Watching it go up in flames. Gouache on black
A 38 year old Quebec resident admitted to starting numerous forest fires, 14, After he was followed on social media & in real life & confronted by police, he has pled guilty. It’s one thing to accidentally start a forest fire, another for those who start them intentionally. That’s another level of nasty, I’m sure he’ll do jail time, he is a risk to public safety. A threat in particular to all those who fight forest fires. At the time it was suggested the government was starting them - many commented “it was nature, lightning..” clearly, not natural, either way I’m glad he was caught. What do you think about (soon to be) President Trump? In the past I have expressed my thoughts and drawings and now… I am proof, we can all change our minds, if I were American Trump would be my choice. The world has learned much the past few years and I do think Americans would be better off with Trump compared to the now president they have who does not appear physically or mentally fit to run a country. Sure he has lied, as have they all. Sure he is not such a nice human at times - as can we all be. Above all (literally), I have pondered The Word of God. God has us ALL exactly where we are meant to be, even Trump. I wish him & Americans well. If I were to try to make exceptions based on my personal preference, well that wouldn’t say much for my faith in God. Thy Will Be Done. Trump appears to speak the truth, as brutal as it is at times - which is more than most. Do I like what he says or how he says it … not always but at least he’s entertaining & I like his attempted dance moves. Look at Trudeau and all that he’s said, things I never thought he’d say. Lies, threats & betrayal to Canadians… I’m ready for a change. Will the next be better? Only God knows. I have surrendered with my ‘likes or dislikes’ of who appears to run the show, truthfully… who’d want the job? Not I. My son makes the best masked potatoes, good thing or bad? I’m not sure. I woke thinking about the leftovers and had a big bowl of mashed potatoes for breakfast, it’s cold so it hit the spot nicely (currently -15)! They are rich, flavourful and my belly thanks him, my waistline not so much. Heehee Now, I’m about to paint a prayer, focus on & spend time with God & the goodness he has provided. Drawing close to God, God draws closer to you. I like that! I’m drawing as much as I can! Created to create. Above is my second illustration of a mushroom lifecycle. gouache on black. 8 x 8
We explored the woods, it was drizzling but the trees kept us dry, I didn't even realize the extent of the rain until we finished our walk. I was just out a couple of days before & am amazed as always at the Lifecycle of Mushrooms - some once tiny specks yet two days later are huge specimen, some soft and spongy turn hard as bark the next visit & some I wait to grow a bit bigger (like puffballs) are already gone, deteriorated beyond recognition. I figure the deer beat me to eat the Puffballs. Mushrooms are fascinating. The path covered by newly fallen yellow leaves made the journey all the more vibrant & I took many photos- in hopes to paint during the winter, I already know which I'll start with first. Tiny bursts of green still growing from the recent rain makes for a dramatic contrast. Most leaves are still green but that's changing fast, no doubts next weekend many trees will be yellow & red. It's very peaceful searching for mushrooms & enjoyable! natures treasure hunt, real treasure when you come across something deliciously edible. The path still has a lot of work but I'm grateful for the work done so far, less falling over fallen trees, I did wipe out on my behind yesterday after stepping on a patch of mud but my team' quickly surrounded me & bombarded me with kisses, made sure was o.k. and encouraged me to get up. lol. Life is never dull with dogs. I happened to be thinking about dogs as a few friends have lost their dogs recently, a couple hit by vehicles and one just old - all heart breaking, it made me realize how much they appreciate me exploring with them and them with me, just like mushrooms - here today gone tomorrow... we never know what tomorrow will bring or take, best to make the most of each day. Today, I'm painting paths and the Aurora borealis (which started with a painting for a mermaid lover) as I've discovered they are amusing to paint, they kinda do their own thing, as you will see in some up coming cards & paintings. We'll also explore more - if it doesn't rain... exploring Gods greatest amusement park - the forest. A few photos of the adventure below. A forest in a mushroom. 7 x 7. gouache on watercolour paper A yellow Amanita! We usually see a red amanita - in the forest and illustrations. This is the yellow cousin'. Some claim edible, IF it's cooked right but I would not chance it, still they are lovely to behold and paint. It's a busy time of year harvesting plants to dry and vegetables to freeze, pickle & consume... the dogs are loving it - all this outdoor adventure & forest exploring. Tis wood chopping season - so we won't be freezings ! Chop wood and carry water.
God created man to work the land... Not drink, sit & Netflix. :) I remind Norm it's what keeps him healthy, mind & body... not sitting, drinking and Netflixing' but being active, lots of dead trees to cut down. He can thank me later, when in 6 feet of snow & the house is warm & toasty. lol. I thank him for his work & listening to me, without 'too much' of an argument. Speaking of Netflix - I watched Pain killer - about OXY and the family that created it - OUCH on many levels. Watch it, see what happened, is still happening & ending with Matthew Broderick (fantastic in this) getting what he deserves. I don't want to spoil it but I thought -YIKES! Yes, I guess that is a fitting ending for him from the many who lost someone they loved - because of their LIES. What good is all the money in the world if you sell your soul in the process and are hated by millions. The main character telling the story -Uzo Aduba was also perfect & powerful. It was food for thought in many areas, including incarnation in prisons (American & Canadian) for 'drug dealers' while the biggest drug dealer is swimming in his private pool in his living room'. Messed up. I am so glad I never took OXY for anything... Cannabis - for pain... mental & physical. Amen. HiHo! Hiho! It's into the forest we go! created to create. Forest bathing 8 x 8 gouache on black
Soon the leaves will be gone, it's time to do as much forest bathing as possible! We are one with the forest & all nature. My preferred pastime or hobby - watching leaves wiggle in the wind, beyond relaxing - comparable to watching ocean waves. Monkeys take a lot of time, much layering and looking - bears for example, I just know to paint fur so beyond the initial sketch - not much 'looking is required. The last chimp -I added an ear where there wasn't one - just to see what it looked like, no one noticed or f they did, no one remarked. See it now? This sun also represents the eye of God. If I was to display them I'd have them side by side - looking at each other. They are in fact inspired from the same image. I just flipped it... how different they look! How amazing our brains are!! I think today I'll paint a third example to see how it turns out. I already have the setting imagined' -perfect for this holiday Monday. This summer we did not have to water the garden once - God did ;) It rained often enough to keep it going & growing, the downside is I still have many green tomatoes which I hope will ripen the next couple of weeks. The harvest has not been picked, peppers & zucchini still on the vine, soon baboon, soon. We attended mass yesterday after being absent for 2 weeks and it was lovely! I'd miss it if covid rules applied, it's not the same on ZOOM - no coffee, smiles & laughter afterwards. I giggled on the way home as the woman behind me had slipped me a note (written in lovely cursive) to respond to & I felt like I was in middle school and Storm laughed too. heehee She also said "I'm so happy to see you today." I was happy to see her & her husband as well, I notice he alway wears a bolo necktie, yesterdays was a steam engine a tiny work of art! I have one, it's Mickey Mouse - I'll look for it to wear next week to show him ;). How nice was that simple remark - I'm happy to see you... very. It's a tiny congregation - big on love, easy to understand why they attend. Our last parish had hundreds and I made many friendships (I still have today) but the intimacy of only a few feels unique ' yet equally as powerful and inspiring. I'm so fortunate to have a son who encouraged me to attend mass - lol. Guess what? -It's pouring out... Great day to paint!! Happy Holiday Monday! Created to create Jesus, How sweet it is to be loved by you! gouache on Black
I have a thing for smiling bears lately. I'm still smiling over the tiny miracle yesterday. I feel loved, thankfully. I am reminded Jesus loves me. My creator loves me! We are loved. There have been times in my life, I have not 'felt loved.. how about you? Not until I learned and found Jesus & embraced him - have I ever felt so embraced. Amen! Teach Only Love - as that IS what we are. We were created by LOVE to be loved and loving! "Love each other as I have loved you." It's ALL about LOVE & creation. It's that simple. Let there be light -yesterday was full of miracles! Georgia... On my mind
Yesterday my day started with miracles! First, I woke up at 3:06 and craved a blueberry scone, I never eat in the middle of the night. Needless to say, it was tasty and cured the craving but I couldn't fall back to sleep so I lay there pondering and waiting for the everyone to wake up. At 6 I turned on my computer & see I had an e mail from someone I had been thinking about just hours before. I went back to bed, I was sore actually... I kicked the ball wrong (in flip-flops) & broke my baby toe, black & blue and hurt every time I moved under the blanket, I guess it's why I couldn't sleep. A danger that comes with the job -lol, it will heal. Everyone up, I still lay there which I don't normally do & then... "it appeared". The painting (above) I did a while ago hangs in my bedroom close to the ceiling, far from the window. I witnessed something I've never seen. Suddenly, my painting started to glow, as if a flash light beam was on it! The painted sky became bright - I was amazed. I thought I was seeing things but I watched and it just got brighter! A light danced on the ceiling too, I looked over at the window and the sun was no where to be seen - if it was it would have shone on the floor, not on the ceiling, on the opposite side of the room. Luckily, I thought to grab my camera because I knew no-one would believe me and filmed, then it started to slowly fade. The photos are stills I took from the video. It was hi-lighting a tiny deer I forgot was there, you can only see if you are up close! Lighting it's path so lovely. I'm tempted to go back and paint it (like above). I watched stunned, as it glowed so bright. Theres no glass on the painting, it's canvas, there is no glass anywhere near to cause the light on the ceiling either - it looked as though it was coming from the painting. Anyhow, the thought that came immediately to my mind was: The meek shall inherit the earth. Then the light faded and I watched a while longer but it was gone. Needless to say, I was excited to paint I jumped out of bed... as I carried my drawing paper outside with my coffee in the other hand, a golden dragonfly - as if covered in fine gold glitter landed on my finger holding my cup! I was again amazed and just stood there... it stayed a moment, long enough for me to wish it "Good Morning!" & admire the golden sparkle -then flew off. I couldn't stop smiling. & I painted a new smiling bear titled: Jesus! How sweet it is to be loved by you. (next post) I thought I'd share because it was "super cool, the timing... everything. I don't care who believes, it doesn't matter, there are some who never believe. I expect miracles! Everyday we wake up - is a miracle! Every flower, bug, bee, tree... all miracles of God. You reading this - are indeed a miracle! Interesting enough, I had thought of giving this painting away a few days ago. I'm going to keep it - exactly where it is and every time I look I'm now reminded of that tiny deer in the trees - with it's path lit... all paths lead to him. Below is todays bear I was going to share. Happy as can be with a butterfly wishing him a hello, I painted him the day before -experimenting with a blue forest. A photo of Ginger & I enjoying the sunshine was snapped -she makes me laugh! After the rain last night my hands are sore, while they loosen up I'll starting this grey, overcast day with some Bugs Bunny, I have a new DVD - 'The Golden Carrot collection' with lots of bonus material... as I consider my next painting. Have a creative day - EXPECT miracles. Message in a bottle. gouache on black 8 x 8
Inspired by the Coca-Cola bottle Storm found in the forest. Nature takes over trash & creates beautiful art! Given time nature always wins. Thank God. But it's a LONG time. Doug Ford wants to expand the nuclear plant in Toronto. Have you seen the Netflix show - 7 days? About the disaster in Japan - that is still leaking and they are STILL trying to contain and clean up. If you did you would be against it. Or you absolutely wouldn't want to live within distance of the possible disaster awaiting - is it worth the chance? Unless you want to pee blood and slowly watch your body dissolve. Nope, no doubts though it will bring in LOTS of money for Doug & friends. He won't live close so he's probably not losing sleep over it - he has a home (or two) in cottage country - far away from nuclear disaster. Is anyone far from nuclear disaster? Nope. That being said - if living in Toronto, I'd move if close. I wonder if house prices are cheaper in the vicinity? They should pay people to live there. I enjoyed painting this and added a slug which I have seen a few, no snails - only slugs. I wonder why. So much to ponder every day. Think of nature, good and of course God & anxiety will disappear. Making the trail we have found a few items of trash - like a big metal door -? How or why - who knows, and bits of trash, bottles, a floor mat... we are reminded there have been others before us and others after will explore Gods country. Gods forest. Gods earth - Gods creation. I was given a bunch of Christian books from a woman at church - when she handed the bag to me I kinda cringed inside - lol, thinking I would not enjoy them & already have an extensive reading list - and book waiting... in fact, I finished the first in a few days and enjoyed it immensely. It was about an Amish relationship & life and angels always with us, whispering reminders. I'm already 1/2 through the second. Pleasantly surprised, I'm grateful for the introduction. It's also created a curiosity about Amish life of which I'm a bit envious.. No T.V., no social media, no alcohol. Constant awareness of the Creator - sounds like Peace on Earth. I think I'll paint something special to say thank you for the gift. Created to create. Happy Sunday! - Where did the day go?
I must admit, I'm really enjoying the community in the tiny church we attend, everyone is friendly and interesting... I'm fond of a few already. Today we celebrated that 'Reverend Max' has been there 20 years, he's such a kind person & a pleasure to listen to - I understand why he is celebrated. I don't need' to go to church as I spend time with God daily -but it's the people who make is a joyful experience & the singing is an added bonus. Last night I was doodling before I fell asleep & came up with this movie classic & statement - You, you, you are on a mission from God -according to Jake & Elwood of the ‘blues brothers. I haven’t seen the movie for a wile so I’m not sure that inspired it- then I drifted off with the song one my mind. You are on a mission from God! Me too. Isn’t that wonderful - to be trusted by God with such a task? A mission to Love Each other. Easier said than done some days, still -that’s the mission. I relish the challenge, daughter of a King - I want to live up to Gods expectations. Storm found treasure in the woods - a coke bottle in the forest with the forest in it! It’s beautiful… I’m deciding on a painting. Nature is amazing, he’s also growing oyster mushrooms & it’s fun & tasty to go out & pick oyster mushroom on your deck. I learned ow to make strawberry syrup from the cut off tops (that would normally be tossed -or fed to the chickens) & sugar- boiled down -it’s got me craving pancakes. The strawberries were from the Minden farmers market (every Saturday) & well worth the drive as they are the best we’ve had all year- flavourful beyond anything from the grocery store. Summer is all about fresh & fun - Enjoy the outdoors cause we know what’s next. Lol Sunday is almost over- but the mission continues! A painting (editorial) on my desk.. can’t wait to start to paint, painting -is how I partly fulfill my mission. Created to create - enjoy the rest of your Sunday! Praise Jesus for the continued adventure. Yesterday, I started a new 'forest family portrait', so happy I did... today, I had to force myself to take a break as it comes to life. I didn't look at photos but drew from life'... my lovely models happy to pose. Time flies when you're creating something joyful. I'm sure I'll finish today as it's just to much fun to watch appear. Surrounding me in live time, my girls -it's too hot & they are happy to be chilling in the 'tiny studio - big on love. I noticed Sweet Cheeks likes 70's tunes (summer hits) that's when he sings the most, he's not such a terrific singer, not like my last bird but I'm happy to hear him all the same.
Full fire ban effect again, I guess so as now Halifax is on fire, terrible to see & hear of the destruction & evacuations. I just read: if they find out you have indeed started a forest fire - you will pay. I can only imagine how much it must cost - thousands$$$$$. With the fire ban and the recent pranks of setting off fireworks on the TTC, (I hope that kid does get serious punishment - they were well aware of what they were doing. I read the video was sold for money. The company that bought it should be charged for encouraging such acts. I can see fireworks becoming a thing of the past. Good riddance. Some say -it's a Canadian tradition' but when we know better - aren't we supposed to do & be better? If nothing else consider your & your children's hearing, firework displays do damage. Fact. There are some incredible light shows using drones! Mind blowing - let's hope that becomes the new thing, in all honest -I've not researched though, so I don't know how feasible or if any danger' is involved.. either way, traditional fireworks and forest = possible destruction of creatures, fauna and firefighters. Created to create. Painting on the deck! It's time - painting on the deck -Horay! Listening to the birds and watching wildlife come alive -Including trees with all different leaves!! No doubts you have heard/read about the Forest fires in Canada, living in the woods you can't help but imagine the destruction ... fauna, insects, fungi, trees, creatures (big & small) and birds at a time where there are probably many tiny babies unable to escape, all being burnt. The comparison of the skies - before & after, with the heavy foggy orange hue are breathtaking, mentally & physically. I spied a huge jack rabbit today on the lawn & thought of baby bunnies. What makes the fires in Alberta worse, we have learned it started with a "controlled burn" by an all women team. Sigh. Humans thinking we can control Mother Nature, guess again. The town sent out an email and the Haliburton Forest Instagram page posted the same notice: BYW If you want to learn what's happening in the forest up here- lots to do & see, I suggest you follow them. The first summer I was here - was hot, the grass yellowed quickly. It doesn't take a genius to understand the issues with a forest full of dead & dried pine needles & last years leaves leaves to realize how fast they can go up in flames, throw in the occasional dead tree & things can get out of hand very quickly & easily. I was warned by my agent Tom, not not have any fires & if you do & the fire trucks show up - it's a $400. fine/per truck. I get it. No campfires, no candles, no tiki torches and no fireworks. For any visiting on the long weekend, I hope they don't find out the hard way. I'm sure it will put a damper on those wanting to sit around the camp fire or set of some celebratory' fireworks of which I'm not a fan. Fireworks terrify all animals (especially dogs) they add pollution to the air & they harm humans hearing... & of course you read about some kid or intoxicated adult who blows off a few fingers or worse. So yes, I understand why endangering forest, creatures & forest fighters - all for a few moments of fancy light show & sparklers' is frowned upon.
Ramps are out & I've made ramp butter - which is delicious on steak or to fry an egg, I also enjoy eating them raw. The Dryads Saddle mushroom are stating to appear - soon they'll appear in my frying pan. Trillium are everywhere - red & white. Don't pick them, if so they don't always come back the next year... there's no point anyhow - my dogs broke one tamping through the patch & I put it in water but it wilted quickly. Other than that, I've been painting - a special project & I anticipate it will take a couple of months to complete... I take a break occasionally & paint other things- but this one take a lot of thought, some writing and much creativity! Since I am enjoying the process & adventuring with the dogs in between - there's not enough hours in the day for doodling' - or social media. Enjoy the day we have been gifted! *** You can see Tres documentary for a very limited time, go see! Watch the power of LOVE, the determination of a mother & the difference a plant (cannabis) can have on someones quality of life, a short but very powerful documentary. https://www.methodmfilms.com/the-cloud-between-us It's that time of year - finally able to explore the forest with out bugs - yet, although a few black flies were seen, it won't be long before mosquitos are plentiful. What a workout! I went last week but this week we walked all over and already spied mushrooms. Every spring after we first venture out my feet (in particular) hurt the next day, almost as if broken -after a winter of walking on only flat ground. The property is up and down -hills to climb. I was amused as the guys both asked "how did you get up here" I think, how the duck do you think I got up here? Forest fairies carried me? I climbed.
Use it or lose it. The climb can be slow and the dogs stop and watch & wait patiently... but we manage. Daisy and Ginger feel it too as they are not far behind me, Ginger panting but she keeps up - good because she needs to lose weight & this is the fun way, for us all. An adventure! Poppy & Arrow are the rock climbing explorers! I'm amazed at Poppy - hopping from rock to rock, Arrow following her like a good big sister as we 3 watch from below. We found false morel - the kind you do NOT eat -they are poisonous but it means real morel won't be long. Tons of Trillium just up - no flowers' yet, in just a couple of weeks it will be harder to explore from all the vegetation, especially wild raspberries with branches that scratch as we walk through them, I worry about the dogs eyes and face but for now - out we go. I was feeling sad & mentally worn down the other day, a few things on my mind but I had promised the girls" first nice day - we go!" Once out, surrounded by nature - all was forgotten while discovering mushrooms, shoots, new buds, deer poop and new growth as well as newly fallen trees - next years firewood... as usual I was reminded of Gods greatest creations (besides us) - nature. It all started in a garden after all. Nature is good for the mind & soul and dogs. I am grateful to climb as difficult as it can feel at times. I know many with arthritis who just give up and give in to it. If I did that, I would have stoped painting about 10 years ago. The TN also seems to be aggravated by the continuous ups & downs and stepping over branches... one eye constantly shutting throws the balance off therefore we just go a little slower. Arrow runs ahead & returns to my side & I use her for balance at times - dogs know. Each time & come back feeling simply grateful - because I can explore the forest... never taken for granted. We're out for at least an hour and come home sweaty, thirsty and exhausted- everyone ready for a nap on the deck. I also felt better emotionally or perhaps I'm just too tired and surrender easier, either way all I can say: Thy will be done. We also slept great! Now, I just touch my walking stick and the excitement starts! Hopefully we'll get out several times before the mosquitos take over, then it's more like a run through the forest to keep them from finding us. This mornings walk was a bonus - Storm joined us! A perfect start to a lovely day. Thy will be done & Thank you, for another day... another adventure. Some images below of what it looks liken the woods in Ontario, in the spring. gouache on black 8 x 8. Jesus IS always closer, than you think.
This Sunday, I was exhausted (anticipation my sons return :) I didn't get much sleep... so I didn't go to 'church, I don't want to fall into that routine again, where I feel guilty if I miss mass'. During the week I had a conversation with a woman up here who grew up in the same areas I did and was she is Italian. Onee I realized she was Italian I asked her is she knew 'Commisso's bakery!' YUM... lol. She laughed and said she did & had gone recently! I wished I had known -I'd of asked her to pick me up one of their delicious sandwiches "sangwich" as my Italian friend growing up, use to call it. The food is as good but the grocery store is smaller, she informed. What a small world indeed. She knows my current home well as she use to look after a woman that lived here! How nice to meet a fellow former Torontoian', I know there are many. She also shared she went to a catholic high school that I knew of and went to church regular - I asked her where she attended 'up here' & she said: she doesn't. We both admitted we do visit 'the Church of the Forest' regularly. As a matter of fact - it is in the forest, the trees, fauna, creatures I feel closest and grateful for God! How can you not see God in every tree, rock and moss covered log with a frog (if lucky). Everything is a miracle. I believe growing up in a multicultural city like Toronto can be beneficial to expanding knowledge & experiences of humans in general. I had many Italian friends, still my dearest friend since grade 5 is Italian & visiting her home as a kid was a highlight for me, I have many fond memories of her family and her mom insisting "Eat Georgia, you're too skinny!!" lol. I also had Jamaican friends, Lebanese, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese & more! A friend was a friend, nevermind where from or the colour of their skin. I was introduced to traditions & foods from around the world and my life is richer for it. Living here is a new experience & a new appreciation for nature & farmers in particular! Farmers are hard workers, if only city folk' understood how hard they worked, they wouldn't complain about the cost of beef, eggs, milk etc. Chickens are work, I am grateful for the experience of raising all creatures. I've made friends here, I don't even bother asking where 'they are from' - it doesn't matter. Time & wisdom have taught me - we are all one, on the same path & destination. Jesus is in all of us. I had a revelation thinking this - just this morning: Jesus... JesUS, all of US are in Jesus. Once you understand & acknowledge this 'forgiveness' is easy - when I forgive another, I am showing Jesus the Love I have, for him... easy peasy. lol. I'm trying, anyway. The trick is constantly reminding myself, God sees us all the same. Loves us equally... All of US. See the light of Jesus in everyone, even in the trees & YOU will Rest in God. Ending on a positive note - I wish all experience the Peace Ginger does... lol. Especially on a perpetual diet. hee hee - I love my chunky girl! Every ounce. Happy May! Love & Light. 9 x 12 gouache on watercolour
A friend shared this painting made her feel all tingly inside... good. It was a friend who lost a child a few years back, it warmed my heart knowing it made her feel good. I felt the same painting it. I feel surrounded by love most days, especially painting. I am in awe of how light shines through the forest, as if God is peeking through the trees, whispering... this way. All paths lead to Him. Experimenting with gouache while acrylic waits, I imagine more when using gouache, acrylic is more restrictive (for me anyway), you go with what feels good. Occasionally, I consider painting gnomes or fairies in the forest but that's not the direction I go, I'd prefer to paint creatures like bears, birds & bugs or simply play with the light. It's a fantastic day to create, explore & give thanks! Learn something new. I'm trying a new recipe for sour cream coffee cake I found on PIN - because - cake. lol. Walnuts & cinnamon - how can you go wrong? Everyday you are gifted with opening your eyes - is a day to rejoice, craft, bake, inspire, paint.. what ever brings you peace & joy - do that! Coffee cake! I'll let you know how it turns out & if it's worth sharing. Created to create. Happy Morel Hunting! gouache on black 8 x 8
Happy Morel hunting ! weeee I actually painted this bear first but then remembered it was 4/20 so... I did a repeat -he's so cute! lol It's morel season soon - I've been watching the forest carefully and have spied some tiny mushrooms starting to appear! I remember where I found morel on the property - so let's hope I find them before the deer this year. We are getting rain, as it warms up they shall appear - it was HOT a week ago, then it snowed! Mmmmmm thinking of morel has me salivating. Bring on the mushroom season! My foray baskets are ready & waiting & the dog bear bells too! An added bonus is the 'Foray director' (past) with the MST, lives with me! Heeheehee I enjoy exploring the forest with my son - he has an eye that spots them a mile away, I still remember the first time we found morel. Fun Fungi times! If you want to learn more about magnificent mushrooms - watch 'Fantastic Fungi on Netflix or 'How to Change your mind - also on Netflix... grow your mind. Until the mushrooms arrive... I'll paint - sending spore finding signals to the Universe & the Universe provides. God provides. Created to create. Planting seeds of kindness. 8 x 8 gouache on black
Pooh & Piglet planting seeds of kindness to grow a forest of LOVE. Created to create. What seeds are you planting? Forest find! Gouache on watercolour. 4 x 4
Pooh & Piglet discover a fantastic fungi in the forest - oh, just imagine the adventures! I enjoy these tiny paintings as they encourage play' with paint, I also enjoy using a tiny brush, painting fur & blades of grass is meditative. Enjoy your day and all you discover... on your own, or with a friend. Give thanks, for another day. Me & my Arrow! I love her & she, me.
Yesterday was so stunning, I decided to take Arrow on a walk on a leash! Her second time on a leash (ever) - and as always, I was amazed. Living in the woods there are no sidewalks & on the property she never needs leashed, she knows the boundaries. During our walk I was slightly apprehensive as there are no sidewalks and we have to walk along the highway to get anywhere, concerned about cars passing - she was jumpy at the first two but then continued on by my side, hardly noticing them. Others have tried to walk Arrow and she won’t, she will only walk with me. She understands about my arthritis and only pulled a little, nothing I couldn’t manage. When we reached our destination at the garden centre - I sat on the bench to rest but she would not sit at my feet - instead, insisted sitting on the bench beside me - which had me & a stranger (in a van parked close to us) to laugh out loud. Arrow was fine until the person spoke to me, which promptly had her alert and growling as if to say: Don’t speak to my mom, stranger. A woman approached and was a little apprehensive as Arrow stood, ears up with a slight growl, the woman asked if she was friendly… Arrow stood between us looking very protective and growling, until I said “it’s o.k.”. At that, she sat and even gave a tail wag. My guardian angel with fur. On our return, it’s a uphill walk to my driveway... at that point (pooped, I was) I encouraged her to pull me a bit- lol. It was such a successful walk, were going to do it more! I received a ‘sign’ on our adventure - I’ve mentioned I get ‘signs’ (all the time) - I think of them as blessings and reminders from God. Get this - In the middle of nowhere, walking on the side a busy highway, something caught my eye - hit by the sunlight - of all things - I found a painting pallet knife! LOL Holy, I was laughing and amazed. Come on… of all things. A sign to get back to painting, which I did as soon as I returned home. Below are a few photos of the scenery & two sketches I will finish painting today! I’m thankful for every dog I’ve ever had, that God has sent. Each a blessing and lesson - in unconditional love. It’s another glorious day! Tomorrow, a bit about the studio tour up here, on again this coming weekend. A great time to visit, lots to see including the leaves - Gods canvas. Poohs discovery. acrylic on wood 7.5
Did you know you can use Winnie the Pooh - Pooh has become public domaine, you just can't use Disneys Pooh'. Here's my Canadian Pooh -who's discovered Honey mushrooms! Honey mushrooms do exist; these mushrooms are imagined. No wonder he is excited. :) I found these tiny mushrooms below on a pine cone - isn't that fascinating? |