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

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.

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 

I had a light bulb moment or as I like to think them now,  a new level of awakening.
Triggers.. it's funny what 'triggers memories' and past experiences, maybe it's a song on the radio which reminds you of a special date or someone in your life, an old T-shirt - reminds you of that concert you went to when 17! A photo- can bring you right back to the date, memories can be a wonderful thing.  Memories can also be brutal.  As well as making you feel all warm and fuzzy- they can make you feel physically ill - decades later. 

I'm learning to 'embrace' these triggers as difficult as they are instead of ignore them, ignoring them only suppresses them to return to a later date. Instead I will acknowledge, ponder and understand  & say to myself: Way to go girl! You rose above that TOO!

Who was intimated by 'mean girls ' in high school - I bet many.  Not me.  My 'mean girl' was at home waiting to teach me a lesson or two.

One morning my mom was drinking her "special tea" which she said helped her keep slim...  I made the mistake of asking if I could have some, not quite comprehending the concept of the slimming tea' & how it worked.  I had my tea & went to school.  I was in grade 9.
I recall feeling very sick and  left school only to shit myself on the TTC.  I got off the bus for fears of others seeing or smelling me.   I was wearing shorts- it was a hot summer day.  
I walked home and the shit dripped down my legs into my shoes,  occasionally buckling with cramps... crying all the way. 
 
My mom, thought it was hysterical and laughed a great deal, she also shared with a few that I had shit myself. I was 15.  I was humiliated, again.  Who does this to their daughter? 
It was not until I was older to understand - other moms did not take pleasure in humiliating their daughter like this.  My mom never said "you look cute", "how was your day?".. " what did you do in school  today?"...  "Im sorry you shit yourself... for that was not my intent."     It was, it was her intent. She was an adult & knew what would happen to me drinking that tea - still she let me & let me go to school without any warning.
I  looked cute in my shorts.. until I shit them.  I threw them out. 

She was always telling others I was mentally ill.  
Regrettably, BUT understandably  I was diagnosed as bi-polar' in my teens, which she only used againts me further - convincing others of her terrible plight- 'dealing with me'.  I was not bipolar- I was fucked over mentally since birth by someone who hated me and proved it constantly.  I was not the one who was fucked up.   
The abuse was NOT always so obvious- the beatings were obvious,  the mean 'mind fucks' - not until I was older.  I remember this, sometimes simply  -when I see a teabag in a cup.

I am happy for these memories NOW- these are here for a reason... to keep me awake.  Safe.
They show me how far I have come and remind me - I am exactly where God wants me to be.  Keep my distance.  Grateful like you can't even comprehend. Give thanks.

People have asked me - why didn't you tell anyone? Why don't you?  I didn't want to hurt my mother, part of the brainwashing.   This is not about 'hurting' my mother,  if it was to hurt her, reading this - OH well- we shouldn't have been such a fucking cunt.
This is about explaining abuse & pray others SEE, learn & understand & STOP judging others and what we don't know.  Not all abuse is beating physically - much is beating and wearing down others mentally.

Stop telling kids:
You only have one mother..  (or father).
It was those words (guilt from people NOT aware) that kept me being abused well into my 50's. Now when someone says that, I immediately respond: Thank God for that! One mother like that was enough.  
I was ashamed to tell others how much my mother hated me...because they could not understand.  I could NOT understand.  
They saw what they wanted to see.  
They believed what was easy for them to believe.

Time for a cup of tea, I treat myself to good tea! I like citrus flavours especially.
Then I'll finish a portrait and  start a new one of my son & a goat..
I've had a few very difficult days- that's o.k... I understand why.  I try not to be so hard on myself when I get overwhelmed - it's easy to understand why, now.  
​
​Please try to show someone a little understanding- even if you don't.

​with TLC & THC - FOR me from ME! 

All creatures great & small...
I've added the signage for the Chicken Coop - The Zen Hen Den is official'.  I've even painted everyones names - it's just got to go up on the fence.  As creatures pass, we will put the plaques on the back off the coop wall to remind us of all who have graced us with their presence... & eggs.   Ive got eggs. at least 2 a day. These leghorn are egg machines. 
I love the chickens - it's entertaining to watch them and their personalities emerge.  
Gloria is my favourite, this  black beauty chases chipmunks with a vengeance. Have a good look at her long graceful legs - those nails- yes, easy to see Tiny Raptors live here.
The coop is finished but  Norm decided, the Goat need a barn of their own- almost done, it will open to the same pen but give the goats a place more comfortable and safe & warm for the winter that we all know is coming. 

This weather is brutal on my TN & arthritis- I feel as though I broke my thumb today & it's no fun. Yesterday the  Trigeminal Neuralgia  was so powerful I walked around all day with one eye contracted shut 90% in intense pain , so much so- 'I am' amazed, at my own capacity to deal with this shit on a daily basis.  I thank God- I ask for strength every morning & throughout the day.
Regrettably & commonly (for countless others), when in pain - other issues set me 'Off' .
Off to the point I went to bed in the afternoon - physically & mentally exhausted from watching the ETHNIC cleansing that we are ALL witnessing - going on in the USA - NOW.  Tell me that's  not what  is happening  and I'll tell you :
OPEN YOUR FUCKING EYES or stick your head back in the sand. Your choice. 
Who is dying in the USA - minorities, black & hispanic (women more than men) - those still FORCED to work.  For the almighty american $$$ Disney opening up  in Florida as it's the current epicentre?  GREEDY fucking Mickey.. will help you ride to your deaths faster - hop on the ride of a lifetime.  Priorities.
 
Stupid is as stupid does...  but to catch covid @ a theme park- essentially means you actually $$ pay for covid-19...   Stupid is AS stupid does. I hope it was worth the ride.

​ Naps are good for mental health, especially when feeling overwhelmed.
Chicken & goats are keeping us grounded & busy - especially when Sativa gets her head stuck in the chicken bucket. Hobbies are good.  Working on yourself' is good - visiting theme parks during a pandemic...   you get what you pay for.

Fuck Disney world - all they are  showing the rest of the world is they care only about the profits.  I'm blown away thinking about  Florida now & how it always represented the best of the USA  when I was young & naive.   Back to focusing only own health & wellness - back to chickens & goats.  All creatures great & small, the Lord God made US all.
​This includes alligators and humans, Florida.

New cat & cannabis art next &  another  editorial.
with TLC & THC Georgia

We have our designated farm chores.  I get up and let everyone OUT, when Foghorn starts shouting "Rise & SHINE!!!".  I open the chicken door, I open the goat door (yes, that's new)  all the dogs follow to pee.   All loose - I return for my first coffee -then, I make the chickens breakfast. They LOVE cream of wheat sprinkled with hemp and a tiny bit of whatever fresh fruit. Norm gets up usually an hour later, he gets his coffee & we go out again. 

​Norm puts the animals to bed, the first night he was chasing chickens, the goats refused to get out from under the coop so, there they slept. The next day we sealed the goat area in- so we don't have to worry about bears or other attacking them at night. It was last minute but has worked out absolutely fantastic.  It's like a movie.  All the animals GO to bed on their own already - so easily, it shocks us.  The chickens go in the coop and roost-  Norm counts them and locks up.  The goat run around to the door underneath the pen and run in! He locks them in and all is good..  Who knew - not us. We've laughed in amazement at these creatures.  It's proving to really be, the zen den.  We have 2 chairs and we sit & watch & laugh, mostly. Like when Sweet Sativa climbed up the chicken walk and right thru that small door!   Then a chicken came out, then she came out,  then Ginger!  lol  
Ginger - if we let let would live in the coop,  I have to go and physically remove her.
 
It's been a full time job for weeks & now we get to sit & enjoy, that we do!  Yesterday sitting there in silence- just enjoying the moment- we looked around and realized EVERY creature was lying down around us. Every chicken.  Every dog, every goat. Everyone was happily zen, listening to the birds in the heat of the afternoon.  I've never felt mentally healthier or at peace.  Thank you Lord.

I am choosing to stay home !  why leave this Eden?
Norm understands & is o.k. to go.  for the basic grocery run & of course to the lumberyard.
What's not good for mental health,  this mass mask manipulation & confusion - on or off, bull.  Mandatory when in public spaces is mandatory. A large family of tourists  (all you had to  do was watch & listen for a moment to know they were tourists) was walking along haliburton going into stores- not one with a mask. I thought I wonder, where they are from.. what does it matter?  We have no control over others, especially not strangers.  Will our number start o shoot up again like the USA? lets hope not.
The DONkey still in charge, still says it's FAKE news. Is he done yet?  According to the news - anyone can run now- since the bar has been set so high by the current occupant.. yikes. No wonder my Americans friends seem a bit  more 'stressed', these days.  I feel sorry for the USA - which is providing the rest of the world with the impression, it doesn't care about itself  OR each other.   SELF LOVE is key...  they appear to have very little.
Selfish... seems to be more accurate.

Why take a chance?  If they suggest wearing a mask - wear a mask or stay home.
The cartoon is exactly what we said to each other out waiting in LONG lines for stuff we don
t really NEED. Forget that.
Wear a mask & decrease your chances of catching a deadly virus or don't and gamble with your life or the lives of your friends and family. That's the most selfish part...  Those who don't give a crap about others - Like the president of the USA, Eh.  To throw a July 4th celebration ? How many lives dead?

I choose to stay home so I don't see some with & some without I choose self love if I DO go out & WEAR a mask- for others as much as myself. There nothing we 'NEED' that's more important than our health - physical or mental.  Norm is loving the farm- it's obvious & he has built a tiny Eden for our beasts.... changing as the animals let us know  what to change. 
We have no time to wallow or worry, our animals are teaching us much.  & when we have free time- I paint & he builds - what ever he wants.  
​Life is wonderful & both of us are happier than we've been - this is how it's suppose be. Amen & thank you.

The goats are bleeting now, "come out & hang out!!!  It's irresistible.  
I posted a really cute vid on IG & am posting it on the official 'ZEN HEN DEN' page.  Have peek if interested.   Have a lovely hot Canadian day!  It's too hot for a mask- stay home. lol 

With THC & TLC
Georgia