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.

I started  new painting! (forgot to show you yesterday)   ^  this is it!  
It's already progressed some since this photo, I was 'lost' last night painting it - thank GOD.  When everything becomes overwhelming there is no better escape (for me) than to go paint & in particular a canvas with acrylic is  more difficult/challenging than working at my desk with gouache - after painting this background & I started painting something new - there was a point that I thought- what have I just done!?  lol  I know many artists have this feeling when painting.. but you keep going and then you get to the 'next stage I am currently at & you CAN'T wait to get back painting at it as soon as possible...   it's an octopus in case you're wondering  on an adventure at the bottom of the sea... with a twist (of course). 

I've read about the new dispensaries opening in April, so far I liked the 'names' of a couple..  I believe one is called "The Honey Pot"  (neat play on words), how exciting  is cannabis in Canada now?  I also saw a mural painted in a new vape lounge in Aurora opening soon no doubts - I do not know the logistics around this sort of thing- I'm sure it is  still to be worked out but definitely something you're going to see popping up ALL OVER. One future dispensaries location is in 'Yorkville' in Toronto-  for those not aware hearing  this instantly brings $$$$$ to mind. If it's in Yorkville - you'll be paying top dollars for that budding experience...  & this is how it's meant to be.  There will be something for everyone - just like there's a choice from  McDonalds to a fine 5 star restaurant - if you got it,  you should be able to choose where you spend it, no?  
​& just like the two extremes - I'm excited to see & hopefully sample the many DIFFERENT experiences available to us soon.  NOW, as soon as we get this marketing bullshit out of the way- I KNOW there has to be a big company out there ready to take this to court- it's discrimination.  That or they will just wait- because common sense & $$$ will tell us - it's time.   If you're worried about your children & cannabis - SPEAK to them. Education is key, no lies please.. 

The only advice I'd offer someone younger regarding cannabis (because I know it's safer than alcohol) is:  Please do not drive or do anything until you know how cannabis effects you & this is NOT because of cannabis impairment' but because there are many already impaired drivers on the road to contend with - impaired by alcohol, cell phones & I've been researching - one of the worst problems on the road  right NOW is (an not on the road) LACK OF SLEEP!    ​How are we going to  address that problem?
Other than that - I would encourage cannabis over alcohol & other drugs, especially opiates - YES, many still like opiates to get HIGH (it's still problem - one that kills).  Only 29 days to spring and not long after that - you can celebrate by visiting a dispensary.
Excited?   I am.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

My next canvas is a statement piece & the timing is perfect- I'm finishing today! Arrrrgh!  I'm reminded again why I'm not on FB I hear it's really ugly at the moment- or Juicy' what ever you choose to call it -  I'm off of it... I read enough yesterday of what M.E. wrote to know I don't want to read anymore.   I feel bad for anyone who puts up with crap for a paycheque as I've been there myself too many times.  The more I read the more I thought of Jodie in a new light & I can't help but feel bad for all the stress she must be experiencing and not for 'her own actions', imo she has always been impressive & professional in her talks and her demeanour & when your husband behaves like an ass what are you gonna do? We have all been there, most of us anyhow.  This is a little more than behaving like an ass.
A wife should not be punished for the actions of her husband -visa versa- just like the saying a son should not be punished for the action of his father.
IF this were the case - we'd all be in trouble.

I was struggling with this painting because I know women who are struggling with sexual harassment in the industry & no one is safe.  I started it a few weeks ago & then was told by a friend her boss is again threatening her with loss of employment if she does not comply and I got all flustered and walked away- I don't want to paint in anger.
Where do you go for help? Who do you ask? It was only a matter of time & it's far from over there are many horror stories - it's EVERY industry but because this industry has been ILLEGAL for so long it's been permitted to grow & thrive. Pun intended.  

I  'lol' yesterday when I read  a post where Dan Bilzerian (what ever his name is) posted about this "#metoo shit  getting out of control.."  & another man replied: that's priceless coming from a guy who's kicked a woman in the face, broke another woman's leg & pays models to be with him"  Wow. Thank you to that gentleman for speaking up & SEEing the problem. If you behave like this  yes, I guess you might be a little worried.
Thank God for #metoo,  maybe in a few years women & men will   #  #notmethankfully

It's already been going on for too long, here is an article to give you some insight: ​https://www.revealnews.org/article/in-secretive-marijuana-industry-whispers-of-abuse-and-trafficking/     Men & women are being abused mentally, physically & financially  consistently taken advantage of by those who have money & power.  
Usually men - Cocks in the field raising a ruckus -what else is new?  
I am able to see the cocks because I also know a few gentlemen in the industry - thankfully . & for this reason I give thanks or cannabis legalization in Canada - this sexual harassment  bullshit won't be tolerated - no one should be worried about not receiving a paycheque for the job they are HIRED to do - without fear & constant stress from predators.

There is hope in legalization across the nation!
​Accountability & professionalism & Product Quality are what will survive in this industry...  Be nice.  
Time to paint this grey day away!

With TLC & THC
G

I'll expose my cocks tomorrow.. lots to look at.

​

It's the year of the pig! Eat less bacon! - Done!
Eat less meat (done) - untill they can at least provide a life that does not involve cruelty & torture from birth - I know we can demand a change in this area, I believe most humans would rather NOT have animals suffer.  

Eat better anyway- geeze if there's one thing I've learned from overdosing on documentariews- WE are doing  this to OURSELVES with what we choose to consume on a daily bascis.- It's that simple people! - EAT better- more veges & nuts & fruit- it's that simple.  Our meat consumption in this house has gone from meat being with every meal - 100% to 40% - ...    look at that little pig with the Universe inside him.
After learning about American standards & practices in the meat industry & about the ag-gag rule...  & I honestly do not believe they care about Americans health, I prefer farm raised, free roaming happy animals who have had some quality of life.

Some people "hate documentaries", why remain in the dark, remain in denial - it's easier? Watch ROOT cause. We have been arguing about this for decades! I do not agree with root canals. Please watch,  the more you know- you can avoid a lot of hassle - or at least you have a starting point from which to - START.  It really does make too much sense... & then you have TRUMP  he's another breed of PIG all together.  Americans (& Canadians) have current serious obesity problems - what does he serve a bunch of athletes  at the oval office?...   JUNK FOOD.
Bravo DONALD you've done it again - what clear messages you send out.  

What does you Piggy Horoscope tell for the coming year?
Mine is all good but I already knew that...  I feel it. 
It feels like love, happiness & success.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Below.. sneak PeeP of my next canvas... wip.

Yep, I'm enjoying these one to one painting sessions.  I think I'll continue, each becoming more enjoyable I had another friend who mentioned to me one day: I've never painted.  Gasp! How can this be?  lol  So, I invited her over to learn how to paint  & it was quite the success for her FIRST painting if I do say so.   Holy!
So many of you are gifted and don't even know it!  

I've decided to offer this to a few people, if you would like to join me to paint - but I've got to have rules, have you seen the movie 'Georgia Rules' - It's true, for me anyhow I need rules to make this the best experience for us both. Want to hear them...   it might help you decide if you want to join me.

Plan on approximately  5 hours & I like to start at 10 a.m.
Be here NOW to paint & learn how to paint... not to get high or gossip.
We stop for Pizza for lunch - no green peppers.
No cell phones.. if you need to look at your phone every 15 minutes or less, stay home.
No tobacco smoking in my home, feel free to join me with a  joint.
You provide the photo you'd like to paint - any subject - my friend wanted to paint a husky  with my suggestion to turn it into a christmas card and forcing a imagined twist to the photos.
All I ask is you  TRY,  follow my directions  step by step to create a masterpiece.

I supply - all supplies for you to leave with a finished painting & instruction on the next steps should you want to continue painting. 
You supply snacks - I prefer healthy & enjoy also baked goods & cookies.
You must like dogs  BUT listen to me when I ask you to: ignore my dogs.
I choose our painting music, dress in comfortable clothing  so you won't mind if you get paint on them or dog hair... mostly paint.
You allow me to share our images of the  experience & finished product on  my Social Media 
​ so people can see, I am still being social & you learned to paint! 
Express an interest in painting.

Let me know if you are interested (e me) ...  I'll book an available date & we shall create!  

I've actually invited a few friends that would travel quite the distance, that lesson includes a say in the guest room..  in progress.  Painting is proven to calm, heal, help people express themselves, inspire & more - learn a new hobby, there is no time like NOW!
Create, use your brain & heart instead of letting the TV use them. 
I watched the DOC: The Red Pill.  My opinion: Do not waste your time.

More Chritsmas & cananbis next!
​I can hardly contain this 'Christmas feeling' this year.
With TLC & THC
​Georgia

This by far one of the best weekends I've had in a while starting with Friday morning breakfast & day with Storm & ending with a painting session in my studio with Madison.  
The Original cricket Club member!  & as I look at her photo holding her flamingo  a smile crosses my face because it seems like yesterday she was in pony tails and we where getting ready to go swimming, play with Larry - the gecko - make some thing incredibly cool - like a lady bug flower pot wind chime! When I taught kids in the studio  was by far some of the best days of my life.  I've blogged about Madison before, it was nothing new to have a kid ask if they could stay over and be my helpers - which was something I could use (kids & crafts = mess)  especially when I was offering full days  in the summers, it was a great way for me to offer families with more than one kid - free classes in exchange also. I had repeat clients & some with 3 or more kids - and I understood how expensive things could get.  ;)  

I couldn't believe when I saw Madisons incredibly cute baby on instagram! Time flies & it is 'the time' because she's not the only kid I taught having children' - it's so fun & amazing to witness -  I can't resist as I think - hahaha- I shall teach them all crafts, wait till they are older - do I have stories for them - "Your mom ate a cricket!"  "Your dad use to pick his nose with his pencil & show us  because he thought it was hilarious", "Your dad brought his pet Duck everywhere!"... "Your pet pig ate you moms fancy high heels and she nearly had him for breakfast & that is why you are at this last second  craft class! (so mom can cool down)"   lol  Oh my gosh  I'm giggling..  - when he/she was 8.  
How did this happen.. time flies.

& time flew on Sunday, I lost all track as we sat, painted flamingos & discussed all from birth, babies to buds.  I was of course happy to hear Madison is educated on cannabis but I knew she had gone to school, finished her education & has a career, married & now a baby! Life - as it is.. she continues to be educated, passionate & creative and that smile makes me think she's 12 again eating a grasshopper - just so we would get on with he craft!  How blessed am I that Madison visited and painted - 15 years later - wow.  ;)  Now a MOM herself, a beautiful little baby girl  4 months - I remember how difficult those times could be - not as peachy as social media portrays it to be for sure.  Madison has a terrific family, husband & friends- I've no doubts she will be a great mom - wait until she teaches her daughter how to paint, what a lucky little girl.

When the kids were little I'd usually ask each of them - "What do you want to be when you grow up""   I often heard "an art teacher, like you!"  It's true - we had fun & created many masterpieces in this basement...  I of course took all of them for their word - lol  so when I hear,  when I ask NOW: Are you still painting, still working with art?  
and the reply is "No."  I usually say something - like "Well that's a waste of a talent!"  lol
and they are not shocked.. they usually laugh and hopefully they pick up a sketch book later.
I saw it! I can see the talent in kids & adults still - it's  energy.  

Once we sketched our birds & I explained acrylic paint and how I paint - she did 'her thing... just like then she was 12 - I admired it then & NOW.  Don't forget to do your thing! 
I remember her brother & sister too- those were not always perfect situations because siblings still have a tendency to aggravate each other- even at summer camp. These kids were all talented and  lovely little humans & still are today - even if they don't make  signs that say "Reindeer parking here!"   & I'd also give that credit to mom & dad who were two very hard working parents & always put the kids first.
Kids & parents, thank you - Time of my life.

I absolutely enjoyed every moment painting with Madison and she is welcome to join me again.  I be neat to get all the cricket club kids - over for a painting classes and bong session ;) hee hee  
Grateful doesn't begin to describe how I feel about my life most days. 

With TLC & THC
Georgia