While packing I've discovered a program - 'Portrait artist competition UK' - I'm glued, watching - 3 different artist enter to paint a portrait of someone famous...  incredibly versatile on styles & mediums, fast, creative - it's inspired me to paint more people. 

Many of the artists for practice paint themselves, not because we love our own reflection but because - it's free & easy... well easy for some.  I for one do not enjoy looking at myself in the mirror for long periods of time- once I remember and focus at what I am doing - I get past vanity & on to learning & painting. Vincent VanGogh painted himself many times... a painted journal - the original selfie king.   Today being slightly  grumpy - needing to paint, my hands are sore from all the packing & yes, I'm mentally exhausted - to think of 'what to paint' - forget it, what I decided was start a mini journal of portraits ONLY  most dont take longer that 15 mins., - all who will sit... but I will sit for me first - because it's easy, fast & free. I'll TRY for one a day!

Problem is...   if people go by 'my self portraits - LOL - they won't think I'm any good. I am what I am... as a matter of fact I thought this particular portrait is pretty accurate.
I'm pleased.                    Our face has little to do with our abilities.  

My ego is the asshole that occasionally reminds me about my "ugly face"... 
- not for most peoples  standards anyhow, then I am reminded thankfully - child of God you were created to create & Jesus loves me. hee hee I like saying it, I say it out loud to my girls all the time.  Gratefully, I'm not overly concerned about other peoples standards any longer..   My face is in twitchmode big time... stress, moving, $$$, meeting strangers, having them come through your private home - daunting. I can't imagine hoarders going through this... I'm getting nothing but positive feedback and still find it's stressful- the hermit in me is not not happy- I've had to step out of my comfort zone too many times lately and I'm ready to embrace the forest with each passing moment.  Packing is waiting.

This is me. This is a good first self portrait - I caught me.
If you do like ME as I am - thank you... I am trying.
If you don't like me - what are YOU doing here?  Creeper.....   lol
 
Boxes to pack.. 
with TLC & THC
​Georgia
​

Storm showed up yesterday (unexpected- we know how busy he is) complete with Tomahawk, special salt, pepper, potatoes & organic Arrugla - craft Raspberry beer in a cool artsy can for us to enjoy -we joked about  cananbis edible 'regulatons'  as we cheered'.
It's all the news - Oct is the date but by Christmas - watch out- Santas has stockings to stuff!
I will have several Chrismas cards available on Forever Grateful soon.  I'm excited! 
Many alcoholic beverages now infused with cananbis are going to be available & here is where I guess I am o.k. with the limit being so low..  for those NOT use to cananbis- it is ALCOHOL added to the mix' that concerns me regarding  safety. PLEASE drink responsibly  Cheers - I will try a couple - but not being a fan of alcohol - will stick with the joint, bong & edibles! Nom Nom!

I  already have a rule at the new house.. no booze.
No alcohol - I won't be serving it - other than perhaps A glass of wine  or A beer  - with a great meal... I would never forgive myself knowing someone I care for left my home - impaired. It's a long drive.  Been there done that -  Alcohol has been the destroyer of many (too many)  days in my life - either due to others being under the influence or myself.  Those days are done. Norm does not drink now, why start?
He has a to do list longer than the driveway already!
Weeeeeeeee...    & lifetime to do it.

I've actaully have been refraining from feeling elated, that shit with the bank - talk about buzzkill.  BE HERE NOW.     Fine.. until I get the keys - I paint.
I painted this for a gift for the woman who is currently in the home. Last night during dinner  I admitted to the guys...  "I think we even LOOK alike!" & Norm choked- "YOU do! I thought so too!"  I did not even look at the kitchen - (speaks volumes) I was so - 'stunned' at how much that house looked & felt like me - all the masks, art, buddhas, prayer- I can't wait to PAINT.  Norm has to build right outside my studio a deck across the back of the house :) (we are both excited) I will have him add an outdoor easle - big enought to hold HUGE boards to paint- like my friend Bonnie does (check out her work! I love it)  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am knowing I am moving up here - with birds, trees & peace - to paint. God promised.
Every obstacle shall be removed!  Weeeee! 

Packing up the office today - I will miss this amazing office that has the one full custom built in wall (wish I could take it with me - I take the handman instead ;))
All who have seen the house are amazed with Norms craftmanship - not me.. too bad it took 26 years. Better late than never! Amen.

Just imagine what we create together next! 
O - is for OFFICE   ;)

I love this song....   SAVE us ALL      Tracy Chapman       

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!

 Yesterday- June 10th   we celebrated being in our home 26 years! When we moved in, there was nothing - not one fence post, not one tree... you can see the LOVE we put into our home - walking around my backyard NOW is like being up at the cottage - everyone who visits - says the same: What an oasis you have created!  Birds included - woodpeckers, bluejays & grosbeaks!  Yes we did.  Blood, sweat, tears & many memories have been created here!  Storm moved... (took me 3 months to stop crying) and he's not moving back- he's moving up.. I'm beyond proud of my son in every aspect and am as excited for his continued journey as I am my own - but this house feels too big & too lonely and with too many stairs, so.... 

 Yesterday, Norm & I celebrated big time - by purchasing our next home!!!  
I have been actively looking & viewing the past few months (my decision) we had an offer in one place & it was declined - thank God- I said to the agent at the time:
 "No worries, God want's me to keep looking..."  he seems to 'get me - so that was good.
 We went to put an offer in on a place I had liked (time to show Norm) and our agent (I am grateful for)  said..  "since you're here why not check this other place out."
Thank God - we did.

We drove up the driveway - I stepped out on the ground (felt at peace) walked into the house & thought "OH my GOSH - I'm here."  There were 3 women - there - I did not know the owner but I said: "O.k. - I want to know who my soulmate is?"    LOL
I told Storm later: I felt as though God laid that house in front of me - the first being the current occupant - I know she has filled that house with LOVE, prayers & peace the past decade +, there was Buddhas, masks  art and wall colors - Norm remarked "We'll we don't have to paint! This is already George."  It's true. It's already me.  

I woke the day after we put in the offer & I CRIED!!! I knew we got it, before the agent told us.  Felt frightened then  instantly at peace - I was reminded: Georgia... YOUR prayers have been answered - CELEBRATE!  I told you! I promised...  I love you!             hee hee hee  
Think I'm crazy - say it if it makes you feel better but- I'm moving into my DREAM HOME!  Prayers have been answered - miracles happen.  The woman held my hand - we were chatting & I felt love. I know no other way to describe it  & her room  - that she  prayed in every day (I know) is NOW my painting room - filled with LOVE & light! & birds new home too - weeeeeee!!!!  & my  new view.. have a peek- MY view is the view I have wanted my entire life!  Lions, tigers & bears - Oh My! Moose, deer & bears OH MY!  Apparently, I will see them all in my backyard! 

Norm & I had also discussed parting ways - if we couldn't find something  & soon - I was going with or without him - he was stuck- stuck here & I was already mentally moved. He has asked to join me, after weeks of conversation - 27 years to ponder... the journey continues  & I can't deny - we make a very creative team - after all, we created Storm. ;)  
I can only imagine what we will add to this new home - we are BOTH beyond excited - I've got to pack!  

I keep saying to the girls "Wait till you see what we bought you!!!"   lol
Bad news: I had/have to pack my painting supplies- too much going on & too much dust! Too much to do - I am itching to paint nature- now that I know I've got nature to paint! So I'll be taking a break from painting- as if- lol (still have the gouache out)  as I am packing & moving BUT - as soon as I am up there- watch OUT! 

Thank you God.
Thank you Jesus! Jesus told me..  he jokingly whispered:
Good morning Ranger George!  
I called myself this thinking of all the animals on the property - waiting to introduce themselves!  & I knew - it was mine!  Forest Ranger George, as we NOW own a tiny forest - ready to document & PAINT the wildlife...   Moose, deer & bears OH MY!  
Tee pee for companee- hee hee hee - Mushroom foray! OH my!  Walking MY driveway with the girls every day! FUCK YEAH!!!    

Thank you God! Prayers answered! Miracles happen!
I can't stop giggling.    
​Oh - Guess what I have ! - A BIRD viewing deck!!!  


With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

Change is good.. it's exciting anyway.   lol
So much on the go yesterday I woke up and said - GO PAINT Georgia! No computer- no email.. just go.  I'm inspired by Stephen Bohemes Cowardly lion & poppies... hmmmmmm.    

I recently met a artist 'Bonnie who makes AMAZING soap with Goat milk- I kid you not -tee hee. The lemon bar has me washing more than usual & the lavender - oh my goodness, I cut it into 6 chunks to put in my dresser drawers ;D  I highly recommend.
​She does not have a website (old school) her e mail is: bonniebee@bell.net   

​Toronto lost  a cannabis activist her name was Tracy Curley - Tracy & I only ever shared a hello &  hug, I don't "get out much as many are aware" I do remember meeting her at the first TY EXPO's & she was lovely. I understand she was fierce, loud & didn't care what anyone 'thought' so... well done, I'm grateful for her contribution while she grace us with her presence.

  It's the LIFT expo in TO for any who want to explore this weekend... if you see my son - say Hi!   I've already got plans.

I've got plans! An adventure - Weeeeeeee!
Life is an adventure. 

Below my process for my Cowardly lion...
with TLC & THC  
​Georgia 

Th undersea explorer returns.. this time it's purple.
Acrylic on canvas! Gord & purple iridescent  paint can only be sen in a specific light...
 when it's just right.

Today we are off on our own hunting expedition- what will we find..  
the possibilities are endless.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

If you think I am being sarcastic when I say Praise Jesus!! Think again. WOW - my backside still brings a tear to my eye especially getting up into my truck or up our of my bed but the Dr. says I'm o.k.  rest it - thank God for the flesh on my ass that padded my fall - what a rude awakening & I might have cracked a rib because it hurts to cough... thank God I did not break my hip.  

My girlfriend phoned me this morning, she had the same thing happen to her last year & it made her sell her house... WHILE you can still move. I've been watching a new trend in homes being built on one level - with lifts (elevators) and wider halls and fewer doors or pocket doors & doors that side flat against the wall (barn doors) - in the event the home owner ends up in a while chair outlets are higher & counters slightly lower smart planning - heres hoping the person is not a hoarder, that's just going to get worse.  Arthritis is also something that makes you learn quickly things that need to be changed  like door handles - those round cheap knobs  are useless when you have sever arthritis - pull handles or levels  are the easiest - if you can imagine these things when buying a home or building a home you're ahead of the game & can add years - decades, to the place you want to live at.  Bungalow is my new key word.

I painted this dog- lol  just to paint  & I needed to stand, I can see a bit of pain in his eyes - I'll call it curiosity'.  Before I went to my Dr.s I had some time a little giggle & decided to make him one of my Weeeeeed - side lines (already) Little Buddies' card   hee hee hee
I've turned a few friends into little buds & added professions - This is the first Dr. bud!  
He doesn't strike me as the type to 'recreational' any drug so it made me laugh all the more.  I felt silly after learning it was not broken - but better all the same to learn it's not & now I can stop stressing & rest by sitting at my desk on a big pillow & painting ! Wee! 

Everything for a reason. 

with TLC & THC

​Georgia

Funny what helps us change our minds.. a kick in the ass helped me - literally. Usually does.
Well not a kick but I fell Sunday morning - I go today to make sure I've not fractured my hip cause it hurts, I don't think I have.. just very tender, although I did crack my collar bone once & did not realize it for a few weeks because I was in a different  kind of pain - my grandma died, that pain was more powerful that the cracked collarbone.

I did not realize you could walk with a fractured hip so best to get it checked - sitting  & sleeping are painful at the moment.  Still only  a few days later & I'm actually grateful for the lesson & I understand it was needed.

The stairs that hurt now going up and down & they are everywhere help me understand...  Also I'm brought back to brain surgery days & not being able to make it to the kitchen to look after myself - stairs can prove daunting & it seems easier to go hungry. lol
As I fell I had my eyes opened - wide.  That was good I guess,  as painful as lessons are...
they are always truly for the best, as long as YOU LEARN from them.  I learned - ouch.
Now sore & tired, hard to sleep with a sore hip, back, bum yet I'm  thrilled for the continued adventure! Nothing like a kick in the ass to get me going.

 I have 2 custom card orders!  THANK YOU!
 Weeeeeeed - I can still happily paint my weed cards- and that's all I've done for two days so much fun. I am thankful I don't give up - NEVER!  Enjoy the day - fingers & toes crossed I just have a hurt bum & feelings - lesson learned:

                             Walk away...   Before YOU break your HIP. lol

with TLC & THC! Weeeeeeeeeee
Georgia 

Have You checked out Forever Grateful Greetings?   I did my first wedding card & got an order for an custom wedding card! Weeeeeed  - so happy I get to draw & share in some love on some buds special day! 
​

With Daisy gone the squirrels are going nuts!  :)   Stealing nuts! 3rd world problems Georgia..   Someone recently wrote in our local paper: Please Don't feed the squirrels!
Which made coffee snort out my nostrils! WHO the fuck thinks WE 'Birders intentionally  feed those little *&^%$circus clowns with tials. lol   NOT Me!  Although, I did at one time remark 'I wished I had squirrels... we had no 'big trees' & few in the neighborhood - careful what you wish for.  But NO, I do not 'feed them' or the occassional rat I have seen I was told years ago by a fellow gardener everyone had rats & rabbits  - everyone & the problem is not the gardeners, the problem is mass consumption if you want to get into details & how rats travel & feed as well & fast as they do - especialy in cities.

Daisy helped keep them out of the backyard. I even make a point to try & feed only the bluejays by waiting for them to call & then only put out a few nuts... I need a bigger dog, they think Ginger is a game although her effort is mighty..    she is a Dove stalker - oh oh. 
It's great to be in the garden, dirt in my coffee.. (dirt in my ears by the end of the day)  dirt under my nails, worms thrown in the composter..  the pool is open & clear & we are planting we've been inspired by & delighted with Monty Don! on Netflix - Monty helps make small gardens big miracles!  Actually Norm is like Monty the way he works ... Frig, If I coulds get those two in the garden at the same time! Woo hoo- the  garden oaisis would be complete in no time! I've designed a better bird area to deter the peanut thief  & make seed clean-up easy(r)  I want a DOG & Bird friendly garden for my best friends & constant companions - don't forget the butterflies, bees & sunflowers surrounding the bird ares to bring out my Van Gogh! I've already Painted the sign for it -mentally-  hee hee hee.

A special place for my closest companions Buddhas abound, windchimes - Peace. I'd also like to expand the pond.  I can't even put it into words to be out there and hear all the differnt birds - it's like being in the tropics -it sure beats lawnmovers  & traffic sounds.,  it is addictive - just standing there & lovely to enjoy a joint - or two.

​   Today it's raining - so I will catch up on much needed painting so I can paint all the paintings waiting in my mind to be painted. :))  
Let it pour! Water my garden while I paint Jesus! 

​With TLC & THC 

I had the best mother's day - all day!! It did not start that way...   Norm pissed me off with his typical shenanigans'  & I thought - forget this crap! I can do this... & I did. 
I packed up my 2 bitches and  turned on the GPS & headed down to the city for the day as that was the plan! OMGod me drive to the city! The girls co-operated they love the booster seat I made &  are strapped in for safety!  The GPS did it's thing... I remained calm - except for when I let out that for real "Weeeeeeeeeeeee! as I cut across 3 lanes of the highway  so I would not miss my exit!   YIKES! lol but we did it & every light turned green for it was mothers day  & it has been my greatest honour on this earth to be this  sons mom.

God rewarded me for courage & determination - so did Storm! We went to currys for all the little things to 'try out', I don't enjoy buying art supplies online. Then to a sweet little fountain pen & paper shop  for lovely purple ink and new sealing wax for all the cards I've been sending out! * BTW- Forever Grateful Greetings is up & running! A new purple pen - I'll use it to write him thank you note! 

Storm laughed when I remarked, I hope the few I know in jail remain there... at least until my penmanship gets better. I was kidding.  We laughed, talked, shopped, strolled the cheese boutique  Oh MICKEY MOUSE  if you like cheese! Go here. I actually pondered driving down again for a chunk of the champaigne gouda we had.  Hee hee   Then 'mom mode kicked in' & I straighten while he started dinner & the girls frolicked in the new play area.  By the time we were ready to dine - his pad was looking perfectly peaceful.  Dinner was better than a restaurant  & it's truly amazes me to watch him stand there & prepare, cook - while we have a conversation easily considered a 5 star meal!  I don't eat a lot of red meat unless I know he is cooking - it's tender, & tasty & I can't lie - it did have me drooling. On top of all this he had elegant delectable desserts which I woke up at 3 craving.  

We ended the day with a drizzled walk - speaking of creepy ghost stories - I had to carry princess Poppy (she saw I was wearing Storms parka and is no dummy)  Ginger loved hanging out with her big sister.  It was a perfect full day of unconditional love.  Then I had to head home, only having one glass of wine the entire day  &  a glass of 'strawberry beer &  the drug of coffee to keep me alert for the rainy, dark drive home - but as you have concluded - I made it! I was so fucking proud of myself!  Hee Hee
Above all else spending the day with Storm, hearing him talk about people he cares for, works with, seeing how determined & passionate he is as well as a hard worker that's  what Mother's day is all about.  I did enjoy a few joints with my son - had I not- I think I would have been frightened to drive home & white knuckling it all the way yet,  it was a pleasant drive once I knew exactly where I was going, I had a big smile on my face all the way home because I had the best mothers day.

God made sure as I felt like professional stunt drivers at times & did not give one stranger the finger once when cut off  several times. The girls slept all the way home!   Today, I paint!
With TLC & THC

Georgia