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 

Today has cooled off... whew.
There's much to see in your own  backyard you just have to open your eyes...
Then, the most difficult decision is what to paint today? 

Here is my favourite toothpaste! I wanted to share because I'm really pleased with it for many reasons - Thank you https://greenbeaver.com/en/products/toothpastes : 

Cannabis related - Nice to see Dana Larsen is staying on top of facts- since the NEWS papers are CLEARLY NOT concerned about FACTS... https://www.straight.com/cannabis/1097556/dana-larsen-canadian-press-story-claims-8851-annual-deaths-cannabis-use-truth

with TLC & THC
Georgia

Want to see what I made at Crock a doodle? (such a creative space)  next.

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
​