Inspired by original illustrations. Winnie the Pooh. A.A. Milne
Piglet~ "How do you spell Love?"
Pooh~. "You don't spell it, you feel it.
This blog & painting have been 'Poppy approved'.
Pooh & Piglet camp fire . 8 x 8 gouache on watercolour
Inspired by original illustrations. Winnie the Pooh. A.A. Milne Piglet~ "How do you spell Love?" Pooh~. "You don't spell it, you feel it. This blog & painting have been 'Poppy approved'.
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The day I moved in, I pulled into the driveway (truck piled high with boxes & my snail Garry) a beautiful summer day - I stepped out of my truck and immediately had a Luna month land on me - *on the rosary I was wearing & stayed there!!
I sowed my friend Geoffrey, who followed me in his vehicle - exclaiming excitedly: Look! An official forest greeting! It stayed there until, I gently removed it and placed it on some flowers, as I was excited to unpack. At the time, I didn't even know it was a Luna Moth -or how rare a sighting actually is - let alone one landing on me. Looking at how beat up it was, it is a blessing it even made it -they only live 10 days. 10 days for such a beautiful creature who doesn't have a mouth -it is simply here at this point to be admired and reproduce. When I googled Luna Moth -Google shows: Luna moth landing on you meaning... of course I looked. It's rare to see one flying but especially rare to have one actually land on you - if so it's said to represents good luck, I certainly felt lucky watching it hanging on to my rosary. Transformation, change & a reminder to enjoy life as it is short. This I am aware, especially the past few years. It is also suggests, if one 'lands on you, you actually have the potential to find your soulmate. I think it must be Arrow - lol. Since moving here, I seem to attract butterflies, dragonflies - to the point I joked; stating my new forest name is Butterfly Branch'. I have countless images and video with them on me. I can't put into words how fantastic it feels to have a free, tiny, intelligent creature of God, grace me with their presence. I've learned to welcome them all and am not afraid of a bee or wasp lands on me, I understand they are exploring - just like we do & they won't harm, unless threatened -just like us. The snow (a few inches the past few days) has me speculating spring - it won't be long. Soon we'll be out exploring the woods, currently though - I'm exploring botanical painting in watercolour & gouache. I'm going to try some more moths and bugs and branches, trees & leaves are limited but it's pine with me.. heehee Signs, how many times do we get signs and dismiss them as - oh - it's just a moth landing on me? Nope - That moth graced me with it's presence as it was dying & I'm forever grateful, welcoming me with a sign' like no other, as I arrived at my new home ready for new adventure. My prayer today is: Thank you. Fantasia. 1940 - Walt Disneys 3rd full length feature Gouache on black -Night on Bald mountain.
Which Disney movie has the most nudes? lol - Not a question I think many ponder when relating to Disney but Fantastia has many, from lovely bathing girl horses, to flying screaming naked demons - picking up creatures and dropping them into the fires of hell, al in Fantasia. It is an artistic masterpiece, with countless different styles and mediums - including pastels. If you have the opportunity to see the making of Fantasia- it's as impressive. I was terrified of this monster when tiny, creating dancing flames -squashing 3 women in is hands - turning them into a wolf, pig & bear - then dropping them also into the fire. The monster on the mountain appears each evening and calls forth his demons by casting his shadow across the land- releasing the spirits from the cemetery, castle and towns. These spirits resemble the grim reaper, it's a powerful scene. It's also incredible- the use of light in this particular animation. If I had to pick a favourite scene - it's difficult.. dancing mushrooms, floating flowers, a ballet with a Hippo & Alligator - it's all spectacular as animation goes! Not everyone was a fan- they antic aped this Disney to be like the others and it is not, it's a showcase of the variety & talent of Disney from one extreme to the other. Let's not forget it was all accompanied by classical music, this movie was not presented as a movie but rather as a concert' - they even gave out special programs (I wish I had one today!) like they would give out, at the circus - a keepsake of the event. Fantasia is like no other Disney movie. As soon as hints of light representing Good' shines, you can see the monster & darkness (evil) withdrawing, as light is visibly painful to him & all the spirits return to their resting places. The movie soon ends after lights carried by humans in a precession becomes brighter, accompanied by Amazing Grace & the arrival of a new day! Hope. Disney invented a special camera to give depth to his films. Walt Disney was a genius, if you learn his journey you will find out how many times he failed, almost went broke and had many challenges & heart aches, like we all do - he preservers time & time again. He also employed & still does (Disney the company) - thousands around the world. Walt Disney entertained & enlightened nearly every human on the planet, almost everyone knows who Mickey Mouse is - that little mouse that started it all. I'm s grateful for that tiny mouse & Walt, my inspiration to learn how to draw. I hope I'm inspiring a few to re-visit these classics, compared to some things I've seen on television lately, it's nice to be reminded of true talent & art, instead of trashy time wasters. Next: The Reluctant Dragon... don't remember it? Neither did I! I have since watched & will be painting this week. Jiminy!!! gouache on black. 8x 11. 2nd Disney feature film created!
Wow- Pinocchio is 83 years old on Feb 7th! As you are aware I'm a fan - lol, I think I say this with each Disney movie-but some more so than others. It's been great watching all the remakes! I prefer the Disney classic over the new Disneys version. This film has many lessons on life - if heeded -you should be o.k. Listen to your conscience... moderation, determination & faith. The movie did not do well its first release because of the war, it did better every time after & has since been said to be one of the greatest movies ever made - I concur. The scene where Pinocchio smokes a cigar & turns green - Thankfully - the same thing happened to me many moons ago! I stole a (Dimauria (?) not sure of spelling) cigarette from my grandma & snuck to my room, sat by the window to smoke... One long puff and I was SICK. I still remember it!! I sure I turned green, my head spinning, gagging accompanied with instant regret. Thank you Lord, as I've known many who struggle with a serious 3 packs a day, deadly addiction. Guess what- I NEVER tried another cigarette, ever. I have tried skinny cigars, but was not too thrilled about them either . Yes, I've smoked several joints - cannabis has never made me feel sick - quite the opposite - so it must be what's in cigarettes, I have no desire to ever try again. I've always remembered that feeling when watching Pinocchio - I think it's good for children to witness. The new Disney version - with ALL the alcohol & adventure park (?) I thought was too much, it would only confuse little ones, or entice. I've already painted several Pinocchio, it's the 2nd classic Disney feature film ever made- and what an incredible follow up after Snow White. You should watch the classic & compare it to the new version - much the same but different - which do you prefer? Watching Disney in order - I noticed something else - there are so many tiny hidden 'facts & images in Disney movies... I noticed in Snow White, Doc exclaimed "Jiminy!!" : *An expression of surprise or annoyance. I wonder how many movies the expression will be used - I know it's also in Peter Pan. Let's not forget the classic song- When you wish upon a star... What will you wish for, the next time you are glancing at the stars? I don't wish, I pray. My daily prayer: Thank you Lord for your continued patience & love. Next Saturday - Fantasia!! Jiminy!! - it really is my all time favourite! lol. I have no clue what I'll paint - a work of art, of course - I'm excited. 'Can you guess? It is called: Penis envy gouache on watercolour 8 x 11. Wow!
Friday - funny. LOL. How could I resist, the thought gave me a giggle. Some mushroom names are different', much like the names of the many strains of cannabis! Penis envy' is easy to understand if you see these mushrooms - google. They are huge! Penis envy mushrooms remind me of king oyster- YUM! sliced & fried - I'll take it over meat. It is a psilocybin mushroom, I've seen them online & they are massive. Mushroom stones - created long ago - were destroyed because people thought they resembled a penis. Man is man - because of his penis, it's nothing to be ashamed of. There are many symbols around the world today t0 said to identify or rather were inspired by the penis. Mushrooms & members do look similar, still, they all kinda look the same - mostly. Do you know why most statues -like David (by Michelangelo) have a small pecker? Historians suggest, men with big cocks had smaller brains, well this was at least the consensus at the time. Hmmmmmm pondering the phallus & its relation to the individual.. in my experience, I'd have to agree. Although, I am sure there is exceptions to the weenie rule. This past week, some scientist suggest the 0ld adage - men who drive sleek sport cars also are trying to compensate for a smaller schlong. This gave me a good giggle, as we all know men who drive fancy sports cars - who are arrogant pricks. Again, there are exceptions to the rule.. I guess. Speaking of cars, not long ago I was considering an electric vehicle, in a short few months after much reading, watching & paying attention to the market- right now, you could not pay me to buy an electric vehicle, this combustion thing is concerning. I'd like a truck, I had a Ford ranger for years - it was my favourite vehicle, full of fond memories. I also had a corvette stingray for a little while, (back then my dad - Bill, was a fleet manager for Ford) that was fun too. I'm fine getting around as is, Storm takes me where I need to go for the moment, in the spring I'll look at vehicles again. No tiny sports cars for me - lol... I'd rather have anything that allows me to bring my pack places. Don't be envious of anyone - or their penis - besides, it's not the size of the ship but the motion of the ocean. Enjoy your day! Created to create Mushroom Mask. gouache on black 8 x 11.
I noticed after I posted - I forgot to paint something - can you see where? I get distracted sometimes, don't we all. Even painting, my mind wanders, usually effected by emotions of the day & it's events. This painting was chosen from a bunch of papers I have lying around, images I like & collect for whatever reason, to paint on a 'rainy day. Or - frankly, I was feeling grumpy & just NEEDED to sit, paint & ponder. On occasion, I'll simply close my eyes and pull out a page from my "morgue " (that's what cartoonists call our stored images) -this gives me a break - from what I've been pondering & painting. It points my mind in a new direction - exercise for the brain. Yet - it keeps me painting on days - I don't necessarily know what to paint, a temporary 'block frame of mind - there is no excuse not to paint. The earliest evidence of magic mushroom use is a mural that was found in Northern Australia which depicts mushrooms and psychedelic illustrations. Archeologists have dated it back to 10,000 BCE. Rock paintings in Spain suggest magic mushrooms were around prehistoric people in Europe in 4,000 BCE. Some scientists argue that it can be assumed humans have been consuming psilocybin since our brains developed and we became evolutionary distinct. This is in part because other species, like dolphins, reindeer, and jaguars, seek out and consume psychedelic substances. Also, psilocybe mushrooms are not only available but common, on every continent. Reading & learning about psilocybin is fascinating! Especially the healing aspects & rituals.. it has me wondering , had "political suits' not intervened - we might be (probably) a little better off - mentally, emotionally. Obviously, when you learn about the history - we have been well AWARE of the potential of psilocybin. This makes me angry, understanding the lies, laws & deception abound them... I believe if psilocybin were available NOW - suicide rates - would drop - especially for teens - rather than put them on pills that will chemically effect & change their brain -research anti depressants. KNOW what they do (long term) to your brain & your children's brain. If people had a safer option than OPIATES (used recreationally) - & YES, psilocybin is the safer option - we might not have so many overdoses. Which reminds me - there was a warning in the local paper about a noticeable increase in opiate overdose recently, locally. Please don't MIX drugs - drugs & alcohol are a deadly combination. It also suggests you don't get high alone, this is tricky - because many JUDGE drug users and shame them - this is the reason, many hide what they re doing and use when alone. I think because of our early cannabis education - it educated us on many issues including reasons people become addicted, all of which I am grateful - the more you KNOW, the wiser your choices will be. Please don't use drugs alone if you are not sure of how they will react on your own body. Please, dont drink & drug. Created to create. I've been playing a lot with gouache & exploring light, trying to incorporate more of light into my art & life!
Rise & SHINE! Be the light in someone dark day. The cracks are where the light shines in. I did take a second class on domestic, with Ruth Wilshaw -a more advance gouache, I think I've taken all I can or need to I know gouache - now, it's just about mastering a few other details. Becoming better - every day, that's the plan. Light, I find is easier to achieve on white paper, compared to black but I'll try black too. Hey, you reading this... would you like a card or postcard to bring a bit of sunshine' to your day? Ask. Send me your address in an e mail georgiatoons@gmail.com & I'll mail you out a card. No strings.. anytime. It would be my pleasure to help brighten your day, if I can. We are here to serve & love our neighbours'... everyone on this earth IS our neighbour. Created to create - you are. Mr. Toad. gouache on water colour 6 x 6
Just a handsome toad pondering life. Enjoying some of the finer things- a good book, cigar & scotch (yuk) everything in moderation. I was going to share a documentary once a week but I watched a movie recently, that I have to say - HOLY FRIG! Talk about tense. FALL on Netflix. Fall is a non-stop, sitting on the edge of my seat movie (all of us), to the point we have discussed it several times already. My stomach was actually cramping from being so tense for so long- all kidding aside how healthy can that be & the fact that a movie - not a horror movie, which I do not watch - had me holding my breath so many times, I'm surprised I didn't pass out. I could feel my body moving with the character - I could feel the struggle . Many times - I had to turn my head from the TV , again, because what I was watching made me feel uncomfortable. Only two women, the entire film in one location & I was not bored for a moment. Well done. There's even a plot twist you don't see coming - it won't be forgotten anytime soon.. gets you thinking about 'deadly social media trends too. I highly recommend this movie... heeheehee. It also emphasizes - Life is for living! LOL... I'm not about to live it UP , like these girls but yes, life it short - ENJOY it & don't live in fear. Created to create- what are you 'designing today? Who The Fuck are you? Gouache on black. 6 x 6
"I'm just... " lol - Who is singing that song in their brain, right now? This goes back to Joe Rogan, commenting - who is anyone to tell us what we can & cannot consume? Government tried to prohibit alcohol - Good fucking luck - they could NOT so instead they have made it easily available (every corner store) and it washes our brain with every series', movie and much advertising, everyone is drinking - grab a glass! Although NOW - PROVEN carcinogenic. Alcohol consumption went up with the pandemic, so did domestic abuse & child abuse. It's gone from a glass of wine or two (a few) a day, is o.k. to - consider - NONE. We now have a trend of 'Alcohol free January', due to all the over indulgence we do around the holidays. If I had to "bet' I'd think many can't DO alcohol Free January - even if, they wanted to. Too much alcohol, makes alcoholics. I wonder how many have said "that will never be me" I've got in under control... Too many. I know several. Cannabis - used for centuries - has finally legal here (& no we did NOT go to Pot') , after much bickering, political abuse, statistics - we were finally ALLOWED to smoke some grass if we want- Government approved grass - at a profit to the government, of course. WTF? NOW - here we are again, maybe if we behave properly (?) some people, who know little about psilocybin might grant us permission - since they are well aware- it's going in that direction. OF course the government will HAVE to make it legal - to MAKE money. Not because they care for the mental, emotional health of the people. Not because they are concerned for "our children'. IF government cared they would focus on shit the actually matters- like child trafficking.. o.k. start a little smaller.. Here we go again ; Psilocybin have actually been said to be the safest "drug' - I can't find a singe death attributed to mushrooms alone... humans who abuse them & take with alcohol and other substances at the same time, thats' a different story. Some humans are prone to stupidity & recklessness - just watch some Instagram reels to be convinced of this. It has NOTHING to do with the mushrooms. Stupid is AS stupid does. Seriously, back to ALL the many ways children die, daily: cords on blinds, car accidents, gun accidents, skipping ropes, swallowing toy batteries, ingesting household cleaners, choking on hotdogs & balloons.. OMG! The list is endless & NOT on the list - is psilocybin. Enough is enough - when are people going to say -Enough is fucking enough!? I am on a mission after reading The Myth Of Normal By Gabor Mate. MD, to try to educate the way I do- drawing more mushrooms & cannabis. Planting HEALTHY seeds of self care & education, especially regarding Mental HEALTH. WHO is anyone to tell anyone how to heal? To prevent them from using a substance, once again proven to help for centuries. Wanting to feel better is NOT a crime - it is a human right & expectation, a right of passage = performed and appreciated for centuries - until some guy in a suit decided that they need to control - what is not theirs to control. WAKE up. Psilocybin have been decriminalized in B.C. - soon it will be all of Canada. The war on drugs has failed & continues to do so - with every non violent offender in jail. Healing begins with love. How sweet it is to be loved by you, starts to play, as I post about the 'power of Love'. Pondering the power of love. Gouache on black 8.5 x 10 We all teach & teach all the time.. Are you planting seeds of Love or Hate? How sweet it is, to get a letter thanking me for 'teaching by example' , from a friend who just exploring paints. She is also brave enough to explore black paper - yeehaw! It's exciting being creative! Happy to be in service. I've been pondering love lately, specifically Gods Love, absolutely perfect love. A reminder as well - all other love, too - is Gods will. It will or it won't. No point stressing over anything, that God has planned. It's all good because - it's all God. Focus on the Power of Love Love yourself, as you would love others. Do what you love. Heading into 2023... Pooh & Piglet gouache on watercolour 6x6
If you look closely you will notice I changed it to Fuck it - instead of Fuck Trudeau. Trudeau will fuck himself, at this rate. I'm listening to a podcast (Jordan Peterson) on how many times Trudeau used his power (against Canadians) for no other reason, except to advance his power. Politics that prevented Canadians from travel, work, visiting family - we were told it was science & it has been PROVEN it was JUST political - no science. Name calling, encouraging hatred & divide amongst Canadians -blatant lies. Many forced to take a vaccine (or lose their job) , a vaccine that would PREVENT the transfer/transmission of covid from human to human & we all know how that went. & if you don't... it didn't. How can Canadians trust Trudeau at this point? Boy oh boy, was this an 'eye opener' & I am thankful for the lesson - no more 'idols', go within, trust God. This is all part of the lesson, we are to learn. IF God, gave us all 'choice' - who is anyone, to take it from us? I know, am not alone. Watching Trudeaus recent interview where they show him & the crowds when first running for PM & the Now. People throwing kisses & hearts to rocks & Fuck Trudeau posters. I understand & agree with the protesters - Oh wait.. Trudeau sets off the Emergency act (which he still defends) on our peaceful protestors but states, he agrees with and encourages China protests. At this point, I don't even know... will it be a 'Better the devil you know situation? I don't know. I don't hate Trudeau, I am disappointed in myself for putting so much faith in him, yet thankful for his service & the lessons. The best lesson we all must learn: WE THE PEOPLE. I don't agree with the rocks or violence by the way (I do understand the anger) but there is some sacrifice that comes with this "job", added stress, complete loss of privacy, on behalf of his family as well. Not one of us is perfect - Jesus asking who wants to throw the first rock? Who is without sin? Yee Haw! Bring in 2023! I plan on thanking God for every single day, all day - every day! Pinocchio lies Gouache on black
Cannabis for joint pain, Pinocchio discovers he can grow his own & Jimmy Cricket is thrilled too… just for enjoyment. I was inspired by recent Pinocchio creations! Pinocchio is one of my all time favourites. Walt Disneys version created in 1940 amazes me, every time. The original background art is stunning, look at the details if you have the opportunity.The animation involved by several creative contributors to make it the masterpiece it is. The story - non stop adventure &life lessons… a tale loved by countless & it’s been told several times the past couple of years. I suggest watching them all, over the holidays, each a work of art. I’ve already written about Roberto Benigni 2019, version of Pinocchio, it was lovely & visually comforting, live action & animation & a sweet tale with a few tears. This would be my 3rd choice. Guillermo de Toros version of Pinocchio - on Netflix is my second choice - the stop motion animation had me watching in amazement! Fascinating to imagine the work that went into this animation wonder. It’s different - as in story. A little brutal at times, actually & Yes, it did bring me to tears. I need to watch it again - just to appreciate the animation. I think in some ways it’s better than Disneys original… which brings me to my last choice. The new Disney version of Pinocchio, Tom Hanks was perfect casting. The rest was as anticipated, terrific animation, visual effects on a Disney scale & the storyline much the same from the first version. I enjoyed it but there were a few things I thought they should not have changed, I did not like the character design on several in this version, but everything changes… even Pinocchio. First choice - The original 1940. Pinocchio, hand drawn & painted classical animation beauty, clearly - we are still watching it 80 years later. Snows on the way! Tis the season. Stay safe Grinchy grinch. Gouache on black
My second favourite Christmas classic - The Grinch! * The cannabis was an after thoughts & drawn separate, Stink, Stank, Stunk.. reminded me of some 'skunk. This warm up - inspired a set' currently waiting on my desk for Christmas decor this year'. A project by two creative Genius- Chuck Jones & Dr. Seuss - how could it not succeed? Any Warner brother cartoon fan can’t help but recognize Chucks work - the facial expressions and tiny quirks that we’ve watched for decades, for example when Max being yanked by the sled- ends up wrapped around the grinches head- a classic Bugs Bunny move. WB fans will also recognize June Foray - her voice used in countless cartoons - is also Little Cindy Lou Who. Thurl Ravenscroft who sang the songs & helped make the grinch the success it is - everyone knows the words, actually did NOT get any credit or mention - which was a serious oversight. Later he was recognized & acknowledged for his contribution - he was also the voice of Tony the Tiger. When the Grinch gets his nasty idea- his face becomes quite frightening, if only for a second… The never ending Grinch grin alerts us to naughtiness ahead. Another story of Christmas frustration & consumerism' turned into awareness of 'Christmas Spirit' - of light & love. Singing around a giant tree turns into singing around a giant light that lifts up & to the heavens. Who doesn’t love Max? The faithful friend to the Grinch, happily Max - is served the first slice of Roast Beast, a perfect ending. There is a new Grinch Movie, I will PASS on, an adult live action deadly, murdering Grinch. I saw one image from the movie & decided to pass - it had me pondering - what would Chuck & Theadore think? Winnie The Pooh also has a live action murder, action, thriller…. sigh. I’ll pass on it too. Making a Pooh Horror film is possible because, recently the original book became available from copywrite laws so anyone can use the story, as their own.. you can NOT use The Disney version of Pooh, as it/he is still protected. I don’t watch films like ‘that’ any longer, not from fear, or violence - I just thought (after watching something along those lines) how did watching that movie, enrich my life in anyway? Was it informative? Uplifting? Educational? Enlightening? Helpful? Or just 2 hours of senseless violence. The choice is yours- what will you be watching? Watch the original Grinch with your kids - let them see that heart grow until it becomes TOO big. Have a creative day! My morning warm up... the best Christmas special. A Charlie Brown Christmas. gouache on black.
What is the meaning of Christmas? Linus explains it's the birth of our King - Jesus Christ. This image is when Charlie Brown stops and looks up to God & is grateful... then, everything changes. Thank God. When creating this special, network producers told Charles Schultz to get rid of the scene with Linus speaking of God & Jesus & he said: NO. They use it all, or no Christmas Special. It is my favourite animated Christmas Special, next would be the classic Grinch... Tis the Season Next.. My 'frisky' gingerbread. December - in like a lion! Woke up to so much snow- Poppy & Ginger both said: No.
Peeing indoors (in the bathroom on the pads) will probably be it, until the big dogs carve some paths. Lol December… the past week, Instagram is busy with decorating- notably these massive Nutcrackers from Walmart (I think in the USA for $150each) & instantly as soon as people take them from the box, they paint them a solid colour - Gold usually & put them outside the front door 2 (mostly) so that’s $300. on 2 Holiday decorations. I have friends who could not afford a Thanksgiving Turkey (at $80.) so I doubt it will have changed much in a month. Christmas Stuff - Ho ho ho! No no no. It helped me decide: I’m not decorating this year. Christmas is the ‘bulling season’.. “Oh but it’s Christmas!” Suddenly nothing else matters.. cause it’s Christmas - “Don’t be a Scrooge”. Fuck that. Christmas is rarely about Christ it seems, people get further & further in debt - over STUFF. Stuff that gets broken and tossed aside after boredom with it sets in. These Christmas movies, we are bombarded with are filled with STUFF. Stuff. Stuff. I have people I care about going in for surgery this month & the past year has taught me… accidents happen - there is no such thing as ‘minor surgery’ - so, I just want them back home safe -already. I have other things to focus on besides Nutcrackers. December, for many just adds to depressing them further. Jim Carey (on IG) said he was taught Depression needs - Deep rest. I’ve been sleeping a bit more than usual, it’s what my body needs & demands & I am going to listen. Paint, nap… snuggle with dogs & repeat. I'll do this to keep depression at bay, I paint to keep my mind stimulated on positive things. I’ll probably paint, some Christmas because I enjoy reminiscing, don’t we all… but that’s as far as it’s going. I don't consider myself a Scrooge at all, nor do I care if anyone 'thinks' I am. I actually feel relieved that I recognize, I don't enjoy getting caught up in the Seasonal Charade. That, makes me feel better. I will be celebrating Jesus (as always) Christmas & on… For those who do not wish to partake in ‘the season’ - don’t. Skip it & have a nap! For those who are still excited about decorating & the tree & STUFF! Yes, celebrate! Do what makes you happy but do NOT call anyone a Scrooge who does not with to play along… perhaps they have a valid reason for ignoring the season. Christmas craft tomorrow - hahaha - I LOVE sharing ideas for people to create some 'gifts' rather than go into debt.. it's more of something to make with the kids, create good memories for Christmas - that's a gift that will be cherished - forever. Ho ho ho... time to watch dogs play in snow. Raccoon Watercolour & gouache on water colour paper.
I'm surrounded by fur, on my desk & at my feet. My studio is tiny yet, it seems to be the place I & 4 dogs always want to hangout, all staring out he window. Other than the times when am tripping over them, I'm o.k. with my girls wanting to be with me. It's that time of year I feel for them, the weather is cold & they don't go out but long to. We still manage to kick the ball a few minutes every day & have taken to playing inside a bit more. I explain to the girls "some dogs live in apartments & never get out like you do - so don't try to make me feel guilty." You know... I prayed for Trudeau. I remember feeling such relief when he took over Harpers position, so no... I don't hate him or wish anything bad to come to him. Everyone is here to teach us lessons & boy oh boy - WTF does Justin Trudeau think by lying on the stand for the world to witness? After WE ALL (anyone with TV, a newspaper & social media) KNOW is that not long ago he was calling the unvaccinated names, to which he just denied on the stand... I also read, which was truly comical, in his defence for calling the emergency act (which many also agree should not have been called or was NOT needed) suggest "what if a grandmother got run over by a truck during the protest??" Really Justin? What IF a grandmother on a scooter got run over by a fucking horse!??? I guess that doesn't count. The entire world now knows he is a world leading liar. A liar that did indeed cause divide & shame some Canadians, who do not agree with his totalitarian ways & he is responsible for adding a huge amount of grief & stress for countless Canadians. If he can lie about this - in front of the world, what else is he capable of? Do I wish him harm, never. Do I wish him gone as our PM, I guess - to be replaced by who? Frankly, my trust - because of the hope I had with Trudeau, is gone. I don't trust any politician. Covid has been the biggest 'power trip' on the planet to date. Look at China - the moment people protest, restrictions are lifted- it's all gone away? It's all a test. Not a day goes by where some politician states 'everyone must behave a specific way' & they behave the opposite... & then our noses are rubbed in it. So yes, I prayed for Trudeau & still do.. I was blind but now I see. I've prayed for many & I AM thankful for all lessons. Thank you. Thankfully I've had many lessons in love as well, to keep me hoping & keep praying. I am grateful for the lesson & reminder, to only ever, put all my faith in God. Darkness sets in - dark at 5 p.m., looking out the studio windows I see nothing but my reflection - which can be somewhat distracting, especially as I am use to watching birds & the light dance through the trees. Even though dark, I've been focusing on light - painting it, being inspired by it. Thankfully there are several very talented beings who share their painting gift on YouTube and teach how to paint light, I don't like 'masking fluid' so it's slightly more difficult with watercolour & gouache to achieve the results Im hoping for- I think I'll try with acrylic.
This has been an emotional week, much pondering.. It's been almost 10 years since surgery & I look back in amazement & give thanks. I remember not being able to eat a meal without difficulty - I've worked past it, not being able to have a conversation or laugh with out face contortion & pain, I've persevered through it. Chronic pain, I have learned to live with it & there are more times than not- I hardly notice anymore. Frankly, I've gone from thinking about death, vivid memories still, after surgery- realizing - it was not successful & just wanting to give up; now celebrating every day with new admiration, love, respect & continued heightened faith. I've been reading about MAID in Canada & the changes it's going through. I agree with MAID & assisted death for those suffering from terminal illness & devastating pain who are able to choose when they can no longer go on. BUT... Now, those mentally suffering with depression can opt to choose MAID to end their lives. People who can't afford housing & are struggling with financial issues like bills, food, clothing.. choosing to die than to continue to try... leaves me feeling we are failing each other. I read about people who prescription drugs don't work (only exaggerate symptoms - as they did with me). Enough with forcing people to take drugs that are harming them (mentally & physically), I wonder is everyone who applies to MAID educated on the new advancements becoming common knowledge with psilocybin for depression? How about LSD changing peoples experience & mind.... don't you think we should allow people to try all they can before they choose to end their lives? I do. How can we have so many vacant properties & so many homeless. Why can humans create what we do, go up into space, make meat in a lab, make bionic body parts, make 'movies' that cost 100 of millions to entertain the masses BUT we can't look after each other? We can't see that each other is safe, warm & fed? I've had it with out 'world leaders', jet setting all over, having a grand time being hypocrites. We can't make Tylenol for our kids, can't home our homeless? Yet we can send millions to other countries, something is messed up with what's happening here in Canada. Depression, pain, suffering is all a part of the adventure. I told Storm just a couple of weeks ago - I am grateful for this brain tumour - nothing has taught me more & as quickly as something that has you pondering your life every day, literally. It's helped me decipher what (&who) to tolerate & what to let go. I think had MAID ben available for depression about 10 years ago - I'm not sure I'd be here. Today, I appreciate it all & everyone. I focus on living & enjoying. I thank God every morning & continue all day - not for God, for me. I thank God for simply being able to kick the ball with my dogs & paint. I usually yell it out loud at least once a day: Thank YOU Lord! lol. The chickadees like it, I know. I don't know what to tell anyone who is depressed & considering MAID to end their lives - other than: I have been there, with hope & faith in God you can get through it. I know it sounds simple and easy for me sitting here, in the woods with a nice fire & not much to stress over.. but I have not always been here. God put me here, I'm so grateful it brings me to tears when I think about the past couple of years. Not long ago I could not eat, smile, speak, walk or even read without pain, we were in serious debt and weeks from losing our home, but I listened to God & never lost faith. I still giggle, when my real- estate agent called & told me 'I better lower my price & sell!' & I said: God told me to be patient - I suggest you do the same! & then hung up on her. The next day she called me - shocked with an terrific offer. God still has plans for me & I'm fucking thrilled to be here & let God continue to amaze me, every day. Time to paint & continue to focus on LIGHT.. some samples of what I've been playing with below. Let's make no bones about it - halloween brings about it's own creativity. There are some amazing costumes for humans and pets & decorative displays... cakes, cookies & art! Also some frightening costumes.. I watched a video of adults at a day care - terrifying toddlers, chasing them around, screaming at them in a frightening mask & thought.. wtf. They were all fired. I guess so. I think there's enough going on in the world - we don't need to be terrifying toddlers, life will hand them enough scary situations. It reminds me of the display we use to have & some parents had no issues dragging screaming children through -because they wanted to see. It made me upset with our own display, thinking we were responsible for frightening little ones. Movie creators don't appear to be concerned, these days. I don't want to paint frightening art. I like skeletons. I painted a few ideas (warm -ups) halloween themed, that's as scary as I'm getting. Wanna jump my bones? hee hee hee. I enjoy adding my boney Poppy too. I forgot to share this orange tabby, smoking a fatty.... playing with paint. Gouache on Black 8 x 8 Most of these cats are imagined, all are relaxing to paint... it's the fur & fun of them.
Have a creative day! Created to create. |