A mental health Monday - editorial.
Canadians can help put their mental health to rest, with MAID.
I have researched M.A.I.D. & am grateful for the service.
​
I decided to draw a logo for M.A.I.D...   they did not ask.
I think it would lighten the mood a bit.  
I read business is 'booming' due to covid. (Sorry Boomers)
Maid, cleaning house like a BOSS..
In control.

I AM all for M.A.I.D. 
BTW.

with THC & TLC
​Georgia

What a fantastic weekend we just experienced!  The weather was sunsational -  a little brisk but that's to be expected - it is FALL officially- in 2 days. We were BUSY!

My weekend started off not so good- I was informed a neighbour "ratted" on us that we are building Norms shop.  WTF?  At first I was pissed, cried and then got angry again. IT HAS Nothing to do with the shop... everything to do with nasty humans.  Here's the thing- our property is secluded.. you cannot see my house from the end of the drive way, let alone Norms shop.  I learned long ago tho,  people like this... are usually MISERABLE.  
Ponder about this for a moment.. with all that's going on like a deadly pandemic, stress at an altiem high all around - and this person has nothing better to do than rat on a neighbour?  "We are all in this together..."  RIGHT.  That's bullshit - not with neighbours  like this. I was telling Storm how angry I got and he reminded -anyone would - you've done nothing to anyone & worked very hard to be here.
​
We are NOT bothering anyone, we are not asking anyone for help, we can afford to do this... it is what it is JEALOUSY  & this is what reminds me to move on, I will confirm 'who' & I will address that person & ASK them: exactly what I have done to them to cause them to be so un-neighbourly, after all, if you are going to be have like c*nt  you can at least explain why... no?  ​

More on the amazing shop soon!  It makes us happy& excited!
Life is constantly YING & YANG - ups & downs.. deal with them all - cause that's how it is. 
The weekend from there only got better.. Storm showed up to help his dad with his shop, met the pup and we celebrated his BIRTHDAY! Officially tomorrow - but he is busy working  so we celebrated early.  I love having him here, it feels complete.  We had many wonderful meals The Millpond & Rhubarb both close, FANTASTIC restaurants (nom nom)  what's good? EVERYTHING.   This made us happy.

It is difficult NOT hugging my son...  that makes me sad.
​
Lots of puppy/dog time and the puppy adventure has begun! Makes me so happy & tired.  We had one of the best weekends in a while - we are so grateful (all of us) the 3 of US are well aware of the journey and how far we have come what we have delt with and will continue to deal with. The love between us is obvious and that is powerful.  Happy.

What's bad for our mental health -  'thinking' about  nasty c*nt's, makes me feel- Sad.  
        
                                                                        SO  DON'T.

Rest peacefully knowing: Karma will handle them...  it already is, they are miserable, nosy individuals - OBVIOUSLY.  Focus on your pets, family and what makes you smile. Puppys & painting & this pup likes to POSE!  Have a beautiful day we are BUSY - happily.
I had an American friend send me a message yesterday: I wish I could punch fucking Americans in the mouth.
It made me LOL & yes, I understand & appreciate her honesty.  
​I feel the same (and a few Canadians)...   the ones making each other sick anyhow.  

We are ALL in this together, so how about YOU be nice so others don't want to punch you in the mouth?

with TLC & THC.
me.... and my Arrow!!   :) Know how I got that name? 

2020.. wow.
I need a break - how about you?
I'm taking a break. 
I think I'll take Septemeber & October off.

I got a message this morning from a long time internet friend. We met on Facebook overt 10 years ago...  one of those special social media friends who you actually become friends' with. We've exchanged gifts', letters.. life, for over 10 years.  
Toti said "hi.. how's it going George?"  to me, more often than REAL life friends.
Real friends can be Douchebags.  
Really, I'm so tired of alwasy being the friend who initiates  contact.
I'm done with that.  

                  People who can't take a moment to respond to you...
                                   are showing you their response.

I watched her run marathons and volunteer for cancer research, long before she was diagnosed.  I got to know her 'handsome hubby' as I've called him the last 10 years, he made me a gift too. They thought about me.  I thought about them.. think about them. Invited them to see this beautiful country a couple of years ago but you know life keeps us busy.  I know they are kind, Mexican American (I've drooled over their cooking for a decade ;)) we've never met... but we were all hoping to take our friendship to the next level. 
We were startng to plan.

This won't be happening... she's been given 6 months.
Watching her struggle, watching cancer grow from the inside out.. I hope she has 6 months. 
I do know she is surrounded by friends and family who love her very much. Real people.
She sent me a message to tell me:  she loves me.

Fuck covid, fuck cancer.. fuck nasty for no reason, people.
Fuck complaining about stupid stuff.
Fuck mind games.. who needs people in our lives when they show you they don't have any consideration for you. Move on.

Fuck mental health Mondays... 

God sends us friends from all around the world, on different levels, each is a blessing.
                  ANY friend that takes the time to think about you, is a blessing.  
Anyone who cares enough to be your friend, in these selfish covid confusing times - is a gift.

I'm mentally exhausted,  acknowledge it and need to paint & turn all else off.. out.
I DO have several projects and a commission on the go- lots to keep my mind & hands inspired.   Time to focus on my furry family,  fall and painting.
I know it's important to my OWN health.  

​I LOVE fall - when God picks up the paintbrush to blow us all away & remind us who the ARTIST is.    
​
with THC & TLC
G

When this journey started I had a very limited, narrow-minded opinion' of drug addiction, drug abuse and addicts.  I've asked for forgiveness on all those I judged as "sick" or criminals"  I was blind but now I see.   

Unless you KNOW someones complete past history - how can you judge them?  We do. I do.
Do you know what led someone to becoming a drug addict?  I use to assume it was a choice.  Ha.   I've since learned (for only one example) many young KIDS become addicted to opiates due to sports injuries - did they have criminal intent?  Did they think they would become drug addicts? Did their parents?  

How about a person who steals?  
Norm & I did steal, many years ago, a case of baby food (times were tuff) I asked for forgiveness & then made sure we donated  food to the food bank, for over a decade, LOTS - from our halloween events. I'm good with God about it.  Am I ashamed about it,  NOPE. 
We did what we needed to do at the time  - until the next paycheque.  
What makes someone a criminal? Sadly, many will have to make some choices soon along those criminal lines.  No work, Covid lingers (because don't get it and don't wear a mask out in public places)  bills don't stop.  
What will push someone over the edge? A hungry child will, I guarentee it.
Are they criminals for wanting to feed their family or just trying to survive?

Those who harm, hurt or steal from individuals - just take to take or prosper - are criminals and they will be dealt with sooner or later.  I've stopped thinking of any addict as a criminal or SICK.  Sick are the powers that be and decide to jail people who are sick.  The jail is FULL of sick people, mostly men who have struggled their entire lives- most abused their entire lives.  In Canada, mostly indegenous, black & poor are in jail.

Alcoholics,  men & women - tossed in jail when drunk. Yet booze (poison in a bottle) is readily available in corner stores.  In some communities - more easily available and cheaper  than food.  We all have a vice', some it's food - just look at obesity rates- are you going to tell me it's not an addiction - a drug for millions?  Alcohol, pills, cannabis, shopping..  cats.   The things that keep us gong are wider than I realized.  What is your addiction - what do you feel you could not live without and must get more of?   For some the answer will be Food. Not as an addiction but necessity. 

I don't think anyone would choose crime if we ALL had the necessities in life.  Food, Water & shelter.  Many right now are living in FEAR of being evicted, feeding their kids and paying their bills... many right now are still dying- from cancer.  Countless are suffering mentally, financially and physically - when they steal to survive - to feed their kids, keep the house warm this winter -  will you call them a criminal & judge them..  or will you TRY to help - simply by not judging.

So be honest- what  or who controls your cortex?
​Drugs? Booze? Food? Sex? Pills? Porn? Cats? Plants?

You are what you think about. 
I think, I'll go create something BEAUTIFUL.

Next.. something beautiful ;) hee hee
 & being grounded - in more ways than one.
​
with THC & TLC
Georgia 

Don't be a cheeky monkey,  remember to wear your mask.

When Storm was little I called him Cheeky Monkey- a nickname many little ones get, no doubts.  I needed to ponder yesterday (peacefully) -  primates seem to be my goto' these days when I need to meditate the most.   I had no idea what would appear when pencil was placed on paper - listening to the radio (canoe 100.9FM)  hearing about kids and back to school - being bus drivers- school supplies- YIKES   Teachers BETTER finally get a raise.  
I guess that's why the mask appeared and the Poppies- REMEMBER your mask ;)
Stop & smell the flowers but then remember to put your mask back on.

Numbers are rising, winter is coming - did anyone think it was done? 
Fucking TURMP admitting he downplayed it. WOW. 190,000 dead & counting.
I get it- we must teach out tiny humans life must go on -  at what cost. I don't know.
I feel as tho I am witness to a mass science experiment  &  I'm not that fond of waching. 

I painted that primate starting at 5 a.m. and continued right to 7 p.m. - it was wonderful.
The day before I received my first  trojan horse gift.  A jar of honey with a $900. rock bill.
Yep, I was hurt (again)  but it's my own fault- I set myself up.. thinking I might have tea &  conversation with my new neighbour one day, in a perfect world.
The world is far from perfect, currently.  We must learn to go with it - like it or not.
 & I painted THROUGH it.  FORCE yourself to focus on your art.
Focus on your gift, your intentions and God will continue to walk with you.  
I wish more would belive me.  

I meditate & medicate and ponder & PRAY, clarity arrives.. before my painting is comlete. Thank God.  This chimp looking back at me is  thoughtful, playful, kind and a little cheeky. A gentle reminder for all cheeky monkeys all over the world.  Put your mask back on when your done smelling those flowers.  I wished the first day went well as I  read about schools being shut down due to covid outbreaks.  

AS much as I do focus on my art my twitch is escalated by stress.. (why, I try to avoid it) and yes, it's currently brutal due to  a combination of neighbour crap, covid, chronic pain, exhaustion - even though I am tired my twitch does not stop enough to let me nap,
I don't share this for any other reason than this IS MY LIFE & I certinally will not be ashamed by it.  I LIVE with it EVERY FUCKING DAY..  Every day, keep going, keep painting, keep trying.   I promised God.  Here I sit, God has provided.
For anyone who 'thinks' I take this promise lightly,  you are mistaken.

I hope this monkey proves to you -   Don't let covid, pain or shallow people stop you from creating. CHILD of God you are created to create & dont forget it!
I'm going to go paint another creature now, excited to see what will appear.  
 If I can do it so can you. Have you seen my hands lately?
Norm said my wrists look as though I broke them, they are both swollen & painful.. just another arthritic day and I won't let it slow me down today either.
​Do not stop.  Do not give up...  
Be who God expects you to be. 

I have handed it over to God, all of it & am confident I shall, as alwasy..  be.

With TLC & THC
Georgia

Next another classic cartoon  - and a dream bong. ;)

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

How are you feeling?  A little blue?
I felt blue when I started this painting...  I decided to 'go with it',  instead of fight it.
I think this is key.  Learning to GO with it.  When you supress sadness - it does not go away, it just gets deeper,  if you think about it for a moment & ask - Why exactly, am I feeling sad?
Why?   Worried about things that might NOT happen?  Thinking about pain from the past.. don't give it power.  Force yourself to become active & creative - soon you will be thinking about what you are working on and not what's working on you.  
There is no trick' to mental HEALTH- it's work.  Life is work. 

More noticably on Instagram are artists posting they feel stuck.. blue, covid, politics, financial porblems, lack..  many are feeling a little bluer than usual - I try to encourage them to work through it. You would be amazed at the difference in paintings you can create - depending on your mood.  I forced myself to start Lady Algonquin' - I was in a terrific mood by the time I finished & had a new painting to show for it & a new experience with this "style".  Just DO it. 

Another reason for Artists in particular to be a little blue... ART is a luxury.  
In a time of uncertainty when people are worried about work, food & bills - art is not a top priority.  Someone recently asked to purchase a painting, at a discount. lol  
Well,  I'll expalain for all artists:

  Our prices have not dropped on our supplies, as a matter of fact hey have gone UP.  Do you know how much one good tube of acrylic paint costs $25 approx. - so 4 colours- $100. easy.. then there is canvas,  the price depends on the quality - I'd like to use HEMP but it's still too costly - I'd have to up the price of my paintings.  Brushes - each costs from $6. - to $35. they can be much more but I stay in this price range & brushes do not last forever, they have to be replaced steadily.  Time, each painting takes me at least 3 hours. Never mind the size,  bigger can take weeks.   Some think $50. a painting is too much,  for 3 hours work? 
'If I worked minimum wage, it would be about right. NOT including shipping..
I have worked very hard to become the artist I am, endless hours (decades) of sketching, painting drawing (obviously) to fine toon' my craft.  It's worh more than 'minimum wage.  
Thankfully (not luckily- luck has nothing to do with it)  I do well, I've started to sell on line (at least one or two a week) & steady comissions.  I've decided to sell more, only because I have SO much. I pull out my binders and can't even remember 1/2 of what I've painted, so I will part with a few originals & spread the love & fun.  
It's fun to own an original- I know - lol.   

Maybe an artist friend is struggling more than usual, if you can - help.
​BUY something, it might not pay the rent or bills but it will give them HOPE & that is priceless.  I'm going to buy original art today - just to support an artist I like & encourage them.. I know they are blue. 

If anyone is interested in this Blue 'Lady Algonquin' I will sell her for $60!
That is a deal! It took at least 5 hours. PLUS shipping.  ;) If not - she will continue to hang in my home & be enjoyed and remind me, it's just a feeling - paint it out- paint through it and give thanks for another day- blue or not.. it's a gift many will not get today.
Happy Mental Health Monday!  

Next another Canadian Female Artist who this 'hill' we live on  is named after! 

with THC & TLC
​Georgia

  Did you get to play Hookey (skip school for fun) when little?  I did! Yay!   I did get to skip school several times,  I was not good at school & now understand why.. no kidding.  I don't recall having any homework help.. ever,  this can't be true.   Can it?  I remember my aunt Marine  taught me how to tie my shoes & draw.  Yes, I was allowed to stay home from school - but not for some cool games or adventure.

I specifically recall on one occasion  when my aunt seemed a bit shocked, this was after a night of drinking to the point of vomiting,  that was normal - you didn't 'drink'  or "party"
until you puked. Often evenings  started with cheering:  "Party till you Puke!"
 I think it was big in the 70's as a common saying.  Maybe not. Throwing up was a regular weekend event - for as long as I remember.

Back to playing hookey.. I was allowed to stay home from school on several occasions - no, let me correct that -  I was made to stay home on several occasions  to clean spew buckets  & make campbells Cream of Mushroom soup & get Ginger-ale for my mom and aunt all day as they recouped from their hangovers.   I was told to be quiet & called only when someone  threw up... Yay!  My aunt at the time seemed shocked I was so good at this task, I had practice.  I've wondered over the years if she ever kept her kids home to nurse her hangovers...  maybe not.  The circle usually continues.

Fuck that. I intentionally pulled Storm out of school (at least 3 times a year) to have FUN!  Sometimes we'd invite his best bud & take them to the falls for the weekend.. hookey is about fun - or should be.  

I guess I painted the bowl of soup over sharing the spew (spew was the word for Vomit in case you are confused) bucket image..  I have no pleasant memories - I struggle to think of them. I give up now.  

Parents who consume alcohol in large amounts... what memories will you create for your children to ponder later in life?  I don't waste too much time- they come and go. Addressing them recently has helped, if only me...  This shit did happen. No wonder you feel like I do from time to time.  It was not fair, it is life - for many.  
​Any 'teens'- who might be reading this:  
Focus on your dreams & gifts, get out and BE who you are meant to be... you don't have to repeat the lessons we learn.

I wished I had good memories, it's too bad the terrible ones stick to us most.  Instead I NOW CREATE (as well as art) good memories - EVERY FUCKING day!  If I knew bald felt so good- I'd have shaved YEARS ago, lol.  Norm & I are having so much fun, lots of laughter...  the fireplace is in, has been inspected! Passed with FLYING colours - of course.

Children are gifts from God- to be loved & educated and encouraged - much more important than alcohol & partying until you PUKE-  Get that shit out of the way before you have children & then... Mature the fuck up.  WE chose to bring these babies into this planet - not them. If you have an alcohol abuse problem, SEEK HELP. 

Next (& Winnie the Pooh).  ​

We are also looking forward to this.......

I had just won the art award in highschool & was at my grandma's when a family member remarked "We always knew you were going to be an artist! You use to paint the walls with shit!" ...several looked at each other and laughed - I did too.  

I laughed until I understood.  Then I cried.
I had heard this a few times as I got older, you see I thought it was kinda funny... taking off my diaper & drawing on the walls with my shit - how creative of me! I guess I was born an artist.  It wasn't until I realized - much later in life - this was a very common occurance and many had found me covered in caked on shit.. sitting in my crib with shit on the walls.
It was not a one time thing.  It was a sign of serious neglect.  

My mother did not care if I shit myself.. apparently I would be found  and someone would take pity & bath me. I should consider myself lucky she did not give a shit about me being covered in shit.. I doubt she would have been any more atttentitive or loving with me in the tub - washing off the shit.   Some shit never washes off. 

I hear stories of people when they are little and they are cute & loving.. I think awwwww.
This was not my childhood.  I know I spent way too much time alone, my entire childhood.
I try NOW to understand EVERY thing happens for a reason but still I struggle - what was the reason God- I was given to someone who did not want me or love me?  So, at the age of 56 I can still be effected by this SHIT and brought to tears- UNTIL I remember - NEVER AGAIN - will I give that person the satisfaction of ever treating me like SHIT again.  
Yes, I will continue - so every Monday is a reminder to me & hopefully to others..

I know my mother was seriously struggling with depression & was an alcholic, that does not make it an excuse to abuse your child.  Are you depressed? Is you child suffering because  it?  GET help. 
Are you a family member who sees a child being neglected?   WTF?    HELP MORE!
Are you an adult now, still haunted by your childhood memories?  
Acknowledge, understand - IT WAS NEVER YOU!  Breath and go create!
You are a child of GOD- still here for a reason! Go create - Be joyful - that is the best success  & way to thank God.  I'm glad I was such a creative tiny being who was able to amuse myself painting with shit.. lol 
NOW, I paint to forget shit.. once I start painting  - all disappears, Thank GOD.
People alwasy comment on the amount I paint..  I paint to keep painfree - in more ways than anyone might imagine.  I focus on what & whom I love NOW, those who don't love me - can focus on what ever the fuck they want - who needs people like that in their lives?
NOT ME.  
Next week - playing HOOKEY!  Day's I got to stay home...... yippie.

Aren't you all glad I can NOW afford paint!?   hahaha  
Fuck that past shit!
I'm going to not give a shit while I smoke some really good shit  (thanks Son!)
& contemplate what kinda shit I'll get into, next.

;)

I NEVER, ever let my son sit in a dirty diaper. Not once.  
I gave him paint while he was still in diapers. I loved him with every breath, still do.
He liked to play in the dirt more... clearly with Love his passion GREW!  hee hee
& yesterday I painted 'a gardeners prayer- inspired by proverbs & the bible...
I'll share tomorrow.

with TLC & THC
​Me.

This view tho...  My studio is tiny and I'm constantly changing it to make is as 'fucntional' as possible.. if I ever feel cramped or frustraited  I Look up & Look out. Wow.    
Especially right now,  all the rain we've had - how glorious & green is the garden! 

Norms busy on the roof- getting ready to put in our RED fireplace - I'm very excited, and the past few mornings have been chilly - wee.  
Canada has approved Psilocybin research for 4 Canadians - cancer patients  AMEN! ABOUT time - hurry up with the red tape and help more Canadians access this medicine - proven to assist with anxiety and depression.  Here is the thing.. may ARE accessing it - NOW - illegally, because they know  the potential and to put anyone in jail for this' - is a cannabis all over again. Read: How to change your Mind, watch the countless documentaries on Psilocybin & Micro dosing, Educate yourself on the topic - KNOW - don't judge.  
Books too...  around for decades.  The time is NOW.

I attribute Psilocybin to finally helping me  DEAL with he past instead f shoving it aside..  a life of depression  which I understand NOW (completely out of my control) until older & wiser & learning how to acknowledge, embrace & accept my past is what is helping me heal. 
Like it or not- I don't care.. don't read it.  NOT just that BUT 2 really caring, helpful doctors who have always taken he time to listen and acknowledge & help..  the psilocybin were the  finally push - I needed.  Mushrooms have taught me I am LOVED.  Ha.  Go figure.

It was indeed a evening with Psilocybin when I drew  'my past' - on paper for my own eyes to see so - I could NO LONGER deny.  
Mushrooms made me step back and acknowledge:
 Hold On!
What the fuck!??
That's enough.
​
You are a child of god.. created to create!
Amen.