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

It's been quite a while since I've been on an adventure. 
My mind racing with several issues as I try to make sure I'm all organized.
Poppy is ready - I imagine.  Am I?   Of course.

The universe still conspires & it continues to all fall into place..
I'll start to stress over something & think - there is no point.  
What's the worse that can happen?   Pelicans will  scoop up my sketch book?
Joshua Boulet is in Oakland California & assures me he will work his way to OC so he and I can draw on the beach! This has been on my 'bucket/To Do  list - ever since Josh & I became friends long ago at the first EXPO, I still remember that first E mail I sent him.
He has had the pleasure of drawing the ocean several times over.  

Will this trip get any better?

Whatever 'problem'  that  trotted crossed my mind  have again looked after themselves.. 
Trusting in God has it's rewards.   Friends with good intentions, positive wishes & prayers help too.   I've no doubts it's why I'm on my way.    
   
Bears are on my desk as I post..  Broadway & Bear  exploring an unknown area of the garden.  Broadway as Cheeky as ever.. I think I might have painted a pose similar - but  I just DO them, they arise from  my soul & passion and pose which ever way they choose. I don't look at the others I've already painted - they are in a binder. 'The Book Of Bears.'
As I glance at it a smile slowly crosses my face, it can't be helped this furry, love expressing  compulsion.  I'm feverish to get back at them on the thunderous wet, grey morning.

A Jerry Garcia idea...  Inspired by some PINS Stephen Boehme PIN'd.. I can't wait to see what he is doing.  My rendition is  going to be cute!

This vacation planning takes a lot out of you...   lol  
I've had to do very little except confirm our tickets.   
Blessed Indeed.  

I've got 'black boards' cuts to size - 14  & several smaller & blank cards of course!  
A painting a day while I'm away!  A card for someone to warm up my heart & hands each morning!  Then Off to the ocean for our morning stroll. 
Mostly...  I shall go where my sails take me!  

On my 'ToDo' list I added today:
http://www.gitesinthelanguedoc.co.uk
Why Not!?  I literally dream about the caves in France.  Just like I use to dream about bears,  I know I'm going to see them one day in the near future. 

Do you still dream or No? Will you stay or Will you Go?
If your going to dream DREAM - DREAM!   
Imagine - what could God provide me in my perfect world. 
I Imagine &  it's going to be better than I imagine.  I know.

With Love
g

Back to Broadway on my mind & my canvas.

I can't stop thinking..  thank God, Since I'm breathing- the two go well hand in hand.
I've come to a realization the past week which has me bow my head..  in prayer.
A year ago.. a year ago I had a few events happen that  changed my life and I never shared with anyone, well- that is not completely true, there are a couple of people who know..  Storm of course is one person - I shared (matter of fact) 'I'm going to take a trip, go on an adventure (a year ago) God let me know.  
I'd rather not share when or how.. it's personal.

I was impatient and thought 'I was going right away..'  turns out it took year.  Not long at all really - but it can feel like an eternity.   Then I thought I'd be going someplace else.. invited by someone else. What trickery God.. you keep me on my toes.  
I did know I was going to see cactus!  They have  cactus in California - I'm sure.

Who am I?  To think I have any control  over any thing? 
I do have control of  my choices' God  puts before me & promised a year ago- if you put it before me I will go. I will take the LEAP of faith. 

This past few years in particular have been a personal struggle like no other, failed surgery,   marital changes, relationship changes in general and acceptance life is  'different as am I,  not worse - different.  The past year I was forced to think about things I've not thought about & a few people I need to think about differently for my own PEACE of mind & health. 

​When emotions I forgot existed - surfaced - I became  confused.  
I still am.

What do you do when you believe God does have a plan?  A specific person in mind?
When your constantly reminded of others, drawn to them - pushed  at  them.
​Nothing. There is nothing I can do anymore.  
My feelings are clear.
​I am proud of that most lately, I am not afraid to the let others  I love/like know it. 
Sometimes I'm humiliated when I realize: Perhaps- others don't feel as we do.  lol  Perhaps?
This is where I struggle with God, 'then why bring them into my life like you did?' 
Humbled.  
Not everyone loves us.   Will I stop loving  them..   never.
I love people now who I don't feel love me too much. It's o.k.
What matters is what I am putting out into the world.  Love & good wishes.
God loves me (Whew) & will continue to bless me with those who will...  it might take 'about a year. lol 

There is nothing you can do other than let those we love know it.
The rest is up to them.
Will people respond to love or will they ignore?  
Will it be a choice they forget or regret?
I don't know anymore..  I don't want any regrets.
I'm going to listen to God.

​I'll try  when God introduces me to others to  Give thanks for everyone and show them love.
​Does God put people in your life for you? Or them?  

I am reminded of a quote,  how every day nothing seems to change but when we look back- everything has changed.

New bears on my desk- it's going to be a great day.

With Love
​g

P.S.  Since I'm BEARing all..  Cactus & Caves!!  I was promised.  
I don't think the caves are here.. I think I was thinking too small..
God is going to show me the caves in Paris!!   Wait & see. 

I have no doubts!!! 

It's a rainy, overcast day here in Ontario & frankly, my bones hurt -  California her eI come... I am very curious to see HOW it makes me physically feel. I've been up since 5 and only now starting to feel better. Several bong hits & a dab (thanks son) later & filling breakfast cooked by Norm.  The leaves are LUSH with GREEN - so I don't care about all the rain.
The birds singing through it all - what a beautiful way to wake up... my own bird flies into my room - "I'm up I'm up!" he belts as he circles and back into he office he goes...   'O.k. Bird! I'm Up I'm Up!" Bird is getting a screen door today for when while I'm away, too bad bird. 

Whats flying by is my countdown to California - Storm reminds me 'you will home before you know it, so have GO & amazing time!   Just like I wished him when he went his last visit to Spain.  I will be back before I know it...  I will return different.  How can we ever return the same after seeing another part of the world? Meeting new friends, experiencing new tastes, sights, smells, delights, educations  - that ocean!  

Something has already kicked in-  California CREATIVITY! Wait until you see what is on my desk!  I'll share after I return- I've a few plans for some of the work I am creating - as well as  collaborating with a  couple of people I've known for years.  
It all falls into place when WE  Let it.  Surrender.  Do what you love.    
& serve the best we can..   I hope to inspire with LOVE & Paint!

My faith won't be hidden: it will be seen.  
My faith in Love. ​Good. Each other.  
​With the occasional editorial - of course.  hee hee hee

I shared my idea & new art (concept sketches) with Storm, he looked at me, like he does occasionally and said: THAT, is a great idea mom.
I think so too, but it's wasn't mine.   Give credit where credit is due.
#GodBlessed 

With Love
g

Back to painting!!!

First I'd like to give thanks! I received a package from  a friend Karen Watermelon,  I know of 2 Karen Watermelons both I met through Cannabis & I'm fond of both.. but I've been keeping an eye on Karen's account on IG who travels all over, learning, exploring, living at the villages - helping the villagers! She is truly an inspiration. Karen is learning traditional medicines and life.  Often envious of her journeys  I remember I'm about to take my own.   Not quite as  ? Adventurous? Karens a bit younger and should be  doing exactly as her heart tells her.  Every day the Universe  is reminding me to go have fun.. It's all falling into place.  It's no secret I am a fan of seaglass.. Today I opened a package of tiny shells worn smooth from the ocean across the world!  Tiny Treasures Im thrilled she's passed them on to me and postcards! Snail mail! My board is almost covered!  In my hands a gentle lovely reminder of what's to come.

She ended her letters -Postcards, which I enjoyed today sitting in the sunshine with the dogs...  "This is what happens when I started valuing the beautiful gift of life and my own self and taking care of my mind and thoughts.  Life values me right back and I grow and flow!"  

I know lovely people.  ;) I see them *sparkle* -  is this my universe? Others not so much.. lol  Perhaps I just need to see them from the other side of the moon!  Tee Hee.. 

Perfect timing, I was looking for a  new quote to start my California Journal/notebook Pencil ONLY.  I decided to research and play - I am beyond inspired for cannabis related art for this trip.. I am bringing my paint. I have a friend who wants to print a T-shit or two and get my work out in California - He has not seen my latest creation. No one has - I'm saving several for later.  You will love it! How can you not? I put love into every stroke ;) 
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You light up my life... Who remembers that song? me!!
What a glorious today in Canada - the breeze! The leaves whispering...  good day to send  out some love. What better way than a custom one of a kind card?   ;)
Here is another sampling of a card below.  
Sneakers or cowboy boots, I'm still undecided.. I think I prefer the old school cowboy boots on Brain & Heart  paintings and will continue with this style for cooler joints.  What do you think?      Hee hee hee

​With love
g