The perfect sign for this Covid-19 summer!  My deck is decked out - weeeeeeeeee!!
I knew when we bought the house it needed work & who better than Norm & I?  I fell through the old deck last year (rotten in a couple of places) and 1/2 was missing completely so stepping out the studio, I stepped out to rocks and a tiny  (not well made) bridge' to the bird deck  -was an accident waiting to happen - so DECK DAYS!!  lol
I designed the new deck and Norm got to work & it turned out Fricken fantastic- exactly what I wanted - a dream come true!

It's mental HEALTH Monday - want to know what' s  MORE stressful than covid?  
The fucking government not making up their mind!!  Wear a mask- don't wear a mask..  stay home - it's o.k. to go to to a beach/park and pack like a rock concert - Holy! WTF?  
Will the death number go UP these next couple of weeks? I think so.  
I think, I am excited to stay home and chill on the deck allllll summer if need be  & now...

Norm rocked the deck! Don't think it was all fun and games- he has me as the foreman' and everyday I was up and out of bed yelling :It's deck day!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!  
60ish - one man one week! Ripped out the old - ppoured cement! Dug holes. shovelled rocks, cut wood.. carried wood (LOTS)  predrilled, drilled and customised - to my exact specifications! Fuck ya! Look at the railing we made. hee hee.  & yesterday, he made the mistake of starting something new- the deck could wait...  so he thought.
 NO, it could not and the bear in me let him know it. I've lived 28 years with unfinished projects at the last place- not happening here!!  A bit of grumbling - he finished and Im so happy - Im deck dancing with dogs!.. I decked it out with plants- Norm then build us a fantatic table from old pool table feet someone gave him years ago & a found cedar door that was on the property.  It won't blow over & we don't care if it gets wet.

I love my deck & Norm for building it for me- I am not an easy going client or wife - hahaha
I make sure he's not taking too long of a break and up and ready to rock at 8 a.m.!  & I don't love him because he built me the deck (in record time). I love him because he'd stop and wash the dogs, stop and make ziplock candle holders from the left over cement with me, ingnore me when I 'lose it' and yell due to the mess  I'm having to step over - lol, as I survey the job! hahaha!

Yes, he loves me too - big time.  
The proof of our love is in the details of our home... look at that railing. hee hee.
It's a differnet love than it was 28 years ago (OMG - 28 years!?)  it's stronger...  it should change - it does change. The lovey dovey crap- gone... the loyality & love for both the men in my life - watch out- mess with my son or husband and you'll meet mamabear.  I don't know a harder working guy & I'm glad he's here - even thou some days I tell him to:
Get out of my face!  
Love is.

We talked about all 'this stuff' before Norm moved here & we continued this journey together... I dont know anyone else I could live with, art with - we are a good team.  Time to paint a portrait, plant a garden & chill on my lovely dream deck!  The  bird railing is for art, provides the illusion of being up high, it's only 2 feet off the ground!  
Time for a nice glass of  grape juice with soda & a big fat joint our on the deck!
 
For my mental health - I'll stay home to avoid confusion and germs!
I'll keep busy & garden, draw, paint & explore. I'll nap too. 

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Bill.. the wood guy.  I like Bill & asked if I could paint him shortly after meeting him.  Occassionally, I see people and just want to paint them, that's what rund through my brain.
   
Bill delivered wood before Norm arrived, as our first year living here (with a wood stove), it ws an education, he was alwasy interesting and an enjoyable visit - I became grateful with each visit and an education of  those incredibly "nipply" mornings we had!  It was a deal too!  Delivered to the door- actually it was placed right in my porch! I've no doubts if I asked him to load it in the house he would have. He gave me a few buring tips too- I was flying thru the stuff as if, it grew on trees...     oh.  ;)

    Bill was interesting & easy to talk to and easier to crack a smile' - his face displayed years of cracking that smile' when we met, he also seemed to 'think before he replied' - a trait, I usually don't see with Norm..   Ahem.    hee hee
Bill was fun to paint & I took the photo so, I captured just the right energy I wanted.
He visited a few times over the winter keeping me & my girls warm with the wood and a friendly smile. ;)  Bill is much more than the wood guy' as many people are up here- "jacks of all trades" you have to be - to survive.  
Even more important in such... hmmm...creative times.
I look forwrd to seeing more of Bill, even if he doesn't bring wood.

I was hit by the pandemic... I 'tried' to order art supplies from DeSerres. SIGH  everything, EVERYTHING. Temporiraily unavailable....   yikes.    O.k., third world problems I know, but not something I am use to. Interesting. makes me appreciate EVERYTHING just a bit more.
It won't stop me from painting! God will provide the supplies I need - I certinally have the inspiration.  A local artist - Harvey Walker - (in Carnarvon! lol)  parted with some of his- I am thrilled and can't admit as I would have done the same, so a gentleman & an artist. hee hee.. I have decided to paint the next portrait already! For me!
For mothers day! The love of my life, whom - I am missing too much.
He's busy growing - a usual.  I'm grateful to all who continue to work to provide for others during these times. Give thanks!!  

I don't know about you but I'd curb my meat consumption... for a little while.
Vegans just might rule the eatch- as the rest get sick from contanimated MEAT..
"Know your meat"  &  "Cancelled",  " Stay back!"  New slogans for 20202  :D 
I can't be the only one who's mind, this is crossing.   Education & SOAP - saves.

Wash your hands & Keep your distance!  I'm going out now to stroll for new mushrooms!
Tomorrow is a day of sunshine & 17! Forest to explore! Weeeeeeee!
Namaste !  < the new NOW. 

With TLC & THc
Georgia 

Below... Luckily for me - Lucs brew - (terrific kombucha!!)  has a very paintable box! 
That's what I did yesterday (& drink Kombucha -maple ginger- yum..)  and ponder portraits.    Back to it! 

I tell ya - there's nothing like living in the Canadian bush in winter to make you appreciate FIRE.   YeeeHaw! I'm up at 5 to get the fire going every morning. We have a furnace that I can start with the push of a button.... BUT I love it- I love starting the fire knowing I'm keeping me and my family warm - for free!  Free because we have land and dead trees.  
Timing tho has us buying wood this winter - as we were only able to cut down one tree before winter arrivcd. So, we're learning much about wood.  It is work - don't kid yourself and there are times I get so involved in my painting- the fire goes out- almost.  
It's work  -for Norm mostly! hee hee

My home is toasty this morning, the fire roaring.
I'm very excited for our new woodstove!  RED.. coming soon.  This current one will go into my studio - not built yet - LOL ! So many plans.
It's slightly larger and will do an even better job. -24 outside and I have this stove still providing ambers in the morning and keeping the house about 17 all night long.  It has got me thinkng of others...  others that might not be able to cut trees down - or afford wood. About $150 in wood lasts me - 3 weeks ?  I think.. perhaps a bit longer. If someone is older- it's possibly too much work. It can't be easy for some up here - luckily, they have a heat bank!  How cool is that? Wonderful.

http://www.heatbankhc.ca  check them out and donate if you can.  
I noticed when I was out and about they also sell  'Heat Bank'  hot sauce - all proceeds go to the foodbank -my son loves hotsauce so I purchased some.. It is delicious, there was no advertising where I bought it @Abby gardens  so I made them some.. lol  

 !Pick up a jar to add some HEAT to your Valentine dinner!!  
You will be helping the communtiy literally stay warm. How cool is that?  
I will be donating framed art for their next fundraiser.
Time to throw another log on the fire.

Come back tomorrow to see my first painting of my bluejay - named: "Georgie Porgie"
I did not name him . ;)  & get another GREAT idea for Valentines day for only $30.......

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

It's the year of the rat!  
I'm not fond of rats even tho they are just bigger cute mice. lol
I got to thinking about rats painting this and how rats convinced me to look further into cannabis when I started to research - long ago now, it seems.  There was  very positive scientific research on rats with cannabis - in particular the brain.  10 years later...
Rats are still showing the benifits of cannabis.  Humans too.   

I'm grateful humans have been helped by animal studies.. although I'm not fond of animal research for things like makeup..  things they do to animals in the name of OUR vanity is very despairing.  Thank you creatures great & small for your lives, taken by humans.

Reading about the new flu out of China is also depressing..  I've been watching the numbers rise and now a confirmed case in Canada. Many are paying attention. TIS the season anyway- so if you are sick STAY away from others, including me.  
No hugging - tis not the season to HUG!  Cover your mouth if you  are hacking, thank you. 

It's hard to 'imagine' as I look out at this beautiful wonderland  that anything awful is happing anywhere in the world.  It snowed - again.. I just had to take the girls out for a walk & the bluejays came too - I can't believe how many were shouting  "Good Morning!!!" 
​Snow shoes - I MUST get some or I'm not walking far - talk about a workout.
 2020 will be a terrific year for Cannabis & rats...     both a part of life. 

I'm painting another portrait - I asked a friend if I could paint his daughter since I don't have any children... Im excited to start- mostly because it will be a "fun' portrait using a bit of imagination.   Do what you love.

God wants us to to be JOYFUL! 
Be still & know. 

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Treasures from God..   Rocks, seeds, birds & the bees.
Open your eyes & see all the beauty and treasures around you.  
I do. 

This box took a week!  All on it are 'Ontario' related from the Beetle to the Morel so it took a bit of research.. then it took time just painting each tiny box - is a tiny canvas. I took all the drawers out to paint them and must share - there is one spot that only takes ONE drawer.
Amusing...   Frustraiting!  It took me about 15 tries to figure it out.  lol I had to make sure I did not have two brown items side by side.. then I had to touch up the edges that hold the boxes.   The tops & sides have been painted as well - a bit of an illusion happening.

This box turned out sweeter than I imagined ;) It will hould treasures that will be found on everyday journeys.  It 'kinda' made me wish I had a grandchild to give it to. hee hee hee
Would I want a grandchild?  ;(    I don't know some days...

What a weekend - it was one of those days & this moring I noticed  I'm feeling aggitated.
It's beautiful here, Norm & I had a terrific weekend - except for the Nucular Power plant melt down warning.  LET me tell you first hand, when you hear that signal on the radio
and those words uttered, you stand still and think WTF?
I looked at Norm & thought where's Storm?   Not in Ontario.
I was actually grateful instantly, thinking: he'd be spared.
That's what happens - in less than a minute  -  Ooooops.. false alarm! Yippie!!! 
Thank God.
WTF!!!?  So there's that.. 

A plane 'shot' out of the sky killing countless Canadians and more. WTF? 
Human ERROR!?  I can't even think about it without tearing up.
Who's to blame - TRUMP!
The animosity he creates at this point simply by breathing is obvious. Countries are shouting 'Death to Americans' in the streets.  The anger he generates - he is the fuel for the flame. The familys suffering with the loss of loved ones - shot out of the sky... knowing it was a "mistake".  I can't even pretend to imagine how they feel.

Yep, no wonder I'm feeling slightly down today.  
Time to focus on God.  Pray for good.  
Grateful to be alive - thankful to be feeding &  painting the birds at the feeder.
Thankful for you - who is still alive & reading this post.  

We all have another day to try to be better, to serve &  another day to SHINE.
I can't wait to find treasures to fill the drawers! 
​
With TLC & THC
Georgia

Am I high? Yes, on life.   Life in the Highlands to be exact. Algonquin Highlands.
Every night I go to bed thanking God- & wake up tp the greatest show a new morning out my window- today was exceptionally lovely!  

I've got painting to do- a self portrait- I captured a photo of Poppy & I that I likeso I decided to try a self portrait & so far - I am pleased.  It's the only way to learn - a few friends will all be getting portraits in 2020 - like it or not! lol.A Christmas decoration on my desk to finish & a tree to decorate - cookies & treats  to bake (& eat) ...  Oh My, it's Christmas!  Weee!

The Christmas 'gift' is the view that each day brings, the birds, snow and each other.
My dogs are a constanst source of entertainment, companionship & love...  Ginger in particular cracks us all up - she is the baby and demands the attetnion. Poppy is still the princess tho.   Our son visited this past weekend- alwasy a pleasure!  We went & explored Haliburton - during the holidays well go check out the sculpture trail, on snowshoes provided by the haliburton museum - check it out!  Everyone I've met to date has been friendly, helpful and kind... the community cares for each other.  Yo hear it with the fundraisers, heat banks & food bank.  Remember to contribute to the food bank if you can.
My library books are late- this month they will accept food donations instead of a late fee- terrific idea!

I can't even begin to list all that goes on up here, ALL year, including the winter.
I don't skate or snowmobile but I'm quite content snowgazing from the sofa- fire is hot.
Paarumpapapum... time to paint!! Me & my Poppy...

A few photos below - they make me smile. 
With TLC & THC 
G

Please, wipe your feet.
I don't ask people to remove their shoes as  this is a house full of dogs & the dirt is swept or vacummed up easily, daily, (central vac- weee) thankfully...  

I'm more concened with what come out of peoples mouths than what comes off their feet.  

Shit we don't need to hear.  Shit that only makes the world not as joyful as it should be.
Crap that reminds you why you don't socialize & look forward to hibenation... lol 
We have n0 time for it nor do we even want words uttered  - words of hate, nasty gossip keep it to yourselves please. I don't get upset by 'it' - I become upset by those who spew it - & try to remember they are struggling.   Still... I don't want it here.

I see God everywhere, in everything & everyone.  ;) I like it this way! hee hee

So, I made this sign for my front door...  not that I have seen bear shit.
I have seen raccoon shit, dog shit, smoked some greatshit.. hahahaa & had a dragonfly land and shit on me the other day (it was huge - had it come out of a human it would be equilavant to the size of our arm) it was gross yet facinating shit to watch - I took it as a 'lucky sign'! lol   

So if you are invited to visit...
 PLEASE wipe your feet & leave your bullshit outside.
This does not to apply to dogs- they never have time for bullshit...
 they are too busy enjoying life.
;)

With TLC & THC
Me

Next #myhaliburtonhighlands forest spider.
& my observation about cannabis here in the HIGHlands.

Private!  
Norm said we have to put up a sign & I reminded we already had one.. lol
To get to our home you take a road with only 3 of us on it and then we are off our own private road...  last week a dump truck came down the road - just a little before they realized they were on the wrong path so it was time to put up a sign.  
What should it say?  Norm & Georgia's - Georgia' & Norms..
Do Not Enter,  KEEP OUT,  Trespassers will be eaten.   lol  
The moment we put it up I started to laugh out loud  - Bumble in the forest! Looks like this is where he belongs and is happiest...  Yeti in Halliburton Highlands.
Now, every morning the girls  &  I go up to see Bumble & thank him for standing guard.  
I believe the neighbours had a surprise and a giggle and have seen a couple of cars stop,  
I don't know if  there are many little kids to see it but big kids get a chuckle too.
The only ones going to see Bumble are those visiting us or them  & We are:
                          
                                        By  Invitation  Only.   Thanks.

I also want include a no hunting sign.  I don't know that it will make a difference hunting season as I am surrounded by land & hunters but at least here deer will be safe. ;)
About hunting... I get deer hunting, for food as long as it is eaten & all used.  
I  do not and never will agree with 'Trophy Hunting' especially big animals like elephants, Lions, rhinos etc..  I also don't get shooting birds unless a turkey.  Bears, coyotes, wolves can all be shot if problems on your property but they explain how to keep them at bay if possible.
# 1 rule- DO not leave food garbage around.

Bumble NOW makes me laugh every morning, any company that visits says they laugh the second they see him - he is placed so that you do not see him until you turn to go up our driveway - I want to make a BIG BEAR - I'll add it to Norms To Do list- longer than the driveway. hee hee hee

If you are visiting #myhaliburtonhighlands I also want to warn you (I had no clue) You are NOT permitted DAY fires! No camp fires  -no day smores- only after 7 p.m. -  until ? 7:00 am (I'm not sure until what time - so you better learn) BUT if you do have a day fire & the firetrucks show up you can be & are charged about $450.00 per truck, PER hour.
Those would be expensive smores.   I agree with the ban after only living up here a month and seeing how dry it can all get - a forest lined with pine needles.
Install water barrels to water your plants people!
Don't waste one  drop.

Next my front door sign (hee hee) then a Spider.. or bear...
 I don't know, which ever I finish first.  
Our to do list today is long - time to chop wood & carry water.   

Cannabis in the highlands - soon too. 

Have a FUN, Beautiful, Creative day! YOU were created to create!

With TLC & TLC Georgia