My Totem Animal is The Wolf.


I know we share this land with wolves, we’ve seen & heard them… we share their land.

After the bear encounter last year, I did some educating and we never leave any food out. 
We are careful with what we toss in the trash too - bears have incredible smell.  I don’t want to attract bear with food (small dogs), because I don’t want to have to kill a problem bear - one in particular where a human has made the problem buy being careless.  We also clean up the dog pooh - as dog pooh is coyote & wolf bait/food.  
We never feed the dogs outdoors and  all creatures are locked in at night - in a fully enclosed pen.  Even the birds are only fed in the a.m. &  we slow down feeding  amount as spring & summer are here & the birds need to learn to fend for themselves.  We DO not feed deer near the house as deer carry ‘deer tick’ and we don’t want to encourage any deer ticks on the dogs. 

People ask - aren't you afraid of the wolves? Bears? Walking in the woods? 
No.  I am thrilled these creatures are here, there are not hear to hurt me & I am not here to hurt them.  I have wanted this for as long as I remember & am conscience of the living, beautiful creatures so I accept them.   When they hear me & my team in the woods - they run.

I walk with love, everywhere I go - especially in the forest.  That’s why we find so many amazing fungi, birds, creatures and more. We can’t change wild beasts - we can become aware & learn to accept the beast.  
The beast will decide it’s own destiny.        "All paths lead to him"  I love that quote.

I decided to put the 12 foot totem where it can be enjoyed, a perfect spot in the garden at the front of the house.  This wolf will grace the gate, welcoming all who enter with LOVE, as it should be   & NOW, I can tell people the eggs are being the wolf (on a hook)  YAY! 

Created to create - the more I create the more I desire to create!  
Inspired by LOVE - I will SUCCEED.  
​Inspiredby love - you will succeed.

The snow is melting
the bunnies are hopping
soon.. mushrooms will be popping.

Acrylic on oval canvas.

12 foot Spirit animal totem.
Totem Pole Inspiration.

In elementary school I loved  learning about  Indigenous people - I was obsessed with Totem poles as are many Canadians to this day!  Hand carved on a grand scale - months of work if not a life time… a lifetime of experiences during the gift of the journey - enabling these masters to carve Totem Poles from our great Canadian treasures  - PINE TREES!
We have some tall Pine on the property that tower and sway gently some days - mesmerizing me for hours. These are the trees many totems were caved from  If we have to cut one down - it’s on my to do list, lol.  Imagining Totem poles…   I’ve already sketched the next.  Totem poles are sacred,  I am grateful for Canada's Indigenous people for their contribution to our country then & NOW.   .

I researched online for Animal Spirit representation and Totem poles animal meaning, Indigenous belief, traditions and art - I think back now to how little was actually taught about indigenous people of Canada and the loss of that knowledge, was truly a loss to our entire Canadian culture.  NOW - learning how Indigenous have been treated & continue to be treated - with more than most in incarceration, living in poor communities,  struggling with addiction, racism, government neglect, police abuse & even hospital neglect - it is absolutely not a part of Canada, I am proud of. 

There’s no time like the present to learn about others, to celebrate their gifts so we can all continue the journey together wiser & stronger… as we all walk each other home.     All these Totem creatures mean something, according to charts, my spirit animal is a wolf - my next Totem will be a wolf praying while painting, I intentionally ask God to continue to show me LOVE which keeps me in Awe - creating for the creator… much like the indigenous artists before and after me.

***

We highly recommend  Amend on Netflix. WOW.  Grateful for the education and sad for the realization… there are humans who judge for many things still. I must continually remind myself  people who sit around and INTENTIONALLY think nasty thoughts & acts are miserable, fearful & faithless.  
RISE Above, your faith in God & yourself  WILL  INDEED change the world for the better. 
​Leave it to God, shit will get done! lol   I think Ill paint that for my desk today. 
Norm & I were shocked at what we learned, well… I was until they got to the part about women,  it is by far one of the most inspiring & educational  shows I’ve watched, ever.

Goat Gate Create

For as long as I remember I’ve wanted a gate.. as a kid - I always wanted to live on a farm - what kid doesn’t? Probably those raised on a farm, hee hee.   Farms are work,  life is work so this is good. I absolutely LOVE our little farm and goats & chickens - Im very excited as we have a couple of new baby chicks in the spring coming!  Prissy, Petunia & Petal signs will be added to the farm name board.

     The other day I was looking at my gate & my goat idea arrived, it did not take much thought, just a measurement or two - Norm cut it out & I painted him - he instantly had us giggling - Norm carried it up and it fit the gate like a glove!   So now I have a goat on my gate to greet my guests with a smile - which he has succeeded in doing.    
Next I’m creating a gate bear & maybe a donkey.    Actually, we had a problem with the goat on the gate & have removed him until the spring.. our dogs thinks someone is standing at the gate & growl constantly ..lol  when the weather is better I will walk them up and remind them it’s just a goat on the gate.    

I laughed out loud when I actually saw it on the gate as the udders are perfectly placed.   This is my goal - to make others smile with my art - especially at this time, not many are smiling.  

A friend who lives in high-rise told me the super’ told someone to “wear a mask” & the woman told him to suck her..   holy cow.  I think everyone is sick - OF COVID-  not from it. 
There’s a new level of nasty, some can attribute it to covid  stress & some are just intentionally nasty  using covid as an excuse. 

This is human nature 

I’m creating a list of positives from Covid, I recognize in this chaos the order.
It’s a blizzard out right now, time to warm up the brushes & log on! 
Here is a updated photo of Nugget to make you smile!  She’s so sweet - her horns grow fast and are quite dangerous at the moment, Norm almost got a horn up the nostril the other day and is more aware. lol ​ Norm is getting the goats use to walking on a leash- they don't seem to mind - we might let them explore in the spring.

Have a creative day.

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.