We have our designated farm chores.  I get up and let everyone OUT, when Foghorn starts shouting "Rise & SHINE!!!".  I open the chicken door, I open the goat door (yes, that's new)  all the dogs follow to pee.   All loose - I return for my first coffee -then, I make the chickens breakfast. They LOVE cream of wheat sprinkled with hemp and a tiny bit of whatever fresh fruit. Norm gets up usually an hour later, he gets his coffee & we go out again. 

​Norm puts the animals to bed, the first night he was chasing chickens, the goats refused to get out from under the coop so, there they slept. The next day we sealed the goat area in- so we don't have to worry about bears or other attacking them at night. It was last minute but has worked out absolutely fantastic.  It's like a movie.  All the animals GO to bed on their own already - so easily, it shocks us.  The chickens go in the coop and roost-  Norm counts them and locks up.  The goat run around to the door underneath the pen and run in! He locks them in and all is good..  Who knew - not us. We've laughed in amazement at these creatures.  It's proving to really be, the zen den.  We have 2 chairs and we sit & watch & laugh, mostly. Like when Sweet Sativa climbed up the chicken walk and right thru that small door!   Then a chicken came out, then she came out,  then Ginger!  lol  
Ginger - if we let let would live in the coop,  I have to go and physically remove her.
 
It's been a full time job for weeks & now we get to sit & enjoy, that we do!  Yesterday sitting there in silence- just enjoying the moment- we looked around and realized EVERY creature was lying down around us. Every chicken.  Every dog, every goat. Everyone was happily zen, listening to the birds in the heat of the afternoon.  I've never felt mentally healthier or at peace.  Thank you Lord.

I am choosing to stay home !  why leave this Eden?
Norm understands & is o.k. to go.  for the basic grocery run & of course to the lumberyard.
What's not good for mental health,  this mass mask manipulation & confusion - on or off, bull.  Mandatory when in public spaces is mandatory. A large family of tourists  (all you had to  do was watch & listen for a moment to know they were tourists) was walking along haliburton going into stores- not one with a mask. I thought I wonder, where they are from.. what does it matter?  We have no control over others, especially not strangers.  Will our number start o shoot up again like the USA? lets hope not.
The DONkey still in charge, still says it's FAKE news. Is he done yet?  According to the news - anyone can run now- since the bar has been set so high by the current occupant.. yikes. No wonder my Americans friends seem a bit  more 'stressed', these days.  I feel sorry for the USA - which is providing the rest of the world with the impression, it doesn't care about itself  OR each other.   SELF LOVE is key...  they appear to have very little.
Selfish... seems to be more accurate.

Why take a chance?  If they suggest wearing a mask - wear a mask or stay home.
The cartoon is exactly what we said to each other out waiting in LONG lines for stuff we don
t really NEED. Forget that.
Wear a mask & decrease your chances of catching a deadly virus or don't and gamble with your life or the lives of your friends and family. That's the most selfish part...  Those who don't give a crap about others - Like the president of the USA, Eh.  To throw a July 4th celebration ? How many lives dead?

I choose to stay home so I don't see some with & some without I choose self love if I DO go out & WEAR a mask- for others as much as myself. There nothing we 'NEED' that's more important than our health - physical or mental.  Norm is loving the farm- it's obvious & he has built a tiny Eden for our beasts.... changing as the animals let us know  what to change. 
We have no time to wallow or worry, our animals are teaching us much.  & when we have free time- I paint & he builds - what ever he wants.  
​Life is wonderful & both of us are happier than we've been - this is how it's suppose be. Amen & thank you.

The goats are bleeting now, "come out & hang out!!!  It's irresistible.  
I posted a really cute vid on IG & am posting it on the official 'ZEN HEN DEN' page.  Have peek if interested.   Have a lovely hot Canadian day!  It's too hot for a mask- stay home. lol 

With THC & TLC
Georgia 

Introducing Indica & Sativa. 
Indica is a brown male born in March 2020 - close my my birthday & Sativa was born in April 2020 - she is female. They are the cutest pair - exploring the pen together.  Curiously watching us - as we do them.  Yep - I wake up to Foghorn & can't believe it - dreams come true!

Norm and I both laughing - who knew we'd be chasing chickens & loving every moment. 
This pen & coop are lessons taught NOW, to us by the chickens & goats themselves.  Oh, yes... we also added 3 more Leghorn chickens!! This traditional looking chicken is amusing and has already provided us with eggs, hee hee- hiding behind a tree.  So much for the nesting boxes.  This first egg will be used for medicated carrot cake upcakes.  ;) .  I had read about introducing new chickens /animals can be stressful - NOPE. Other than getting the goats out of the vehicle all has been beautifully calm - the pen is big enough I guess - a bit of chicken chasing each other but that's it. 

Today, we had our coffee watching our goats and had to force ourselves away. Norms still adding touches here and there. Soon, I'll give you a coop & pen tour.  We have named al the birds, they are: Gloria! (our black beauty), Foghorn (rooster), Henny & Penny (Forghorns peeps), Elenor, Grace & Honey.  The sketchbook is in the pen & the canvas preped. Yep, your about to see a few chicken & goat paintings.

I met a nice man @ the feed store who started to share a few of his animal photos - I was impressed  & asked him to send me a few photos, which he happily has! Deer, chickadee & more - animals galore...  What are you dreaming about? Do not give up.. keep seeing it - & make it happen.

I'm staying home with our new family..  I'm tired of going out and waiting in line for a few measly things we might need. The line up for the beerstore was something & we were told it started an hour before it even opened.  Yesterday, a hardware store in Haliburton 'TRIED to tell me' - "only one person permitted to enter per vehicle" - WTF?  I informed  him - that would not work- we were BOTH goinjg in. I held up my hands (obvous visual to my arthritis) and informend  - I can't even lift some items of shelves (I can't) fuck that..  needless to say, he took me seriously and we were both permitted to enter.  COME ON.
I am not enjoying the pressure, lack of masks... How come we have to wear them, but employees in these locations are not?  It's messed up - are they immune from infecting those wearing masks?  Isn't the idea - we all wear masks so we don't make others sick. hmmmm.  Nope, you won't see me aroudn town - Im done - for a bit anyhow. happy to stay hoem on the tiny farm. Norm just brought in two more eggs (with a huge smile) & you would have thought he discovered golden nugets- hahaha.

Have a lovely weekend- today I'm painting something about animals to bless our farm.
Grateful for all the many blessings in our pen.

with TLC & THC
​Georgia

We had a visit yesterday from the former owner of our house!  From a distance..  
We met the first time as I seeing the house for the first time ( it was spontanious) and she happened to be home.  I stepped out of our vehicle - never even went inside the house, before I said to Norm:                 This is it.  I knew.
 I told her that day - I'm buying this house & love it and I will love it like you did.  She held my hand and said "o.k.",   I knew that moment she & I were soul sisters.   Nevermind the inside of the house - many would guess it was already mine after a quick glance, even the paint colors were the same as my old home.  Adorned with masks, rocks, shells - I felt at home already.  

It's almost been a year, one the best years of my life! Deni shared some history of the house and I was not shocked to find out this IS a special place,  built right on  the Canadian shield... (on a slant so we never have to worry about flooding) - it's really well thought out- I just love this house & property.   Deni smoke cannabis too & had a sweet little tin with her joints- the same tin I've had for about 2 decades.  We agree with many things & seem to both be caring & concerned about the goings on of the world...  I feel like we've already been friends for years.   Soul sisters.   She accepted our first offer & my insisting 'I wanted to be in A.S.A.P & WAS - LOL   The house was sold and I was here  in a month (and a bit ) later,  she admitted it was so fast - it was good, she did not have time 'to think' - come to think of it- neither did I,  I had packing to do.  All history now.  
​So, I bought a new home and made a new friend.  Blessed Bonus!

I'm such a believer that God brings everyone into my life for a reason - I'm so glad I met Deni & our new home. Thank you Tom*  more on him, soon.  Norm is happy too.  Go figure... a little tired at times, as weve also accompished a lot in a year. Deni remarked the love we are already putting into our new home is obvious.  Yes it is.  It's so easy to wake up each morning (easier now with Foghorn! lol)  & give thanks to God for another day in this beautiful spot we call home.  I look forward to each days adventure,  it sure it an adventure.

The COOP is COMPLETE & just in time...   my tiny family has grown some more.
I'll show you the ladies tomorrow &  Sativa & indica (hee hee)...  but here are the gifts from today in the image below. YAY!!!    

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

We watched a documentary on Netflix on Transgender titled: Disclosure.  it was very interesting and a few things 'clicked' especially the part about Bugs bunny- Yes! I get that!  I was & AM still (obviously) inspired by Bugs - No doubts loony toons influenced my growing up to some degree & I relate to Bugs most. I think, I'm nice like BugsBunny (& creative) but don't piss me off or you might hear:  Of course you know.. this means war.        lol

Bugs was a POSITIVE role model for many kids growing up and why should transgender be any different. Bugs would dress & behave as a woman with class, grace, beauty & intelligence. Teaching kids from as young as 5 - 17 , I noticed several times.. this child is different, gay.  I never thought anything else of it, nothing negative - ever. It was obvious to me anyhow, thinking back- I bet it was obvious to the parents too, perhaps they were in denial.  Who cares?  Not me. I do not care about your sexual preference, if you choose to change your appearance - to best suit you.. -AMAZING!  We are created to create- EACH one of us - SHINW- anyway you know how.  Children taught me being gay, homosexual, transgender - was not an option but a way of life for them. Naturally.

As long as a human is not harming another- what business is if ours - how we present ourselves to the world. We have one simple task- choose Joy! Express Joy...  I've come to realize it is an absolute sin to not give thanks for each new day, no matter the situation.  Yesterday was Canada day, it too now comes with past history issues (I need to research further), NOW - in the moment- it represents to me - reminds me - I love the country I live in.  Canada is beautiful & we teach constantly - all can live together- Toronto is the melting pot of the world. That is something to be VERY proud about Canada.  
If you have fears about transgender ( it's the only reason I can think of anyone hating a transgender person) - it's more about confusion.   Watch the documentary.

When it comes to children I do not encourage  'directing' them any way. Honestly I wish they did not see as much as they do on television because I do believe it adds to confusion. All they should be encouraged to do - is create, 'shine' & be nice tiny humans..
Encourage letting them discover for themselves the direction they will go with their own bodies - & loving them & supporting them with the difficult (in many cases) decision.  Lord knows, we all face enough anguish from strangers who do NOT know us but continue to judge us for many reasons.  Anything that makes us want to be better humans should be embraced. 

with TLC & THC
Georgia 

Ginger thinks she's a chicken.

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

Chickens!  They are good for my mental  health - I leaped out of bed with my new alarm clock at 4:33 - lol  got dressed & ran out to open the chicken door & then that rooster - stayed in until the sun came up 5:30 -lol! Got me - first day.  
I  love them!  

Foghorn Leghorn is my rooster - come on- you must have guest that! I'm only having the one rooster.. when I named him, while sittinging the pen with Norm - I said  (in my Foghorn Leghorn voice) "Hey Boy! I said... Hey Boy - you like that name Foghorn?!" & he ran over to me and we both burst out laughing.  Ginger chasing Gloria (my all black Chicken)  is sure to lose weight- it's very amusing - She doesn't have a chance.  Henny & Penny are Foghorn's ladies...   who knew Chickens would bring so much joy? Me.  
No eggs yet - but lots of laughter.  Norm had the roost in, just in time -  I went out this a.m. and there is Foghorn looking at me from the shelf! & only Gloria was on the roost.
I have CHICKENS!!!

Planning, research, shopping, building, approving, youtubing - oh my  yes, this has been great for my mental health- who has time to wallow when we've got work to do?  Missing Bird this past week was exceptionaly difficult, Gloria let me pat her this morning,  she closed her eyes & I could tell she trust me already... so, that was nice. Happy to have birds.

I've not had time to think - Covid, Trump or racism - which is good because it was really starting to get me down. What the flock is wrong with the USA?  Do they not understand PANDEMIC?    I don't know, but YES - I am very grateful for my chinckens - I've been out taking photos all morning and start my first Foghorn painting today.  Chickens are work too - work I am grateful for, who wants to sit ont he sofa and eat bonbons & watch TV- NOT me - that is NOT living... it's watching.  Waiting for triggers - that control the mind -if they can.
I had a trigger - listening to Canoe radio the other day, usually a segment that shares short stories (which I alwasy enjoy) had a  incredibly judgemental statement about swearing and how you are less of a person IF you swear...  more or less- WOW.  Fuck that.  Again, just an opinion - but who needs those seeds planted?  Why judge someone for swearing- are there NOT far more serious crimes being commited than saying 'Fuck'... yes there fucking are. I went from being in a great mood with a list to do - and went blank after that 'short talk'... I realized why & how it effected me and made up my mind to NOT let it.  
I have chickens to look after, watch & paint.  
What will you focus on - afterall you are in control...

I hear Foghorn calling! Time to rock that rooster with a portrait! lol
 The best thing for mentsl HEALTH is focusing on a new passion - it doesn't have to be chickens- PICK something and become better at it- more knowledgable about it- Your brain will thank you.

Bwaaaak Bwaaak!  
​xox

What many moms 'now' imagine... instant internet sensations are born daily.  
I wonder if chickens feel the same about each egg.  Each egg will be a gift.
Each child is a gift.   Every day is a gift,  have you offered  'thanks' for today?
I am thankful we have created the Zen Hen Den- Norm & Storm had the difficult part.
​
This is the first week of summer & it's going to be hot!
Bring on the chickens & bring on the heat, I've already made a watermelon, pea, strawberry frozen treat. 

The Zen Hen Den chickens - shall lay, daily.  Have Faith.

 Introducing the 'Zen Hen  & her Den.
​
Yep! Straw is in and the chickens will be soon - I hear Norm, screwing the gate together as I type - we've got the food, treats & toys.  The nesting beds have been lined with straw & have petals from roses, marigolds & lavender tossed in, both Poppy & Ginger insisted a sniff too.  ..  I'm glad they can't jump in on their own - I don't think.  The entire family is excited!  Daisy  found her favourite place - under the coop,  not for  longer.   Not until they have had lessons with chickens. 

As we've planned & worked and educated ourselves on chickens & more,  I've had fun with a few cartoon ideas - cards too..  I'll be sketching & painting in the coop - it's got two comfortable chairs ready, why not make it official and  create this Zen Hen & have some fun with the imagined & real adventures in the ZEN HEN DEN!  It is an awesome chicken coop! YAY! We make a great team! Thank you Norman - who wonders (out loud, on occasion) what 'not working' must feel like - hee hee hee.   He is just as eggcited - don't be fooled by his grumbling.  We've already had countless laughs and each step is getting better.  This coop is top of the line & thought out, I'll show more in a few days - it's all about the details NOW - the ladies will soon be home.
After losing bird ( frig, I miss him, very much) I thought .. should I get chickens?  
Yes, Bird would want me to get chickens,  we had 'chatted' about them,  as his cage was at the window & he was aware of the building going on.  I will try to show my chickens the same love I did with bird.  Not coming in my house tho. 

Determined not to contrubite to the sadness/madness  & wanting to lay a bit of words of wisdom on us, from time to time - the Zen Hens  focus is on Teaching Love - in reality... we all lose control from time to time so CLUCK Ya!  Sometimes feathers gotta fly!   The official start of her cartoon strip is on Sunday. 

Time to get cracking!  
With TLC & THC
Mother Clucker G

Painted rocks are easy & fun!   Anyone can paint a rainbow or flower & leave the rock gems for strangers to find in the woods or on a path somewhere.. it will make someones day. 
I noticed a charity on IG 'Stepstones'  (stepstonesforyouth.com) that donates money to kids for every rock you paint & #loverocks  so I decided to paint a rock for the cause.  The only thing I could think of looking at this rock was a tongue.. and it just happened.  I thought it turned out pretty good- I was/am still kinda blue over bird- but I forced myself.  
Glad I did.. I kept painting.
It's a gift for me to be able to paint & I will not waste one day. 

It was missing something so I asked IG and  I had some very creative responses.. more than I thought of:  A pill, stamp, sucker (my initial idea), peircing (Ouch - lol), snowflake & many suggested -acid tab!  Tab so tab it is.. it made me smile.  I'm not sure if I'll leave this one lying around since it freaked out a few thinking it was a real cows tongue -maybe I'll leave it near a dairy farm... lol
I am painting another to leave on my next trip into town.. soon.
​Maybe you will know where and go get it to decorate your own garden.

Shout out to Norm, who IS working in the rain to have the coop open & ready by the weekend!  We are all beyond EGGcited. I had sketches on my desk the past week & decided  to start a new strip - I already have the name & the Instagram page.. hee hee hee
It's just about one Chick & her alter Eggo.  Dedicated to Bird - B507 2015- 2020.

Trying to be Good with help from God ... a little bad & a little bold.
& chicken friends too! I think a few of my 'real life pals' are soon to become chickens! HAHAHA - this already amuses me to no end- are you a friend?  Nervous?  lol

How can I help make this world a better place... maybe plant a few seeds & have the most enjoyment...?  How shall I serve best?
The asnwer has always been... draw.
New strip coming!  CLUCK YA!!

With TLC & THC - Me!

No new website tho- who has the time? Not me.
So - if you want to find out- stay tooned.

Bird died.   I cried.
I've had bird since January 2015, I trained him to fly free - first in my office - then he'd explore my bedroom  & fly downstairs at the last house, when he wanted company.  Bird had a huge personality and would smack my guests on the head - if he liked you.. some it took months, others minutes before you'd be ducking as bird did his flyby'.   Bird hated when I cried.. he'd fly in my bedroom & stare (glare at me) as if to say: Enough.. get up and keep going.  

He'd call out!  Sounding like a car alarm and chirp until I'd say- I hear you bird!.. or I'm right here bird, come see me... & he would.  He's fly in my tiny studio & sit on my easel, desk lamp or his favourite spot - my tiny desk ROOR bong- lol (he love sitting on my bongs).   

Storm & I were able to hold bird and snuggle him and he liked it. I'd kiss him on his beek and he'd peck me back - very gently & he could pinch, if he wanted to.  Most amazing- Bird never flew away.  I would go out and wander in the woods only to return (hours later) & notice ! I forgot to close the screen door when I left! My heart would beat faster until I saw him. Usually sitting on top of his cage looking at me again as if to say: Where the fcuk did you go?! I was worried.  He also told me when the fire went out I guess sensitive to the heat from the chimney - he'd start chirping until I'd get up from my desk to see what all the comotion was about- until I noticed a pattern- It was time to throw a log on the fire. Ask Norm, he'll tell you - it's true.  

I cried until I gave myself a headache and fell asleep.  I'm still teary and can't help but notice the lack of  chirping & singing.. it will take a bit.  I knew it was coming tho.. I told Storm, when he was here: Birds not been himself lately.
He'd fly & land on the floor lately & that was not normal & he was not singing as much.
I read when I got bird,  they usually live 5 - 15 years.. I wished I had the 15.

The one thing that helps me is: I LOVED BIRD & BIRD knew it..  fresh hemp daily (organic),  fresh greens all year long! It was a given 'Birds salad'- always mixed greens - organic! He ate what ever I ate (mostly - only safe things)  because he could fly & was a powerful flier he did not get obese.  A slice of apple or pear daily, he loved sweet potato... so Bird was spoiled.  No wonder he never flew away.   I know I will miss him forever.. I do not think I can or will replace him. 

I was grateful that I started this  chicken painting "commotion in the coop" & decided to honour Bird, by NOT laying around feeling sad - paint.  
Charles Schults, said not being able to create at all times, was for amatures.
Our gift is never gone.  Learn to use it at all times & it will help you most through the most difficult times.  Life has bad days and good days and really sad days...  
God teaches us many lessons, for many reasons.  What did I learn.
I was good to Bird & Bird loved me as much as I loved his tiny little self.

I was educated on how  tiny Birds can love & care for us Humans... how many can say that?
Bird was  a gift from God I was incredibly grateful to experience.

with TLC & THC
Georgia
​