This painting occupied about 2 weeks of my time painting & almost a year contemplating. I just needed to find the perfect tree, the perfect tree needed to find me.  There it sat in front of me as I was somewhat lost in my woods. It's easy to get lost as you are not on flat land and surrounded by trees, you can't hear what direction noise is coming from... luckily, I remembered this ap. I downloaded and there I was a little bluedot.. I walked until I saw the blue dot was moving twoards the direction of the house - forest creatures watching - were amused - I could sence them laughing at me as I stumbled past that same  'amazing' rock 3 times.  

That tree spoke to me, whispred "Stop. Look at me - what do you see?"  It looked like a person sitting there...  I hung out there for a while (the girls always with me happy to be lost in the forest) & I thought of missing women, in particular Indigenous women, missing because they were TAKEN.  Into a forest...  missing.  Gone.

In the past few years I have researched this too many times.  Read about the Red River & how  womens bodies are commonly found in it. Would there be a different response if not idgenous women  - Yes, I believe there would & that is shameFULL of Canada.  Why are we wasting fucking time & 'resources' with  "world breaking news" like Justin in 'black face' (God forbid the day we are ALL judged for all the stupid shit we did IN OUR PAST)  Or watching  documentaries on netflix by Chelsea on  'white privledge' by a white privileged woman -  no shit there is a problem - still... but do you know what is worse for black women, hispanic women, indigenous women - in Canada & the USA - ALL around the world...  ALL colors, shapes & AGE: Murder, Abuse, sex trafficking, rape, sexual harrassment to simple  (constant issues) such as less pay & job discrimination,  - just for being FEMALE.  
Why are we reading about bullshit in the news? WHY?  
WHY is this NOT the top story... when will it be? 
Why - because it would be on the news every day & it is DEPRESSING - OH well, just for a second imagine how depressing it is being the mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother, aunt,uncle, cousin, partner, friend to a missing young girl.  Taken.   
Time to stop saying "missing" & call it what it is -  TAKEN.  Stolen. 

Do you care  if Justin was black faced - long ago, when he was young, stupid & hairy?
(Hee hee hee) -   those who judge him for it - Phhbt. 
If only some cared half as much as they do about politics as  missing women- there would be fewer misisng women.   When we know better - we do better?  Does Justin not apply to the same rules we all do?  Last time I checked he was still, just a man.
It would be comical actually, if  we were NOT wasting such resources - like news, journalism, awareness, education,  thought, policing, money & time on what really mattered.  Each other.   Women.

 I have another painting,  inspired by another tree - another missing woman - I'm sure there are as many as I have trees...   I plan on painting several to bring 'light' to the situation.  Below the tree that inspired the painting.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Playing with gouache!  I could not find my paper & had to order more. Obviously, I still have some unpacking to do.  It's hard to unpack, the house seems to have all I need NOW and while the weather is nice - we are out exploring - gathering knowledge for the next painting actualy  & seeing what trees need to come down (dead trees).

Everyday is an adventure.. this morning we found a big pile of steaming pooh - filled with berries at the very top of the driveway in the middle of the road.. we did not hang out long for fear my dogs would chase after whatever left this  "calling card".  
Even finding pooh is exciting - who knew? lol  This summer flew!  
A low of 4 expected tonight has me painting leaves on my jeans! I LOVE fall Ya'll!  As long as there is sunshine we will be outside taking it all inside! Inside my soul... into the forest - every visit I see something & think ...
Oh! I should paint that! 

Which reminds me - time to get off the computer & go paint!
You are Gods GREATEST creation. Even more than the fall leaves.
You are. 

With TLC & THC
Me.

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. 
 

I love this Dog - Daisy Dog, she is my constant companion & guardian for us all.
Daisy is Storms dog, he walked her & trained her and she has visited a Cannabis farm or two but she lives with us currently - althought she is no stranger to the big city life as well!
Since we have now moved to some land she lives with us where she can run & explore - but she never wanders far, not even when chasing a rascal! 

Never a few feet from us in the woods and even helps me when I call her & grab her collar for a little extra support - she keeps an eye on me as well as the little dogs.  Her bark is loud & fierce and her bite worse - the raccoon that she killed up on the bird deck learned the hard way  & she would not liten to me, not until she was positive it was dead, I'm glad it was not Ginger that discovered it as it was 3 times her size & I doubt the dog would have won in that fight.   I keep Daisy in now at night, more from fear she will come up against a wolf or bear - she does not back down when it comes to defending her territory or family. 

Most of the time she is a big funny doggo - begging me to throw the ball!  She loves hugs, long walks and snuggles on the leather sofa.. lol    I could not ask for a better dog, 'friend' and watch dog.   We are loving every second in our new home - we explored the forest today - there is actually a fence around the property - as old as it is - it makes for lovely photos & future painting ideas.  All 3 small dogs got a bath today before the weather gets too cool, nice to dry in the hot sun.  Do you have a dog?  I'm sure if you have the space there is one waiting in a shelter for you today!  One who will will protect your garden & family if you give it all in needs: Food, water, shelter & LOVE > All we 'all' really need.

Next an owl and a bee - gouache while I think about my next canvas.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

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

Telling secrets.   
This little bird is telling this bear a secret, can you guess what it is?
This is the last long weekened of the summer & apparently then it slows down a little here, some weekends have been very busy and I learned quickly to avoid parts of town(s).  
As I was drivng to the farmers market yesterday, I spotted a few RED trees - yep.  Stunning amongst the vibrant green still clinging to the season.  This painting glistens like the leaves- as it is covered in irredescent purple'.

I'm out to explore on this beautiful sunshine filled day! The bluejays had me up early - off to a library to borrow some DVDs because netflix streaming- just isnt worth it. lol  I love how much our lives have slowed down with the detox of the internet, wifi, no cable.. peace.
AT last... my love has come along.  

Poppy & Ginger love running laps in this place around the fireplace  - it's very amusing to watch (better than anything Trump) and we have a NEW family member!  Lemonaid.
Lemonaid -yes, I spelled it correctly - help for Bird... a pal.  
So far, they have gotten along perfect - this bird is only 4 months and it does NOT fly very well - because it never has & it is fat - I laugh at Bird watching it eat HIS hemp. lol 
More on the birds & the bee's - soon, today I have places to discover & new friends to make!
The people up here are wonderful, everyone is nice, patient, friendly, hard working...  & creative!
Inspired by all this nature - it's hard not to nurture.

Enjoy the day& every bit of sunshine... it's cool here too.. brrr got on my wooly sweater! Weee!

With TLC & THC
Me.

​

Off the bird deck was the biggest  most vibrant green striped spider I've ever seen - no phone, no photo, it was gone by the time I got back - Thank God. lol  This idea came naturally.. the dew covered web took way to long to admit- although thoroughly enjoyable.

Cannabis in the highlands appears illusive as this spider. What the heck?  
Alcohol in the other hand, is ever prevelant as are water accidents and drownings & highway accidents. Fact.
​I hear it on Canoe - Love this radio station - it's like sitting with good friends over coffee. 
I did see one dispensary in Haliburton but the location was difficult to park, busy on the main drag - I've seen little to no advertising and wondered - was that their decision or the governments? I heard on Canoe they are not doing well and I don't understand why because people ask me about it all the time...    Where do they get it?
Where can they see & EXPERIENCE a cannabis store - with edibles and 'all that' ?  
YES, WHERE.  

I tell you this government fucked up when it came to cannabis- they could have made it an educational, enlightening ENJOYable +Profitable experience.  Instead they chose to stay with the fear mongering, confusing, $$$ overpriced, NO experience bullshit that they did & we ALL know how that is doing. 

It makes me sad because there is a large older community here & I know they are prescribed medications - many cannabis could assist but the majority of them are still drinkers I gather from what I've seen & heard so far, and stuck in that mentality... too bad.   
I'm too tired to try to 'convince' anyone.... I've been trying for a while now. 
At this point I figure - if people are not trying to figure it out themselves - oh well, you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him think & drink.  People ask me if I will grow since we have land, no.  I'm fortunate to have my son grow for me,  some have no idea of the amount of work involved, at least not to the scale as I am use to witnessing & Storm & his friends working.  Work is work.. we have enough work to do here -  Chop Wood & Carry Water and paint.  

It's pouring now, beautiful, soft rain caressing the metal roof - I love it.

Time to paint & smoke some cannabis to ease my arthristis  & TN pain which has not left, not even in Eden - this does not mean I do not still expect miracles!   :)   How about you?  
It's the long weekend - and apparently the last big one up here for the season.  Hoopla!  

I'm so excited for the fall - you have no idea...
I have trees to watch turn colors. LOTS.

Someone needs to open a dispensary in Minden  (growing community) &  head shop - I can't find papers... but you can easily find wine, alcohol & beer in most small grocery/convenience stores... isn't that convenient.  

With TLC & THC
G

​My latest bear next.

Please, wipe your feet.
I don't ask people to remove their shoes as  this is a house full of dogs & the dirt is swept or vacummed up easily, daily, (central vac- weee) thankfully...  

I'm more concened with what come out of peoples mouths than what comes off their feet.  

Shit we don't need to hear.  Shit that only makes the world not as joyful as it should be.
Crap that reminds you why you don't socialize & look forward to hibenation... lol 
We have n0 time for it nor do we even want words uttered  - words of hate, nasty gossip keep it to yourselves please. I don't get upset by 'it' - I become upset by those who spew it - & try to remember they are struggling.   Still... I don't want it here.

I see God everywhere, in everything & everyone.  ;) I like it this way! hee hee

So, I made this sign for my front door...  not that I have seen bear shit.
I have seen raccoon shit, dog shit, smoked some greatshit.. hahahaa & had a dragonfly land and shit on me the other day (it was huge - had it come out of a human it would be equilavant to the size of our arm) it was gross yet facinating shit to watch - I took it as a 'lucky sign'! lol   

So if you are invited to visit...
 PLEASE wipe your feet & leave your bullshit outside.
This does not to apply to dogs- they never have time for bullshit...
 they are too busy enjoying life.
;)

With TLC & THC
Me

Next #myhaliburtonhighlands forest spider.
& my observation about cannabis here in the HIGHlands.

Private!  
Norm said we have to put up a sign & I reminded we already had one.. lol
To get to our home you take a road with only 3 of us on it and then we are off our own private road...  last week a dump truck came down the road - just a little before they realized they were on the wrong path so it was time to put up a sign.  
What should it say?  Norm & Georgia's - Georgia' & Norms..
Do Not Enter,  KEEP OUT,  Trespassers will be eaten.   lol  
The moment we put it up I started to laugh out loud  - Bumble in the forest! Looks like this is where he belongs and is happiest...  Yeti in Halliburton Highlands.
Now, every morning the girls  &  I go up to see Bumble & thank him for standing guard.  
I believe the neighbours had a surprise and a giggle and have seen a couple of cars stop,  
I don't know if  there are many little kids to see it but big kids get a chuckle too.
The only ones going to see Bumble are those visiting us or them  & We are:
                          
                                        By  Invitation  Only.   Thanks.

I also want include a no hunting sign.  I don't know that it will make a difference hunting season as I am surrounded by land & hunters but at least here deer will be safe. ;)
About hunting... I get deer hunting, for food as long as it is eaten & all used.  
I  do not and never will agree with 'Trophy Hunting' especially big animals like elephants, Lions, rhinos etc..  I also don't get shooting birds unless a turkey.  Bears, coyotes, wolves can all be shot if problems on your property but they explain how to keep them at bay if possible.
# 1 rule- DO not leave food garbage around.

Bumble NOW makes me laugh every morning, any company that visits says they laugh the second they see him - he is placed so that you do not see him until you turn to go up our driveway - I want to make a BIG BEAR - I'll add it to Norms To Do list- longer than the driveway. hee hee hee

If you are visiting #myhaliburtonhighlands I also want to warn you (I had no clue) You are NOT permitted DAY fires! No camp fires  -no day smores- only after 7 p.m. -  until ? 7:00 am (I'm not sure until what time - so you better learn) BUT if you do have a day fire & the firetrucks show up you can be & are charged about $450.00 per truck, PER hour.
Those would be expensive smores.   I agree with the ban after only living up here a month and seeing how dry it can all get - a forest lined with pine needles.
Install water barrels to water your plants people!
Don't waste one  drop.

Next my front door sign (hee hee) then a Spider.. or bear...
 I don't know, which ever I finish first.  
Our to do list today is long - time to chop wood & carry water.   

Cannabis in the highlands - soon too. 

Have a FUN, Beautiful, Creative day! YOU were created to create!

With TLC & TLC Georgia

Every morning we walk the driveway!
Up to the top.. check out the rocks & sunshine & cell service - lol.
On mornings I am sore I do it with a joint - this also helps keep away the mosquitos.
Banana peels really take away the itch out of a bite. 
I keep my peels in the fridge for when they are required.  

Snakes - 2, raccoon 1, deer 1.... chickadees - many! Frogs, grasshoppers & many butterfly & moths, we are surrounded by life  & death - may as well make the best of both & enjoy each moment.
 
Currently on my desk are 3 different projects- creativity is at an all time high & I've thought of a few new cannbis painting's I'd lke to do!  
The common hashtag here is #myhaliburtonhighlands  ... it certinally is.
I also painted one of our waterbarrels - much needed on the days it gets dry up here... better than using our well water.. the day Norm hooked it up- it rained not 5 minutes later. 
No Water - No Life.
No Blue - No Green.

Thirsty?  Take a drink.. & give thanks.

With TLC & THC 
Georgia