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

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

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

What NEW hobby would you like to teach your brain?


With TLC & THC
​Georgia

My first painting of 'Georgie Porgie'...  I did not name the bluejay, the woman that runs the Animal sanctuary did.   As fate has it,  Monika and I go way back!  She use to call me Georgie Porgie then... I had no clue that she lived 10 minutes from us when we bought this house.  The universe has brought us together again.  & NOW she runs a Animal Sanctuary! : Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary  
Friends with befits! She said I can come & take photos & paint the animals if I desire. I do!

I was relieved someone would know what to do with my bluejay!
Monica tells me he seems a bit better, is eating and is quite the chatterbox.  I'm so happy he is still alive, I think if he kept falling on his back - it would only have been a matter of time before some other creature would have gotten him.  These photos are my inspiration and I have more.. I'm also going to pop over & visit him soon.  

The Sanctuary is having a fundraiser for Valentines day & I think it's a terrific idea! 
For only $30.00 you can sponsor a little furry/feathered loved one for your loved one.
A Wild One for your Loved One!  
I already sponsored Georgie but you can too - it will help to pay for his care & the care of many other animals Monika & her team take in.  

I'm going to paint Georgie - several times, this was the first Gouache on black acid free paper.  8 x 10.  The feathers were relaxing.. I had a hard time stopping. lol
IF you would like to purchase this painting for a donation to (minimum $50.00, includes shipping) - The Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, send me an e mail. You can pay them direct & I'll send it out!  All proceeds will go for the animals. Even shipping. ;) 

Here are some details on the Valentine day fundraiser - I know I'd rather have an owl, deer  or fox - better than a box of chocolates that are not so good for me or my hips..  Spread the love to our little friends who need it most.  After watching Australia & it's wildlife perish...
I think it should make ALL of us a little more aware and care. 

Have a terrific day!
It's giong to get to -25 tonight, I've got wood to stack & bluejays to paint!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

​Below... my next 'canvas' & a gift for my son.

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 went to check the mail - still no mail delivery... oh well - welcome to relaxed...  then went to check out a store in town that sells pool tables - did you know they make an outdoor pool table? Now you do - as usual I asked the woman her name - since we are neighbors'
: Georgia.  No way! I'm Georgia too!  She knew... lol  it's rare to meet a Georgia'.
OH my gosh! Two  Georgia's in  Carnarvon.  Woo hoo - Who knew & she was lovely (of course).  I can't begin to explain how great it felt to drive down my drive way & see my son playing with the dogs! I already feel as tho life right now is perfect ;) - there he was!

We went for a drive, had a glass of beer at the local craft brewery (yes, I like the beer) then we took a dive  before we went for dinner to the Pepper Mill - which was as everyone has informed me - was very tasty - I had Pasta, Storm a steak.  Storm commented several times how comfortable he is here, good - exactly what I was hoping for - I hope everyone who visits feels the same... that they leave feeling a bit better than when they arrived. I know I felt better seeing my son. Dinner & he brought treats!  Nutty fudge (I had just bought some minutes earlier due to a craving) - his was unbelievable good - If you visit soon - you might get a sliver- lol. The sweetest 'Bird tea towel and maple syrup candy - mmmmmmmaple.  How - did I get so lucky?  That's how I feel. The dogs were thrilled too.

He's gone already back to the city & I can't wait till I see him again.  I was telling him  - I've never felt so 'content'... so at home. I don't want/need anything more... to have friends visit, paint, read, play with my girls - watch leaves, life is good.   I saw a humming bird & decided to paint one, luckily I found a feeder in a box that was still packed, I hope it uses it... although it does like my morning glories,  it inspired the painting you see- a little different - it pops off the canvas!

Tomorrow, I think I need to paint Daisy - she's just the happiest photo bombing doggen!
They think they are in heaven too! Wait until the winter!! Weee... It was a PERFECT day - ending with a night Storm - the rain kind- I can't wait to sit & watch it.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

For my American friends -  Happy July Forth!  
I hope your president doesn't ruin it for you but that would be wishful thinking. 

My apologies but I'm not feeling very patriotic USA..
INNOCENT Children in a prisons, bodies washing ashore, animals abuse at an all time high, Protests - beating neighbours up, many in masks (fucking pack mentality) and most still focus on Kardashian underwear $$$ while the King of clowns wants a parade! Weee
Not my circus not my monkeys - If I had my paints - I'd paint that CLOWN riding a giant elephant with a bunch of clowns surrounding him.  His daughter on his side juggling all those balls  (eeeheeem)... terrified horses (shot to make way for more cows/MEAT) pulling circus wagons of cages full of kids.  July 4th parade brought to you by taxpayers - demanded by the president... sounds like some other country to me lately, are Americans learning to speak Russian or Korean, I wonder.  

I realized something about myself...
Ageing gracefully' does not apply...   Ageing Gratefully, is more like it.  

Time to tune out & turn off  (literally) - frankly I'm super moody anyway- seriously, I had no idea NOT painting effects me to this degree - I feel as if I am wasting time - all the time... not able to get my balance is throwing me off balance -  recognizing it & trying to 'zip-it...' especially when it come to dealing with Norm - who is equally as tired, no doubts. Surrounded by boxes, beyond tired - I do see the light in the forest tho..  soon I'll be sipping my coffee with deer.  Time to  unplug so I can get the last of what needs done - done! 
It's official - Norm & I went up to sign for our new home & met our new lawyer (which I liked- whew) haha good for me & him! lol  I took a few photos one selfie that Norm photobombed - lol  hee hee hee   I was in full twitch but smiling anyway! & I love this photo- it's 'us - On the road again...  both very excited.  We visited the little town & loved every inch Norm of course has the lumber store location memorized & I found a sweet little gift store, exactly what I'd be looking for If I needed a little something special for someone - the best little bakery - right up the highway,  go the other direction & a neat local craft brewery with terrific pizza & an even better view. Weee...   All I need is my easel & paints OH MY!

The photo above is me trying to figure out my cell phone (I'm going to try to self portrait it) which I have now for when I am out and about in the forest & driving a bit further for supplies... Ginger see's herself in it - she also interacts with Storm the most when he face-times.  Storm is already regretting me getting a phone I think - lol & has to had to explain to me (a couple of times) how data works & I'm guessing Norm will - after he gets the first bill... 
The cute photos of the doggos - can wait when on wifi. Got it.

ABOUT DOGS: WHAT are you feeding YOUR dogs? READ HERE.

with TLC & THC - LOT's of THC currently.  Thank God.  
Georgia
​

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.
​

We went on a little road trip, out of the suburbs & into the forest... where I was reminded of the quote:
                            Into the forest I go to lose my mind & find my soul.   

I am  at peace surrounded by nature... the urge to break out my brushes is overpowering- too bad I forgot my sketch book at home.
​
The drive, the people we met...  the things we saw,  the places we visited - it was pretty much a perfect day.  

In nature I feel closest to God... who wouldn't want that?

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

Storm called & said he was 'taking me out for lunch on Tuesday' since he was too busy the past week to visit on my birthday  (which I am well aware of - hello cannabis in Canada!)  I thought we were gong to visit our favourite breakfast spot- and perhaps tour around town but I was mistaken.. back to the city we went and to Ripley's Aquarium we went!  *BUT  - lol when we arrived- & were in the lobby waiting to enter - and looked down into the SEA of children- he said: "I'm so sorry mom, I did not know it's March break"  LOL - OMgosh you had no idea!  The children- Cowabunga! Once  in- we were fine- if anything the kids were a constant source of amusement 

Shark! Shark!! Screaming from all directions and you look up and there it is swimming overhead, soon after you hear Stingray! Turtle! Starfish!!   They have made it fun for little humans - there is a tunnel to crawl through as sharks swim around- I could not convince Storm to crawl through - It took no convincing though as he waited to touch the crustacean that looked like a pokeman- back in the day.  We searched high & low to see the octopus in his tank only to realize he was right beside my head on the wall. Best of all I got exactly what I wanted: underwater photos, at one point we were just standing there, no one else and the diver appeared - he waved hello as he fed the Stingray- talk about perfect timing- it was like front row private show - I can hardly contain my new excitement today to get at my canvas!  It did not end there - he then took me to Pusateri's to pick up all the ingredients for an incredible  meal (he cooked) of Oprah chicken & mashed truffle potatoes, arrival salad with strawberries, balsamic vinaigrette, old cheddar- I got to sit at the table and drink, smoke,chat, laugh & chill as he did all the work (just us two) it was perfect.  Gifts too! lol

A new golden Octopus dish to hold todays daily bud- my current FAV #Aloha Storm calls it also grown by him was also a gift - (it's fantastic) and some edibles. looking at it today I smiled- who knew my son would be giving his mom some of the best grown cannabis in Canada for her 55 birthday & she'd be thrilled- who knew?

I see Treating Yourself magazine is back up the WWW. Storms story is available for DL of you have not read it in Issue 29. Along with countless information , read back issues, see many of  my older cartoon & Ivan Arts & more! Check it out...

A thought we had yesterday... & measles.  All it took was one look yesterday (during March break) to understand the importance of having your children vaccinated agains measles.  Vaccines are frightening especially when there are fears of potential issues caused by them- more frightening would be an outbreak of measles and all those children who would become very sick... all it took was the realization yesterday of how fast & serious an outbreak would be.

I hurt 'my jaw' last week - seriously enough I'm having difficulty eating & speaking but you would never know it by the smile on my face yesterday - Storm noticed my a weight loss already & did his best to fatten me up a bit- successfully I might add. My arthritis too has been an issue lately - I am sore today after all that walking - it's time to medicate & get busy painting my new UNDERSEA adventure *there were far too many children to vape yesterday, we did before & after in the parking garage - all was good. Please show respect when children/others are around. 
The photos below - you might not think are great - they are exactly what I was looking for!

Next Yoda. 
 With TLC & THC 
​Georgia 

Tis the season... SCAMMING season.   Norm & I decided it was time to  get some new furniture, we've had the same for 25 years and it's a little ruff from 2 decades and countless dogs, so we went shopping and splurged like we've not done.. ever.

We ended up at Leons in Newmarket while sampling a sofa I asked our representative with the thick accent (I love accents - men or women - I'm intrigued by accents.) when will it be delivered? "Two weeks" she said.. I thought.. o.k.', more shopping - we met work friends of Norms at the cash and I asked her AGAIN - when will it be delivered?
"TWO weeks" was her response again - Norm then asked: why 2 weeks?
She replied: It's at another store.  We all looked at each other- I can do two weeks I thought. I waited. 2 weeks. Two week came and has gone - no call BUT we did get something in the mail which now adds- it might be anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. 

I called and explained -I don't care what the brochure they mailed 'at a later date' states, I was promised by a store employee (several times) "2 WEEKS" .   Had she said to me - "it would be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks"  I would have said 'Thanks- I'll go elsewhere.' BUT SHE DID NOT-  *Apparently I am to blame - for NOT reading the FINE print when we gave them our money ( I also don't recall them asking us- 'Better read this fine print before you pay!)  SO if you're shopping at Leons - you better bring a lawyer I guess. WTF? LIES.   She KNEW I wouldn't get that furniture, I could hear it in her voice- do they scam just for sales? AND where is the furniture at another store that takes 2 weeks delivery? Are they making them as they get the orders?  I called head office & there was another sign- they did not call back- they don't care. I wish we new these things about businesses before we purchase from them.  I was going to call again today and say WTF is my furniture and WHEN can I EXPECT it? - First I took a detour to the BBB regarding Leons-  WOW- HOW are they still in business?? My GUT told me to call  and cancel EVERYTHING  & I did.  

Just from our short encounter starting with lies, to lack of giving a shit about customer service - imagine if there's anything wrong with your product, good luck. Forget that - ALL businesses - from furniture shops to dispensaries -  Business should care about the ones who pays the bills - THE CUSTOMERS.   I feel we've avoided a  sofa nightmare, we will shop elsewhere, somewhere where they actually might keep their promises & stand by their word. Fuck Leons - if this is common practice - they'll be the next to go under.

I reminded Norm we bought local at a family furniture shop down the road- later today we'll check them out again , I'm sure we'll have no trouble finding something family friendly and get it sooner than later.

I'm sharing  so others might avoid some of the bullsit we've already experienced. 
I feel relieved on this lovely snowy day..    it's all so unimportant - when I pay attention to the rest of the world... it's nothing.   It's stuff. It's Absolutely not worth getting stressed over.

 I do believe in the power of prayer - I'm praying for PEACE in Paris.

With TLC & THC
Georgia

This pup= a gift from above!  It's been just a couple of weeks and this baby has stolen ALL our hearts already. Having an infant human is of course the best gift in the universe (imo) - those days are done for me- (hee hee - thankfully) but I still love babies & this puppy is a little miracle in herself!
I have been able to watch her learn how to do everything for the "first time'  it's comical and heart warming...  up and down stairs, eat kibble & bananas, taste REAL meat- which he LOVES - no kidding. Ginger is behaving like she was meant to be here!   I will say the first few days I was slightly concerned- explaining to the guys every time she hears "other dogs bark" she'd run and hide behind pillows or knapsacks or anything- so we focused to make her feel safe, loved and secure.. Now when other Dogs bark she runs for me - if not me- she runs for her big sister Daisy!  She already knows Daisy will protect her. 

If the photo above  upsets you - please don't get a pup! The photos above made me want to JUMP for joy!! lol  This little girl is only a couple of weeks old and is already doing her business on the pads - or outside!  We have no accident in 3 days - Hip Hip Hooray! You need PATIENCE when it comes to a pup! My girls  must get credit too- they are training her for me- when I say outside & they RUN- she follows.  Daisy is teaching her  how to play with toys and is incredibly gentle- it teaches me the nature of animals- the kindness, compassion & love they KNOW how to share.  Poppy teaches Ginger everything else! Play, fighting, drinking, napping etc- because Ginger Looks up to her big sister. I've never seen the tip of Poppies white tail wag like it does now that we have Ginger.

Ginger wakes up - looks at me -as if she realizes every time- "Oh yeah! There's my mom this is my home!"  & she jumps up to my face and gives me kisses - Thank You!!! I hear with each bounce.  Poppy's gets slightly jealous at times- when Ginger wants to take a turn napping on moms lap but I never take Poppy off if she was there first- she is still my special companion, working girl and rockstar... Ginger has to lean respect too.
Now that she KNOWS nothing BUT love- from all of us, is happy, safe, confident, playful & healthy- today the training begins,  since it's so lovely out - Norm & I were just saying today - let's chill, enjoy the sunshine and give 'Ginger her first swimming lesson- only a couple more weeks & the pool will close for another season (already).

I don't understand Humans who say "They are JUST dogs", it saddens me to hear this coming from no less - dog owners.  I know Dog owners who have abused, hurt, neglected and forgotten their dogs.  YOUR dog would save your home & life if capable- many do. Dogs are the BEST security IMO too- we were just informed this morning  by the police - a string of 'break ins' happened in this area on Saturday night.   With  our dogs - just  step on the front lawn (because we don't have  side walk) and our dogs KNOW it and so will everyone else- that is when I do allow them to BARK.  One sleeps by the window at might.  They also bark when someone is at my elderly neighbours front door! Good, she likes it too.  I can tell when by the pool, if someone is in my driveway just by how my dogs bark.
'Just dogs'..  hardly.

I do however understand when people say (& I have several friends who all agree):
The more people they know the more they like dogs.  
Do yourself a favour- consider getting a dog to love - they'll love you right back if you treat them well.  All I really understand is my heart feels empty when I have no dogs in my life (never happen if I can help it) they are our family.  Yesterday Storm invited us for a rooftop BBQ and the whole family went in our new truck, such a comfortable drive. Norm said - "I had to have the crew cab - for the CREW!" I was so please  to se them all happy - they have so much room behind our seats & if we go anywhere we will easily put a 'tub of ice water with them - incase we have to run into a store.. we don't like to do that though if avoidable.
They had a great day up on the roof - Poppy seems to love city life- watching every streetcar and barking at anyone who dares looked up in our direction. I was frightened about he rood top - already the girls don't even go NEAR the edge! They just know.   Daisy loves to be with her boy and Scruffy could care less - about anything. Ginger. Ginger is happy to have her new forever family.
 Pat your dog! Thank them today for all the love they provide. 

With TLC & THC
Georgia