUN!  Sometimes we'd invite his best bud & take them to the falls for the weekend.. hookey is about fun - or should be.  

I guess I painted the bowl of soup over sharing the spew (spew was the word for Vomit in case you are confused) bucket image..  I have no pleasant memories - I struggle to think of them. I give up now.  

Parents who consume alcohol in large amounts... what memories will you create for your children to ponder later in life?  I don't waste too much time- they come and go. Addressing them recently has helped, if only me...  This shit did happen. No wonder you feel like I do from time to time.  It was not fair, it is life - for many.  
​Any 'teens'- who might be reading this:  
Focus on your dreams & gifts, get out and BE who you are meant to be... you don't have to repeat the lessons we learn.

I wished I had good memories, it's too bad the terrible ones stick to us most.  Instead I NOW CREATE (as well as art) good memories - EVERY FUCKING day!  If I knew bald felt so good- I'd have shaved YEARS ago, lol.  Norm & I are having so much fun, lots of laughter...  the fireplace is in, has been inspected! Passed with FLYING colours - of course.

Children are gifts from God- to be loved & educated and encouraged - much more important than alcohol & partying until you PUKE-  Get that shit out of the way before you have children & then... Mature the fuck up.  WE chose to bring these babies into this planet - not them. If you have an alcohol abuse problem, SEEK HELP. 

Next (& Winnie the Pooh).  ​

We are also looking forward to this.......

Popeye & Olive & their baby hybred.  lol - This was a no thought cartoon- well a little, it was inspired by Popeye, a cartoon where he was looking after his baby 'Hi-Bred' Spinach- as you can see they looked like baby mushrooms (to me).  I enjoyed watching these cartoons, absolutely made for adults more than kids.  
Olive buying shoes:
I take  size 3 but a 9 feels oh so nice.  LOL. 

I have something in common with Popeye - Baldness!  Yesterday, I did what I've wanted to do for at least a decade - covid, covid cuts, social isolation, psoriasis - led me to- just DO IT!  Shaved my head.  Shaved.  To the scalp.  Norm looked a little shocked, shook his head and kept on working.   It feels - as I imagined- FANTASTIC!  As the day went on and a few head rubs later - Norm likes it too, I think. lol  Not that I care,  if Norm likes it or not- it's not about Norm...
I have psoriasis on my scalp -it drives me crazy- itchy, flakes& even bleeds at times,  how can it ever be addressed properly with a full head of hair.  I shaved it, massaged some medicated oil and sat in the sun- heavenly.  I woke up today- caught my reflection in the mirror and started to laugh out loud!  Strolled my driveway singing 'Amazing Grace' - hahaha

Fuck the stigma! Why do we associate shaved heads with illness (especially women) - it feels terrific.  As it grows out I just might keep it this short! I'll see- just some added adventure- JUST hair.  Curious already how it will feel in the winter - hat is ready. 
It was a decision made in a calm state...  It was time.
As I was shaving I associated it with taking off an old layer - no longer needed, like my gecko...  a clean start- physically & mentally.  I feel beautiful!  Minus hair- who knew?  
Me.  How refreshing.  I'm excited for this day!  I slept great too!
The fireplace will be lit & I'm starting a new canvas & continuing my classic cartoons. 

With THC & TLC - bald G.
​;) 

I have birds in my garden!  Humming birds, bluejays - the grackles left! Yay! -about a month ago actually, I was happy they left, gluttons & bullies.  I stopped feeding the birds after I saw the bear.  I only put out peanuts when I hear the jays and black seed for the chickadees, nuthatch & niger seed  (we bring the feeders in at night - we as in Norm) (lol) -which is getting hard to get and more expensive - as is all seed due to COVID.  
Have you noticed prices rising?  You will if you buy tuna.   We have Eggs! 
According to Norm: Good luck getting pressure treated wood, which puts us in a predicament when wanting to build a small deck to hold the sauna... third world problems, I know.

I do know...  It's depressing, it's reality... the resaon they are eatting dogs in Korea is hunger.  Africa too, due to the current locus pandemic' has predicted food shortages, which will be felt (as in hunger) very soon.  I've been reading less because it can cause me to feel - helpless.  Reading about continue avoidable deaths because people still refuse to wear masks, is depressing. Masks on toddlers - good luck.. back to school anxiety is going to be like NEVER before.  I cried putting Storm on that bus, I can only imagine how moms will feel putting the kids on the bus now AND when they get off the bus - back into the family homes - some with grandparents. Homes of the near future might have instead of mud rooms - detox rooms. This on going 'covid consideration' is mentally & physically exhausing.  

I was living covid style long before it was cool- hahaha! Norm laughed.
I now see trees instead of humans. Personally, it's been the best year in a long time - I thank God (really) as I have been praying exactly for this & world peace!  So, yes, I still have hope.. I'll go do my part- at least I can make a few smile, if not feed the world... I'll cut myself some slack.   ;)  I'll continue to ask myself... is this a 3rd world problem I am dealing with? 
No?   Thank God,  and get busy, solve it, stop bitching  and be joyful , simply to BE!  
At least in Canada we are not eating DOGs (better not be) & Trump is NOT our soon to be REMOVED president.  Yay & Yay!!!

Time to create.
No birds in my garden -  (I really miss bird), I think I will notice more this winter.. glad I have a pup arriving soon. I have seen a squirrel hide a nut or two in my plants pots! Thankfully - all is growing great.  
Another classic 'couple' next,  can you guess?  

With THC & TLC
​Georgia

Mighty Mouse! Here  come to save the day!
& he did, every time - faster than the speed of light.
In this painting -  planet psilocybin is his backdrop.

Joyfull, is how I feel when I see terminal cancer patients enjoying pislocybin - legally.. yet sad.. why should they have to fight such a stressfull battle to begin with.  De-criminalize. 
I'm sure many partake illegally,  good - if it helps!  I am grateful to those who battle (in court) for us- it brings  much attention to the needed situation.  Especially with anxiety & depression on the rise at the rate it is.  
Santa won't be as busy this year with many still out of work.
Anything that might ease some suffering should be explored and made available. 
Covid times for sure!  From what I read & understand, will last easily until 2023 - with masks, social distancing, etc.   I won't be socializing at all in the winter, I'm fine with social distancing in the outdoors but not inside.  

Norm installed fireplace! He is my Mighty Mouse! LOL  This would have been easily 3 guys, if 'paid to instal'.  It was HEAVY, cast iron (red).  Not only that he flipped the hearth stone (& it looks brand new & stunning, on the other side) by himself - I was painting, come back into the living room & the fireplace was in place.  Weee!
I pretty much stared at it, since.  Perfect timing too - it was 6 last night.  
​We did not need a fire though - the house stayed warm enough & it warmed quickly today.  

What, who 'saves' your day?    Painting is it for me.
Might mouse?  Mighty Husband/partner or Mighty Mushrooms?  
Who cares, not me...  I hope you are surrounded by 'all that helps', you heal.

I painted these too, the frog to hold my house coat & greet me every morning.
The Fire Face- will be for the custom made log holder (on Norm's To Do list) hee hee
to hold the broom & dust pan.  I surround myself with creativity & TLC!

Heckle & Jeckle ... cloud watching, next.

In covid times.. the coyotee would say : Fuck that bird.
Quit chasing.  If he's wise he'll search instead for some quality bud to help him CHILL.
Forget about Covid,  Trump.. masks..    if only for a few hours.
It's important to your own mental health to TAKE A BREAK - watch some classic cartoons.
The Road runner cartoons were a  favourite for the artistic backgrounds,  sharp lines, vibrant colours!  The never ending persistance of the Whyle. E. Coyote is also admirable.

Busy days.. it was brisk this morning & going down to 6 tonight which means fire place must be in & I cannot wait! I love sitting chilling by the fire, book tea... bring on the blizzard. O.k. I won't push it.  ;)  

I painted a couple of rocks and willl leave them in Haliburton next visit. 
A cookie rock- it looked like a cookie before I painted it.
A skull rock- I found with a  touch of Stephen Boeheme (hee hee)
& my golden dinosaur egg, which I am keeping.
It was a rock I found & dropped and it has a black circle in the centre - Raptor Embryo . ;)
I have a few- waiting. 

It's classic cartoon week!  
Mighty Mouse is next!! Who remembers his line?
"Here......."     <that's your hint.
  
With THC & TLC
​Georgia

I am pretty sure, mask wearing has now proven, helps.   Right?
Yet each time I go out I see some without, I myself forget - because I go out that little.

There's always something to do - chores or paint.  I re organized my studio - added another shelf -one just for UNFINISHED projects- I must finish one, in between starting something new. So far  so good.

If surgeons wear masks for hours at a time - WTF is wrong with people?  
Bitch & balk about wearing it for 30 minutes to grocery shop - come on - it's not brain surgery.  I wonder what other alien lifeforms think about our behaviour. 

I completed a new painting for a client, I am very pleased, it was truly a joy to paint.
I knew it the moment I was asked, I'd have fun with it & that, I did.  
It inspired me- to create more along this line...  time to box it up & ship it out. 
​It was too beautiful a summer day yesterday to even think about mental health Monday..  mental health is telling Canadians to get out & enjoy the heat & SUNSHINE - winter soon.  How about you wear a mask when close to others.

Yay! Fires in the new stove, painting, reading with a beautiful view.
Classic Cartoon week..  stay tooned - the Coyote & Road runner next.
​

with THC & TLC
Georgia