This painting was inspired from a photo taken years ago in the ravenshoe forest...
I still remember the exact moment Storm turned to show me a mushroom he found, I believe we were looking for morel, we were laughing.. dogs exploring.  The sunshine was perfect.  It was a wonderful day & lovely memory.  Painting the photo was re-living our many foray adventures, they were always such great days, meeting fellow mycology lovers, I was there for exercise, terrific company & the  beauty of the mushrooms and would never consider myself an expert.  I love my son.    :)  

If you don't know what a mushroom IS - Do NOT eat it - that's the best advice I may offer.

I do know several edibles but I still check, with a text to Storm, he suggests I look it up, either way, encouraging me to learn.   We are anticipating many forest finds with our truffle sniffing dogs!  Hahaha  I wish.    
I will teach  the girls to find morel, if you can teach dogs to find drugs - why not? 

Painting, remembering and intentionally wishing good things for Storm & everyone he is surrounded by is how I enjoy spending time. Not stress.  There is enough to stress about - if you choose.  I choose to paint.   Things I enjoy, some times it's humans.  hee hee

Do what you love & love what you do.
Storm is doing what he loves and I can see & hear it when he talks/texts about work.
He is growing all the time,  all day every day.   'We' are.
​
That background was FUN!   ...more on the way.

Rise up through the mud & dirt & bloom where you are planted.
On to the next creation of love!
with THC & TLC 

My son dropped off a gift!  A 'handme down'- that ROCKS & ROLLS!  lol 
I have wheels again!  
My little white PU was no longer reliable for long journeys, does not have 4 wheele drive and was no longer a 'joy to drive, worried  each outting - if I'd make it back home. 
No more worries!  Storms 'old truck runs great & is roomy for my girls, already broken in with Daisy Dog hair.
I can wait to take them hiking, I am a doggy limo driver & LOVE it.
Storm got  a new vehicle, exciting times -  I remember my first new truck & how exciting it was - reason for a road trip!  I drove  by myself to Halifax & back (when 20) - with my new truck..    I'm elated for Storm as I know how hard he works and the 'distance' he goes.  

I did not go for a drive due to fucking covid and having to wear a mask and stuff... puppy, baby goats - stuff.. I hope to take a road trip with him sooner than later  as son as this is over. I'm already planning where we will go first... it's going to be fantastic driving with the girls not cramped in the tiny area behing my seat. lol   
Currently the snow has me keeping the fire going and working on some projects happening for the holidays.

I am IN full  creative mode, by the grace of God.
My preffered place to BE.

I giggled thinking - it must be for all those great driving lessons I gave him ! Hahaha
When he was 15.. driving home one day on the back empty farm roads, I pulled over and said " Time for you to drive! You're getting your license soon."  I still remember the look of shock - is 'she messing with me?'  on his face.   When he realized I was serious, he jumped in the drivers seat and drove with a grin from ear to ear.. for about 20 minutes.
One old truck passed us -in the opposite direction and he tried to sit taller in the seat.  
hee hee hee     Countless hours were spent in the highschool parking lot- practicing parking in between the lines,  I let him drive everywhere, he was a very good driver.. from the start,  what a relief it was to see & learn... I slept easier because of it.  

​My son and I went on many adventures especially to the city for our TY EXPO- - some of the best memories were created and the best conversations on our long drives.
​I'm forever grateful for every mile.  I look forward to our continued journey & long drives.

It was a full circle moment for me & my heart feels a bit bigger. 
Nice to be loved.
Blessed to be - Thank you God.
Next- Hairy PAWter ;)  

​>^..^<

It's Storms birthday & the first day of fall (summer offically ends this morning at: 9:30a.m.) YAY!  Storm visited on the weekend!  I love FALL & Storm. 
Storm is an essential worker during covid - thank God, continuing to provide thousands with pain medicine/relief  mental & physical during an exceptionally stressful time, as covid number continue to climb & winter is now only a season away.  I'm so grateful he visited.  
I know how busy he (they) are all.   Growing massive cannabis gardens is team work with no holidays - farming.  Plants need constant attention - or you won't get the desired results. 

Storm visits and he becomes  his dads essential worker! lol  
Norm's built his shop to date, completely on his own and I can tell you it's IMPRESSIVE.  He was thrilled when Storm arrived too - for several reasons.. lol   These two are two of the hardest working men I know & I am proud & grateful for them both.
Times flies.  

I am starting to realize - all the BLESSINGS covid has brought.  How about you?
Time with my son & husband even more precious. These two are my inspiration & bring me joy each day, yes we have our 'moments'... all families do.  
Each 'moment' a little learning lesson. I am grateful for every second. 
My son is a gift from God, (all children are) the past 28 years have been by far the best in my life. I look forward to every visit, everyday, every text.     ;)  

Arrow immediately bonded with Storm, of course.  
Our family grows in size & LOVE - daily.  
Amen.

Hug your son! Pat your dogs!
GET outside & enjoy this fantastic fall day!
I got a goat to paint. 

With THC & TLC
​Georgia

That's what I hear everytime the goats call.. "Maaaaaa!!!" 
When Storm visited he picked up the goats to show us it couldbe done.. wellby him & Norm.. not me.  They need to be picked up if hurt or in trouble and to have their nails trimmed.  The actual picking up was the challenging  part, once up the goats did not move only yelled:  "Maaaaaa!! "  Whcih made us all laugh.   Goats are so much fun. 
The more they like me tho- the more I learn.  I was almost goosed by my goat when i turned my back on Indica to feed Sativa treats- he bumped me to let me know- turn around. LOL which I did!  He clearly was playing but I can now see how a real head butt to the butt would be felt indeed.

I showed the goats the painting- Indica was jealous and they started to fight over it as seen below...

Sativa was obsessed with it,  I don't think I'll hang it in the barn - as I like it too.  
Sativa  would not leave it alone, clearly loving her special portrait with Storm.
These goats make me laugh every time I'm out there, I wonder how they'll like our Canadian winter.  They have a new insulated, beautiful goat barn, I'm sure they'll be fine.
These wooden panels are fun - I like how you can stand them instead of hanging them.

Have a creative day & a lovely weekend.  I'll be painting, something.
We have BIG - LITTLE news next week, life changing- for us.  Yay!
with TLC & THC
​

I woke on Sunday and noticed a car at the gate, I called to Norm - Go see who's at the gate this early!!  Apparently our son decided to visit (arriving late) and was sleeping in the porch!  First I can't believe how tired I was - the dogs were barking - I assumed it was the weekly nightly bisit from a racoon, bear - soemthing that set the dogs off & I ignored it & went back to sleep.  How nice to find out I was mistaken! YAY!! 

The last time Storm was up we were  digging holes to start the coop!  This time he was meeting the extended family' - lol Chickens and goats!  That was fun!  Goats have a strong sence of smell- they smell everythng I offer before nibbling and often turn their nose up - if not pleased.. I think they can smell 'Storm is family' because they instantly  took to him, let him pat them and were curious about him.  Goats are social yet skittish and althogh we can pat them, we've not been able to pick them up & you need to - to cut nails, care for them properly if hurt.. Storm made it look easy.  The chase funny,  once he had them they rested in his arms & didnt even put up a fuss, it was really amusing!
Just like the chickens when you pick them up - they just  sit there.  It went really well & I have some fun photos - I've already started the next of Storm & Sativa on a wodden panel.

We went for a family HIKE! The girls LOVED IT, us too.  It was a personal foray dream, the trails hardly disturbed & literally covered with mushrooms, you could not walk 3 feet without seeing one.  I couldn't even take photos of all the mushrooms or it would have taken forever..
The mosquitos! OH MY - nasty little bloodsuckers,they LOVE me. If I stopped they attacked.  Other than that is was a great hike, the dogs all dog tired, us too.
Rhubarb is the closest restaurant to us - we decided to have take-out & it too was fantastic! 
What a perfect way to end Sunday & visit.   Storm had to head back that night -  it was a short but  fun filled adventure.  

Storm also treated me to a lovely lunch at Boshkong brewery & restaurant in Minden & we and caught up on a few things.  Mom stuff, mostly.  I am grateful he is so busy during these times, he is too.  What a wonderful surprise visit.  Time to paint- what a beautiful day in the highlands.

​

I love Kombucha!  I have tried many - especially in California when there.
So, when I saw Lucs Brew I picked it up and it's delicious! I was impressed.  
​It's all it claims: Bubbly, tasty and refreshing - made with this cool, crisp  Haliburton water.
I finally, LOVE drinking waater from my tap. The best I've ever tasted. if I do say so. hee hee!  I Found the company Lucs Brew on IG and then learned he delivers! Yay!!

We instantly hit it off, he's a really nice young man who is working tirelessly at his passion & craft along with his family & friends contributing...  isn't that lovely?  How it should be ;)  He's educated on his herbs/ingredients & the reasons for good health - body & mind. & he's learned the gift of being attentive to those speaking to him.  I don't think he's 'like this' to be a wise business man- just a good person, but it will clearly  help his business.

During the winter with limited contact with the outside world, I asked if I could paint him  - "..sure!"   My intention was to add bottles in the background but for some reason the forest just appeared - which is very suiting for Luc imo, he seems quite comfortable in his enviornment.  I've learned he is a very nice human, as his his lovely partner, both have visited to check out the coop.   They going to do well, I know...  
 I think he's helped with me not missing Storm as much.  :)  
 Now, I understand WHY the kombucha is so good - made with lots of love.

I'm trying to decide 'who to paint next, I was thinking of  Eve' after reading the 12 Rules of Life.  I have such great photos from Storms visit I'm having difficulty picking which one to try to paint next. We also went on a Hike & it was a very impressive foray, I'll share some photos next. It's mushroom painting time - Today is a beautiful day to do just that! 

with THC & TLC
Georgia

I might paint this - It makes me smile every time I look at it! :D

I'm so happy I have chickens to think about.  Norm wakes up to the sound of: Bwawkkk
Baaaawwwkk Bak bawwwwkkkk!  We don't have the chickens yet - it's me, learning chicken speak. hee hee  Up at sunrise  to let the chickens out (I want to be ready) and  excited to start the day, another gift from God.   I'd venture many people do not see each day as a gift lately, let alone from God.  
Do you think Trump 'inspects the bunker' - yes, to see how comfortable his bed will be & instal the GOLD toilet - as just outside others are being murdered in the streets. - Arrrrgh.. on to the chickens.

Better yet- on to the visit from Storm!  When I told him we were building a chicken coop he said he was coming up to help! Oh my God...  finally. Yes, I was excited! Instantly a weight had lifted that was getting heavy & thank you Lord for the lesson.  Many will never see family again after this is all over due to a germ. The dogs were so happy, Norm was thrilled & I was  happily content. My tiny family complete for a bit.  Bird was happy! Everyone was missing Storm. I get emotional thinking about it so... cock- a - doodle-doooooooooo!! 

3 chickens!! This for 3 chickens.. lol  the work the measuring and Storm lifiting out huge rocks (many had to be jackhammered) out of 4 feet deep holes,  in poured rocks & cement so the coop can be lifted, dry and safe from all predators! It's being insulated as I type.  In Canada after witnessing last winter - the coop better be warm. Metal roof, insulated and vented. & it must match the house complete with window box!  I do not want to use a heat lamp heres hoping... maybe more chickens will keep them warmer? Hmmmmmm
Giggling now - I wonder  (covid or no covid) if Storm will visit again - all he did was WORK. "Plant this please..."  "move this please.. "  "give me a hand with..."  and that was in between helping his dad. & he cooked!  Luckily, he is no stranger to work and said he really misses us and enjoyed every moment.  I went to sleep each night  in peace - this place is so peaceful.
We joked about all the 'kittens I found on the side of the road' over the years and my 3 chickens "ladies" might grow a bit.   The dogs are being trained already to walk around the coop as I chat with imaginary chickens.  Bwak Bwaaaaak...  

It was so good to 'see' Storm.  We did not hug as much & we we're all still cautious...   Oh no Norm & Storm right away Purple nurpled & I started laughing. Initiated by dad! lol Spending all weekend outside in the heat and having the air flow thru here, Storm slept out int he fresh air- Daisy too & she loved it!  She never left his side - huge smile on her face.

 I have a new appreciation for moms who have their sons go off to war.
To miss them & fear they might get sick, (visa-versa) as we all have done across the planet the past few months. Worried about protests and violence. We all agreed we don't think this would happen in Canada. We say "sorry" to each other for bumping into each other.
I am thankful for the time he was here & the help with the "The Ritz Coopton"...   
Time to get to the coop.. & painting and gardening and chickens!!

​We are experiencing serious internet and bell issues with the weather the past few days- let's hope it's just the weather, the internet service & bell  have been the only 2 constant frustrating issues since moving in.  I can't believe Explorenet gets paid more than we paid Rogers for providing a fraction of  the service. Oh well - more time to paint & explore.
​I'll only be posting images the next few days.

     Truly my biggest struggle during this pandemic has been - not being able to see Storm.
I miss him  like I've never known, we all do... Daisy the most.  I've gone through stages, one week I could not face-time,  I'd start to cry.  Storm looked especially tired a few weeks back.  & it's heart breaking not to see him for so long.. no hugs.

 I woke like a BEAR the other day, roaring about something or other.. could'nt get the fire started, yelling at Norm for the raccons keeping me up, grumpy with the girls (gasp),  Maries mom passed,  Carms got extra work like crazy looking after her parents, wondering about my own,  could'nt get paint, no canvas  & then...  what seemed to be the final straw: The Canoe radio  100.9FM DJ   made  a wise crack about cannabis not being "an esential serivce"  & I LOST IT.  Yes, you know it... that DJ had a quick, BLUNT education on CANNABIS BEING a fucking esential service via text - several as a matter of fact.
Cannabis for those who forget is a MEDICINE FOR MANY.

We all know why the L.C.B.O is open. ADDICTION.  Alcoholics needing a fix - they won't dare close it- there would be riots. Cannabis he said was more of a 'comfort thing' in his mind. Arrrrrgh..  & really, not a very intelligent, 'current' remark to make. I have no doubts MANY in this community use cannabis.  It was simply judgemental, especially in an older community that could benifit from cannabis insteads of the chemical cocktails that far too many are on.  Anyhow, I love  Canoe (I listen all day, everyday) & ALL that I hear on the air, sound lovely so, I apologized for my 'abruptness' but not the remarks.  Come meet me I invited, see my twitich get a bit calmer with cannabis,  SEE my hands and feet and KNOW  it's all I use for pain- NO killer opiates here. Phhhbt.

NOT essential!? Don't tell me that, when I know Storms working day & night!!  
I can't visit, cook for him.. his dad can't drive down to pop in for a beer.. Arrrgh.
​He's not eating properly.  We miss him, he misses us & phone calls are not the same, sometimes he just bugs me & I hang up. lol  He's busy, frustraited, lonely, tired and others days he's better than fine, keeping busy (like us) and moving FORWARD. Pandemic or no... Time's not going to stand still.

I decided to paint my favorite photo taken at one of the grows he manages. It MADE ME happy spending the day with Storm (in only on canvas) - it worked! I was/am in a great mood! Giggling thinking of the many wonderful memories we have. The 3 of us. I'll hang it right by my desk.  Can you see my pride in the painting? hee hee   The 'white' seems harsh - but it was, BRIGHT with grow lights- LOTS.  There are several guys ALL working very hard (with Storm) to provide medicine & recreational relief.  With less help due to the pandemic they are working OVERtime and should be treated like others - respectfully - as all esential employees so the rest of us can stay home.  SERIOUSLY, thank your growers.

Thank you guys!!  I love you all (you know who you are) and appreciate ALL you do... all the time.  

Grocery clerks, gas station attendants, Radio Dj's, Garbage truck drivers - ALL keeping US, safe at home - while they MUST work.  Amen.  Thank YOU! 

Thank God for the internet... makes you feel more for all those moms during war time and only letters for communication.  If this pandemic doesnt have you appreciating almost EVERYTHING MORE - well.. I don't know what would.   17,000 deaths in Ontario, alone.
I had no idea, I've been trying to distract myself.  
​Depression & anxiety on the increase... the next pandemic.

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

We are here to Thrive.  

It's been 9 months I've been here in the forest.. surrounded by only birds & trees (mostly).   I THRIVE in solitude.  My painting improves, my creativity is constantly inspired when not constantly distracted. Even the internet doesn't hold the same charm it once did.
​
I am  impressed beyond with any & every company that has taken this pandemic seriously & more so EVERY company by closing has indeed shown their employees they care about their health first & foremost.  At least until we can ALL figure this out.
The rest staying open is irresponsible- they do not understand they them staying open now- prevents this entire thing to last LONGER.  I read.  I paint or read or do chores.
My twitch allows for little sleep.  I've educated myself on: Pandemic, economy, recession, global depression, flattening the curve.. the death rates doubling, medical system overloads. Italy, Spain & now New York...  are taking things very seriously - I think .. I hope.

In approximately two weeks, we will  start to see the numbers of deaths according to the experts...  the same numbers if not worse that Italy is currently witnessing.. ONLY after everyone took it seriously & stopped going out for fucking drinks' or to the store for things that frankly - don't matter.  If you are running out for 'a loaf of bread' & that's all,  you are not practicing social distancing. If you are playing cards with neighbours... YOU ARE NOT social distancing and if you returned from a trip & pop into the grocorey store you are not social distancing - you are in fact - breaking the law. 

I know several who have admitted this mindset and it is shocking to me...
I never thought they would be so...  careless? ...Wreckless or ...Selfish.
Is if fear?  Denial or  Is it ignorance?
Unless you have a mental handicap- you would have to be pretty darn ignorant to not know this is a serious problem. IT's not just about death- the longer it takes for people to stay in  and take  it seriously the longer it lingers and effects not just people but the "economy".. it keeps people from visiting business ever again...
So...  JUST FUCKING stay home..  Enough already.

I realized how many people I know.. all around the world when, I find my self thinking:        I hope Mona & George are o.k.. I hope Ivan and his family are o.k... Candice in the UK, Chuck in the USA, Jerry, Stephen,  Patti, Diane, Joshua, Mark, Kevin & everyones family!  Friends in the medical field... Jodie, Mike,  Madison, Sam.. little Sam.. oh my.. no wonder I want to cry.  Mostly I think of Storm.. I tried to be tuff- but the moment I saw him on our most recent FaceTime chat I cried.  I tried.

Old People (in particular) don't just die,  EVERY AGE is getting very sick, they get very sick & they might have a family member  who does die & will not be able to properly mourn...
 the stuff you learn when you read.
It's a nasty DEADLY VIRUD that needs to STOP.     NOW

Stay the fuck home and do this sweet funny little Spring Snail craft ;) 

​Click on Image at bottom to Download & print your own snail.
With TLC & TLC 
Georgia

How cold is it?  -24 yesterday - NOT including the windchill!
​Brrr & more on the way this weekend. 
Am I cold - NO!  First, I am the firemaster! lol  
I get up every morning & get the fire going at 5.  
My job - Norm does the chopping & stacking - I keep it going.  Team work.  
Norms task became much easier at Christmas - our son who remarked he was concerned about me keeping warm -  & he made sure I'm not.  Storm bought his dad a wood splitter  making the job much easier & faster.  Norms was thrilled...  chop wood -  carry water! 

I was shocked when I opened my gift to find a Canada Goose parka! Expedition version - lots of pockets for sketchbooks,  camera, cell phone, bank card,  dog treats, peanuts & more for when I go on an expedition on our property,  I can now explore in the winter!!
It's much easier to see in the woods & see me in my bright RED parka.
  
Storm knows I LOVE to feed the birds & want to walk the dogs. My last coat - forget it..
Too cold, I was house bound. No more!  Yesterday in -24 I took a stroll with Daisy (the others find it too cold)  and we loved every moment.  Winter is beautiful - especially on a sunny day. I was cold - well my hands were- I could only take off my mitt (to take photos) for a few seconds before they became painful.  
With Trigemenial neuralgia - I also have intense face pain in wind and cold,  I could'nt believe it - I didn't feel a thing other than comfortable, warm & happy.
I love my son... my son loves me.  ;)  
Truly the greatest feeling to have on this planet. To be loved.

I posted on IG and instantly had someone start posting negative comments about my parka someone I've know for years & have always tried to friend, acknowledge, encourage & try to reach out to... NEVER once has this person (in YEARS)  commented  anything positive on my art or anything. I don't think she's even 'Liked' anything. Yet within seconds, 5 comments on my coat and how terrible it was.  "Ironic, I was for wearing it to feed the birds..."  FUCK that!  

I messaged her right away and told her to "Fuck off."   Don't USE me for your sounding board.   She was MISERABLE & the comments were nasty, sure enough when I called her on this behaviour her excuse - "My cat died..."  & she "was'nt getting any compassion from anyone"  on social media on her post -  WOW.  Go figure. 
So, that was exactly what hapened - she was in a shit mood and decided to VENT on my page. FUCK that.   There is a delete button for a reason.
USE it. Don't allow it... would they behave this way in person?
Probably not.  Had she wanted to have a conversation & sent me  a private message - expressing her 'displeasure,  yes.. I might have reacted differently but still would have told her to fuck off & go focus on something that is killing humans.  I also asked if she commented on everyones page she see's with a Canada Goose parka - nope, I was just the lucky 'friend'  she decided to take her frustrations out on.    Unfriend. 

Fuck off.  Open your eyes & mind-  the fucking president of the USA is locking kids in cages, blowing people up, people are dying at the border, gun violence is out of control - the word "war" is mentioned far too often these current days BUT you're going to call me out on my coat - because YOU are unhappy?  
FUCK OFF.  

I love my coat - I love my son more for the thought of wanting to keep his mom warm in this extremely cold Canadian weather. Tomorrow they have a weather warning again...
I'm not worried.
I know I'll be warm with the coat I'm wearing & the LOVE that inspired it. 

Next -  'Gods Treasures box! It took me a week to complete this last painting project.
I can't wait to fill it with treasures from God.  D
A few photo of Doggo & I's adventure below .. I like the last photo & her idea.. lol

​with TLC & THC