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

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

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

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

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

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

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

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

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

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

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Since I stare at it so much I decided to paint the driveway, I was inspired after the 'Plein air' - outdoor painting class of the bee houses.   The artist who taught the class was a local artist:
Harvey Walker . I also checked out his terrific studio (he made) not far from where I live, I highly recommend you do the same if in the area & invest in some original, affordable, lovely art for your walls.  After I painted the outline of the driveway - I took a drive to the Country Bakery (NOM NOM NOM) & noticed a few RED trees already making me rush back home & get working  on the painting before the leaves change- & then I'll paint it again! 

I am not a realist painter.. I like to be inspired buy what's around obviously, I add my own 'perspective' .. my new hobby of rock stacking  had to make it into the painting.  The light on the driveway changed as the day progressed so I had photos on my iPad which I then worked with later in the evening.  What a relaxing way to spend an evening-  try it.

It's back to school today! Be safe kiddos - be AWAKE & aware drivers. 
It's a beautiful crisp morning! I've already sketched my next painting - with my first coffee.
I'm reading a new book that has my creative side pondering ideas, I'll share soon - If you are female I would encourage you to get it & read it & buy one for a friend (I did), buy one for your daughter - if you have one. Can anyone guess the book?  Send me an e mail with your guess & I'll give you an original if you answer correctly. ;)

I have NOT watched any news since I moved, nor have I read any- only snippets are seen on the phone when I check messages - no wifi- not often.  HongKong is restless, Trump is still an asshole.. the rainforest is burning, Florida is about to be hit (please be safe Florida friends!) & the Bahamas is trying to recover...  more people displaced and homeless.
Justin Trudeau is ready for the election & he will win.  
I do watch & really enjoy: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj   

Please, take the time to watch 'Two sides of Canada'... imo Justin knows 'it's happening anyway'- because currently MONEY rules (sadly), I don't think he wants the pipeline any more than any of us who cares about our environment/country & I'm not naive enough (anymore) to know how ruthless these vultures can be to get their way - I don't want Justin Trudeau to become another Kennedy (shot Kennedy), I get what he is doing.  
Conservatives  do not care - oh, they do about: $$$, and control, private prisons,  jail for cannabis = conservative.... & more.  Lest we not forget SH- Harper-& look at Scheer, closely - just the sheer mention of his name sends chills up my spine..  

Will you vote or just sit around and 'bad mouth'? 
​I will try to make a positive impact on our planet & vote for who I believe  is the best for Canada... right now tho- I am about to go pick a bowl of Black Berries off my back deck to make pancakes for breakfast & give thanks for God/Universe for such another lovely day.   

with TLC & THC
G

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

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

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

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

With TLC & THC
Me.

​

This Bear in green was more about the butterfly Ginger found struggling on the ground - why.. it's wings were still floppy - we put it on a flower & it hung upside down until it's wings firmed and it flew away! A gift for the day...   I think the bear was because I was having mail issues & starteing to get slightly frustraited...  I was a bit of a grumpy bear.. lol - before I called the post office I asked God for help.  There was a major mix up  one- the last occupant put her mail on hold apparently- therefore they were holding my mail - (no mail for the first month) SIGH.. and I did not know 'I had a 'Box #' because NO ONE told us (I do NOW)  all appears to have been sorted happily & with terrific service, my mail was delivered to my door.  I am grateful.   A sweet little hummig bird visited me in the mail & IS visiting me all day where I sit & read the local paper which I enjoy.  I also was short of postage so those waiting for something- have a little longer to wait, thank you. 

The Minden paper is not filled with murder & mahem  but local info, events & happenings - Firework complaints which due to the trees, lake polution, education, animal consideration & compassion - it appears to be taken more seriously than it is - other places.  Many dogs  are mentioned (wonderful) the next day on the local  radio - PLEASE leave your dogs safe at home, inside.. or just don't participate in fireworks.  I train my dogs btw I find  a quite place and I 'don't'  react at all when they go off.  I talk gently to them like when we are playing & I teach them it's no big deal - so far it's working.  That's because we had a dog that was terrified- very sad to witness time & time again & not  be able to help.

As I become more settled- believeing I actually  live here, I'd like to be more involdved in the community eventually, I have a few ideas of how I'd like to help.. serve.
It's pride week in Minden & I plan on showing my support this week,  I recently had a conversation with someone who was upset about the 'Pride flag flying in Minden.."  it really got me thinking...  I don't have any issues with the pride flag or what it represents - I won't be judging anyone over whom they choose to LOVE.  ANY love is better than no love onthis planet full of lonely people.  I shall celebrate it like everyone else, understanding we all need to be loved... it is that simple.  

I am able to post on IG when I drive down to check my mail... Oh well. My phone & comp will soon both be 'land lines' again & apparently, I will be grateful as the area has power outtages, especially in bad weather. Bad weather? I am so anticipating fall & winter!
I inform friends- I'll learn how to paint snow- & they laugh as they think - it's white, how hard can it be.   Ha.  Snow if difficult! Wait & see.

I look forward to the snow!  I'm so excited to witness the beauty of this forest go to sleep and wake gently again... everyday.  
With TLC & THC
time to PAINT!
​Georgia 

P.S.  I discovered a big joint on our morning driveway walk keeps the mosquitos away!
That or my lovely morning attire! hee hee hee!  
...Ignore the blueberry stuck in my teeth! hahaha.
​I'm too happy to give a fuck what anyone else  -'thinks"- AWESOME.

Another pondering primate... what is my new chimp obsession?  It's been triggered by several things I guess, most recently the thought of the loss of more beautiful beasts.  Destruction due to consumption, too much to ponder some days. This chimp brought a new level of painter... I know this when I spent an afternoon patiently painting the hair 'just on his chinny, chin, chin! 

Why do we still have plastic bags? Lazy. These magnicifant mammals each one a miracle & our lazy butts & gluttony for palmoil are kiling them & I'm sure someone somewhere is  using Chimp for medicinal reasons or even decorative.  I'd rather not research that, now.
I find myself pondering the stoned ape theory again -how 'evolved' we have all become or have we? According to the studies we have started our own mass destruction - so why wait one more day to stop using plastic bags?  Why?  

As I finished this painting Denver has decriminalized Psilocybin mushrooms! The first of many US States with Canada following soon. Everything this blog said about cannabis - apply it to 'magic mushrooms' - = Psilocybin . It's that simple. EVERYTHING. I am forever grateful for this slow but steady personal education & depression releasing medicine. If not completely releasing  at least discovering = Forgiving.  Cannabis is my choice of daily medicine but every now & then my body & mind tell me when it's time to medicate with psilocybin. My lite treatment caused some negative effects - I can't even begin... I'm takng a break & wearing scrubs for comfort BUTT it said getting worse before better - might be a side effect. So  feeling a bit blue with not much to do I decided to finish my primate that I started a few weeks ago. 

Psilocybin help me 'feel a little more loved' for much of what I don't normally find very 'lovable at times. Including myself.  

I'm in full painting mode again ;) - to keep me out of depression mode  ;( .  
I already have the NEXT painting sketched in my mind - another pondering primate   in a slightly 'new style' an experiment, I think. Weeeeeeee...   

 ;D  I'lll leave this here so you might ponder a little.

With LOVE 
Georgia

NFS... unless the offer is worthwhile & will purchase much more paint! ;)
Acrylic on wood panel. Gold, Copper paint that makes this painting look different every time you look at it as well as around the edges - make sit POP  ;).
I'm forever grateful for the experience.

Can you guess who I am..  I'll tell you at the end.
Schools out for summer & might not be returning.. I can't express the sadness I felt watching my high school  York Memorial go up in flames  yesterday.  A flood of memories overwhelmed me, walking the halls, the lockers, the auditorium in all it's Glory, the stained glass windows the trophy cabinets, magnificent details at every turn. I hope they rebuild and not remove.  This is where my love for art took OFF -I had great art teachers  both women, Mr.s Obrien was my favourite she introduced me to painting, clay, egg tempura, everything art was started here. Friends, relationships, the first time I smoked Pot.. lol isn't it for most? My first parties, football socials & like many I lost my virginity to someone met in high school my last year. You don't even realize all the memories until you see it fade before your eyes. I'm forever grateful for the experience.

& I was blue due to the news that we are destroying our planet at a greater rate than anticipated (and grater than I feel they are letting on to us mere humans due to panic)- killing creatures... Trophy hunting should immediately banned.  Birds especially are on quick decline & then to learn about DOUG Ford..  I take it back thinking  he would be good for Ontario.  As soon as these creatures are gone - we will be shortly after.  It's terrible for children now - knowing we have started our own MASS extinction yet we CONTINUE to let politicians like DOUG Ford decide Canadians futures - he obviously doesn't care about the environment & that should be our first priority when we boot those deciding our fate  out of office.

When I went to bed last night at 7 I was blue & beat but today I was excited to get up and work on my chimp which reminds me... Norm is redoing the basement floors (hee hee) over the decades he has  laid new floors for different rooms (depending on what was on sale) NOW of course he is in agreement 'it would look better with same flooring throughout', "I told you..."  was said,  I've moved my studio to the bedroom & have been painting at all hours - I'm pleased with my newest creation - I spent yesterday painting the hairs on a chimps chiny chin chin! lol  

It's a painting I become absolutely absorbed in & between us I'm calling it a self portrait. haha I love every second & in between I'm painting Weeeeeed cards- they make me giggle.
 I friend sent me a few ideas today which also cracked me up! Weeeeeee!

Sad but not forgotten.. Nothing lasts forever lets hope we get our acts together  regarding transformation of the planet before it's too late. No more plastic bags - why are we still going plastic bags? Why are we sill doing plastic? HEMP is better. 

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia
​
I'm the middle row, second from the left - the guy behind me in a white top was tickling me...  look at the confused expressions - clearly the photographer did not count to 3. 

Dreaming of more space...

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

I finished this orange/gold glistening octopus on a foray under the ocean! 
I was watching 'Tales By light' on Netflix  it's wonderful - visually stunning & educational, the episodes on the working children leaves me speechless but the episode on coral - was mesmerizing. Watching the coral I kept thinking over and over - they look just like mushrooms! All the'coral' you see here are actually images of mushrooms I painted - only one is obvious.  It's big, bright & makes me smile.  I keep mentioning my drunken Octopus- but it's eluded my paint brushes for some reason... it will be finished soon.

Did you VOTE? I like Shaun Tanaka - Team Trudeau - our York representative... how refreshing & hopeful - she strikes me as very intelligent & optimistic. 

Netflix has a show I am really enjoying with some very strong women - it's very Canadian & I highly recommend it for new moms especially, it's filmed in and around Toronto which is also fun - I find it very intelligent, funny, realistic & the women are fantastic:  CBC -  Working Moms - the scene with the bear- lol   I can see that happening so easy here.  With this weather, warnings to stay indoors - twist my arm - it's nice to have something entertaining and fun to watch.  

Shout out to York regions finest! Boy oh boy I realized I speak my mind... the other day I was in a parking lot walking towards my trusty steed and this tall, incredibly handsome  gentleman in a bright orange vest said "Hello!" to me as I started walking in his direction - I took one look and replied "HELLO, Handsome!" & 'beelined' right for him - hee hee hee!   Holy cow was he good looking... & I think he was slightly a ginger too- that smile tho - anyway I realized he was one of York Regions finest (pun intended)  when I noted his police uniform  under the vest... & we had a quick little chat & I left by stating:  
Bye handsome, if I'm ever arrested I hope it's by you!"  To which he laughed and  we parted.
#notdead  #notblind #appreciativeofbeautymaleandfemale   We use to have a police officer who looked exactly like Richard Gere years ago (who is still handsome at 69 & going to run for congress...  - I use to like to wave & yell: Hi Richard!!  
He knew why I called him it. lol  

So many paintings so little time..  back to it.

with TLC & THC
​Georgia

I wish this fox could be seen in real life- it POPs off the paper - I'm pleased with how it turned out as I had no intentions of painting a fox when I sat at my desk.  This painting  was started at approx. 6 a.m. and I finished it at  1:30 with only short leg stretches (peanuts in the feeder) and coffee & snacks.. I'm sure since I post them daily people think I 'whip them off' I assure you, that's not the case.  lol  I realize this because Ginger is at that age - "come play with mom!!" & I find it a little annoying when she interrupts me all the time and must remind "US" - spring will be here soon & I can take them outside & let this one run off steam - she's bored & I have NOT walked her once this winter, I  don't go out when there is ice on the sidewalks  with constant balance issues - it's not FUN or worth a broken hip or bone.  Interruptions come in many forms as it is - and I LIMIT them. No e mail, I don't own a phone so no texts  interrupting me, no TV when painting - it's usually music. Canvas - only music.

Why do I try to share daily? To inspire...   keep going. Keep going. KEEP GOING.
& I am grateful that several over the years have e mailed me who read this blog to say just that -  so .. it's the least I can do & the best I can do - too!

Not only will 'you' become better at anything you practice daily but your mind will thank you for it.  Depression is at an all time high across the world - I GET IT. The thing is - I'm not depressed - I feel pretty darn happy most days - other than short bursts of frustration with Norm,  I go around here singing & dancing with my girls in between works of heart.  
All it takes to change this mood is to focus on the 'news for too long... so, I don't.
It's why you see an increase in art...  forcing myself to focus on creation instead of destruction - for that there seems no lack of.  

What will you force yourself to FOCUS on today? A line from "How to change your mind"...  Who controls your cranium!?   Hee hee -  Hopefully you can say: ME! 
Control your cranium! That's exactly what I'm about to do with a cannabis joint before I start this NEW day on a new adventure in painting....  take control of my cranium before I play with my octopus.   lol  sounds kinda kinky. 

** I recently have been receiving e mail from what appears to be 'Rogers'  our main service provider here in Ontario anyway - providing a link WARNING me IF I do not go & re-address my information my rogers account - my e mail will stop coming  & yes, it appears official, the sender is a rogers e mail address as well, anyway - I contacted Rogers directly & have been assured  IT IS A SCAM: 

"I can confirm that this message that you have received is not coming 
from us.  Due to an increase in the amount of spam messages being sent 
to customers we have developed a way for customers to report these types
of communications.  If you still have the e-mail please forward it to 
abuse@rogers.com for internal investigation and blocking.  Lastly. if 
you are looking to block an e-mail address from sending you messages you
can generally do so through the junk e-mail settings directly on your 
e-mail account."  

BEFORE you send any information - contact the company directly and just ASK
 "is this for real?"   the few moments you can NOW ​could save you a lot of headache later.

Have a creative day!
NEXT - another octopus - an alcoholic octopus! 

With TLC & THC
G

...progress on the canvas below.