There is much snow on the ground..  this is how I keep warm sitting at my desk looking out the window imagining bears...  I listened to a CBC Ideas podcast on a book called 'BEAR', By a woman , Canadian & takes place in Ontario, I am yet to find another woman/friend who has read it... interesting for such controversy as being 'risky'.   I ordered it from Masters Bookstore in Haliburton,  Kathy knew which book I was refering to, I should have asked her if she read it, tee hee - this amuses me- such a sweet lovely little lady.

I'm pleased the USA transfer of President' wen't peacefully, I hope.  

This vaccine business is confusing and not at all re-assuring.  Key word, business.
I'm grateful to all who work for all who don't, can't.  All.  Thank you. God Bless.
For all who work at/in hospitals.. and struggle & then must watch others go around  maskless, thank you.  

Today, I will try to paint something to cheer others up.

With THC & TLC,  Georgia

       I have some canvas- sketched on or painted that I use when I just want to 'experiment'..
this canvas was one, first it was ALL sun & sky... the I added the snow & trees, something was STILL missing. lol   Arrow.   This is what I see - as Arrow sits on the deck and watches... everything.

After my last blog Norm went out to get grocories & got stuck on the road just off the driveway, due to poor plowing build up, no biggy.. he's no stranger to shoveling snow & knows how to drive in Canadian Winters  BUT the neighbour drove by as Norm was digging out & actually stopped  JUST to be sarcastic and then continued on 'without helping Norm.  Wow.  I was grateful - I needed that reminder!  The reminder that 'IF' Norm was to see anyone stuck on this road he would be one out there with his shovel - anyone who knows Norm - or me, knows this to be true.  ​I was also reminded of the few time others have helped,  like the kid that moved a log off my driveway that sat there for days, the neighbour clearly saw that too.  

I am learning much from my neighbours, during a deadly pandemic and we are reminded to  be kind,  be there for  each other  'for our neighbours'.  God knows...  God sees.
I thanked Norm..  yes, I guess it is the pandemic causing us to be more stressed & grumpy than usual  & we are concerned about Storm, of course.  The USA and thoughts of civil war.. Doug Ford- tells us "it's really scary but lets wait a few days more" - then - yes this is how it is but let's wait a few more days... is it or isn't it Doug?    
Holy talk about mixed messages.  There is much to ponder during the pandemic- good thing we are locked down & have much time to sort stuff out.

About Masks, Rick Warren nail it for me:
“Some churches are willing to gamble the health of their people. I’m not,”  Warren said, adding, “I don’t want to be a superspreader. I’m not doing this out of fear; I’m doing this out of love. You wear a mask for love [of] your neighbors, yourself.”
​
Vaccines.. frig- some are really worried and believe they will be safe when they get the vaccine & they MUST go to work...  give it to them first,  do what ever it takes to ease peoples stress.  I think ALL hospital staff, Dr.s then teachers & kids should be vaccinated first - if it will help slow the spread of so many dead. IF they choose.
 Give it to who actually does want it! Yes, there is much to be reminded of these days, above all else I am reminded of who   God expects me to be.

Thank you neighbour for reminding me:  Norm is the bigger man! 
Norm would have dug our neighbour out in a heart beat,  I was grateful & cut Norm some slack, he also likes doing the dishes, looks after all the animals , chopping trees and cutting out my stuff in between, building a shop,  baking fresh bagels, gets all out groceries and stuff & everything else..   ​I am thankful for him.  
I know still - if anyone  gets stuck,  still...  he will be there - shovel in hand.

Amen.

Happy Saturday!

    Yesterday was Norms birthday!  He worked on his shop - best birthday gift EVER .. lol
He’s 60 & he’s in great shape - it’s from all this hard farm work!  Birthing goats & chasing chickens has kept him fit as a fiddle… lol - more like building coops, barns. a shop, chopping down trees- yeah!  Norm won’t ever look at wood the same again. We were going to celebrate later in the evening with movie & I was making dinner but then… I had some sense knocked into me.   Literally.

I am forever telling Norm & HAVE even blogged about it - one reason many people fall in their homes is…. their dogs.  I have 5 who love me and follow me  everywhere, as you know.  I was painting in my studio, standing.. music - deep in deer snow- and I turned to get paint - turned back and Arrow was at my feet and down I went.   I protect my hands because I know they’ll break so I did not use them, instead I used my head to stop my fall - it bounced off the metal track - between my studio & house.  
I could not google  'concussion symptoms'...   it hurt that bad.
Serious dog training happening - RED tape lines they CANNOT cross - like the kitchen.
I’ll also add my girls freaked out,  they knew I was not joking and were all trying to help me up… Norm arrived a few moments later. 

Not much else happened last night, quiet, bed and today OUCH.  No concussion symptoms, Thank God. Yes, I think I actually  needed to have sense knocked into me - on a few issues- I was hurt enough to wonder if I was gonna die - for a few seconds.  I called Storm to tell him I love him.  Went to bed in pain and did not sleep…  I did talk to Jesus & have had quite a bit of clarification..   a nice calm has consumed me.   ;)  Actually grateful for the fright.

 Although sore to touch, even raise my eyebrows- I am absolutely clearer headed on several issues, humans and STRONGER than I was yesterday. AMEN.
I woke today and thanked God for it & said "o.k.! Let's prove it Jesus!"  lol    Wait & see.

I painted this deer for this stranger  “Ted” I met once  at the feed store in Halliburton (Phil is a great guy & very helpful  if you need seed/feed/animal stuff) I gave Ted my number because he said it was nice to have someone enjoy his photos.   This past year he has shared many beautiful photos of deer, flowers, butterflies, pine weasels, turkeys, amazing chickadees  and always a kind word or take care… thats’ it.  
I realized.. this stranger has absolutely been a positive light in 2020, and I wanted to say Thank you.  I’m pleased how it turned out,  inspired by a photo he sent,  playing with light & snow.

I realized we (me included) rarely ponder some people who are kind & thoughtful yet become ‘thought obsessed’  dwelling on others - who don’t even have the kindness in them to stop & say "hello" or even offer a smile - let alone kind word... 
Worse, we waste our thoughts & precious time on intentionally nasty people - robbing ourselves of  time & joy we could be thinking of the kind people we do have around us. Focus on Love, light Kindness…  I shall.
Let the Universe...    God, focus on the rest.

My head/mind needed the  alignment.
I needed to go & spend time with Jesus in prayer, thought, love.  

Excited to start the next painting!
​G

Ho ho ho!

Well, the next bird houses are on the table waiting for paint - they look good without - so I'm confident they will sell quickly as Chicken lover Christmas Gifts! Tom has done quite well with who he has donated $$$ to to date! Bravo.  I'm happy to help.

I’ve been busy creating Christmas gifts & making Christmas cards - I made  one card that had me buckled over in laughter (long story - for another day) & had me thinking about a surprise ‘Hero’ of 2020 - more later.  So, making cards makes me feel good.. when I’m reading about a woman who was legally assisted to die (in Canada) -because she did not want to endure another lock down alone. Let alone Christmas..  Tis the season.

I’m painting gifts - that keeps me thinking about the recipient(s) - whom I must care for or  I would not be panting gifts,  I can’t ‘fake it’ - not even painting.  It’s always a joy… so I’ll keep busy painting gifts for  a few I enjoy thinking about this Christmas.   I am thinking about SO MANY this Christmas in particular - all around the world I have friends- how blessed is that - and not just one’s I’ve made on social media - real humans - I’ve been blessed with meeting  - when we could meet and hug, snuggle, smooch.. laugh with, wink at… when we could.   With out feeling guilty about it. 
I’m confident some will feel it - across the miles… My love for them.

I hope everyone is focusing on themselves and what keeps us smiling.. if only on the inside for now - mask free.  Alcohol is a depressant - please remember this - me too. 
Shop local!!!  Your neighbour needs it more than Jeff Bezos - holy cow.. don’t get me started. There is a song on Canoe Fm  100.9 (love it) - “Don’t get me started…”  a song I know many are singing this year.   Speaking of- Canoe- they really promote Indigenous MUSIC  & it’s a terrific idea to introduce someone to Canadian artists - buy a CD - support a Canadian band - not preforming due to the pandemic.

I bought Canadian & locally and artisan  including the terrific paddles from the Halliburton Forest! Time to get back painting those paddles!  Time to get back painting and watch some Christmas movie to stimulate painting ideas- even if,  not in the 'jolliest' mood.

With TLCandiecanes. 

Painting paddles pondering pandemics -is what I've been doing.. how about you?
So much on my mind... I've decided to add some in point form.
First-  YAY! I found a place to purchase paddles! & I might add - have a peek at the website as - I believe a custom paddle would be a lovely gift (made in Canada) treasured and enjoyed for generations- and the website lets you customize! No, I doubt Corey will paint them for you - hee hee  Corey is the guy making paddles and he's very kind, I called and stated I wanted 'plain paddles' to paint - he had varnished, I said my hubby will have to sand... but Corey took upon himself to sand them for me!  I'm thrilled and was painting MY paddle late into the evening - a loon on one side & bear on the other for when I want to switch it up ;)    now to get busy a couple are Christmas gifts, one will be painted to donate to raise funds & a couple will be painted to sell.  

-All the loon bird houses sold-  yay! That was fast,  the next set: Cockhouses   lol
     should be completed mid week- ready for sale! 
-It snowed! Goats & chickens do not like snow.
-Do you understand that vaccines are a business - like anything else?
-Alcohol abuse is up as is  domestic & child abuse.  A young boy is dead & police officer shot locally, I  don't know he details  I wonder if alcohol was involved.  
-I HIGHLY reccomend you watch this interview- knowledge is power & isn't this topic something we should ALL really be looking into?
https://www.rebelnews.com/rocco_galatis_lockdown_lawsuit_ezra_levant_interviews_constitutional_lawyer_suing_trudeau_tam_john_tory_and_more
-I will NEVER dehorn a goat after what I have read - NEVER.
-Norm gave the dogs the worst toy- it scares the fuck out of me almost daily but is funny.
-I'm skipping Christmas,, maybe just a tiny tree - from our property -only if in way of trail.
-I'm painting items for my home -it's going to be colourful & painted with TLC in every corner.
​

30% of Snowbirds are still flocking south... WTFlock? 
I don't get it... on several levels.  I thought we were not encouraged to travel to the USA which is struggling with a pandemic?  I understood borders were still closed.  
Why would anyyone right now, want to vacation in the USA - have there been more turbulent times?  Will they be insured if they catch COVID?  
Will we fly them home AGAIN if shit hits the fan at our expense...  again?  
What if they get sick and bring it back...

I cannot be the only Canadian thinking like this.  
I also don't get it as most of these snowbirds are older, vunerable to catching covid.
I read one snowbird was missing "the beach, sun and cheap rum",  that said enough.
Sunshine & Alcohol  are worth it all?  To alcoholics, I guess.

I understand wanting to travel - especially if you own a condo down south and it's just sitting there - go... BUT this time I don't think the goverment should be responsible in anyway for your safe return.  It's NOT like the world is not aware of what's going on.  IF  YOU choose to go down south GO - but don't make other Canadians who choose to try to do what we are told to do, in order to slow a fucking pandemic killing thousands of Canadians & others around the world, pay for your selfishness.
For the sake of a tan & cheap rum is shallow & selfish.  

Clearly some don't think the rules apply to them..  and our government can't seem to get it's shit together so no wonder these loons thinks its safe to fly.  
Adios snowbirds,  Go! May you safely return in your cars and not coffins. 

With THC & TLC 
G



 

Blue moon... I was blue too.
Halloween, I did not wish to promote. 
I did create art .. I'll save it for next year
I'm actually testing out new paper!  Getting my usual black paper was a hastle..
NOW  available in a pad form (thank you Universe)  I love it &
I've been extra busy - playing with it.

Mental health Monday - blue Monday.
I don't know about you but I am physically tired and mentaly zapped. Punn intended.
There is too much going on at the moment - hard to believe that some are more worried about the POS than the Pandemic. Or rather - the mayhem expect to  ensue after the VOTE.
Another lockdown is  imminent because the Government... no, because WE (HUMANS) can't get our shit together and stay home for 3 weeks. Or wear masks when out in public.
Add  the time change and tell my pup that 4 am is too early to go out to pee.
Yup, I'm pooped.  I know I am not alone.
Many are way more tired than I am - like essential workers.  
Thank you.

The snow is beautiful -  it brings a blanket of calm and cold, perfect for napping.
It's more important to my own mental health to slow down like winter sometimes demands.
I hope you (whom ever you be) are taking time to rest - it is essential - more than your work.
It's work to stay focused and not allow depression to consume.  
I've got a painting on the easel, one on my desk and sketch pad on the coffee table & 4 blank bird houses on my kitchen table... it is essential WE all work - even if we are staying at home all day- see it as an opportunity to become better. Mom's see it as more work  I've been reading. 

At anything... that's the best advice for mental health IMO - learn a new  hobby that you enjoy.  The rest will do itself.
Alcohol consumption (drug in general is ) UP.. I know myself - have felt like a glass of wine more often than usual - so I've decided NOT to have any.  it is an educated choice I am making- alcohol is a depressant.  Alcohol is addictive - very.  
Seek help if drinking is a problem as I can guarantee you, it is a problem for others around you too.  Don't choose to make this  pandemic experience worse with alcohol. 
Smoke 'a' joint..  if you can nap and then  get creative.
I hope I get energy to get creative in the kitchen- some cookies are calling!

I am focusing on editorials,  it's how my own mind ' vents'  and then...  I smile.
On my mind - Ho Ho Holidays.  Lot's of material this year- go Figure.
Stay tooned.

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.

Well the pup is officially part of our pack... it follows us everywhere (mostly Daisy) and is learning the property & routine - Up & Out with the chickens.. The photo above cracks me up - This is Ginger snuggling & trying very hard to be a good girl and like her 'baby sister- who has tripled in size since we brought her home.   Puppies are like a 2 year old on roller-skates and they try intentionally to constantly test.   

Arrow comes to her name, sits. gives paw..and knows "NO!"  There are times when I call her- she looks at me and runs the other way- what will happen? On the leash she goes.  Norm attached a lead that goes right to the door - hooked on and put out - where she seems to enjoy this lovely cooler fall weather.  Fall! It's so beautiful - yellow and red leaves.

There's an old guy up here building birdhouses and raising money for charity -I like how he thinks so I approached him with a collaboration ;)  Since I'm painting anyhow...  Bird houses, I've painted them and am giving  3 back (keeping one- cause I love birds!) Hopefully he can raise a bit extra with these custom houses.  I painted 4 all the same - Poppies - for Remembrance day- which won't be celebrated as it usually is.  I think I'll paint four more- Algonquin themed.  So - IF you are local & want ONE of these custom painted  - Limited edition of 4 (one is gone) Poppy houses - go see the Bird house Guy!  
In Minden (near the legion) tell Him Georgia sent you. I hope they sell fast & I'll paint more
if he needs more. 

Norm said his shop is the same size as my studio - tiny and he's an old guy -so this is  his hobby - what a great idea.. so many can be doing more... not just for the pandemic but to 'help in general. This helps several ways- raising money  & having colorful bird houses - for the birds! It's a win win! 

BTW- I can't get over how well these houses are made - he even has air vents just under the roof. Intentional!  They are not able to open for cleaning as Norm pointed out- so what- I reminded him,  we never cleaned out any of our past houses and always had many birds- who has time to clean bird houses- in a perfect world perhaps.

Yes, this pup is WORK right now and I have thought during a moment of exhaustion - did you need this? lol   Yes.  I know that our new family member will be a lovely trained girl soon enough, she already makes us laugh and is fitting in well- Poppy loves her- I've never seen Poppy give another dog - kisses'  - it's so cute.   Time to paint a happy fall image. 

Have a lovely fall Y'all.

​Georgia