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

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

Painting cards- inspires paintings!  Cute little scribbles- turned into cards- sometimes turn into paintings  - here is a perfect example.   How does Santa cure his bud?  This is how.. lol
There's still time to pick up a few Christmas cards - I've also sold a few!  

Looking at this painting - I still might add some snow & change the deers eyes - is art ever finsihed?  Occassionally.   Bird is loving the view! I've taken some fantastic photos of all the birds recently - the painting is starting to form in my mind- LOTS of birds - at the feeder- the painting will take a couple of weeks easy - not even started.  I've decided to sneak B507 (Bird) into the wild bird painting as well.  Bird has posed for me (see below). Weee!
​
Today I finish a fox & the ornament.  
​Paint every day - and you will master painting - and patience.. lol 

​HAVE a CREATIVE day - whatever you do! 
With TLC & THC
​Georgia

I went out to the porch to see the dogs surrounding the seed bin - only to find a DEER mouse inside. I was happy for a live model!  Needless to say - it was not alive for long - it returned & met Daisy a few days later.  
Nature - doing nature. I see the bluejays fighting - understanding they are teaching each other.  Nature.   There was only one mouse,  I painted three different poses. 

​I was warned about the dangers of deer mice (disease) from a follower on Instagram- no worries- I don't plan on inviting them in my home or making them pets. 

I took some beautiful winter photos this week.
Today, I'm painting Thank you cards, Christmas cards & a fox on wood.
EXCITED for the adventure before me. - Glistening inspiration is all around.
​ What are you creating? Baking? Making?  Tis the season!

With TLC & THC 
Georgia

Only in Canada you say?    Tweet Tweet!  
I love snow people.. painting them.. it's fairly easy - give it a go! 
Another joint card idea to spread a little holidy cheer for friend.  I've even come up with a cute way to attach the joints - keeping them completely safe for consumption it's a trade secret ;)

Well it's Friday, lots to do this weekend Christmas will be here soon enough - Norm made Storms  gift & it is amazing. I want one now too.. lol  We are as ready as we are going to be now I've got time to enjoy the tree, decorations and play with my pups - speaking of pups- Ginger cracks us up all the time, she is such a handful and into everything- so different from Poppy - it's like a different species lol  Yesterday she was determined to see what I was working on she sat here so long I was able to take photos & she looks as confused as I usually am .. hee hee  

Norm & I watched the Ozark on Netflix, and Norm said I remind him of Wendy'  I'm not sure to be complimented or concerned  - I'll take the compliment.  I love strong women in television/movies - no more of this 'girlie searching for a prince" shit... those days are done.
​  
I'm painting a canvas and gifts- still & a New little Mermaid painting - I was inspired to paint it after seeing  sea life at the bottom of the arctic ocean on a new Netflix series, in particular  the coral reef/ocean bottom  - that and making those ornaments for you to download next week!!  

The snow has melted- it's raining and the blue jays are calling - it's time to get back to painting - today I'm painting colorful cocks! lol
How many people can say that?
...inspired by life.

With THC & TLC
Georgia

Turn off the lights so you can see the stars shine!  It's 'dark week' and the idea is your turn off the lights in the evening so we can all see the stars more clearly!! It also helps with bird migration - although  birds still fly into  buildings for several reasons - city lights only confuse birds,  it's one if the reasons those giant lights were banned - like that light to search for batman - remember them?  I live outside of the city in the suburbs so I do see the stars a little brighter most nights especially  in the summer... I can walk to a field and they seem even brighter - if you have the opportunity to travel up north with even less humans the nigh sky is even more spectacular.   Who better to see it than a Chimp in space. Have you seen Rocket man? It's a good movie to watch with kids...  Harland & I went to Sheridan at the same time - he is a funny man.

I was watching Gaia yesterday  I really like Regina Meredith - if I could choose my woman friends- she would be one - I watched an old episode yesterday and I bet this guy is feeling mighty good about his little Facebook clip he made- it has turned out to become 100% accurate. Watch and see.  Jon   ​ on Secret SocietiesOpen Minds  from an episode in 2012.
Gaia is my favourite to listen & watch  as I paint.

Did I get you thinking about women being C*nts yesterday- good- because the truth is- some of these women - you should be most grateful for  - they teach us the best. I'm serious, 
and the things is.. I think these women have become Supreme bitches (meant in a positive light ) for a reason...  Experience.  There is a fantastic show on netflix - I highly recommend for women in particular- although Storm has found it equally as fascinating:  

                         The Ascent of Woman.         What an eye opener..
​
Many women in history portrayed as evil witches & bitches were no more than excuses to exterminate and degrade the other 1/2 of the planet. Do you know 80% of the witch trials- were women- legal ways to murder women, they even wrote a pamphlet to help easily expose such vial women.  Who was usually the first to hang? Outspoken, smart and  courageous women- healers- women who could help with herbs - teachers, educators... let's not forget if a husband wanted a new wife-  all he has to do was inform others  his wife was a witch, problem solved.

The thing is, I have young women friends- and they need to understand the struggles they have - I've had and continue to do so, struggles with others opinions, jealousy & competitiveness - even if YOU are not competitive- most others are.. this  'We all should get along'- is BULLSHIT-  it's just not how it is... we are not here to all get along - we are all here to teach each other.
​
Not everyone is going to like us- the sooner we understand and accept the sooner you learn to say: Phhhhhhhbt.   If everyone liked me - life would be  boring...  Do I 'hate' any of these women - no.  I admire them in the sense they keep going after what they want - an usually succeed.  Many display traits men have and are admired for, look into every 'nasty' woman and theres a bit of a story on how she became that way.. there are far more - staggering differences between the amounts  alone of 'evil men compared to 'evil women.  I know a few women I consider 'Tuff'  - C*nts even..  they come by it honestly & have some of my respect - even if I do not "like them".    

Facebook already makes it appear - life is 'honkey dorey'- only share the good.. all appear to play nicely - it's just an act. We don't - it's not real life - so learn... BE real with your kids- teach them about the good the bad and the ugly-  Ugly on the inside - I see no "Ugly' humans" only ugly intentions.  Each time I feel I've been HURT' - it's an opportunity to think, reflect and decide - how will I react? Make no mistakes- why let people away with crap, if you do they have a tendency to repeat- if your going to treat me poorly I will give the 'Heads up' to others-   I heard  a podcast -a woman shared - another woman said to her "I'd stay away from him if i were you" but the one woman thought the other was just being a jealous bitch and ignored the warning- only to be brutally raped by the person the other had warned about..   We have to listen to each other - even if we don't like each other.
We should protect each other- even IF we don't "like" each other.  
I share in hopes some might be educated- not feel so alone and  might even avoid some of the same  not so pleasant life experiences.
I'm not proud of my first reactions in many cases - but I am proud- in time - once I have time to think and process - I usually conclude  - how can we hate anyone who is just trying to do the best they think they can?  How can I hate anyone I don't KNOW.  
I can't.

Thank them! Thank them for the lesson- You know who you are- you beautiful bitches-  Calculating C*nts!...  lol    Thank you!
You teach me who I do not want to be and what I would like to aspire to instead, you are some of my greatest teachers.

Still cold, ice & snow.. good day to paint!  

With TLC & THC
Georgia

The perfect vapour bag.
Exhale the negative inhale the positive.
Exhale the bad shit inhale the good shit.

I heard today:
So old so soon.
So smart so late.

This weather!!
We in canada have had the coldest day of the year  (it was COLD- My nostrils hurt.
To yesterday the warmest n record - not a week later.. in January and tonight it's like frozen rain blizzard. Oh Canada.
Thankfully, we're content to paint the day away- the dogs get restless.

BUT Canadians, remember to  move your butt. Stretch, walk up and down some stairs... use it or lose it & I know some (like myself) are feeling the weather, it's the changing that has me  in pain and dramatic changes at that. Canadian weather is never boring.  As you see Below- Poppy is feeling the same way I do. Keep warm & stay safe on the icy roads.

with TLC & TLC 
Georgia

Snoopy & Charlie Brown are having some winter fun!!  & it's just begun...
Once that Christmas display comes down the yard looks lifeless.. the school bus passes  bye & I see the little eyes peering, noticing the giant 13foot snowman is gone... for 11 months. What about the rest of the year? 
Norm has been focusing on his props as it is his "passion' he sold a few of the Halloween props this past year including the  gates! Now there space for more, I figure - why not- lets make something 'small' for every month! I already have next months idea ready to start- you Know it' got LOVE in it.  Norm does the wood working and design how the Props will move.  Snoopy has his ears flapping in the wind. (You can see it work on Norms IG page -Peschel props.)

It's also called a 'compromise'.  Norm wants work done - so do I & like most working relationships- you've got to give to get - wait until you see the sweet little cut its I've been planning..   It amazes me how  we can't even seem communicate many days- but are still capable of working on these projects together.  
Since I too have a handy man at my disposal- I'll design some props & have some creative fun - for all our neighbours to enjoy ( I hope they do) I know it would give me a little smile to see these little shows of creativity..  who would you like to see!?? 
I think Im going to stick with another Snoopy for Valentines day- after all I LOVE Snoopy & Charles Schultz - "Sparky" the genius, the man, the humble human. IF' I could sit & hang out with someone - it would be Charles.   Others cartoonists- they get me. Some of my best real life friends are other artists/cartoonist... we understand each other to some degree I feel. Ironically,  lol - it was another cartoonist on Instagram- after seeing his office- I was inspired to clean up my act! Bill Alger - I am quite fond of his 'Hippie Protest monsters'- I figure Bill &  must be the same age, his treasures- give me a good giggle, I often think - I remember those! Especially his 'Get Screwed Men',  I'm searching for my own. hee hee hee
Trinkets & pets, surround yourself with love  & smiles. 

You can see Snoopys ears flap on the instagram account.

​Have a peek at the process, below,  Charlie Brown & Snoopy Playing in the snow! 
Please visit the sites i mention & show some support. 
We can all use a little help from our social media friends.

xox
​Georgia
​

A few weeks ago I was thinking vacation, I'm glad I did not go... it's too cold.
Planes are being cancelled and delayed -tonight is expected to feel like -35 to -40 with the windchill.  Poppy displays pain when she runs out and is out for too long, she wants to be with the other two. PLEASE let your dog's in - wait by the door and call them back in! It's so easy to become distracted.   With this weather I'd be on a beach worried about my dogs - so it's better to be home with them keeping each other warm & amused.  It's to continue tomorrow too!  Pyjama day? Hot mushroom coco? YES!

Storm bought me some really thoughtful gifts this holiday, I have enough stuff". Actually everything I received was thoughtful,  I love my tiny peyote plant most of all, he sits on my desk and I've named him 'Pedro.  I once knew a Pedro.  We watched another episode of Hamilton's pharmacopeia on the succulent... another plant that does not interest me other than for it's beauty and history, medicinal educational uses & cultural aspects.  From what I understand you would need a few & I'd rather watch Pedro grow & flower!  How lovely that will be.  It's the perfect size for my desk so it naturally demanded to be drawn!  A few times..   In the USA this plant is illegal.  The constant education surrounding plants & drugs in general has  made me think of all drugs and drug problems to be seen as problems and not crimes.      

Trump and his trumpiteers are at it again,  California started 2018 off selling legal cannanbis with terrific results from what I understand, although some are not happy completely with the new laws and regulations, I don't claim to be able to stay on top of it all...  but what I do understand -  this might be the  'Trump tipping point. 
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/04/us/politics/marijuana-legalization-justice-department-prosecutions.html​

It's cold out, I'm grateful I have cannabis - my bones are feeling this weather. 
Tis also the sneeze season! Stay warm.

​