Thankful - Indeed!  
The weekend was perfect - from the latenight homemade french onion soup with homemade french loaf to the turkey dinner with all the trimmings - & at least 3 dead trees that needed to come down - came down!  Woohooo!
One tree in particular we noticed the first viewing, 'that trees got to come down, I was not concerned - I knew Norm could do  it.  We've taken down a few trees in 27 years.
Painting over the summer,  listening to the trees' I could hear that one tree in particular creek & moan & hoped we would get to it before it took out the bird deck.. lol  whew. 
The tree is down.  I am beyond thankful for these two who worked  - what a team & I did the dinner! Most of all for the stunning Canadian  thanksgiving weekend weather & backdrop that keeps me in AWE - and they are our trees.  Trees covered with woodpeckers, bluejays, nuthatches, chickadees and more!  We are only removing dead trees.

It was a perfect weekend.. I am very thankful.
Time to make Turkey pot pie & think - VOTE art & ONE year legalization art 
&  my round canvas which I'm starting next..  blessed - so much to be thankful for I'm gonna BURST!  Burst out in song- I'm teaching the dogs "Amazing Grace!" lol 

I'm thankful for all those in my life - those who add to each day like a background color that completes this canvas!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

What a beautiful day! A HIGH of 22 in the highlands.  While on a mission for baked good the other morning I spotted a gang/gaggle of wild turkeys - Crossing the highway onto my property - weeee!  It's turkey time soon- Turkeys are an ugly bird - if you ever confront a wild turkey you might get more than you bargin for...   If everyone had to look at a live wild turkey - I wonder if 'as many' would be eaten in a couple of weeks- Canadian Thanksgiving.

I was up before the birds this morning- in the mood to paint wild turkey cards. Got your fat pants ready?  Thanks Giving this year is going to be AWESOME!  I've decorated- I let some leaves blow in my living room - red, orange, yellow & brown.  While waiting for black acrylic paint to be delivered - I've decided to focus on cards this week.

Cards, I'd like to see - ugly birds.  Each card is a tiny hand painted original & would make the perfect thank you for the host of any thanksgiving meal.   I've recently had a local store request to sell my cards & I'll  be deliveing the first 'set' soon.  I'm not sure if many will sell but it's exciting all the same, a new adventure until my studio is built it will be a sweet little creative outlet until then, keeping me creative & busy & challenged in greetings to make others smile. Tough job.  ;)
 
I hear Trump is about to be dumped. Amen.

Fall is looking lovely - Abbey Gardens is having a fall festival on the 19th. I'm going!
They have forest chickens, food & all sorts of fun stuff - enough to get you in the fall mood for sure.  Time to get back to painting turkeys...  I hope to find them in the woods - not to eat but to admire... from a distance - Wild Turkeys can kick ASS.  
Gobble Gobble..   Gobble till you wobble. 

To see more ThanksGiving cards check out Forever grateful greetings.
With TLC & THC 
​Georgia

I love this Dog - Daisy Dog, she is my constant companion & guardian for us all.
Daisy is Storms dog, he walked her & trained her and she has visited a Cannabis farm or two but she lives with us currently - althought she is no stranger to the big city life as well!
Since we have now moved to some land she lives with us where she can run & explore - but she never wanders far, not even when chasing a rascal! 

Never a few feet from us in the woods and even helps me when I call her & grab her collar for a little extra support - she keeps an eye on me as well as the little dogs.  Her bark is loud & fierce and her bite worse - the raccoon that she killed up on the bird deck learned the hard way  & she would not liten to me, not until she was positive it was dead, I'm glad it was not Ginger that discovered it as it was 3 times her size & I doubt the dog would have won in that fight.   I keep Daisy in now at night, more from fear she will come up against a wolf or bear - she does not back down when it comes to defending her territory or family. 

Most of the time she is a big funny doggo - begging me to throw the ball!  She loves hugs, long walks and snuggles on the leather sofa.. lol    I could not ask for a better dog, 'friend' and watch dog.   We are loving every second in our new home - we explored the forest today - there is actually a fence around the property - as old as it is - it makes for lovely photos & future painting ideas.  All 3 small dogs got a bath today before the weather gets too cool, nice to dry in the hot sun.  Do you have a dog?  I'm sure if you have the space there is one waiting in a shelter for you today!  One who will will protect your garden & family if you give it all in needs: Food, water, shelter & LOVE > All we 'all' really need.

Next an owl and a bee - gouache while I think about my next canvas.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Private!  
Norm said we have to put up a sign & I reminded we already had one.. lol
To get to our home you take a road with only 3 of us on it and then we are off our own private road...  last week a dump truck came down the road - just a little before they realized they were on the wrong path so it was time to put up a sign.  
What should it say?  Norm & Georgia's - Georgia' & Norms..
Do Not Enter,  KEEP OUT,  Trespassers will be eaten.   lol  
The moment we put it up I started to laugh out loud  - Bumble in the forest! Looks like this is where he belongs and is happiest...  Yeti in Halliburton Highlands.
Now, every morning the girls  &  I go up to see Bumble & thank him for standing guard.  
I believe the neighbours had a surprise and a giggle and have seen a couple of cars stop,  
I don't know if  there are many little kids to see it but big kids get a chuckle too.
The only ones going to see Bumble are those visiting us or them  & We are:
                          
                                        By  Invitation  Only.   Thanks.

I also want include a no hunting sign.  I don't know that it will make a difference hunting season as I am surrounded by land & hunters but at least here deer will be safe. ;)
About hunting... I get deer hunting, for food as long as it is eaten & all used.  
I  do not and never will agree with 'Trophy Hunting' especially big animals like elephants, Lions, rhinos etc..  I also don't get shooting birds unless a turkey.  Bears, coyotes, wolves can all be shot if problems on your property but they explain how to keep them at bay if possible.
# 1 rule- DO not leave food garbage around.

Bumble NOW makes me laugh every morning, any company that visits says they laugh the second they see him - he is placed so that you do not see him until you turn to go up our driveway - I want to make a BIG BEAR - I'll add it to Norms To Do list- longer than the driveway. hee hee hee

If you are visiting #myhaliburtonhighlands I also want to warn you (I had no clue) You are NOT permitted DAY fires! No camp fires  -no day smores- only after 7 p.m. -  until ? 7:00 am (I'm not sure until what time - so you better learn) BUT if you do have a day fire & the firetrucks show up you can be & are charged about $450.00 per truck, PER hour.
Those would be expensive smores.   I agree with the ban after only living up here a month and seeing how dry it can all get - a forest lined with pine needles.
Install water barrels to water your plants people!
Don't waste one  drop.

Next my front door sign (hee hee) then a Spider.. or bear...
 I don't know, which ever I finish first.  
Our to do list today is long - time to chop wood & carry water.   

Cannabis in the highlands - soon too. 

Have a FUN, Beautiful, Creative day! YOU were created to create!

With TLC & TLC Georgia

I went to check the mail - still no mail delivery... oh well - welcome to relaxed...  then went to check out a store in town that sells pool tables - did you know they make an outdoor pool table? Now you do - as usual I asked the woman her name - since we are neighbors'
: Georgia.  No way! I'm Georgia too!  She knew... lol  it's rare to meet a Georgia'.
OH my gosh! Two  Georgia's in  Carnarvon.  Woo hoo - Who knew & she was lovely (of course).  I can't begin to explain how great it felt to drive down my drive way & see my son playing with the dogs! I already feel as tho life right now is perfect ;) - there he was!

We went for a drive, had a glass of beer at the local craft brewery (yes, I like the beer) then we took a dive  before we went for dinner to the Pepper Mill - which was as everyone has informed me - was very tasty - I had Pasta, Storm a steak.  Storm commented several times how comfortable he is here, good - exactly what I was hoping for - I hope everyone who visits feels the same... that they leave feeling a bit better than when they arrived. I know I felt better seeing my son. Dinner & he brought treats!  Nutty fudge (I had just bought some minutes earlier due to a craving) - his was unbelievable good - If you visit soon - you might get a sliver- lol. The sweetest 'Bird tea towel and maple syrup candy - mmmmmmmaple.  How - did I get so lucky?  That's how I feel. The dogs were thrilled too.

He's gone already back to the city & I can't wait till I see him again.  I was telling him  - I've never felt so 'content'... so at home. I don't want/need anything more... to have friends visit, paint, read, play with my girls - watch leaves, life is good.   I saw a humming bird & decided to paint one, luckily I found a feeder in a box that was still packed, I hope it uses it... although it does like my morning glories,  it inspired the painting you see- a little different - it pops off the canvas!

Tomorrow, I think I need to paint Daisy - she's just the happiest photo bombing doggen!
They think they are in heaven too! Wait until the winter!! Weee... It was a PERFECT day - ending with a night Storm - the rain kind- I can't wait to sit & watch it.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

Finally I am painting.. still not started a big canvas... stll boxes to unpack.
I decided to paint a card to add to my Forever Grateful inventory inspired by ACIM,
because it's how I feel incredibly grateful, eveyday is a new blessing waiting to be discovered. I found Prayer Flags I'll hang in my new studio witht he view I have always wanted. I find rocks, Gems, stones all over - my own personal treasure hunt. 

I am tired tho & Scruffy who is determined to wander  gave me a good scare, thank God I got them all new collars with the new number as she was hitchhiking, not impressed and she is being punished by being kept on a leash, more upset with Norm as he spoils her & she never listens - like a toddler playing mom off of dad all the time... only her not listening to me here - makes her BEAR bait.  We're taking it easy - 3 boxes a day & the last will be emptied by the end of the week.   This past weekend we changed all the locks as we know ourselves many peole can aquire a key to a cottage over the years,   the last heavy items moved -now it's all about the details & why not place everything with intention. TLC.

Above all - the Peace has me at Peace & I'm not struggling with the wifi hickups ' there might not be wifi for friends, lol. You really do get a digital detox & it feels fucking fanstastic. I decided to paint a bear first in the sun in the woods, not very big on canvas. Out of her cave...  ready to explore & that is what we do every day.. each adventure shows us new plants, moths, butterflies, dragonflies, leaves, rocks.. clouds - it's endless.
Bird- bird is in his element, he flies all over the house & in his cage to rest & sleep he is the LAZYest  little EARLY Bird - ever  lol- we are always up before that bird!

Care to see what I painted.. it's at Forever Grateful Greetings.
Care to see my new Bear? You'll have to come back to check in a few.. I plan on taking my time - new time zone- Peaceful Forest time.  I still have to get my plants for my patio,  maybe I'll wait till next year.  


With THC & TLC

For my American friends -  Happy July Forth!  
I hope your president doesn't ruin it for you but that would be wishful thinking. 

My apologies but I'm not feeling very patriotic USA..
INNOCENT Children in a prisons, bodies washing ashore, animals abuse at an all time high, Protests - beating neighbours up, many in masks (fucking pack mentality) and most still focus on Kardashian underwear $$$ while the King of clowns wants a parade! Weee
Not my circus not my monkeys - If I had my paints - I'd paint that CLOWN riding a giant elephant with a bunch of clowns surrounding him.  His daughter on his side juggling all those balls  (eeeheeem)... terrified horses (shot to make way for more cows/MEAT) pulling circus wagons of cages full of kids.  July 4th parade brought to you by taxpayers - demanded by the president... sounds like some other country to me lately, are Americans learning to speak Russian or Korean, I wonder.  

I realized something about myself...
Ageing gracefully' does not apply...   Ageing Gratefully, is more like it.  

Time to tune out & turn off  (literally) - frankly I'm super moody anyway- seriously, I had no idea NOT painting effects me to this degree - I feel as if I am wasting time - all the time... not able to get my balance is throwing me off balance -  recognizing it & trying to 'zip-it...' especially when it come to dealing with Norm - who is equally as tired, no doubts. Surrounded by boxes, beyond tired - I do see the light in the forest tho..  soon I'll be sipping my coffee with deer.  Time to  unplug so I can get the last of what needs done - done! 
It's official - Norm & I went up to sign for our new home & met our new lawyer (which I liked- whew) haha good for me & him! lol  I took a few photos one selfie that Norm photobombed - lol  hee hee hee   I was in full twitch but smiling anyway! & I love this photo- it's 'us - On the road again...  both very excited.  We visited the little town & loved every inch Norm of course has the lumber store location memorized & I found a sweet little gift store, exactly what I'd be looking for If I needed a little something special for someone - the best little bakery - right up the highway,  go the other direction & a neat local craft brewery with terrific pizza & an even better view. Weee...   All I need is my easel & paints OH MY!

The photo above is me trying to figure out my cell phone (I'm going to try to self portrait it) which I have now for when I am out and about in the forest & driving a bit further for supplies... Ginger see's herself in it - she also interacts with Storm the most when he face-times.  Storm is already regretting me getting a phone I think - lol & has to had to explain to me (a couple of times) how data works & I'm guessing Norm will - after he gets the first bill... 
The cute photos of the doggos - can wait when on wifi. Got it.

ABOUT DOGS: WHAT are you feeding YOUR dogs? READ HERE.

with TLC & THC - LOT's of THC currently.  Thank God.  
Georgia
​

We drove up to see the property...  now that is legally ours, to do a bit of measuring.  
Norm has to build a kennel attached to the house as soon as possible - the first day up there he has to install a dog door and add a contained covered kennel no dogs can escape or no creatures can enter, I am designing it today.... I'll be distracted with all the moving & can't stress about the girls wandering off.

We included Ginger & Poppy on our visit to see their new home - commenting before we left "I'll leave Daisy till next time in case she sees a deer & takes off".  Norm remarked   "you're pushing it George - expecting to see a deer your first day..." (snicker). I ignored him.  
When we arrived I hopped out of the truck & said let's walk our NEW driveway girls for the FIRST TIME! Wheeeeee - they quickly behind me run up ahead a few feet - the sun was shining - patches on sunlight danced on the driveway,  I couldn't have imagined a more beautiful day...  then they both stopped - I looked at the girls to see they froze & were both looking in the same direction - I looked up and there she was!
A huge beautiful Doe looking me as if to say  "Oh... hello. "  
I froze like a deer in the headlights - our eyes locked.  It was love at first sight. lol
They started to move I said "Don't dare... "   looked up & the deer was gone.
Just like that- I then realized (of course)  I had my iPad in my hands - Arrrgh.  
No matter - it was the moment.  God welcomed me home.

Or agent -when I said 'I saw my first deer!!" said soon you'll say - oh it's just another dammed deer..  (lol - I take it he's seen a few)  & warned me to be careful as he has hit a few in all the years he's been up there. Elated I said  "I can't wait to see a bear!" his reply - YES, you can... & then proceeded to tell me about the time the bear attacked his son. Cowabunga- I needed to hear it- I was already walking the woods- la de da...- Norm has no clue where I was.. lol   I will be investing in a air horn & bear spray & promised NOT to feed.  Our agent said what helped save his son was he had the  common sense (while a bear was biting him) to push his truck alarm & frightened the bear - He is lucky to be alive from what I heard. So, no - I won't be encouraging any bears to pose for a portrait.

Norm & I are both tired- Norm more so - on top of things he rescued 2 baby -viscous  behaving- raccoons off the roof, they look yesterday like they were going to pass out from heat. look thin & dehydrated  -I've seen them a week- no mom in sight. ;(  I ffed them- they ate it all- bananas, smoked salmon (all I had at the time) lol - almond butter & cherries! All the food was gone this morning- I'm waiting for animal control to Pick them up.

It's time to pack!! Want to see my backyard? A few photos below - we need to build a new deck and spruce it up a bit - nothing we can't handle- Oh - where to hand my tiki?? 
All I could think about was that deer - & NOW anytime that stress anxiety kicks in b-I think of that deer waiting to welcome me home  join me for coffee.  I painted it - I had too - just a small one- for me to remember that moment - God sent the perfect welcome wagon.

Dreams come true-  have faith.

With TLC & THC Georgia 

Next the trash pandas portrait & free coloring sheet to DL, found while packing.
​

o.k.... it's  happened - we are.... EXCITED! It has sunk in and it is paid for. Forward!
Cowabunga!!! Dreams come true.  We have downsized- our new home is smaller- big enough - downsized but living large on a piece of land surrounded by trees - we plan on making trails through the property and placing a cabin/shack in the woods for friends to visit-  a little off grid glamping! Weeeee.

We already have friends where we are moving -  long time buds of us both- how cool is that? 
The past few months have been filled with house hunting and conversation & some arguing too - mostly between Norm and I and as to what our future direction would be.  We were very close to going in different directions but this house is what we both have been looking for & Norm gets to build his own shop from the ground up - I know if anyone can - he can. 
Not much needs done to the actual house - we have a fireplace to figure out and we are already designing the new deck for across the front of the house!

The dog kennel (top priority) will be built first.  Attached to the back of the house - where they can go out through the dog door to do their business or just check outside - a fence around this property - is not an option we could afford or desire- I don't want to keep the deer out - just the dogs in... I already KNOW training will start the first day we move in- I promised God- I needed a long driveway to throw the ball and walk the dogs everyday - no humans in our way, I can't believe how much I have thought of my girls while house hunting ... my family.  This place is as much for them as it is for us - & yes I will be adding to our family - one more another bigger one.   I've ben walking around crying - elated at the prospects that await - we purchased a prospector :) the house has  only 2 bedrooms - our guests will have their own place to stay - complete with wood stove. 

I mentioned on IG about not offering alcohol to our guests, I have issues with alcohol as some are aware. Living in the middle of nowhere when guests visit, I couldn't and won't start to stress about people driving impaired. I'm too familiar with those consequences due to the past and others in my life & I will NOT encourage it.  Norm and I rarely drink - we might  have the occasional craft beer - glass of wine but it's just as easy for us to pass' - we had champagne to toast our new home and both complained it gave us a slight headache- we don't drink anymore - so why have it?  Why offer poison to people I care for  & that is a fact.  That being said - there is a cute little craft  brewery/restaurant not far from our new home, I'm sure we will be visiting. Will I have a craft beer or A glass of wine to offer during dinner - perhaps...  BUT I'm done with drunks. I have no issues with people who have a drink or two - those who can moderate & control- Bravo..    Regrettably, past experience has proven many I'm familiar with do NOT know when to stop - over indulge  & in many cases become abusive, depressed & depressing and nasty.  ​I will not allow this to happen anymore - if you want to get drunk - please, do not visit.
 
If you want to come up - digital detox, learn how to paint, be surrounded by nature, hike trails, look for mushrooms.. look for deer- nature, help Norm chop wood & carry water- to your tent...  lol Please do!  Dogs will be welcome too!   P.s not a fan TV either- so that won't be happening - much. Weeee - maybe I won't have many human visitors with my "house rules" ...  I have my girls, Bird, painting & Norm - I'm going to be busy.    
Amen.

OH! - Did I tell you we have a sauna!? I just researched & was over the moon to learn: Saunas help with arthritis pain  - detox our bodies of nasty crap- help with STRESS & are known for REDUCING psoriasis - HOLY - I have a sauna!
Bring your own towel.  Wheeeeee!  *btw... alcohol & the sauna - bad idea. 

Thank you God!
Jesus - I look forward to our forest conversations & exploration.

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia

Inside of card:
                          Rest is a luxury few can afford & fewer appreciate.  ~Me.

I made this for a friend who is about tot retire!  My girlfriend has worked hard her entire life- as a teacher.. and this is her last year- in a few months she is done! WoooooHoooo! 
I couldn't be happier for her.  I know though - she is truly far from retirement.. she has parents that are now dealing with issues associated with age,  young adult children  - that we never stop stressing over & caring about -a husband and duties that won't end,  she is far for retiring..  she won't be plopping herself infront of any TV eating bonbons all day.
A womans work is never done.

This past week was emotional  & stress filled -  a FUCKING important lesson as usual was learned the hard way.  We went from being elated about our new home to days later being told the bank "miscalculated" only by  a small amount... $400,000.   That's right - a bank employee made an error & yes, we are all human..  but did not inform us of such error - we were signing legal contracts & house hunting under false pretences.. We went from being approved to not being approved ? & no one told us.  It made NO sense to anyone as we do not currently have a mortgage - my dream home - where I have mentally moved in  & decided where to place my easel & started painting - lol - was gone..  I cried  the entire day - what a mind fuck this is..   After my pity party where only the girls and I attended.. suffering from a nasty headache I thought -- how dare I  cry over a 'house' when so few even have a bed, reality kicked in  & so did a little anger.
Time to Take control of this situation instead of crying about it & it controlling me.   

WTF... I tired to get in touch with someone.  TRIED' being the key word- NOPE - no such luck.. when I TRIED to call someone I was told - You can't speak to anyone - there is NO one to complain to  per-say ...  only the 'branch manager' -  all she kept saying was:
I was not there I did not witness it...   - well, isn't that fucking special, I thought to myself.
Trying to find out what the fuck went wrong!? Here is what I learned -  apparently the RBC can 'miscalculate  - by $400,000 but God forbid I say...
                                       'are you fucking kidding' me!?  on the PHONE!
'CLICK.'  

WOW. I was silly enough to try again... thinking Georgia - stay calm.. blah blah blah  blah blah... from them   Me: $400,00o! is no fuckng minor MISCALCU..."  CLICK
          $400,00O - You tell me how you would feel, boxes packed- house bought.

Did I get an apology - No...  & suddenly  a little denial entered the conversation.  
Not appreciated. 
Not only did they ignore the issue, as if no wrong was done... BUT they did focus on my swearing stating: 'I should treat them with respect'..  I then asked them to explain  how respectful it was to make a $400,00o fucking mistake & not even have the decency to inform us.   Speechless is the word then that comes to mind.
A small miscalculation for them a big mental breakdown for me, a big dose of fucking stress WE did not need OR deserve.

Had we signed a contract we couldn't get out of under false pretences  - would the bank have paid for their miscalculation?  I doubt it.  We opened the account the day we bought this house - it was a tiny office & I quickly became friends with a few of the ladies whom work there still - the service amazing.  Now they have moved, are much bigger, fancier - but the service....   $400,000 "miscalculation" is no fucking tiny mistake, not to us.
​
Click.

Stress - yikes.. Rest is what I need NOW - I admit - it knocked me out physically & mentally - but just for a couple of days - tomorrow  is a new day & I am excited for it....
it is just a house...  just a mistake - Focus on the deer you will paint.  
All 'apparently, has been resolved.

​The Science of Swearing - just one more way men are taken seriously & women thought trashy - educate yourself & others - because when someone makes  $400,000 mistake...      I guarantee you - you will swear.

   27 years.. no more than numbers.   

With TLC & THC 
Georgia 


To see my Father's Day contribution - head over to Forever Grateful Greetings!