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

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.
​