I'd like to start this mental health week on a positive note with a positive suggestion:
Go into this winter (lockdown) with the mind of a caterpillar & in the spring prepare to emerg & transfigure into 2021  stronger, healthier & wiser. Why not!?
How can anyone not be wiser after all this.  I'd like to share a couple suggestions of what I KNOW works for me - it can't hurt.. yes, I've had experience with depression before a pandemic - 202o was one of our happiest years. So here goes, a few pointers to prevent depression spiraling out of control.

-Have Faith.  I can't express it enough... To have faith is everything - to have Faith is to have faith in me.  Have Faith we will continue through this.

-If you are struggling with thoughts of giving up, be brave and ask to speak to someone.
I had/have 2 Dr.s  who speak & listen... explain.  God  sent my Dr.s, I know it now.  
"I promise you Georgia, it will get better... soon you will meet someone & have your own family.."   said my Dr. sitting in his office (after hours) as he stitched me up for  'cutting', a little too deep 'that time' & I was too embarrassed to go to the hospital.  I cut my arms , thighs, abdomen with a razore blade for years... my mother never seemed to notice,  I found out later, she informed others I did it because "I was fucked up"... I sure was.  I cut because I did NOT know how to deal with the depression, I cut to hurt myself because I felt I was not wanted. I cut because I was the only one I could control.  I cut becuase it felt better to hurt myself than others. I am reminded by scars physical & mental.  
Find someone to talk to - if you can't find someone - there's ALWAYS Jesus.  

-Do not drink alcohol. So much abuse could be avoided without alcohol.  All you have to do is 'pass on the alcohol.  Because, I was raised in a 'alcohol home there are times during this pandemic - I've condiered getting drunk to forget it all, if only for a few hours. Yikes.  Not a good time to get drunk and wallow - it's easy to be swallowed by depression with all currently happening. Don't do it.. it only dulls the feelings, nothing goes away.
​After excessive alcohol, problems are usually worse as well as feeling hung over.  
I treat myself to LUCs brew in a wine glass- LOVE the blueberry Basil,  not only is it tasty, refreshing- it's good for me. Alcohol Free.   It's your choice.

Read. Craft.. learn to speak a new language...  I learned to speak Goat - just as Nugget.
Why not- NOW is the time to dream & transform - ready to spread our wings & FLY when...  we can.

With THC & TLC
​Georgia
  

Hairless kitties fuck with your mind.  As I painted this kitty - I kept (naturally) wanting to brush fur or 'a' whisker even.. I had to focus and remember this is a genetic hairless kitty and was not easy to paint.  The wrinkles adorable tho.  I guess this is what cats look like without fur.

Mental Health Monday - Many will be feeling EVEN more stressed today with the current information: The Military will be deployed to vaccinate us all. 
The military will be administering the vaccine...   sounds a little 'Handmaidenish' don't you think?  Ironically, I did have a friend tell me this months ago.. I brushed it off with little thought, not now.  Is anyone else slightly concerned? Will it  be mandatory - that would cause a bit of chaos imo - no.. it won't be mandatory but good luck traveling, shopping or if you have to go to the hospital - you'll get it or you won't be able to play'.  

Here we go... I don't even know what to think today.. editorials are spilling out my ears.

About the 'vaccine'... about side effects.  Are we playing with covid cures?  Swatting at things in the air- it appears so.. a government who can't seems to get on the same page with rules and regulations are leading me to believe  they have in fact- known this was the direction INDEED that this was all GOING to go.
  Not being an essential worker, I  have the luxury of time & reading & I'll tell you there is very conflicting, interesting information circluating right now... worlddoctorsalliance.com some very intelligent people are speaking up about the current situation and motive behind it-  have a read.. THINK for yourself- what do you think? 

I've had several reactions over my life time with medication - once almost killed me - luckily I was in the hospital when it happened., my friend Kat happened to be visiting me and noticed I started slurring & my tongue  (should be spelled TUNG)  started to swell and I started to pass out - the nurses came running  with a shot' to counter act  the previous medication and here I sit. 

Another occasion the medication I was given made me feel like ripping my skin off,  itchy - from the inside out - I was off it in 2 days.  I often vomit when taking  pills -they don't sit well in my stomach & opitaes really mess me up leaving me  feel lathargic, uncoordinated, sick and constipated - nope, LET FOOD BE they medicine & even that is natural, my medicine.  NO - I don't want to be first in line for this vaccine. 
​Side effects.. can linger and not show for years.
Will the cure - be the cure or  a future curse?  
Try not to stress about this.. read & become more educated and better prepared.
​
 Hairless kittys are not for me but it was pleasurable to paint!

​With TLC & THC
Georgia
​

Gadzooks!!!  Yukon Cornelius struck Gold! Canadian GREEN Gold that is. hahaha
MY mind is in Christmas! & enjoying it!!

I was sent several messages -  from Americans telling me they liked my cartoon yesterday!
Americans like my Trump editorial - I'm doing soemthing right. LOL I bet several did NOT like it. WE are not here to be liked but to serve (as best as we know how).   Wonderful. 
It's mental health Monday - so as an artist on social media - I've learned it's nice when others like my cartoons but just as many can discourage and actualy take the time to dislike. I must alwasy rememeber 'who I am pleasing.  
The universe.. I hope to make smile.
Me... using my gift makes me happy, keeps me in a joyful state of mind.
God... by the grace of God - here I enjoy painting & exploring the woods.
 
Norm's out setting up the display, in the front yard for the bears to enjoy. lol
Actually... Bumble & friends are getting a tune up because they are off (the property) to spread JOY for the Christmas season - where LOTS will see them! YAY!
I know how many children smile at this display - it grows my heart - just like the Grinch!  
Thinking  happy stuff KEEPS me in a happy mood.

Yukon Cornelius is part of the pack and he made me think of this.. hee hee
He 'licks his pick' when he strikes gold - in case you did not know.
He made me laugh out loud when finished - I bet a few Rudolph fans will giggle.
I listened to  Joe Rogan & Jason Peterson interview and Jason Peterson said (more or less) life should be difficult- thinkng it should be all fun and games  - how does anyone truly learn or feel ACCOMPLISHMENT or challenge themselves to be better - every day.
WE don't when we think life should be handed to us or sit around trying to figure out get rich quick games.
Work.  

Chop wood  & carry water.
Norm chops the wood & the Goats are learning how to carry packs.
hahah I crack myself up. 
More on Bumble tomorrow! & Bumble art. 

With THC & TLC.
​Me.

Blue moon... I was blue too.
Halloween, I did not wish to promote. 
I did create art .. I'll save it for next year
I'm actually testing out new paper!  Getting my usual black paper was a hastle..
NOW  available in a pad form (thank you Universe)  I love it &
I've been extra busy - playing with it.

Mental health Monday - blue Monday.
I don't know about you but I am physically tired and mentaly zapped. Punn intended.
There is too much going on at the moment - hard to believe that some are more worried about the POS than the Pandemic. Or rather - the mayhem expect to  ensue after the VOTE.
Another lockdown is  imminent because the Government... no, because WE (HUMANS) can't get our shit together and stay home for 3 weeks. Or wear masks when out in public.
Add  the time change and tell my pup that 4 am is too early to go out to pee.
Yup, I'm pooped.  I know I am not alone.
Many are way more tired than I am - like essential workers.  
Thank you.

The snow is beautiful -  it brings a blanket of calm and cold, perfect for napping.
It's more important to my own mental health to slow down like winter sometimes demands.
I hope you (whom ever you be) are taking time to rest - it is essential - more than your work.
It's work to stay focused and not allow depression to consume.  
I've got a painting on the easel, one on my desk and sketch pad on the coffee table & 4 blank bird houses on my kitchen table... it is essential WE all work - even if we are staying at home all day- see it as an opportunity to become better. Mom's see it as more work  I've been reading. 

At anything... that's the best advice for mental health IMO - learn a new  hobby that you enjoy.  The rest will do itself.
Alcohol consumption (drug in general is ) UP.. I know myself - have felt like a glass of wine more often than usual - so I've decided NOT to have any.  it is an educated choice I am making- alcohol is a depressant.  Alcohol is addictive - very.  
Seek help if drinking is a problem as I can guarantee you, it is a problem for others around you too.  Don't choose to make this  pandemic experience worse with alcohol. 
Smoke 'a' joint..  if you can nap and then  get creative.
I hope I get energy to get creative in the kitchen- some cookies are calling!

I am focusing on editorials,  it's how my own mind ' vents'  and then...  I smile.
On my mind - Ho Ho Holidays.  Lot's of material this year- go Figure.
Stay tooned.

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.......