I'll Be Right Here.
On my desk today...
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E.T… grow home. Who needs a green thumb when you have a glowing, growing finger? A cute idea I had while pondering green thumbs. Storm (who has the greenest thumb I know- heehee) planted an amazing garden this summer- Broccoli, cauliflower & heirloom tomatoes so big they have buckled the branches over, a slice would easily cover a slice of bread! & the chickens & ducks love the leaves of the broccoli & beets!
It’s been a while since I paint with gouache on black paper… always a pleasure. Tomorrow I’m showing you my brainwork sketchbook with simple line drawings and simple ideas to exercise my mind & pen before I paint or when I’m chilling out on the deck or in the gazebo. For any aspiring artist - it’s a wonderful habit to get into! I also use it when watching T.V. and not overly interested. I started a new book - a classic 1984. I never read it & I’ve noted a few people these days commenting on it, so I decided to take a gander. Have a creative Friday as you adventure into the weekend! Created to create - you are! Me too. Kermit Can Grow. Acrylic on board, 10 inches. Painted just for the fun of it!
Kermit admiring his plant was inspired by simply thinking about the name ‘Vincent Van Gogh. Inspiration - derives from many places. Inspired by nature (usually), photos, books, quotes, comments, humans & of course creatures… the source is endless - the key is to be inspired to the point of creation. Van Gogh has a unique style & replicating it is CALMING. I encourage you to try, if you need assistance there are many ‘How to paint like Van Gogh’ tutorials on YouTube! How incredible if you want to learn anything - chances are someone has shared their gift with us on YouTube. It’s how I learned how to crochet & make many recipes (3 ingredients or less are a gratifying) paint with water colour, achieve many home hacks & more. I’ve also taken a few online lessons. Of course the best teacher in all ways is experience. Remember - the gift is nothing without the work. There is nothing more satisfying than to have someone tell me I inspired them to paint, I’ve been told this a lot lately, thank you! I know there are many people who don’t even realize their artistic potential but when they finally do - it unleashes a whole new outlook & attitude. Today is a perfect day to discover your hidden talents! If I was suggest an easy way to start: grab a pencil & paper & sketch. Even the feel of the pencil dragging across the canvas excites me - lol I have a new routine: I get up (thank the Lord for another day) & paint in the morning, take a dog break, visits the farm family & back to painting on an off (especially when letting acrylic dry) during the day (complete a few chores) watch a bit of T.V. (sometimes) & just before I drift off, I sketch the painting for the next day while in bed. At lights off & I start to imagine how I’m going to paint it. Last night I sketched a duckling that I’m excited to paint today (it’s pretty sweet - if I do say so) titled: Donalds Descendant This sketch triggered another painting already in my mind with yet another duckling. Seeing as I have 7… perhaps each will have a portrait. I was out at sunrise taking photos of duck feet! A fantastic way to start the day. Grateful for the gift - created to create. Love & Happiness.. what everyone strives for.
Gouache on black.. listening to Love & Happiness by Al Green. We all want the same things, the basic necessities, food, water shelter, love & happiness. To feel good - some try to obtain this feeling by using other sources available - like alcohol, drugs… addictions. I recommend the book: Brain Bliss to assist in understanding how the brain functions. I know it sounds Hoaky’ but if you are not happy with yourself, these other items won’t achieve your desires, if anything they might just prolong the problem. I was hopeful to read today psilocybin for mental health, especially for depression becoming mainstream news. Not as harmful as prescribed antidepressants, all natural & no overdose. God’s medicine finally getting the recognition it deserves, although in early civilization it was well received. Gaia has a series titled: Psychedelica -which I highly recommend watching. Fascinating information. Both Cannabis & psilocybin can be used to help us feel better, mentally & physically. Although there’s still some stigma & fear mongering just as there was with cannabis, before legalized. I’m also THRILLED to read: criminal records for personal drug possession in Canada will be expunged the next few years- AMEN. The war on drugs (war on humans) does appear to be somewhat over & help for mental illness becoming widely available! Good thing with events happening around the world. The Netherlands is in protest currently & it seems insane that the government is trying to prevent farmers from farming’ instead of addressing mega corporations for harm they cause, instead of the individual farmers. They are forcing many into poverty & hunger. Heatwaves & water issues becoming apparent with each passing month, let alone year around the world.. political issues in the USA -there’s too many to address. I was very dishearten to see kids (even toddlers) ‘patted down’ by police & security - seriously? To enter Canada day celebrations in Ottawa.. wtf Trudeau? Some Canada day memory that will be. It’s all an opportunity to be aware & thankful for what we do have. Reading the book of Hope with Jane Goodall has me sometimes thinking - well, it doesn’t sound that hopeful Jane… History, that we have ‘lived’ to date does show us - in the face of extreme adversity, Good does prevail over evil. A few single humans can change the world & I believe there are far more nice humans than nasty. It helps to remember that the nasty are simply fearful & weak minded & often… hopeless. When many work together to bring awareness to specific situations - change does happen, for the better. I’m extremely hopeful psilocybin will help many heal & learn to deal with life & all the many lessons & blessings we each have…. Until then remember - love & happiness, sing it out loud! Be joyful for what we do have, another day to witness all Gods Glory. Below is a painting I'm pondering, first I did a small version in gouache. Inspired by a photograph I saw on Instagram. Canadian prairie. Kermit chillin' with a violet sky. I painted something like this not long ago & it sold right away so I missed it - lol, I'm keeping this one. I like to give myself at least a couple of weeks with most paintings since they take a lot of work & the painting is much more enjoyable than an image of the painting.
I didn't look at the previous while creating tis one but know it was the same subject content being Kermit & Baby Big Bird. This was painted in 1/2 the time & was all about fun - as I pondered a more serious painting. I'm running out of canvas - oh my! I only have a few wooden ones left - the ones I've been using for my cartoon collection - that's good enough until I re-stock. Kermit is chilling' & content to just enjoy the moment. Be in the now... living in the present, standing in front of his cannabis field with a few mushrooms primed for the picking! Joyful. Have a Joy filled day - what ever you do. Happy 4/20. 2022
A celebration of cannabis & plants! Healing & Helping Humans since the first seeds sprouted. Celebrate all plants, created for us to appreciate & enjoy. Kermits Purple Kush. Golden Acrylic on canvas with iridescent purple paint. 10 x 8.
Purple & Green look good on a canvas. April so far has been Grey, I thought of painting a deer in snow but I am done with snow. I need colourful to paint & ponder at the moment & Kermit it is. Kermit is visually humorous & imagining him doing about anything also becomes enjoyable. Not sure why, I’m on a Kermit kick but - why not. He’s very kind, sweet and funny & green. Purple cannabis exists, ‘Purple Kush’ is an actual strain. Cannabis is a beautiful plant & I get excited for them, like all the vegetables I’ll soon be planting and nibbling, fresh peppery tasting bud & adding it to my salads & smoothie. How ridiculous this plant is still illegal some places. How insane any Plant, illegal. How grateful I am, for my cannabis education the past 10 years (and counting). My opinion of the plant & it’s consumers has changed since my 20’s & it’s mostly personal experience & observation that convinced me, as well as multiple teachers (sources). I know several who were very much helped by cannabis, including children. Everyone figures out things on their own (God’s timing) but I a grateful for our timely introduction & education of cannabis. Due cannabis I have a different opinion towards all ‘drug’ consumption & condemnation. Decriminalizing all ‘drugs’ for personal use, would be a step in the right direction. Wanting to get high is not a crime, it’s a part of being human. On the desk is a Bugs, Daffy moment that amuses me. There is also a new canvas on the easel - a painting for my studio inspired by Easter thoughts. Have a creative day - the snow is ALMOST all melted! YAY! Solo Mickey waiting patiently.
Patience. Needed when gardening & just about everything else. Anyone who's grown cannabis has probably had a plant in a red solo cup at some point. It's fascinating, watching that little seed grow, it can also seem to "take forever..." Patience. Mickey was painted using the new 'Summer pallet' Gouache Holbein Paint. So far they have been put to the test, let dried, sprayed/hydrate with water and used again. It looks a little streaky because I was impatient, lol.. the longer it sat wet, the creamier it became, I was impressed. Patience. They blend beautifully. I am pleased with the paint so far. I am also use to an extensive pallet & colour selection, so my Windsor newton remains close at hand. I guess I'll mix and match until my other set grows. Be Patient Mickey, all good things come to those who wait... so it, is said. On to a new frontier! NFT GeorgiaToons!
The past 2 years, I’ve had several people suggest I list my art as ‘NFT’ I had little to NO knowledge of a NFT until very recently. As timing (Gods) has it - a young friend offered his assistance couple of times, to teach me how and set me up, if I wanted to try. I decided to “go for it!” Today, I am officially an NFT artist. It’s very interesting but I’ll admit, Luc made it very easy to understand and enjoyable to start! The first step is the hardest - deciding to GO! Step by step, instruction all the way. If anyone is interested, I highly recommend Luc. Message me & I’ll provide his contact information. I am grateful, for the help.. I’m also humbled, reminded, God places such inspiring humans on my/our path. There are no accidents. I enjoyed seeing my ‘collections’ - Cannabis, mushroom, monkey business & today I load up the book of BEAR (I’ve not sold one bear image, ever) they have been one of my personal favourites collection. I do believe this is the direction ‘things’ are going ‘NFT” & Bitcoin. & I’m excited to be learning all about it. Everything - is a lesson God would have us learn. Have a Peek! I’m on OpenSea: GeorgiaToons. It took a bit of work and lot of time - I’m anxious to get back to painting- a little ‘Mickey’ on my desk today! My Kermit & BigBird -Violet Sky, sold. Thank you! I am happy when art goes to a new home to be enjoyed - knowing it will make others smile. Give Thanks - we are here, another day. I started this a couple of days ago, it started with a violet sky & this morning the sky was violet & pink and fabulous!! I couldn't wait to paint this morning.
Kermits Violet Sky - full of LOVE bud & why baby big bird is so excited is complete! This was the first time I painted LOVE bud, but not the last! It looks like regular bud until you get up close.. Cannabis Buds full of love, medicine for many.. pure enjoyment for many more. Now legal in Canada, helps me forget it's NOT yet legal all over. I watched a shameful documentary yesterday, The War on Kids (TopDocs) terrible and wrong and ILLEGAL, more or less a cop (scumbag) pretends to be a student and pesters this young boy with Autism for drugs (pretending to be his friend) - the kids gets -what appears to be $10. of shitty bud and the cops bust 20 students. Wow, send your kids to school to be set up by the police, no wonder HOMEschooling is increasing in numbers! The kids gets off because the parents FIGHT but many can't due to $$ only pointing out AS usual - how unfair for the poor and immigrant families. This gives the kids permanent police records -for what? A bit of bud that many smoke openly.. going after kids- setting them up - wtf? Apparently these arrests provide $$$$$$$$$$ for the local police force. Im' sorry I forgot, Cannabis is a PLANT - now making many MILLIONS - Billions! So, tell me - WHO is the criminal setting up these kids? Who are the criminals lying? Please continue to educate about cannabis & drugs in general. The drug war is long over... the drugs won. Drug addiction as is alcohol addiction a disease, for treatment and care... not jail & punishment. De criminalize ALL drugs for personal use. Todays prayer. This painting will help educate others.. I know. Yay!!! (Said in Kermit voice). Next, I'll be exploring new gouache. A delivery from DeSerres (art supplies & best prices & free delivery) brought NEW Gouache paint I've been reading about for about 3 years, I purchased the 'summer set' of Gouache Holbein made in Japan. I know I have a few artist friends keeping up with the blog so I shall share my opinion. Thank you, by the way. NOW - Go create something spectacular! Violet Sky (below) by Georgia & the actual violet sky - by God. Thank The Lord for a new day! Weee!
Kermit covering all the bases. Riding his bike to adventures unknown! Aren’t we all? Covid, Trudeau & Putin.. I am thankful for them all - the planet is on a new level of awakening because of them. The world is watching & some might think they are getting away with murder but they are not. They are indeed proving to the world who they are and what their objective is and how planned it has all been. I am done being a participant to their puppet show. I miss Trump, at least he was “blunt” & watching Biden - I think there is something seriously wrong with him, Trump was more competent - I actually think he’ll be back, time will tell. I feel better today than I have in a couple of weeks after much contemplating during my recent psilocybin session… a new calm with the understanding: It’s all part of the plan. I don’t agree with Trudeau or Putin, I have no control over anything but my own actions & response & I’m NOT contributing to anger or hate with my drawings. I’ve had some editorials come to mind but one made me tear up after I drew it so I'm not sharing.. I’ll focus on LOVE, LIGHT & this great, wonderful adventure we are all on. It’s snowing (sigh) lol, the birds are abundant, theres a log on the fire & one more Kermit on my desk- because drawing kermit on his bike is enjoyable. I’m going to time-lapse him for IG because I enjoy watching painting created so why not share. Love God with all your heart and soul and might, give thanks for the adventure, every moment of it. It’s all a lesson - on LOVE. What are YOU teaching? Teach ONLY love - that IS what we are. It’s not easy being green but it sure has it’s perks.
Brrrrr - 17 this morning but it feels colder. This painting was for pleasure, playing with paint. The fire is going as the sun rises.. the chill sure gets you moving a little faster in the mornings. Today, I woke stiff and a little sore… so I had a puff and walked around the room stretching.. much better - almost instantly. My cannabis consumption dropped during covid, I’m not sure why. Some days I am cannabis free and this past year it’s turned into a few weeks at a time. I have noted I smoked less in the summer months. The cold does not help arthritis & my intake increases for pain relief- & what pain relief it is! One puff, turn on some morning music, stretch turn on my desk lights - do human & dog stuff & begin the day! I take an anti inflammatory for the swelling but no other pain pills. No long list of side effects. No chance of overdose either, should I decide to partake all day, if I choose. I’m concerned many men are not going to do well in Canada (all over the world) & they are the greatest amounts of death from overdose. Trying to kill the pain, of pain, job loss, no hope for the future, no choice of what they put in their manly bodies, Trudeau is not helping.. It’s an issue no one is talking about because Covid has consumed us. Distracted. Superbowl photos & posts of celebrities & fans maskless, all screaming side by side & photos of all the little children, forcibly wearing masks in school the next day is Fucked up. Trudeau turning war measures on his own people is fucked up. I pray this protest remains peaceful but you know the saying: Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness… Canadians are known for our kindness but the last thing you’ll think about a Canadian is ‘weak’ - if you fuck with them. Threatening truckers with kids in custody, jail, fines, licenses, insurance, finances locked, Jobs lost, bodily freedoms taken… this 'kind', dancing in the street protest with bouncy castles & snowball fights will take a turn. Angry men with nothing else to lose. Kindness will wear thin, even in Canada Eh. I'm praying for a peaceful return to all freedoms returned. One of the protest organizers who was arrested yesterday has also asked for prayers. A prayer is a miracle in the making. Thank God for another sunshine filled day to… paint! I am fond of painting birds, this dove with a leaf & joint I've painted before, I had this block on my desk and sketched this feathered fellow without much thought.. Sometimes painting that are not planned are the most enjoyable. Currently on the easel is a gift for a very talented girlfriend for her Growroom! There are so many talented female gardeners out there, more than I've seen in the past 10 years - wonderful! Actually, it's lovey to see all the women in the cannabis industry NOW - cooks, artists, gardeners and distributors!! Out in a field usually dominated by men. The times - they are a changing.
We have a mountain of snow outside - it's absolutely a sight to behold, every branch covered with a dusting & as the light brightens the day, I find myself mesmerized with the view just out my window. Inspiration to paint or watch the birds, a bit of both! Enjoy your day - what ever you do, I hope it's peace - FULL. Practice, practice, practice… I am able to paint a sloth from imagination now. It’s the sweet little smile which amuses me, a pleasure to paint and have appear as hours pass, peacefully. Not long ago, I needed to look at photos to paint a sloth. This sweet fellow is proof if you practice you’ll get better at anything you choose. A happy, relaxed sloth who has chosen natural medicine - in moderation so he doesn't became 'slothish' and not accomplish anything but hanging around.
Don't be a sloth - we are here to create! With each new day comes new opportunity to practice your gift. My son gifted me a new book, I am enjoying very much (he knew I would) Letters from a Stoic. Interesting, enlightening & inspiring. With each letter several lessons on life. I’m taking my time reading it so I can ponder each letter & idea. Some are simple others need more time to consider. It’s fascinating to read what life was like during ancient times. Topics of letters include: feasts, crowds, fasting, friendship (true & false), time, old age, death, philosophy & feeding people to the lions (for entertainment) to mention just a few. I'm grateful to not be living during a time period where such practices are thought of as... o.k. Many of the letters suggests how to live a rich life, regardless of ones ‘wealth’. Unblest is he who thinks himself unblest. There have been many times I haven’t felt blessed, quite the opposite. It is faith in God & remembering to forgive others that brings me though it & keeps me hopeful & focused. I remember to ask myself: Who is anyone to judge? I’ve yet to meet another perfect human. Here it is - another day for me to practice what I enjoy & be joyful & feel blessed. Time to practice painting some Christmas cards to encourage joy this upcoming holiday & remind several I feel blessed, because they are in my life. Farewell. Poppy the poser - I love her!
Poppy holds the biggest chunk of my heart! Every morning without fail, she happily wakes me up by rolling on my neck and occasionally inserts her tongue up a nostril - that gets me up in a hurry - lol. Yesterday while enjoying the sunshine & heat I was wondering what to paint & she started posing - now convinced, she wants me to paint Frankenstein. I wish I could encourage all to get a dog (provided they are appreciated & cared for like the family they are). I read about a woman who is upset about cannabis because her son took his life & she blames cannabis. I felt for her, perhaps it did assist with him getting to the point it did - who knows. I don’t think to blame cannabis alone though will solve anything, especially her pain. Life makes people want to end their life. Struggles, loss, pain & we all have them - no exceptions. I noticed my own cannabis consumption dropped drastically this summer, (legal 3 years now in Canada!) weeks went by when I realized I had not touched my bong (one reason I find it hard to believe it is addictive) I attribute it to the dogs, always being distracted by nature and creating. I absolutely do use it more for body pain, as I have used it the past couple of cold damp mornings to get me going. I’ve learned to listen to my body with all this silence… & God. Some of the most fortunate humans I believe are those that have become so passionate in their creating/work - it’s helped them rise above all else. We all have speed bumps, setbacks, illness, failed relationships but if you keep focused on something else - your gift, talent, mission…you will eventually heal and move past. A life of leisure can be a life of sitting & thinking too much. It’s over rated. Dogs keep me active - mentally & physically, they demand love, attention and play! I am grateful for all the dogs I’ve had in my life but Poppy, my tiny service dog (retired) & California traveling companion reminds me to start everyday excited and ready to roll! Time to paint my dogs, the sky is blue, sun shining, another day to create for the creator. That is how we show love & appreciation. My prayer for today is someone find that dog that loves them as much as my dogs love me. Mushroom mania! I can’t believe the variety of mushrooms, it’s attributed it to all the rain we had this year… my vegetables suffered but the mushrooms thrived. I found a few edible as well as a few small puffballs but I left them for critters and next year.
Every colour imaginable, as well as shapes & texture, on the forest floor and up in the trees. Several (the orange) have a jello like texture. Mushrooms are truly fascinating -like flowers in the garden - these are the ‘flowers’ of the woods. Speaking of mushrooms - have you watched: 9 Perfect Strangers? (on Prime) a few times it’s had me thinking: Wow… about time. Psilocybin Mushrooms are discussed quite a bit. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but in one episode they also discuss the terrifying side effects ( & sad reality for too many) of medicine. Imagine giving your child a medication that states could give them suicidal thoughts in the pamphlet provided (which you read) - and then does. When is the medicine worth it? I have no doubts this has happened to many and would be difficult to live with. When Dr.s wanted to prescribe our son with pain medication they warned us “it would help pain - BUT would destroy his organs - in as short at 3 years, serious damage could be done”. It was an easy decision for me to say: NO. Thank God we discovered cannabis. I guess it is why to date, I still get upset when people knock cannabis & it’s helping- healing properties. Look at the deadly history of opiates. Difficult decisions, life is full of them. Choices - its good to have them. Speaking of cannabis - my plants did nicely this summer, considering I gave them zero attention. I think I’ll leave them in the ground and see if I can revive them in the spring, they are in the front of the house where they got full sun & I only had to water them twice, the rain did the rest.. It’s too bad the chickens or goats didn’t like to eat them, I’m sure it would be a healthy snack but they preferred ‘weeds’ - like clover. I tried last summer too - even giving them their own plants in the pen, nope - they sniffed and kept going. I don’t smoke the cannabis I grow, I leave it for creatures and to nibble or myself occasionally - It’s a lovely burst of ‘pepper’ flavour in a salad. Lovely to look at in the garden too! I’ve noticed a few leaves in the trees changing colours - it won’t be long now. Next: Kermit the Frog- just for fun! I have had a quote & image by my desk for over decade - God with a cartoon bubble asking: Did you draw today? That is what is expected of me. And a quote : With persistence & determination my art & faith have gotten stronger & better over time. I paint for pleasure, I use to want to impress others now I paint to impress my creator. I've learned you can't please everyone & some people will not like you or your work no matter what you do. All lessons in life. Some people look for excuses to dislike others and make excuses, choosing everything from skin color to body size, the language you speak, even the way you dress to dislike you. I myself was judgemental when younger, time & wisdom made me realize it's all part of the journey- as we walk each other home. We all know people who are intentionally cruel but we don't always understand why - we also all know others who raise each other up, no matter the differences. I'm grateful for all but especially thankful for humans who try to help each other. Thankfully, I know several. Once I understood - I have one judge, life got easier, better - even JOYFUL.
I saw a post (on a podcast) where someone compared Cannabis to Meth - this is irresponsible imo - Meth kills & quickly & terribly from what I understand. Is there no responsibility ever, for one to admit they have any control in the choices they make - if only at the beginning? I know I had difficulties with alcohol when younger (an alcoholic in my 20's no doubts) but I understood & made choices to stop drinking as it was destroying my life. I WAS in CONTROL of the choices I made & of what I put into my own body. No one forced booze down my throat. Now - in the age of information at our fingertips, I'm confident many know the dangers of all addictions. Addicted to food = obesity, addicted to opiates = death, addicted to alcohol = destruction & death... in most cases. To compare cannabis to Meth? I've never known anyone (& I've met several thousands over the years) that have ever stated this. This is irresponsible - Cannabis & meth are NOT the same, don't fool yourself. We are aware of addictions & side effects. If you struggle - realize it, admit it and choose to try harder, before your addiction becomes your disease. Make choices, before your drug of choice becomes your addiction & possible death. Do you not agree we are responsible for choices we make? Then we should be able to continue to make choices as to what we put int our bodies. If you have been following this blog- for over a decade, I've not put "medications" into my body because of side effects. When this 'Twitch' first started it was a tiny tingle in my eye from time to time - the first thing Dr.s did was take me off of my medications - COLD turkey. It progressed to a life altering, chronic pain where I am zapped by my own brain hundreds of times a day, it effected my speech, the way I eat, smile, the way I read & even watch TV & communicate with family & friends, - to the point I self isolated long ago as interacting with others became difficult watching them, watch me in pain. I tired brain surgery - the most extreme solution I could think of and it was not a solution (I am grateful Dr.s tried) & grateful for the choice. I choose NOW not to put man made medicines in my body & have made this choice for a long time - ask my Dr.s. They assured me - they understood. I hope they still do. Choice. It is God that has kept me here. God and art. I spent years praying for death (especially after the surgery that did not work) and I'm ashamed of that (between me & God), but I did not understand. Now, Im grateful for the lesson. I know it's still a choice. I could choose to medicate (I've been told I would be given for whatever I asked) with pills or alcohol or food. I can choose to be miserable and mean or I can choose to find joy and forgive and create - this is my choice. I choose everyday by painting, to be better. I choose joy. At some point we should admit it's our choices that have us where we are. Isn't it? It's still about choice. Above all else, I choose God. The only choice that continually raises me UP & keeps me seeing the beauty surrounding me. Another post I found on Instagram: Bugs Bunny Grow.
Cartoon characters are a great, easy subject to paint when I don't know what to paint. Any Disney movie, I'm happy to watch (again) to be inspired & amused. It's raining! This has got to be the wettest summer we've encountered in a while... but everything is growing amazing and I've not watered one plant in over a week. I don't think the birds are as thrilled. Currently, I'm painting 2 acrylic paintings, one is a landscape & the other, Jesus. I do not find landscapes easy.. I think because, I try to make it appear too real and don't just relax - like Bugs Bunny - he was pure relaxation - not much thought was needed. Still it's a challenge & each challenge makes us better artist. Each challenge in life (hopefully) makes us better humans. Most challenges make us wiser & stronger... it may take a while though. It's nice to see people out & about & most still appear to be practicing some caution with masks, etc. Do you feel a shift happening? A world wide shift... Covid - what didn't kill us opens our eyes to issues that need addressed - around the world. I don't know about you but I'm feeling hopeful we will continue to Go & Grow in the right direction. Have faith. Today.. I paint! Grateful for another day to create. My Jesus painting is full of bugs, worms.. mushrooms & dirt. I'm excited to get working on all the tiny details as I ponder life, peacefully. I hope everyone reading this has a creative, peaceful day! Give thanks for another opportunity. Inspired by love... you will not fail.
I failed. I had it in my mind to paint Lauren for years. You have no idea of the anguish I feel that I waited. Lauren would love her portrait. Before I learned of her passing, just the week before I spoke to her mom & she was doing better, although still in the hospital. It looked good and hopefully she'd be going home soon... I spent a few days gardening and crying. The hummingbirds appeared and at one point 'smacked me back to NOW as it flew by so close I ducked... I took it as a sign. Lauren loved Zeeke, I learned how to draw a dachshund because of her. Many of her photos are like this, she covered 1/2 her face - like I do. Worried others will not like our appearance, as most of us do. We joked about it but it's no joke. Now I know- if someone is judging about my appearance - they are shallow beings & I am better off without. We are so much more than this vessel called a body. To me, she was beauty. I struggle with God's timing but yes, I am consoled my little bud is no longer suffering. She had endured more surgeries than anyone I knew. She was the bravest young woman, who inspired me continuously. I am upset with myself & will have to forgive myself for not painting her portrait sooner. This was difficult. Difficult as it's only natural to think about the person you paint.. I decided NOT to wait one more day. It ended up being quite healing process over the course of the week.. seeing 'her on the easel made it easier. Crying at first - smiling at the finished creation, KNOWING Lauren would LOVE IT! She was so special.. I will miss her dearly. She loved her cannabis & used it since I believe the age of 15. & spoke UP about it all the time! There are leaves in the background of the painting. It's too bad she had to defend her use.. shallow is shallow. I (& others) will continue to speak up for her. It is a gift for her family. I met her family at the expo & met Laurens mom a couple of times on other occasions. Laurens mom was a fantastic mother. I can't even put it into words.. clearly God knew Lauren would need a rockstar mother like Debbie is. My heart feels heavy thinking about how much she is already missed. It did help.. I am too late to gift it to Lauren, but it's NEVER to late to express my love for someone. With TLC & THC - LOTS for me & Lauren! |