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

Today I asked to be dropped off at the Ocean! Hows that sound? Well I can assure you sitting on he beach with poppy - it sounded lovely! I wan't there e5 minutes when I found a surfers watch amongst the rocks- and it was still working- complete with he date, I've kept it for a souvenir.  Poppy Loved the ocean! She constantly stared at the waves.

What did we do? We lay on the sand and listened to the waves...  searched for crabs, spied a tiny starfish and more - we loved it. Every grain. I think we just might do the same tomorrow... It will be a lovely way to spend Canada day! I'm told it's ben raining back home since I left-  glad to be in the sunshine.  It is hot and dry, there have been a few fires already -part of California living.   Today I met several lovely people, the life guard welcomed us and told me I don't even need to put Poppy's vest on- good she was hot! We walked the beach, she didn't leave my side and now she is an official Salty Dog! 

I also found a tiny, pristine rabbit skull, I'm going to paint it like Georgia O'Keefe! Sitting in the Cali sunshine.  Nevada is 'legal' tomorrow... but according to the LA times- good luck consuming, you can get a $600.oo fine if you smoke cannabis in your own car. Your own home is the only place, it's not as  cannabis friendly as one might think. Still 
Trump is in the papers and it's terrible, his tweets..  lol I can't believe I AM even typing about a president and 'his Tweets!' Nothing but bashing this president by his fellow Americans (I don't know who voted for him) talk about a divide. The L.A. Times is no fan, I'm finding reading the paper interesting - a different perspective.. 
Well this cali sunshine has me beat, time to enjoy some fine bud and perhaps paint! 
*OH - My bear surfing was found at Salt Creek Beach - by a surfer (just a young man) he sent me a  photo -thanking me! Holding it on Instagram,  he looked me up I guess... lol and he is pleased to have the tiny original! Made my day.   

Time to paint! I have my 'Canada day' ready for Tomorrow! <3
Keep creative! Stay dry fellow Canadians! I'll pray & send you a sunny day tomorrow! 
I can try.

With Love
G

Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh my!!
Rattlesnake & Coyote & Poppy Bye Bye!

On 3 separate occasions people have come up and warned me about Poppy.
I get it and THANK you.  
I was picking a flower today and Poppy was with me, on her leash but still... I was'nt paying attention to her- this Cali foliage has got me 'cra cra ' lol .. I heard "Mam....  Mam... (in a southern drawl)  You need to pay attention to your dog! My dog and I were attacked by 3 coyote the other day!"  She then proceeded to pull out this really cute portable Tazer!! Pink - at that  "I got it on Amazon, you should pick it up, keep it in your hand or purse.. those coyote would steal her up in a second!"  I thanked her- told her I was visiting from Canada - and then she blurted out - "Well then, You better pay attention to the rattlesnake too!"  
OH My gouache! lol   Where are the squirrels when you need them?  
Come to think of it, I have not seen a squirrel.
Tons of tiny lizards- I wish I could catch one for a better look! Bunnies, BEEs, birds.. 
Behind the house is a walking path - amazing views & plants and it leads to a park or you can take it to 'Salt Creek Beach 2.5 miles' I plan on getting up early tomorrow and walking it!  Me & Poppy.  Now we have our whistle (also advised by the lovely stranger), and a walking stick with a  strap! To whack at coyote,  there are many people on the path as well.   We won't see a Coyote (God's got my back- Poppy's too) but we're just gonna play it safe...  a backpack so my hands are free.  We're good to go! & I've painted  new TINY ART drop! I'm so happy a little girl found one- she inspired me to paint  "more fun" than a pelican. 

& WE GO everywhere together! We went to the Movies & watched a movie with Salma Hayek & John Lithgow (I think they are both terrific).. the movie made me cry a couple of times & it touched a nerve with me. ;(  I knew what was coming at the end & just wanted to get out of the theatre. I highly recommend it.  
I am a big believer in fate as was Salmas character.    & love..   & healing.
I don't understand much it appears sometimes and get incredibly frustrated at events or people that enter my life - for a reason presumably - I know God has a plan..   What it is - I give up.  I surrender. I can't even pretend to guess.   
Later while I lay in bed...  I  wished I hadn't seen the movie.

Poppy had a tear in  her eye at the end of the movie- I think it's because she was enjoying the air conditioned room so much and knew we were leaving. lol  
** I had a comment here but removed it as it might 'spoil' the movie**
BEFORE I agreed to this invite I asked my friend "Do you support Trump?"
Had he said 'yes, I'd of said 'no.  Fact. 
I  don't speak Trumps name around here.. I am clearly amongst supporters.

Today were just going to sit out back, listen to the birds and paint & ponder. 
This 'fate stuff' got me all confused today... time to sample some new cannabis I picked up and just enjoy the sunshine and let God do the rest.
I have faith God won't let me down.
 
With Love
​g

Poppy & I visited the Gerry Museum  #gettyinspired is correct- First of all- THANK YOU!
This California Museum is like no other I visited and it's FREE!! YEP! You pay parking $15. (same as at home) - that's it.  It has a bit of everything! Furniture, clocks, glass, statues, architecture, incredible views - it's endless! All stunning but..  I was moved to choking back tears when I entered the Impressionist painting room. Oh my gouache!!!  As soon as I spied the Vincent Van Gogh Irises - I could hardly contain myself!! Thank you Google  Culture for this: Check out this link and click on the painting!   My huge painting easel is going to get such  work out when I get home - it was all I could not to break out my paint box!
The strokes UP close - thinking what was he thinking when he painted this... I felt him - for only a few seconds and my heart has been forever touched.  Emotions arose that have not.
If I lived here- it would be someplace I would visit regular and just sit and stare in the impressionist room.  You can walk right up to the painting to lean in and look at the detail. Thank you California for this, what a gift you give to the rest of the world, sharing art for FREE! They also let you download art and see for free!
​But it gets better.. I know hard to believe right?

I turned the corner and there was this room - with art and statues and drawing easels!! You mentioned to the woman & she would give out paper & supplies and  you get to sit and draw- no line up- on a Saturday at a FREE museum. wow. Of course I did. If you make it to the California area and do not visit this museum it will be your loss- Just look at the views alone:

Indoor and outdoor there is so much to look at. I am grateful for the education.
Btw- Poppy loved it! Several people - which I found very amusing were not taking photos of art but Poppy, she is incredibly behaved - it  really amazes people, jumps on my lap when ever I sit and sits quietly. She also pee's on command... TRAIN YOUR DOGS & you will be happy! Both! When we wanted a break I'd take her outside and tell her to Pee and she would, all good.  lol    Poppy & I at the Getty!  History was made.
​Give Thanks! 

All that painting I was Getty Inspired ! 
lol - I did paint this little loon with some fresh bud on his back & in his beak... just for fun!
I did leave a little painting at the Getty my first art drop! & another on my walk this morning, more on that tomorrow!  
It's time for more California dreaming..
about what ?  
Hmmmmmmmmm... that's for me and Poppy to know and you to soon find out! lol

With Love
g

We are here in sunny California! From the moment we arrived at the airpot - we got in line.. 
Poppy was a star - I realized she  relieved herself at 6 before we left the house.. then not agin until we arrived in California! She lines up with me- never made a peep- ignored all who tried to get her attention - she was my working girl! People loved watching her walk down the isle of the plane looking for our seats, as the plane took off - she looked out the window- lol , not sure what she thought about that. I am blessed with this little companion.  As soon as we arrived we had lunch with my friends son at our first patio restaurant! It was really nice, it made me feel super welcome. 
​
What's up California - No dogs on the beach?  Feathers that! I'm smuggling her Sunday for the day! Salt Creek Beach - we walked it today and it is lovely!! I also was fortunate to watch my friend Sam and his 3 long time buddies play a game of tennis. I kinda felt special sitting on the court watching these gentlemen play a private game for just us.  Wishing I could still hold a racket-  lucky for them I can't (I warned) I'd show them a tennis trick or two... lol  What pleasure to meet Dave, Harold & Jack!  

It was also a pleasure meeting Scott! From Buds & Bloom  My first visit to a California Dispensary - a beautiful one at that and I was a kid in a fricken candy store! Scott was incredibly helpful & nice, we hit it off instantly.   Talk about a lovely dispensary with an array of products like I've never seen.  We picked up an assortment to say the least, I will share with you later after I've tested' a few.  I am so incredibly grateful for being able to access medicine which I need and it frustrates me - all the legal bull.   I read today Alcohol is responsible for more hospital admissions than heart attacks! WTF? Cheers.  
Thank God Cannabis will be legal soon and more will switch over I pray.  ***Alcohol poisoning, alcohol withdrawal, liver disease, chronic alcohol abuse and other conditions that are "100 per cent caused by the harmful consumption of alcohol" accounted for about 77,000 admissions, according to a report released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).***

Last night we also had the pleasure of seeing Gordon Lightfoot! Imagine me having to wait to see a Canadian in California! He was terrific! He is getting UP' there for sure. Aren't we all'...
It was a lovely evening.  I've not painted much yet, just warm ups.  Theres too much to see and do! Tomorrow is another day- I can't wait. 

With Love
g