The snow is melting
the bunnies are hopping
soon.. mushrooms will be popping.

Acrylic on oval canvas.

Our little Nugget is getting bigger, sweet to watch playing with her mom & step dad  ;D
We don't know if Indica is the father perhaps I should book him on the Maurey show. Nugget tries to head butt her mom and you can see they are teaching her, much more gentle than with each other.  They all sleep snuggled in the tiny loft in the goat barn & their body heat really keeps it warm in there, it's also insulated.
 
They seem very content,  Indica has taken up playing with the dogs through the fence & it's comical.  We're happy we decided to put them where we did because we can see them through the kitchen window & it's amusing to see them looking back.  I must have an incredibly rare breed of goat - this goat Indica,  he turns his nose up at most things we offer him & gives a disgusted 'SNORT' just to make sure you know his displeasure.  Sativa & Nugget eat everything. They did NOT eat the cannabis plants last summer but did enjoy some dried leaves & branches,  I'll plant one for them this year to try again.  
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Cannabis &  Hemp are good for all, humans and creatures.

8 Painted turtles waiting to be painted - a busy day today!
The first is alwasay the most fun - the first is the prototype and fun! The first takes the most thought, once I decide on colours I let loose.. these turtles take a long time, nice & slow.

What ant adventure these houses have been.  God puts everyone in our path - I'm happy Tom & I have had this creative experience it's pushed me 'out of the box or out of the House'.   I'm thinking FOX next.  
Once painted I deliver them back & Tom works diligently to promote, sell & raise $.
All $ raised from the sale of the birdhouses is  donated to local charities.  I don't care who he chooses... I'ts all good - I'm happy to contribute. & make people smile with a cold bird house! I'm told they make lovely gifts.  ;)

I've quite to collection myself now - who knew.  I think I might build a 'birdhouse Arch' to put them all on: Snoopy, fish, loon, chicken, bluejay, turtle & the original 2 painted poppy houses.  I can't wait for the birds to MOVE it!  Norm clear coats them - so they should be fine outdoors.  The Snoopy house stays in the studio.   

In the spring Tom will set up a display for passing tourists ;).  I've had several ask 'If we ship?  Sorry to say No, thanks for asking,  to box up alone - they are heavy, it would add easily $20 just to ship.  Im already thinking about the next creature, as long as Tom keeps up  I guess I will as well.  It's a gift when you can use 'your gift' to help others, I'm grateful for  the opportunity. 
 
How are you feeling in your bubble?
This made Norm laugh out loud when he noticed it.  ;)
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I read that quote and couldn't help but think of the righteous branch - Cannabis.
Reminded for all the CHILDREN it helps to this day  (and adults) - now MORE than ever... & in our lifetime LEGAL - Miracles do come true!  Every day.  

I noticed when I moved here a common occurrence on the local radio station with constant negative  remarks towards cannabis...  one morning the "D.J" actually commented - it being pretty much a 'joke', that a cannabis worker - would be considered an essential worker. Wow ...   at a time when I know my son & all others are working record amount of hours, struggling like most other companies with all sorts of disruptions, employees health issues, concerns & more growing quality medicine… yes, to many is still is very much a MEDICINE.  
WHO is anyone to judge anyone for anything right now?  
Yet alone  what they choose to heal and help themselves with. I never heard them knocking opiates or alcohol, quite that opposite - the alcohol mentality flourishes, I had no idea the amount of alcohol songs even existed, let alone encouraged with a tune at 9 a.m. cheers, I see why it would be a constant problem for many struggling alcoholics, reminded all day long with song.    I’m pretty sure they understand the power of song.  Also ironic for any radio station, playing the music created by many of the artists who in fact used, promoted and were no doubts inspired by cannabis - to the point songs were indeed created in homage.  Slightly hypocritical - no?

I indeed contacted them and informed them of the importance of essential workers in the cannabis industry, and to please refrain from such remarks in the future.   I was made aware my opinion was not appreciated, probably not - I told them if they continued, I would report them… needless to say the remarks  seemed to have ceased.  I'm done with anyone thinking they can shame or judge anyone for their cannabis use anymore.  The fact that they STILL do only  displays a lack of education & compassion and really - is it a ‘wise’ move, at a time in Canada when Cannabis is absolutely a GROWING - thriving industry?  
More elderly than ever are using cannabis NOW to assist with chronic paint than ever - AMEN.  

Anyhow I’m grateful for the education and solved the issues easily…   
Inhale the good shit & exhale the bad shit - or simply ‘turn off & tune in’.  
Hello Alexa.  :)   Please play some lovely  music without all the judgemental bullshit.
For creating ‘art' (or anything)  the less distraction - ‘opinions of others’ when you are trying to create
 - for the creator…   the better.  
Listen to your heart. Listen to the Lord.  Listen to podcasts! lol 
I  prefer instrumental music best when painting.
Cannabis  is a gift from God.   Don’t let ANYONE shame you for being joyful’ that’s how cannabis makes countless feel… just ask those suffering with cancer.
Amen

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. 

Finally.
Finally this Loon is out of office!  
America will have lots to clean up after this fucked up four year stint.

That close.. still.  Got me shaking my head. I don't think it was that close at all, just more antics.  Glad he is gone & I don't have to draw his Donkey face one more day.
I dont even want to think about his path of destruction, he is done!
I hope it's a peaceful transition and the Trumpateers don't get rowdy.
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The entire world expected him to LOSE.  HOPED.  PRAYED.

Thank God.  
Amen for America.
YAY! First female VP! Fuck ya!  
Female,  black,  asian blood... there is hope.

with THC & TLC
​G
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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

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! 
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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.

Hee Hee! That was the most fun I've ever had with a commission!!  When approached - it took me all of 3 seconds to decide... YES!  I was asked to paint these doggos (some still here & some passed) - the concept alone was exciting. The client had no idea of the direction I was going and this painting was a bit bigger than she suggested.  I asked for 3 photos of each dog and a paragraph on each dog.. then, I started & became so caught up - it was like they were my dogs, I forgot to even take photos.  The timing perfect,  soon we welcome our new baby & I have dogs on the brain.  This was hard for me to part with & harder to keep since it was already paid for haha.   It was also heavy as it is painted on wood. Thanks to Norm for his assistance.  The client is very pleased... which has me beaming.  
Painted with LOVE... it is loved.  I love to paint. More than ever before - it's this hill. It's why when I first stepped out of the vehicle on the first visit here - I KNEW, this is it. 

When I first told people where I lived - everyone asked - The puppet house? Do you have a sweet little sauna? Well.. YES! I do have a  sweet little sauna, as for puppets house, I have no clue.  Then, it was dolls of some sort, finally we fond out the house up the hill was the place that made Wrinkle dogs. Remember them, big in the 8o's? How cool & fun must that have been - VERY - when I still see people smile who said they were up years ago when they did the puppet show.  Then I researched a little further to find out the creator (rockstar) Catherine Senitt was also an amazing painter! Talk about a creative genius... it appears this woman did it all. I then found her website  Cathy Senitt & was  up all night looking over her art.  I knew it felt special.. this hill. I have BIG brushes (paint) to follow.. lol  Below is one of her works I love- birds of course but I recommend you check out her website to see how vibrant her art is!! 

I still feel Cathys energy  & am blessed because of it.  I knew it!
Each morning I wake - inspired- what shall I paint today!?   What can we create! 
I am planning a 'Tribute' painting reflecting one of Cathys, for my home (which I understand was built for her parents).   As for all her awards, galleries..  I can still dream.
I have reward enough by waking up each morning surrounded by all this beauty- thank God.

There is no contact info on her website. I hope she is still well, thriving & absolutely still painting. I'm blessed because she shared this hill & art before me. I live on a hill named after a successful Canadian Artist! Female! Ha!

I can't stop.. do what you love.  Cathy obviously did - all those puppets! Oh my gosh, I wished I would have known and visited the puppet house - as a kid... even happier to
 Be HERE NOW. 

Inspired by love you will not fail & the message that the client sent me was full of love. ;)
Yay! Support your local artists! 
with THC & TLC
​G