A winter wonderland greets me in the morning before I'm even up, just looking at it makes me calm, I enjoy  resting looking at the snow in thebrances and bluejays flying by.   Until you have to venture out, then it's another story - I don't.   Not that there is anywhere to go...   which is a good excuse to hang out with the dogs and watch the fire, read, puzzled by the new puzzle the world is wondeful  right now, right here.. not so much elsewhere.
Provided I don't turn on any news...   the calm stays with me, us. 
Yesterday I wondered when I'll see Storm again.. May ? June.. what about the vaccine..  
forget it - who can think about all this and not become exhausted...
I'll focus on the Tao way and understand the chaos is part of the plan. 

I don't even know what to think about the president of the USA takeover tomorrow,  I do hope it goes smoothly for the Americans, it's been a difficult few years already.  
What do you think about Canadians in Florida getting the vaccine?
 If I lived in Florida yes, I would probably be upset too to be honest.  
The WHO warning of a moral crisis - no shit.  

Speaking of shit - did you see the netflix special on swearing with Nicholas cage?  
I fucking told you... lol.  Well done & interesting.
I understand why I swear with this twitch.. maybe more people will become understanding with those of us who find it hard to control - if not who gives a fuck... IF my swearing is your biggest concern,  you are a dick and need to put your energy where it's needed - how about world hunger?   In a few years 'Fuck won't mean 'shit.. it doesn't now - only to those with little else to ponder.  

Norm is kicking ass in the kitchen lately and the pounds on my ass are proof.
​Positive pandemic moments= Norms cooking skills have improved greatly.
Back to painting Bears  since I'm feeling a bit bearish' I may as well go with the flow.

Look at the view I wake to each morning!  
It's no illusion or dream  as I watch the stars at night and the sun rise in the morning,  I'm so grateful to God to be here.. I thankful all day every day - I guess that was part of the Plan.

2021 the year of the OX.
​In like a big stubborn OX. 
It will be another year with covid lockdowns, masks and 'vaccine shaming' & job loses, increased suicide rate and opiate deaths will continue to raise. Moooooooooo

I'm excited for 2021 - a new year - the 'date' is just another,  not a day to get drunk- quite the opposite. Should start your new year fresh,  AWAKE and energized  or start it hung over and feeling sick & depressed  the choice IS yours. The new year can be seen as a reset', a clean slate. This way of thinking/imagining allows me to say "goodbye" to the past year and all it's bullshit (Ox in this case) & forgive  the past year and those in it  &  look forward to a new year  with new hope.   I'm looking forward to witnessing new creativity surrounding  working, entertaining and living. From what I'm reading rent will drop and more apartments will be available - affordable living in the city - go figure...  we are already in January  soon Spring will be here before know it and it will be time to plant a garden!

I noticed someone I've always liked, posting some 'vaccine shaming' - knocking those  & their intelligence not not wanting to get the vaccine.  It was a good lesson for me to 'see'...      I like this person - does he even realize he appears right now: to be a nasty, judgemental ass.
Frankly, it's quite the eye opener on a few levels.  Allowing anyone to put something in our body is the ultimate test of human rights - our government is stating it is NOT mandatory - but others will sure let you know what they think - DO they think?  I've researched the effects of medicine more than most due to having a child who was expected to take several medicines (& I did not agree then! THANK GOD) &  I have experienced serious allergic reactions to "medicine" in the past.   I don't care what anyone 'THINKS',  I will wait - up to 3 years and watch the numbers of cancer rates and birth defects before I vaccinate & with a changing  Covid- will the vaccine even work in 3 years- or will we be expected to have another and another..

For ANYONE who thinks - I'm being ignorant research Thalidomide babies, just one example there are countless examples and more recent - I am not making this up, just sharing our history so we don't repeat it.      Thalidomide babies. 

If you THINK this 'doesn't happen anymore' - the ignorance does not lie with ME..  
so, I am staying off line - off social media 'currently -  so I don't send this person a message telling him not to be such an asshole -  because i KNOW, he is behaving from FEAR.  I will not contribute to this fearful mindset and knocking others for what they choose to do with their OWN bodies.  & really - who cares what some stranger on social media thinks?   Some who sits on their phone and  'comments nasty remarks on others pages' all day - is the last opinion, I'm taking seriously.   We are NOT God, we are still very much capable of making medical errors... long term side effects - for medicine not tested long term  is an accident waiting to happen. I hope I am proven wrong... in 3 years.  
  
I am also done  justify my actions to anyone... ever.
The Lord knows my intentions - I'm Good.
Fearful -not me.  Faith FULL.   
By the grace of God.
I'm excited for 2021...  in like an OX  Strong, stubborn & powerful.

Happy Saturday!

    Yesterday was Norms birthday!  He worked on his shop - best birthday gift EVER .. lol
He’s 60 & he’s in great shape - it’s from all this hard farm work!  Birthing goats & chasing chickens has kept him fit as a fiddle… lol - more like building coops, barns. a shop, chopping down trees- yeah!  Norm won’t ever look at wood the same again. We were going to celebrate later in the evening with movie & I was making dinner but then… I had some sense knocked into me.   Literally.

I am forever telling Norm & HAVE even blogged about it - one reason many people fall in their homes is…. their dogs.  I have 5 who love me and follow me  everywhere, as you know.  I was painting in my studio, standing.. music - deep in deer snow- and I turned to get paint - turned back and Arrow was at my feet and down I went.   I protect my hands because I know they’ll break so I did not use them, instead I used my head to stop my fall - it bounced off the metal track - between my studio & house.  
I could not google  'concussion symptoms'...   it hurt that bad.
Serious dog training happening - RED tape lines they CANNOT cross - like the kitchen.
I’ll also add my girls freaked out,  they knew I was not joking and were all trying to help me up… Norm arrived a few moments later. 

Not much else happened last night, quiet, bed and today OUCH.  No concussion symptoms, Thank God. Yes, I think I actually  needed to have sense knocked into me - on a few issues- I was hurt enough to wonder if I was gonna die - for a few seconds.  I called Storm to tell him I love him.  Went to bed in pain and did not sleep…  I did talk to Jesus & have had quite a bit of clarification..   a nice calm has consumed me.   ;)  Actually grateful for the fright.

 Although sore to touch, even raise my eyebrows- I am absolutely clearer headed on several issues, humans and STRONGER than I was yesterday. AMEN.
I woke today and thanked God for it & said "o.k.! Let's prove it Jesus!"  lol    Wait & see.

I painted this deer for this stranger  “Ted” I met once  at the feed store in Halliburton (Phil is a great guy & very helpful  if you need seed/feed/animal stuff) I gave Ted my number because he said it was nice to have someone enjoy his photos.   This past year he has shared many beautiful photos of deer, flowers, butterflies, pine weasels, turkeys, amazing chickadees  and always a kind word or take care… thats’ it.  
I realized.. this stranger has absolutely been a positive light in 2020, and I wanted to say Thank you.  I’m pleased how it turned out,  inspired by a photo he sent,  playing with light & snow.

I realized we (me included) rarely ponder some people who are kind & thoughtful yet become ‘thought obsessed’  dwelling on others - who don’t even have the kindness in them to stop & say "hello" or even offer a smile - let alone kind word... 
Worse, we waste our thoughts & precious time on intentionally nasty people - robbing ourselves of  time & joy we could be thinking of the kind people we do have around us. Focus on Love, light Kindness…  I shall.
Let the Universe...    God, focus on the rest.

My head/mind needed the  alignment.
I needed to go & spend time with Jesus in prayer, thought, love.  

Excited to start the next painting!
​G

It's Tuesday - mental health week- and I woke tired and teary - perfect.
Am I feeling depressed, yes.  
Let me tell you what runs through my mind - Until I force it to stop:

Why am I painting? ...does anyone care,  if I stopped would anyone even notice.
What is the fucking point to all of this?  It's all just STUFF.
No one even likes my art  (except maybe Ez).  
How much do you expect me to deal with Lord?   I feel I've had enough.
Go back to bed.      Go back to bed.   Fuck it- back to bed.
& that is what I did.
Back to bed- cried myselft to sleep for an hour.  Norm is working - perfect- I don't like him to see me cry, I know it makes him sad too. The dogs, chickens and goats demand attention  up and at it... but I still don't feel like painting  or feel loved.  
Thank God for DOGS.  My dogs love & would miss me - that I am sure of.
 
If I did not have dogs, goats & chickens I think I'd go and stay in bed today, tomorrow too...
AND THAT is the slippery slope of depression, once it gets you in it's grasp - it does not take much to wrap around and hold you for a while. No matter who you are or what you have.
I'll never get past these feelings,  I understand why.  
If you don't understand why I'm 'like this' - it's your problem - not mine.
and it is a problem. 

So..  tired, depressed, not feeling very hopeful today - I still managed to get this Hippo done. I  know it seems like a joke to some, a paper hippo - but it's a big deal to me.. A big accomplishemt considering how I'm feeling.  
​I still want to believe some kid will print this puppet and it will make them happy - it's that fucking simple!

AT LEAST I TRY.   Before You judge me or anyone else today - ASK YOURSELF:
WHAT have you done to TRY to make this a better place today?  What?

Feeling depressed?  I dare you to make this hippo and play with it- he really is kinda cute.
I made a black & white - for those who wish to colour their own and a full colour - which I printed and made - it turned out better than I thought. 

If you wanted a Hippopotamus for Christmas - you're welcome.

​Georgia

Rememberance day is soon!
The legion is hurting due to covid no doubt.  The Royal Canadian Legion was a big part of my parents lives.  I’ll admit Iv’e mixed feelings about the Legion’ as it was also a place my parents became easily intoxicated - inebriated to the point it amazed me they made it home alive again… one time after a legion visit my mom almost didn’t… so yes my opinion varies due to past experience

I do understand many older people use the legion as their only place to socialize, play games (darts’ pool, cards..) keep mentally sharp.. and socialize & drink.  The legions also provide for the community  great fish & chip lunches at an affordable price for one!.  They constantly hold benefits & commu it fundraisers and help those in need.  With them being closed - for mo nth due to an older’ covid catching crowd Im sure they need help now. 

That’s how it works is it not?  Generations ago went when we needed them to - to guarantee our freedom’ (so they believed).  We help NOW anyway we can.. even IF it’s just picking up your poppy.  I’ll ge a poppy and try to educate & encourage awareness with my art & social media.. what can & what will you do… to help anyone, today?

Together, Tom & I create birdhouses which make fantastic gifts and ALL proceeds go to charity. This new house was a last minute decision- I love it ;)  <><    I hope other fisher people do too! $40 for the custom painted & $15. for one of Toms colorful versions (which inspired me)!  
Want one ?- call Tom: In Minden 705 286 4168 The Birdhouse guy.  I decided once one set is done- it’s done - so if you see one you like- better call Tom before it’s gone. I won't be going back- new creations every batch.
I’m excited for the next, already painted in my mind.  

I’ve been painting MUCH- but- it’s all Christmas related.. when is too soon - too soon? lol
Several editorial I..m excited to share.

As for theMonkey business in the USA - WOW!  Fucked up.
Can you possibly ADD any FURTHER ANXIETY to your own country? The fact that it IS so close is mind blowing.  Americans appear to enjoy learning lessons the hard way, obviously. Latinos for Trump - guess what- he hates you Latino’s 'in' America, if he could he's kick you all out. 
Bunch of Primates. The Trump editorials are rampant - and I wait anxiously  ?which do I post…
I can only imagine the stress levels when lives are in the balance.


NOW - HEAT WAVE in our T-shirts! Painting & pondering in the sunshine - Thank God.
Next- Good news from this election!

Just a tiny blue monkey with a leaf.
​Acrylic on canvas 6 x 6.    
I'm exploring colour.

I had an editorial make it into the local paper...  yay! 
 & Nugget is growing like a weed.  
Lot's to paint!
​Much inspiration on the tiny farm.

                                        Gloating Goat acrylic on wood panel. 12 x 16

Indica is a content goat.  I like to see him basking in the fall sunshine in his chair.
I wonder what he is thinking...    The yellow in this painting 'pops in the sunshine. 
We have happy goats & chickens,  no wonder my goat gloats'...    he loves to be brushed and is super cheeky, when I go in the coop- he stands against the door (locking me in) looking in the windows, he is quite playful.

That's what I hear everytime the goats call.. "Maaaaaa!!!" 
When Storm visited he picked up the goats to show us it couldbe done.. wellby him & Norm.. not me.  They need to be picked up if hurt or in trouble and to have their nails trimmed.  The actual picking up was the challenging  part, once up the goats did not move only yelled:  "Maaaaaa!! "  Whcih made us all laugh.   Goats are so much fun. 
The more they like me tho- the more I learn.  I was almost goosed by my goat when i turned my back on Indica to feed Sativa treats- he bumped me to let me know- turn around. LOL which I did!  He clearly was playing but I can now see how a real head butt to the butt would be felt indeed.

I showed the goats the painting- Indica was jealous and they started to fight over it as seen below...

Sativa was obsessed with it,  I don't think I'll hang it in the barn - as I like it too.  
Sativa  would not leave it alone, clearly loving her special portrait with Storm.
These goats make me laugh every time I'm out there, I wonder how they'll like our Canadian winter.  They have a new insulated, beautiful goat barn, I'm sure they'll be fine.
These wooden panels are fun - I like how you can stand them instead of hanging them.

Have a creative day & a lovely weekend.  I'll be painting, something.
We have BIG - LITTLE news next week, life changing- for us.  Yay!
with TLC & THC
​

I love Kombucha!  I have tried many - especially in California when there.
So, when I saw Lucs Brew I picked it up and it's delicious! I was impressed.  
​It's all it claims: Bubbly, tasty and refreshing - made with this cool, crisp  Haliburton water.
I finally, LOVE drinking waater from my tap. The best I've ever tasted. if I do say so. hee hee!  I Found the company Lucs Brew on IG and then learned he delivers! Yay!!

We instantly hit it off, he's a really nice young man who is working tirelessly at his passion & craft along with his family & friends contributing...  isn't that lovely?  How it should be ;)  He's educated on his herbs/ingredients & the reasons for good health - body & mind. & he's learned the gift of being attentive to those speaking to him.  I don't think he's 'like this' to be a wise business man- just a good person, but it will clearly  help his business.

During the winter with limited contact with the outside world, I asked if I could paint him  - "..sure!"   My intention was to add bottles in the background but for some reason the forest just appeared - which is very suiting for Luc imo, he seems quite comfortable in his enviornment.  I've learned he is a very nice human, as his his lovely partner, both have visited to check out the coop.   They going to do well, I know...  
 I think he's helped with me not missing Storm as much.  :)  
 Now, I understand WHY the kombucha is so good - made with lots of love.

I'm trying to decide 'who to paint next, I was thinking of  Eve' after reading the 12 Rules of Life.  I have such great photos from Storms visit I'm having difficulty picking which one to try to paint next. We also went on a Hike & it was a very impressive foray, I'll share some photos next. It's mushroom painting time - Today is a beautiful day to do just that! 

with THC & TLC
Georgia

I might paint this - It makes me smile every time I look at it! :D

Time to paint myself/something happy!  What better than our entertaining goats.  We are utterly facinated  with this pair.  Sativa does not have utters, but I googled & goats have two - looking like a pair' hee hee - so I added them just for the fun factor.  The agility of goats is no secret but to watch it daily - is fascinating!  They jump and land as if jet propelled & land on a dime.  I'll be hanging this one in the new 'goat barn'.. much smaller than the chicken coop - but more than comfortable, for goats to sleep.

I understand why goats like company - these two are alwasy together, they even play hide & seek and have me playing it now too. They love it- the moment they see me run arond the coop they follow and peek around the corner - I jump out and they run the other way- and turn back to look for me again. Who knew we'd have so much joy with chickens and goats.  Thank God.  Oh - they got loose! LOL -  but they looked into the forest , at Daqisy and we chased them back & they ran back  in the pen,  I don't think they will take off. Still no roaming until they have on collars and come when called.

It's been a difficult week... trees down,  TN, weather, local shooting and watching the USA - almost 1000 deaths today - 940 (I think I read) in one day.  Arizona is storing refridgeration trucks for bodies and people still rebel against wearing a mask.  :(   No wonder Im beat, in bed before the chickens - the thunderstorm last night was enough to get all the rain barrels over flowing! A few friends seem to be feeling the same- I'll be glad when Covid is gone.

Yesterday, I was sent a gift from a someone on instagram ( a stranger really- we've never met)  - sweets - Yay!  A box of Pulparindo  (!the last time I had it was in Mexico - I loved it)   it's hot , spicy & sweet & a box of DeLaRosa  Marzipan - which is not like traditional German marzipan.  The kidness of 'strangers...  Go figure.  It was much appreciated.

It's Friday & I enjoy listening to "the Cannnnoooeee!"  100.9FM to unwind into the weekend. I keeop meaning to mention they have a Podcast as well that discusses many enviornmental issues in Haliburton & area- such as natural burials, tree loss, turtles  many topics & ways to help or educate yourself.  Have a listen. I know a few of my American friends have/do and enjoy it, the Canadian content is outstanding!  Why all radio stations (in Canada) do not encourage or play this much Canadian music is a beyond me. 

We gave away our first eggs! Yay!  I'm making a chicken to put up by the gate and when I have extra eggs I'll tell my friend to pick them up on the way by!  So far so good. It feels good to give - even if I did'nt lay them. hee hee  'Fresh laid Butt Nuggets'. (on PIN)  It's a dream come true - to be here... to be neighbourly  & help others around us, if we are able...  I thank God for the timing & the journey. 

Oh, the orange kitty was taken - Good, I'm glad.  I'll be patient & wait for God to give us our next - adventure.  I'm overwhelmed with happiness at our new family - dreams come true.  The fact that they go to bed every night on their own.. wow.
I hope my goat painting made you smile. Indica & Sativa LOVED it!   They told me so.  ;)

With TLC & THC
Me.
​