I am a loon for the library & birds in general!  Actually, I am a loon for reading, reading is good for the mind & eyes.  I needed a book bag so I don't misplace anything and can grab it in a second as I head out the door... to the closest library.  Haliburton Highlands has an impressive library service , rent books, large print, audio books, DVDs (all & every subject), magazines, childrens books of course - and I picked up a 'Pioneer woman cookbook'- which has me drooling & thrilled to get into the kitchen.  Do you know how many millions cannot read?  Too many.   Imagine how much more difficult life can become when you can't read, can't communicate, it's like speaking another language to some...
  
Open books & you open doors, it's that simple.  I'm grateful for the library, getting out to visit it, the beautiful drive noticing  leaves changing while waving 'hello' to a new neighbour as I go!  Weeee!  Grateful to God for the view - reminding all us "painters"  to pay attention as fall arrives.... get a lesson like no other direct from the creator. 

I asked Norm to take down the weather vane so I could paint it - of course,  since I was a kid I've alwasy wanted a weather vane! It amuses me so much now that we have one - I smile every time I look up at it.  I use to draw them on every house (not just the haunted houses) so, to have my own - a  Canadian GOOSE - is the cherry on this cake.  I lay there and watch it spin and could not take it any longer - it screamed & squeeked 'paint me'... Norm has to put it back up this weekend (add a bit of WD40) - he also took down the base with the N,S,E,W for a new coat of weather protecting paint.  I am in a painting mode-  today was a pair of:  "Happy Fall Y'all "   jeans - lol  they are my painting jeans which started to look a little ruff so I 'falled' them up with  leaves - organized painting. I can't wait to wear them.. .
my kinda camoflauge.

A new canvas has been started and it's goig to take a while..   a serious peice of work,  just getting photos has been a 3 day adventure, then I stared at the canvas for about 16 hours -  vefore finally a bit of pencil was added,  trying to anticipate where I want the viewwer to look & what to see.  Som ehave NO idea how lng paintings take, I lay and just think about the direction of the light, what I want in the image around the main subject.. color I will be using.. - Norm says 'I'm napping.'  when he sees me do this.  No.
Next step  PAINT.  Beyond enthusiastic to start creating this painting.

Until we meet again - EAT pie - homemade. 
With TLC & THC
me. 
 

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

Since I stare at it so much I decided to paint the driveway, I was inspired after the 'Plein air' - outdoor painting class of the bee houses.   The artist who taught the class was a local artist:
Harvey Walker . I also checked out his terrific studio (he made) not far from where I live, I highly recommend you do the same if in the area & invest in some original, affordable, lovely art for your walls.  After I painted the outline of the driveway - I took a drive to the Country Bakery (NOM NOM NOM) & noticed a few RED trees already making me rush back home & get working  on the painting before the leaves change- & then I'll paint it again! 

I am not a realist painter.. I like to be inspired buy what's around obviously, I add my own 'perspective' .. my new hobby of rock stacking  had to make it into the painting.  The light on the driveway changed as the day progressed so I had photos on my iPad which I then worked with later in the evening.  What a relaxing way to spend an evening-  try it.

It's back to school today! Be safe kiddos - be AWAKE & aware drivers. 
It's a beautiful crisp morning! I've already sketched my next painting - with my first coffee.
I'm reading a new book that has my creative side pondering ideas, I'll share soon - If you are female I would encourage you to get it & read it & buy one for a friend (I did), buy one for your daughter - if you have one. Can anyone guess the book?  Send me an e mail with your guess & I'll give you an original if you answer correctly. ;)

I have NOT watched any news since I moved, nor have I read any- only snippets are seen on the phone when I check messages - no wifi- not often.  HongKong is restless, Trump is still an asshole.. the rainforest is burning, Florida is about to be hit (please be safe Florida friends!) & the Bahamas is trying to recover...  more people displaced and homeless.
Justin Trudeau is ready for the election & he will win.  
I do watch & really enjoy: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj   

Please, take the time to watch 'Two sides of Canada'... imo Justin knows 'it's happening anyway'- because currently MONEY rules (sadly), I don't think he wants the pipeline any more than any of us who cares about our environment/country & I'm not naive enough (anymore) to know how ruthless these vultures can be to get their way - I don't want Justin Trudeau to become another Kennedy (shot Kennedy), I get what he is doing.  
Conservatives  do not care - oh, they do about: $$$, and control, private prisons,  jail for cannabis = conservative.... & more.  Lest we not forget SH- Harper-& look at Scheer, closely - just the sheer mention of his name sends chills up my spine..  

Will you vote or just sit around and 'bad mouth'? 
​I will try to make a positive impact on our planet & vote for who I believe  is the best for Canada... right now tho- I am about to go pick a bowl of Black Berries off my back deck to make pancakes for breakfast & give thanks for God/Universe for such another lovely day.   

with TLC & THC
G

Telling secrets.   
This little bird is telling this bear a secret, can you guess what it is?
This is the last long weekened of the summer & apparently then it slows down a little here, some weekends have been very busy and I learned quickly to avoid parts of town(s).  
As I was drivng to the farmers market yesterday, I spotted a few RED trees - yep.  Stunning amongst the vibrant green still clinging to the season.  This painting glistens like the leaves- as it is covered in irredescent purple'.

I'm out to explore on this beautiful sunshine filled day! The bluejays had me up early - off to a library to borrow some DVDs because netflix streaming- just isnt worth it. lol  I love how much our lives have slowed down with the detox of the internet, wifi, no cable.. peace.
AT last... my love has come along.  

Poppy & Ginger love running laps in this place around the fireplace  - it's very amusing to watch (better than anything Trump) and we have a NEW family member!  Lemonaid.
Lemonaid -yes, I spelled it correctly - help for Bird... a pal.  
So far, they have gotten along perfect - this bird is only 4 months and it does NOT fly very well - because it never has & it is fat - I laugh at Bird watching it eat HIS hemp. lol 
More on the birds & the bee's - soon, today I have places to discover & new friends to make!
The people up here are wonderful, everyone is nice, patient, friendly, hard working...  & creative!
Inspired by all this nature - it's hard not to nurture.

Enjoy the day& every bit of sunshine... it's cool here too.. brrr got on my wooly sweater! Weee!

With TLC & THC
Me.

​

It's raining in cottage country! I live in cottage country- I must pinch myself!
The mosquitos - actually  bite me enough - I don't need to pinch myself, long sleepwear (that covers my ankles) is now living attire, hee hee hee! Yes- I still love it! EVERY day- I've never had an 'Oh my God what have we done' moment - - but I've had countless  'Thank You God' for getting us HERE  moments.   It rained last night! We needed it- living in a forest -you start to notice when it gets dry - I can hear this big 'dead' tree (that Norm needs to cut down as soon as he get the opportunity) creak on the hot days - demanding our attention before it lands on the bird deck - other than that I giggled- it rains  on the weekends in cottage country for all the 'cottagers' that come up - they'll stil have fun!

I ventured out in Minden the other day and I absolutely thought everyone I encountered was wonderful! A neighbour drove by and yelled from his truck "How's Denny!?".. I thought for a second & yelled back  "I don't know - she moved!"  I realized he thought I was her.
lol - see I told you we resembled each other! He then introduced himself - he lives Up the hill &  has horses & yes I can go & take photos! I just might paint a horse one day.   In town I met  a few shop owners who also knew 'Denny - all confirming what I already felt ' she is a lovely human with a kind heart.. no wonder my studio is so calming - I was in there last night until dark and my hands demanded I quit - not my heart.

I found a cheese store in Minden- Yeah! The cheddar with carmelized onions- OH my tastebuds! It's a tiny shop tucked away full of delicious treats- so glad I found it right away  & the owner - I immediately liked him! One of those people I just want to hug- I can sense the good nature. lol I refrained as I am new to the neighbourhood. I tiny shop run by Betty (the dog lover) right next door - carries designer clothing - I'm treating myself to the little butterfly top' - I'll need something when company visits & I'm almost ready for company! Will you visit?

The house looks terrific - if I do say so - I'm officially unpacked - other than a few boxes with Studio stuff- waiting for a studio... the open concept makes me laugh out loud- for years my imagined dream home  has had to have a long hall to throw a ball - from my bedroom  I can throw the ball to the front door- WEEE - when the driveway is covered with snow we'll still be playing ball. A peek into  'my little wooden' studio - (below) - I find it bigger than the last two rooms - everything has been placed with TLC - while under THC- LOTs, I can't begin to tell you how much I love my little creative space - my work will speak for itself.  

I have noticed already since I'm not unpacking as much I am smoking less... because I am  content - happy even.   Interesting.  This home is my dream home, easy to clean,  all on one level, all the 'luxuries' of a house in the city in cottage country - even a dishwasher! (No, I don't mean Norm)  & on several acres...   lot's to wander & explore & be inspired by when I'm not painting.  Rodney (from the cheese store) told me of an ap. that outlines the property and I can put markers while I make trails & won't get lost - let the adventure begin! 

The tent for company is next.. we've just decided where it goes  &  need to build a platform, then we can at least offer guests a 'glamping experience' - if company wants to visit  but does not want to 'tent'  Minden is building a lovely new resort! There are also several tiny places very close that offer sweet tiny cabin rentals - until we can build a sweet tiny cabin for guests - it will have to do.  I would encourage all to visit  Minden - Halliburton and  Carnarvon (don't blink)  for the perfect Ontario cottage country experience - don't forget Kawartha Dairy- there is always a line up - I think that's part of the fun.   Today, it's cool - I'm listening to my favourite radio station Canoe FM & about to paint a humming bird with PINK/purple cannabis - different than usual.  Next a fish for a friends cottage.

What will you create today?  My words of advice this lovely Sunday:
Prayer changes things. 
xox 

Surrounded by boxes - I'm amazes at the maze - and ready to go - almost. 
Do you know how much I love my pets - very much - this move is costing us more than most - all in order to do it gently, easily & smoothly for the pets... & me.   The thought of strangers passing through, locking up the dogs, where to go..  Norm painting and has to sand & stain the main living room floor  with 4 dogs in and out... we must go before he does, once out he will paint & sand and be on his way! Yippie - were both excited.

Bird is slightly stressed I can tell- his bird house' is now in boxes - The day of the move I am taking my precious cargo - Bird, dogs, cats & even Larry will come with me - that and my boxes of art (lol) and basic needs to get me started in the un-packing adventure.  Bird will be locked in his cage for a few days- I don't think he's going be happy about it. lol 

Currently we are looking for our 'guest tent' the house has no guest room (fine with me) but our guests will be comfortable in a tent (complete with wood stove) that will be set up on a platform not far from the house - I've already invited a few friends- and they know too - already - all who visit will contribute - I'm no  Henny Penny  - you'll be chopping wood or chopping carrots.  Norm will be BUSY and  I know he'll appreciate a hand from time to time too. 

Chop wood & carry water - to your tent.
I do understand how awesome it is to be able to get away into nature thankfully, especially to my long time friend Jim who has always let me stay at his cottage over the years & I fell in love with the area.  So - YES! Come de-stress...  I am happy we can offer this to our friends.
Sorry Eh,  we won't have FREE WIFI.   Instead we offer many FREE trees for you to hug during your visit. Not only will you see some nature, check out the beautiful small towns close by, many lakes to explore - possibly a deer or two - you'll get a digital detox for FREE!
Weee & a painting lesson too- I'll even include all supplies.
Kids & dogs - sure - bring them along - as long as you look after them!
& BYOBug spray too.    Wheeeeee.  Not long now- I woke up & had to finish my deer because I know I have boxes to pack. 

The Hidden Brain podcast is very interesting -the most recent called the Lazarus Drug & discusses the opiate problem...  very interesting food for thought.  
IF you are in pain please consider cannabis as YOUR FIRST OPTION. 

with TLC & THC
​Me.

The racoons were set free.. thankfully - glad they are gone. lol 
as cute as they were - they did appears to be able to cause come serious damage with those little sharp teeth - I was not wiling to find out.
​

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
​

Change is good.. it's exciting anyway.   lol
So much on the go yesterday I woke up and said - GO PAINT Georgia! No computer- no email.. just go.  I'm inspired by Stephen Bohemes Cowardly lion & poppies... hmmmmmm.    

I recently met a artist 'Bonnie who makes AMAZING soap with Goat milk- I kid you not -tee hee. The lemon bar has me washing more than usual & the lavender - oh my goodness, I cut it into 6 chunks to put in my dresser drawers ;D  I highly recommend.
​She does not have a website (old school) her e mail is: bonniebee@bell.net   

​Toronto lost  a cannabis activist her name was Tracy Curley - Tracy & I only ever shared a hello &  hug, I don't "get out much as many are aware" I do remember meeting her at the first TY EXPO's & she was lovely. I understand she was fierce, loud & didn't care what anyone 'thought' so... well done, I'm grateful for her contribution while she grace us with her presence.

  It's the LIFT expo in TO for any who want to explore this weekend... if you see my son - say Hi!   I've already got plans.

I've got plans! An adventure - Weeeeeeee!
Life is an adventure. 

Below my process for my Cowardly lion...
with TLC & THC  
​Georgia 

Th undersea explorer returns.. this time it's purple.
Acrylic on canvas! Gord & purple iridescent  paint can only be sen in a specific light...
 when it's just right.

Today we are off on our own hunting expedition- what will we find..  
the possibilities are endless.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

If you think I am being sarcastic when I say Praise Jesus!! Think again. WOW - my backside still brings a tear to my eye especially getting up into my truck or up our of my bed but the Dr. says I'm o.k.  rest it - thank God for the flesh on my ass that padded my fall - what a rude awakening & I might have cracked a rib because it hurts to cough... thank God I did not break my hip.  

My girlfriend phoned me this morning, she had the same thing happen to her last year & it made her sell her house... WHILE you can still move. I've been watching a new trend in homes being built on one level - with lifts (elevators) and wider halls and fewer doors or pocket doors & doors that side flat against the wall (barn doors) - in the event the home owner ends up in a while chair outlets are higher & counters slightly lower smart planning - heres hoping the person is not a hoarder, that's just going to get worse.  Arthritis is also something that makes you learn quickly things that need to be changed  like door handles - those round cheap knobs  are useless when you have sever arthritis - pull handles or levels  are the easiest - if you can imagine these things when buying a home or building a home you're ahead of the game & can add years - decades, to the place you want to live at.  Bungalow is my new key word.

I painted this dog- lol  just to paint  & I needed to stand, I can see a bit of pain in his eyes - I'll call it curiosity'.  Before I went to my Dr.s I had some time a little giggle & decided to make him one of my Weeeeeed - side lines (already) Little Buddies' card   hee hee hee
I've turned a few friends into little buds & added professions - This is the first Dr. bud!  
He doesn't strike me as the type to 'recreational' any drug so it made me laugh all the more.  I felt silly after learning it was not broken - but better all the same to learn it's not & now I can stop stressing & rest by sitting at my desk on a big pillow & painting ! Wee! 

Everything for a reason. 

with TLC & THC

​Georgia