I've been reminded...     'Birds of a feather flock together'...  Yes they do  - YEAH! 
Great song, eh?   I know birds that flock together.. I see & hear them - chickens.
I'm making my chicken a tiny red canoe to sit in so they can pretend to go on tiny adventures... silly, simple chickens.

Show your beauty proudly as swallows crowd together & scurry & flutter among each other. 
Contnue to display your BOLD & beautiful feathers as tiny sparrows gasp at your magnificance while they chatter to themselves.  Continue to stand proud & flash your feathers - no one even notices sparrows when Peacocks are around.

I love painting birds almost as much as bud.
This peacock was just a warm up with  its beautiful & bold details with the gold gouache glittering int he sunlight!  Onto the next creation & observation.

Birds of a feather...    what kind of bird would you choose to be?
I'd rather fly solo than be any part of a flock of nasty birds - how about you?

With TLC & THC

The snow is melting..  and I’m praying that the sunshine, heat.. fresh air will curb covid.
We all need a break from covid. What a week  it’s been… I realized today after communicating with several -
I needed the reminded  - of whats important. 

A young friend is having emergency surgery soon (not her first) in pain, frightened no doubts, as her family must be..  It's times like this I wrestle with God, I don’t know how to cheer her up - what to paint.  An older friend  is not going to be with us much longer,  at one time we were planning a visit & now due to covid, borders, quarantine, timing… I realize it’s not a possibility right now. I don’t think she will make it until everything settles down, I don't even know what to say to her,  I'd like to give her hope..  
Another friend is 'chipper' but I can hear her sadness, still struggling from her mom passing  from covid..
others are  caring for family, friends and taken on much more than usual, with little chioce.

People say things I didn’t think they would & behave in ways I did not expect…  I remind myself of my own moods and outbursts lately, Norms got the brunt of  but he’s not the cause,  he's had his mood swings too, so 'we get it'.   It’s easy to be nasty,  it’s work to be positive.  
It’s work to keep painting & keep praying.  Social media in particular  I use as a distraction’.  I get frustrated with myself when I take a break, clean a brush, the next thing I know - I’m no longer considering the shade of yellow I should be using - I’m thinking about others art, lunch or  some cute dog I've just seen.  NOT looking at my own sweet beasts.

Peoplealready dealing with illness, sadness, divorce, death, depression, financial worries -  along came covid.   Covid adds  masks, judgement, vaccines, confusion, sickness, death, closures, uncertainty for everyone.  
I see we ARE all just walking each other home...  everyone has been effected. 

For my  friends concerned about the vaccine I suggest they do what ever is going to help bring them peace!   Will they feel safe if they get it - then get it!  A few, like me are wanting to wait , that’s fine too. I do understand older & ingenious people getting it as they are most vulnerable, it really is the ‘most personal choice’ I think many will have to face this year.

Norms busy & there's always wood to chop - it’s important for everyones  mental health to keep busy on projects, I think those struggling from who we communicate with, are those who appear to be watching too much news.  People who live in apartments for example have an entirely set of different issues to deal with & I can understand watching more T.V. if I was in that situation.  

Others I speak to that seem to be doing o.k.,  are those creating. Beading, painting, Cooking, zooming.. a friend has started painting' and another is doing diamond dots (seems to be a rage fro the pandemic)  another  has taken up Tai Chi  on zoom - lol  & several planning the garden! 
Planting the seeds to grow cucumber & love this civid summer.

I'm painting.  Currently starting  a large detailed painting on a different 'surface'  & taking a sabbatical while I do… I’ll stay off social media and focus on the shades of pink & yellow sky instead of someones lunch or new wardrobe or cute pooch.   I do want to show you my new paint,   I’m excited to try - hand crafted in small batches - Made in Canada - they just arrived today!  New gouache paintings soon.  BEAM paints 

Thinking about the moon I get excited to go to bed! 
I have the best view of the moon & the stars as they start to set.  There’s no better way to drift off… under the twinkling of stars with silhouettes of tall trees gently swaying it’s a wilderness lullaby.  

Ending the day  contemplating the universe & it’s beauty.
I’m just as excited to wake up - so I can watch the sunrise through the trees.  Yes, a  beach sunset is lovely as must a mountain sunrise be but until you see the sunrise as it dances thorough the branches of towering pines, maple & birch trees...  It’s magical! 

Magical or Miracle?  

Miracle.   Everyday.
My current  canvas below...

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

A winter wonderland greets me in the morning before I'm even up, just looking at it makes me calm, I enjoy  resting looking at the snow in thebrances and bluejays flying by.   Until you have to venture out, then it's another story - I don't.   Not that there is anywhere to go...   which is a good excuse to hang out with the dogs and watch the fire, read, puzzled by the new puzzle the world is wondeful  right now, right here.. not so much elsewhere.
Provided I don't turn on any news...   the calm stays with me, us. 
Yesterday I wondered when I'll see Storm again.. May ? June.. what about the vaccine..  
forget it - who can think about all this and not become exhausted...
I'll focus on the Tao way and understand the chaos is part of the plan. 

I don't even know what to think about the president of the USA takeover tomorrow,  I do hope it goes smoothly for the Americans, it's been a difficult few years already.  
What do you think about Canadians in Florida getting the vaccine?
 If I lived in Florida yes, I would probably be upset too to be honest.  
The WHO warning of a moral crisis - no shit.  

Speaking of shit - did you see the netflix special on swearing with Nicholas cage?  
I fucking told you... lol.  Well done & interesting.
I understand why I swear with this twitch.. maybe more people will become understanding with those of us who find it hard to control - if not who gives a fuck... IF my swearing is your biggest concern,  you are a dick and need to put your energy where it's needed - how about world hunger?   In a few years 'Fuck won't mean 'shit.. it doesn't now - only to those with little else to ponder.  

Norm is kicking ass in the kitchen lately and the pounds on my ass are proof.
​Positive pandemic moments= Norms cooking skills have improved greatly.
Back to painting Bears  since I'm feeling a bit bearish' I may as well go with the flow.

Look at the view I wake to each morning!  
It's no illusion or dream  as I watch the stars at night and the sun rise in the morning,  I'm so grateful to God to be here.. I thankful all day every day - I guess that was part of the Plan.

Bible Painting is a peaceful  process. Amen.

I treated myself to a new Bible a while back- and Illuminated bible - with Gold pages and beautiful art.. I’ve read the bible- this will be my third time & I’ll be drawing what ‘amuses  & intrigues’ me.  

My opinion of the bible has changed with my age & mentality… at this stage in my life I am reading and enjoying and pondering leisurely. Cathy @ Masters bookstore  in Haliburton  is very helpful and thoughtful, since I’m not going in to the store - I view online whats available, call Cathy & Norm picks it up!  Cathy chose a weekly day timer for me - I just said I like Bird, Plants & God - lol  she picked a lovely day timer that also has Bible quotes and what to read each day - in order to read it by the end of the year.  Im set!

I’m actually ahead of where I should be, as I read I quickly sketch - whatever it is that  catches my attention - and it’s different than I’d imagine you’d find in other bibles… like the hand with the red string on it -I found very interesting. ;)

Are you looking for the ultimate ‘self help ‘ book - this is it… Just ask MANY - Many great ‘spiritual’ leaders of our time mention the bible.  Reading it during a pandemic is .. interesting- I am seeing with new eyes & it’s very AWAKENING.  I understand how many scholars have worked on the bible through the centuries & how much thought has been given to the word of God.   I don’t believe YOU NEED to read the bible to become closer to God- BUT to be a better human to each other  - there’s no better guide book.
Take the 10 commandments for example- pretty straight forward rules to follow for a righteous life.  I still struggle from time to time about women in the bible - Jacob Petersons perspective  has proven very exciting & accurate, imo, especially pertaining to Adam & Eve…  I’ve very excited for his new book. 

What are you focusing on? The deadly pandemic? Job losses, financial struggles, health issues? I can tell you I have struggled with them all!  It was NOT until I really decided to focus on God, out of struggle & exhaustion - I surrendered - many times.  Each time realizing - I should have handed it over to God sooner.  Above all else I have learned - God brings everyone into my life for a reason & visa versa - EVERYONE… & every lesson eventually, ends of being one that makes me wiser, richer & happier. 

Sometimes I wonder - REALLY Lord?  This person??  This person causing me grief?? 
Why are they in my life?  Not always clear at first… then I understand it is  for ME to fucking humble myself - get past my own EGO & issues & to: Pray for them.  

It’s really that simple.  Praying for someone is powerful - it’s asking GOD to help others not yourself - the actual miracle starts with the love that inspires a miracle.  
Me praying for some when they have hurt me or others - is a miracle in itself.

I can’t force anyone - but I hope to inspire many- read your bible!  Not only is it interesting & entertaining, IT has BEEN the most popular, best selling MOST read self help book on the planet for a reason. I’m excited to spend the day painting - it will be my most prized possession when finished.

God Bless!

I'd like to start this mental health week on a positive note with a positive suggestion:
Go into this winter (lockdown) with the mind of a caterpillar & in the spring prepare to emerg & transfigure into 2021  stronger, healthier & wiser. Why not!?
How can anyone not be wiser after all this.  I'd like to share a couple suggestions of what I KNOW works for me - it can't hurt.. yes, I've had experience with depression before a pandemic - 202o was one of our happiest years. So here goes, a few pointers to prevent depression spiraling out of control.

-Have Faith.  I can't express it enough... To have faith is everything - to have Faith is to have faith in me.  Have Faith we will continue through this.

-If you are struggling with thoughts of giving up, be brave and ask to speak to someone.
I had/have 2 Dr.s  who speak & listen... explain.  God  sent my Dr.s, I know it now.  
"I promise you Georgia, it will get better... soon you will meet someone & have your own family.."   said my Dr. sitting in his office (after hours) as he stitched me up for  'cutting', a little too deep 'that time' & I was too embarrassed to go to the hospital.  I cut my arms , thighs, abdomen with a razore blade for years... my mother never seemed to notice,  I found out later, she informed others I did it because "I was fucked up"... I sure was.  I cut because I did NOT know how to deal with the depression, I cut to hurt myself because I felt I was not wanted. I cut because I was the only one I could control.  I cut becuase it felt better to hurt myself than others. I am reminded by scars physical & mental.  
Find someone to talk to - if you can't find someone - there's ALWAYS Jesus.  

-Do not drink alcohol. So much abuse could be avoided without alcohol.  All you have to do is 'pass on the alcohol.  Because, I was raised in a 'alcohol home there are times during this pandemic - I've condiered getting drunk to forget it all, if only for a few hours. Yikes.  Not a good time to get drunk and wallow - it's easy to be swallowed by depression with all currently happening. Don't do it.. it only dulls the feelings, nothing goes away.
​After excessive alcohol, problems are usually worse as well as feeling hung over.  
I treat myself to LUCs brew in a wine glass- LOVE the blueberry Basil,  not only is it tasty, refreshing- it's good for me. Alcohol Free.   It's your choice.

Read. Craft.. learn to speak a new language...  I learned to speak Goat - just as Nugget.
Why not- NOW is the time to dream & transform - ready to spread our wings & FLY when...  we can.

With THC & TLC
​Georgia
  

Hairless kitties fuck with your mind.  As I painted this kitty - I kept (naturally) wanting to brush fur or 'a' whisker even.. I had to focus and remember this is a genetic hairless kitty and was not easy to paint.  The wrinkles adorable tho.  I guess this is what cats look like without fur.

Mental Health Monday - Many will be feeling EVEN more stressed today with the current information: The Military will be deployed to vaccinate us all. 
The military will be administering the vaccine...   sounds a little 'Handmaidenish' don't you think?  Ironically, I did have a friend tell me this months ago.. I brushed it off with little thought, not now.  Is anyone else slightly concerned? Will it  be mandatory - that would cause a bit of chaos imo - no.. it won't be mandatory but good luck traveling, shopping or if you have to go to the hospital - you'll get it or you won't be able to play'.  

Here we go... I don't even know what to think today.. editorials are spilling out my ears.

About the 'vaccine'... about side effects.  Are we playing with covid cures?  Swatting at things in the air- it appears so.. a government who can't seems to get on the same page with rules and regulations are leading me to believe  they have in fact- known this was the direction INDEED that this was all GOING to go.
  Not being an essential worker, I  have the luxury of time & reading & I'll tell you there is very conflicting, interesting information circluating right now... worlddoctorsalliance.com some very intelligent people are speaking up about the current situation and motive behind it-  have a read.. THINK for yourself- what do you think? 

I've had several reactions over my life time with medication - once almost killed me - luckily I was in the hospital when it happened., my friend Kat happened to be visiting me and noticed I started slurring & my tongue  (should be spelled TUNG)  started to swell and I started to pass out - the nurses came running  with a shot' to counter act  the previous medication and here I sit. 

Another occasion the medication I was given made me feel like ripping my skin off,  itchy - from the inside out - I was off it in 2 days.  I often vomit when taking  pills -they don't sit well in my stomach & opitaes really mess me up leaving me  feel lathargic, uncoordinated, sick and constipated - nope, LET FOOD BE they medicine & even that is natural, my medicine.  NO - I don't want to be first in line for this vaccine. 
​Side effects.. can linger and not show for years.
Will the cure - be the cure or  a future curse?  
Try not to stress about this.. read & become more educated and better prepared.
​
 Hairless kittys are not for me but it was pleasurable to paint!

​With TLC & THC
Georgia
​