Editorials in the local paper - catch me off guard- especially when  - mine. ;)
Its neat, I must say - every time it happens.  
It was a childhood goal - so yes, I still smile every time...
so was the Hallmark card! I had two ;)   I have more goals coming to fruition.
It has happened several times & I'm continually grateful!  God has made it clear:
            I am to serve by drawing & painting,  each time I do I am hapiest & at peace,  

That's what God wants - us to be joyful and at PEACE..     PEACE - with each other.
& has made it so, I can DO just that   & BE who God created me to be.
Yay! 

I take this seriously & paint all the time - ask Norm.  In between creating I get to hang with smelly dogs and play with a thriving baby goat & goats - it does not get much better than that! lol  I'd like to see more serious editorials get more attention - I'll try harder is all.  Perhaps differnet venues - the world is possible with the internet - as is our imagination.

Hairy Pawter is next - it did'nt look finished so back to the easel it went.
It's the closest to Halloween I think I'm going to get this year.
Have a creative day! Soon Trump will NOT be president & I won't have so many TRUMP toons in my head & this will be a relief!
​YAY! Let alone the world will be better off. haha

I also painted Arrow.. for fun

My son dropped off a gift!  A 'handme down'- that ROCKS & ROLLS!  lol 
I have wheels again!  
My little white PU was no longer reliable for long journeys, does not have 4 wheele drive and was no longer a 'joy to drive, worried  each outting - if I'd make it back home. 
No more worries!  Storms 'old truck runs great & is roomy for my girls, already broken in with Daisy Dog hair.
I can wait to take them hiking, I am a doggy limo driver & LOVE it.
Storm got  a new vehicle, exciting times -  I remember my first new truck & how exciting it was - reason for a road trip!  I drove  by myself to Halifax & back (when 20) - with my new truck..    I'm elated for Storm as I know how hard he works and the 'distance' he goes.  

I did not go for a drive due to fucking covid and having to wear a mask and stuff... puppy, baby goats - stuff.. I hope to take a road trip with him sooner than later  as son as this is over. I'm already planning where we will go first... it's going to be fantastic driving with the girls not cramped in the tiny area behing my seat. lol   
Currently the snow has me keeping the fire going and working on some projects happening for the holidays.

I am IN full  creative mode, by the grace of God.
My preffered place to BE.

I giggled thinking - it must be for all those great driving lessons I gave him ! Hahaha
When he was 15.. driving home one day on the back empty farm roads, I pulled over and said " Time for you to drive! You're getting your license soon."  I still remember the look of shock - is 'she messing with me?'  on his face.   When he realized I was serious, he jumped in the drivers seat and drove with a grin from ear to ear.. for about 20 minutes.
One old truck passed us -in the opposite direction and he tried to sit taller in the seat.  
hee hee hee     Countless hours were spent in the highschool parking lot- practicing parking in between the lines,  I let him drive everywhere, he was a very good driver.. from the start,  what a relief it was to see & learn... I slept easier because of it.  

​My son and I went on many adventures especially to the city for our TY EXPO- - some of the best memories were created and the best conversations on our long drives.
​I'm forever grateful for every mile.  I look forward to our continued journey & long drives.

It was a full circle moment for me & my heart feels a bit bigger. 
Nice to be loved.
Blessed to be - Thank you God.
Next- Hairy PAWter ;)  

​>^..^<

Grateful.  I am.  I think I'll make the image above a puzzle! lol
  
I went for a walk with my girls, time to train the pup to stick together in the woods & then must listen when I say come as we know, there are bear.  What a successsful first try!
We are refreshing the Happy Puppy Training kit and was reminded of wise words by the creator Rachelle, you want a happy puppy, and it's easy to lose patience I am also reminded..  stepping in a puddle of pee or poop.
She is house trained already - YAY Happy Puppy kit! Yay me!! Yay Arrow!
You don't want a dog that is afraid of you - they won't come when called- still, your dog needs to know you mean business.   Truly, this kit has helped me with the past 3 dogs and more so now. I am grateful.

The woods are awesome, the leaves stunning.. yellow & orange and just now really falling, the fresh path of pine needles & leaves is soft to walk on. I 'watched' pine needles shed this year - for the first time in my life - it's quite beautiful if you can catch it- I can from my sofa before I nap. I am grateful.

My son is busy and happy... although not visiting for thanksgiving, it is not encouraged. 
I am grateful for him, always & each FaceTime. text messages and a phone call 
Grateful for this internet service - though lacking in speed & quality like 1999. ;)
I am grateful for my dogs... such bringers of laughs and joy and adventure.
Norm is busy.. (understatement) but content... too busy to be anything else - wood to chop  - winter's coming ! 

I am grateful for the editorial cartoon idea I just got called:
Super Spreader.

I am grateful of the halloween painting idea that will take me all day.. I am grateful for my neighbours, trees, birds & still a few lingering bees! 
​
We are teaching: Do not ever- touch anything on this coffee table..
Poppy was watching too - and would growl if Arrow even smelled it.
Our dogs are trained so I can leave food on the coffee table and they will not take it.
"Don't touch!"   I am grateful to report that treat is still there, 2 days later. 
Happy Puppy Training - continues.

Another Holiday Monday! It's raining and there no such thing as a holiday on a farm - lol 
What an education this all is, this tiny farm.  Life.  Up with the roosters - no sleeping in with feathers & fur relying on you.  Keeping busy is good for the sole & mind & body.  I'm always stiff in the morning - with age let alone arthritis... not until Im up and active & loosen it all us does the pain of stiffness subside.  Use it or lose it!  
Farmers deserve more respect than they are given, feeding humans - is lots of work.
​I do NOT consider us farmers'  -  this is a hobby.
I'm learning to pickle eggs! I give eggs away too.. chances are they have faces on them.  

I can't imagine  drinking to the point of a hang over and having to deal with animals... they don't care if humans are hung over.  I hate hang overs so much I am grateful for  having experienced some "doozies"  in the past.. lessons learned - it took a while. 
I just won't anymore. It's not worth destroying braincells for a "feel good"... is it feel good?   Compared to cannabis  the more I think of it- the less I think alcohol makes anyone "feel good".  Sure it relaxes the body and mind - too much sometimes.    
It's sad when you understand,  Alcohol is the number one date rape DRUG. 
Think about it for a moment.   

Some drink to forget.  I use to use that escuse myself, a few times.  Ha.
It might make you forget for a bit, until it makes you wallow & get stuck in exactly what you were trying to forget about.  I remember my mom crying a lot drunk, aways talking about the same stuff.  Her past pains passed on to me during drunken stupors - because I was there to listen.  Told so many times and then left to ponder, I bet my mom has no clue as how much I remember of the details... coats, bundle buggies, curtains being closed, sibling rivalry  (I was not raised with my siblings so I don't know about it) all on how she suffered.  Who cares.
 That's part of the problem.. not many do care. Then or now.  I get it.  I think Melania was kinda right. GASP - yuk but... yep.   Not many really care.  They are distracted with their own lives.  AS life intended. Throw in Covid... big distraction going on.

The only thing anyone should care about NOW is breaking the cycle.
​RECOGNIZE & don't repeat what YOU did not enjoy as a child/adolescent.  How about that?  It's a holiday!
​Does that mean you're going to get 'shit faced'  (term for getting drunk)?
Sure go ahead! IF YOU don't have kids you are responsible for. 
They don't need to listen to your past pains  I think as parents we should be trying to make their path easier - even if it means sharing not pleasant topics by talking, educating (not impaired)  the more the tiny humans know the better they will be.  They are smarter than most realize. Id rather a child be taught early about "molestation" than to learn by having it happen - because they did not know - to say "NO!"  

? Tuff call.
Tomorrow is a tuff call for many parents... back to school  during covid - as it slowly creeps back up.  Pray for strength to get through, because life has to go on. 

The hamster was my 16th birthday gift, my friends wanted to take me out for my sweet 16th I was told "NO, come right home, we are celebrating"                YAAAY!
I spent the evening alone, no special dinner, no cake.  I was waken up around 2:00a.m. and given my birthday gift...  which I loved.  I guess she got side tracked. I was use to it.
Teddy died a couple of YEARS later while eating a McDonalds french fry, he was so old and arthritic he could hardly walk.  He was a wonderful, adorable pet & tiny companion.

With THC & TLC     I hope you have an alcohol free holiday!
Break the cycle. Life is not all cracked up as were led to believe.. hee hee- egg jokes.
Oh-  My chickens count how many eggs they lay!   They are mathemachickens.    
 lol Heard it on the radio, canoe.
​ 
Georgia

Something fishy going on..   lol  
I do not normally take commissions - this does not stop others from asking. ;)  
I'm glad I was asked to paint this cartoon.. I try to squeeze in a few comics still..
​A friend asked if I could create this cartoon  & he sent me a pretty good sketch - so it took little creaivity on my part.  How often does one get to paint a fish with a cocktail and smoking pipe.  ;)  If you fish for Musky in particular - you should check out Dadson blade baits, he is on Instagram.  I know Storm used them and was a successful musky fisherman.

Check these EGGS out! Cluck cluck! 

These are this mornings eggs!  I can't stop giggling and staring in amazement, 5 hens & 5 eggs... it's the cream of wheat! Sprinkled with organic hemp. I told Norm to go easy on breakfast or our chickens will get big and then starting to sing  "... he likes big breasts and cannot lie.."  hee hee  
The last egg is so big I'm painting it after Norms drills a hole so I can empty it, biggest egg I've ever seen... slightly mis-shaped, I bet it was felt on the way out... yikes.  Once you have fresh, organic - healthy & happy chicken eggs - you won't buy bland boring mass produced eggs ever again.  In  a perfect world every family would raise thier own chickens.  I feel my world is pretty perfect these days, especially after mornings like this.  
I've thanked our chickens for every single egg & will continue to do so.

Back to  the details of my newest painting,   "Maaaaaa!!!"   which I am very pleased with.  
Do you like eggs? Got a favorite recipe? Feel free to share ;)
georgiatoons@gmail.com

Shcools are returning in the fall- it should be interesting.  
I hope it's not a deadly decision...
I think I'd opt to homeshcool for a little while If I was in this situation.
Grateful I'm not, praying for thoses  who are.

​with TLC & THC

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

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

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

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

​

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bird died.   I cried.
I've had bird since January 2015, I trained him to fly free - first in my office - then he'd explore my bedroom  & fly downstairs at the last house, when he wanted company.  Bird had a huge personality and would smack my guests on the head - if he liked you.. some it took months, others minutes before you'd be ducking as bird did his flyby'.   Bird hated when I cried.. he'd fly in my bedroom & stare (glare at me) as if to say: Enough.. get up and keep going.  

He'd call out!  Sounding like a car alarm and chirp until I'd say- I hear you bird!.. or I'm right here bird, come see me... & he would.  He's fly in my tiny studio & sit on my easel, desk lamp or his favourite spot - my tiny desk ROOR bong- lol (he love sitting on my bongs).   

Storm & I were able to hold bird and snuggle him and he liked it. I'd kiss him on his beek and he'd peck me back - very gently & he could pinch, if he wanted to.  Most amazing- Bird never flew away.  I would go out and wander in the woods only to return (hours later) & notice ! I forgot to close the screen door when I left! My heart would beat faster until I saw him. Usually sitting on top of his cage looking at me again as if to say: Where the fcuk did you go?! I was worried.  He also told me when the fire went out I guess sensitive to the heat from the chimney - he'd start chirping until I'd get up from my desk to see what all the comotion was about- until I noticed a pattern- It was time to throw a log on the fire. Ask Norm, he'll tell you - it's true.  

I cried until I gave myself a headache and fell asleep.  I'm still teary and can't help but notice the lack of  chirping & singing.. it will take a bit.  I knew it was coming tho.. I told Storm, when he was here: Birds not been himself lately.
He'd fly & land on the floor lately & that was not normal & he was not singing as much.
I read when I got bird,  they usually live 5 - 15 years.. I wished I had the 15.

The one thing that helps me is: I LOVED BIRD & BIRD knew it..  fresh hemp daily (organic),  fresh greens all year long! It was a given 'Birds salad'- always mixed greens - organic! He ate what ever I ate (mostly - only safe things)  because he could fly & was a powerful flier he did not get obese.  A slice of apple or pear daily, he loved sweet potato... so Bird was spoiled.  No wonder he never flew away.   I know I will miss him forever.. I do not think I can or will replace him. 

I was grateful that I started this  chicken painting "commotion in the coop" & decided to honour Bird, by NOT laying around feeling sad - paint.  
Charles Schults, said not being able to create at all times, was for amatures.
Our gift is never gone.  Learn to use it at all times & it will help you most through the most difficult times.  Life has bad days and good days and really sad days...  
God teaches us many lessons, for many reasons.  What did I learn.
I was good to Bird & Bird loved me as much as I loved his tiny little self.

I was educated on how  tiny Birds can love & care for us Humans... how many can say that?
Bird was  a gift from God I was incredibly grateful to experience.

with TLC & THC
Georgia
​

 I've learned a trick to painting better is paint something you really like!  Perhaps that's cats, turtles, cars, comics, imaginary creatures.. fruit or friends!  PICK ONE and focus on the details.  To paint portraits - I like to paint people that I consider interesting, have great faces, make me laugh, are nice humans, have interesting facial features..   ALL of the above.   Occassionally I see a photo that makes me smile - this one of two friends Kevin & Chris, was from a party I missed.  After I saw that photo, I really knew I missed a good time - Hahaha!

It made me laugh out loud for too many reasons to mention. It was a joy to paint -giggling the entire time - then giggling at the anticipation of posting it and having these two "see it" for the first time  - I think they will SMILE.  Don't you? 
I took a bit of artist liberty with the background and removed a lamp real mental photoshop happening.
 
I did show my son and he replied: LMAO - which is Good!  

Focus on imagry that is pleasing to the mind and brings back happy memories and fondness - as I have for these two.  They are two of my favorite people on the planet. lol
Seeing them in this photo cracks me up, EVERY time!
I also filled my home with treasures' & trinkets' not worth millions but each one  makes me smile! It matters. 

Visual triggers are more powerful than people realize  - get rid of anything that upsets you or you associate with negative feelings.  Who needs it? Or don't - the choice is yours.
Nothing 'material' is worth keeping if it causes you pain, mental or physical.
 Toss it and MOVE on.    

Make room for new happy memories.  Surround yourself with love- at every opportunity.
Now, I must decide whom to give it to..  maybe I'll keep it and enjoy it for a while.
​
With TLC & THC
Georgia
Acrylic on wood panel 6 x 6.
​

Yeah!!!!  Tody marks 14 days  of isolation & quarintine - living with Norm...
Many did not realize, I've been living alone for 9 months, it was educational.
I was able to unpack, sort out and get settled before Norm arrived.  

Between moving, selling our home and work, Norm was not able to be here with us until 2 weeks ago.  I must say  he did it, I left and he had WORK to do & YES, I knew he would- he did it!  Yes... WE ARE finally CELEBRATING!  

This year we will be married 28 years and frankly, I don't give a fuck what anyone "thinks" they know about our relationship. Someone comment recently, after watching us argue, Norm & I arguing due to stress is common as it is with most Relationships...  They "could never do it- live like THAT".   Like what? Arguing form time to time?
An opinion, I might add made by someone NEVER having been in a long term relationshiop - phhhhbt.  Some think relationships are not about arguing - in 28 years? Give me a fucking break.  I literally laughed out loud at an article stating: Isolation with a mate will make or break a relationship.  No shit.  

This is nothing. We have come thru some serious difficult times in 28 years and we will come thru this one too! As the team we've obviously become.  Storm keeps us grounded too.
9 month was great- FOR US BOTH. He missed us like crazy ;).  Norm has a new appreciation for us... me in particular.  & I missed him...  I'm well aware of the handyman I have but I found myself CONSTANTLY worried about him.  Now he is here and we are excited about the journey to continue, BOTH so grateful to be in our new home.  We've both acknowledged - we can do this..   and yes WE can.  Together, we will make this home our EDEN.  

The past two weeks have me been SCREAMING: 6 FUCKING FEET NORM!!  
Wash YOUR HANDS!  Blow your nose!! Stay out of the kitchen!  Don't TOUCH ANYTHIN!! He moved up and was promptly BANISHED into his bedroom for 2 weeks - only able to use his bathroom and go outside. 14 days NOW & we both feel fantastic, ready to go out and chop trees! We have agreed we will not be leaving our property for 2 weeks.
I know from 28 years of strugglin with bills - how to stretch food/meals. ;)  Who knew?  
YES, this is a difficult time - learn from it- that person you are 'stuck' with... it's not all lovely dovey - it's HARD work. Surviving a deadly pandemic with someone..
 It's nice not to be alone.  I never 'feel' alone,  I think it's because we keep pretty busy- dogs help too. 
If you can survive this with your partner.. you will  survive more.
Have patience.  Give each other space.  WASH your fucking hands and stay HOME! 

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

You can see this chimp timelapse painted today on my instagram account: Georgia Toons