12 foot Spirit animal totem.
Totem Pole Inspiration.

In elementary school I loved  learning about  Indigenous people - I was obsessed with Totem poles as are many Canadians to this day!  Hand carved on a grand scale - months of work if not a life time… a lifetime of experiences during the gift of the journey - enabling these masters to carve Totem Poles from our great Canadian treasures  - PINE TREES!
We have some tall Pine on the property that tower and sway gently some days - mesmerizing me for hours. These are the trees many totems were caved from  If we have to cut one down - it’s on my to do list, lol.  Imagining Totem poles…   I’ve already sketched the next.  Totem poles are sacred,  I am grateful for Canada's Indigenous people for their contribution to our country then & NOW.   .

I researched online for Animal Spirit representation and Totem poles animal meaning, Indigenous belief, traditions and art - I think back now to how little was actually taught about indigenous people of Canada and the loss of that knowledge, was truly a loss to our entire Canadian culture.  NOW - learning how Indigenous have been treated & continue to be treated - with more than most in incarceration, living in poor communities,  struggling with addiction, racism, government neglect, police abuse & even hospital neglect - it is absolutely not a part of Canada, I am proud of. 

There’s no time like the present to learn about others, to celebrate their gifts so we can all continue the journey together wiser & stronger… as we all walk each other home.     All these Totem creatures mean something, according to charts, my spirit animal is a wolf - my next Totem will be a wolf praying while painting, I intentionally ask God to continue to show me LOVE which keeps me in Awe - creating for the creator… much like the indigenous artists before and after me.

***

We highly recommend  Amend on Netflix. WOW.  Grateful for the education and sad for the realization… there are humans who judge for many things still. I must continually remind myself  people who sit around and INTENTIONALLY think nasty thoughts & acts are miserable, fearful & faithless.  
RISE Above, your faith in God & yourself  WILL  INDEED change the world for the better. 
​Leave it to God, shit will get done! lol   I think Ill paint that for my desk today. 
Norm & I were shocked at what we learned, well… I was until they got to the part about women,  it is by far one of the most inspiring & educational  shows I’ve watched, ever.

All paintings start with great intentions - or why even start.
Soon some are not going thedirection I first imagined and I start to wonder if I should even continue... yes!  My intentions were good and I just need to remind myself, not let myself talk myself, out of it.  It's easy to do - the difficult task wl be to work through each painting and see it to the end, not give up or walk away.
Isn't that most of us,  full of good intentions?  Are you?  Or are your intentions bad?

My intentions  to have a winter sky that you would want to be drawn to - these vibrant pink cool skies are breathtaking and breath awareness as you see what you say in a cloud of frozen mist.  It also reminds me of how covid can travel.   Soon the bear appeared  but it was going in a direction, I didn't for see.

A friend received his vaccine in the USA, I am happy for him as he is also a teacher & it's important if you are in particular forced to work during the pandemic (which won't be going anywhere soon)  amongst groups in particular, if it eases his mind, I am thrilled for him.  
Something still missing in the panting.. what would thrill this bear?  What thrills me out in the woods in the spring  - we never know what will pop up from under this blanket of snow.

Soon!  As the world turns.. it will be spring and morel season with more fresh air and less confusion surrounding covid (here's hoping).  So even though this painting took a few directions on it's own   it ended well because it started with GOOD intentions.   ;)
What are your intentions, what, who - do you  think about all day & are your intentions good?

​Don't you know...  you reap what you sew.

I'm off with more good intentions, wishes, miracles to meditate on & more.
More bears... the next bear is called the Discovery, sneak peek below.  
Look what a beautiful morning God provided  ALL OF US to start this day with good intentions!

Today up at 4:44  ready to lite the fire, read & await this beautiful day.  Look out the window &  witness the winter wonderland we live in.  My warm up painting, an imagined Jesus, pondering the pandemic current milestone.
2,000,000.   2 Million dead in a year and the way the numbers are rising, it will only take another 3 months to reach another million milestone.  No, I'm not being a pessimist - I read.
Canada is not nearly over the HUMP or curve or what ever you choose to call it yet..   Maybe March.
Vaccine confusion - will we now get 1/2…?   Will 1/2 be good enough?   Will it work with the new strains? Will we have to take a vaccine every year from now on?  What will the side effects be?
The answers seem to be something like this: 
Perhaps, maybe,  we don't l know, there are no guarantees, some it won’t help.
God Bless you.

Hmmmmmm…  much to consider as I paint a bear in the woods.   

The beat goes on...  as does life - even during a pandemic.It’s been a busy few days.. Norm put up the display at Canoe FM & it’s well received!  We are very happy Bumble & friends are making others SMILE this holiday season.  It’s nice to ‘hear each announcer  express their ‘Glee’.

While he set up the display - my cocks got into a fight!  IT was brutal… not something I ever want to witness again- they fought right out of the pen!  I knew those chickens could get out if they wanted.. they’ve not wanted to, obviously.  When Norm arrived home- Foghorn went running to him- it was sweet- but Gloria was chased by Daisy into the forest   She did come back once BUT Daisy saw her before us & the chase was on again. We have tried for 2 days to get him back.  I can hear him in the morning calling.. I know he made it back once…  I’m hopeful.  Chasing chicken in the woods, cause we have noting else to do -  ha… lol 

I’ve painted my newest set of birdhouses- these ARE bird houses!  I am tempted to keep them all…  it’s quite fun creating these custom bird houses= I think I’ve already got an idea for he next set. I’ve decided to only make 8 of each - one goes to me -so if you want one in particular you better get it before it’s gone, I won’t be re creating the same pattern twice. I'll show you them next!

Animal on the psilocybin drums.. the beat goes on!  Do something that makes you feel good!  Lord knows the news is OVERWHELMING -   keep yourself creative so you don’t get feeling like it’s too much… if there’s another lockdown - do you have something to keep yu busy are you prepared?

Winter is here! What outdoor activities can you do this year?  I might train my goat to pull a toboggan - hee hee hee.  Goats like to work actually, they love to be social.  For now - I’ll walk in the woods - still  searching for Gloria the nasty girl who likes to fight! When we get him back he will go into the chicken jail until he behaves.  Maybe after his adventure he will behave nicer to his fellow feathered family.

The beat goes on…  grab your sticks! 
with THC & TLC
 

30% of Snowbirds are still flocking south... WTFlock? 
I don't get it... on several levels.  I thought we were not encouraged to travel to the USA which is struggling with a pandemic?  I understood borders were still closed.  
Why would anyyone right now, want to vacation in the USA - have there been more turbulent times?  Will they be insured if they catch COVID?  
Will we fly them home AGAIN if shit hits the fan at our expense...  again?  
What if they get sick and bring it back...

I cannot be the only Canadian thinking like this.  
I also don't get it as most of these snowbirds are older, vunerable to catching covid.
I read one snowbird was missing "the beach, sun and cheap rum",  that said enough.
Sunshine & Alcohol  are worth it all?  To alcoholics, I guess.

I understand wanting to travel - especially if you own a condo down south and it's just sitting there - go... BUT this time I don't think the goverment should be responsible in anyway for your safe return.  It's NOT like the world is not aware of what's going on.  IF  YOU choose to go down south GO - but don't make other Canadians who choose to try to do what we are told to do, in order to slow a fucking pandemic killing thousands of Canadians & others around the world, pay for your selfishness.
For the sake of a tan & cheap rum is shallow & selfish.  

Clearly some don't think the rules apply to them..  and our government can't seem to get it's shit together so no wonder these loons thinks its safe to fly.  
Adios snowbirds,  Go! May you safely return in your cars and not coffins. 

With THC & TLC 
G



 

Robert was my first unofficial guest to our new home... He was the the person who hooked up the internet.  It was an incredibly hot day and he was on the roof.  Robert is proof if you have good employees it can help your business.  I've not beeen pleased with 'the company' he works for but I was impressed with his patience & kindness.  He was polite, & friendly & professional.  ​He reminds me of my own son & makes me miss my own son.   

Due to circumstance, Robert had to visit a few times and we've become friends ;).  He has chickens! I'm excited about getting chickens (hopefully this summer)  I have fresh eggs.
Learning portriat painting- you need humans, I prefer to take my own photos so I can get the light exactly so.  Robert  informed during his visits- he loves to fish, so I asked him to go & take a few photos of his fish hut for me  (I even drew a photo of how I'd like to see it).. he did and then I put it together in my studio.  His fish hut has a personality of it's own.

Robert liked his painting, when I first showed him he blushed! hee hee hee
His smile said it all & I am very happy he's happy.  I might paint Robert again in the future with one of his chickens.  When he was holding his painting I could see - I did do a fairly good job!  Both of us pleased.

I'm meeting so many lovely people up here..  everyday I wake excited to continue the adventure.  The next 3 portraits are lined up already & DeSerres delivers right to my door- happy day!  I ordered 10 canvas - today I start my next Portrait.

I am not a fan of ice fishing, Robert assures me that the ice is VERY thick and no harm shall come to him.   I was thinking of thin ice..  I read in the 12 rules for life-- Beware the thin ice on which we all skate.  Yep.  
It's difficult not to think of ice and snow.. surrounded by it, apparently we are to get more SNOW... weee.  20 cm.  Weee.. I'm also painting Bill the 'wood' guy too - my other new friend. lol   Enjoy your day!  I will!

​Georgia

My newest portrait was incredibly enjoyable to paint!   
A friend sent me a photo of his daughter while they were out on a winter adventure and I was instantly taken with it, I couldn't help but smile.  First she's a cute kid, my teeth use to be like that too.  The hat & rosie cheeks - I had to paint her & I knew she likes sloths already  (what little/big girl does not?) so why not!  My first child protrait, not my last.

It  kept me lighthearted while painting & I needed it.. It had been an incredibly stressful few days.  Painting for sure- brings me PEACE. Staring at a smiling face is always enjoyable & the time flew as did my stress - turning into bliss. 

With each painting I learn a bit more,  see differently and get slightly better due to practice.  I did realize with this painting I enjoy adding the aspect of imagination..  I'll play with object and imagine backgrounds in all furture paintings.   I've already started the next portrait -another winter theme - Tis the season- BRRRRR! This morning it was -25 when we got up and tomorrow is expected the same.. I had to wait until  my studio warmed to paint today.

I mailed the painting to my little friend and she loved it! She hugged it. hee hee hee 
It made my day - painting and knowing it was well received -double the pleasure.  
Her father shared a photo (below) - It makes me SMILE as big as the sloths smile.

Next my first Orr .. or is it ORE? The thing you row a boat with, not this one though.

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

My first painting of 'Georgie Porgie'...  I did not name the bluejay, the woman that runs the Animal sanctuary did.   As fate has it,  Monika and I go way back!  She use to call me Georgie Porgie then... I had no clue that she lived 10 minutes from us when we bought this house.  The universe has brought us together again.  & NOW she runs a Animal Sanctuary! : Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary  
Friends with befits! She said I can come & take photos & paint the animals if I desire. I do!

I was relieved someone would know what to do with my bluejay!
Monica tells me he seems a bit better, is eating and is quite the chatterbox.  I'm so happy he is still alive, I think if he kept falling on his back - it would only have been a matter of time before some other creature would have gotten him.  These photos are my inspiration and I have more.. I'm also going to pop over & visit him soon.  

The Sanctuary is having a fundraiser for Valentines day & I think it's a terrific idea! 
For only $30.00 you can sponsor a little furry/feathered loved one for your loved one.
A Wild One for your Loved One!  
I already sponsored Georgie but you can too - it will help to pay for his care & the care of many other animals Monika & her team take in.  

I'm going to paint Georgie - several times, this was the first Gouache on black acid free paper.  8 x 10.  The feathers were relaxing.. I had a hard time stopping. lol
IF you would like to purchase this painting for a donation to (minimum $50.00, includes shipping) - The Woodlands Animal Sanctuary, send me an e mail. You can pay them direct & I'll send it out!  All proceeds will go for the animals. Even shipping. ;) 

Here are some details on the Valentine day fundraiser - I know I'd rather have an owl, deer  or fox - better than a box of chocolates that are not so good for me or my hips..  Spread the love to our little friends who need it most.  After watching Australia & it's wildlife perish...
I think it should make ALL of us a little more aware and care. 

Have a terrific day!
It's giong to get to -25 tonight, I've got wood to stack & bluejays to paint!

With TLC & THC
​Georgia

​Below... my next 'canvas' & a gift for my son.

It's the year of the rat!  
I'm not fond of rats even tho they are just bigger cute mice. lol
I got to thinking about rats painting this and how rats convinced me to look further into cannabis when I started to research - long ago now, it seems.  There was  very positive scientific research on rats with cannabis - in particular the brain.  10 years later...
Rats are still showing the benifits of cannabis.  Humans too.   

I'm grateful humans have been helped by animal studies.. although I'm not fond of animal research for things like makeup..  things they do to animals in the name of OUR vanity is very despairing.  Thank you creatures great & small for your lives, taken by humans.

Reading about the new flu out of China is also depressing..  I've been watching the numbers rise and now a confirmed case in Canada. Many are paying attention. TIS the season anyway- so if you are sick STAY away from others, including me.  
No hugging - tis not the season to HUG!  Cover your mouth if you  are hacking, thank you. 

It's hard to 'imagine' as I look out at this beautiful wonderland  that anything awful is happing anywhere in the world.  It snowed - again.. I just had to take the girls out for a walk & the bluejays came too - I can't believe how many were shouting  "Good Morning!!!" 
​Snow shoes - I MUST get some or I'm not walking far - talk about a workout.
 2020 will be a terrific year for Cannabis & rats...     both a part of life. 

I'm painting another portrait - I asked a friend if I could paint his daughter since I don't have any children... Im excited to start- mostly because it will be a "fun' portrait using a bit of imagination.   Do what you love.

God wants us to to be JOYFUL! 
Be still & know. 

With TLC & THC
​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