Treasures from God..   Rocks, seeds, birds & the bees.
Open your eyes & see all the beauty and treasures around you.  
I do. 

This box took a week!  All on it are 'Ontario' related from the Beetle to the Morel so it took a bit of research.. then it took time just painting each tiny box - is a tiny canvas. I took all the drawers out to paint them and must share - there is one spot that only takes ONE drawer.
Amusing...   Frustraiting!  It took me about 15 tries to figure it out.  lol I had to make sure I did not have two brown items side by side.. then I had to touch up the edges that hold the boxes.   The tops & sides have been painted as well - a bit of an illusion happening.

This box turned out sweeter than I imagined ;) It will hould treasures that will be found on everyday journeys.  It 'kinda' made me wish I had a grandchild to give it to. hee hee hee
Would I want a grandchild?  ;(    I don't know some days...

What a weekend - it was one of those days & this moring I noticed  I'm feeling aggitated.
It's beautiful here, Norm & I had a terrific weekend - except for the Nucular Power plant melt down warning.  LET me tell you first hand, when you hear that signal on the radio
and those words uttered, you stand still and think WTF?
I looked at Norm & thought where's Storm?   Not in Ontario.
I was actually grateful instantly, thinking: he'd be spared.
That's what happens - in less than a minute  -  Ooooops.. false alarm! Yippie!!! 
Thank God.
WTF!!!?  So there's that.. 

A plane 'shot' out of the sky killing countless Canadians and more. WTF? 
Human ERROR!?  I can't even think about it without tearing up.
Who's to blame - TRUMP!
The animosity he creates at this point simply by breathing is obvious. Countries are shouting 'Death to Americans' in the streets.  The anger he generates - he is the fuel for the flame. The familys suffering with the loss of loved ones - shot out of the sky... knowing it was a "mistake".  I can't even pretend to imagine how they feel.

Yep, no wonder I'm feeling slightly down today.  
Time to focus on God.  Pray for good.  
Grateful to be alive - thankful to be feeding &  painting the birds at the feeder.
Thankful for you - who is still alive & reading this post.  

We all have another day to try to be better, to serve &  another day to SHINE.
I can't wait to find treasures to fill the drawers! 
​
With TLC & THC
Georgia

These two make me smile. I love them both, very much.
The bird & the Boy.  

Bird flies free but we catch him (regular) to check on him for emergency reasons, teach him to get in his cage, clip his nails.. it's good to handle your bird so they don't freak out.  
Bird gets extra excited when Storm visits us! Just like me! lol
He zips around the room - smacking us on the head during a fly bye' and 'flipping us the bird in between to get our attenetion,  it makes us all laugh.  Bird is a cheeky boy.

Storm, our son is also a cheeky boy - aren't all sons?  
They know how to get us going & make us, mom' n particular laugh.  This last visit was no exception. It didn't last nearly long enough.  Knowing how busy Storm is, we're grateful he visits as aften as he does.  Now, I have this painting to make us smile - he caught bird, I captured a photo & feel - I caught the mood with the painting - it works for me.
Two birds with one stone! Two loves of my life in one canvas.

I greatly appreciate them allowing me to use them for 'portrait practice'...  
I don't know what Storm thinks but Bird thinks he's slimmer & needs a little more yellow. Everyone is a critic.

I'm not sure who's next - I think I'll work from a photo & suprise the person with it when complete.

Sunday, I spend with God & creating God focused art which I'll share on sundays for a little inspiration - should you feel you need some. Exploring - surrounded by birds - time to plan the next canvas! How about you?  What are you creating?  
​
Have you made your vision board for this year? Proven to work. Just sayin...  
I drew me on this property.  Hee hee.

With TLC & THC.
​G

Out with the old & in with the new!  New year!
New home, new town, new creativity!
Excited for 2020 - Absolutely!
Excited for every day.   
Thank God.  Truly.

Some Yoda wisdom.  
I wonder what yoda would tell his younger self?
2020 will be the year to wake up... one way or another.
We are all connected.

So far 2020 is fantastic! 

with TLC & THC
​G

More monkey Business in 2020! Weee!!

Frig - this monkey took me 3 attempts, the 1st - 2, trashed. The 3rd was a charm and he makes me smile.   "Oooohhhhhh - lookie here..."   is what he is saying.
I will be medicating regular in 2020 - for my mind not my body. Psilocybin.
I'm learning how to live with a difficult condition - it's taking awhile. 
You don't need much psilocybin - it's called microdosing.  
Do I get HIGH?  Nope.  No running through the forest naked.

What I do get is relief- relief from this constant zapping, pain, arthristis & exhaustion.. mental & physical.  It all  becomes a tiny bit easier to ignore.
It becomes easier to ingnore  'bullshit' in general.  
Theres no desire for drama - only an inclination to create, relax & see all the beauty around me.  It will be interesting to watch Mushrooms become legal next - then what - cocaine? LSD? It appears as long as we are being educated we will become exposed to more LEGAL options - ABOUT FUCKING TIME.  
Educated Choice will help our future generations, unlike all the lies we were fed to date. 

2020 the year to be AWAKE. 

We are not going out NewYears eve!  Yahooo!
We won't be drinking alcohol - we want to start the year off RIGHT.  
Right here at home with our dogs, snuggled on the sofa - what a great start to this year it will be.  What are your plans for 20202? Any resolutions? Me- PAINT - EVERY day.
Stress even less.  

Forgive & forgotten.

God. God.  God.
What can I do in 2020 to make this place a better place?  
I'm not sure yet  but I'm pondering.

with TLC & THC  Have a Happy New years - what ever you do
Please don't drink & abuse driving or humans.
​
Georgia

Christmas Memories were made

This year- the first in our new home - memories were made!
Storm arrived Christmas eve & stayed a couple of days- Daisy was thrilled! lol - We all were.
We all agreed it was by far our most ‘peaceful’ holiday - how could it not be.. looking out ANY window at this lovely winter wonderland, you naturally feel- thankful.

I can’t stop smiling and thinking of our son & how much I love him.  His mission apparently this holiday was: to ‘keep his mom warm.   Hee hee hee We’ve have had a few days -20 weather  & I do not leave the house - I don’t like being cold.  The past couple of weeks I’ve not been able to go out & play with the dogs.  I just get too cold too fast- problem solved I have a new coat!  A Parka… designed for Canadian winters! He remarked - this way if the heat goes out you can put your coat on…    It makes me laugh just thinking of it.   He bought his dad has a wood splitter- making the log cutting so much easier… keeping mom warm.  I’m warm!!!

Storm suggested we go on a family  adventure & we went to the Halliburton Sculpture forest! Oh my Gosh, I can’t wait to go back in the summer & paint.  Several had the same idea- there were many dogs to meet & wish merry Christmas!  You can’t walk the forest as it’s for skiers’ (which I do not agree with) but we threw the ball and watched some toboggan on the hill also at the site. 

Wonderful meals- pulled off with an ease that impressed us all, we watched a couple of movies but mostly we sat & enjoyed each others company. MY gosh the girls LOVE when Storm visits. 
As do I.   I get it though - he is so busy now, traveling, working.. living. I really appreciate any visit & text - I think If I didn’t have these I’d be blue - even here, in our Eden.  That’s it.
That is what Christmas/Life is about.  

Norm made me a very cool gift - a custom cart to pull around the house! Arthritis sucks but most of the frustration (for me) is NOT the pain but the constant  little things’ I can’t seem to do - not with the ease I once had-  carrying a laundry basket  for example - I can’t physically do any longer - & it bothers me!  being in a bungalow- now I have a sweet LITE little wooden cart- designed to hold laundry baskets- to wheel around in my house. I’ve already put it to good use - for more than laundry.  Today he’s got a 'to do' list - longer than Santa’s! hahaha (just joking- kinda- lol).

Each day this home improves a tiny bit!  Everyday - is better.   I now have a cool light in the porch, a new light in the kitchen & a new security system that will catch any deer that walk on the property  right to our computer screens! I’m so excite to see Moose & Deer! 
​I know they are out there.. wolves, coyotes & bears too…   the birds I'm capturing with my cameras - ready to paint soon!

Christmas is over, no hangovers, no drama - awesome… we are all excited for 2020.  
I have all I want - right here!  
I can tell you I already know where my focus is going in 2020 - GOD. 
God in my art & in my life. I want to celebrate, appreciate & enjoy!  & the Lord will provide. 
 I  have faith.  

2020 will Provide more adventure, friends & creativity!
Happy Holidays! Wait until you see all the art I’ve been creating - ready to go for January 1st.  God, mushrooms, cannabis, creatures- the possibilities are endless!

with TLC & THC
Me ;)
​

Am I high? Yes, on life.   Life in the Highlands to be exact. Algonquin Highlands.
Every night I go to bed thanking God- & wake up tp the greatest show a new morning out my window- today was exceptionally lovely!  

I've got painting to do- a self portrait- I captured a photo of Poppy & I that I likeso I decided to try a self portrait & so far - I am pleased.  It's the only way to learn - a few friends will all be getting portraits in 2020 - like it or not! lol.A Christmas decoration on my desk to finish & a tree to decorate - cookies & treats  to bake (& eat) ...  Oh My, it's Christmas!  Weee!

The Christmas 'gift' is the view that each day brings, the birds, snow and each other.
My dogs are a constanst source of entertainment, companionship & love...  Ginger in particular cracks us all up - she is the baby and demands the attetnion. Poppy is still the princess tho.   Our son visited this past weekend- alwasy a pleasure!  We went & explored Haliburton - during the holidays well go check out the sculpture trail, on snowshoes provided by the haliburton museum - check it out!  Everyone I've met to date has been friendly, helpful and kind... the community cares for each other.  Yo hear it with the fundraisers, heat banks & food bank.  Remember to contribute to the food bank if you can.
My library books are late- this month they will accept food donations instead of a late fee- terrific idea!

I can't even begin to list all that goes on up here, ALL year, including the winter.
I don't skate or snowmobile but I'm quite content snowgazing from the sofa- fire is hot.
Paarumpapapum... time to paint!! Me & my Poppy...

A few photos below - they make me smile. 
With TLC & THC 
G

I went out to the porch to see the dogs surrounding the seed bin - only to find a DEER mouse inside. I was happy for a live model!  Needless to say - it was not alive for long - it returned & met Daisy a few days later.  
Nature - doing nature. I see the bluejays fighting - understanding they are teaching each other.  Nature.   There was only one mouse,  I painted three different poses. 

​I was warned about the dangers of deer mice (disease) from a follower on Instagram- no worries- I don't plan on inviting them in my home or making them pets. 

I took some beautiful winter photos this week.
Today, I'm painting Thank you cards, Christmas cards & a fox on wood.
EXCITED for the adventure before me. - Glistening inspiration is all around.
​ What are you creating? Baking? Making?  Tis the season!

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

I am a loon for the library & birds in general!  Actually, I am a loon for reading, reading is good for the mind & eyes.  I needed a book bag so I don't misplace anything and can grab it in a second as I head out the door... to the closest library.  Haliburton Highlands has an impressive library service , rent books, large print, audio books, DVDs (all & every subject), magazines, childrens books of course - and I picked up a 'Pioneer woman cookbook'- which has me drooling & thrilled to get into the kitchen.  Do you know how many millions cannot read?  Too many.   Imagine how much more difficult life can become when you can't read, can't communicate, it's like speaking another language to some...
  
Open books & you open doors, it's that simple.  I'm grateful for the library, getting out to visit it, the beautiful drive noticing  leaves changing while waving 'hello' to a new neighbour as I go!  Weeee!  Grateful to God for the view - reminding all us "painters"  to pay attention as fall arrives.... get a lesson like no other direct from the creator. 

I asked Norm to take down the weather vane so I could paint it - of course,  since I was a kid I've alwasy wanted a weather vane! It amuses me so much now that we have one - I smile every time I look up at it.  I use to draw them on every house (not just the haunted houses) so, to have my own - a  Canadian GOOSE - is the cherry on this cake.  I lay there and watch it spin and could not take it any longer - it screamed & squeeked 'paint me'... Norm has to put it back up this weekend (add a bit of WD40) - he also took down the base with the N,S,E,W for a new coat of weather protecting paint.  I am in a painting mode-  today was a pair of:  "Happy Fall Y'all "   jeans - lol  they are my painting jeans which started to look a little ruff so I 'falled' them up with  leaves - organized painting. I can't wait to wear them.. .
my kinda camoflauge.

A new canvas has been started and it's goig to take a while..   a serious peice of work,  just getting photos has been a 3 day adventure, then I stared at the canvas for about 16 hours -  vefore finally a bit of pencil was added,  trying to anticipate where I want the viewwer to look & what to see.  Som ehave NO idea how lng paintings take, I lay and just think about the direction of the light, what I want in the image around the main subject.. color I will be using.. - Norm says 'I'm napping.'  when he sees me do this.  No.
Next step  PAINT.  Beyond enthusiastic to start creating this painting.

Until we meet again - EAT pie - homemade. 
With TLC & THC
me. 
 

Since I stare at it so much I decided to paint the driveway, I was inspired after the 'Plein air' - outdoor painting class of the bee houses.   The artist who taught the class was a local artist:
Harvey Walker . I also checked out his terrific studio (he made) not far from where I live, I highly recommend you do the same if in the area & invest in some original, affordable, lovely art for your walls.  After I painted the outline of the driveway - I took a drive to the Country Bakery (NOM NOM NOM) & noticed a few RED trees already making me rush back home & get working  on the painting before the leaves change- & then I'll paint it again! 

I am not a realist painter.. I like to be inspired buy what's around obviously, I add my own 'perspective' .. my new hobby of rock stacking  had to make it into the painting.  The light on the driveway changed as the day progressed so I had photos on my iPad which I then worked with later in the evening.  What a relaxing way to spend an evening-  try it.

It's back to school today! Be safe kiddos - be AWAKE & aware drivers. 
It's a beautiful crisp morning! I've already sketched my next painting - with my first coffee.
I'm reading a new book that has my creative side pondering ideas, I'll share soon - If you are female I would encourage you to get it & read it & buy one for a friend (I did), buy one for your daughter - if you have one. Can anyone guess the book?  Send me an e mail with your guess & I'll give you an original if you answer correctly. ;)

I have NOT watched any news since I moved, nor have I read any- only snippets are seen on the phone when I check messages - no wifi- not often.  HongKong is restless, Trump is still an asshole.. the rainforest is burning, Florida is about to be hit (please be safe Florida friends!) & the Bahamas is trying to recover...  more people displaced and homeless.
Justin Trudeau is ready for the election & he will win.  
I do watch & really enjoy: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj   

Please, take the time to watch 'Two sides of Canada'... imo Justin knows 'it's happening anyway'- because currently MONEY rules (sadly), I don't think he wants the pipeline any more than any of us who cares about our environment/country & I'm not naive enough (anymore) to know how ruthless these vultures can be to get their way - I don't want Justin Trudeau to become another Kennedy (shot Kennedy), I get what he is doing.  
Conservatives  do not care - oh, they do about: $$$, and control, private prisons,  jail for cannabis = conservative.... & more.  Lest we not forget SH- Harper-& look at Scheer, closely - just the sheer mention of his name sends chills up my spine..  

Will you vote or just sit around and 'bad mouth'? 
​I will try to make a positive impact on our planet & vote for who I believe  is the best for Canada... right now tho- I am about to go pick a bowl of Black Berries off my back deck to make pancakes for breakfast & give thanks for God/Universe for such another lovely day.   

with TLC & THC
G

Finally I am painting.. still not started a big canvas... stll boxes to unpack.
I decided to paint a card to add to my Forever Grateful inventory inspired by ACIM,
because it's how I feel incredibly grateful, eveyday is a new blessing waiting to be discovered. I found Prayer Flags I'll hang in my new studio witht he view I have always wanted. I find rocks, Gems, stones all over - my own personal treasure hunt. 

I am tired tho & Scruffy who is determined to wander  gave me a good scare, thank God I got them all new collars with the new number as she was hitchhiking, not impressed and she is being punished by being kept on a leash, more upset with Norm as he spoils her & she never listens - like a toddler playing mom off of dad all the time... only her not listening to me here - makes her BEAR bait.  We're taking it easy - 3 boxes a day & the last will be emptied by the end of the week.   This past weekend we changed all the locks as we know ourselves many peole can aquire a key to a cottage over the years,   the last heavy items moved -now it's all about the details & why not place everything with intention. TLC.

Above all - the Peace has me at Peace & I'm not struggling with the wifi hickups ' there might not be wifi for friends, lol. You really do get a digital detox & it feels fucking fanstastic. I decided to paint a bear first in the sun in the woods, not very big on canvas. Out of her cave...  ready to explore & that is what we do every day.. each adventure shows us new plants, moths, butterflies, dragonflies, leaves, rocks.. clouds - it's endless.
Bird- bird is in his element, he flies all over the house & in his cage to rest & sleep he is the LAZYest  little EARLY Bird - ever  lol- we are always up before that bird!

Care to see what I painted.. it's at Forever Grateful Greetings.
Care to see my new Bear? You'll have to come back to check in a few.. I plan on taking my time - new time zone- Peaceful Forest time.  I still have to get my plants for my patio,  maybe I'll wait till next year.  


With THC & TLC