My newest portrait was incredibly enjoyable to paint!   
A friend sent me a photo of his daughter while they were out on a winter adventure and I was instantly taken with it, I couldn't help but smile.  First she's a cute kid, my teeth use to be like that too.  The hat & rosie cheeks - I had to paint her & I knew she likes sloths already  (what little/big girl does not?) so why not!  My first child protrait, not my last.

It  kept me lighthearted while painting & I needed it.. It had been an incredibly stressful few days.  Painting for sure- brings me PEACE. Staring at a smiling face is always enjoyable & the time flew as did my stress - turning into bliss. 

With each painting I learn a bit more,  see differently and get slightly better due to practice.  I did realize with this painting I enjoy adding the aspect of imagination..  I'll play with object and imagine backgrounds in all furture paintings.   I've already started the next portrait -another winter theme - Tis the season- BRRRRR! This morning it was -25 when we got up and tomorrow is expected the same.. I had to wait until  my studio warmed to paint today.

I mailed the painting to my little friend and she loved it! She hugged it. hee hee hee 
It made my day - painting and knowing it was well received -double the pleasure.  
Her father shared a photo (below) - It makes me SMILE as big as the sloths smile.

Next my first Orr .. or is it ORE? The thing you row a boat with, not this one though.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

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

While packing I've discovered a program - 'Portrait artist competition UK' - I'm glued, watching - 3 different artist enter to paint a portrait of someone famous...  incredibly versatile on styles & mediums, fast, creative - it's inspired me to paint more people. 

Many of the artists for practice paint themselves, not because we love our own reflection but because - it's free & easy... well easy for some.  I for one do not enjoy looking at myself in the mirror for long periods of time- once I remember and focus at what I am doing - I get past vanity & on to learning & painting. Vincent VanGogh painted himself many times... a painted journal - the original selfie king.   Today being slightly  grumpy - needing to paint, my hands are sore from all the packing & yes, I'm mentally exhausted - to think of 'what to paint' - forget it, what I decided was start a mini journal of portraits ONLY  most dont take longer that 15 mins., - all who will sit... but I will sit for me first - because it's easy, fast & free. I'll TRY for one a day!

Problem is...   if people go by 'my self portraits - LOL - they won't think I'm any good. I am what I am... as a matter of fact I thought this particular portrait is pretty accurate.
I'm pleased.                    Our face has little to do with our abilities.  

My ego is the asshole that occasionally reminds me about my "ugly face"... 
- not for most peoples  standards anyhow, then I am reminded thankfully - child of God you were created to create & Jesus loves me. hee hee I like saying it, I say it out loud to my girls all the time.  Gratefully, I'm not overly concerned about other peoples standards any longer..   My face is in twitchmode big time... stress, moving, $$$, meeting strangers, having them come through your private home - daunting. I can't imagine hoarders going through this... I'm getting nothing but positive feedback and still find it's stressful- the hermit in me is not not happy- I've had to step out of my comfort zone too many times lately and I'm ready to embrace the forest with each passing moment.  Packing is waiting.

This is me. This is a good first self portrait - I caught me.
If you do like ME as I am - thank you... I am trying.
If you don't like me - what are YOU doing here?  Creeper.....   lol
 
Boxes to pack.. 
with TLC & THC
​Georgia
​

Weeeee! The Raptors won! Born & raised in Toronto -although not much of a sports fan- yes I'm thrilled they won!  Way to go & the fans clearly are thrilled - It's going to be some parage on Monday!  I decided to make this Raptors BUD special since it is history making by only creating this special trophy Raptors bud 420 - if you want' him check out the site & send me an email.. www.forevergratefulgreetings.com  -BTW I made a mistake this a.m. - a type-o... BUT caught it thankfull.. one letter was changed, the l to an F  - LOL made for an amusing website' and morning.

 Thank you to everyone so far who has 'adpoted' a  little bud card,  I have been thanked for making it an easy process.. I accept paypal, direct deposit or you may even snail mail me  a check. ;)  Let the celebrations continue! 

If you knew the past 48 hours I have experienced..  cowabunga - Moving is stressFULL.
I won't be attending the parade I will be filling boxes...
I've packed all my clothes leaving only 3 outfits to wear- hahaha  BUt I COULD not pack my paints- YET- I'm starting the scarecrow today.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

I had the best mother's day - all day!! It did not start that way...   Norm pissed me off with his typical shenanigans'  & I thought - forget this crap! I can do this... & I did. 
I packed up my 2 bitches and  turned on the GPS & headed down to the city for the day as that was the plan! OMGod me drive to the city! The girls co-operated they love the booster seat I made &  are strapped in for safety!  The GPS did it's thing... I remained calm - except for when I let out that for real "Weeeeeeeeeeeee! as I cut across 3 lanes of the highway  so I would not miss my exit!   YIKES! lol but we did it & every light turned green for it was mothers day  & it has been my greatest honour on this earth to be this  sons mom.

God rewarded me for courage & determination - so did Storm! We went to currys for all the little things to 'try out', I don't enjoy buying art supplies online. Then to a sweet little fountain pen & paper shop  for lovely purple ink and new sealing wax for all the cards I've been sending out! * BTW- Forever Grateful Greetings is up & running! A new purple pen - I'll use it to write him thank you note! 

Storm laughed when I remarked, I hope the few I know in jail remain there... at least until my penmanship gets better. I was kidding.  We laughed, talked, shopped, strolled the cheese boutique  Oh MICKEY MOUSE  if you like cheese! Go here. I actually pondered driving down again for a chunk of the champaigne gouda we had.  Hee hee   Then 'mom mode kicked in' & I straighten while he started dinner & the girls frolicked in the new play area.  By the time we were ready to dine - his pad was looking perfectly peaceful.  Dinner was better than a restaurant  & it's truly amazes me to watch him stand there & prepare, cook - while we have a conversation easily considered a 5 star meal!  I don't eat a lot of red meat unless I know he is cooking - it's tender, & tasty & I can't lie - it did have me drooling. On top of all this he had elegant delectable desserts which I woke up at 3 craving.  

We ended the day with a drizzled walk - speaking of creepy ghost stories - I had to carry princess Poppy (she saw I was wearing Storms parka and is no dummy)  Ginger loved hanging out with her big sister.  It was a perfect full day of unconditional love.  Then I had to head home, only having one glass of wine the entire day  &  a glass of 'strawberry beer &  the drug of coffee to keep me alert for the rainy, dark drive home - but as you have concluded - I made it! I was so fucking proud of myself!  Hee Hee
Above all else spending the day with Storm, hearing him talk about people he cares for, works with, seeing how determined & passionate he is as well as a hard worker that's  what Mother's day is all about.  I did enjoy a few joints with my son - had I not- I think I would have been frightened to drive home & white knuckling it all the way yet,  it was a pleasant drive once I knew exactly where I was going, I had a big smile on my face all the way home because I had the best mothers day.

God made sure as I felt like professional stunt drivers at times & did not give one stranger the finger once when cut off  several times. The girls slept all the way home!   Today, I paint!
With TLC & THC

Georgia

This painting  was painted with silver paint on the door- you can't see it here -but it looks really authentic, I'm pleased with how it turned out. ;)

Disney knew how to create a bond with the viewer, an emotional attachment - something that makes us all a little vunerable like knowing Bambies mom is dead as he looks for her...  I still hold my breath at that scene & this scene in Dumbo brings me to tears - every time.  I cried painting it. Mad elephant...  I feel like that mad elephant sometimes, locked in a chage and only able to preform limited loving..  The elephant is me & the cage is life,  stuff that gets in the way like these iron bars & I cant seem to see past them  & all I want to do is  hug my baby, whom is no longer a baby but I'll alwasy be his mom & mad elephant if it arises- because it can't be helped - I try.  

Dumbos mom was anything but 'Mad' - lables other gave her, but I understand how she comes across this way... LOVE.   I understand I'm no elephant but I can tell you - I have a mamabear in me and alwasy will untl I no longer breathe, it's just there under the surface and it arrived the same day my son did & I'm grateful, grateful I experienced love & emotions that  bring out the beast in me because it is this 'beast in all of us' that also wants to make the world in general a safer  & better place for all cubs. 

I can't put into words how proud I am of my son - his work ethics, determination & thirst for continued knowledge - I'm not worried about him... anymore, he has proven many times he  is capable of looking after himself & he is surrounded by a group of great friends & co workers - I couldn't hope for anyhing better.  I've been fortunate to go to work with him on a few occassions & his professionalism  is impressive if I do say so- hee hee - this business has some a long way in a few years! I can't believe how quickly they go in and set up professional & productive grow rooms in record time - so others can start to produce their own quality cannabis/medicine - It is a BLESSING & Storm has wanted to help people grow their own medicine since he worked in a hydroponic store at the age of 15 & look at him now!  
I literally laugh - now at the path God has had us on - everything for a reason,  trust. 

A new club opened in Yorkville - 'Ameri' - is that short for American?   & again my friend informs me there is no wheelchair access - she is a woman - in a wheelchair but HEY, they say' - you can wait to be seen (or ignored) and then you can wheel yourself around to the 'back alley' & buy your  medicine (for her it is)... WHAT THE FUCK is this CONTINUED bullshit & WHY are we ALLOWING IT- use the back door? Screw that, I'll never visit that store & told her to wait until someone does it RIGHT- Is anyone paying attention??  

UNTIL ALL ARE INCLUDED - on this journey. Did you know there is still a stigma twoards the disabled & aged (& women) in this country - one they don't see advancing anytime soon -  that might not bother you at the moment - God forbid you get hurt & become disabled,  either way we ALL GET OLD - so, those of you who are young and healthy NOW,  > you <  might want try to change this mentality before you get old.    Either way, continue to speak up with your dollar & 'if'  you do visit this place - please tell them to put in a fucking ramp & show some COMPASSION..

No wonder they don't call them 'Compassion Clubs' any longer - there appears to be little displayed.

Walt Disney suffered from severe depression from time to time -  he admitted he was unable to even speak on the phone without crying at one point... image that!  Yet,  he knew he had to 'take breaks' & to step away from time to time to recharge & heal..  me too.  Walt Disney NEVER - EVER let anyone keep him from following his dreams - thank God.  Walt is a hero of mine in many ways,  I'm grateful we had someone like him create inspiring art, capable of bringing  out compassin in others - with the swinging of a baby elephant on it's mad mamas  trunk.  Genius. 

with TLC & THC
G

I finished this orange/gold glistening octopus on a foray under the ocean! 
I was watching 'Tales By light' on Netflix  it's wonderful - visually stunning & educational, the episodes on the working children leaves me speechless but the episode on coral - was mesmerizing. Watching the coral I kept thinking over and over - they look just like mushrooms! All the'coral' you see here are actually images of mushrooms I painted - only one is obvious.  It's big, bright & makes me smile.  I keep mentioning my drunken Octopus- but it's eluded my paint brushes for some reason... it will be finished soon.

Did you VOTE? I like Shaun Tanaka - Team Trudeau - our York representative... how refreshing & hopeful - she strikes me as very intelligent & optimistic. 

Netflix has a show I am really enjoying with some very strong women - it's very Canadian & I highly recommend it for new moms especially, it's filmed in and around Toronto which is also fun - I find it very intelligent, funny, realistic & the women are fantastic:  CBC -  Working Moms - the scene with the bear- lol   I can see that happening so easy here.  With this weather, warnings to stay indoors - twist my arm - it's nice to have something entertaining and fun to watch.  

Shout out to York regions finest! Boy oh boy I realized I speak my mind... the other day I was in a parking lot walking towards my trusty steed and this tall, incredibly handsome  gentleman in a bright orange vest said "Hello!" to me as I started walking in his direction - I took one look and replied "HELLO, Handsome!" & 'beelined' right for him - hee hee hee!   Holy cow was he good looking... & I think he was slightly a ginger too- that smile tho - anyway I realized he was one of York Regions finest (pun intended)  when I noted his police uniform  under the vest... & we had a quick little chat & I left by stating:  
Bye handsome, if I'm ever arrested I hope it's by you!"  To which he laughed and  we parted.
#notdead  #notblind #appreciativeofbeautymaleandfemale   We use to have a police officer who looked exactly like Richard Gere years ago (who is still handsome at 69 & going to run for congress...  - I use to like to wave & yell: Hi Richard!!  
He knew why I called him it. lol  

So many paintings so little time..  back to it.

with TLC & THC
​Georgia

Ginger is one of my favorite spices, I like candied ginger, ginger root slice in a cup of tea. Ginger can be sweet & HEAT... this little Ginger pup of ours is at that' age where constant curiosity has kicked in - when it get's too quiet I go look for her - I know she's up to something, usually she's looking out the front window but occasionally she's into something she shouldn't like digging up a potted plant in the kitchen, stealing peanuts from the bluejays and eating them on the carpet, helping Scruff - de-stuff all over the living room.. it's all new but once she is told "NO!" she get's it.  
Ginger is smart, I can tell by how she watches T.V and our facial expressions and she is into my breathing! Today I was reading about those 7 kids who died in the fire & started breathing fast, crying a few silent tears (Poppy & Ginger sleeping on my lap) and she freaked out and start jumping at my face trying to kiss me, I realized she's right.  
Me sitting here crying won't help those poor babies or mom.  One dad kills his daughter last week and one nearly dies trying to save his children.

I purposely take a  anti-inflammatory pill & throw it not he floor and yell "NO!" the second she moves to it... again a bit closer "NO!", closer "NO!"  Then I let her sniff and say "YUK" make a exaggerated disgusted face and "NO!" again until she 'gets it. I can now do this with a piece of bacon on the kitchen floor and no one touches it (including Norm - hahaha). In the beginning she would snatch stuff & RUN! & we would all be looking at her in shock - but I know she came from an environment that had several dogs and she also use to hide behind pillows  & stuff when too much barking happened - she's RIGHT upfront now. 

She's not fond of strangers- she likes everyone but is not overly friendly so that's good, already she won't run out the front door if you stand there with it open - none of my girls do but they bark. Barking is saying hello, warning  and protecting but barking to bark- she has this high pitch howl bark - we are working on it now, she's old enough to learn when barking is acceptable; I did notice the other day just the stern "NO!"  had her running - which made me laugh - she turns to see this and it's become a big joke.  It's hard to be angry at this little beast, she loves me snd amuses us ALL - all the time.  I gave up yesterday when painting, she wanted some loving and is BORED of winter & the cold... us too, unlike her we know Spring is only 27 days away! Hang in there.    

Soon I'm painting Ginger & Poppy, Ginger does this thing- I tell anyone who will listen -(like a proud mom-lol) she has 3 babies she brings to me when she wants to snuggle it's comical & incredibly sweet It's hard to carry one inner mouth so often she makes 3 trips but  she always brings the raccoon to bed guaranteed & it's so cute- EVERY single time it makes me smile & thank GOD  for yet 'ANOTHER wonderful DOG'  in our lives.   Please consider adopting a dog if you do not have one, with LOVE  & some caring you too will have a friend like this... that's all dogs care about imo. love.      As I type she has brought me her baby and is looking up like she does - time to go play with the girls before we spend time with the octopus.  

With TLC & THC 
G

Kids NEED pets.  ;) Adults too.

Next - my Alcoholic octopus. ;) & sneak peek below- of the octopus painting in progress.

I sometimes take a break from paper and canvas & paint objects.. when I spied this bear bottle opener I bought it just so I could add my own touch to it & now it is a one of a kind -kinda. Hee hee.   It's still not complete as he needs to attached to my cottage wall - on my list of goals in 2019 - lol   It's good to have goals!  Dream, hopes, desires, wishes - whatever you choose to call them - it's good to have something to aspire to. 

I aspire to have a better vocabulary, spelling & grammar every time I sit here, when I see how bad it gets at times  (understandingly) it helps ME realize  'who knows why we behave as we do, do we even know when we are not feeling well?  There are days I'm amazed at myself and wonder - how have you made it though this day?  I remember the surgeon in a documentary who became ill and starting literally writing on walls in a hotel room DUE TO a bad knee implant he received  (WTF -FDA) - that is how he knew he was sick- he was behaving unlike his normal' self.    It reminds me to be more patient of others & myself.

Another day survived By the grace of God & my homeboy  ;D Jesus (who has the best sense of humour if you'll only listen) & a few other of you beings who just the sight of your face/email/#  brings me a spark to keep this candle lit.   :)  Someone commented (on my Trump MAGA cap painting) - this is about love #MakeAmericathinkagain and I was overwhelmed:  Exactly, She GOT ME!  lol   It IS about love and yes that's what I was hoping for. Thank you.  If there is one thing I have learned.. not everyone 'gets me'.  My homeboy gets me, my dogs get me... so I'm good.  

I also paint, constantly so I do not allow myself to get caught up in self pity or pain or other peoples problems. I think this is a good habit to have. Some days are easier than others... God has assured me I will grin & bear it & become a better, stronger, happier, wealthier  MamaBear at the end of the day because I did.  I don't mean 'Storm's Mamabear' - I mean MamaBear for children, dogs, women, men, animals, Cannabis & Canada! Whom ever my attention is drawn to (I am provided direction no doubts) it's my job on this planet even if it's just one person who gets it.   While painting I KNEW 'some will never get it...'   that's not my journey to worry about.

I also painted a little bird -now I have a robin tealight holder - just what I always wanted! 
Personalize something, try a new canvas! I was beyond thrilled on new Years Eve when our son surprised us by arriving at 11:00 p.m with no alcohol in him,  home to celebrate bringing in the new year with whom he loves the most  & take his dog9s) for a walk... It was a secret proud moment in my mind I cannot lie. I painted the bear while chatted , so it looks "ferocious" but it too was painted with pots of love on a wonderful January the 1st. 

With TLC & THC
Georgia
​

Well we finally got busy and  sorted out the basement, Storm's moved and we decided NOT to rent out the apt... instead  it is my new Studio chill zone!  I asked Norm yesterday: before you go to work, please carry down the easel - Today I paint! & that is exactly what happened - I spied a tall canvas - the next thing I knew I had sketched and started painting what I call:   HomeGrown Homeboy!  Jesus is my home boy & he is thrilled Canada has become legal with cannabis , hopefully ending much unnecessary suffering... over God's medicine. 
Happy Jesus - yes he is. Me too!

So much for my Halloween monster..   this painting will take several days- more cannabis than I've painted yet to date & it makes 'ME smile -  It makes me want to throw my arms up and say - Thank You for this glorious day & I can't wait to get back to it!!

I 'feel good things in the air- not just witches & goblins ;) 
I want to add I made a conscious decision to NOT have my computer, e mail or social media in my studio, radio only... I like many of you WASTE too much previous TIME scrolling when I should be creating.  I can be in a GREAT mood & see something on social media and suddenly I'm grumbling... this is me taking back power.   Doing what I love, making myself & others happy.

It does have counter space,  a tiki island (hee hee) a space to sit and chill, read, consume cannabis - a cannabis bar if you will and  pups & paint- who could ask for anything more? BIRD even flew down & spent a few hours- it was priceless.  I do have (always) extra canvas & paint for any brave enough to come & joint' me ;)  Wear dog friendly clothing and bring snacks! 

New art next.. have a peek in my new studio & thanks to Kat of Kats gallery for framing all the original art you see for my own mini Gallery ;) The girls and I love it. lol   

​with TLC & THC (lots)
Georgia