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.

Another Holiday Monday! It's raining and there no such thing as a holiday on a farm - lol 
What an education this all is, this tiny farm.  Life.  Up with the roosters - no sleeping in with feathers & fur relying on you.  Keeping busy is good for the sole & mind & body.  I'm always stiff in the morning - with age let alone arthritis... not until Im up and active & loosen it all us does the pain of stiffness subside.  Use it or lose it!  
Farmers deserve more respect than they are given, feeding humans - is lots of work.
​I do NOT consider us farmers'  -  this is a hobby.
I'm learning to pickle eggs! I give eggs away too.. chances are they have faces on them.  

I can't imagine  drinking to the point of a hang over and having to deal with animals... they don't care if humans are hung over.  I hate hang overs so much I am grateful for  having experienced some "doozies"  in the past.. lessons learned - it took a while. 
I just won't anymore. It's not worth destroying braincells for a "feel good"... is it feel good?   Compared to cannabis  the more I think of it- the less I think alcohol makes anyone "feel good".  Sure it relaxes the body and mind - too much sometimes.    
It's sad when you understand,  Alcohol is the number one date rape DRUG. 
Think about it for a moment.   

Some drink to forget.  I use to use that escuse myself, a few times.  Ha.
It might make you forget for a bit, until it makes you wallow & get stuck in exactly what you were trying to forget about.  I remember my mom crying a lot drunk, aways talking about the same stuff.  Her past pains passed on to me during drunken stupors - because I was there to listen.  Told so many times and then left to ponder, I bet my mom has no clue as how much I remember of the details... coats, bundle buggies, curtains being closed, sibling rivalry  (I was not raised with my siblings so I don't know about it) all on how she suffered.  Who cares.
 That's part of the problem.. not many do care. Then or now.  I get it.  I think Melania was kinda right. GASP - yuk but... yep.   Not many really care.  They are distracted with their own lives.  AS life intended. Throw in Covid... big distraction going on.

The only thing anyone should care about NOW is breaking the cycle.
​RECOGNIZE & don't repeat what YOU did not enjoy as a child/adolescent.  How about that?  It's a holiday!
​Does that mean you're going to get 'shit faced'  (term for getting drunk)?
Sure go ahead! IF YOU don't have kids you are responsible for. 
They don't need to listen to your past pains  I think as parents we should be trying to make their path easier - even if it means sharing not pleasant topics by talking, educating (not impaired)  the more the tiny humans know the better they will be.  They are smarter than most realize. Id rather a child be taught early about "molestation" than to learn by having it happen - because they did not know - to say "NO!"  

? Tuff call.
Tomorrow is a tuff call for many parents... back to school  during covid - as it slowly creeps back up.  Pray for strength to get through, because life has to go on. 

The hamster was my 16th birthday gift, my friends wanted to take me out for my sweet 16th I was told "NO, come right home, we are celebrating"                YAAAY!
I spent the evening alone, no special dinner, no cake.  I was waken up around 2:00a.m. and given my birthday gift...  which I loved.  I guess she got side tracked. I was use to it.
Teddy died a couple of YEARS later while eating a McDonalds french fry, he was so old and arthritic he could hardly walk.  He was a wonderful, adorable pet & tiny companion.

With THC & TLC     I hope you have an alcohol free holiday!
Break the cycle. Life is not all cracked up as were led to believe.. hee hee- egg jokes.
Oh-  My chickens count how many eggs they lay!   They are mathemachickens.    
 lol Heard it on the radio, canoe.
​ 
Georgia

It's a holiday & I was considering taking a break.. then realized- that's part of the porblem.  No one wants to hear this shit on a holiday, take a break...  Does abuse take a break?
Fuck no - it's escalated on holidays, so Cheers!.

I was taught to hate holidays. I still do.. or rather I hate the usual celebration that accompanies them - Excessive Alcohol consumption. Time to get 'shitfaced' - it's a holiday tomorrow...  Good day for a hangover.  That's how we think  (how I use to think).. too many do, still.  I struggle with most "celebrations", I usually just act like it's just another day- because in reality, it is.

At 18 I was given a raise, my first real job 'Talent Showcase' (hiring extras for music videos and movies being shot in Toronto & area) I was thrilled! & it was a good raise!! My then boyfriend, Adraino was taking me out for dinner and dancing & to celebrate! I just wanted to run up (I lived in an apartment) & change..  change I did.

I went straight to my room, got on my favorite current dress a raw silk, black & white, simple yet classy & great to dance in... on the way out  I was asked   "where are YOU going?"
I didn'nt speak much as my mother was usually drininking and I didn't want to set her off- not that it took much on my part.  
​I relpied excited (because I was):   "I got a raise & Draino is taking me out to celebrate!"
My mothers response...    " A raise?!  How does your bosses cock taste?"    
Yep.   No, I do to forget it, those words.   Because, you know - I could not have possibly been good enough at my job to deserve a raise.. clearly, I had to be fucking him in her mind (I was NOT HER though - I did not suck my bosses cock or fuck him - ever) I told her to "fuck off" and proceeded to leave.. Nope.  
I was tackled, punched until I cowered on the floor, hair pulled, make up slapped off my face.   Called the usual array of names: cunt, slut, fucking whore..   My stepdad sat & watched (inebriated as well)  he TOO, knew better than to intervene with her intoxicated hatred towards me.  I was beat repeatedly until Draino opened the door, he came looking for me wondering why I was taking so long, (thankfully) and yanked that bitch off of me and held a fist to her face & said  "If you ever touch her again I'll punch you in the fucking face because she won't"  and pulled me out of my apartment.
He was never allowed to visit again.  I was humiliated, we broke up soon after.  
She remembered what he said but not what she did & SHE NEVER EVER said SORRY.
All I ever got was "...I don't remember I was drunk."  
FUCKING LIES Drunks tell us & themselves.

We did not go out dancing, my dress was torn and my spirit defeated.. again. I was use to it. I was harder because Draino saw it.   I was ashamed when my friends saw me getting beat up - as IF I had actually done something wrong.  The look of shock on their face - overtime was hard for me to see.  That's what happens when you are beaten as a toddler. You are taught to be ashamed.. I must be bad if my mom is hitting me again.
That's how it was was with every celebration in my life..  EVERY thing she could - she added misery to.  She was miserable ALWAYS,  I was going to be too.  So, why not share on this holiday MONDAY...  abuse will be higher today & that is a fact, whether you choose to ignore it or not.  If you see someone & you think "they should be celebrating",  back off - perhaps  they do not have as much to celebrate as you 'think'..
​I use to get 'that too   ..."why aren't you happy??"   Buzzkill..    yep, quite often my buss was killed - but not by me.

The day I got accepted into school/college (you know how exciting that is!) was the same thing...  I went to school in tears because I had got accepted & she said  'I wasn't going.. she wasn't going to pay for me to go & draw'.  My teacher (Mrs Lockhart) helped me with paper work and I received a grant & loan.  I  never got any encouragement from her EVER, not once did she ask me what I was doing in college EVER.. I only lasted a year.  
​I wondered if I had gotten just a bit of encouragement,  if I would have stuck it out.  Oh well. 

So, if you are an adult & celebrating with alcohol On this Holiday - try not to over indulge - not if your going to become abusive and give your children holiday memories they'll never forget. Or do- the choice is yours... if your children hate you when you are older- remember- the CHOICE WAS yours.   It's still difficult for me to "celebrate" anything.. I have a fear in me that sooner or later something or someone will say something negative...   beat it into me, still. 

I will celebrate this glorious day- by painting, checking on the animals and just enjoying the moment. Grateful to e HERE NOW.  Painting Iridescent Eve in the garden... next.

with TLC & THC 
​Next week,  how everyone KNEW I was going to be an artist- yay!  lol 

Tweet Tweet! A Bird identy board for children - and adults too!
Simple, easy to read.. big (taller than me) and bold (not my usual canvas time allotment- hee heee) still - I think it turned out terrific - I'd like to see this somewhere if I was out wandering the woods. 

I made it with a specific spot in mind- a place where children visit.  If we help create a curiosity, if kids learn & have fun learning about birds- there MIGHT be hope. This board makes it easy to spot the differences..  not too complicated or detailed.  Grackles have appeared & the chick-adees gone.. but I know they will return all winter and spring, before the beasts (grackles) that walk the grounds return again.  It's 30 out (in the shade) & I completed the board in time for a nap- haha - as Norm insulates & roofs (rooves) the Chicken coop. I am absolutly making my chickens an identy board! 

Norms painting the inside and tomorrow I go in and decorate! Hang a few canvas... hang the   Roost branches.. hang the nesting boxes - the grit cups- I've been reading a lot about chickens. Apparently they like to lay eggs as soon as they are off the roost & the two should hang close, not close enough for them to think they can roost tho... we'll put the nesting boxes where the sun hits them in the morning. As I sing "Rise & Shine Mothers clickers!!" 
Good thing I'm an early bird they have to be let out in the a.m. & locked up in the P.M.

Time for me to start the next painting on a round canvas (for the house) titled:
 Commotion at the Coop! 

I plan on painting more Identify boards - different themes - I hope other artists will be inspired to do the same.  Come back and have a peek to see the rest- I think I'll make one for my property on edible mushrooms as I find them - with a warning that reads:

                                                NEVER eat a wild mushroom
                                                 IF you are not 100% positive
                                                          You could die.  

 When it comes to kids - never mince words.
​YOU could die. DONT eat - ever.  
​Simple, educational, colorful & fun.  Teach them young! 

Happy Fathers day! I might let Norm take the day off- not.   lol
When Storm visited, we also celebrated fathers day and all I will say...
Norm is one loved dad.   The coop ain't gonna build itself! 

To all the dads who don't give a shit about their kids or help out at home, or leave the wives/mothers -  at an alarming rate - according to statistics...
keep your pecker in your pants.    Problem solved.

To ALL the dads who ARE there... All the dads who teach their little humans to be better big humans - Amen!  To all the dads who teach their children - life is about real emotions and good & bad times...   To the dad who are active in their children lives - I think  you rock! 
​
Thank you

What would Jesus do? 
He'd stay the fuck home!
Perhaps not, but he'd wear a mask and wash his hands because he would not want to spread the virus - killing many. Unlike the "faithful' that attended mass services in the USA..   wow. It should be interesting to 'see' how many who attended the service, infect others or die, according to police - we will.   I was not in a good mood for Easter, I'm sure I was not alone. 
We did nothing special.. we'll wait until we can celebrate with Storm again.  Norm did cook a chicken & I understand NOW I must write on the bird  "this side up" as he seems to think it should be cooked breast side down. lol  Not the first time.  

We're baking bread, today were making Pizza from scratch of course.  Scratch with clean hands. ;)  I DO have much to celebrate- I offered to sell some art & was able to make a donation to the local food bank for $1000!  Thank you to my friends who showed interest in my work.. in particular my friend Ezra, who purchased several. ;)  I'm  grateful  & yes it felt wonderful' to make a donation at this time when so many are struggling. 

I'll admit, I just wanted to stay in bed the other day and did nap extra long.  I think it's important to acknowledge feeling sad (understandably) and cutting ourselves some slack. 
If staying in bed made me 'feel better' than being grumpy & taking it out on others- (dogs, woodpeckers..) so be it. Time out.  
Then I eventually get up and say to myself:
GO PAINT! 
You have time, paint and passion... and portraits to catch up on!

I decided to paint a baby - a new addition to humanity.   The moment I saw the photo I was taken with the little being, I have called the painting: A little Ray of Sunshine.  Below is it in progress.   I hope to finish it today & start another portrait & paint my bedroom doors ..   Pandemic painting  turns out to be good for me.. how about you?

The planet is healthier during this pandemic... animals are exploring, mountains can be seen, air is cleaner, water clearer.    I painted Jesus to go with Mary. 

​We watched on YOUTUBE:  Out of shadows  
documentary.  I am disgusted yet hopeful that these sick FUCKS will be exposed as they are.. grateful to those who finally,  are showing courage to expose them.  It's only a matter of time before they will all be CAUGHT, exposed & shamed. GOOD.  Who's next?
Norm & I have been fighting for years about MOVIES that he watches & the trash that we have been exposed to - violence,  guns, murder, torture.. abuse against women in particular is rampant in movies,  all making us desensitized.  I was told about 'Pizza gate' a couple of years ago and was in shock thinking it must be a lie. Pizza gate is real & NOT acknowledging it will allow it to continue.   It touches on several topics, I strongly recommend you watch it & re think what you are watching.  WHO you are SUPPORTING.  Who's music are you buying? Encouraging?  Who's evil habits are you paying for? 

We no longer watch any CRAP coming out- it's all bullshit- brainwashing.
BE in control on your own mind- or someone else will.
Back to painting.   

With TLC & THC
Georgia 

What's the word of the day - Cancelled. GOOD.  Closed - BARS  - CLOSED AMEN.
What's it take- how many deaths.. ask Italy.
Yikes, I can't help but think - this is going to get way worse, in the USA in particular- before it gets better.  I had to unfollow a few on IG, I can't take the mentality - in particular, Americans who post  about others buying toilet paper - while they stock up on AMO to take the toilet paper - wow.  Holy cow- nothing like putting it out there  in early stages of the game.  It's no game tho.

What I think some  Americans don't realize - is Canadians own guns too... what do they think we do all day? Build igloos.  
Gun sales have hit record highs the past few days.  I am surrounded  by hunters - living here 9 months, seeing bear pooh in my yard, hearing wolves in my backyard,  it's easy to get lost on my property too - I found that out already (and I was'nt far) ... I understand it differently, now.  If I saw a coyote on our property, eyeing one of my girls... yes, I think I would shoot it.  I've been told they can be a problem and known to attack  dogs.  I was educated on that fact in California. 

  It's always good to be prepared as we are finding out...  I have toilet paper, stuff to bake bread & potatoes ;) I hear Toronto is like a ghost city. GOOD.  Times are going to get difficult but really -  some are already resorting to threaten to steal your toilet paper- at gun point... COME on PEOPLE is this how we behave?  This is a big test and when over, how will you have done, passed or failed? 
​
How about online shopping? The post office will be thriving in this. 
Today, I noticed a small business who has offered to deliver! Terrific!
Right to the end of my driveway, I'm excited. Talk about service. lol  
I choose to support them today & thank them for their creativity!
Is there any business you can help?  It might not solve all financial fears but it just might cheer someone up... I bet there are many who are feeling a little bluer than normal.
Have faith.  Be patient & learn a new hobby! Im painting anew timelapseto share tomorrow and trying to design a few kids printouts -for a free download to keep the kiddies amused. Kiddies of all ages ;D.

Ending on great news- SPRING is Friday- Maybe this snow will melt! hahaha  
Yesterday I saw my first ROBIN! Yeah!!!  I had worms waiting. Feed the birds.
BE safe, STAY in & WASH your hands. 

My first painting of 'Georgie Porgie'...  I did not name the bluejay, the woman that runs the Animal sanctuary did.   As fate has it,  Monika and I go way back!  She use to call me Georgie Porgie then... I had no clue that she lived 10 minutes from us when we bought this house.  The universe has brought us together again.  & NOW she runs a Animal Sanctuary! : Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary  
Friends with befits! She said I can come & take photos & paint the animals if I desire. I do!

I was relieved someone would know what to do with my bluejay!
Monica tells me he seems a bit better, is eating and is quite the chatterbox.  I'm so happy he is still alive, I think if he kept falling on his back - it would only have been a matter of time before some other creature would have gotten him.  These photos are my inspiration and I have more.. I'm also going to pop over & visit him soon.  

The Sanctuary is having a fundraiser for Valentines day & I think it's a terrific idea! 
For only $30.00 you can sponsor a little furry/feathered loved one for your loved one.
A Wild One for your Loved One!  
I already sponsored Georgie but you can too - it will help to pay for his care & the care of many other animals Monika & her team take in.  

I'm going to paint Georgie - several times, this was the first Gouache on black acid free paper.  8 x 10.  The feathers were relaxing.. I had a hard time stopping. lol
IF you would like to purchase this painting for a donation to (minimum $50.00, includes shipping) - The Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, send me an e mail. You can pay them direct & I'll send it out!  All proceeds will go for the animals. Even shipping. ;) 

Here are some details on the Valentine day fundraiser - I know I'd rather have an owl, deer  or fox - better than a box of chocolates that are not so good for me or my hips..  Spread the love to our little friends who need it most.  After watching Australia & it's wildlife perish...
I think it should make ALL of us a little more aware and care. 

Have a terrific day!
It's giong to get to -25 tonight, I've got wood to stack & bluejays to paint!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

​Below... my next 'canvas' & a gift for my son.

Everyday this month I'll try to paint some LOVE.
I want you 'to see' my love, for whatever I paint.  I believe it shows.  ;)
These two were inspired by my newest portrait.  

It's so relaxing painting all the tiny hairs watching it appear before me then glancing up and seeing this winter wonderland.  
Norm and I are very busy - even with all this snow, we never stop planning and improving, enjoying all this nature.  Both of us feel - in our element. 
I KNOW, I'm finally where I am meant to be - submerged in nature.  

I giggled when I told Norm my studio will be a 'working studio', the more I think about it...   I don't want to be on any studio "tour".  I'll be too busy painting.  The only tours will be to friends, family & the occassional client.  So excited.  I get exhausted from planning.
Naps are good.   Thow on more wood.  I've mastered the wood stove. hee hee
I can throw on wood 'piled precisely' at 11:pm & get up at 6am and still have embers, no match needed to start the next days heat & adventure.  Woman  - not man, I think first invented fire.  They probably cut down the trees tho.. 

I ABSOLUTELY love my new community, I'm overwhelmed with kindness from the cable guy bringing in the wood, to the guys at the hardware store telling me they will come and start my generaor for me if Norms not around.  & several have given me their phone numbers (wink wink.. all white haired handsome old guys - hahahaa -kidding) in case I'm out and ever stuck - someone will come, "wait patiently in your truck"  I'm told..
It's easy to paint love' when you feel so much love. 

I love me, too.  Finally.
I love my son & think I'll paint his protrait again soon - it's an enjoyable to spend the day when not able to be with the ones you love.

I love the next protrait.  I would like the recipient to see it first. 
Have a lovely day!
With THC & lots of TLC
​
Georgia

Valentines day will be here soon. There is a different 'mood this year lingering.
The Corona Virus ('Corona' beer -not good for advertising, who thought of the virus name? ) is here & I think it's going to get worse before it gets better.    

I've been following, I believe  China did know sooner than they let on.  
I read people were being arrested for trying to educate about  it on Facebook.  
What is wrong with governments putting people over profit.
The fear of loss of $$$ will lead to the loss of life.  This is life NOW.

Travel brings us together - in Love... in sickness & health.
Love is love.  Valentines day is here & it is an opportunity  to educate. 
Keep your saliva & germs to yourself... especially if you don't know who you're dealing with.
Wash your hands, please.  If someone 'loves you' - they will love you when this is over.
IF you are sick, please keep it to yourself.  Even 'if' you love me.
Storm had the idea for the kissing booth card after our morning chat. 

Several  cards have been created - they all make me giggle and not...  I wish it were not the case but it is.      Want a 'truthful Valentine' for your 2020 valentine?
These cards would be good for those in the medical industry too! 

Check out @Forever grateful greetings (later today)  for more cards - waiting to be sent to your honey - for  only a little money - ready to frame & cherish for a lifetime.  
Love is.

I'm currently painting a portrait that I'm really pleased with - it makes me SMILE!
It's a gift for a friends daughter & I want her to see it before you do.. so.  

It's -27 today with the windchill - the sun is shining so we will be out on an adventure soon.   
Please look after yourself! WASH your hands, blow your nose & NO hugging.
TIS the season...   NOT to hug & spread germs.

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia 

Out with the old & in with the new!  New year!
New home, new town, new creativity!
Excited for 2020 - Absolutely!
Excited for every day.   
Thank God.  Truly.

Some Yoda wisdom.  
I wonder what yoda would tell his younger self?
2020 will be the year to wake up... one way or another.
We are all connected.

So far 2020 is fantastic! 

with TLC & THC
​G