Our on Forays I've noticed a few things besides the mushrooms, birds & chipmunks - trash.
TRASH - Garbage left by trashy people with no respect of our 'living' room called earth.
Seriously people - what's the problem?
You can't carry that empty coffee cup any further?
That empty pop bottle too heavy to tote now that you consumed the content? 
Worse - every time I've gone on a foray chances are I stumble across  a condom. WTF?  
You are a dirty PIG if you fuck in the woods and leave your condoms there for others to find and nature to insult. 

What the fuck are you doing fucking in the woods in a public parks in the first place?!
This is not acceptable behaviour- there are rooms, hotels - we don't need to find your trace in OUR PUBLIC space - show some respect for others & yourself.

There is nothing nastier than finding a beautiful edible chanterelle - with a used condom beside it.  Following this grossness is cigarette butts!  Talk about ignorance and carelessness  and again I find myself wondering why? Why be out here in the wood surrounded by everything natural & beautiful - peaceful - if you're the type of person to throw your cigarettes  on the forest floor - you don't deserve to be there. 

Many occasions I wear rubbers myself - the GLOVE kind -  & pick up others trash, while I wait for mushroom identification to occur.  It's easy to get a garbage bag full in most cases.  I recently discovered a woman who lives locally on IG - she calls herself The Ditch Bitch- and she cleans up others trash- in my neighbourhood!  I decided to thank her with a little original (below)... and it inspired my gnome.  
Make a difference.. pick up trash - better yet- DON'T drop it in the first place.

A keep your fucking condoms on your weiner until you get into your own car or home thanks -  for all those who do leave 'parts of themselves' in the forrest, your trashy treasures left for us to discover: 
​May a tick find and bite you where it counts.

With TLC & THC for nature
​Georgia 

For a few reasons, I've decided not to print my  'magnificent mushroom', calendar  at this time - sorry to anyone who might have been interested in a copy.
I have other priorities right now more important I have to focus on.

It was a personal challenge I thoroughly enjoyed & I would encourage any artist to do the same.   I am very pleased with the results. 

I have something  to look forward to...
I  already have a lovely calendar for 2019 - Perhaps it will be great year.
Have a look below.. I might re-share it the 'first of every month in 2019.

All the mushrooms you see painted are real mushrooms, Magnificent in shape, size & colors!  Each mushroom I've actually seen as well alive in the woods during one foray or another - one of my favourites is 'Bleeding Tooth- February' - if you see it  'alive' you will be fascinated!   It was quite the education studying each one and learning about them..  October is also a prelude under a night sky - I'm going to make a 'Edible Mushroom'  calendar and for 202o  & finish with a 'Medicinal Mushroom' Calendar for 2021  because by then - Mushrooms will be available medicinally, I believe California will be the first, then Canada.   

With TLC & THC
Georgia

I read this interesting article on Rosanne Barr.. worth sharing.  
I somewhat agree with the article.  
​

Every year people get sick, some even die  eating wild mushrooms. Misidentify a mushroom and you might end up in Emerg. or worse. This is not fear mongering- it's fact.. children & pets included - dogs occasionally eat mushrooms - not my gils - ***I highly recommend as soon as you see your puppy/dog sniffing a wild mushroom -  !Smack that butt with a firm "NO!"   I don't claim to be dog expert but I've learned a few things that work - I've learned them because I lost a dog to a pill overdose & I never want anyone else to experience that.   My girls don't eat anything  even if I throw them something - they let it drop & sniff.  
Ha Ha - drop & sniff..    That is easy to teach your dog, occasionally  when throwing them 'treats' sneak in a chunk of lemon.  It won't hurt your dog but it will teach them to not just eat everything. 

 Destryoing Angel  is common, I've seen it nearly every foray I've gone on..  they resemble white button mushrooms when smaller -- easy to be tempted if a mushroom fan' being a 'mushroom fan' is not good enough. IF you are going to eat white mushrooms BE AN EXPERT.  Some poisonous mushrooms  also grow close to 'cousins' not poisonous - making it all the more confusing. 

Over the years from what I've heard, discussed and researched I no longer eat ANY mushrooms RAW  & I recently have decided to stop eating portobello due to what I've been reading &  Paul Stamets opinion,  I think he knows his stuff...  I am grateful for his honesty.  

KNOW your mushrooms- KNOW what you put into your body & educate your children.. I'm not sure I would teach a small child to eat any mushrooms they 'find' - I'd teach them to NOT  eat any UNTIL positive... I guess too, it depends on the kids - I've seen few mini mycologists at the forays who have no issues KNOWING which mushrooms are good & bad - either way  education is required.
One of the best ways is to join the Mycological society of Toronto & go on Forays!  
Stay safe in nature- & when you DO learn whats' edible- you are in for a treat.
Many IMO- tastier than MEAT really, shiitake are on the lunch menu today.
Save a life eat a mushroom ;)   More on Mushrooms soon.
Remember All mushrooms are edible... once.  

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

New Canabis work next! 
Jesus in the garden again, this time with a funny twist. I love my homeboy!  
One of Storms friends made a comment - it stuck in my head.. you'll see it on paper - Next!
So much Cannabis news!
Are you ready Canada?

We are all connected - Georgia Toons postcard collection grows.
My new postcards were dropped off and I'm thrilled with them - I've already mailed a few around the world! Hee hee  -to a select friends whom I do feel connected to. Did you get one?  The timing perfect - it's going to be a lovely weekend with temperatures into the +15 - +19 (Monday) and with the weather arrives MUSHROOMS!  LOVELY little fungi which nourish our minds & souls  & NOW these beautiful postcards to share the good connections with all we know.

                These postcards would also make lovely foray or dinner  invites.
                                   Thank you cards for fungi loving friends.
          It makes a handy Bookmark too- you can write on the back.  I'm using one now. 
         It looks lovely on a shelf perhaps by your mushroom cook book collection.
                        Suitable for framing. It can be used as a simple teaching tool.

                 WE are all connected- you just don't see our 'roots'.. our  mycelium.
                   We are all different - all useful - all beautiful - all here to TEACH.
We are all connected - with the internet NOW - we can make friends all around the world! How awesome is that? OmGosh - todays giggle was when I heard FB DID admit to not READING terms & conditions on an ap. they were using... they just clicked 'agree. 

I feel it - We are all connected, It's something repeated on Gaia, ACIM, The power of NOW, Be here NOW, the holy Bible & many more educating opportunities, which is addressed constantly - don't dismiss 'feelings' - I feel connected to Caves in France!  Just typing gets me excited- do you feel it? Ask! BELIEVE! Receive - Amen. How cool to imagine going to France - I'll mushroom hunt while there too.  I feel it getting closer every day! I 'feel' people....   most of them  feel pretty darn good. 

Poppy est si excitée, elle peut difficilement se contenir - son amour du fromage, du bon vin, de la gastronomie et de l'exploration des cavernes - après tout elle a visité le Getty en Californie - elle a une nouvelle veste créée pour notre aventure en France - Oui Oui!  Ha haha Peut-être trouverai-je ce bel homme aux cheveux blancs qui continue d'apparaître dans mes rêves éveillés ... oui, oui.

Would you like a post card? I'm giving a few away on IG just comment so I know you are interested... good luck!   If you are interested you may purchase them here: 

                       WE are ALL connected - Mushroom ART postcards! < click on link
                         or here > IF you want 'me to send you one< signed and doodled  ;)
                                    for those who already have the rest of my collection.
                                  or choose from the menu above : Georgia Toons Gifts.
​
Due to shipping & I have to put them in envelopes - I'll be selling them 5 for $10.00
If you want one* - from me  to you - sent without an envelope - it will be $3.00  
I'll even add a little doodle on the back .  Price includes postage.
If anyone is interested in bulk orders - please contact me. 

Time for me to PAINT more MUSHROOMS! 
Wait until you see the  calendar!
I can't wait to hang mine in my kitchen - bedroom - bathroom too!
​
With TLC & THC
Georgia
​

This is my first mushroom art card - and possibly my only  mushroom card - I was asked for this to be made into print several times so here it is... only better because it's a CARD!
      NOW - You can send some snail mail and make someones day! Trust me - I know.
There are countless mushroom fans out there and many knowledgable ones at that- all those who remain breathing for one... thank Goodness!  Because 'one thing we all tend to agree on:   IF you are NOT positive.. do not eat it.  

These cards I purposely left blank- they can be used for ANY & every occasion:

                          -Having a dinner party? A mushroom meal? Here is the mush have invite!
               -Perfect for your foray hunting friends searching the forrest for munchies or
​                       arrange a foray yourself - use these to invite your guests!
                                          -Or thank them for letting you tag along.
                        -A birthday card for a Foray Director- perhaps (hee hee hee)
          -  I'm sending one as a 'thank you' card for some dried mushrooms I was given!
​Pop it in a frame from the dollar store (seen below)  and for ONLY $6. (cost of card & frame & tax) you have a great little piece of art for your kitchen or a lovely little gift for a friend.

​It's a cute quirky reminder for all mushroom/fungi fanatics  -as well as helpful to educate those not aware Mushrooms can easily KILL.  

          Want to see what to do after you get it? Frame it!! Hang it in your kitchen!
It can be framed & would look adorable in any kitchen.  Designed  standard size for any frame from the dollar store.  Each card size is 5 x 7 and comes with a white envelope.
*NOW - IF I have time & you are ordering a card for yourself - from me.. (let me know) I'll probably paint on the envelope too- cause I  can't resist!!  lol

​Do you sell mushroom ware at a fare, anywhere...? Would you care to buy bulk give these mushroom cards a try?  Send me a message for  pricing. 

I shared my cards on Instagram & Facebook- and will give 3 away on each- you simply have to comment  & I'll choose later. Thanks to all showing interest.

You can purchase my cards here  along with a few other items including some originals I sell from time to time. :  Georgia Toons Gifts​

New items will be added as they are created! Be sure to check the Georgia Toons Gifts
page to  be the first to know what's available NOW.

*Next- why cannabis pot business shops near schools is FEAR mongering- and I'll prove it - are you in Keswick? Wait till you see this little discovery... AFTER I address it with letter to our editor of the local paper. With PHOTO proof.  Education is the KEY.

With TLC & THC
Georgia 

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'