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

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

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

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

I woke on Sunday and noticed a car at the gate, I called to Norm - Go see who's at the gate this early!!  Apparently our son decided to visit (arriving late) and was sleeping in the porch!  First I can't believe how tired I was - the dogs were barking - I assumed it was the weekly nightly bisit from a racoon, bear - soemthing that set the dogs off & I ignored it & went back to sleep.  How nice to find out I was mistaken! YAY!! 

The last time Storm was up we were  digging holes to start the coop!  This time he was meeting the extended family' - lol Chickens and goats!  That was fun!  Goats have a strong sence of smell- they smell everythng I offer before nibbling and often turn their nose up - if not pleased.. I think they can smell 'Storm is family' because they instantly  took to him, let him pat them and were curious about him.  Goats are social yet skittish and althogh we can pat them, we've not been able to pick them up & you need to - to cut nails, care for them properly if hurt.. Storm made it look easy.  The chase funny,  once he had them they rested in his arms & didnt even put up a fuss, it was really amusing!
Just like the chickens when you pick them up - they just  sit there.  It went really well & I have some fun photos - I've already started the next of Storm & Sativa on a wodden panel.

We went for a family HIKE! The girls LOVED IT, us too.  It was a personal foray dream, the trails hardly disturbed & literally covered with mushrooms, you could not walk 3 feet without seeing one.  I couldn't even take photos of all the mushrooms or it would have taken forever..
The mosquitos! OH MY - nasty little bloodsuckers,they LOVE me. If I stopped they attacked.  Other than that is was a great hike, the dogs all dog tired, us too.
Rhubarb is the closest restaurant to us - we decided to have take-out & it too was fantastic! 
What a perfect way to end Sunday & visit.   Storm had to head back that night -  it was a short but  fun filled adventure.  

Storm also treated me to a lovely lunch at Boshkong brewery & restaurant in Minden & we and caught up on a few things.  Mom stuff, mostly.  I am grateful he is so busy during these times, he is too.  What a wonderful surprise visit.  Time to paint- what a beautiful day in the highlands.

​

Welcome  . Be here Now  .  Teach Only Love, that is what WE are. 
3 important messages I want to share... painted NOW on my welcoming gate post  totem.
This sign is as much for me as it is for all who enter.  More meaning for me of course.. we all need reminding from time to time. 

First I added the chicken, Ive been telling friends to come get excess eggs and now they know where - behind the chicken.  Laid Daily...  lol   eggs.  Seeing the chicken in the forrest made me giggle.. even with few(er) trees behind it. 

The top is a cannabis leaf crown with a Bee.. with out the bees - we are finished.. Be kind. 
Welcome : if you are here and coming in - you must have been invited - so WELCOME!
The sacred heart crown on a fox with a big smile - pointing up to remind me of a Higher purpose & the hand symbol for I Love you.   Any Eye of God flower crown- protecting our home & property, on a bear spirit holding the beehive  also remind us BE here NOW.  Enjoy all Gods glory surrounding us. & above all else a reminder - mostly to myself Teach only Love, that is what we are.

I don't alwasy teach love. Do you? I am human.. I do eventually. I've thought much about my gate this past week and trees & I've come to the conclusion to Let it go and give it to God because it's more improtant in this case to be peaceful than right.  Covid has played a part too- a thousand people are daying a day.. ;(  The saddness must be mounting.  Many are effected by covid & don't even know it. I don't mean physical symptoms.

I feel safe here in our tiny oasis, blessed to be here...  and have never ever liked seeing any trees cut down (that are not dead) ever.  I was pondering my neighbour who does have a business & no doubts a little more stressed perhaps than we are... because my first impression of him (last summer) was good.  I forced myself to remember this. So I wanted to teach ONLY love - because that is what i am.  Practice what I preach - I had to wait a few days to make sure the card was drawn with love. It was.
 I painted him a card & will deliver it. 

I'll let it go and leave it with God.  It was the kids that  helped me- kids I've never met but was hoping to  actually have some painting classes with - covid interfered before I could ask.  I did hint tho, lol  & above all else - it is important to "me," that any kids living close know- if they ever need help - they can count on us as neighbours to help as best as we can.  
I SEE covid making people NOT so neighbourly. Causing some of us (all of us at one time or another) to "snap" and perhaps say and behave how we don't normally.   What is the point over staying angry?  It only adds to ones own stress.  I'd rather watch dragonflies and paint.
 
with TLC & THC
Me.

So theatres are open..  hmmm  
Will you go to the movies and sit in the dark with others? Possibly with someone who has covid? Possibly risking your health for a movie & popcorn? I guess we all have to make choices.  It's not my business what others choose - frankly, I don't care.   I am watching the USA - that's enough to keep me here.  Watching Netflix and goats. ;)

I like orange kitties...  maybe I'll get one, now that Bird is not longer with us.
I never wanted to take the chance before.
I painted this up in smoke cat a couple of days ago - just to paint... & then I heard of an orange kitten looking for a new home!   Hmmm - will this kitty be waiting for me?
Let's see...  if it's still available I'll go get it today.  Will this smoke image turn into the real deal? If so I might paint a donkey next - LOL !  Just joking. No donkeys needed.
If not, I'll wait patiently for the next little life waiting to enter our lives, there always room to help one more.  I won't go out and buy a kitten but if one need s home - I'll provide it.

Charles Schults said "...artist block is for amatures."
With all that is before us from God - how can we ever 'NOT, be inspired?
Currently, I am painting my goats.
Intentionally trying to paint myself happy - imagining a joyfull visual & focusing on it.

I'm sure that man that asaulted 3 people and died was dealing with more than 'mask stress',  poor old guy :(  73 years old & this is how  he wil be remembered.  The phone turned off, no news.. the gate is closed, no visitors.  

I'm done with humans for a bit (too many are struggling - I hope not to add to the overall 'mood' will focus on calming the mind & twitch & joy.   My new painting makes me smile... I smiled the moment I saw it in the studio this morning.  I paint so much - I can sometimes forget - what's on the easel! lol    Today it was a nice suprise  to see Indica & Satia- out in the pen & on the canvas.  I'll be watching goats & chickens & blackberries ripen & waiting for all the tiny miracles all around to develop.  

Have you seen (Netflix) the mini docuseries on the Drug war?
It is an eye opener- Please watch.   I get excited thinking canada will decriminalize drug possession for personal sue. Finally.  I admire the woman who is in the series - what a rock star. I've been learning about the war on HUMANs, disguised as the war on drugs for over 10 years now, but it's been going on MUSH longer - used to imprison many - wrongfully.
For doing something countless do.. (but don't get caught)  how about you?   

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

 Discovery in the coop!  
Woodchips! Weeeee - we have a woodchipper & a Pine tree fell (on the driveway)- perfect for the PEN. Reading Food for the Gods - talk of woodchips and how easily mushrooms grow in them - sure enough, Norm spied a tall mushroom (no idea of the type) in the middle of the path - gave me a giggle.  Chickens eat most anything I read, I wondered what would happen to a chicken who eats a pyscadelic.   Cockadoodle dooooo!  They see in full color so I'm sure it would be quite the trip.  They wouldn't die.  Bird did not eat everything I gave him, he was quite selective - Chickens are smarter than most give them credit & boy oh boy -are they curious,  I don't plan on feeings them psilocybin anytime soon.

We do have a cannabis plant in the pen- right on the deck of the coop & it's being ignored by goats & chickens. I wonder if this will change once buds appear- yes, it will because I'm not giving it to them! LOL   I'll be treating myself to some home grown.  Storm grew them, I'm just watering & watching the green beauties develop.

 There is nothing neater than going into the coop and finding eggs, I say finding - because they hide them- NOT in the nesting box, behind hay stacks, behing feed pails, behind trees.. we feel like a Easter egg hunt every day - we are averaging 2 a day - which is more than sufficant! We don't eat eggs daily  & the next time Storm visits he will go home with a  dozen fresh eggs! 

It's time to paint the next portrait- TOM.. the background is complete, I sit in this tiny studio with an endless view of green, birds, beasts & goats calling & I feel beyond blessed! They do, they call & look right at the dining room window when I go and talk to them, unless I go outside.  They are funny & sweet but not letting me pat them... yet.  Indica seems to like me more and has starting sitting in my chair!  Sativa has issues with Poppy & Poppy is not impressed.   lol  Goats- making us smile...  
​
What else is making me smile these days- the thought of TRUMP being GONE.  
Then, we will ALL have something to TRULY celebrate in 2020!
I wish, Michelle Obama would run. 

With TLC & THC
Georgia

Introducing Indica & Sativa. 
Indica is a brown male born in March 2020 - close my my birthday & Sativa was born in April 2020 - she is female. They are the cutest pair - exploring the pen together.  Curiously watching us - as we do them.  Yep - I wake up to Foghorn & can't believe it - dreams come true!

Norm and I both laughing - who knew we'd be chasing chickens & loving every moment. 
This pen & coop are lessons taught NOW, to us by the chickens & goats themselves.  Oh, yes... we also added 3 more Leghorn chickens!! This traditional looking chicken is amusing and has already provided us with eggs, hee hee- hiding behind a tree.  So much for the nesting boxes.  This first egg will be used for medicated carrot cake upcakes.  ;) .  I had read about introducing new chickens /animals can be stressful - NOPE. Other than getting the goats out of the vehicle all has been beautifully calm - the pen is big enough I guess - a bit of chicken chasing each other but that's it. 

Today, we had our coffee watching our goats and had to force ourselves away. Norms still adding touches here and there. Soon, I'll give you a coop & pen tour.  We have named al the birds, they are: Gloria! (our black beauty), Foghorn (rooster), Henny & Penny (Forghorns peeps), Elenor, Grace & Honey.  The sketchbook is in the pen & the canvas preped. Yep, your about to see a few chicken & goat paintings.

I met a nice man @ the feed store who started to share a few of his animal photos - I was impressed  & asked him to send me a few photos, which he happily has! Deer, chickadee & more - animals galore...  What are you dreaming about? Do not give up.. keep seeing it - & make it happen.

I'm staying home with our new family..  I'm tired of going out and waiting in line for a few measly things we might need. The line up for the beerstore was something & we were told it started an hour before it even opened.  Yesterday, a hardware store in Haliburton 'TRIED to tell me' - "only one person permitted to enter per vehicle" - WTF?  I informed  him - that would not work- we were BOTH goinjg in. I held up my hands (obvous visual to my arthritis) and informend  - I can't even lift some items of shelves (I can't) fuck that..  needless to say, he took me seriously and we were both permitted to enter.  COME ON.
I am not enjoying the pressure, lack of masks... How come we have to wear them, but employees in these locations are not?  It's messed up - are they immune from infecting those wearing masks?  Isn't the idea - we all wear masks so we don't make others sick. hmmmm.  Nope, you won't see me aroudn town - Im done - for a bit anyhow. happy to stay hoem on the tiny farm. Norm just brought in two more eggs (with a huge smile) & you would have thought he discovered golden nugets- hahaha.

Have a lovely weekend- today I'm painting something about animals to bless our farm.
Grateful for all the many blessings in our pen.

with TLC & THC
​Georgia

We had a visit yesterday from the former owner of our house!  From a distance..  
We met the first time as I seeing the house for the first time ( it was spontanious) and she happened to be home.  I stepped out of our vehicle - never even went inside the house, before I said to Norm:                 This is it.  I knew.
 I told her that day - I'm buying this house & love it and I will love it like you did.  She held my hand and said "o.k.",   I knew that moment she & I were soul sisters.   Nevermind the inside of the house - many would guess it was already mine after a quick glance, even the paint colors were the same as my old home.  Adorned with masks, rocks, shells - I felt at home already.  

It's almost been a year, one the best years of my life! Deni shared some history of the house and I was not shocked to find out this IS a special place,  built right on  the Canadian shield... (on a slant so we never have to worry about flooding) - it's really well thought out- I just love this house & property.   Deni smoke cannabis too & had a sweet little tin with her joints- the same tin I've had for about 2 decades.  We agree with many things & seem to both be caring & concerned about the goings on of the world...  I feel like we've already been friends for years.   Soul sisters.   She accepted our first offer & my insisting 'I wanted to be in A.S.A.P & WAS - LOL   The house was sold and I was here  in a month (and a bit ) later,  she admitted it was so fast - it was good, she did not have time 'to think' - come to think of it- neither did I,  I had packing to do.  All history now.  
​So, I bought a new home and made a new friend.  Blessed Bonus!

I'm such a believer that God brings everyone into my life for a reason - I'm so glad I met Deni & our new home. Thank you Tom*  more on him, soon.  Norm is happy too.  Go figure... a little tired at times, as weve also accompished a lot in a year. Deni remarked the love we are already putting into our new home is obvious.  Yes it is.  It's so easy to wake up each morning (easier now with Foghorn! lol)  & give thanks to God for another day in this beautiful spot we call home.  I look forward to each days adventure,  it sure it an adventure.

The COOP is COMPLETE & just in time...   my tiny family has grown some more.
I'll show you the ladies tomorrow &  Sativa & indica (hee hee)...  but here are the gifts from today in the image below. YAY!!!    

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

I'm so happy I have chickens to think about.  Norm wakes up to the sound of: Bwawkkk
Baaaawwwkk Bak bawwwwkkkk!  We don't have the chickens yet - it's me, learning chicken speak. hee hee  Up at sunrise  to let the chickens out (I want to be ready) and  excited to start the day, another gift from God.   I'd venture many people do not see each day as a gift lately, let alone from God.  
Do you think Trump 'inspects the bunker' - yes, to see how comfortable his bed will be & instal the GOLD toilet - as just outside others are being murdered in the streets. - Arrrrgh.. on to the chickens.

Better yet- on to the visit from Storm!  When I told him we were building a chicken coop he said he was coming up to help! Oh my God...  finally. Yes, I was excited! Instantly a weight had lifted that was getting heavy & thank you Lord for the lesson.  Many will never see family again after this is all over due to a germ. The dogs were so happy, Norm was thrilled & I was  happily content. My tiny family complete for a bit.  Bird was happy! Everyone was missing Storm. I get emotional thinking about it so... cock- a - doodle-doooooooooo!! 

3 chickens!! This for 3 chickens.. lol  the work the measuring and Storm lifiting out huge rocks (many had to be jackhammered) out of 4 feet deep holes,  in poured rocks & cement so the coop can be lifted, dry and safe from all predators! It's being insulated as I type.  In Canada after witnessing last winter - the coop better be warm. Metal roof, insulated and vented. & it must match the house complete with window box!  I do not want to use a heat lamp heres hoping... maybe more chickens will keep them warmer? Hmmmmmm
Giggling now - I wonder  (covid or no covid) if Storm will visit again - all he did was WORK. "Plant this please..."  "move this please.. "  "give me a hand with..."  and that was in between helping his dad. & he cooked!  Luckily, he is no stranger to work and said he really misses us and enjoyed every moment.  I went to sleep each night  in peace - this place is so peaceful.
We joked about all the 'kittens I found on the side of the road' over the years and my 3 chickens "ladies" might grow a bit.   The dogs are being trained already to walk around the coop as I chat with imaginary chickens.  Bwak Bwaaaaak...  

It was so good to 'see' Storm.  We did not hug as much & we we're all still cautious...   Oh no Norm & Storm right away Purple nurpled & I started laughing. Initiated by dad! lol Spending all weekend outside in the heat and having the air flow thru here, Storm slept out int he fresh air- Daisy too & she loved it!  She never left his side - huge smile on her face.

 I have a new appreciation for moms who have their sons go off to war.
To miss them & fear they might get sick, (visa-versa) as we all have done across the planet the past few months. Worried about protests and violence. We all agreed we don't think this would happen in Canada. We say "sorry" to each other for bumping into each other.
I am thankful for the time he was here & the help with the "The Ritz Coopton"...   
Time to get to the coop.. & painting and gardening and chickens!!

​We are experiencing serious internet and bell issues with the weather the past few days- let's hope it's just the weather, the internet service & bell  have been the only 2 constant frustrating issues since moving in.  I can't believe Explorenet gets paid more than we paid Rogers for providing a fraction of  the service. Oh well - more time to paint & explore.
​I'll only be posting images the next few days.

Edible Mushrooms!  Covid has taught me to become more self sufficiant.. especially after a trip to the grocory store and noticing a lack' of certain items & noticing what I MISSED when I could not  run out for a few things.  I missed fresh mushrooms - we eat them often.
Lately, I feel so blessed it almost confuses me.  I think I'll go search for a trillium and there it was - off the driveway.  

I mentioned to Norm 'I want to find some edible mushrooms' - walked again, down my driveway and spied all these new mushrooms that had appeared, encouraged by 2 days of rain - I sent Storm a photo (former Foray director for the MST)  he replied:
Dryad's Saddle- Edible
OH MY! A basket full- right off my driveway!
Not 10 minutes later, sizzling in a pan with butter & were absolutely delicious! 
Google Dryad's Saddle - or Pheasant Back Mushroom on how to find, prepare & save for later, dried.  Now is the time to go looking!  The youtube I watched suggested the tastiest are no bigger than the palm of you hand - yes, tasty they are.
Food- provided by nature.  Amen.
I also put another intention out to the universe recently &  that DREAM too is coming true! It's a big deal (to me) - so I'll save it for another day!

It's a difficult time to feel blessed...  covid, death, cancelations & NOW images from the USA  are difficult to see &  KNOW, what they are dealing with - I GET it!  
When is it going to stop? IF this is what it takes - this is what it takes.
I get it and agree with the protesters... clearly, NO one is doing anything about black people being killed for NO REASON. George Floyd was murdered - tortured in front of many in broad daylight on the street- by police.  The two rednecks in Georgia- that killed the jogger 

Perhaps 'an eye for an eye'...    will be the only way people will start to SEE.

Tying to figure out how to address  feeling  anger & frustration & feeling blessed at the same time...  The solution for me is to try to paint,  paint and go out in my beautiful backyard to witness all Gods blessings & pray for better days.  
​Prayer changes things- believe it or not.

Good luck if your going to go out & hunt for some Dryad's Saddle, mines going in an omelette next!  I'm also slicing and drying for a later date. 
I'm making these mushroom art finds' & including maps on the back so next year I'll know where to look .. lol
 I don't think I'll forget that these grow right off my driveway.   Blessed.

With TLC & THC
​me

It's all in the details. 
Hard to believe I've almost been here one year... seeing this place come alive this spring has been stunning with the trees, mushrooms, birds- I've never seen- if anyone told me I'd be rusing out at 5 am to feed my woodpeckers, that crack me up with their  daily antics and funny noises -I'd of said... I WISH!    Wishes come true.

The deck is done - Norms part anyhow & now it's down to details.
There is a sunning/yoga bird watching area, a dining area with table & a chilling area to relax with a nice glass of kombucha, or cranberry & soda with a splash of cherry juice, my current prefered beverage. I can only open bottles with bottle openers fastend to walls due to arthritis so I bought 3 bottle openers for each area of the deck!  There's a store in Haliburton called Northern Expressions - they have the best selection of these metal hooks and openers.   It's also where we spied the metal 'bird tree' detail for the custom railing.
I'll be going back for more - the thing is.. I hate to tell you - they don't look like mine - I painted mine... of course. 

I'm going to paint some to sell, mostly because I like painting them!!  People notice the details...  I love it seeing people smile as things catch their eye.  The funny thing is with Covid times.. no one will be seeing my details until 2023.   I think we'll be o.k. by then. lol   
I forgot to mention our deck is VERY dog friendly, as is our home... I will encourage  humans to visit with their dogs.  I'm going to get Norm to install one of this faucets people have to fill pots - to fill the dog dish on the deck ;) (on his list! hahaha!) We also kept the 3 sofa cushions from our old sofa for the dogs, now on the deck covered in a lovely blanket & they  all lay there with us and face the driveway and watch the creatures... my dogs are in heaven as far as they are concerned, Eden at least.

Did you see the woman who called the cops on the bird watcher?
My thoughts on this
1. Cunt.
2. Take her dog from her - see how it's being strangled as she lies...
3. She should be charged,  although I've no doubts she is  paying for her actions on social media & should be.  GOOD.. I have no intentions of looking her up as I'm sure many did and expressed how they felt..  yes, I'm glad she was fired too.  This, was not a simple "mistake".
Black Americans are being shot jogging by fucking REDNECKS in Georgia (ALL ACROSS AMERICA - STILL - this is 2020 people!!)  and not even being arrested?
People like this bitch LIE - the cops could have come & shot him.  Obviously they don't need a fucking valid reason to shoot a black man. Worse, that stupid bitch could have  had some REDNECKS close who would have made a "citizens arrest" & shot him birdwatching - over her LIES. I'm going to find out his favourite bird and paint him  picture, send it to him & THANK him for educating us  and for  remaining calm during that horrible interaction.

June 9th - social gatherings only 5.
No CNE... no pools, no concerts, no sports events..  It's NOT all bad.
I am witnessing a surge of creativity online! Artists are getting better with each post! 
Locked in people have focused on their passions.  
I'm very excited for June 1st! My long time friend (since grade 5!) Carm - her son Mark has a Comedy Special on PRIME!  Wow - how wonderful! He's such a nice young man - I'm very happy for him, Carm & John & his sister Angela must ALL  be beaming!  Mark has always walked to his own beat and if you think that wasn't difficult at times - you are mistaken. I remember a few times Carm telling me teachers would discourage Mark, others tease him but thank GOD he is resilient! & HE WILL continue to SUCCEED because:

With LOVE you can not fail  and Mark has lots of love!
I'm watching!! Please do:

with TLC & THC
​Georgia

​Next my newest portrait- Rodney