These two make me smile. I love them both, very much.
The bird & the Boy.  

Bird flies free but we catch him (regular) to check on him for emergency reasons, teach him to get in his cage, clip his nails.. it's good to handle your bird so they don't freak out.  
Bird gets extra excited when Storm visits us! Just like me! lol
He zips around the room - smacking us on the head during a fly bye' and 'flipping us the bird in between to get our attenetion,  it makes us all laugh.  Bird is a cheeky boy.

Storm, our son is also a cheeky boy - aren't all sons?  
They know how to get us going & make us, mom' n particular laugh.  This last visit was no exception. It didn't last nearly long enough.  Knowing how busy Storm is, we're grateful he visits as aften as he does.  Now, I have this painting to make us smile - he caught bird, I captured a photo & feel - I caught the mood with the painting - it works for me.
Two birds with one stone! Two loves of my life in one canvas.

I greatly appreciate them allowing me to use them for 'portrait practice'...  
I don't know what Storm thinks but Bird thinks he's slimmer & needs a little more yellow. Everyone is a critic.

I'm not sure who's next - I think I'll work from a photo & suprise the person with it when complete.

Sunday, I spend with God & creating God focused art which I'll share on sundays for a little inspiration - should you feel you need some. Exploring - surrounded by birds - time to plan the next canvas! How about you?  What are you creating?  
​
Have you made your vision board for this year? Proven to work. Just sayin...  
I drew me on this property.  Hee hee.

With TLC & THC.
​G

What do you think Santa's up to?  
I imagine he's  checking that list - for the second time.
The reindeer, fed hemp  and other healthy goodies are in training mode - it won't belong now.

We are all looking forward to good meals & good company and  stimulating conversation.  Thrilled not to be surrounded by consumerism Christmas'.  This year the tree went up and very few decorations with having a bungalow, open concept - you don't need it... what we have can be seen from everywhere.  The tree is the focal point, I enjoy it's glow at night but will appreciate the space again when it is gone.  December 28th.  

​Baby It's COLD outside!
You know as you watch the wood burn and don't feel as warm as you think you should.
We have other sources of heat but this is all a learning, enjoyable process that gets much conversation & calculation.  I wonder how much people pay for wood around the world?
We don't have to pay for it - yes, we do/did - with property purchase & work & it is work. 
It's a lot of work.  You feel very accomplished when watching the fire burn.  I do! lol 
Others 'sometimes' complain of sore backs - hee hee.    Chop wood & Carry water.

Less is MORE!  As I was decorating I started a give away box.  Less is More.  
More TIME to enjoy what you enjoy. 
I hope people 'give more time' & spend less $$$ this year.  
Less debt for 2020! Yippie!

Trump impeached?! Wow. Amen  
Let's hope America has a better year - decade - future,  NOW.   
Time to feed the birds. paint and: Log on!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

What a beautiful day! A HIGH of 22 in the highlands.  While on a mission for baked good the other morning I spotted a gang/gaggle of wild turkeys - Crossing the highway onto my property - weeee!  It's turkey time soon- Turkeys are an ugly bird - if you ever confront a wild turkey you might get more than you bargin for...   If everyone had to look at a live wild turkey - I wonder if 'as many' would be eaten in a couple of weeks- Canadian Thanksgiving.

I was up before the birds this morning- in the mood to paint wild turkey cards. Got your fat pants ready?  Thanks Giving this year is going to be AWESOME!  I've decorated- I let some leaves blow in my living room - red, orange, yellow & brown.  While waiting for black acrylic paint to be delivered - I've decided to focus on cards this week.

Cards, I'd like to see - ugly birds.  Each card is a tiny hand painted original & would make the perfect thank you for the host of any thanksgiving meal.   I've recently had a local store request to sell my cards & I'll  be deliveing the first 'set' soon.  I'm not sure if many will sell but it's exciting all the same, a new adventure until my studio is built it will be a sweet little creative outlet until then, keeping me creative & busy & challenged in greetings to make others smile. Tough job.  ;)
 
I hear Trump is about to be dumped. Amen.

Fall is looking lovely - Abbey Gardens is having a fall festival on the 19th. I'm going!
They have forest chickens, food & all sorts of fun stuff - enough to get you in the fall mood for sure.  Time to get back to painting turkeys...  I hope to find them in the woods - not to eat but to admire... from a distance - Wild Turkeys can kick ASS.  
Gobble Gobble..   Gobble till you wobble. 

To see more ThanksGiving cards check out Forever grateful greetings.
With TLC & THC 
​Georgia

This painting occupied about 2 weeks of my time painting & almost a year contemplating. I just needed to find the perfect tree, the perfect tree needed to find me.  There it sat in front of me as I was somewhat lost in my woods. It's easy to get lost as you are not on flat land and surrounded by trees, you can't hear what direction noise is coming from... luckily, I remembered this ap. I downloaded and there I was a little bluedot.. I walked until I saw the blue dot was moving twoards the direction of the house - forest creatures watching - were amused - I could sence them laughing at me as I stumbled past that same  'amazing' rock 3 times.  

That tree spoke to me, whispred "Stop. Look at me - what do you see?"  It looked like a person sitting there...  I hung out there for a while (the girls always with me happy to be lost in the forest) & I thought of missing women, in particular Indigenous women, missing because they were TAKEN.  Into a forest...  missing.  Gone.

In the past few years I have researched this too many times.  Read about the Red River & how  womens bodies are commonly found in it. Would there be a different response if not idgenous women  - Yes, I believe there would & that is shameFULL of Canada.  Why are we wasting fucking time & 'resources' with  "world breaking news" like Justin in 'black face' (God forbid the day we are ALL judged for all the stupid shit we did IN OUR PAST)  Or watching  documentaries on netflix by Chelsea on  'white privledge' by a white privileged woman -  no shit there is a problem - still... but do you know what is worse for black women, hispanic women, indigenous women - in Canada & the USA - ALL around the world...  ALL colors, shapes & AGE: Murder, Abuse, sex trafficking, rape, sexual harrassment to simple  (constant issues) such as less pay & job discrimination,  - just for being FEMALE.  
Why are we reading about bullshit in the news? WHY?  
WHY is this NOT the top story... when will it be? 
Why - because it would be on the news every day & it is DEPRESSING - OH well, just for a second imagine how depressing it is being the mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother, aunt,uncle, cousin, partner, friend to a missing young girl.  Taken.   
Time to stop saying "missing" & call it what it is -  TAKEN.  Stolen. 

Do you care  if Justin was black faced - long ago, when he was young, stupid & hairy?
(Hee hee hee) -   those who judge him for it - Phhbt. 
If only some cared half as much as they do about politics as  missing women- there would be fewer misisng women.   When we know better - we do better?  Does Justin not apply to the same rules we all do?  Last time I checked he was still, just a man.
It would be comical actually, if  we were NOT wasting such resources - like news, journalism, awareness, education,  thought, policing, money & time on what really mattered.  Each other.   Women.

 I have another painting,  inspired by another tree - another missing woman - I'm sure there are as many as I have trees...   I plan on painting several to bring 'light' to the situation.  Below the tree that inspired the painting.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

I am a loon for the library & birds in general!  Actually, I am a loon for reading, reading is good for the mind & eyes.  I needed a book bag so I don't misplace anything and can grab it in a second as I head out the door... to the closest library.  Haliburton Highlands has an impressive library service , rent books, large print, audio books, DVDs (all & every subject), magazines, childrens books of course - and I picked up a 'Pioneer woman cookbook'- which has me drooling & thrilled to get into the kitchen.  Do you know how many millions cannot read?  Too many.   Imagine how much more difficult life can become when you can't read, can't communicate, it's like speaking another language to some...
  
Open books & you open doors, it's that simple.  I'm grateful for the library, getting out to visit it, the beautiful drive noticing  leaves changing while waving 'hello' to a new neighbour as I go!  Weeee!  Grateful to God for the view - reminding all us "painters"  to pay attention as fall arrives.... get a lesson like no other direct from the creator. 

I asked Norm to take down the weather vane so I could paint it - of course,  since I was a kid I've alwasy wanted a weather vane! It amuses me so much now that we have one - I smile every time I look up at it.  I use to draw them on every house (not just the haunted houses) so, to have my own - a  Canadian GOOSE - is the cherry on this cake.  I lay there and watch it spin and could not take it any longer - it screamed & squeeked 'paint me'... Norm has to put it back up this weekend (add a bit of WD40) - he also took down the base with the N,S,E,W for a new coat of weather protecting paint.  I am in a painting mode-  today was a pair of:  "Happy Fall Y'all "   jeans - lol  they are my painting jeans which started to look a little ruff so I 'falled' them up with  leaves - organized painting. I can't wait to wear them.. .
my kinda camoflauge.

A new canvas has been started and it's goig to take a while..   a serious peice of work,  just getting photos has been a 3 day adventure, then I stared at the canvas for about 16 hours -  vefore finally a bit of pencil was added,  trying to anticipate where I want the viewwer to look & what to see.  Som ehave NO idea how lng paintings take, I lay and just think about the direction of the light, what I want in the image around the main subject.. color I will be using.. - Norm says 'I'm napping.'  when he sees me do this.  No.
Next step  PAINT.  Beyond enthusiastic to start creating this painting.

Until we meet again - EAT pie - homemade. 
With TLC & THC
me. 
 

I love this Dog - Daisy Dog, she is my constant companion & guardian for us all.
Daisy is Storms dog, he walked her & trained her and she has visited a Cannabis farm or two but she lives with us currently - althought she is no stranger to the big city life as well!
Since we have now moved to some land she lives with us where she can run & explore - but she never wanders far, not even when chasing a rascal! 

Never a few feet from us in the woods and even helps me when I call her & grab her collar for a little extra support - she keeps an eye on me as well as the little dogs.  Her bark is loud & fierce and her bite worse - the raccoon that she killed up on the bird deck learned the hard way  & she would not liten to me, not until she was positive it was dead, I'm glad it was not Ginger that discovered it as it was 3 times her size & I doubt the dog would have won in that fight.   I keep Daisy in now at night, more from fear she will come up against a wolf or bear - she does not back down when it comes to defending her territory or family. 

Most of the time she is a big funny doggo - begging me to throw the ball!  She loves hugs, long walks and snuggles on the leather sofa.. lol    I could not ask for a better dog, 'friend' and watch dog.   We are loving every second in our new home - we explored the forest today - there is actually a fence around the property - as old as it is - it makes for lovely photos & future painting ideas.  All 3 small dogs got a bath today before the weather gets too cool, nice to dry in the hot sun.  Do you have a dog?  I'm sure if you have the space there is one waiting in a shelter for you today!  One who will will protect your garden & family if you give it all in needs: Food, water, shelter & LOVE > All we 'all' really need.

Next an owl and a bee - gouache while I think about my next canvas.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Since I stare at it so much I decided to paint the driveway, I was inspired after the 'Plein air' - outdoor painting class of the bee houses.   The artist who taught the class was a local artist:
Harvey Walker . I also checked out his terrific studio (he made) not far from where I live, I highly recommend you do the same if in the area & invest in some original, affordable, lovely art for your walls.  After I painted the outline of the driveway - I took a drive to the Country Bakery (NOM NOM NOM) & noticed a few RED trees already making me rush back home & get working  on the painting before the leaves change- & then I'll paint it again! 

I am not a realist painter.. I like to be inspired buy what's around obviously, I add my own 'perspective' .. my new hobby of rock stacking  had to make it into the painting.  The light on the driveway changed as the day progressed so I had photos on my iPad which I then worked with later in the evening.  What a relaxing way to spend an evening-  try it.

It's back to school today! Be safe kiddos - be AWAKE & aware drivers. 
It's a beautiful crisp morning! I've already sketched my next painting - with my first coffee.
I'm reading a new book that has my creative side pondering ideas, I'll share soon - If you are female I would encourage you to get it & read it & buy one for a friend (I did), buy one for your daughter - if you have one. Can anyone guess the book?  Send me an e mail with your guess & I'll give you an original if you answer correctly. ;)

I have NOT watched any news since I moved, nor have I read any- only snippets are seen on the phone when I check messages - no wifi- not often.  HongKong is restless, Trump is still an asshole.. the rainforest is burning, Florida is about to be hit (please be safe Florida friends!) & the Bahamas is trying to recover...  more people displaced and homeless.
Justin Trudeau is ready for the election & he will win.  
I do watch & really enjoy: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj   

Please, take the time to watch 'Two sides of Canada'... imo Justin knows 'it's happening anyway'- because currently MONEY rules (sadly), I don't think he wants the pipeline any more than any of us who cares about our environment/country & I'm not naive enough (anymore) to know how ruthless these vultures can be to get their way - I don't want Justin Trudeau to become another Kennedy (shot Kennedy), I get what he is doing.  
Conservatives  do not care - oh, they do about: $$$, and control, private prisons,  jail for cannabis = conservative.... & more.  Lest we not forget SH- Harper-& look at Scheer, closely - just the sheer mention of his name sends chills up my spine..  

Will you vote or just sit around and 'bad mouth'? 
​I will try to make a positive impact on our planet & vote for who I believe  is the best for Canada... right now tho- I am about to go pick a bowl of Black Berries off my back deck to make pancakes for breakfast & give thanks for God/Universe for such another lovely day.   

with TLC & THC
G

Private!  
Norm said we have to put up a sign & I reminded we already had one.. lol
To get to our home you take a road with only 3 of us on it and then we are off our own private road...  last week a dump truck came down the road - just a little before they realized they were on the wrong path so it was time to put up a sign.  
What should it say?  Norm & Georgia's - Georgia' & Norms..
Do Not Enter,  KEEP OUT,  Trespassers will be eaten.   lol  
The moment we put it up I started to laugh out loud  - Bumble in the forest! Looks like this is where he belongs and is happiest...  Yeti in Halliburton Highlands.
Now, every morning the girls  &  I go up to see Bumble & thank him for standing guard.  
I believe the neighbours had a surprise and a giggle and have seen a couple of cars stop,  
I don't know if  there are many little kids to see it but big kids get a chuckle too.
The only ones going to see Bumble are those visiting us or them  & We are:
                          
                                        By  Invitation  Only.   Thanks.

I also want include a no hunting sign.  I don't know that it will make a difference hunting season as I am surrounded by land & hunters but at least here deer will be safe. ;)
About hunting... I get deer hunting, for food as long as it is eaten & all used.  
I  do not and never will agree with 'Trophy Hunting' especially big animals like elephants, Lions, rhinos etc..  I also don't get shooting birds unless a turkey.  Bears, coyotes, wolves can all be shot if problems on your property but they explain how to keep them at bay if possible.
# 1 rule- DO not leave food garbage around.

Bumble NOW makes me laugh every morning, any company that visits says they laugh the second they see him - he is placed so that you do not see him until you turn to go up our driveway - I want to make a BIG BEAR - I'll add it to Norms To Do list- longer than the driveway. hee hee hee

If you are visiting #myhaliburtonhighlands I also want to warn you (I had no clue) You are NOT permitted DAY fires! No camp fires  -no day smores- only after 7 p.m. -  until ? 7:00 am (I'm not sure until what time - so you better learn) BUT if you do have a day fire & the firetrucks show up you can be & are charged about $450.00 per truck, PER hour.
Those would be expensive smores.   I agree with the ban after only living up here a month and seeing how dry it can all get - a forest lined with pine needles.
Install water barrels to water your plants people!
Don't waste one  drop.

Next my front door sign (hee hee) then a Spider.. or bear...
 I don't know, which ever I finish first.  
Our to do list today is long - time to chop wood & carry water.   

Cannabis in the highlands - soon too. 

Have a FUN, Beautiful, Creative day! YOU were created to create!

With TLC & TLC Georgia

It's raining in cottage country! I live in cottage country- I must pinch myself!
The mosquitos - actually  bite me enough - I don't need to pinch myself, long sleepwear (that covers my ankles) is now living attire, hee hee hee! Yes- I still love it! EVERY day- I've never had an 'Oh my God what have we done' moment - - but I've had countless  'Thank You God' for getting us HERE  moments.   It rained last night! We needed it- living in a forest -you start to notice when it gets dry - I can hear this big 'dead' tree (that Norm needs to cut down as soon as he get the opportunity) creak on the hot days - demanding our attention before it lands on the bird deck - other than that I giggled- it rains  on the weekends in cottage country for all the 'cottagers' that come up - they'll stil have fun!

I ventured out in Minden the other day and I absolutely thought everyone I encountered was wonderful! A neighbour drove by and yelled from his truck "How's Denny!?".. I thought for a second & yelled back  "I don't know - she moved!"  I realized he thought I was her.
lol - see I told you we resembled each other! He then introduced himself - he lives Up the hill &  has horses & yes I can go & take photos! I just might paint a horse one day.   In town I met  a few shop owners who also knew 'Denny - all confirming what I already felt ' she is a lovely human with a kind heart.. no wonder my studio is so calming - I was in there last night until dark and my hands demanded I quit - not my heart.

I found a cheese store in Minden- Yeah! The cheddar with carmelized onions- OH my tastebuds! It's a tiny shop tucked away full of delicious treats- so glad I found it right away  & the owner - I immediately liked him! One of those people I just want to hug- I can sense the good nature. lol I refrained as I am new to the neighbourhood. I tiny shop run by Betty (the dog lover) right next door - carries designer clothing - I'm treating myself to the little butterfly top' - I'll need something when company visits & I'm almost ready for company! Will you visit?

The house looks terrific - if I do say so - I'm officially unpacked - other than a few boxes with Studio stuff- waiting for a studio... the open concept makes me laugh out loud- for years my imagined dream home  has had to have a long hall to throw a ball - from my bedroom  I can throw the ball to the front door- WEEE - when the driveway is covered with snow we'll still be playing ball. A peek into  'my little wooden' studio - (below) - I find it bigger than the last two rooms - everything has been placed with TLC - while under THC- LOTs, I can't begin to tell you how much I love my little creative space - my work will speak for itself.  

I have noticed already since I'm not unpacking as much I am smoking less... because I am  content - happy even.   Interesting.  This home is my dream home, easy to clean,  all on one level, all the 'luxuries' of a house in the city in cottage country - even a dishwasher! (No, I don't mean Norm)  & on several acres...   lot's to wander & explore & be inspired by when I'm not painting.  Rodney (from the cheese store) told me of an ap. that outlines the property and I can put markers while I make trails & won't get lost - let the adventure begin! 

The tent for company is next.. we've just decided where it goes  &  need to build a platform, then we can at least offer guests a 'glamping experience' - if company wants to visit  but does not want to 'tent'  Minden is building a lovely new resort! There are also several tiny places very close that offer sweet tiny cabin rentals - until we can build a sweet tiny cabin for guests - it will have to do.  I would encourage all to visit  Minden - Halliburton and  Carnarvon (don't blink)  for the perfect Ontario cottage country experience - don't forget Kawartha Dairy- there is always a line up - I think that's part of the fun.   Today, it's cool - I'm listening to my favourite radio station Canoe FM & about to paint a humming bird with PINK/purple cannabis - different than usual.  Next a fish for a friends cottage.

What will you create today?  My words of advice this lovely Sunday:
Prayer changes things. 
xox 

We drove up to see the property...  now that is legally ours, to do a bit of measuring.  
Norm has to build a kennel attached to the house as soon as possible - the first day up there he has to install a dog door and add a contained covered kennel no dogs can escape or no creatures can enter, I am designing it today.... I'll be distracted with all the moving & can't stress about the girls wandering off.

We included Ginger & Poppy on our visit to see their new home - commenting before we left "I'll leave Daisy till next time in case she sees a deer & takes off".  Norm remarked   "you're pushing it George - expecting to see a deer your first day..." (snicker). I ignored him.  
When we arrived I hopped out of the truck & said let's walk our NEW driveway girls for the FIRST TIME! Wheeeeee - they quickly behind me run up ahead a few feet - the sun was shining - patches on sunlight danced on the driveway,  I couldn't have imagined a more beautiful day...  then they both stopped - I looked at the girls to see they froze & were both looking in the same direction - I looked up and there she was!
A huge beautiful Doe looking me as if to say  "Oh... hello. "  
I froze like a deer in the headlights - our eyes locked.  It was love at first sight. lol
They started to move I said "Don't dare... "   looked up & the deer was gone.
Just like that- I then realized (of course)  I had my iPad in my hands - Arrrgh.  
No matter - it was the moment.  God welcomed me home.

Or agent -when I said 'I saw my first deer!!" said soon you'll say - oh it's just another dammed deer..  (lol - I take it he's seen a few)  & warned me to be careful as he has hit a few in all the years he's been up there. Elated I said  "I can't wait to see a bear!" his reply - YES, you can... & then proceeded to tell me about the time the bear attacked his son. Cowabunga- I needed to hear it- I was already walking the woods- la de da...- Norm has no clue where I was.. lol   I will be investing in a air horn & bear spray & promised NOT to feed.  Our agent said what helped save his son was he had the  common sense (while a bear was biting him) to push his truck alarm & frightened the bear - He is lucky to be alive from what I heard. So, no - I won't be encouraging any bears to pose for a portrait.

Norm & I are both tired- Norm more so - on top of things he rescued 2 baby -viscous  behaving- raccoons off the roof, they look yesterday like they were going to pass out from heat. look thin & dehydrated  -I've seen them a week- no mom in sight. ;(  I ffed them- they ate it all- bananas, smoked salmon (all I had at the time) lol - almond butter & cherries! All the food was gone this morning- I'm waiting for animal control to Pick them up.

It's time to pack!! Want to see my backyard? A few photos below - we need to build a new deck and spruce it up a bit - nothing we can't handle- Oh - where to hand my tiki?? 
All I could think about was that deer - & NOW anytime that stress anxiety kicks in b-I think of that deer waiting to welcome me home  join me for coffee.  I painted it - I had too - just a small one- for me to remember that moment - God sent the perfect welcome wagon.

Dreams come true-  have faith.

With TLC & THC Georgia 

Next the trash pandas portrait & free coloring sheet to DL, found while packing.
​