I have this monkey that holds two tall candles but he wasn't getting much use looking tired -he needed a makeover...  I bet a few of us could use a make-over these days.

I don't use this type of tall  tapered candle, I only use 'tea lights' because they are safest, imo &  I've even had one of those damage a table when some melted wax leaked out and almost started a fire.  One huge 'Halloween Party' one of the candles on the mantle caught  the spiderweb display on fire just as we all walked in the house, whew!  (thank you Lord!) 
I tell you this because:

        ONE of the number one ways fires start is from CHRISTMAS TREES.
        Please be careful - it's a year when we have more on our minds.

I unscrewed the candle parts (happy they removed -saved in case I want to change him back)  and cleaned and then painted my monkey.. thats all he needed and it was really a no brainer- I just coloured what was there. Now he's looking fresh & festive! Then I died a small wooden canvas - perfect size to make a little tray!  Drilled two holes( Norm did),  painted it black and presto- I have a new cell phone holder, that makes me smile, easy to access!  I wrapped my cable around his arm - always ready to charge... then I turned my phone OFF.    I am turning my phone off,  more & more.

There's a big dog running loose & it's -16,  I hope someone gets him, it's pretty cold. A tiny woodpecker on wood - it turned out so pretty,  it's easy to be thankful sitting at my desk, looking at God's Canvas  with bluejays & wood peckers & chickadees  entertaining me.. begging to be painted! 

REuse. Re purpose New life in and old object.. PAINT & love & patience.
Georgia 

I've noticed a trend on television.  Even while watching the Grinch on netflix (newest version) the topic of childhood trauma- explaining why he grew up being a Grumpy Grinch. 
Nurse Ratchet- 'nailed' childhood abuse so well - I can't watch it without feeling TOO emotional,  that show triggeres negative emotions in me - I know better than to watch, even though I did find it entertaining.

I can't watch anything with drunks - it puts me in a bad MOOD.  The thing with depression is you feel depressed already - then there are many outside factors that can also add to not feeling well, other humans, shows we watch, songs we hear..  even smells can trigger negative emotions in people who have been abused.  Alcohol abuse & domestic abuse are excalated right now, my heart breaks when I think of all the little kids that can NOT escape the abuse in their own home.  Locked in with abusers.   As we watch in all these movies -  some grow up to be Grumpy Grinches in many cases, even worse -some go on to repeat and escalate violence on their own children.    FUELED by alcohol. 
A few weeks ago I read in the Globe & Mail - one mom wrote how after 7 months with her newborn she got drunk & the next day was the first time she resented her baby,  because she was SICK and HUNGOVER.  That's how easy it becomes.  She vowed then not to drink again and take it out on her child. WOW.  If only this awakening would come to all mothers... & fathers.

My problem is often a simple 'visual reminder', to this day I cannot look at a mail slot in a door. It brings back memories of the time my mom slid my cheeseburger through the mail slot ( I was little, under 7)  & STILL can see what I saw when I peeked out the mail slot as my mother and her boyfriend laughed and ran off...  leaving me alone to eat my lunch.  
I still remember the feeling/thinking  is this a game?
I'd like to play too!
Only now, realizing it as an adult  makes me feel anger. Some days 'Livid'.
The dog ate my cheeseburger.  She soon got rid of the dog.
I was physically, verbally & mentally abused  but it's that mailslot that hurts the most, still.  That was just cruel, I can't imagine ever doing that to a child... ever.
I still don't understand it & never will - trust me - I've tried.  
Forget it- I fucking wish I could, I've had family, friend, Dr.s,  teachers, priests, nuns lol all suggest I just move past it. Tell my mind not to think these things when I see a mail box.  Our mind reminds us for a reason...  for protection.

Do you know, who does not understand why I can't forget about this:
EVERYONE.. everyone who's never been fed a cheese burger by thier drunk mother through a mail slot.  Give thanks if you don't have such memories.

Childhood trauma- are you drinking more than usual?
​Are you getting drunk and it's hurting your children?  
Let me remind you:  They grow up... they do not forget - even though they try. 
Childhood trauma - they can't forget.  
Please do not drink Alcohol if you are struggling with it & causing your children pain.

What to paint - I was going to paint a mail slot but it's too depressing - lol
so here's another puppet.. for all my Buds. Have fun... I did.

​G

It's Tuesday - mental health week- and I woke tired and teary - perfect.
Am I feeling depressed, yes.  
Let me tell you what runs through my mind - Until I force it to stop:

Why am I painting? ...does anyone care,  if I stopped would anyone even notice.
What is the fucking point to all of this?  It's all just STUFF.
No one even likes my art  (except maybe Ez).  
How much do you expect me to deal with Lord?   I feel I've had enough.
Go back to bed.      Go back to bed.   Fuck it- back to bed.
& that is what I did.
Back to bed- cried myselft to sleep for an hour.  Norm is working - perfect- I don't like him to see me cry, I know it makes him sad too. The dogs, chickens and goats demand attention  up and at it... but I still don't feel like painting  or feel loved.  
Thank God for DOGS.  My dogs love & would miss me - that I am sure of.
 
If I did not have dogs, goats & chickens I think I'd go and stay in bed today, tomorrow too...
AND THAT is the slippery slope of depression, once it gets you in it's grasp - it does not take much to wrap around and hold you for a while. No matter who you are or what you have.
I'll never get past these feelings,  I understand why.  
If you don't understand why I'm 'like this' - it's your problem - not mine.
and it is a problem. 

So..  tired, depressed, not feeling very hopeful today - I still managed to get this Hippo done. I  know it seems like a joke to some, a paper hippo - but it's a big deal to me.. A big accomplishemt considering how I'm feeling.  
​I still want to believe some kid will print this puppet and it will make them happy - it's that fucking simple!

AT LEAST I TRY.   Before You judge me or anyone else today - ASK YOURSELF:
WHAT have you done to TRY to make this a better place today?  What?

Feeling depressed?  I dare you to make this hippo and play with it- he really is kinda cute.
I made a black & white - for those who wish to colour their own and a full colour - which I printed and made - it turned out better than I thought. 

If you wanted a Hippopotamus for Christmas - you're welcome.

​Georgia

Bumble has come out of hibernation! Rudolph too...  Norm had to fine tune them to make sure all is working nicely as Bumble & Rudolph are going on a wee adventure where they will be enjoyed by many tiny humans (big too & not just the bears.
It was  neat to see it up. It still makes us smile - Bumble with this black background night sky'-  is even more impressive.  I'm very happy it will be enjoyed tho, as I feel this Holiday won't be the same in too many ways due to covid. 
While he put it up the dogs helped as did I when I filmed him & couldn't stop laughing, due to his positioning at the time, I'll let you know where they are as soon as set up, in case you'd like to drive by and have a peek!

In celebration I've decided to paint a Bumble to give away on Instagram as well as painted a time-lapse bumble in case anyone wants to make one themselves!  This is 6x6 wood panel from the dollar store and acrylic paint: White, Black, Blue (dark - I used Cyan), Red.  & I used what I have, dollar store paint will work great!  I also put on a coat of  'Mod podge'  (available at most stores in the craft isle)  watered down *this step is optional.

I think for any Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer fans - this would be a sweet little gift and it looks cute sitting on a shelf!  It's easy enough for children - step by step simple lines and shapes. When you sketch your bumble press harder with the pencil- so you can see it easier.  I can't stress enough letting it dry - in between steps or you will end up with a messy bumble... if working with children you could take a coco break & talk about feeling left out or being made fun of just like Rudolph.
Don't forget to add on the back :Name & date  

Below is Bumble in steps with simple instructions below each image.
To see the TimelapseVideo of Bumble being painted you'll have to chek my Instagram page Georgia.toons   Have fun

Meow! Thsi kitty was an experiment!  I found some leaves - dried a few years old! lol
So I'm playing..   These are real cannabis leaves attached to this painting. Painted just fo these leaves. It's a secret how- and I'm not sure how well they will fare,  now I'll watch to see if they deteriorate or fade.  He's a bright kitty to face hanging around.  My cat is OLD.
I wasn't going to bring the cat- I didn't...   I left he cat with Norm as he finished the last house.. I thought - it's too old it will get out & get lost or eatten by a wolf.  I even suggested he put it down, I want sure what to do. He brought the cat.

Fluffy loves it. He goes out and hangs out ont he deck all day, he LOVES it- No traffic - all the mice & birds he can catch.  Kidding... He can't catch anything anymore - but he can imagine.  I am done with felines for this reason - bird killing.   Bird won my hear like no other little bird, I'm still missing him - big time. 
So Fluffy will live until Fluffy no longer lives.  I hope I never have to put another pet down ever- now we have a bungalow - it helps them too.   No stairs - less problems. More bungalows need to be built.

Time to get out - while the gettings good.  Time to work on that Christmas Gift! I will show you - because they don't know me or even know that I am painting it ;)  Have a great day. 
EAT healthy, pat the dog and practice deep breathing! 

Below is a mushroom craft I made by using leftover cement from Norms current project.  SUPER easy & cute I think - not to mention everlasting!  Pour leftover cememnt into empy catfood, yogurt - any small round containers.   Stick in LONG, finger thick (at least) sticks for stems and leave them to dry.   48 hours later - pop them out of the plastic and paint and add sme spots! I painted mine brown but mushrooms come in just about EVERY colour in real life - so go nuts!   I think they look very cute grouped together.  A few photos below have fun.
​
with THC & TLC
​Georgia 

Oh, bother...   Oh pooh...  Phhhbt - Oh Fuck.
During covid times - Pooh would be saying "Oh, Fuck."  What next 2020? What more?
It was fun painting Pooh - put me in mind to paint 'Tigger- soon. 

Another black man shot in broad daylight in front of his kids - riots, fires- no kidding.  
I'm sick of it. The people will do what needs to be done until this BULLSHIT is stopped. 
How can anyone be o.k. with this?  If police are so frightened they shoot someone in the back - 6- 7 times? They should not be police.  

I painted my clay & it turned out better than anticipated- I think I'll turn it into some sort of wind chime..  Norm had extra cement - yay! I made a new craft- to paint today- garden art, easy peasy..  cement, tiny containers & sticks.   Another glorious day today! Get outside - winter is on the way- we sure felt it this morning- brrr... the Fire is going!   lol - as if I need an excuse to have a fire in this  red wood stove!  It's national doggy day - I'll celebrate by exploring the woods with my girls!!!

With THC & TLC
​Georgia

Cockadoodle doooo!  I was up before the roster.  
Yesterday, as I do everyday- I get distracted by - nature.  I was in the middle of painting Pooh when the next thing I know I had a hand full of herbs and a bag of clay in my hands. LOL   So far so good!  My newest creation then sat in the sun as I continued to garden. I was so excited to start painting, I was up before the rooster & Norm. I'll finish Pooh today for tomorrow.

I can't believe what we've accomplished this summer.   Thank you Norm & Storm, even though his visiits are 'few' they are more meaningful & work full. He never stops working anyhow so.. hee hee hee. Workin is good. We all agree.  For one, look at what you achieve.  During covid even! Have you thought:  'if not for covid..."  for example.. my house is clean.
I could welcome company and not have to wonder where to hide the stuff. 
I shaved my head.  I appreciate my art supplies! I realized, of course I have time to train a puppy!  I appreciate everything & everyone, more. Yay Covid.  
It would be nice if we could all have realized these many lessons without the sickness & death.  The planet is healthier  for a bit...

I don't understand why we are still busting cannabis grows...   why?
                  I do understand human trafficking.   
                    I do understand we have a serious missing women problem.
                      I do understand people are dying from opiates - still, daily.
                        I do understand poverty exists in Canada.

Look at this glorious morning I woke up to today:

With THC & TLC 
Are you awake? Food? Water? 
Amen.

Who doesn't love playing with clay!?   I have to wait until it's a 'good hands' day, so that I can work with the clay easily- this task was not too difficult.  These mushrooms also have a function- an a natural air freshner.  The air dry clay is poreous so it holds the essential oil drops I add to it.  Lemon for my office - cinnamon for the kitchen.  Only once side is fully painted and not clear coated - the other side designed to hold the oil.  It would also make a neat car air freshner.   Next I'm going to try to make an bear insence holder.  
The lemon keeps the mosquitos away I feel - and makes the house smell fresh. 

Yesterday we went to meet out new daughter! New DOG-aughter.  She is 3 weeks old and adorable if I do say so- her eyes just open and mom kept a close eye on our short visit.  We will be bringing her home next month & we can't wait!!  On Storms Birthday! Double celebration.. maybe I'll call her Stormy. hee hee  A new baby, how exciting.  
This baby will be a working dog & trained for security as well as for watching the farm family.  & thats it (lol) I've wanted  3 dogs in this lifetime - a great dane, did that 2! A Chihuahua - Poppy has been the best little 'Chi' ever.. and a German shepherd - which I had as a child for a very short time.  So - again... dreams come true. 

I'm not sure what to call my girl and yes, MY girl!  I'm already training these girls to not go past the gate & keep and eye on the chickens.  They bark when they see someone at the gate- good - as they should & Scruffy - now deaf- barks when ever she feels like it & I let her, I'm don't have to yell at her, surrounded by trees - she can bark -it makes her happy.  Sometimes they all chime in and then I tell them knock it off. lol  I can't remember being as  happy, making it difficult some days when I see others saying this has been the worst year ever- covid aside it's been the best - ever  for us.  I look forward to every day.

Time to paint! I'm so pleased with my current painting for a client - it's hard to stay our of my studio- Norm spied it and insists we make one for us too'  lol Like it's that easy.
 
Have fun if you make a clay air freshener - have fun what ever you do this hump day!

Next a goat - a float.  lol  

Seeds have been planted!  Will deer eat my veges? I hope not...
SEEDS!  I'm planting my 4 seeds for patio plants, Cannabis I'll grow and EAT! 
Bird likes it too- I like it in salads and juiced...  My son looks after my smoke'. 
I plant bird his own vege selection, I pick him fresh dandylions too.
I saw this bird bath in a magazine and decided to make my own version - now ART in the garden..  
I purchased all supplies at our local sweet garden store, just around the corner!
Pine Reflections in Carnarvon,  a tiny little BIG selection garden centre.  
Want to make your own designer bird bat ?     You need:
                                    a tomatoe cage - I lked the  delux green..
                                                       Chicken wire
                 something to tie on the chicken wire to the frame - wire, tie wraps, string.
                                              Lots of rocks! Shells.. treasures
​                     a BIG plant saucer (water drainage) or a big bowl  Re USE! 
                             
All you do is put it together - fill it and top it with a bowl & water! Fantastic bird bath that's very affordable.  I DO have lots of rocks on my property, that helped. lol   Perhaps start with a smaller cage. One full of shells would be stunning.. bowling balls?  Rocks.. plants.. pinecones! What you use depends on your personal preference.  Have fun!

I can't wait - mine is just off the end of the deck- I've not seen birds bath yet- I know I will! 
I old Norm after it was full I wanted it moved a foot over- lol    not happening.
I could sell it complete, if anyone is interested for $100.
Shipping is $1000.00  some assembly required. Hahaha   

I went out yesterday and some are wearing masks and some are not... 
Some wear gloves some don't.   I don't enjoy this new experience (shopping) and found grocery shopping slightly frustraiting.  I sure hope this isnt going to relax people to the point of starting all over again...  I think I'll continue to go out very few times if possible.
I have invited a few to a BBQ- 2023 ;)   Norms  built the deck and the birds are calling! I now have a bird watching bench! TWEET TWEET! 

Enjoy the day- wash your hands and don't go - if you don't have to.
Today - 27! YeeeHaw! Bikini weather. 
I hope you like the bird bath & make your own - it is a 'feature in our garden to bejoyed by creatures tiny and big.. deer drinking level. hee hee.
​
With TLC & THC

We are here to Thrive.  

It's been 9 months I've been here in the forest.. surrounded by only birds & trees (mostly).   I THRIVE in solitude.  My painting improves, my creativity is constantly inspired when not constantly distracted. Even the internet doesn't hold the same charm it once did.
​
I am  impressed beyond with any & every company that has taken this pandemic seriously & more so EVERY company by closing has indeed shown their employees they care about their health first & foremost.  At least until we can ALL figure this out.
The rest staying open is irresponsible- they do not understand they them staying open now- prevents this entire thing to last LONGER.  I read.  I paint or read or do chores.
My twitch allows for little sleep.  I've educated myself on: Pandemic, economy, recession, global depression, flattening the curve.. the death rates doubling, medical system overloads. Italy, Spain & now New York...  are taking things very seriously - I think .. I hope.

In approximately two weeks, we will  start to see the numbers of deaths according to the experts...  the same numbers if not worse that Italy is currently witnessing.. ONLY after everyone took it seriously & stopped going out for fucking drinks' or to the store for things that frankly - don't matter.  If you are running out for 'a loaf of bread' & that's all,  you are not practicing social distancing. If you are playing cards with neighbours... YOU ARE NOT social distancing and if you returned from a trip & pop into the grocorey store you are not social distancing - you are in fact - breaking the law. 

I know several who have admitted this mindset and it is shocking to me...
I never thought they would be so...  careless? ...Wreckless or ...Selfish.
Is if fear?  Denial or  Is it ignorance?
Unless you have a mental handicap- you would have to be pretty darn ignorant to not know this is a serious problem. IT's not just about death- the longer it takes for people to stay in  and take  it seriously the longer it lingers and effects not just people but the "economy".. it keeps people from visiting business ever again...
So...  JUST FUCKING stay home..  Enough already.

I realized how many people I know.. all around the world when, I find my self thinking:        I hope Mona & George are o.k.. I hope Ivan and his family are o.k... Candice in the UK, Chuck in the USA, Jerry, Stephen,  Patti, Diane, Joshua, Mark, Kevin & everyones family!  Friends in the medical field... Jodie, Mike,  Madison, Sam.. little Sam.. oh my.. no wonder I want to cry.  Mostly I think of Storm.. I tried to be tuff- but the moment I saw him on our most recent FaceTime chat I cried.  I tried.

Old People (in particular) don't just die,  EVERY AGE is getting very sick, they get very sick & they might have a family member  who does die & will not be able to properly mourn...
 the stuff you learn when you read.
It's a nasty DEADLY VIRUD that needs to STOP.     NOW

Stay the fuck home and do this sweet funny little Spring Snail craft ;) 

​Click on Image at bottom to Download & print your own snail.
With TLC & TLC 
Georgia