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

Weeee! So much on my mind  I don't know where to start- it's not liek I don't have anything to do- I can't contain my weeeeeed cards anylonger - Good thing the Forever Grateful Greetings site is almost up to speck! Weeeee! I've had to ge the look - just right- now I can start to load up new content. I've got cards - Cards for EVERY occassion- wait & see! 

It's difficult house hunting when much of Ontaio is a little damp - to put it mildly, I found one palce I liked but for the money - it was too much work for Norm' - lol (according to him) - clearly I have more faith in his abilities than he does.  While he continues painting & laying a new floor  I keep searching & it's fun to be on a virtual adventure, there is no shortage of lovely properties with tress & lots of land for the doggens to run - it's only about the timing now & deciding just how much work we do want to do- Norm expressed intrest in building a round home as his dad did & we have all the blueprints- me- hmmmmm it toook 7 years to finish the stairs. The things you think about.. reality is for a reason.
I trust God has it all under control - I'll get back to painting octopus & buds as I should be.

It's all GREEN - the grass, the plants- all new buds- leaves on the trees - celebrate every one. I do. After my mothers day shopping spree  - I've taken up my  snail mailing a knotch - why not!  Lifes too short for boring bills in the mailbox all the time...  If you need a card to send to a friend - to cheer them up - give them a litle smile:

                                         http://www.forevergratefulgreetings.com

Weeeee! I'ts time to clean the back deck & get my outdoor office ready for some serious art sessions! I've got some pals invited & I'm ready to grow  artistically & mentally - every day.

Dream big- what's the point if you don't?  Do YOU not deserve the same opportunities as everyone else? Kids - it's true- stay in HIGH school - it's proven it does teach you how to LIFE' even if you don't learn  much on history or geography, math - it teaches us basic need to know to be a cog in the machine - and proven more successful (in general)  than if you drop out - not just $$$.  I agree with going to & finishing highschool - where you go from there is more about $$$  in my opinion so choose wisely.    

Stay away from all drugs if possible - if not possible TRY cananbis first.  
With TLC & THC
Georgia 

Work in progress.. the painting & me.

Another pondering primate... what is my new chimp obsession?  It's been triggered by several things I guess, most recently the thought of the loss of more beautiful beasts.  Destruction due to consumption, too much to ponder some days. This chimp brought a new level of painter... I know this when I spent an afternoon patiently painting the hair 'just on his chinny, chin, chin! 

Why do we still have plastic bags? Lazy. These magnicifant mammals each one a miracle & our lazy butts & gluttony for palmoil are kiling them & I'm sure someone somewhere is  using Chimp for medicinal reasons or even decorative.  I'd rather not research that, now.
I find myself pondering the stoned ape theory again -how 'evolved' we have all become or have we? According to the studies we have started our own mass destruction - so why wait one more day to stop using plastic bags?  Why?  

As I finished this painting Denver has decriminalized Psilocybin mushrooms! The first of many US States with Canada following soon. Everything this blog said about cannabis - apply it to 'magic mushrooms' - = Psilocybin . It's that simple. EVERYTHING. I am forever grateful for this slow but steady personal education & depression releasing medicine. If not completely releasing  at least discovering = Forgiving.  Cannabis is my choice of daily medicine but every now & then my body & mind tell me when it's time to medicate with psilocybin. My lite treatment caused some negative effects - I can't even begin... I'm takng a break & wearing scrubs for comfort BUTT it said getting worse before better - might be a side effect. So  feeling a bit blue with not much to do I decided to finish my primate that I started a few weeks ago. 

Psilocybin help me 'feel a little more loved' for much of what I don't normally find very 'lovable at times. Including myself.  

I'm in full painting mode again ;) - to keep me out of depression mode  ;( .  
I already have the NEXT painting sketched in my mind - another pondering primate   in a slightly 'new style' an experiment, I think. Weeeeeeee...   

 ;D  I'lll leave this here so you might ponder a little.

With LOVE 
Georgia

NFS... unless the offer is worthwhile & will purchase much more paint! ;)
Acrylic on wood panel. Gold, Copper paint that makes this painting look different every time you look at it as well as around the edges - make sit POP  ;).
I'm forever grateful for the experience.

Can you guess who I am..  I'll tell you at the end.
Schools out for summer & might not be returning.. I can't express the sadness I felt watching my high school  York Memorial go up in flames  yesterday.  A flood of memories overwhelmed me, walking the halls, the lockers, the auditorium in all it's Glory, the stained glass windows the trophy cabinets, magnificent details at every turn. I hope they rebuild and not remove.  This is where my love for art took OFF -I had great art teachers  both women, Mr.s Obrien was my favourite she introduced me to painting, clay, egg tempura, everything art was started here. Friends, relationships, the first time I smoked Pot.. lol isn't it for most? My first parties, football socials & like many I lost my virginity to someone met in high school my last year. You don't even realize all the memories until you see it fade before your eyes. I'm forever grateful for the experience.

& I was blue due to the news that we are destroying our planet at a greater rate than anticipated (and grater than I feel they are letting on to us mere humans due to panic)- killing creatures... Trophy hunting should immediately banned.  Birds especially are on quick decline & then to learn about DOUG Ford..  I take it back thinking  he would be good for Ontario.  As soon as these creatures are gone - we will be shortly after.  It's terrible for children now - knowing we have started our own MASS extinction yet we CONTINUE to let politicians like DOUG Ford decide Canadians futures - he obviously doesn't care about the environment & that should be our first priority when we boot those deciding our fate  out of office.

When I went to bed last night at 7 I was blue & beat but today I was excited to get up and work on my chimp which reminds me... Norm is redoing the basement floors (hee hee) over the decades he has  laid new floors for different rooms (depending on what was on sale) NOW of course he is in agreement 'it would look better with same flooring throughout', "I told you..."  was said,  I've moved my studio to the bedroom & have been painting at all hours - I'm pleased with my newest creation - I spent yesterday painting the hairs on a chimps chiny chin chin! lol  

It's a painting I become absolutely absorbed in & between us I'm calling it a self portrait. haha I love every second & in between I'm painting Weeeeeed cards- they make me giggle.
 I friend sent me a few ideas today which also cracked me up! Weeeeeee!

Sad but not forgotten.. Nothing lasts forever lets hope we get our acts together  regarding transformation of the planet before it's too late. No more plastic bags - why are we still going plastic bags? Why are we sill doing plastic? HEMP is better. 

With TLC & THC 
​Georgia
​
I'm the middle row, second from the left - the guy behind me in a white top was tickling me...  look at the confused expressions - clearly the photographer did not count to 3. 

Take it slow like this sweet little sloth...   frig he's sweet, if I do say so. Take it slow.. baby steps until you know & there is much opportunity for knowledge- thanks to many!  Those who have ventured before us - Thank you.   Psilocybin use has I noticed those who share & those who don't.  I don't care what you do,  I have Trigeminal neuralgia I wouldn't wish it on TRUMP ( you know how I feel about him) It's on the increase- especially in women -If I did not share that I am getting at least some 'mental relief' thank God  - from Psilocybin I'd be ashamed of myself! This cold weather is brutal- this cold hits my face like a frozen shovel - I will NOT leave my home... which will make for a boring birthday tomorrow - expected -26 winds- forget it - I invited  one person to spend the day with me tomorrow, I'll get out of my PJ's just in case! hee hee hee  It won't be boring! I have my girls and painting & crafts & then some - excited for each day - pain included. 

I wait for Crusty Rusty to call - he's RIGHT again! & he told me from day one "Jane Philpott doesn't know what the fuck she is doing and can't handle the job!"  TADA!  Good... leave- anyone who quits like this WE DO NOT NEED representing us. She lost confidence in Trudeau- Phhhbt.. she's using Trudau as a scapegoat. Good riddance. Adios - shuffle along. All 'this' will make Justin Trudeau a stronger, better man it already has. I tell my own son all the time "thank those who 'challenge you' or piss you off'  they teach you more  & (and quicker) than you realize... because I know my sons a good man and although not perfect - he will continue to learn from life & not let it stop him from succeeding & be better because of it.  I know this about Justin too...  change is good- Justin is not going anywhere.

Yesterday a gift arrived & I don't think he knew it's my "birthday week" lol  My friend Stephen Boeheme Glass artist sent me a Musrhoom pendant - that is hand wire wrapped & I got  dressed today- just so I could wear it!  The girls are envious LOL - I LOVE IT!
Wow,  this American pal continually restores my faith in good people (I'm blessed to know a few of You who DO)   I am absolutely touched by this gift - I had me speechless.  NOW -
I can't wait for foray season- I can't wait for nice weather- gonna rock this pendant EVERY DAY! When it arrived I held it to the window to see it in the sunlight on it - Poppy was all over it and she looked and me and the feeling was mutual,  (we speak telepathically btw)  ;)  "that was the nicest gesture mom,   you are surrounded by such wonderful, creative loving beings..." I know Poppy... I know.   He actually sent me TWO mushrooms! What a glass collection I have - they have ALL been gifts of love from several & I look at them EVERY day.  The attention in the details - the little bags they came in (orange octopus) are also lovely!  Bravo Stephen - No wonder you were just awarded 1st place for the best Millie in 2019! Well deserved.

The sloth was painted in Timelapse - you can see it if you follow my Instagram account - IG by the way - last week in one day my account dropped 30 people...  in an hour, wtf?  
My thought... FUCK IG, playing with people like that - the next day the numbers were back  30 an although I constantly have people requesting to follow' each day the numbers decline.. lol - who cares the same crap happened when I was on FB. It went from 15,000 t0 7,000 overnight.   It's just a game - don't get distracted by numbers'  
    
When God want's my work to be seen- it will be seen. 
I am confident in the Lord more than Social Media.  :) Hee hee!

There's more important things/events/history being made than my paintings OR social media in this world that we ALL need to 'see' so we can change it.  ​Slowly if need be.
#betterblance #internationalwomensday2019  #fuckyeah

1 or 1,000 000 followers... I follow one that matters & am loved by that ONE.
That's ALL that counts.  <><
For those of you that do tho... thank you! & Thank you Stephen.