April 2nd and today I'm thinking ahead- June as a matter of fact.
In my search to own the perfect mushroom calendar (and not finding one) I have created one! 2019 will be a year for Magnificent Mushrooms!  
As you are aware - I love mushrooms  - eat, medicate and research!
& I happen to 'love' the current Foray Director of the MST .. hee hee hee  
It was when we started to attend Forays began my Amour Adventure'  (practicing for France) with fungi seeing the living bodies - all different, colorful, alien in appearance, frightening when understand a tiny nibble of one type can kill you  yet the thought of the enoki in my fridge frying has me drooling..  I flip through my sons magazines and books and   easily become fascinated - Have you seen Blood Tooth Fungi?  I can guarantee you if walking in the woods and you spied it out of the corner of your eye- you would walk over and bend down and think "Is that alive? Is that dead?  Is that Blood? Is it alien!?"  lol
If you had no clue that it was just  one of the countless captivating samples of mushroom strangeness' out there, that is.

Then I realized... I Love painting mushroom (almost as much as cannanbis) and just LOOKING at them, to paint you have to study - the more I study the more I want to see - taaaaadaaaaa  my calendar is being created.  :)  I have shown very few, but it is a definite hit!  Each illustration has taken me 2 days for not very large originals.  First, I  choose the month (face down) the mushroom found me...   : )   Set up each page and I really weighed IF I should use 'type font or paint the actually Month and numbers - Freehand was the final decision.. 

None of us is perfect - yet each one was created perfect in Gods  Endless Universe!
My numbers are  perfect -  as they are only enhanced by the nature of their surroundings.

:) Thank you, Fungi Friends.
I woke today and could not wait to sit here.. after bird duty *please WELCOME back some of our Feathered Friends!  I have chosen the name for the calendar-  presented when complete... still a few steps, printing, packaging  & off they go.  200.
One on my wall in my office, Storm has asked ordered one - 199, 198, 197...

If you are interested- I highly recommend you stay tooned, I'm working and several different projects and will share them here when ready.
I can't wait to finish JUNE! Storm took one look this a.m. and went:  
"Whhaaaaattt?! Your adding one of them? Wow...." 
:) I love the Foray Director.  hee hee hee

BYT- I cheated with decorating the cake (below) - much my amusement it made everyone laugh and He really looked  cute.  The message he was sending was  "I love you, This Much!"
Is there any other message needed?

Happy Easter Monday, just thinking about Jesus calms my  heart & mind.
He restores my soul.

With TLC & THC 
Georgia 

Come on! Take a Guess! 
Some mushrooms are just too exciting (&fun) not to paint an image for!!

This was was too easy..
I imagined my friend Kathy getting ready to reach down at one of the Forays.
Whistle alert!!

1 blow: I'm here!
2 blows: Come SEE!
3 Blows: Help.

This is a real mushroom, go and watch the video of it opening, it's incredible.
I don't know what I'd think If I saw this claw reaching out for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPJ10eXc9bY

Did you guess what it's called?

Mush love 
Georgia

I LOVE crock a Doodle!  ^^^ Imagine the possibilities! ^^^ What will it be?
I walk over with Poppy & we sit & paint!
Guess what I'm giving for Christmas this year- lol
Actually- it's a lot of work... but for a one of a kind gift - it's perfect.

Have a look at my newest plate - I made it with my son in mind..
​First some sketching..

This was the easy part.. the art .. from the heart.
A platter for Fungi Friends.
.
.
​.

The painting is a lesson in patience for me every time..
3 coats to make each piece pop!  My constant companion also shows patience...

That's that!
Now- it just needs to be baked!  
​I get so excited with this NEXT  part!!
.
.
.
Taaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaaaaa:

 I've already painted a few other pieces but - it's a surprise every time & I am very pleased with my plate!   Take your kids- find a place like this and go and get creative.

You pick & pay for what you paint & then you pick it up a couple of days later.
Laura is lovely at the georgina Location! She lets me know when no kids will be there.. lol, she shows me the new gazes, shares new events and has answered all of my many questions... I'm  creatively curious.
It's so nice to see creative outlets in the area! You can walk in, no appointment needed.  
Make memories with your friends, family and kids.

I definitely need to medicate before I go in and as soon as I leave, I walk past an elementary school so if school is in' no problem - I don't if school is out at lunch or it's recess..  on one occasion a group of teens from the local high school was walking in front of me, I think they were possibly medicating as well.  
My son was medicating in grade 9 (thank God) I understand it is a possibility.

Thank God for cannabis - keeping me crafty ;)
Realistically- I think it's a good time for edibles from now on. 
This is what I do when I'm high.  How about YOU?

My intention was to gift the plate to the 40th Cain Foray, so I did.. what they will do with it I'm not sure, perhaps they had a draw..  I'm making the next one to keep.   I know it will make someone happy no doubts.  ;)  & that makes me happy... it's the mushrooms uniting the world.

Keep Creative
Georgia

I thank God, I'm grateful to be able to do this every day.
Storm gave me a few toon ideas.. next.
​
Give thanks.

Soon it will be my sons birthday!  He never wants anything - so I paint. lol
Storm is also the Foray Director with he MST and since he is, my knowledge of mushrooms has  grown increasingly the past few years!  As an artist- let me tell you there is hardly such a variety you can find in nature - like a MUSHROOM  Foray! 
Every shape, color, size & smell imaginable, gills, pores and brackets - found on the ground and high up on a tree - Want to paint an alien creature- FUNGI is it! This past week my favourite new find was a star shaped base of a puffball - it's got the star name in it somewhere. 
The mushrooms also wanted to offer a bit of wisdom as well-  some fungi fun:

-Start from the ground up!                       What better way to learn it all?
-Stay well rounded!              Try to get along with everyone and see other opinions.
-Be a Fungi!                                                               That's a given.
-Have Good Morels.              You can't go wrong when you know what way is right.
-Hang out with Friends.                    Socialize with like minded peeps & chill.
-Be Different!                                           Stand out in a crowd- be unique.
​-Love Mush!                                             Keep trying, love mush & love often.

3 days of TLC was spent painting this with my son in mind, actually with many little ones in mind. I think this would be a great poster for kids rooms. Educate & amuse and even teach which are edible - The MOREL! Nom nom...  
When I started this peice- I went on a Foray and was approached by someone who appreciates my art (seen on Instagram) and knows of my interest for mushrooms- and I have been invited to this years 9/20 event!!  Mapping the Mind with Mushrooms - we attended this event a few years ago and it was incredibly informative - You should go!  Mushrooms are being studied as medicine and more. Much like cannabis for centuries many have used mushrooms as  helping experiences, some use as end of life treatments because of the peace of mind that can sometimes accompany a psychedelic mushroom experience. I was particularly interested in the discussions regarding  mushrooms and "microdosing' which many are trying for depression & PTSD.  

I AM no expert! It is why I like to attend such events! - I still won't be an expert - hee hee but I will have more knowledge at the end of the day then when I start. 
I been told I could sell some original ART (perhaps even this piece)  I've acquired quite the mushrooms portfolio' - some pieces I do sell OFF of Instagram, people send me a message and ask- and sometimes I do part with originals.
My son will be at the www.mycognosis.com/40th-annual-mycological-society-toronto-2017-cain-foray/ 40th Cain Foray in Muskoka - I know it will be an amazing time! & I will be at the mushroom event in the city with my friends Abby and Justin. Abby is also an artist and will have some of her work with mine.  This piece is too big for my scanner - so I have to show you in parts - or come to the show and see it in 'realife and learn a thing or two! 

Creatively 
​g

Much.

The mushroom meal was fantastic as always.  
The Plate I painted and picked up early (thank you Crocka-doodle Georgina) was a hit and the gentleman who won it couldn't thank me enough.  I guess I've started a new tradition.. a plate to donate to each meal. My pleasure.  I plan on taking my ceramic painting up a notch.. what can I say?  Am I bragging - yeah - perhaps-  what ever you do - put all your love into it.  I will be creating  lovely works of art on ceramics because I'M going  to WORK at it, I think about it - color combinations, what if I try this -when I'm not there I think about it.
IT IS HOW you get better at whatever you do - think about it, be passionate!!!  
I'll never be called boring - that's for sure.  ;D.

Each piece of ceramics I'm still leaning & it will forever be that way, the plate was # 4.
#3 was special.. I want to teach myself how to paint the night sky so I can paint Bears.
I made Storm a cereal/noodle bowl  "We are Stardust".
Everyday we become better at what ever we put love into like our Art, a bowl we are painting  our children, each other.

If only it was that easy with humans we put/send/hug  love.
Sometimes my mind gets stuck and I don't understand it - 'It thinks about what/whom ever the Feathers it wants and it feathering makes me angry..   Breath.  I'll be gardening, painting and WHAM there it is.  Suddenly I am thinking about something completely different -almost as forced.  Where does this come from, are we meant to be thinking of something different?   I believe so. 

Do you ever 'feel love' from stranger? Someone you just meet, perhaps far away, through e mail? Yes, of course we all do.  It's how love & countless relationships begin now all across  the world. I believe the internet was created to BRING US ALL together.  Some in more intimate ways than others. Many of us disregard every time God sends someone in our lives- we ignore because we are busy, distracted, tired... many reasons.  

Invited to OC by a friend I met online almost 20 years ago, a Dr. who likes to write in his spare time (don't forget tennis), how cool is that?!  This a.m. I giggled as my Italian friend Dom on Instagram passionately describes his new Jaguar, he feels like Bond- lol, suddenly I think 'frig I've known Dom a long time..'  he lives in Italy and has been inviting me for over a decade at least to come visit.  He is also a Dr.   I seem to have a thing for attracting very intelligent men into my life - bring it on.  ;)  Intelligent, successful, passionate gentlemen, compassionate about many thing with huge hearts & FUN! Enjoyable men. They make me laugh & smile,  it  does make me laugh because 'I'm ME', and in many cases quite opposite but it is  there is an 'attraction' that's obvious all the same.  I'm thinking I am meant to travel & paint.  Some of my best friend are very smart men.  Amen. 
​Brains are defiantly appealing to me.  lol  thankfully.
Only with those who choose to use them daily. ;)  
​What does God have in store for me? Wait and see.

On the drive to the dinner due to traffic & rain the topic of losing someone in a car accident came up, Storm and I lost someone quite a few years ago now. A lovely young woman taken way too soon imo, still the thought & mention of her name tears welled in both our eyes.  Just for a second, long enough. GO enjoy this meal & time with your son. 
Does it ever heal? No, not completely.. that's 'that crack where the light/love comes in'  that others speak of..   the light is others God send and says: Look.  
Or  it's those we lost, briefly back to give us a kick in the ass.. gentle mental reminders.  
Lost love.  Don't dismiss.

I believe people who die & love us can help us, have you ever felt an embrace when your  crying on your knees?  I have..  
That embrace is  what lifts us up, takes away our tears and keep us moving forward.  
Listen.  Pay attention is all I can say, to simply disregard it as a fleeting thought- is a fleeting opportunity for love. 

Storm, on the drive to the dinner assured me..  "GO, Your going to have the best time!"
Yep. I believe we will.
NOW, I NEED to paint.. my mind is mixed this morning as you can read, and a few emotions too I'll admit. Nothing a good painting session won't help sort out.

    GOOD things coming my way!  Better every day!  
                                       I FEEL it!  

Don't you?  

with love 
g        'me'

eYeah!! It's foray season!  I've already had morels fried up twice! Nom Nom!  As you know I designed the posted for the 40th Cain Foray - & I've a few ideas still- one is to encourage kids!  I noticed from time to time there are little ones who join the forays and as expected- they get bored... so, I thought I'd make this cute little Scavenger hunt poster!  There is something the sheet for everyone to find!  They might not find the mentioned mushrooms Morel might not be in season) but it will encourage them to explore and discover! 
We printed a few and will attach them to clip boards and hand them out to little explores should they joins us.  a FREE color download - IF you want to take our little Mushroom hunter out in the backyard!  The most important point you must teach your children is:
                     Do NOT eat anything you find in the wild. 

They could become understandably confused, seeing mushrooms in the grocery store and also on the driveway. TEACH them the difference.  IT'S your job parents, not the schools - to educate your little ones on being safe in nature and also - YES!! Come join us on a foray
(you need to become a member) & introduce your children to EDIBLE mushrooms!  Show them the variety nature provides.   Teach them which are safe to eat- Teach them how to FRY them up!  My son (the Foray director) pulled out his camping stove, butter & frying pan at the last foray and a wonderful gentleman contributed his Morel find for all to share! Im making him a special thank you card.  It was magnificent mushroom moment.
Mushrooms are fascinating!!  

Are they little artists? Now is the time to break out the sketch book- I'm often  overwhelmed and ONLY pick 3 off the table at the end of the day to take home and paint.  If I am at a foray I'll be sketching and will gladly help any little artist. I met one this past weekend 'Isabelle.  Her mom showed me a terrific drawing she did of a Robin & Blue cat smiling up at him - lol & she is talented.  I gave her a little sketch of a morel & snail.  NEXT- I'm working on coloring sheets to have at the Foray as well.  
Children are OUR future. Mushrooms are the future.
Below a few photos of our last foray and a FREE color DOWNLOAD to enjoy with your little ones!  Come back soon- for a coloring sheet and more mushroom art - OF course! 


With Love
​g

Fall Foray you say!?
I know- it's early but it's on my mind because I was asked if I wanted to draw the 40th Anniversary MST Poster! - by the 'Foray Director' himself - how could I refuse?  It's not until September - September 22nd (Storms birthday - another reason I couldn't refuse - hee hee) but it's going to be quite the event and they want to advertise early!  
In Muskoka - the perfect Fungi Setting - I already know it's going to be a beautiful weekend.

Storm has attended past weekend Cain Forays & shared they are incredibly enjoyable & informative, nice to be amongst fellow Fungi aficionados!  This year celebrating the 40th Cain Foray - I've no doubts it will be an event to top all others.   The MST is educating the masses on Mushrooms - they had a special event at the ROM, educational material printed and promoted, many members have young children and understand the serious RISKS posed when Children are NOT taught about finding wild edible/poisonous  mushrooms - many which LOOK similar to what they recognize in the grocery stores.  *Too MANY Adults are equally as uninformed.  If you are not positive- don't pop it in your mouth.   

The Mycological Society of Toronto holds weekly Forays in the spring & fall, this weekend was the official first! They have special themed meals, monthly meetings with informative guests, mycologists, authors, illustrators & artists, photographers, chefs,  fungi farmers and MORE!  Want to experience a NEW Hobby? One that feeds your tummy & soul?  Grab our basket, Mushroom knife - sketch book and get ready- Foray Season is here!!
Spring Foray Season that it!  Can you smell the morel?

I've been inspired to create another FREE color download - One to have fun with your little backyard mushroom hunters - stay tooned.
​
With Love
G

​Past Posters..

Please Read.
It's good for your brain & you learn something every time, your vocabulary increases and YOUR imagination takes charge! Unlike Television your OWN mind creates the visions in our brains and it is a WORK OUT. USE it or LOSE it. I'm going to encourage reading.  I'll admit- my imagination did visualize parts of this book which were... incredibly SAD.  
At the end of the world.  By Lawrence Millman

Storm picked up this book at one of the Mycological Society meetings, the Author was there- I wished I had gone! I glanced at the book on his desk read the inside jacket and thought .. hmmm - this sounds really interesting- wow & realized it is a true story- as it implies on the cover Georgia.. duh.

I could NOT put this short, informative book down- I loved everything about it - including the style! I've already said to Storm - I'm getting another of his books! If you want to read a really - simple, gripping, hard to believe story-  over  feathering religion -how interesting - why do we allow each other do what we do?  The Author writes it  at the same time 9/11 happens - it is easy to understand why even at this TIME - the Inuit people struggle with what happened with the REST of the world.
 
What Canadian youngster - does NOT remember Nonook of the North? It was mandatory for every grade school class at one point- lol - I still can hear the narrators voice in my head.. Nanook (you'll learn few things * TRUE Inuit words!) Mushrooms & MURDER..  one of the first ever 'documentaries'.   This was IMO a terrific book full of facts, trivia and relatable events NOW, one moment I'd be snickering at  relatable google frustrations, the next in shock at what I learned, in particular with our own Canadian Government. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4kOIzMqso0  :   Watch Nanook of the North on YOU TUBE

A book a month - I'll read & share!  
What are you reading? Use it or  Lose it.

With love
​G