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

Look at all the many different leaves in one tiny space... imagine the possibilities!
Different shapes & Different shades.
Each lovely & useful it it's own way. 
What secrets they hold for improving our world... we don't yet understand.
Just Like Humans.

Different shades & shapes..
Makes Canada what it is - Absolutely BEAUTIFUL.

                                   `Green gradients glisten graciously, God.
                                                                                            ~Me.

Happy Canada Day! 
I cannot pack all day & paint all night -  pack I must! 
It has been an enjoyable process for the most part...  I've had friend offer & help & thank you - other than 'memeories at a time when you are already emotionally & physically tired- oh well...  good & bad - I thank God for them ALL.  As usual Storm is supportive & tolerant of my outbusrts, moodswings & occassional rants & messages.. & typo's.  ;)

Like this a.m. when I found out Norm had over 20 orders for coffins & props - e mails he's not seen because he never checks his WWW!  He was shocked - one person from  Georgia  is interested in Nightmare Before Christmas prop - our last Mayor also sold to an American (shipping was not cheap) & this is Norms dream come true too..  to have some time to finally build & focus on his own props.. after the 'to Do' list is complete .  So he better learn to check his email... in his spare time.  
​I shall try to assist.

After my initial - rant- "I have to read his e mail too now!!?"  
Norm was very excited to know he's had that much interest.. not me, I know how talented he is & I do tell him all the time.  When he's not trying to push my buttons by sending a TEXT:
Please, bring me  beer.  
He knew it would get a reaction and was laughing as soon as he sent it.  
Typical Canada Day - 27 years later.  The only missing element is Storm.
​I miss his cooking too- lol  
I am grateful this Canada Day.
 
I LOVE Canada - I do think it is one of the best countries in the world with one of the best world leaders who also loves Canada.  A editorial cartoonist has been fired -Michael de Adder  in Canada for drawing a Trump toon... I would  give him a medal &  will say thank you!  IT was fantastic... right to the point.
One door closes more will open for him - Perfect editorial cartoon of  what many of us do feel is happening currently - nothing.  & he plays golf as Americans beat themselves up at protests and humans wash ashore like dead fish....   Fore!

I need to draw - I can not deny - I admitted recently - I feel a bit grumpy because I can't paint.. it's my meditation - napping more seems to do the trick - lol 
I have been sketching tho... maybe it is a good time for me to draw a few editorials..
let off a bit of steam. 

Very excited to see a new view of Canada from my living room window... Eh! 
Soon Baboon!!   -Bird chirps!  lol 
Bird is excited too!  ...the little creeper is reading over my shoulder again.
​
Happy Canada Day
With THC & TLC

Georgia 

Surrounded by boxes - I'm amazes at the maze - and ready to go - almost. 
Do you know how much I love my pets - very much - this move is costing us more than most - all in order to do it gently, easily & smoothly for the pets... & me.   The thought of strangers passing through, locking up the dogs, where to go..  Norm painting and has to sand & stain the main living room floor  with 4 dogs in and out... we must go before he does, once out he will paint & sand and be on his way! Yippie - were both excited.

Bird is slightly stressed I can tell- his bird house' is now in boxes - The day of the move I am taking my precious cargo - Bird, dogs, cats & even Larry will come with me - that and my boxes of art (lol) and basic needs to get me started in the un-packing adventure.  Bird will be locked in his cage for a few days- I don't think he's going be happy about it. lol 

Currently we are looking for our 'guest tent' the house has no guest room (fine with me) but our guests will be comfortable in a tent (complete with wood stove) that will be set up on a platform not far from the house - I've already invited a few friends- and they know too - already - all who visit will contribute - I'm no  Henny Penny  - you'll be chopping wood or chopping carrots.  Norm will be BUSY and  I know he'll appreciate a hand from time to time too. 

Chop wood & carry water - to your tent.
I do understand how awesome it is to be able to get away into nature thankfully, especially to my long time friend Jim who has always let me stay at his cottage over the years & I fell in love with the area.  So - YES! Come de-stress...  I am happy we can offer this to our friends.
Sorry Eh,  we won't have FREE WIFI.   Instead we offer many FREE trees for you to hug during your visit. Not only will you see some nature, check out the beautiful small towns close by, many lakes to explore - possibly a deer or two - you'll get a digital detox for FREE!
Weee & a painting lesson too- I'll even include all supplies.
Kids & dogs - sure - bring them along - as long as you look after them!
& BYOBug spray too.    Wheeeeee.  Not long now- I woke up & had to finish my deer because I know I have boxes to pack. 

The Hidden Brain podcast is very interesting -the most recent called the Lazarus Drug & discusses the opiate problem...  very interesting food for thought.  
IF you are in pain please consider cannabis as YOUR FIRST OPTION. 

with TLC & THC
​Me.

The racoons were set free.. thankfully - glad they are gone. lol 
as cute as they were - they did appears to be able to cause come serious damage with those little sharp teeth - I was not wiling to find out.
​

o.k.... it's  happened - we are.... EXCITED! It has sunk in and it is paid for. Forward!
Cowabunga!!! Dreams come true.  We have downsized- our new home is smaller- big enough - downsized but living large on a piece of land surrounded by trees - we plan on making trails through the property and placing a cabin/shack in the woods for friends to visit-  a little off grid glamping! Weeeee.

We already have friends where we are moving -  long time buds of us both- how cool is that? 
The past few months have been filled with house hunting and conversation & some arguing too - mostly between Norm and I and as to what our future direction would be.  We were very close to going in different directions but this house is what we both have been looking for & Norm gets to build his own shop from the ground up - I know if anyone can - he can. 
Not much needs done to the actual house - we have a fireplace to figure out and we are already designing the new deck for across the front of the house!

The dog kennel (top priority) will be built first.  Attached to the back of the house - where they can go out through the dog door to do their business or just check outside - a fence around this property - is not an option we could afford or desire- I don't want to keep the deer out - just the dogs in... I already KNOW training will start the first day we move in- I promised God- I needed a long driveway to throw the ball and walk the dogs everyday - no humans in our way, I can't believe how much I have thought of my girls while house hunting ... my family.  This place is as much for them as it is for us - & yes I will be adding to our family - one more another bigger one.   I've ben walking around crying - elated at the prospects that await - we purchased a prospector :) the house has  only 2 bedrooms - our guests will have their own place to stay - complete with wood stove. 

I mentioned on IG about not offering alcohol to our guests, I have issues with alcohol as some are aware. Living in the middle of nowhere when guests visit, I couldn't and won't start to stress about people driving impaired. I'm too familiar with those consequences due to the past and others in my life & I will NOT encourage it.  Norm and I rarely drink - we might  have the occasional craft beer - glass of wine but it's just as easy for us to pass' - we had champagne to toast our new home and both complained it gave us a slight headache- we don't drink anymore - so why have it?  Why offer poison to people I care for  & that is a fact.  That being said - there is a cute little craft  brewery/restaurant not far from our new home, I'm sure we will be visiting. Will I have a craft beer or A glass of wine to offer during dinner - perhaps...  BUT I'm done with drunks. I have no issues with people who have a drink or two - those who can moderate & control- Bravo..    Regrettably, past experience has proven many I'm familiar with do NOT know when to stop - over indulge  & in many cases become abusive, depressed & depressing and nasty.  ​I will not allow this to happen anymore - if you want to get drunk - please, do not visit.
 
If you want to come up - digital detox, learn how to paint, be surrounded by nature, hike trails, look for mushrooms.. look for deer- nature, help Norm chop wood & carry water- to your tent...  lol Please do!  Dogs will be welcome too!   P.s not a fan TV either- so that won't be happening - much. Weeee - maybe I won't have many human visitors with my "house rules" ...  I have my girls, Bird, painting & Norm - I'm going to be busy.    
Amen.

OH! - Did I tell you we have a sauna!? I just researched & was over the moon to learn: Saunas help with arthritis pain  - detox our bodies of nasty crap- help with STRESS & are known for REDUCING psoriasis - HOLY - I have a sauna!
Bring your own towel.  Wheeeeee!  *btw... alcohol & the sauna - bad idea. 

Thank you God!
Jesus - I look forward to our forest conversations & exploration.

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia

Wee - excited to start a new adventure - an art adventure!  The best kind.  
This morning  I've got a new canvas in front of me & it is big!  My biggest yet.
Kinda nervous... until the creative adrenaline kicks in and I can't wait to start!!!
A new project in the works for a while & now there is serious interest to complete it - this entails other projects be put aside  for focus....  no sharing- not until a proper introduction' can be arranged.  Now  research, take a visual adventurer on my computer, on the road & in my mind on a project that goes beyond cannabis.  
Mushrooms, Cannabis, stars, trees  I can't begin to explain my level of excitement for this next project. Or have I?   lol 

It's caused for some experimental painting like the cowardly lion & these bears - which was not as easy as I thought training  my brain to think shades of purple & not brown.
Little cannabis Buds now enter my mind at all times even when out and about - it's really comical, who knew my little Weeed cards would make 'me' laugh as much as they do...  
not I.
 
The Canadian life expectancy for the first time  in it's history, has not increased in Canada... Opiates are responsible,  mostly men are dying - dealing with pain mental & physical - overdosing -   I  for one do NOT enjoy being 'wasted' - the feeling Pills give me- not wanting to do anything but sleep...  it's not enjoyable - not on pills, booze or cannabis.
Can we focus on the REAL problem killing Canadians & finally stop stressing over cannabis HYPE- this afternoon I admitted to a girlfriend - had I not had my vaporizer by my bedside this past couple weeks - I'd of been on opiates, my hip/bum hurt so bad & still aches- although I finally slept  last night.  Had I went to the hospital right away  & they gave me 'something for pain' - I probably would have taken in my moment of weakness...
Life hurts occasionally - it teaches us this way.
Embrace it - It was a kick in the ass from God - It worked!  Tuff love.  
 
Thank God for this glorious plant!  
​How many years have I been planting this seed - not enough. Have you tried it yet?  
There a few closet tokers 'now' come out in the open to me...   about time. 

Please consider cannabis for pain if you injury yourself before you take opiates.  

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Th undersea explorer returns.. this time it's purple.
Acrylic on canvas! Gord & purple iridescent  paint can only be sen in a specific light...
 when it's just right.

Today we are off on our own hunting expedition- what will we find..  
the possibilities are endless.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

I had the best mother's day - all day!! It did not start that way...   Norm pissed me off with his typical shenanigans'  & I thought - forget this crap! I can do this... & I did. 
I packed up my 2 bitches and  turned on the GPS & headed down to the city for the day as that was the plan! OMGod me drive to the city! The girls co-operated they love the booster seat I made &  are strapped in for safety!  The GPS did it's thing... I remained calm - except for when I let out that for real "Weeeeeeeeeeeee! as I cut across 3 lanes of the highway  so I would not miss my exit!   YIKES! lol but we did it & every light turned green for it was mothers day  & it has been my greatest honour on this earth to be this  sons mom.

God rewarded me for courage & determination - so did Storm! We went to currys for all the little things to 'try out', I don't enjoy buying art supplies online. Then to a sweet little fountain pen & paper shop  for lovely purple ink and new sealing wax for all the cards I've been sending out! * BTW- Forever Grateful Greetings is up & running! A new purple pen - I'll use it to write him thank you note! 

Storm laughed when I remarked, I hope the few I know in jail remain there... at least until my penmanship gets better. I was kidding.  We laughed, talked, shopped, strolled the cheese boutique  Oh MICKEY MOUSE  if you like cheese! Go here. I actually pondered driving down again for a chunk of the champaigne gouda we had.  Hee hee   Then 'mom mode kicked in' & I straighten while he started dinner & the girls frolicked in the new play area.  By the time we were ready to dine - his pad was looking perfectly peaceful.  Dinner was better than a restaurant  & it's truly amazes me to watch him stand there & prepare, cook - while we have a conversation easily considered a 5 star meal!  I don't eat a lot of red meat unless I know he is cooking - it's tender, & tasty & I can't lie - it did have me drooling. On top of all this he had elegant delectable desserts which I woke up at 3 craving.  

We ended the day with a drizzled walk - speaking of creepy ghost stories - I had to carry princess Poppy (she saw I was wearing Storms parka and is no dummy)  Ginger loved hanging out with her big sister.  It was a perfect full day of unconditional love.  Then I had to head home, only having one glass of wine the entire day  &  a glass of 'strawberry beer &  the drug of coffee to keep me alert for the rainy, dark drive home - but as you have concluded - I made it! I was so fucking proud of myself!  Hee Hee
Above all else spending the day with Storm, hearing him talk about people he cares for, works with, seeing how determined & passionate he is as well as a hard worker that's  what Mother's day is all about.  I did enjoy a few joints with my son - had I not- I think I would have been frightened to drive home & white knuckling it all the way yet,  it was a pleasant drive once I knew exactly where I was going, I had a big smile on my face all the way home because I had the best mothers day.

God made sure as I felt like professional stunt drivers at times & did not give one stranger the finger once when cut off  several times. The girls slept all the way home!   Today, I paint!
With TLC & THC

Georgia