I get it.

Have you watched 100% hotter?  
It's all about beauty & the beast. 
The beast called BEAUTY' .  
Insecure, lonely, sad beautiful people - afraid to be - themselves.  
What will happen when make - up doesn't cut it anymore? 
Your guess is as good as mine...
I guess they will follow Anthony's footsteps  sooner or later.

Afraid to leave their homes, afraid to interact with others without the mask.
Who are you?  Can you be seen as you truly ARE?  Hmmm? 
My mask is off... with it came off the rose colored glasses. 

Thinking about Anthony, all he witnessed, lived, tried... tasted,   I get it. 
It's enough to put a sour taste in anyones stomach & he was witness more than most.  
Suicide is still taboo - because people do not want to admit they ARE part of the problem.  We are all part of the problem. Have you watched Audrie & Daisy?
 IF I had a daughter I would sit her down & watch it with her  & TALK about it.
*Talk about Alcohol while YOU are at it.  It is a common denominator.

In a world FULL Of humans - to feel so alone... this is the problem.
What does  'it' matter? The money, travel, food.. all stuff.
​All stuff that does not matter when you constantly witness cruelties against each other, he was aware of this #metoo thing, if I had to guess - in all his travels,  he's witnessed more than most and was just tired. I get it.

I am so tired some days.. mostly due to this condition  attacking the right 1/2 of my body, from head to toe - spend an hour with me and you will witness it, I guarantee. I've even doubted my ability to travel lately, France seems so far away some days,  traveling to the mailbox  feels like an adventure.  The constant reminders that so few understand or try to understand  if what frustrates me the most, I therefore enjoy days of solitude -where no explaining is necessary. This past weekend I was alone ALL weekend and felt very refreshed at the end of it.  I was very much in the NOW.  
I have had 'family' throw it in my face..  which was a terrific lesson- You should learn to walk/run away from people - get them out of your life 'FAMILY' is just a word- not everyone deserves to BE in your life- no matter WHO they are. 

With examples like Trump running 'the show' my trust in humans diminishes daily.  What if Trump attempts to commit suicide & decides to take a few countries out as he goes?  I think he has clearly proven how unstable he is in countless ways..   
Anything is possible - clearly he is president after all.

Yes, this painting depicts how I feel, physically.
I'm sorry my son knows how I feel above all else.. but he also understands events in my/our life &  how 'I got this way'.  He KNOWS I try every day to be better, to be positive to be love...   to just BE.

I don't need or want pity- this is more or less me  "coming out" because I KNOW I am not alone, I KNOW many feel like I do.. I know some young ladies in particular feel exactly like I do & have  a harder time NOW with social media- it's an entirely new level of added pressures for most.  

Watch Audrie & Daisy- worried about your kids and cannabis?
Watch Audrie & Daisy and learn what you would be concerned about.
My art has saved my life time and time again.  Focus on your passions.

I do often tell people  "If not for my brain pain- my life would be perfect.."
it's learning to LIVE with the PAIN.  So far so good. 
I also have  incredible Dr.s  who Listen & TALK and keep me here without antidepressants' & remind me: I do have reason to feel the way I do.. it's NOT all in my head.
 
I know I push people away - constantly.
Some look forward to it- then they don't have to SEE what I am living with. 
For those that remain thank you for your understanding & love, all others..
​
Fuck you, you're not worth the mental energy I could be using towards painting.

Suicide rates are on the increase with Canadian women:   I get it. 
​globalnews.ca/news/4274136/suicide-rates-women-men-canada/
Clearly, I AM not alone.   
For now... I am in good hands.  
So is Anthony.
Gods.

Back to Sloths & cannabis next.. back to painting what makes me smile.
Thank God.   Make yourself SMILE.

Dear Anthony - I get it.
Your call.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia
​

Our on Forays I've noticed a few things besides the mushrooms, birds & chipmunks - trash.
TRASH - Garbage left by trashy people with no respect of our 'living' room called earth.
Seriously people - what's the problem?
You can't carry that empty coffee cup any further?
That empty pop bottle too heavy to tote now that you consumed the content? 
Worse - every time I've gone on a foray chances are I stumble across  a condom. WTF?  
You are a dirty PIG if you fuck in the woods and leave your condoms there for others to find and nature to insult. 

What the fuck are you doing fucking in the woods in a public parks in the first place?!
This is not acceptable behaviour- there are rooms, hotels - we don't need to find your trace in OUR PUBLIC space - show some respect for others & yourself.

There is nothing nastier than finding a beautiful edible chanterelle - with a used condom beside it.  Following this grossness is cigarette butts!  Talk about ignorance and carelessness  and again I find myself wondering why? Why be out here in the wood surrounded by everything natural & beautiful - peaceful - if you're the type of person to throw your cigarettes  on the forest floor - you don't deserve to be there. 

Many occasions I wear rubbers myself - the GLOVE kind -  & pick up others trash, while I wait for mushroom identification to occur.  It's easy to get a garbage bag full in most cases.  I recently discovered a woman who lives locally on IG - she calls herself The Ditch Bitch- and she cleans up others trash- in my neighbourhood!  I decided to thank her with a little original (below)... and it inspired my gnome.  
Make a difference.. pick up trash - better yet- DON'T drop it in the first place.

A keep your fucking condoms on your weiner until you get into your own car or home thanks -  for all those who do leave 'parts of themselves' in the forrest, your trashy treasures left for us to discover: 
​May a tick find and bite you where it counts.

With TLC & THC for nature
​Georgia 

Yesterday we spent the day in the city, Storm took me to a Bird festival!  It was wonderful- there were trained, captive birds and  areas all over where you could see the different birds in their nest, learn bird facts, see the birds we have, what's endangered and what we can do to help them... it was quite an impressive event - packed with kids  I was thrilled to see all these future birders, hopeful they will grow to appreciate & protect the birds.

After our bird adventure, we had a lovely BBQ and then Storm took me to this years LIFT EXPO.  It's really changed and the businesses - WOW! Get ready Canada- there is so many new cannabis businesses it's going to exciting and curious times.  It was terrific to see the friends we've made over the years (got caught up on many hugs) Storm and I had many laughs (as always) thinking about some past moments as well. In all honesty I saw some faces who I've interacted with in the past  and thought to myself.. Naaa - it is time to move on.  In general - I don't know that I'll attend another cannabis expo,  it is what it is.. stuff, cannabis business. I love to paint and educate about cannabis - I'm content doing my own thing.

Lot's of discussion about cannabis being legal VERY SOON Canada and how  there will be a shortage, the Government won't be able to keep up with demand is the expected outcome... and that will be bad for business.   I'm not concerned - I won't be buying my cannabis from the Government. I would buy 'if I had to from a individual dispensary actually - to show my support. I have friends in high places and have incredible cannabis to smoke always - better than friends...  I have my son.

The word is out - the cat out of the bag..  I witnessed it yesterday with my own eyes.. several people came up to Storm and 'congratulated him.  Storm has been officially hired  as a lead cannabis consultant  & is working with some who are very big, already established & incredibly talented in the industry.  It is comforting I know he is surrounded by very knowledgable, experienced, successful friends - an amazing bunch - friends he has had now for over a decade already.  EVERYthing for a reason!

Am I Proud?  Fucking right I am!!!  We know this journey-  Storm has continually risen above, even in areas where I still struggle - like attitudes of others  -he just ignores, forgives and keeps focused - it's how he got to where he is NOW.   I have been blessed to experience cannabis from ALL over the world now- and it is something to be able to say  "My son is growing some of the best!"   & I'm obviously not the only one who knows it. 

***BUT... yep the time has come, Storm moved out.  
Did I cry?   Hell yes!  & still do from time to time - lol - I MISS HIM!  We all miss him.  
We've already visited a couple of times and Daisy will be  living in the city & here part time - he misses his doggen and she him.  His apartment is perfect, it has a guest room for when Poppy & I visit!   Hee Hee  -  We've got some city plans this summer for sure! 

Where does the journey go from here - That's all up to Storm.
The first time driving back from his apartment- I cried all the way home... it hit me -
he's left & I doubt he'll ever return 'full-time'  he has returned already to do his laundry- lol...  and I realized as clear as this beautiful day before me now :

Anyone who doubts God has a plan for each one of us from the very start
- doubt more.

Who better than to grow his own life saving medicine than Storm? & he has grown some incredible medicine for his mom too - to help with my  brain pain.
Of course he is going to  produce INCREDIBLE cannabis - INSPIRED BY LOVE...
you can not fail & he is gong to help many do the semaphore themselves!

I thank God for Storm & Cannabis EVERY day.
Now it's time to show my appreciation & love  by getting back to painting.
Amen.  ;D

With TLC & THC
Georgia

So much on my mind at the moment - you have no idea.
So many things happening.  NEW directions! New decisions! New attitude.
A New life,  new day, new adventures, new travels,  new journeys..  new furniture (lol) new puppy?  NEW PAINT! 

I know I NEED to slow IT' right down for my own sake at the moment- or it can get overwhelming - even all good.  So, for the next few hours at least.. I'll paint a sloth - with such a sweet little face.  I'm excited at the idea of him  & mushrooms  - then some some of my finest cannabis art - still to come!  I feel BEYOND blessed regarding cannabis, my son  & life at the moment and I'm going to bathe in every second.    Storm is happy.  
How cool is that?  'In His Element' & it has me in mine. 

So much happening, I'm tired today! LOL,  I figure it's possibly why the medication has been  'Unpredictable' too, it might all settle down now -so lets see if it works- if it is worth putting into my body.  

We had the best BBQ meal in the city ever' yesterday & more to come! 
BBQ by Storm.... and all the gourmet fixings! Even ginger beer.
I left my mark  on his picnic table.  
Started a tradition for every artist who visits next.  
​
With TLC & THC 
​Me  -  G 

Cleaning my office revealed much - like spiders...  dust, bird seed, old books and way too many 'scraps of paper,  I did discover in an envelope work by Joshua Boulet! 

Remember him? my American cartoonist friend who's too chicken to visit us again? 
He was treated like a criminal at our border for his admitting to cannabis consumption, no he did not try to smuggle weed into our country in his butt- that's artistic license.
When he last visited he was searched & turned back & it left him feeling NOT so welcome in Canada. I'm upset he's not come back but I can't be too hard on him as he did come & visit me in California! It was  defiantly a hi light of my visit.

I can see we (my son & I both became good friends with Josh) must be on his mind as is Canada.. I just spied 'US' in his most recent release - can you spot us? lol  
It's a start, he's closer mentally.  
​I look forward to the day Josh & I draw again. Check out his youtube page- it speak volumes when artists don't give on on their dreams- Josh is incredibly talented and it gets better everyday because he is LIVING his art. Drawing 24/7, sketching the world from his backpack - his next visit, I think I'll take him to Nova Scotia! Road trip!
I know he's 'in' & Poppy..  if I can only get him to visit again- the summer is better - I'll start planting the seed NOW.

Made with TLC & THC
Georgia
​xox
​

What is the medicine of  our ancestors trying to tell us?  Don't worry.. be happy.

This weather has me wandering the Mexican desert if only in my mind and - it's fascinating!! Really - ground squirrels are adorable, the Mexican Bluejay is  stunning, mushrooms healing, cactus also helpful ​- nature & it's healing properties are everywhere.

This was a challenge, the background was to light at first and had to be completely darkened, so the items would not fade... at one point I really thought i was going to put it aside & I did to start painting a mermaid in the moonlite  then got right back to it.  
I've included a few reference images.  Are you grateful for the gift of the internet, to be able to sit in our office and  explore the Mexican desert one moment and off to the caves of France the next.  Wow.  

There is such BEAUTY on this planet  and love, appreciation when we can step away from  all the fear, anger & hatred. With every 'new' shooting or running over humans with transportation, talks of nuclear missiles and missing woman I can feel a ball of anger build - 
​worse when I read of children being tortured in Canada - not somewhere "else", not California... a friend just reminded me  during our phone conversation - it's everywhere and at every level, look at religious society still who have women locked up now'.  

We turn our conversation to Birds.. and what we might do to help them because we are both at a loss at how to help humans.  

Yesterday, I admitted to another - I struggle with hatred, especially for people who are intentionally cruel to other humans who have not harmed them, children born to monsters  and are abused from the start..  angry - yes angry when we focus on things like punishing people over plants. When we  pay to help victims instead of  education to avoid  becoming victim.  He reminded me  `not to ignore it but NOT to focus on it.. focus instead on how to help any situation & sent me the best reminder this morning, hee hee hee

"In regards to your anger….a quote from master Yoda from Star Wars:

“Fear is the path to the dark side…fear leads to anger…anger leads to hate…hate leads to suffering.” 

He knows I am a fan of the little green being.

Peyote is a plant medicine which helps some overcome fears, understand concerns and help with enlightenment.  I've never tried Peyote and might never- (not fond of the vomiting part some experience) but it is another plant we should not be judging people over.  Plant.
Get over it and focus on what matters. 

I'm ready to consume some plant medicine, first  we had spinach, raspberry, pineapple, pear smoothies for breakfast, now some cannabis provided by my son grown with TLC.  
I believe the Universal message the plants want & have been trying to teach us since they were first discovered  is what we need to learn most:     

                                                                   I  Love  You.
Focus on that.

Made with TLC
Georgia
​

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

With love
​g

California is one of the most beautiful places visual I've ever been - the weather - I'm missing it already on this chilly rainy day! - lol   At least I had a bit of a break. I am thankful.
Poppy is sleeping still - jet lag big time.   Above all else, I was taken back with the plant life!  If you are inspired by plants they are everywhere and in all colors, shapes, sizes & succulents galore!  There were so many I did not know what to paint. 

The trees made me SMILE!I must have looked a big squirrley myself, standing at he base hugging, feeling and looking up into the magnificent trunks. Leaves I've never seen, touched and even tasted - it would be a reason I will say to many "Go see California!"  I'm told it's like this YEAR round.   Everyone would agree the plant life is something to see.
Sadly- literally the afternoon before I left a woman told me about Crown Valley botanical garden! GO see it if you get to Orange County & tell me what it was like.  
Everyday was an adventure on our walk! I carried something back with me each time- to paint, smell and explore... I wished I could start my own collection of seed pods - tiny alien cases waiting to let loose new life & blooms. Colors which would stimulate  until I leaned in for a smell and in most cases the thoughts of heaven came to mind.. this must be what it would smell like. I picked a tiny bloom and tossed it in my purse only to be reminded when the entire room smelled of it later.  Below are a few of my favourite photos some I am painting and adding into other works.

As an artist there is nothing like your own custom reference library for in what is in my own mind 'my next perfect composition.' Going to California for these photos, experiencing it first hand was a dream come true.  Follow your dreams! 

I made a promise - as I am blessed  I''ll continue to say 'Yes' to adventure!
Be it in on a plane or in a new plant discovery.  
​Time to paint! It makes me feel warm just thinking about it. 

With Love
g

When you look deeply into your anger, you will see that the person you call your enemy is also suffering. As soon as you see that, the capacity for accepting and having compassion for them is there.

- Thich Nhat Hanh -

I read the L.A. Times while away and enjoyed it better than the sun- it wasn't as negative - even tho it was full of Trump. Informative, yes liberal and it educated me on issues as a Canadian in particular, I had no idea of the extent some are facing in the USA.. living in FEAR - not of ISIS or terrorism but of deportation - JAIL before deportation. $$ before proven innocent. OTHER people (is simply what they are) who want a better life and many who have lived in the USA for decades, contributing in every way, paying taxes, working hard, raising kids & sending them through school and more- now live in fear of waking up one day to find police stalking their home to arrest them and take them from their family- WHAT have they done wrong exactly?? WHO did they physically hurt?  NO ONE. 
It's messed up and I was grateful I grew up in Toronto instead of  California because I don't ever want to think' like many of them do.  Read what inspired this cartoon: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-immigrants-running-road-sign-20170614-htmlstory.html  As I thought of all those STRUCK by vehicles - children.. why? Because they are suffering and want "the American dream", which we all wanted for a while. I did! As a kid- I couldn't wait to go to the USA!   I still can't wait but my last trip as fun as it was, everything for a reason - was a rude awakening on several issues. 

I'm sure I might anger some but I felt like I walked into the StepfordFamily reality show. I can't believe how rude many all appear, at the grocery store they are never polite or smile or even acknowledge the cashiers. It was like a giant community of 'stuck up' - 'I'm better than the rest' attitudes.  You can feel the hatred.   I could and at times I could feel my heart ache...   I'd think it was 'just me' and I'd meet another person who would reaffirm.  One man literally said to me:
"when they meet each other here they shouldn't say - hello what's your name? They should say- what's your income?.. and then they'd might go (He animatedly thew out his hand to shake) Oh, hello' upon hearing a higher $$$ income!
Amazed I said "YES! Thank you!"   it was exactly how I felt as well - oh and btw.. he was the ONLY black man I saw during my stay *with the exception of one day at a more 'touristy place' I saw a couple of black famalies - I thank them secretly for  helping me 'feel normal, comfortable, a  Canadian raised in Toronto normal - Thank God.
Is this how you want to be seen OC? Because you are.
Unlike your outer beauty your inner is not attractive.    It's NOT just me.   

In conclusion, I guess I do love the not so friendly OC people the most for they must be suffering the most - or they would not treat others the way they do. It is such a stunning state! I know it would be reflected more by the people if everyone was not walking around so angry at others,  pay attention to what your little ones are witnessing.  

Who put borders where they are? God?  
I doubt it. Is this what you teach your children?

I am glad these signs are diminishing along with the attitudes.

With love
g