When you look deeply into your anger, you will see that the person you call your enemy is also suffering. As soon as you see that, the capacity for accepting and having compassion for them is there.

- Thich Nhat Hanh -

I read the L.A. Times while away and enjoyed it better than the sun- it wasn't as negative - even tho it was full of Trump. Informative, yes liberal and it educated me on issues as a Canadian in particular, I had no idea of the extent some are facing in the USA.. living in FEAR - not of ISIS or terrorism but of deportation - JAIL before deportation. $$ before proven innocent. OTHER people (is simply what they are) who want a better life and many who have lived in the USA for decades, contributing in every way, paying taxes, working hard, raising kids & sending them through school and more- now live in fear of waking up one day to find police stalking their home to arrest them and take them from their family- WHAT have they done wrong exactly?? WHO did they physically hurt?  NO ONE. 
It's messed up and I was grateful I grew up in Toronto instead of  California because I don't ever want to think' like many of them do.  Read what inspired this cartoon: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-immigrants-running-road-sign-20170614-htmlstory.html  As I thought of all those STRUCK by vehicles - children.. why? Because they are suffering and want "the American dream", which we all wanted for a while. I did! As a kid- I couldn't wait to go to the USA!   I still can't wait but my last trip as fun as it was, everything for a reason - was a rude awakening on several issues. 

I'm sure I might anger some but I felt like I walked into the StepfordFamily reality show. I can't believe how rude many all appear, at the grocery store they are never polite or smile or even acknowledge the cashiers. It was like a giant community of 'stuck up' - 'I'm better than the rest' attitudes.  You can feel the hatred.   I could and at times I could feel my heart ache...   I'd think it was 'just me' and I'd meet another person who would reaffirm.  One man literally said to me:
"when they meet each other here they shouldn't say - hello what's your name? They should say- what's your income?.. and then they'd might go (He animatedly thew out his hand to shake) Oh, hello' upon hearing a higher $$$ income!
Amazed I said "YES! Thank you!"   it was exactly how I felt as well - oh and btw.. he was the ONLY black man I saw during my stay *with the exception of one day at a more 'touristy place' I saw a couple of black famalies - I thank them secretly for  helping me 'feel normal, comfortable, a  Canadian raised in Toronto normal - Thank God.
Is this how you want to be seen OC? Because you are.
Unlike your outer beauty your inner is not attractive.    It's NOT just me.   

In conclusion, I guess I do love the not so friendly OC people the most for they must be suffering the most - or they would not treat others the way they do. It is such a stunning state! I know it would be reflected more by the people if everyone was not walking around so angry at others,  pay attention to what your little ones are witnessing.  

Who put borders where they are? God?  
I doubt it. Is this what you teach your children?

I am glad these signs are diminishing along with the attitudes.

With love
g

It's a rainy, overcast day here in Ontario & frankly, my bones hurt -  California her eI come... I am very curious to see HOW it makes me physically feel. I've been up since 5 and only now starting to feel better. Several bong hits & a dab (thanks son) later & filling breakfast cooked by Norm.  The leaves are LUSH with GREEN - so I don't care about all the rain.
The birds singing through it all - what a beautiful way to wake up... my own bird flies into my room - "I'm up I'm up!" he belts as he circles and back into he office he goes...   'O.k. Bird! I'm Up I'm Up!" Bird is getting a screen door today for when while I'm away, too bad bird. 

Whats flying by is my countdown to California - Storm reminds me 'you will home before you know it, so have GO & amazing time!   Just like I wished him when he went his last visit to Spain.  I will be back before I know it...  I will return different.  How can we ever return the same after seeing another part of the world? Meeting new friends, experiencing new tastes, sights, smells, delights, educations  - that ocean!  

Something has already kicked in-  California CREATIVITY! Wait until you see what is on my desk!  I'll share after I return- I've a few plans for some of the work I am creating - as well as  collaborating with a  couple of people I've known for years.  
It all falls into place when WE  Let it.  Surrender.  Do what you love.    
& serve the best we can..   I hope to inspire with LOVE & Paint!

My faith won't be hidden: it will be seen.  
My faith in Love. ​Good. Each other.  
​With the occasional editorial - of course.  hee hee hee

I shared my idea & new art (concept sketches) with Storm, he looked at me, like he does occasionally and said: THAT, is a great idea mom.
I think so too, but it's wasn't mine.   Give credit where credit is due.
#GodBlessed 

With Love
g

Back to painting!!!

I made the mistake of reading a magazine I was given at the LIFT EXPO & quickly became so frustrated my teeth clench. The 'Bottom line' of the article in particular...  How one should avoid Cannabis if they have a 'Mood Disorder..' & If you have tried everything else!?
Oh My Gouache  are you serious? Like what?  Pharmaceuticals?  
Like the ones that can cause a twitch that never goes away- read the symptoms- or the ones that are KNOWN proven to cause thoughts of suicide? Physical side effects, liver damage. Brain damage? 
I hang my head & sigh- I have to turn to the cover and think- O.k., Yeah, I'm pretty sure I just picked up a Cannabis magazine...   Phhhhht...   Arrrrrrghhh.
​Hyprocry all around the table it appears these days. In between the sheets & papers of the glossy magazine. 

Not something TY Magazine believed it. Free speech, possibly some of the last.
Are other magazines following the same? There is that a$$ mighty advertising dollar. It was wrote by someone in the USA who's interests are in Biological pest control...  It went on to state 'try everything else first'.  At what cost? AT WHAT COST?   $$$   I can imagine his opinion on Children & cannabis as a medicine.
I guess everyones trying to protect their ass as well.  At what cost.

Continue reading another article WOW - about CANADIAN legalization and Marketing.
"Cheech & Chong aren't going to cut it anymore" blah blah blah.  Sure, I'm in agreement - there is fabulous new marketing out there.  There is also sterile, cold and  BORING already. It all looks the same & it will all blend into one -  become almost confusing.  
I'll be very selective with whom I choose to let use my work. I know I have a style all my own as do many talented artists, not to mention our own creative ideas.  Look already, how many photos 'going into the woods.  A tree view from the ground up, cup of coffee.. it's IG of WEED & much looks the same already, perhaps others will mistake your company and use another- but it 'Looks great'. .  Yes... It will need to be very different.  
Constant creativity. 
Clearly they are NOT aware also  of the old attage- Everything Old is NEW again.
I wish I had my '80's crap' that I threw out.. that old stuff. lol is worth $$$
Lets see how soon Old is New again. 
BTW - I say 'they'  There is no 'real  person' to contact, no name.  It seems, for the entire magazine.

Here is the 'maple syrup' on this Moose dropping magazine & article get this:  
FOR this terrific Marketing Advice regarding LEGALIZATION in Canada- they can't find a Canadian Experct to consult with?  They had to consult with an AMERICAN  company? Really? 
 Do we not have any creative marketing people in Canada??  OR successful companies?
ANY ONE... Hello?    Phhhhhbt.  What a waste of painting time this morning was.
​I certainly won't be reading this gem again. Rude to many creative people on many levels. 

* Creative marketing - My son informed  later after I told him about 'what I enjoyed' - my favourite display was a  new company,  much talked about these days...  
They get a point for creativity - it was the  tiny balls that could be moved on velcro & the string that you moved on nails - very creative and encouraged conversation with EACH other... NO pesky sales person in my face & the guys on the bike making coffee. hee hee hee.  
I actually turned to a stranger and wanted to say:
"How often do you play with blue balls in Public?"      
Instead, I behaved and said...

" Don't you feel like a cat?"   he laughed & and agreed. ;)   

I doubt I'll be asked for an interview (whew). 

Back to California Dreaming, painting  & unclenched teeth.

With Love.
G.

Spinners... I have been hearing about them - good & bad. Clearly a topic of conversation.
The little research i did- there is a mixed opinion - professional about Spinners.
Do they help kids focus.  
I think they look cool, mesmerizing - colorful and I've seen glass artists are creating them now also. PIN had many DIY FYI on them.  Easy & difficult.  
My opinion.. spinner s have been around a long time, spinning meditation rings. 
Spinning prayer wheels (I have one on my desk) and is doodling not a type of spinning?
Kids have been doing it in class for -ever.
Spinners, it is my personal opinion after all I have ready - they would be quite the distraction and what happened to trying to focus old fashioned ways? creative ways. Spinning is just watching... I GET it. I don't agree with it.  I did see this on PIN while searching spinners and thought it was really cute and highly true:

Anything that helps a child to focus and calm down naturally - I AM all for it.
Before pills - always.  
With all that is happening in the world, talks of bombs daily, Trump antics, stuff (terrible things)  no wonder they are spinning.
FIRST I'd suggest gently  ;)   pen & paper.. I bet there are so many little creative artists trying to get out.   TLC before anything, of course.
You all know I'm a huge fan of reading!  Reading was must when Storm was a baby and  I promised him when tiny- 'I'll buy you any book as long as you promise to read it- then I'll buy another.'  His first big book - 'Megladon' - a giant shark.  ;)  
In elementary school  he was reading 3 grades above the rest in his class.
They called me one day to tell me this. I was pleased.  ;)

With Love. 
g

-Cannabis Gummies?  Please...
All these products and mor are available in Alcohol form:
-Suckers or Lolli Pops.
-Alcohol soaked fruit (cherries are a hot item it appears).  I might try these.
-Popsicles & Slushies (put alcohol in a ziplock an freeze (so easy)
-Cupcakes (Here is a recipe for Sangria Cupcakes), infused with Alcohol and some come with alcohol filled vials!  How is this 'not' confusing? > "Tipsy Treats' in Toronto.  
They sure LOOK appealing!  & fun...  Especially to Children.
-Liquor filled chocolates - has been around forever!
-Pour a bottle of Vodka into a watermelon and wait!
-Jello Shots! Who has NOT tired a jello shot? I have.
​-Flavored alcohol!  They even have CAKE flavour, PB & J! Butter Scotch, blueberry, strawberry.. here is a vodka that tastes like fruit loops. wow...  cheers kids!  Bacon- don't believe me - GOOGLE it. 
-All the lovely tasting, and attractive LOOKING drinks- with cute little stir sticks, umbrellas and more - Kids are drawn to them like magnets.
​-Alcohol whip cream.. www.temperancebrands.com/products/liquor-whipped/

Theses are just a small sampling of some of the many products with ALCOHOL in them and more on the way - to a grocery shelf near you!  
SO... GIVE me a Feathering break with this fear mongering around cannabis infused gummies and "pot brownies".  The average consumer IS educated on the difference between Cannabis & Alcohol. Well aware.  This is just a fun little visual reminder for the next time you read or hear such fear mongering.  
I don't want children consuming Cannabis or Alcohol. 
If they do accidentally,  from the many years of witnessing what we have, I believe cannabis would be the safest 'accident' with fewer negative side effects.
Defiantly not vomiting hangovers..  I am not a doctor- I am speaking from years of experience and I know  MANY who have been using cannabis much longer than I.  
I some days  realize - it's 3 and I haven't smoked.  This  why I also have troubles believing addiction. I have known a few who get up in the morning & HAD to start their day with a vodka Cesar. Fact. or beer..  Do you?
One day someone might die from cannabis- but there is no documented record of this... perhaps someone will have an allergic reaction to the plant.  I pray not.
Alcohol...  a different story.  
​
Enough with the lies and double standards.
Educate consumers are SAFE consumers.

Please, think before you speak- and think especially before you take a sip from your next DRINK - do not judge.  Alcohol is PROVEN far more harmful than cannabis.
Far more addictive  .   Alcohol poisoning - kills.  
Lies are keeping our children in HARMS way.
Tell them the TRUTH today! 

Painted
With Love
g

Do you have a favourite way to consume alcohol - I did find some really tempting- like Champagne bites & some of the cupcake recipes on PIN! Yes I will attempt.
Like my alcohol in our french onion soup. Nom NomNom.. mini moderation.

​