I woke on Sunday and noticed a car at the gate, I called to Norm - Go see who's at the gate this early!!  Apparently our son decided to visit (arriving late) and was sleeping in the porch!  First I can't believe how tired I was - the dogs were barking - I assumed it was the weekly nightly bisit from a racoon, bear - soemthing that set the dogs off & I ignored it & went back to sleep.  How nice to find out I was mistaken! YAY!! 

The last time Storm was up we were  digging holes to start the coop!  This time he was meeting the extended family' - lol Chickens and goats!  That was fun!  Goats have a strong sence of smell- they smell everythng I offer before nibbling and often turn their nose up - if not pleased.. I think they can smell 'Storm is family' because they instantly  took to him, let him pat them and were curious about him.  Goats are social yet skittish and althogh we can pat them, we've not been able to pick them up & you need to - to cut nails, care for them properly if hurt.. Storm made it look easy.  The chase funny,  once he had them they rested in his arms & didnt even put up a fuss, it was really amusing!
Just like the chickens when you pick them up - they just  sit there.  It went really well & I have some fun photos - I've already started the next of Storm & Sativa on a wodden panel.

We went for a family HIKE! The girls LOVED IT, us too.  It was a personal foray dream, the trails hardly disturbed & literally covered with mushrooms, you could not walk 3 feet without seeing one.  I couldn't even take photos of all the mushrooms or it would have taken forever..
The mosquitos! OH MY - nasty little bloodsuckers,they LOVE me. If I stopped they attacked.  Other than that is was a great hike, the dogs all dog tired, us too.
Rhubarb is the closest restaurant to us - we decided to have take-out & it too was fantastic! 
What a perfect way to end Sunday & visit.   Storm had to head back that night -  it was a short but  fun filled adventure.  

Storm also treated me to a lovely lunch at Boshkong brewery & restaurant in Minden & we and caught up on a few things.  Mom stuff, mostly.  I am grateful he is so busy during these times, he is too.  What a wonderful surprise visit.  Time to paint- what a beautiful day in the highlands.

​

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

I'm so happy I have chickens to think about.  Norm wakes up to the sound of: Bwawkkk
Baaaawwwkk Bak bawwwwkkkk!  We don't have the chickens yet - it's me, learning chicken speak. hee hee  Up at sunrise  to let the chickens out (I want to be ready) and  excited to start the day, another gift from God.   I'd venture many people do not see each day as a gift lately, let alone from God.  
Do you think Trump 'inspects the bunker' - yes, to see how comfortable his bed will be & instal the GOLD toilet - as just outside others are being murdered in the streets. - Arrrrgh.. on to the chickens.

Better yet- on to the visit from Storm!  When I told him we were building a chicken coop he said he was coming up to help! Oh my God...  finally. Yes, I was excited! Instantly a weight had lifted that was getting heavy & thank you Lord for the lesson.  Many will never see family again after this is all over due to a germ. The dogs were so happy, Norm was thrilled & I was  happily content. My tiny family complete for a bit.  Bird was happy! Everyone was missing Storm. I get emotional thinking about it so... cock- a - doodle-doooooooooo!! 

3 chickens!! This for 3 chickens.. lol  the work the measuring and Storm lifiting out huge rocks (many had to be jackhammered) out of 4 feet deep holes,  in poured rocks & cement so the coop can be lifted, dry and safe from all predators! It's being insulated as I type.  In Canada after witnessing last winter - the coop better be warm. Metal roof, insulated and vented. & it must match the house complete with window box!  I do not want to use a heat lamp heres hoping... maybe more chickens will keep them warmer? Hmmmmmm
Giggling now - I wonder  (covid or no covid) if Storm will visit again - all he did was WORK. "Plant this please..."  "move this please.. "  "give me a hand with..."  and that was in between helping his dad. & he cooked!  Luckily, he is no stranger to work and said he really misses us and enjoyed every moment.  I went to sleep each night  in peace - this place is so peaceful.
We joked about all the 'kittens I found on the side of the road' over the years and my 3 chickens "ladies" might grow a bit.   The dogs are being trained already to walk around the coop as I chat with imaginary chickens.  Bwak Bwaaaaak...  

It was so good to 'see' Storm.  We did not hug as much & we we're all still cautious...   Oh no Norm & Storm right away Purple nurpled & I started laughing. Initiated by dad! lol Spending all weekend outside in the heat and having the air flow thru here, Storm slept out int he fresh air- Daisy too & she loved it!  She never left his side - huge smile on her face.

 I have a new appreciation for moms who have their sons go off to war.
To miss them & fear they might get sick, (visa-versa) as we all have done across the planet the past few months. Worried about protests and violence. We all agreed we don't think this would happen in Canada. We say "sorry" to each other for bumping into each other.
I am thankful for the time he was here & the help with the "The Ritz Coopton"...   
Time to get to the coop.. & painting and gardening and chickens!!

​We are experiencing serious internet and bell issues with the weather the past few days- let's hope it's just the weather, the internet service & bell  have been the only 2 constant frustrating issues since moving in.  I can't believe Explorenet gets paid more than we paid Rogers for providing a fraction of  the service. Oh well - more time to paint & explore.
​I'll only be posting images the next few days.

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