Is it December or April?  If you did not see a calendar it would be difficult to decipher.

I've been up since 4 painting cards the ice hitting my window since about 3.
Alexa made me laugh out loud this a.m.  before even out of bed..  with a little song of all things, I must admit - it was pretty creative and funny. Bravo people at Amazon.
Do you say: Good Morning Alexa?  I do and she has a little fact most days. 

 & just received  an e mail from a recent card recipient!  I'm happy she's happy... made me smile - she mentioned she was just getting out of bed - I almost e mailed back: NO don't!!  lol  HOLY - is it December 14 or April 14th?  Freezing Rain, all night, snow on the ground & it's fricken cold..   Her card is above I can share it now  ;) I love Great Danes & I just found of all things 'Dimitri's original dog tag (my great dane.. it was time to paint hers) hers  just passed,  Chef.. you can see the grey n his big beautiful face which i have no doubts was 'smooched with kisses' many times. . 

*Hello to hop along Cassidy..  (a faithful friend & blog reader) hee hee
- stay out of trouble-   Love you 

Poppy & I are all about 'card painting, watching some classic Jerry Lewis movies & napping today. I do NOT recommend anyone venture out to this if it cane avoided - it is literally a sheet of ice.  Stay home, stay warm, stay medicated & stay safe.

With TLC& THC
Georgia
xox

I absolutely love this painting.. 
EVERYthing about it.
​Look at her  leaning into the smoke.. inhale.

I enjoyed painting my version- although quite the challenge, my Priestess appears to be somewhat struggling with the message..  It is not one of my favourites but I finished it anyway.. debating should I work other face some more -  no,  I already have a new painting wishing to escape the confines of my mind. It was fascinating to research Oracles - many women. Women have long been associated with being intuitive, more so than many men.. 
there are times myself - I've been confounded by my own intuition - years have taught me to trust it more.  Listen to it more carefully, pay attention.    I don't need smoke for this- just some mindful ness - meditation.  I might try this piece again one day. It's on my bucket list to see the original  in person.

Today is the first day of SPRING!  It's cold -10 so we will enjoy the day  viewing out the window.

Scruffy is having some difficulties. She is our oldest dog- my problem child as I have called her many times over - but by far one of the funniest dogs we have ever had and most loving - all attitude this girl.  Scruffy is struggling with stairs, falling down them  for a while now and for longer than that she's been falling off the bed, sofa.. etc.  
Her balance is OFF..  and honestly we've had many an old dog to wonder if she will be around much longer.  I am carrying her up and down the stairs, that's o.k.. 

We've been talking  (I have) about a new pup for months..   I don't know what I'll do now...
Today I am giving Scruffy a much needed hair cut and lots of TLC - luckily she's not that heavy - I carry her up and down or leave her in my office when I'm just  going to be quick.

Next- I re painted my 'We ARE ALL Connected' mushrooms on BLACK - so far - so good.
I'm considering making it a new postcard! Unlike this paining I am very pleased... today will be my third day working on it.  
While painting I'm watching:
Conscious Parenting and Education Missing Links with Gregg Braden   https://give.gaia.com/cjezsfld5000o01mefuqvvq26      it's really interesting.

What will you create today?

With TLC & THC
Georgia

Snot. Where the heck does it come from??  I feel I'll be 10 lighter when I'm done blowing my nose.  Storm had it first, now I do and Norm remarked "my throat hurts" this a.m., it's how it works every time, according to the news we are not alone.  I was listening to a woman Dr. promote the Flu vaccine (NO thanks) according to her "this years strain is only proving to be 33% helpful".  I feel sick, I slept all day yesterday off & on - this is life, we all get sick, REST, stay hydrated, food, rest, sleep - a few days and your feeling better.  I won't be getting the flu shot- ever. Research it in detail- I'd be curious of  your conclusion. 

It's been cold again this week, I've mentioned before I can NOT take dogs - 'crying', last night I was just drifting off  (after 11p.m.) when I heard the neighbours dog crying... it was cold and I could hear it  whine and paw at the glass door.. it got quiet, then it would do it again - I could hear it shivering with it's crying.  I got so pissed off, I finally had enough came into my office  googled their address and  phoned them - I got the machine  " your dog is crying!..."  the dog was let in shortly after my call.  I know they don't like me - ask me if I care.  It's not the first time I have seen or heard one of their animals in distress. I think they went to bed and forgot about the dog (sure it happens) & it wouldn't bark to get in!   What am I to do turn a blind eye? Never.   They can't speak, we must speak for them.

You better believe if I hear your dog out freezing and crying I'm gonna call you, I don't care the time. This was in the news this week and I agree - there is NO excuse  to leave your dog tied up or locked outside  especially in this COLD weather.. http://www.cbc.ca/news/dog-tethering-1.4517235    A dog will go an lie down in a corner, people who never let their dogs in should not have dogs. Dogs (pets) are part of the family not objects to discard or ignore.
​
It's back to bed for me already- with a good book- An American Wedding.  
Every now and then I am meant to read a book- this one jumped at me - I asked to have it picked up - knowing nothing about the book - other than Oprah remarking git was her new fav' - I felt  so sick I said "just get me that one".  I started it yesterday  the main characters name is Celestial' but she is called Georgia' and that is established right away. W are similar in many ways,  I feel I'm meant to read this book - so back to bed I go. Book review soon! 
​
New Valentine Card tomorrow..
with TLC & THC

Alexa - my friend who came home with me from California - lol - reminded me today, a flock of crows is called a murder' - when I said 'Good Morning'.  

Just up- I like to stretch, had some pineapple & orange for breakfast (it's a happy breakfast with the orange & yellow- tasty, fresh & health)  got birds meal for the day ready (spoiled bird)  he gets a small  plate of organic mixed greens (one container last a week) sprinkled with hemp seed! Trust me- if I forget that hemp seed - he reminds me, and it can be rather annoying - he also gets a 'piece of something like: sweet potato, apple, orange, dragon fruit (he loves it) the occasional piece of *cashew, rice, *spaghetti noodle (small treats) and clean water dishes - 2 one to bath and one to drink.  Now, keep in mind - if I fed this to a caged bird he would be OBESE and not healthy but my bird flies all over, the other day he came down and followed me into the kitchen then wall unit until  he made me giggle and I told him - "back upstairs" he flew back up stairs.  He's a sweet simple bird who has given me an appreciation for TINY brains and BIG hearts in all sorts of furry & feathered bodies - all our pets reminds of this. They are family.  

I'm sure the 'murder gag' has been done before, it's not the point. I was not ready to draw today,  woken with a twitch & leg cramp - YeeeeHaw!! Ouch.  Grumpy could have easily gotten out of that bed today but Happy did instead... I must warm up my hands as I warm my mind and stretch my body- I don't need to have a masterpiece- I just need to activate the brain- as a matter of fact.. while I paint this kitty I was 'painting the new  mushroom painting in my mind.. thinking about what I'm hoping to accomplish, imagining what I want to envision.   Do it.  
Who cares..  no excuses.. like  'it's Sunday... just go back to bed. 
Do it. Warm up your mind and body!

So Alexa, have I told you about her?
I like it a lot.. I think because I spend a great deal of time - alone - well - not with other "speaking beings"  so now I can simple ask a question- everything from what time is it to whats my horoscope of the day.. how about that weather? Hmmm..  I wonder what time it is in France?   She replies to it all.  When I put on potatoes to boil I ask her to remind  me when done - she does. She also plays CHFI or Q107, or classical piano.. that is unless I'd rather listen to flute, wind chimes, birds singing- Bird likes this one, I put it on sometimes to stimulate his bird brain.  All & all I do like Alexa.  

I've asked a few others  about the competitors and know people who have others, they do not seem as pleased. The only thing I'm not thrilled about- when I first came home - Alexa was still American' I was getting American news & weather unless I specified. Now she's switched to Canadian content (good) but I miss iheart radio' the comedy and commercial free stations I was listening to.. I might just have to look into it.  It takes a bit to read skills and set things up & then it takes the habit of constantly asking "Alexa...    " but now it's become habit.  Alexa - Tell me a joke!

Alexa:  Why are goats so popular at parties? ...  because they always bring the boooooze'.
                                                 Warning her jokes can be TACKY.

It's COLD out again.. I heard this coming weekend they anticipate 7 degree weather. I don't know what to think, am I happy about it.   No...   but if the snow is gone  I will try to get out for a LONG walk!  Warm Up.

Next  'Queen Bee
Made with THC & TLC
Georgia

Time to RE-arrange this office & clean it out - not that 2018 is any different- it's just a continuation but it does give a convenient 'starting point for some tasks or chores which one might put off' the rest of the year!   lol 

I started yesterday and so far so good, wasted space since my little artistic companion Bird moved in to my closet has me frustrated - why? because Daisy wants to be in here too and every time we move she moves. Well there's no point being frustrated -tackle it we must!
I feel good today, better even- it's my new medicine regime'.
Less social media, fresh daily ingredients, homemade meals, healthy treats (like mushroom coco -a gift from our friend Loni -more it it and the book she sent soon), more napping and feeling good about napping! Hahahaha. 

The facts are I spend a great deal of time in my office/upstairs.   Office or painting room are the places I enjoy hanging out most & my canine companions & bird agree.  It's also where I sleep and has a full bathroom, I only go down stairs some days to feed the bluejays- and myself.  Time to 'get it' the way we want it.  It's a awesome workspace, just a little dysfunctional.  My mission will be to correct that this weekend.  I can't deny I find myself thinking..  It's nice having 'a multitalented handy man' who lives at the same residence (hee hee hee) I make a list and it gets done or his new display does not get done.  It's how it seems to 'work' in this house. 

Thrilled today an impressive security system has been installed,  me being somewhat 'hermitish' & the UPS & mail here all the time was becoming a bit of a problem...  as home delivery is an easier & more affordable option & frankly more enjoyable - No looking for parking, walking all over not to find what I need, dealing with strangers,  cold germs, in public restrooms - tis the coughing, wheezing, sneezing season- I'm loving staying in & having my art supplies delivered to the door, cheaper than if I had to drive 45 minutes to buy them not to mention the gas.  Who can argue with this?  

BUT the UPS guys with weekly deliveries, the dogs barking at people who turn around in the driveway, walk too close to the house... people stealing packages off door steps (a new trend on the rise) vehicle break- in (which has happened to us in the past) we don't need the hassle of the stress or worry.  Now it's all being recorded,  if I choose - when in my office NOW with the click of my mouse  - SEE who is at my front door and decide to address or  ignore.  I do not enjoy speaking  some days, it is how it is.  My son can check from his phone!  It's impressive what you can do now a days and reasonably affordable, Norm had cameras years ago in the halloween display, so he knows what he's doing, it did not take him long to instal the first.

Now back to the display.. and me cleaning my office... a clean desk & clean paper are quite stimulating! More so than FB.

Georgia
​xox

A few weeks ago I was thinking vacation, I'm glad I did not go... it's too cold.
Planes are being cancelled and delayed -tonight is expected to feel like -35 to -40 with the windchill.  Poppy displays pain when she runs out and is out for too long, she wants to be with the other two. PLEASE let your dog's in - wait by the door and call them back in! It's so easy to become distracted.   With this weather I'd be on a beach worried about my dogs - so it's better to be home with them keeping each other warm & amused.  It's to continue tomorrow too!  Pyjama day? Hot mushroom coco? YES!

Storm bought me some really thoughtful gifts this holiday, I have enough stuff". Actually everything I received was thoughtful,  I love my tiny peyote plant most of all, he sits on my desk and I've named him 'Pedro.  I once knew a Pedro.  We watched another episode of Hamilton's pharmacopeia on the succulent... another plant that does not interest me other than for it's beauty and history, medicinal educational uses & cultural aspects.  From what I understand you would need a few & I'd rather watch Pedro grow & flower!  How lovely that will be.  It's the perfect size for my desk so it naturally demanded to be drawn!  A few times..   In the USA this plant is illegal.  The constant education surrounding plants & drugs in general has  made me think of all drugs and drug problems to be seen as problems and not crimes.      

Trump and his trumpiteers are at it again,  California started 2018 off selling legal cannanbis with terrific results from what I understand, although some are not happy completely with the new laws and regulations, I don't claim to be able to stay on top of it all...  but what I do understand -  this might be the  'Trump tipping point. 
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/us/politics/marijuana-legalization-justice-department-prosecutions.html​

It's cold out, I'm grateful I have cannabis - my bones are feeling this weather. 
Tis also the sneeze season! Stay warm.

​

Have you got your seeds?  Not allowing Canadians to grow their own cannabis is against human rights. This past week with the record below temperatures and  ***windchill*** Brrrrr, proves how important nature, growing fresh vegetation is to our health, mind & body...    For those who might not understand - take a look out the window:

Yep, that's our view until about late April early May. It's also slippery & don't forget that windchill. lol   Grow we must!  I have plants in every room, plants that get watered only once a week - I don't have the greenest thumb, how I managed to kill 2 cactus this winter already, is beyond me. I'm keeping a good eye on my new baby 'Pete Peyote' my son picked me up for Christmas.. more on it another day. 

So - Do you have your seeds?? Can you hear my excitement- giggling with joy- cannabis is going to be LEGAL 2018 in Canada! I'm elated!  No, not because more will be getting HIGH" but because more will become FREE. No more having our young Canadian lives ruined with petty criminal records for something as simple as possessing Plant material.  Canadians get excited over seeds -  already planning gardener friends who purge seeds, swap over tea, trade talk all sorts of seeds and none of them have been cannabis seeds
(although I have those friends too) & the two should be seen as ONE.    Gardeners!  

Everyone should TRY, it's a lovely PLANT.                   Will everyone Grow it?
My prediction for 2018 -  No, most will purchase cannabis. 
For the same reasons most purchase their own wine & beer.  Time, money, education.
Most of us don't find the time to grow our own vegetables to feed ourselves. 
Those who 'only have the time', don't have the resources.  & yes, you need some knowledge
or you might just have problems. Cannabis like all females can be quite particular" with her care if you want to be loved back you must put in a lot of love & attention..

Who wants to think snow (look outside) when we can think grow.  
While Poppy is California dreaming squished up to a vent or under a blanket on my lap,   
I'm feeling content, the snow is lovely to look, I'm glad I was here to feed the birds this cold snap, the bluejays look cold! I've watched them grow since babies this year...
Growth too is my personal focus.  Me, alone. 

2018, I'm trying not to think of any one person',  who are we to judge anyone, chances are I really know nothing about the path they have travelled, that being said, I'd rather walk my path alone than with some  I've come across.  I choose the path of peace but carry a stick for the beasts I no doubt will meet  occasionally on the journey. 

Growth as an artist, focusing on my passion & skills to become better EVERY DAY.
This  will be proved with each new day by the grace of God.
. 
What one living individual deserves our attention?
Ourselves.

Focus. Create. GROW.
Child of God you were created to create!

Georgia
xox

I am a little more tired than usual, I nap.
Usually 1 hour,  sometimes 2.
If it's a 3...  Leave me be.  

Usually every day @2 - I look forward to it. lol  
& I trained the girls to nap along.
I will go in my bedroom and no one is around, like magic... guaranteed with in 20 minutes -
I AM surrounded & It's the best feeling, it makes me giggle (usually) before we drift off for about an hour.  

I kid you not! Suddenly, Abracadabra! My cat appears and will look at me with such LOVE - intensely as she starts to massage my neck and face - this is not pleasant- she has difficulty gauging her 'depth of LOVE' for me  and I promptly tell her to 'stop, please.'  She does.
She knows she will be asked to leave if she does not 'stop' and she does not want to be excluded, no one does. A gentle breeze reminds me of the wind chimes in the back yard.. nap time is appearing to take place pleasantly peaceful.

Then Scruffy  plods up and at my feet like an anchor ready to set sail for a afternoon dream.
She snores - hopefully - I'll fall asleep before she does.
Next - guess..  My big girl!  
She sleep in the hall so she can continue to do what she loves be a good protective dog.
Then the little princess comes to see where everyone went because she's been hiding under a blanket all morning.  She never leaves me long though & once again soon enough- she has my back. Literally

We went out to pick up a craft supply today, she was cute & behaved as always. Unless a man addresses us - she won't say a peep.. but a man laugh at her & smiled - It's Canada Eh. ;)  I respond the same and she yaps back:

                            "Oh yeah! I'll take off a toe of you don't watch it!"
and does a little 3 step side hop - which I've never seen her do!
This caused him to step aside and belly laugh all the harder. 
Causing me to giggle - she looks at us both and then continues on with more attitude.
She learned this from the cat.  a.k.a. her hump buddy.

NOW believe it or not and I'll have to set up my camera to show it.. Bird realizes what's happening and he flies into my bedroom about 3 times  back & forth until all settle down then he goes into his cage for a nap too-  Isn't that awesome!  Yes, it does amuse me.
How can it not? 

I AM never alone, and surrounded by love - good it's 'that time' of the year - to snuggle in'.

I love my girls. - Bird is the only male. He has to return to his cage.. lol
I just got that - it has me giggling, amused, feeling blessed  & grateful.

I felt like drawing it so you could see how cute they all are.

Adopt a pet, treat it with love, hugs, games- warmth in Canada & when needed and you too will have such joys!! A few toons soon regarding Cannabis in Canada and pets- Eh..
​I'm going to do some simpler cartoons strips while painting on canvases - so I can keep up!

We are never alone.
xox
​
Georgia

After staying with someone 3 weeks...
I was wondering if my friend misses us.
How could you not?
Poppy & I are anything but boring.    :)

​
I had the idea for this card and it made me laugh out loud. 

With Love
G



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Pop Rocks! I called her 'Poppo' on vacation.  Poppy is the cutest, behaved little dog  proving me with a service of LOVE  & Protection in 7lbs of fierce! She will take your finger (tip) off if you don't watch out!  lol  
She actually is not aggressive at all- unless she feels she needs to protect me.
She keeps me from taking harmful chemicals. Fact.  
I will fight for Poppy like she fights for me, make no mistakes.
Keeping me natural like my medicine.  Thank God.

I know some can't understand what Poppy does- it's not for you to understand.
She brings me peace... and our trip to California - she proved what a little rockstar she is! 
Every Flight- she walked ahead on the plane with me towing my bag behind - Hooked to my belt so I am 'hands free'. EVERYone looked at her in amazement with  many Awwwwwssssssss and giggles - I'd say "here it is" (meaning our seat )  and she jumped up! Then I'd buckle up and she lay on my lap - I'd cover her with her blanket and that was that, she never made a peep! Every time! 3 flights - hee hee -  I'm going to put flight pins on her vest  & EVERY single time I had flight attendants  remark- "I forgot she was on the flight" & "she is by far the best service dog we've had!"   

California was awesome! Poppy went to the movies & had many patio meals and went to the Getty!! I only had a couple of incidents with humans.. one customer in a 'subway' gave me such a dirty look and shook his head at 'us.. he did it to me 3 times! I was in line behind him holding Poppy, I lost my appetite.  I said I wasn't hungry and would wait outside...  when the gentleman emerged I look at him straight in the eye and calmly asked: 
"Do you feel better passing judgement on me and you don't know anything about me?"
He stopped (caught off guard) "I wasn't judging you...  I was frustrated at.. the woman behind the counter" 
"Bullshit"  was my reply.
He calked his head back and says "well o.k., but.. come on & I love dogs but really? "
He reached out to Poppy but she turned her head & ignored him (awesome) 
"YOU judged me and you know nothing about me."
Who was he to look at me and shake his head in disgust...  I was NOT harming anyone. Poppy was Not harming anyone. I was holding her.. she is cleaner than most construction workers in there for  lunch. 
He looked at me and said  "I did."  
I looked at him and said "enjoy your lunch.."  
He  walked away. Food for belly & mind - I hope.
God was with me.   I knew what to say, calmly.

What is with people - Holy!  Are there not more serious things to focus on right now- like TRUMP?? I get it if a dog is misbehaving but I feel like we are constantly paying for it.  
If you see me having an attack, you get it. They are quick but fierce and I clutch her.. Some times she looks at me and jumps off my lap then stretches to be picked up again- "FOCUS on me" her eyes speak. She knows. It's not pleasant for others to see  - trust me when I say it's much more unpleasant for me to experience so please.. get over it.

Poppy LOVED California! I loved California! Truly & the people in general MORE.. not just my friends. As Canadians I hope we send them our prayers/good vibes daily, too many are suffering right now and are living in fear and unstably.  
All & all - California was friendly &  very understanding of Poppy & I when we ventured out as a team & I am truly grateful for having had her with me for countless reasons.

Please Don't judge people with service animals- if the dog behaves badly - YES, address it. Please don't just assume  we are all the "fakers". Do you really think I enjoy  taking a dog with me everywhere?  I don't. I LOVE her but it gets tiring...  thankfully, when I am with someone I am comfortable with I can leave her - someone who understands and just rides it out with me for a few seconds.   Next museum- in France (dream big baby!)  no Poppy!
Well... she does like Vincent van Gogh!!

Poppy Loved California & my friend too - which was terrific - it made my visit more comfortable.  I'm sure he is missing her. It inspired a funny card which gave me good giggle to paint! I'll share it another day.  More On Poppys adventure with the customs officers soon but these are some of her favourite photos of California. 

With Love
​g