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 

Spring is in 10 days!  The snow is melting and soon mushrooms will sprout - mmmm can't wait for some fresh pan friend buttered Dysart saddle.  I'm goingto search for lionsmane this year - I know it's on the property I can smell it... & oyster mushrooms, I found some last year but they were  already drying.

The birds are returning!  Norm built  3 new feeders I sketched: an apple, orange & stale bread feeder which have already got the attention from the existing woodpeckers & nuthatches.  Spring - new life. New Growth.  A lesson taught to us by mother nature year after year.. keep going - it's a new day, new time.. a fresh start to this years adventures.

Soon I'll have  tiny plants on the patio!
Birds & bees, dragonflies.. bears are all about to wake up.  
Norms never experienced 'Spring' here, yet...  he's just as excited as I am.
Have a creative day  don't forget to feed our feathered friends.
​

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.  ;)
​

Happy March!  Spring happens - in March! LOL
​
Creation runs in the family!  ;)
Norm’s created for me a couple of gifts,  every occasion or holiday who needs bonbons my hubby made me an end table & coffee table... from trees in the backyard, family heirlooms.   He made our last coffee table - which fit nice when we had a house that was bigger, dogs need room to lay around - he made a much smaller  yet very functional coffee table. 
How cool is it to have your own furniture maker?  Very.  
I tell him what I want & he creates it - holy cow.  

We still have disagreements and some days & some are  draining, I can hear most every married couple saying the same thing- this covid is the 'test of time'. Norm has had some issues with covid  & not working - he’s worked every day  most his life & for his own mental health it's good to keep busy... it takes time to adjust.  I'm grateful it seems to all be settling down.  I guess we all have a new 'Norm -al. hee hee
 
Marriage & work relationships, friendships, family  - it's all work to some degree.
Part of the journey.  I think the new tables are perfect. 
In between wooden creations he's become quite the baker & cook  :) there have, without a doubt - been positive sides to covid lockdowns.

Have a creative day.

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

How much wood would a wood chuck chuck…. 
I don’t know ask Norm - lol  - Look at our lovely wood cart!  Our house is a bungalow, heated with a lovely wood stove. The stuff we have learned about wood is amusing - and how much wood we need per day- our new cart lasts 2 days - unless it’a a -30  or more- then it might be 2 carts.

It took one year of thought.  It has wheels so we simply wheel it out to the porch when empty and back in when full - super light & easy to move. It holds our cooking tools - we heat most left overs on the wood stove, it also has the cleaning tools we use most - handy dandy.  The top was made from an old cedar door we had - as well as our outdoor coffee table! Reduce & reuse & recycle.  

One side holds kindling/fire starters the other  logs to last a couple of hours. 
On an average day no matter the temperature outside - I get the stove cranked!- Therefore we open the windows & bring in fresh air  - god for the mind & body.  It took a year of learning how we use our stove to create the most efficient cart - if only we had the luxury of time to 'research' all things...
Many of us do have more time, what are you creating? 

The next cart will be a bit fancier- it will have a top with a raw edge like my new coffee table & end table!  He’s so handy - what a creative team we be. Thank God.
It’s made our life easier & our home lovelier ;).   Inspired by love we will not fail.

This spring we start trails, Norm will stock more wood for the winters to come - living here, with a wood stove it needs to be a regular chore- CHOP wood & carry water. Thankful to do so - EVERY DAY!  Time to LOG off so I can LOG on’ and open the windows on this gorgeous day!

Goat Gate Create

For as long as I remember I’ve wanted a gate.. as a kid - I always wanted to live on a farm - what kid doesn’t? Probably those raised on a farm, hee hee.   Farms are work,  life is work so this is good. I absolutely LOVE our little farm and goats & chickens - Im very excited as we have a couple of new baby chicks in the spring coming!  Prissy, Petunia & Petal signs will be added to the farm name board.

     The other day I was looking at my gate & my goat idea arrived, it did not take much thought, just a measurement or two - Norm cut it out & I painted him - he instantly had us giggling - Norm carried it up and it fit the gate like a glove!   So now I have a goat on my gate to greet my guests with a smile - which he has succeeded in doing.    
Next I’m creating a gate bear & maybe a donkey.    Actually, we had a problem with the goat on the gate & have removed him until the spring.. our dogs thinks someone is standing at the gate & growl constantly ..lol  when the weather is better I will walk them up and remind them it’s just a goat on the gate.    

I laughed out loud when I actually saw it on the gate as the udders are perfectly placed.   This is my goal - to make others smile with my art - especially at this time, not many are smiling.  

A friend who lives in high-rise told me the super’ told someone to “wear a mask” & the woman told him to suck her..   holy cow.  I think everyone is sick - OF COVID-  not from it. 
There’s a new level of nasty, some can attribute it to covid  stress & some are just intentionally nasty  using covid as an excuse. 

This is human nature 

I’m creating a list of positives from Covid, I recognize in this chaos the order.
It’s a blizzard out right now, time to warm up the brushes & log on! 
Here is a updated photo of Nugget to make you smile!  She’s so sweet - her horns grow fast and are quite dangerous at the moment, Norm almost got a horn up the nostril the other day and is more aware. lol ​ Norm is getting the goats use to walking on a leash- they don't seem to mind - we might let them explore in the spring.

Have a creative day.

Some days - you just need to sit back and give.. not one fuck.
Not about anything or anyone.. chances are, the world & those we care about will still be there when you return from a small break

Justin Trudeau gave us his new opinion and it sucks... I remember not celebrating Thanksgiving - in hopes we might celebrate Christmas.  The 'holiday' now comes with an entirly new level of not needed stress - for too many.
Others lives are more importnt to me than a holiday so...  I'll go with the flow.

I'm sure you are aware of disbelievers.. well, there are days I tell you I don't know what to fucking think about any of this- the vaccine is disturbing, in the past- they took MUCH longer to test before giving it frankly.  I'm in no hurry to get it.   If you research and watch - there are many VERY educated people questioning all of this and the lock downs.  Yes, it is confusing - the government can't seem to get their shit together and get on the same page - no wonder poeple are becoming impatient and tired - covid exhasuted.

RIGHT NOW - I will wear a mask- NOT because the goverment insists, because I care about you - strangers.. I don't want to make you sick.  I I don't know enough to take a chance.  Do you?  It's that simple.  I do believe masks work to some degree.  Just say - this is all a giant hoax (I don't feel it is)  but just say it is... either way- I would rather be known as a "sheep" (far from)  for wearing a mask than someone who refuses to wear a mask and takes a 'CHANCE' in making others sick.  I'm not concerned about dying - fyi  - I  just don't want to get sick'... do you?   

I already live with chronic pain from Arthritis & the the fucking constant TN that wakes me up most days before the rooster and fucks with me ALL DAY LONG.
Right now - nope, I cant do it.. not one fuck will be given about covid, masks, Trump or vaccines.

I am trying to shop LOCAL - my neighbours need the help - everyone should be doing the same, suport your local community so they are still there after this pandemic.  
I decided to buy  ALL Canadian  made this Christmas and homemade'  & I'll be painting & not giving one fuck... until, maybe Monday.  
​;)
 

Rememberance day is soon!
The legion is hurting due to covid no doubt.  The Royal Canadian Legion was a big part of my parents lives.  I’ll admit Iv’e mixed feelings about the Legion’ as it was also a place my parents became easily intoxicated - inebriated to the point it amazed me they made it home alive again… one time after a legion visit my mom almost didn’t… so yes my opinion varies due to past experience

I do understand many older people use the legion as their only place to socialize, play games (darts’ pool, cards..) keep mentally sharp.. and socialize & drink.  The legions also provide for the community  great fish & chip lunches at an affordable price for one!.  They constantly hold benefits & commu it fundraisers and help those in need.  With them being closed - for mo nth due to an older’ covid catching crowd Im sure they need help now. 

That’s how it works is it not?  Generations ago went when we needed them to - to guarantee our freedom’ (so they believed).  We help NOW anyway we can.. even IF it’s just picking up your poppy.  I’ll ge a poppy and try to educate & encourage awareness with my art & social media.. what can & what will you do… to help anyone, today?

Together, Tom & I create birdhouses which make fantastic gifts and ALL proceeds go to charity. This new house was a last minute decision- I love it ;)  <><    I hope other fisher people do too! $40 for the custom painted & $15. for one of Toms colorful versions (which inspired me)!  
Want one ?- call Tom: In Minden 705 286 4168 The Birdhouse guy.  I decided once one set is done- it’s done - so if you see one you like- better call Tom before it’s gone. I won't be going back- new creations every batch.
I’m excited for the next, already painted in my mind.  

I’ve been painting MUCH- but- it’s all Christmas related.. when is too soon - too soon? lol
Several editorial I..m excited to share.

As for theMonkey business in the USA - WOW!  Fucked up.
Can you possibly ADD any FURTHER ANXIETY to your own country? The fact that it IS so close is mind blowing.  Americans appear to enjoy learning lessons the hard way, obviously. Latinos for Trump - guess what- he hates you Latino’s 'in' America, if he could he's kick you all out. 
Bunch of Primates. The Trump editorials are rampant - and I wait anxiously  ?which do I post…
I can only imagine the stress levels when lives are in the balance.


NOW - HEAT WAVE in our T-shirts! Painting & pondering in the sunshine - Thank God.
Next- Good news from this election!