Well the pup is officially part of our pack... it follows us everywhere (mostly Daisy) and is learning the property & routine - Up & Out with the chickens.. The photo above cracks me up - This is Ginger snuggling & trying very hard to be a good girl and like her 'baby sister- who has tripled in size since we brought her home.   Puppies are like a 2 year old on roller-skates and they try intentionally to constantly test.   

Arrow comes to her name, sits. gives paw..and knows "NO!"  There are times when I call her- she looks at me and runs the other way- what will happen? On the leash she goes.  Norm attached a lead that goes right to the door - hooked on and put out - where she seems to enjoy this lovely cooler fall weather.  Fall! It's so beautiful - yellow and red leaves.

There's an old guy up here building birdhouses and raising money for charity -I like how he thinks so I approached him with a collaboration ;)  Since I'm painting anyhow...  Bird houses, I've painted them and am giving  3 back (keeping one- cause I love birds!) Hopefully he can raise a bit extra with these custom houses.  I painted 4 all the same - Poppies - for Remembrance day- which won't be celebrated as it usually is.  I think I'll paint four more- Algonquin themed.  So - IF you are local & want ONE of these custom painted  - Limited edition of 4 (one is gone) Poppy houses - go see the Bird house Guy!  
In Minden (near the legion) tell Him Georgia sent you. I hope they sell fast & I'll paint more
if he needs more. 

Norm said his shop is the same size as my studio - tiny and he's an old guy -so this is  his hobby - what a great idea.. so many can be doing more... not just for the pandemic but to 'help in general. This helps several ways- raising money  & having colorful bird houses - for the birds! It's a win win! 

BTW- I can't get over how well these houses are made - he even has air vents just under the roof. Intentional!  They are not able to open for cleaning as Norm pointed out- so what- I reminded him,  we never cleaned out any of our past houses and always had many birds- who has time to clean bird houses- in a perfect world perhaps.

Yes, this pup is WORK right now and I have thought during a moment of exhaustion - did you need this? lol   Yes.  I know that our new family member will be a lovely trained girl soon enough, she already makes us laugh and is fitting in well- Poppy loves her- I've never seen Poppy give another dog - kisses'  - it's so cute.   Time to paint a happy fall image. 

Have a lovely fall Y'all.

​Georgia 

One planet.  I was thinking while painting this about our planet.. not doing so well & here we are distracted by social media, covid & corrupt politicians.  
It has silver paint so it looks different in the light, more so it was enjoyable to paint & ponder.

I'm caught - do I stay on social media.. to see my friends?  My account is private because  I don't care about numbers, quality not quantity in all things I guess.. all things in moderation. I was sent a follow request & instantly  knew this person had nasty intentions,  so nasty I could feel it, yet her  profile touted  "Full of Light & Love"  a sprirtual goddess - lol the account is covered with  images of ass (like countless others)  woman showing their ass & tits on social media (little more) enriching the rest of us - not me.
  
Not the the first imagry I think of when I associate 'Love & light'  - how about you?  
It's disappointing when I see beautiful TALENTED women - not foucing on their gifts or talents or mind.  She then proceeeded (which I expected) to message me- and judge me and suggest 'how I should live' - LOL .  What an interesting social experiment this is..  
Full of light and Love -  FULL of...  ego.   Full of.      Full.  
Luckily, I was sent a message of true love to counteract this nasty note from a very inspring woman, I shall focus on it and the message. YOU will love it.. I'm going to illustraite the prayer I was sent.

I'm no stranger to nasty messages- it happened when my FB was 15,000+  one of the reason I deleted.  I don't believe I've ever intentionally sent anyone a nasty message, let alone initiated it.  I am guilty of reflecting how I am treated. I'm not perfect. Never said I was, I don't go around claiming to be full of 'light and love' then judge someone - someone I do not KNOW... Phhhbt. Some groupies un-followed shortly after.. lol seen it too many times before & I was GRATEFUL - I don't surround myself with fakes in reall life - why do it on social media- those who unfollow you - are doing you a favor.  
Those who act with nasty  intentions (wrapped in love & light) will seen for what they are, sooner or later. 

Either way- I was glad too because I've been debating a socialmedia break- time to enjoy these stunning leaves & life. :)  I had a light bulb moment - trying to figure out why a neighbour called the town on us for building our shop.  I realized & and addressed - the true issue is with the TOWN of Minden.   More tomorrow, when I show you Norms most recent reno - we had guests & had fun keeping our distance, easy to do a big deck.  
No inside guests until this covid crap is over. 

I will continue to share art here, editorials and thoughts, it's become a habit after 10 years +
& this past week - thank you in particular to those who sent me messages, read the blog (some for 10 years - wow), in particular my American friends. I currently am at a loss for words - that and I don't want to share the words I do have for whats happening- they won't 'help'.  I am concerned for several - I have grown quite fond of a few Americanas this past years.

Next Norms recent reno- impressed our guests beyond words. 

with THC & TLC.
Georgia

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

How are you feeling?  A little blue?
I felt blue when I started this painting...  I decided to 'go with it',  instead of fight it.
I think this is key.  Learning to GO with it.  When you supress sadness - it does not go away, it just gets deeper,  if you think about it for a moment & ask - Why exactly, am I feeling sad?
Why?   Worried about things that might NOT happen?  Thinking about pain from the past.. don't give it power.  Force yourself to become active & creative - soon you will be thinking about what you are working on and not what's working on you.  
There is no trick' to mental HEALTH- it's work.  Life is work. 

More noticably on Instagram are artists posting they feel stuck.. blue, covid, politics, financial porblems, lack..  many are feeling a little bluer than usual - I try to encourage them to work through it. You would be amazed at the difference in paintings you can create - depending on your mood.  I forced myself to start Lady Algonquin' - I was in a terrific mood by the time I finished & had a new painting to show for it & a new experience with this "style".  Just DO it. 

Another reason for Artists in particular to be a little blue... ART is a luxury.  
In a time of uncertainty when people are worried about work, food & bills - art is not a top priority.  Someone recently asked to purchase a painting, at a discount. lol  
Well,  I'll expalain for all artists:

  Our prices have not dropped on our supplies, as a matter of fact hey have gone UP.  Do you know how much one good tube of acrylic paint costs $25 approx. - so 4 colours- $100. easy.. then there is canvas,  the price depends on the quality - I'd like to use HEMP but it's still too costly - I'd have to up the price of my paintings.  Brushes - each costs from $6. - to $35. they can be much more but I stay in this price range & brushes do not last forever, they have to be replaced steadily.  Time, each painting takes me at least 3 hours. Never mind the size,  bigger can take weeks.   Some think $50. a painting is too much,  for 3 hours work? 
'If I worked minimum wage, it would be about right. NOT including shipping..
I have worked very hard to become the artist I am, endless hours (decades) of sketching, painting drawing (obviously) to fine toon' my craft.  It's worh more than 'minimum wage.  
Thankfully (not luckily- luck has nothing to do with it)  I do well, I've started to sell on line (at least one or two a week) & steady comissions.  I've decided to sell more, only because I have SO much. I pull out my binders and can't even remember 1/2 of what I've painted, so I will part with a few originals & spread the love & fun.  
It's fun to own an original- I know - lol.   

Maybe an artist friend is struggling more than usual, if you can - help.
​BUY something, it might not pay the rent or bills but it will give them HOPE & that is priceless.  I'm going to buy original art today - just to support an artist I like & encourage them.. I know they are blue. 

If anyone is interested in this Blue 'Lady Algonquin' I will sell her for $60!
That is a deal! It took at least 5 hours. PLUS shipping.  ;) If not - she will continue to hang in my home & be enjoyed and remind me, it's just a feeling - paint it out- paint through it and give thanks for another day- blue or not.. it's a gift many will not get today.
Happy Mental Health Monday!  

Next another Canadian Female Artist who this 'hill' we live on  is named after! 

with THC & TLC
​Georgia

Home sweet home.. where I am warm, flu free & keeping busy during these new times.
I had a headache yesterday - & tried to take a break - difficult to do when the world is under quarintine - more so when you realize many Canadins are not home... Canadians I know.

I learned of several a the day wenton- I know how worried I am as a mother (all of us) -worring about my own son, whom I told at the start of this- stock up! I't's going to be a pandemic - but he did not listen to his mother - what else is new... and left it till the last minute. That's frustraiting, so I can only imagine how my friend feels - her son stuck in California!   It was/is March break in Canada- so timing was not great- ACTUALLY -
had OUR Government ACTED SOONER - as they were aware of the problem in China..  many would not be stuck & scrambling now with inflated airline tickets and panicked airports full of such humans.  Once home- I hope people take the 2 weeks self quarantine seriously.

I know people who are currently ill,  sick  "it' just a cold - (I think) ..." they claim,  stay the fuck home - it's just a cold.  It's careless to  behave as such during currently times- I don't care "if it's just a cold - (self diagnosed) stay away.   What does it take for people to understand?  Don't go out and spread it around - it's that simple. 

What's not simple is stressing over $, food or illness...  someone complained they are getting grumpy with no cannabis- (already) and it's bothering his sciatica - wow. I KNOW people who can't afford food right now for two weeks quarantine, are worried about not making rent - since they can't work - let alone money for cannabis.   So if you are getting grumpy because you don't have cannabis - take a look around you, I bet there are people in unfortunate situations with much bigger concerns right now than bud.    

I hope I am wrong (really) about the thoughts I have of the direction this  is going..
8 weeks easy. Longer for schools and retirement homes. etc.. 
We are currently in week - one?  I take anti inflammatories, my wrist so sore as I type- I would not be able to paint  without & Italy is warning against them- stating they believe it makes the Corona Virus worse... what to do.. ask my wrists.  I need to paint.

I need to paint and keep busy & give my own brain a break today, no social media.
All I can do if think positive, pray for the safe return of all I know..  and Be here now- grateful for another opportunity  to hang out with my dogs - all so excited for another daily  quiet quarantine adventure!  

I love this community, talk about 'make you feel better'.. if you can't get out, are worried you can have your groceries delivered free by the Rotary club, people offering all sort of assistance.  You can still buy online from local business - I noticed a kombucha creator advertising -free local delivery!  I sent an IG message & had my kombucha delivered to my door! 6 pack-  the lovely young man Luc, removed the log in my driveway (I was going to meet him) he said it was very easy - yes, for him. lol    We greeted- "no shaking hands"   a
& I NOW have the best Kombucha I've ever tried! Really.  
It's all I drink (my wine in the evening)  and this orange turmeric is TERRIFIC!  If you like kombucha I highly recommend Luc's Brew , what a nice young man too!  I'm impressed with his  Brew, his attitude & business creativity.   

I am also a fan of Canoe Radio!  Boy oh boy do they have a difficult time - it's one thing to live this but to educate the masses as we go along... not an easy task. If you want to hear what my community is like with great music - listen to Canoe.

Be safe.
​oh, this kitty being created- today, on my instagram account.

 I lovingly refer to  (& I think he'd love this): 'Vincent VanGogh 2019'  hee hee.
I paint freestyle - by looking - to look is to get lost in Vincent Van Gogh, pure pleasure.  Some of you will think I've lost my mind - like Norm who recognized 'Starry Night but not the  Skeleton smoking  as both of Vincent's paintings.

Doing what he loved yet distracted, tired, sick, lonely, overwhelmed - sound familiar- Depression.  Apparently had his  Mental health issues  been addressed he would have been very successful & might've seen more than one painting sold. Addressed & not shunned - it can go two ways from what I understand - the 'not so nice way' is more people taking their own lives because they are taking medications that do not work - Depression is not a racist nor does it care about how much money you have.  If we keep shaming, an article I read stated people will just start to hide it better... until they show up at Sunday Mass with a grenade for  the cash basket. 

When we shame mental illness we are applying the same rules as prohibition - what a failure it has been.  If your face twitched 24/7 you would think about this stuff too. God's not playing anymore - pay attention ;)  "You are only as sick as your secrets" - a remark  I think  I heard on a Pod Cast- it must have been my favourite 'Hidden Brain',  every episode interesting.  Growing up 'My Moods'  were shamed, often...  a big secret, I get it - NOW- this is how some handle events but it's not healthy imo - the sooner we address unpleasant events & feelings  the sooner we can try to heal & move on, my mom had a terrible event happen to her at a fairly young age & was understandably depressed at the time - but now  many parent's  are both paying more attention to social media then their children.
The kids won't be pleased when they get older.
It's a fact - try to prove me wrong.

How many  generations started the same way as Vincent, myself, my mom was one of 6 kids & I never met any grandpa...  dealing with mental illness decades later, generations later.  Babies having babies, young parents having too many, too soon with obligations thrown at them pretty quickly - I've blogged when we were first married how we stole a case of baby food to get by...  By the Grace of God - it's why I was more than happy to accept donations  to food bank at Halloween. Yes, I speak from experience - marriage is difficult enough - wait to have your babies -be ready to welcome them with love.  
Instagram, face book, Selfies, Social media, socializing & recreational drugs YIKES! 
    MORE & MORE  babies are ending up  with a wire monkey mom.  & or dad.

Please, Wake the fuck up. Babies do not ask to be born - we humans are given the choice to procreate - carelessly - if we desire.  

People use to often remark when Storm was little:
"Let him cry!"  or ...     " You never put him down... "                      Amen. 
Please put down your phones & pick up your babies.
​
With TLC & THC
​Georgia

It's difficult NOT to read about detoxing.. the body & mind, the more I read - the more I am convinced it's the direction to go or rather the direction I am going.   I do not own a cell phone so I don't have that temptation to be checking it constantly as I see others do..   Adults all know what they are doing NOW - you read about it daily, they all understand there is a price to pay for cellphones & I don't mean the monthly bill - it is apparent cellphones are harming as much as helping - just look at the studies with teens today.   Social media has presented an entirely new way for kids/teens to be bullied, acquire an addiction, to potentially be harmed or abused by strangers, ignored by parents with the same tech addictions, texting & driving -  yikes.. being a kid just got more difficult & less enjoyable,  most teens admit to checking their phones constantly & they do get upset if they don't get likes' yikes.  The more time they spend on line- the chances of increased suicidal thoughts - it's science being reported.

It's not just teens - thank God there is an ongoing awareness & and increased movement to detox - I'm reading about small retreats being offered with the enticing advertising: NO wifi! RE- connect with your life. Re- connect with your family. Re-connect with your kids, Re- connect with nature. Air B & B  - that now offer the bonus of digital detox for your vacation so you can truly GET the rest  you need - restore your soul - without CONSTANT distraction. I find it particullarily distressing reading many companies are now 'expecting  employees to respond to email after work hours... less & less are getting the break they need.

As an artist - social media is awesome - your work is seen - yet it is draining - emotionally & physically - * it's not until I TURN OFF & OUT do I start to paint some of my best work,  it was a post I saw on Instragram recently  that made me SEE with open eyes - all social media really is.  There is a 2 year old little girl - who is a media sensation & 'amazing artist'... Please, are you kidding me - is this some sort of prank? This child pushes paint around a canvas with a stick and pours on paint like EVERY other 2 year old I've ever seen paint - except her parents have PUSHED it and her  - Genius? Artist?  
No,  just a normal toddler making a mess...  if you disagree with me, fine - I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to show you.

No wonder young artists become depressed by social media, kids who are really trying to become better  at art &  at life.  People strive their entire life to become artists - working tirelessly to perfect a skill - & this 2 year old is hailed at the next fucking Picasso (not a compliment in my mind - he was an old perv)  & what does this tell you about social media? Some  people have too much money  to pay thousand for that mess.
Do not rely on social media to define you or your talent - it makes no sense when a skilled artist gets 50 likes - yet a photo of a dog pooping gets thousands  or a normal  child making a mess gets thousands of followers & $$$ for it. Clearly it is messed up - not to mention the stupid, thoughtless acts NOW being preformed - just to try to get 'likes' - how about those selfies -you know the ones where the  posers are now dead because they fall off the cliff trying to get the best Instagram photo?  

Digital detoxing get's more tempting with each passing day.

Painting something for 4/20.

with TLC & THC
​G

Take it slow like this sweet little sloth...   frig he's sweet, if I do say so. Take it slow.. baby steps until you know & there is much opportunity for knowledge- thanks to many!  Those who have ventured before us - Thank you.   Psilocybin use has I noticed those who share & those who don't.  I don't care what you do,  I have Trigeminal neuralgia I wouldn't wish it on TRUMP ( you know how I feel about him) It's on the increase- especially in women -If I did not share that I am getting at least some 'mental relief' thank God  - from Psilocybin I'd be ashamed of myself! This cold weather is brutal- this cold hits my face like a frozen shovel - I will NOT leave my home... which will make for a boring birthday tomorrow - expected -26 winds- forget it - I invited  one person to spend the day with me tomorrow, I'll get out of my PJ's just in case! hee hee hee  It won't be boring! I have my girls and painting & crafts & then some - excited for each day - pain included. 

I wait for Crusty Rusty to call - he's RIGHT again! & he told me from day one "Jane Philpott doesn't know what the fuck she is doing and can't handle the job!"  TADA!  Good... leave- anyone who quits like this WE DO NOT NEED representing us. She lost confidence in Trudeau- Phhhbt.. she's using Trudau as a scapegoat. Good riddance. Adios - shuffle along. All 'this' will make Justin Trudeau a stronger, better man it already has. I tell my own son all the time "thank those who 'challenge you' or piss you off'  they teach you more  & (and quicker) than you realize... because I know my sons a good man and although not perfect - he will continue to learn from life & not let it stop him from succeeding & be better because of it.  I know this about Justin too...  change is good- Justin is not going anywhere.

Yesterday a gift arrived & I don't think he knew it's my "birthday week" lol  My friend Stephen Boeheme Glass artist sent me a Musrhoom pendant - that is hand wire wrapped & I got  dressed today- just so I could wear it!  The girls are envious LOL - I LOVE IT!
Wow,  this American pal continually restores my faith in good people (I'm blessed to know a few of You who DO)   I am absolutely touched by this gift - I had me speechless.  NOW -
I can't wait for foray season- I can't wait for nice weather- gonna rock this pendant EVERY DAY! When it arrived I held it to the window to see it in the sunlight on it - Poppy was all over it and she looked and me and the feeling was mutual,  (we speak telepathically btw)  ;)  "that was the nicest gesture mom,   you are surrounded by such wonderful, creative loving beings..." I know Poppy... I know.   He actually sent me TWO mushrooms! What a glass collection I have - they have ALL been gifts of love from several & I look at them EVERY day.  The attention in the details - the little bags they came in (orange octopus) are also lovely!  Bravo Stephen - No wonder you were just awarded 1st place for the best Millie in 2019! Well deserved.

The sloth was painted in Timelapse - you can see it if you follow my Instagram account - IG by the way - last week in one day my account dropped 30 people...  in an hour, wtf?  
My thought... FUCK IG, playing with people like that - the next day the numbers were back  30 an although I constantly have people requesting to follow' each day the numbers decline.. lol - who cares the same crap happened when I was on FB. It went from 15,000 t0 7,000 overnight.   It's just a game - don't get distracted by numbers'  
    
When God want's my work to be seen- it will be seen. 
I am confident in the Lord more than Social Media.  :) Hee hee!

There's more important things/events/history being made than my paintings OR social media in this world that we ALL need to 'see' so we can change it.  ​Slowly if need be.
#betterblance #internationalwomensday2019  #fuckyeah

1 or 1,000 000 followers... I follow one that matters & am loved by that ONE.
That's ALL that counts.  <><
For those of you that do tho... thank you! & Thank you Stephen.

I named my studio long ago 'RoseElm' studio Alexa informed me this morning it was "Rose Monday" in preparation for Ash Wednesday (& Georgia day! Hee hee).   A studio where I have a fountain of ideas! I've recently discovered the fountain pen - again. We've all tried one chances are, my first over 20 year ago when I won a pen from a bar in Aurora - a blue waterman fountain pen- which I just found yesterday & cleaned (now that I know how) & am anxiously awaiting new ink refills to give it a swirl or two.  Fingers crossed it still works!  I recently was gifted the green pen by Norm after I asked for  fountain pen & ink.. it arrived the next day and I've hardly put it down.  I've been reading about them because they 'easily   glide over the paper' - no pressure needed- the pen does it on it's own so it FEELS lovely resting in my hand & no pressure - no pain.  Typing today hurts.  No grip needed - fantastic for loose messy sketches which are inspirations on their own.  

I had no idea the craftsmanship that goes into some pens & yesterday  a pen took my breath away - lol , much like I guess a diamond ring or that luxury drive for others this pen was it for me & a BIRD!  No doubts it must cost the same as a  luxury vehicle, I first spied it on IG on a private collectors page - only 40 created! (age of the King) - who I messaged because I could not resist - "Does anyone ask can I touch your pen?"  because this made me giggle, the response was " ..yes and often"  & they do let people touch it as long as they wear gloves! I know the next response  so I needn't ask  Could I draw with your pen!!?  lol  (by the way - I can not 'guess' if the page belonged to a man or woman - which I admire)  It will also never be used! A tear rolled down my cheek for the pen (in my mind) hee hee - I would - I would NOT be able to resist it! Just look at this masterpiece  to see what I'm talking about.  I'm hooked I have 2 pens- so yes, It's the start of my collection.  hee hee  It's good to have goals!! 

Intoxicating is the feel.. I'm going to return soon, I've started a:  I love my homeboy (Jesus) sketchbook, when ever I draw Jesus I find myself feeling fine, smiling on the inside & out. Draw what you love.  I was also sent a card with tulips  (my favourite) from someone who's trying.  I said to Storm not long ago, about I can't even remember whom:
At least he's trying  because many don't.
A million reasons, a million excuses for not even trying.    TRY.  
Sure, I'd LOVE this pen - I will try to get it.. not by stealing it either- lol.. buy becoming a better artist & person...  YOU never know what tomorrow may bring!  
I also want a little girl from Yemen - because anything I can do has got to be better than that! Please Jesus - help me help. 

Check out this  week:

Rose Monday
Pancake Tuesday 
Ash Wednesday (& me -55 still alive! woot woot!)
Thursday is 'Be heard day' - Great for the small dispensaries about to open! :D
Friday is international Women's day!  #Balance for Better. 2019  
I could not have hoped for a better week to celebrate - life. 
Time to get drawing, painting and praising! How about you?  

*other ideas keep  pouring out this fountain  before I can finish that bottle of RUM.. wait until you see the "baby steps sloth" nice & slow..  - coming soon.
​With TLC & THC 
​
What are your goals?  Make some! It's good to have goals.

What gifts would I give myself in this age of wisdom?
I'd give myself the gift of HEALTH & LOVE & honesty.... the gifts of peace & happiness even. Exactly what you see, a bouquet of cannabis with some psilocybin & some Eucalyptus for decor -which is also medicinal.  I love the intoxicating, refreshing smell!  The next time you get some hang it in your shower under the shower head or in the tub for a lovely NATURAL sent. Try it.   I'll pick up some fresh flowers too soon because they do make me happy & anxious for spring. What gift would you give yourself today if you knew better?

I copied this information off of an account I follow on Instagram that I find very informative & helpful:
             David calls psychedelics “among the safest drugs we know of”. He and a team of experts in addiction, drug policy, psychology and other fields ranked 20 drugs on their harmfulness, using criteria ranging from drug-related mortality (death by overdose) to environmental damage.

Overall, Psilocybin Magic Mushrooms were ranked as the least harmful drug, followed by LSD, which had the same score. Alcohol was ranked most harmful (more then ten times as harmful as Psilocybin or LSD), followed by heroin, then crack.

Referring to Psilocybin and LSD, Nutt writes: “It’s virtually impossible to die from an overdose of them; they cause no physical harm; and if anything they are anti-addictive, as they cause a sudden tolerance which means that if you immediately take another dose it will probably have very little effect." Even tho they're toxicity levels are among the safest compared to other substances, the effects of psychedelics are very powerful, and have a potential for unsafe and irresponsible use.  Educate yourself first and do thorough research before consuming any mind altering substances.

DISCLAIMER: Psychedelics are potentially illegal substances, and it is not encouraged to use these substances where it is against the law. However, illegal drug use does occur, and offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this content is designed to ensure the safety of those who decide to use these substances.  Credit: Michael Pollan📽

I am thankful for all those who continue to educate & speak UP, if not for them too many would continue to suffer needlessly. I do agree with:
Educate yourself first and do thorough research before consuming any mind altering substances.  Including ALCOHOL.

Canada has Passed Bill C 93!!  People whom have records  for "simple Posession" of cannabis can have them pardoned! No FEE & for FREE! This means it will be taken off the record and it will not effect a persons ability to get certain jobs, volunteer, travel & more.   This was wrong from the beginning - when you know better you do better.
Thank you Justin! Thank you Canada. 

Next - I release the Kraken! It was a lot of work.. more than I anticipated.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia