Pandemic.
I was thrilled to hear Spannabis cancelled this year. Every other year I've been thrilled for all who attend & experience the other side of Cannabis- as my son has now a few times. 
It's good they out people over profits & lead by example.  I don't get it  - NOT putting off EXPO's or events. If you are 'in' an avent & have spent a lot of money - please remember the cost of your health, your friends and famalies health and wait.  
​I remember the excitement of an expo - the 'joint' sharing -    "Can I have a toke?"    No.
No joke.  
I'm not hoarding my weed, I protecting my health.  Saliva and excrement are thought to be two ways to spread this virus.  Now is not the time to share joint.   Wash your hands.

3 weeks- not longer than a vacation for many. It will be interesting to see how this pandemic pans out. ..  I pray it's sorted soon & no more die. I understand after reading about italy - it's simply a matter of too many sick too fast & not enough hospital equiptment to help them. I'm sure decisions are being made all around the world now that are NOT easy for many involved.  wow.

Peacefully Painting.. pups tired from chasing rascals in the snow. I've got a skillet on the wood stove heating lunch!  Life is good... I'm grateful for each day!!
Norms busy planning the shop he has to build & there is forever something to do.. he's thrilled tho.  Happy to be doing it, hard to believe he is DONE with work, driving to the city everyday for .. 30 years+. 

Up here, where I saw a black wolf in our woods - surrounded by snow - its easy to forget the sickness.  I am self isolating from all of my friends who travel.   lol  
This includes my son, who is so busy he cant visit anyhow.  I pray for him constantly.
Call your moms - they are worried about you. 

A new spinner next & mental health awareness.
Check out this slacker doggo below..
​

On my mind... I have happy dogs.  Ginger in particular is happy & chatty, providing constant amusement & smiles.  She is the opposite with strangers. My dogs love me & they know I love them..
All this land and Daisy never leaves the property - she circles it silently,  looking for rascals.  I've been reading & painting, painting & reading.  My truck was broke but my mechanic fixed it, not that I minded being house bound. I love it. 
I've made a new best friend the past 8 months.  Me.  

I've been reading 12 rules for life. I kept hearing about this guy.. a twitch from medication, detoxed in Russia, put into a coma to avoid withdrawal - then at the library I mentioned his name to the lovely librarian, she walked over & pulled it off the shelf, right in front of me.  
I believe it is by far one of the best books ever wrote and recommend it to all.  
        12 rules for life - an antidote to chaos  once again I was reminded of my limited (by choice) outside influences and realize 'this guy' - is allover youtube- you can watch many of his talks.  I like to encourage reading- it stimulates the brain.  I had to look up a few words. 'Nihilism' for one...  lol  Glad, I am not one who practices'.  He is Canadian, I giggled several times reading his book and pondered `Do Australians know what we mean when we say: Your on thin ice mister!!  
More on that later...next

It's Saturaday, I have a full day of painting and more planned.
Norms busy building- something. 

Teachers- Have you ever taught in an elementary school for a week?  You would understand VERY quickly WHY they DO deserve more money...  more than most hockey, football players or politicians'.

I read about a life prisoner murdering 2 known child pedophiles in jail.  I think he will be praised.  I'm not sure how I feel about it... Good in truth, I guess.  2 less terrible people on the planet.  Apparently, they were watching 'kids tv shows', taunting other inmates..
I know this happens I've discussed it in detail with my brother, who is no stranger to the prison system in Canada.  They also watch hunting shows, movies like the Dukes of Hazard,  (mindless crap) often violent & degrading to women in many regards.
Negative television  & news (in an already very negative environment)  only fuels anxiety in jail.    It is common sense to most of us out here- probably not a good choice.
My brother said "we don't care.. out of sight out of mind." He is writing a book on the topic in hopes of educating others...  nothing like first hand experience.
I agreed, out of sight out of mind but it is not that I think; we don't care as much as-
WE don't know.
It needs to be addresses for EVERYones sake. The sooner the better.
The fact that they are 'in jail' and  "authorities" seem to show no initiative for the  opportunity of EDUCATIONAL television is confusing to me. What any T.v> give them books.  You might not think this is important but most come out nastier than when they go in...  & they do, get out.  Fact. 

This railway protesting & RCMP are creating animosity and more hatred directed specifically toward indigenous people in Canada. 
I am with them.  I thank them.  I appreciate what they are doing for us.
We should be concerned only at this point about the health of Canada. Eh.
Gas? GREED. $$$$$$$$  
Short term jobs for Canadians - Long term and often permanent damage to our environment, plants, creatures- great & small.   
I'm so grateful to be surrounded by trees & birds, snow...  more than you know.

Now for some Saturday Morning fun:
The original Skunk & skunk . hee hee 

I tell ya - there's nothing like living in the Canadian bush in winter to make you appreciate FIRE.   YeeeHaw! I'm up at 5 to get the fire going every morning. We have a furnace that I can start with the push of a button.... BUT I love it- I love starting the fire knowing I'm keeping me and my family warm - for free!  Free because we have land and dead trees.  
Timing tho has us buying wood this winter - as we were only able to cut down one tree before winter arrivcd. So, we're learning much about wood.  It is work - don't kid yourself and there are times I get so involved in my painting- the fire goes out- almost.  
It's work  -for Norm mostly! hee hee

My home is toasty this morning, the fire roaring.
I'm very excited for our new woodstove!  RED.. coming soon.  This current one will go into my studio - not built yet - LOL ! So many plans.
It's slightly larger and will do an even better job. -24 outside and I have this stove still providing ambers in the morning and keeping the house about 17 all night long.  It has got me thinkng of others...  others that might not be able to cut trees down - or afford wood. About $150 in wood lasts me - 3 weeks ?  I think.. perhaps a bit longer. If someone is older- it's possibly too much work. It can't be easy for some up here - luckily, they have a heat bank!  How cool is that? Wonderful.

http://www.heatbankhc.ca  check them out and donate if you can.  
I noticed when I was out and about they also sell  'Heat Bank'  hot sauce - all proceeds go to the foodbank -my son loves hotsauce so I purchased some.. It is delicious, there was no advertising where I bought it @Abby gardens  so I made them some.. lol  

 !Pick up a jar to add some HEAT to your Valentine dinner!!  
You will be helping the communtiy literally stay warm. How cool is that?  
I will be donating framed art for their next fundraiser.
Time to throw another log on the fire.

Come back tomorrow to see my first painting of my bluejay - named: "Georgie Porgie"
I did not name him . ;)  & get another GREAT idea for Valentines day for only $30.......

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Wow - Alexa just informed me Bruce Linton has been let go.   
Bye Bye Bruce - thanks for helping change history!
I'm kinda disappointed  for whatever reason, I liked the 'story - the history & the growth...'
I'm sure he's far from retiring.  I Painted Bruce as the Willy Wonka of Weed to celebrate Legalization when it happened... I don't know if he was pleased I never heard.  
I'm guessing  - he was. lol 
NOW, he can't participate in the cannabis industry - in Canada...'     interesting.
I can imagine he would be  sad/disappointed  after all he has accomplished - I'm sure he will continue to accomplish more... else where & I wish him continued success.

Ontario - Toronto is getting more cananbis stores! The lottery again is up for people to enter to open a dispensary - good thing- SINCE  the most complained about company in the past year at the better Business Bureau in Canada was the: Ontario Cannabis Stores. Go figure.
​
Apparently Cannabis use has increased by 40%    & there is still a stigma- fine.
​It takes time...  many still say they "don't want  a co worker to know they regularly use Pot"
well I guess most people don't admit to others how much alcohol on a regular basis either. 
It's understandable - I don't know about the rest of you but I am proud & grateful for my cannabis use & never ashamed to let anyone know.   The other day meeting our lawyer - I decided to wear mascara..  after several attempts and a large sigh - I HAD to go & have a bong hit - just to get my eye to stop twitching long enough to apply  my mascara.  Stress is at an ultimo high - although it is good stress, I would NOT be packing ALL these boxes without cannabis I can tell you that.  It's not about getting high it's simply about functioning some days.  Have I started to walk down the street smoking a fatty - no - not quite. lol  

I was sad to read they rounded up over 300 Canadian Geese On Canada day to kill them- God forbid they are pooping on Golf course. WTF?  What is wrong with people? Birds are struggling- global warming - but no they are upset with the geeze - how do you think the geese feel not being able to lay their eggs in nature- because a CITY is on top of it.  I read they cover eggs with grease so they don't hatch (insert crying emoji here)   :(
They want to try to use the geese for food for the poor - which I know they can.. I know someone who does this and told me goose jerky is delicious - I'll pass.
Denver- you just lost my tourism $.

Happy Cannabis  times Canada! 
Puff Puff Puffing along!

with TLC & THC
Georgia 

Weeeee! The Raptors won! Born & raised in Toronto -although not much of a sports fan- yes I'm thrilled they won!  Way to go & the fans clearly are thrilled - It's going to be some parage on Monday!  I decided to make this Raptors BUD special since it is history making by only creating this special trophy Raptors bud 420 - if you want' him check out the site & send me an email.. www.forevergratefulgreetings.com  -BTW I made a mistake this a.m. - a type-o... BUT caught it thankfull.. one letter was changed, the l to an F  - LOL made for an amusing website' and morning.

 Thank you to everyone so far who has 'adpoted' a  little bud card,  I have been thanked for making it an easy process.. I accept paypal, direct deposit or you may even snail mail me  a check. ;)  Let the celebrations continue! 

If you knew the past 48 hours I have experienced..  cowabunga - Moving is stressFULL.
I won't be attending the parade I will be filling boxes...
I've packed all my clothes leaving only 3 outfits to wear- hahaha  BUt I COULD not pack my paints- YET- I'm starting the scarecrow today.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Wee - excited to start a new adventure - an art adventure!  The best kind.  
This morning  I've got a new canvas in front of me & it is big!  My biggest yet.
Kinda nervous... until the creative adrenaline kicks in and I can't wait to start!!!
A new project in the works for a while & now there is serious interest to complete it - this entails other projects be put aside  for focus....  no sharing- not until a proper introduction' can be arranged.  Now  research, take a visual adventurer on my computer, on the road & in my mind on a project that goes beyond cannabis.  
Mushrooms, Cannabis, stars, trees  I can't begin to explain my level of excitement for this next project. Or have I?   lol 

It's caused for some experimental painting like the cowardly lion & these bears - which was not as easy as I thought training  my brain to think shades of purple & not brown.
Little cannabis Buds now enter my mind at all times even when out and about - it's really comical, who knew my little Weeed cards would make 'me' laugh as much as they do...  
not I.
 
The Canadian life expectancy for the first time  in it's history, has not increased in Canada... Opiates are responsible,  mostly men are dying - dealing with pain mental & physical - overdosing -   I  for one do NOT enjoy being 'wasted' - the feeling Pills give me- not wanting to do anything but sleep...  it's not enjoyable - not on pills, booze or cannabis.
Can we focus on the REAL problem killing Canadians & finally stop stressing over cannabis HYPE- this afternoon I admitted to a girlfriend - had I not had my vaporizer by my bedside this past couple weeks - I'd of been on opiates, my hip/bum hurt so bad & still aches- although I finally slept  last night.  Had I went to the hospital right away  & they gave me 'something for pain' - I probably would have taken in my moment of weakness...
Life hurts occasionally - it teaches us this way.
Embrace it - It was a kick in the ass from God - It worked!  Tuff love.  
 
Thank God for this glorious plant!  
​How many years have I been planting this seed - not enough. Have you tried it yet?  
There a few closet tokers 'now' come out in the open to me...   about time. 

Please consider cannabis for pain if you injury yourself before you take opiates.  

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Netflix has 2 new documentaries: Weed the People & (I preferred) the Grass is Green 
I guess because I learned more from the second  that I did not previously know & one does discuss children but I know what cannabis does for children. Thank God.  If you don't, then watch both.

Why are people still being punished for cananbis use?
Studies - we need more studies - fuck studies - talk to others, open a history book - talk to rock stars & past presidents, there are many famous tokers of cananbis.
& then there is still ignoranc in the workplace & I thank  this guy for educating in Halifax: https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/halifax-man-denied-job-because-of-cannabis-use-wants-others-to-be-aware-1.4428094    so, there you go Eh! WTF Canada- lets get the facts right- I think a company should be more concerned about drinking on the job - much more common - do they test for that? How about Opiates?
 I personally would not want to work for a narrow minded company anyhow.
On one chanel you can watch a documentary with babies medicating - on another you have a company not hiring - because a grown man had cannabis  LEGALLY in his system.
It all takes time I guess, I'm hopeful- we are this far-  after all! 

Weeee! 2 weeds for a long weekend - I've been gardening all day & am ready to pass out now..  so much gardening thanks to some guy names monty on netfilx.. lol - & the police open! wooot woot - or should I say Scruffy said Woof Woof!
 Time to imagine some relaxing fun.  ​Time to Go for a joy Ride!

Tomorrow is all about the Bees tho- being world BEE day.
& a I'm terribly disappointed in Georgia's decision - a statement painting that applies to both! Have a  lovely long weekend- I hope not to many fireworks are let off - if so please put ear protection in your babies ears!! Fireworks can cause everlasting damage to ones hearing.

With TLC & THC
Me! 

              "I wasn't arrested.. I was rescued."   My Brother wrote this in a letter.
I have family in jail...  do you?  I think of them often... I do not agree with what they did that caused them to go to jail, I wrestle with knowing I have family & friends capable of harming others...   I understand that they had difficult lives, still it does not excuse their actions & that is why they are in jail.  Who really knows what someone is capable of until they reach their own breaking point.  There are millions of people around the world who snap & in a moment they choose to make a wrong decision & life changes dramatically. 

My brother was (his words) stressed, sick (with cancer), fat, tired, angry & overwhelmed..  I still don't excuse his actions but he told me (I believe him) if he did not go to jail he would be dead by now & 'God want's him alive for a reason'.  We were separated as toddlers & not raised together, he was raised by his dad who was a violent man (I've heard far too many horrible stories from several including my brother) and we then met again in our 2o's,  he is a year younger. He has been judged by many including me but I'm not judging him for his past any longer, I told him: I will be judging him from this day forward.
& look forward to him be the good, caring man I know he can be.
I would hope that's how we all judge each other as:  We all fuck up.

He has been in jail for over 4 years,  3 of them I never communicated, he did not let me know he was there as he was ashamed for me to find out. I found out...  for whatever reason God wanted me to reach out & I did.   He tells me  is closer to God than has ever been - having a lot of QUIET solitude can do this for some. This time', (he brags) not his first visit to jail - he's been punched, slapped, spit at and each time he has turned the other cheek - which is a very big deal for him & shocked & amused me. I know theres a few I have thought about slapping' how about you?

I know God can't be pushed on anyone... but I pray several I know in particular  do find 'God' because I know how faith changes our lives. So, he asked me to buy him a book about making$.  He is intelligent & accomplishes much when determined so I thought -  
'Big sister' has control at the moment... sure I'll buy you a book... I bought him three! Nothing about money & I included a note:

 When God want's you to make money you will - don't get fucking distracted!  
LOL  

 I sent him:
The Power of Now.  He is a fan of Eckhart but not read this, I have & love it.
I Declare! Joel Osteen   This simple book is a little BURST of positive verbal God energy that we all need from time to time.  Self help books would not be the multibillion $ business that they are, if not the case. 
A Course in Miracles  I never push this book on anyone, when you are meant to read it you will, it is NOT an easy read mentally or literally. It is Jesus teaching at his finest & where I learned to truly fall deeply in love with my homeboy & I've never been more content & confident about... everything. If he does not want it I suggested  he donate it to the Jail library.  What can I tell you about this book  other than it changed my life & gives me strength.  It is my 'bible'.. think what you want, I started to read it  a year before brain surgery & it has helped me through the most difficult days,  it speaks to me - I've read it 3 times & still I open it to any page for inspiration as I did to draw this card.  
Some stranger on FB said 'that book will change your life.' It has, it does.  
It reminds me not to judge anyone.. we do to know the path each other has walked to get where we are.           Amen.. 

& it inspired this card thinking about my brother & the countless others who are incarcerated & alone.  Not a great way to BE or to start when free again - which he will be soon back into the world of:  Lead me Not into temptation.                     Yikes..
So, I want to makes are he's well read. lol - I know he will laugh & I know he will read the books.  If you know someone in jail - how about sending them a card? Just a ' hello..'
You never know  & Lest we not forget: WE all fuck up.

​Look at this Stunning Foggy Morning photo I took while looking for he paper!

with TLC & THC
me.

 I lovingly refer to  (& I think he'd love this): 'Vincent VanGogh 2019'  hee hee.
I paint freestyle - by looking - to look is to get lost in Vincent Van Gogh, pure pleasure.  Some of you will think I've lost my mind - like Norm who recognized 'Starry Night but not the  Skeleton smoking  as both of Vincent's paintings.

Doing what he loved yet distracted, tired, sick, lonely, overwhelmed - sound familiar- Depression.  Apparently had his  Mental health issues  been addressed he would have been very successful & might've seen more than one painting sold. Addressed & not shunned - it can go two ways from what I understand - the 'not so nice way' is more people taking their own lives because they are taking medications that do not work - Depression is not a racist nor does it care about how much money you have.  If we keep shaming, an article I read stated people will just start to hide it better... until they show up at Sunday Mass with a grenade for  the cash basket. 

When we shame mental illness we are applying the same rules as prohibition - what a failure it has been.  If your face twitched 24/7 you would think about this stuff too. God's not playing anymore - pay attention ;)  "You are only as sick as your secrets" - a remark  I think  I heard on a Pod Cast- it must have been my favourite 'Hidden Brain',  every episode interesting.  Growing up 'My Moods'  were shamed, often...  a big secret, I get it - NOW- this is how some handle events but it's not healthy imo - the sooner we address unpleasant events & feelings  the sooner we can try to heal & move on, my mom had a terrible event happen to her at a fairly young age & was understandably depressed at the time - but now  many parent's  are both paying more attention to social media then their children.
The kids won't be pleased when they get older.
It's a fact - try to prove me wrong.

How many  generations started the same way as Vincent, myself, my mom was one of 6 kids & I never met any grandpa...  dealing with mental illness decades later, generations later.  Babies having babies, young parents having too many, too soon with obligations thrown at them pretty quickly - I've blogged when we were first married how we stole a case of baby food to get by...  By the Grace of God - it's why I was more than happy to accept donations  to food bank at Halloween. Yes, I speak from experience - marriage is difficult enough - wait to have your babies -be ready to welcome them with love.  
Instagram, face book, Selfies, Social media, socializing & recreational drugs YIKES! 
    MORE & MORE  babies are ending up  with a wire monkey mom.  & or dad.

Please, Wake the fuck up. Babies do not ask to be born - we humans are given the choice to procreate - carelessly - if we desire.  

People use to often remark when Storm was little:
"Let him cry!"  or ...     " You never put him down... "                      Amen. 
Please put down your phones & pick up your babies.
​
With TLC & THC
​Georgia

This painting  was painted with silver paint on the door- you can't see it here -but it looks really authentic, I'm pleased with how it turned out. ;)

Disney knew how to create a bond with the viewer, an emotional attachment - something that makes us all a little vunerable like knowing Bambies mom is dead as he looks for her...  I still hold my breath at that scene & this scene in Dumbo brings me to tears - every time.  I cried painting it. Mad elephant...  I feel like that mad elephant sometimes, locked in a chage and only able to preform limited loving..  The elephant is me & the cage is life,  stuff that gets in the way like these iron bars & I cant seem to see past them  & all I want to do is  hug my baby, whom is no longer a baby but I'll alwasy be his mom & mad elephant if it arises- because it can't be helped - I try.  

Dumbos mom was anything but 'Mad' - lables other gave her, but I understand how she comes across this way... LOVE.   I understand I'm no elephant but I can tell you - I have a mamabear in me and alwasy will untl I no longer breathe, it's just there under the surface and it arrived the same day my son did & I'm grateful, grateful I experienced love & emotions that  bring out the beast in me because it is this 'beast in all of us' that also wants to make the world in general a safer  & better place for all cubs. 

I can't put into words how proud I am of my son - his work ethics, determination & thirst for continued knowledge - I'm not worried about him... anymore, he has proven many times he  is capable of looking after himself & he is surrounded by a group of great friends & co workers - I couldn't hope for anyhing better.  I've been fortunate to go to work with him on a few occassions & his professionalism  is impressive if I do say so- hee hee - this business has some a long way in a few years! I can't believe how quickly they go in and set up professional & productive grow rooms in record time - so others can start to produce their own quality cannabis/medicine - It is a BLESSING & Storm has wanted to help people grow their own medicine since he worked in a hydroponic store at the age of 15 & look at him now!  
I literally laugh - now at the path God has had us on - everything for a reason,  trust. 

A new club opened in Yorkville - 'Ameri' - is that short for American?   & again my friend informs me there is no wheelchair access - she is a woman - in a wheelchair but HEY, they say' - you can wait to be seen (or ignored) and then you can wheel yourself around to the 'back alley' & buy your  medicine (for her it is)... WHAT THE FUCK is this CONTINUED bullshit & WHY are we ALLOWING IT- use the back door? Screw that, I'll never visit that store & told her to wait until someone does it RIGHT- Is anyone paying attention??  

UNTIL ALL ARE INCLUDED - on this journey. Did you know there is still a stigma twoards the disabled & aged (& women) in this country - one they don't see advancing anytime soon -  that might not bother you at the moment - God forbid you get hurt & become disabled,  either way we ALL GET OLD - so, those of you who are young and healthy NOW,  > you <  might want try to change this mentality before you get old.    Either way, continue to speak up with your dollar & 'if'  you do visit this place - please tell them to put in a fucking ramp & show some COMPASSION..

No wonder they don't call them 'Compassion Clubs' any longer - there appears to be little displayed.

Walt Disney suffered from severe depression from time to time -  he admitted he was unable to even speak on the phone without crying at one point... image that!  Yet,  he knew he had to 'take breaks' & to step away from time to time to recharge & heal..  me too.  Walt Disney NEVER - EVER let anyone keep him from following his dreams - thank God.  Walt is a hero of mine in many ways,  I'm grateful we had someone like him create inspiring art, capable of bringing  out compassin in others - with the swinging of a baby elephant on it's mad mamas  trunk.  Genius. 

with TLC & THC
G