That's what I hear everytime the goats call.. "Maaaaaa!!!" 
When Storm visited he picked up the goats to show us it couldbe done.. wellby him & Norm.. not me.  They need to be picked up if hurt or in trouble and to have their nails trimmed.  The actual picking up was the challenging  part, once up the goats did not move only yelled:  "Maaaaaa!! "  Whcih made us all laugh.   Goats are so much fun. 
The more they like me tho- the more I learn.  I was almost goosed by my goat when i turned my back on Indica to feed Sativa treats- he bumped me to let me know- turn around. LOL which I did!  He clearly was playing but I can now see how a real head butt to the butt would be felt indeed.

I showed the goats the painting- Indica was jealous and they started to fight over it as seen below...

Sativa was obsessed with it,  I don't think I'll hang it in the barn - as I like it too.  
Sativa  would not leave it alone, clearly loving her special portrait with Storm.
These goats make me laugh every time I'm out there, I wonder how they'll like our Canadian winter.  They have a new insulated, beautiful goat barn, I'm sure they'll be fine.
These wooden panels are fun - I like how you can stand them instead of hanging them.

Have a creative day & a lovely weekend.  I'll be painting, something.
We have BIG - LITTLE news next week, life changing- for us.  Yay!
with TLC & THC
​

We were out and about on the weekend to check out the Enchanted Forest at Abby Gardens- what a cool premise for tiny beings! It is truly a creative place  & I hope to brighten it up a bit.. this pandemic thing tho has interrupted - everything.
Nothing was as easy as it once was- grocery shopping for example is a chore I don't enjoy - walk this way ( people not following)... people getting impatient, some in masks, most not.. arguing in the parking lot,  before we even got out of our vehicle we watched a man & women yelling at each other over masks or lack of & distance at the grocery store.
​
Norm & I both noticed something else & it's quite a conundrum - we want to go out to encourange the local economy (as being promoted on the local radio station - constantly), we are keeping busy - building. BUT the treatment on the weekend was...  messed up.
One store (hardware) had an employee OBVIOUSLY SICK - hacking in her mask- WTF? Who cares IF it's NOT COVID!? The Mind says- YIKES.  Other employees - some in masks some not - were 'not' helpful...  I watched some who avoided customers and I don't blame them.   I guess THEY MUST work & some are clearly STILL Not comfortable with that.
 
Another store we went into to buy material & other items - the woman SNAPPED at us, yelling across the store - "I'll need to cut that!!!" accompanied with a dirty look -  Yes, I am aware you might be asked to provide SERVICE.
If you have a problem tell me at the door and I'll happily KEEP out.
Again - yet another business - unlike others..  you can only step in the door and look from there only.  Not happening, my brain struggles with normal shopping trips -I admit -  I can't do it... it creates anxiety and I just want OUT.
So - so much for supporting the local economy.  It's one thing to spend your money but to spend it on blatant shitty service & insults - cowabunga.  I'll stay home & save money.

I get it- BUT what I DO not get it allowing it to happen- if your employees are NOT happy - figure something out because I'll tell you - the ONE store- we will never go in again.  & I know I'm not alone... who would?  Why would you give business to someone who treats you badly? I understand it's difficult times- but not wise to take it out on your CUSTOMERS. Am I wrong?  It was not just the one store- it was MOST of them.
Our business lost for good. Covid or no covid- You don't yell at customers for no reason.  

We did stop in to Haliburton breweries (not yet fully functional) & the service thankfully, was friendly & enjoyable - so much so I picked up a Ukulele.  Time to teach my brian something new- of course I had to paint it first! It's made by Flight - so I painted 'Flight.  
I'm excited to try- it might be difficult with fingers that don't bend, still I'll try.
I enjoyed painting this so much I'm picking up another- the idea already imagined.   
I do think they can open the patio as of this FRIDAY.
I encourage to visit if you can - it's a neat place.  Halliburton Brewery

What NEW hobby would you like to teach your brain?


With TLC & THC
​Georgia

The Birds!!  This shot above was a dream come true... A pair of grossbeaks - oh my! 
I've been photographing and studying birds for months for one particular painting I've already titled: Feeding time!

I've pondered over this painting in my mind like never before.. every detail, which feeders I'll use, which way I'll position the birds,  painting every bird that visited... except grackles! Arrrgh... they arrived in the spring and I wish they did not.. I don't even remember seeing them last summer but the beasts are back- my least favorite bird - stealing all my woodpeckers food.  It's going to be a large painting  which I believe will take at least one - 2 weeks.  

I recognize, my own mental HEALTH  & well being needs some time out.  I've turned OFF my phone for a few days, told Norm not to bug.. lol   It's time to tune out & turn in, all this upheaveal in the USA is concerning,  I can't imagine how they are living it. I encourage anyone to watch 'Patriot Act' on Netflix regarding the USA and ongoing issues.  More or less  the host Hasan Minhaj  (I absolutly love this guy) calls it as it IS. The last episode says the same thing I did and many are: TRUMP is responsible for MASS MURDER of his own people- he ONLY cares about MONEY.  If the United States by some Bizzar thinking votes in this supreme asshole in AGAIN -  I imagine the next episodes we will watching  the death & destruction of America (the zombie takeover) & the American dream will become the American Nightmare unfolding  in front of the rest of the world.  

Toronto police are also being investigated for a woman who ended up falling (pushed?)   off her balcony  after a police altercation...  the thought of them pushing her- I don't want to think this happened - did it? Was it an accident? Was she shoved?  
We will soon find out. 

This is not the first time someone  struggling with mental health issues in Toronto died while being 'aprehended by the police'.  WTF?  It probably happens much more than we hear.  It already appears like eccessive force was used...    sigh, yep.  

Time to turn off and tune in and pray for peace & paint the birds.

with TLC & THC
​Georgia
​
P.S.  Soon, I'll have NEW birds to paint!!! weee.............

 I've learned a trick to painting better is paint something you really like!  Perhaps that's cats, turtles, cars, comics, imaginary creatures.. fruit or friends!  PICK ONE and focus on the details.  To paint portraits - I like to paint people that I consider interesting, have great faces, make me laugh, are nice humans, have interesting facial features..   ALL of the above.   Occassionally I see a photo that makes me smile - this one of two friends Kevin & Chris, was from a party I missed.  After I saw that photo, I really knew I missed a good time - Hahaha!

It made me laugh out loud for too many reasons to mention. It was a joy to paint -giggling the entire time - then giggling at the anticipation of posting it and having these two "see it" for the first time  - I think they will SMILE.  Don't you? 
I took a bit of artist liberty with the background and removed a lamp real mental photoshop happening.
 
I did show my son and he replied: LMAO - which is Good!  

Focus on imagry that is pleasing to the mind and brings back happy memories and fondness - as I have for these two.  They are two of my favorite people on the planet. lol
Seeing them in this photo cracks me up, EVERY time!
I also filled my home with treasures' & trinkets' not worth millions but each one  makes me smile! It matters. 

Visual triggers are more powerful than people realize  - get rid of anything that upsets you or you associate with negative feelings.  Who needs it? Or don't - the choice is yours.
Nothing 'material' is worth keeping if it causes you pain, mental or physical.
 Toss it and MOVE on.    

Make room for new happy memories.  Surround yourself with love- at every opportunity.
Now, I must decide whom to give it to..  maybe I'll keep it and enjoy it for a while.
​
With TLC & THC
Georgia
Acrylic on wood panel 6 x 6.
​

I'm feeling a bit bummed and stumped as to why...    hee hee hee.
I'm stumped the USA lets that IDIOT  speak, still.  Inject disinfectant. Wow.
The first cartoon I did of him implied: If Trump becomes president blood will be shed in the USA...   unbelievable.  TURN it off.  Get rid of him.

A good friends mom passed from Covid 19. Maries mom - many know Marie from when she helped me at my booth at the EXPOs, she's been a wonderful friend & terrific support from the beginning.  I'm blessed to have her in my life.  Her mom was in a nursing home. I had several conversations with Marie over the years and it was a difficult decision she made after YEARS of trying to do it herself.  I know.  She is heart broken, she was very close to her mom.  Her mother is just one of many..            Changes must be made.   

Pray for strength for all those who suffer because they have lost someone & can't even grieve properly.  
Celebrate every GIFT. Every day.

Norm knows I like these stumps & he gifted me 2 as we sat outside,  I drew  a bikini on one as we talked about our current "Nightly movie watch".  AGAIN.
These torso,  had me giggling all night & are inspired from a famous movie scene...
Beach scene obviously. 
Can you guess?   Now, they  rest on  my coffee table and make me SMILE!
I think I have an idea to even take it up a notch.. hee hee hee. They "crack" me up.. lol 
Make yourself smile.  
'James and Pussy'  will be just the start of a few of my new painted collection.
Still stumped??

​Dr. No
James Bond & Pussy Galore...  now sit happily on my coffee table.

Stay HOME.  Blow your nose & Wash your hands.   Give thanks. xox
Happy Sunday, I hope I made you smile. xox
With TLC & THC  Georgia 

​

Mother of God....  Wash your Fucking hands!  
This was my reaction after learning a retirement hospital/home near me has at least 12 deaths- maybe more now, due to Covid-19.  Letters have been sent to the families of the remaining residents- encouraging them NOT to consider using ventilation to save them, if need be.  I kinda get it. Still.  This is a whole new thing to wrap our minds around - age & being expendable.   For all those not worried  about it - you too will get older one day -so don't be a asshole.  People losing parents - all over & horribly - hurts.  I can't even imagine the pain famalies are feeling all around the world & can NOT even grieve  the loss of the loved one.  Pray for us sinners.  This painting looks fantastic - if I do say so, hanging in my bathroom.  All the reminding I need. 

This is just the start,  the number of deaths in Canada will climb much higher.  
When you learn about energy, mood and collective conscience - you understand the level of sorrow - like none this World has ever seen... the sooner we sort it out the better. For that reason alone, never monitary.

It will be back to normal' what ever that was.. my normal after all this is over will definately be somewhat NEW. How about you? I think I'll continue to wash my hands more and cook more - I know we all "feel" healthier.  As for Peace, it doesn't get much better for Peace - I am exactly where God wants me to be.   Thankfully.  
I am amazed, I am here, really.

Praying - more than usual.  I pray the Rosary.. thinking of several and  naming many in hopes they'll stay safe in this arduous times. It's all I can do - at least it's something.  & really IF Mary were here in these times- I doubt she'd be concerned with using the 'word' - WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS!
We must do what ever it takes to get the point across.
  
If that's all you are worried about than you seriously have not paid attention to what's happening outside & your probably one of the lingering still venturing outside so - STAY THE FUCK HOME - for what looks like a MONTH.  Or More.

I DO believe in the power of prayer... many do.  
"May is the new April!"  Yeeehaw.
The snow is melting here & the girls are wrestless. Soon we'll be out searching our property for mushrooms, looking for bear tracks, planting vegetables for deer not to eat...  painting and praying....  life goes on & so shall we.

Mother of God... pray for us. ALL.

​Georgia

It's rainging cats & dogs..  kinda.  It's rainging and I'm painting cats & dogs anyhow.
Kittle litter discoveries. I've seen photos of psilocybin grown in jars and one reminde me of catlitter.  Some psilocybin grow out of cowshit - this I know.. so.

I met a lovely young lady at my new dentist office - which I'm pleased with here in Minden.
We pilled out our phones and shared our children photos (furry children).. She sent me some photos so I decided to paint them - they looked like such characters- I could tell. 
Below is the painting.  Dogs can be tuff critics - hee hee - these two were pleased.

Monkey business time, you can see my newest money - time-lapse on my Instagram account.  Today the same thing- then a portrait. It's been challenging teaching my carpenter Norm  the meaning of 6 fucking feet... he seems to finally be grasping the situation. 
Relationships will be made & broken during isolation I read this week - lol - no shit.

Wash your hands. Keep creative.

​

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