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

These two make me smile. I love them both, very much.
The bird & the Boy.  

Bird flies free but we catch him (regular) to check on him for emergency reasons, teach him to get in his cage, clip his nails.. it's good to handle your bird so they don't freak out.  
Bird gets extra excited when Storm visits us! Just like me! lol
He zips around the room - smacking us on the head during a fly bye' and 'flipping us the bird in between to get our attenetion,  it makes us all laugh.  Bird is a cheeky boy.

Storm, our son is also a cheeky boy - aren't all sons?  
They know how to get us going & make us, mom' n particular laugh.  This last visit was no exception. It didn't last nearly long enough.  Knowing how busy Storm is, we're grateful he visits as aften as he does.  Now, I have this painting to make us smile - he caught bird, I captured a photo & feel - I caught the mood with the painting - it works for me.
Two birds with one stone! Two loves of my life in one canvas.

I greatly appreciate them allowing me to use them for 'portrait practice'...  
I don't know what Storm thinks but Bird thinks he's slimmer & needs a little more yellow. Everyone is a critic.

I'm not sure who's next - I think I'll work from a photo & suprise the person with it when complete.

Sunday, I spend with God & creating God focused art which I'll share on sundays for a little inspiration - should you feel you need some. Exploring - surrounded by birds - time to plan the next canvas! How about you?  What are you creating?  
​
Have you made your vision board for this year? Proven to work. Just sayin...  
I drew me on this property.  Hee hee.

With TLC & THC.
​G

Am I high? Yes, on life.   Life in the Highlands to be exact. Algonquin Highlands.
Every night I go to bed thanking God- & wake up tp the greatest show a new morning out my window- today was exceptionally lovely!  

I've got painting to do- a self portrait- I captured a photo of Poppy & I that I likeso I decided to try a self portrait & so far - I am pleased.  It's the only way to learn - a few friends will all be getting portraits in 2020 - like it or not! lol.A Christmas decoration on my desk to finish & a tree to decorate - cookies & treats  to bake (& eat) ...  Oh My, it's Christmas!  Weee!

The Christmas 'gift' is the view that each day brings, the birds, snow and each other.
My dogs are a constanst source of entertainment, companionship & love...  Ginger in particular cracks us all up - she is the baby and demands the attetnion. Poppy is still the princess tho.   Our son visited this past weekend- alwasy a pleasure!  We went & explored Haliburton - during the holidays well go check out the sculpture trail, on snowshoes provided by the haliburton museum - check it out!  Everyone I've met to date has been friendly, helpful and kind... the community cares for each other.  Yo hear it with the fundraisers, heat banks & food bank.  Remember to contribute to the food bank if you can.
My library books are late- this month they will accept food donations instead of a late fee- terrific idea!

I can't even begin to list all that goes on up here, ALL year, including the winter.
I don't skate or snowmobile but I'm quite content snowgazing from the sofa- fire is hot.
Paarumpapapum... time to paint!! Me & my Poppy...

A few photos below - they make me smile. 
With TLC & THC 
G

Thankful - Indeed!  
The weekend was perfect - from the latenight homemade french onion soup with homemade french loaf to the turkey dinner with all the trimmings - & at least 3 dead trees that needed to come down - came down!  Woohooo!
One tree in particular we noticed the first viewing, 'that trees got to come down, I was not concerned - I knew Norm could do  it.  We've taken down a few trees in 27 years.
Painting over the summer,  listening to the trees' I could hear that one tree in particular creek & moan & hoped we would get to it before it took out the bird deck.. lol  whew. 
The tree is down.  I am beyond thankful for these two who worked  - what a team & I did the dinner! Most of all for the stunning Canadian  thanksgiving weekend weather & backdrop that keeps me in AWE - and they are our trees.  Trees covered with woodpeckers, bluejays, nuthatches, chickadees and more!  We are only removing dead trees.

It was a perfect weekend.. I am very thankful.
Time to make Turkey pot pie & think - VOTE art & ONE year legalization art 
&  my round canvas which I'm starting next..  blessed - so much to be thankful for I'm gonna BURST!  Burst out in song- I'm teaching the dogs "Amazing Grace!" lol 

I'm thankful for all those in my life - those who add to each day like a background color that completes this canvas!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

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

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

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

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

With TLC & THC
​Georgia 

I had the best mother's day - all day!! It did not start that way...   Norm pissed me off with his typical shenanigans'  & I thought - forget this crap! I can do this... & I did. 
I packed up my 2 bitches and  turned on the GPS & headed down to the city for the day as that was the plan! OMGod me drive to the city! The girls co-operated they love the booster seat I made &  are strapped in for safety!  The GPS did it's thing... I remained calm - except for when I let out that for real "Weeeeeeeeeeeee! as I cut across 3 lanes of the highway  so I would not miss my exit!   YIKES! lol but we did it & every light turned green for it was mothers day  & it has been my greatest honour on this earth to be this  sons mom.

God rewarded me for courage & determination - so did Storm! We went to currys for all the little things to 'try out', I don't enjoy buying art supplies online. Then to a sweet little fountain pen & paper shop  for lovely purple ink and new sealing wax for all the cards I've been sending out! * BTW- Forever Grateful Greetings is up & running! A new purple pen - I'll use it to write him thank you note! 

Storm laughed when I remarked, I hope the few I know in jail remain there... at least until my penmanship gets better. I was kidding.  We laughed, talked, shopped, strolled the cheese boutique  Oh MICKEY MOUSE  if you like cheese! Go here. I actually pondered driving down again for a chunk of the champaigne gouda we had.  Hee hee   Then 'mom mode kicked in' & I straighten while he started dinner & the girls frolicked in the new play area.  By the time we were ready to dine - his pad was looking perfectly peaceful.  Dinner was better than a restaurant  & it's truly amazes me to watch him stand there & prepare, cook - while we have a conversation easily considered a 5 star meal!  I don't eat a lot of red meat unless I know he is cooking - it's tender, & tasty & I can't lie - it did have me drooling. On top of all this he had elegant delectable desserts which I woke up at 3 craving.  

We ended the day with a drizzled walk - speaking of creepy ghost stories - I had to carry princess Poppy (she saw I was wearing Storms parka and is no dummy)  Ginger loved hanging out with her big sister.  It was a perfect full day of unconditional love.  Then I had to head home, only having one glass of wine the entire day  &  a glass of 'strawberry beer &  the drug of coffee to keep me alert for the rainy, dark drive home - but as you have concluded - I made it! I was so fucking proud of myself!  Hee Hee
Above all else spending the day with Storm, hearing him talk about people he cares for, works with, seeing how determined & passionate he is as well as a hard worker that's  what Mother's day is all about.  I did enjoy a few joints with my son - had I not- I think I would have been frightened to drive home & white knuckling it all the way yet,  it was a pleasant drive once I knew exactly where I was going, I had a big smile on my face all the way home because I had the best mothers day.

God made sure as I felt like professional stunt drivers at times & did not give one stranger the finger once when cut off  several times. The girls slept all the way home!   Today, I paint!
With TLC & THC

Georgia

A wookie with a custom Storm Trooper bong - what couldbe more 'May the 4th'...
 be with you.   I can't tell you the last movie I watched - part of the series.. too much of  good thing after the 3rd..imo.

Have you watched Knock down the house? The new political Documentary on Netflix? I can see that woman as president one day, I wish she was already, she is an inspiration  & I am grateful she speaks up'.   We are also watching 'Dead To Me.' which is intriguing with it's twists & turns, it's refreshing to have stimulating content with strong women characters.

Canada needs more cananbis stores, they are  in  High demand.. especially since it's been a year & others have not witnessed increased reefer madness  & new education is on the horizon & with it a new mentality!  

Dough Ford is a disappointment- he appears instead to be turning Ontario into a bunch of  lushes & I was infuriated - you can NOW legally drink alcohol on the golf course at 9 .a.m.  - Don't forget if YOU are in an accident on the golf course - YOU will be charged as if impaired.  

I would like to add:  If you need to be drinking alcohol  on the golf course at 9.a.m., you have fucking drinking problem.  The same for many other places- now legal to serve with your pancakes - Cheers.. I wonder HOW many impaired offences will increase in the next 3 years...  I wonder how many more alcoholics all be 'born' with Doug at the helm & His 'buck a beer bonanza'...   It will do more physical & mental damage than REEFER madness actually did.

Enjoy the day & all it brings. 

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

This painting  was painted with silver paint on the door- you can't see it here -but it looks really authentic, I'm pleased with how it turned out. ;)

Disney knew how to create a bond with the viewer, an emotional attachment - something that makes us all a little vunerable like knowing Bambies mom is dead as he looks for her...  I still hold my breath at that scene & this scene in Dumbo brings me to tears - every time.  I cried painting it. Mad elephant...  I feel like that mad elephant sometimes, locked in a chage and only able to preform limited loving..  The elephant is me & the cage is life,  stuff that gets in the way like these iron bars & I cant seem to see past them  & all I want to do is  hug my baby, whom is no longer a baby but I'll alwasy be his mom & mad elephant if it arises- because it can't be helped - I try.  

Dumbos mom was anything but 'Mad' - lables other gave her, but I understand how she comes across this way... LOVE.   I understand I'm no elephant but I can tell you - I have a mamabear in me and alwasy will untl I no longer breathe, it's just there under the surface and it arrived the same day my son did & I'm grateful, grateful I experienced love & emotions that  bring out the beast in me because it is this 'beast in all of us' that also wants to make the world in general a safer  & better place for all cubs. 

I can't put into words how proud I am of my son - his work ethics, determination & thirst for continued knowledge - I'm not worried about him... anymore, he has proven many times he  is capable of looking after himself & he is surrounded by a group of great friends & co workers - I couldn't hope for anyhing better.  I've been fortunate to go to work with him on a few occassions & his professionalism  is impressive if I do say so- hee hee - this business has some a long way in a few years! I can't believe how quickly they go in and set up professional & productive grow rooms in record time - so others can start to produce their own quality cannabis/medicine - It is a BLESSING & Storm has wanted to help people grow their own medicine since he worked in a hydroponic store at the age of 15 & look at him now!  
I literally laugh - now at the path God has had us on - everything for a reason,  trust. 

A new club opened in Yorkville - 'Ameri' - is that short for American?   & again my friend informs me there is no wheelchair access - she is a woman - in a wheelchair but HEY, they say' - you can wait to be seen (or ignored) and then you can wheel yourself around to the 'back alley' & buy your  medicine (for her it is)... WHAT THE FUCK is this CONTINUED bullshit & WHY are we ALLOWING IT- use the back door? Screw that, I'll never visit that store & told her to wait until someone does it RIGHT- Is anyone paying attention??  

UNTIL ALL ARE INCLUDED - on this journey. Did you know there is still a stigma twoards the disabled & aged (& women) in this country - one they don't see advancing anytime soon -  that might not bother you at the moment - God forbid you get hurt & become disabled,  either way we ALL GET OLD - so, those of you who are young and healthy NOW,  > you <  might want try to change this mentality before you get old.    Either way, continue to speak up with your dollar & 'if'  you do visit this place - please tell them to put in a fucking ramp & show some COMPASSION..

No wonder they don't call them 'Compassion Clubs' any longer - there appears to be little displayed.

Walt Disney suffered from severe depression from time to time -  he admitted he was unable to even speak on the phone without crying at one point... image that!  Yet,  he knew he had to 'take breaks' & to step away from time to time to recharge & heal..  me too.  Walt Disney NEVER - EVER let anyone keep him from following his dreams - thank God.  Walt is a hero of mine in many ways,  I'm grateful we had someone like him create inspiring art, capable of bringing  out compassin in others - with the swinging of a baby elephant on it's mad mamas  trunk.  Genius. 

with TLC & THC
G

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 

10 days and it's official - Spring is here! woot woot! That winter flew bye - the than the COLD I didn't find it that difficult at all! What arrives with the spring? MUSHROOMS - Mushroom hunting season is almost upon us! With Instagram I am continually astonished at the variety of mushrooms I see from all around the world - tiny little aliens all different in shapes, color, size... some edible & some DEADLY.  It's wise to learn the difference! 
Where is the best place to learn IMO... The Mushroom Society of Toronto!  It's where Storm and I started to expand out fungi knowledge- he (of course) surpassed my mushroom knowledge in leaps & bounds and has been the foyer director the past couple years- but he's become busy now and not as involved.  

I was asked if I wanted to draw a cover for the  MST newsletter - Of course!  It was easier than I anticipated- all I had to do was sit and think of past  foray adventures - draw a few details from what I experienced and  the cover was created.  Pondering over it was almost as fun as actually being on a foray! If you want to see the full cover- you can sign up for the newsletter & get your own copy, visit the website & you can download the current newsletter!   Get your baskets ready (I have a new one I've painted) to be astonished by mushrooms!  Just imagining a tasty morel.. get the frying pan ready.  I highly recommend if you want to introduce yourself & FAMILY  (great family activity) the place to start would be the MST.  I'm not sure how much I'll get out this spring- balance issues make for difficult woods walking  but I can hardly contain my painting excitement.

Thank God, Spring is almost here- Ginger is the only beast with cabin fever in this house- she does not even realize summer is on it's way back- I am so excited about my new swimming buddy - I hope she likes the pool, once she see's Scruffy in her boat, Daisy diving...  I'm sure she'll be the first mate!  This reminds me, I've got dogs to paint!  I'm also in the mood for cards... I need to send out some home made cards and spread some TLC.

Here is an interesting read for all  interested in Cannabis in Canada and getting your medicine "covered" ABOUT time. ​https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/workers-compensation-cannabis-guidelines-nova-scotia-1.5048619?cmp=newsletter-news-digests-canada-and-world-morning

Let the countdown begin!
10.......

with TLC & THC