Why the long face?    8x8 gouache on water colour.   Long faced bear - getting ready to hibernate.

On our recent adventure, I though I found a 'bears tooth' with some bones..  a megladon bear -lol. I shared it on social media an was told it's a deer toe - hooves bone, which  to me is rather a cool find.  I was relieved to find out it was not a tooth -that would have been a huge bear. It's exciting imagining all creatures in the woods.   Many mushrooms to discover   this season, I keep finding yellow amanita  in all sizes - they are favoured by slugs from what I can see by evidence of holes all over them -and the occasional slug still on them..
Everyday is an adventure! 

Soaking up the sun. 8 x 8 gouache on black

It's that time of year, there's stuff to do but you know it's getting colder & you want to soak up all the sunshine you can get (& heat).  Soak it up! Today went from 8 a.m.  layering a tank top, T & sweater to sitting in a tank top - sweating by noon.
What a beautiful day it is.  Sunday a day to relax, spend time in meditation and doing what you love- if you can.. sketching outside it the plan for this afternoon.  
​I hope you enjoy this day that the Lord has made.

​

It's Mushroom season & Storm came home with an amazing foray find  (not on our property, on a fiends)  & it's time to get the skillet ready!  Chicken of the woods an edible mushroom.  Look at that tree!  Tonight were having chicken & mushroom alfredo,  tomorrow deep friend chicken of the woods. Chicken of the woods - tastes like chicken, people claim they can't tell the difference.  I love all mushrooms so I'm excited to try them, my preferred way is simply to sauté some in butter, as there is an abundance to experiment with.  You can also dehydrate sliced mushrooms for a future date.  
​The orange is so vibrant - it is a bright as any pumpkin, isn't nature awesome, it makes me want to paint.

The past few days have been magical' the number of mushrooms that have appeared  is impressive. Today the girls and I will go on our own foray to explore, my wish is to find a blue mushroom, I know we have them as Storm has found them on the property before. It's cool & the mosquitos are on the way out - yay!  Good,  because it's also blackberry season.  Who doesn't love fall?   The trees are still green but slowly starting to yellow,  I can't seem to get enough of painting & playing with fall colours, it also has me watching halloween favourites like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burtons animated marvel.   Of course a painting will be inspired - Jack & Sally are a joy to recreate.  

​Get out an explore - Haliburton is a busy, beautiful adventure.  Remember IF you find mushrooms, make sure you know what they are -and always cook them, I read an article that no mushrooms should be eaten raw.  Better safe than sorry.  I keep thinking of the dog that dies recently from eating mushrooms, I have never seen my dogs even sniff -they come and see what Im looking at but have never expressed any decide to consume, if you notice your dog looking at a mushroom, discourage them, I'd go so far as a tap on the nose with a firm "NO!" , that being said , It I think is rare.. my girls have never expressed any interest in mushrooms -cooked or in the forest.

Best to educate your dogs & kids & yourself when foraging for anything.  The mycological society of Toronto is a great place to learn more.  I'm grateful Storm knows his mushrooms, he's teaching people how to grow Shitake in kits! I'm thrilled because we always have fresh mushrooms, especially the medicinal like lions mane great for the brain, turkey tail tea & Chaga are a regular drink for me.  

I hope you find some chicken of the woods to have for dinner - either way -hug a tree when out there, you'll feel better - I do.  So many trees to hug - so little time. lol   Grateful for another day & adventure - Thanks be to God.

+                            Temptation.                               2 page spread in small dedicated sketchbook. gouache.

What was Adam doing when Eve was being tempted? In the beginning -there's Adam & Eve in the garden,
Adam is busy naming creatures & working the land and Eve explores & picks fruits and herbs & vegetables for dinner...    
God gave them all they need with every seed. God gave us all we need in every seed.

The creation of earth & humans and creatures is a fantastic image' to ponder.  He also gave them/us choice' -with one rule which we all know by now, because of a tempting snake - the one rule was broken.  They did not surely die physically when they are the forbidden fruit but they died in innocence. 'Ignorance is bliss' - no more.  I'm starting at the beginning, again. & each time - I love it, every time I read the word of God I find it more helpful, educational, fascinating, insightful & inspiring!  I also read a book about the creation of the bible and it's amazing when you know the history, what a privilege it is to be able to read what was once only available to Kings & Queens, royalty & the elite.  The painting above is in a tiny sketch book I have dedicated to  Bible inspirations,  I don't give them too much thought, it's more about exploration.

I realized  it's all about choice but that's the tricky part - We all must choose.  What is good & what is bad?  No sitting on the fence.   The bible has pretty clear instructions on most if not all of it, life lessons that still apply today, lessons that help us decipher the difference.  Lead me not into temptation. I'm so tired of this pronoun crap - who cares?  I care more if the person is a nice human - nothing to do with their sex or preference. It's not my business - it's their choice.  
It' appears  just one more way to separate & divide -  especially on social media.  Divided we fall - all.  

God is clear on the creation of humans:  Genesis 1:27:
                                   
                                                              So God created mankind in his own image,
                                                                 in the image of God he created them;
                                                                 male and female he created them.

There are many issues discussed more often than sexual preference or homosexuality in the bible, like don't gossip,  Love your neighbour, don't do to others what you would not like done to you, don't lie, pay someone for their work, don't judge & work hard & most importantly forgive each other. What some choose to focus on when they read it, with the intentions to use against others (to judge others) - is not what the bible teaches.  
Not what Jesus teaches.  It does teach that we should do all we can to encourage others about the word of God & especially Jesus,  Loud & proud... that's what I hope to do with my art.  I can't 'force anyone - I can only inspire... but truthfully I tell you - it has not only inspired but it has saved my life  & made it better,  made me thankful for every day.   Prayer changes things.  Today I thank God again, for putting me 'here' so I can watch the leaves change, surrounds by nature.
Gods creations - every rock, leaf & mosquito...  like it or not.

Another Adam & Eve below...   what a great way to start - In the beginning. 
​Created to create- May God bless you & keep you from temptation today! 

                                                              Mind blowing..   8 x 8 gouache on black

Watching happenings around the world right now is mind blowing...    Conspiracy theories about Hawaii set a flame intentionally, to acquire much sought after land not previously available (owned by the native people who refused to sell for generations)  who thinks it will be re built with luxury hotels?    I do.   The cost? Lives & suffering.

I was reading an article about the fires across Canada shown on a map -then compared with the rest of the world...
WTF EH!?  Looks a little fishy, don't you think?  
Do you think?  I know it's easier some days  'not to think, just be.    
Then I read Ottawa is giving (around -possibly more) $74 M to build a 'small modular nuclear reactor development  in Saskatchewan. Minden had to shut down a much needed hospital, because of no funds.  Imagine what $73M would do to benefit  homeless & hungry Canadians  (the numbers are growing) already stressing & struggling and worried about the anticipated heating bills as winter approaches. Is it any wonder tent cities are growing? Food banks are struggling? Imagine, IF  that money was put to preventing & fighting forest fires, training firefighters.. or towards daycare or  drug overdoes education.  People can't find affordable' housing  I was reading a semi detached  townhome in Toronto is on average a million dollars.  & I don't have to tell Canadian about the cost of groceries! 2 bags of chips (lays family size) is $10.  Potato chips.  

I have never liked even the word Nuclear' -I guess because when we were kids we were taught to hide under our desks in the event of a 'nuclear attack' - LOL! Now being an adult & understanding the devastation that such an attack would cause -it is comical we were taught to hide under our desks.  Have you watched 7 days -about the plant in Japan that was damaged from the tsunami? How it will take at least another 40 years to clean up - as the employees piss blood daily?  Ottawa can appear  to find money for   'specific things' when it wants to.  It blows ones mind you think about it too long.

If you'd rather not think about it, I get it, it's little overwhelming some days... take a break & have some fun:
​ in the photo below are 5 frogs - can you find them?

Have a creative day - God bless you and keep you safe for another days adventure!
Praise Jesus!

Pooh & Piglet (kinda) falling for you.        8 x 8 gouache on black

    Not yet...   but,  the leaves -  they are a changing.   

 "I sit beside the fire and think
 Of all that I have seen
Of meadow flowers and butterflies
In summers that have been 
Of yellow leaves and gossamer
In autumns that there were
With morning mist and silver sun
And wind upon my hair."

 — J.R.R. Tolkien

​

Ready for harvest.  gouache on watercolour 8 x 12 

Chilly mornings, drizzle... picking vegetables - it feels like fall. I was playing with 'fall leaves colours' but they are not bold enough - next time!  Sitting, painting outside is such a pleasure -especially with fewer mosquitos, now that the cooler weather is here and they disappear -or are at least slower & easier to swat.  This painting was inspired looking at my sunflower patch.  I didn't grow any cannabis this year, simply because we forgot... if anything I miss nibbling on fresh peppery bud, perhaps next year.  Many will be harvesting soon, medicine along with vegetables and herbs!   I already have Yarrow bunches & oregano hanging in my studio to dry, it smells lovely in there.

It's the time of year when you see the sunshine you try to get out & enjoy it, as we all know what's on the way - snow shovels!  Mitts and hats...  but for now - it's still t shirt weather as I pluck mega zucchini, cucumbers & hot peppers -kale too, I like kale as do the chickens.  The sunflowers will be cut and hung to dry & then placed in the cook over the winter to give the ladies a treat.    Happy last days of summer, enjoy them while we have them.
​

                                                                 Before slumber  prayer      8 x 8 gouache on black

This prayer is in ACIM, it's simplicity  resonates with my heart & mind & soul...
therefore, I painted it.  
Peace be with you.
 

​Created to create.

A forest in a mushroom.      7 x 7. gouache on watercolour paper

​A yellow Amanita!   We usually see a red amanita - in the forest and illustrations.  This is the yellow cousin'.  
Some claim edible, IF it's cooked right but I would not chance it, still they are lovely to behold and paint.  
It's a busy time of year harvesting plants to dry and vegetables to freeze, pickle & consume... the dogs are loving it -
​all this outdoor adventure & forest exploring.  

Tis wood chopping season - so we won't be freezings !  Chop wood and carry water.   
God created  man to work the land...  Not drink, sit & Netflix.  :)    
I remind Norm it's what keeps him healthy, mind & body... not sitting, drinking and Netflixing' but being active, lots of dead trees to cut down.  He can thank me later, when in 6 feet of snow & the house is warm & toasty. lol.   I thank him for his work & listening to me, without 'too much' of an argument.    

​Speaking of Netflix - I watched Pain killer - about OXY and the family that created it - OUCH on many levels. Watch it, see what happened, is still happening & ending with Matthew Broderick (fantastic in this) getting what he deserves.  I don't want to spoil it but I thought -YIKES!  Yes, I guess that is a fitting ending for him from the many who lost someone they loved - because of their LIES.   What good is all the money in the world  if you sell your soul in the process and are hated by millions.  The main character  telling the story -Uzo Aduba was also perfect & powerful.  It was food for thought  in many areas, including incarnation in prisons (American & Canadian) for 'drug dealers' while the biggest drug dealer is swimming in his private pool in his living room'. Messed up.    I am so glad I never took OXY for anything...   
 Cannabis - for pain... mental & physical.  Amen.

HiHo! Hiho! It's into the forest we go!
created to create.
​

           Love You Sloth.  8 x 8 gouache on black 

This morning I quickly sketched & painted this sloth to send some love into the universe.

How difficult must it be for those in Hawaii, some of the images  of the devastation are beyond comprehension... how will they build again, where will they even begin.   Last week I was reading about the plight of the natives with all the outside elite buying up the land,  like Mark Zuckerberg & Oprah for example,  both purchasing  hundreds of acres, in part  responsible for driving up prices making it unable for the 'locals to afford living where they were born.  
Thousands more  are now homeless and many unaccounted for  now presumed dead.  
Say a prayer they might find peace today and feel loved, Loved & Joyful to be alive... if not now, soon.

Count it all joy my brothers,  when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that
 the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2

I also created a tiny terrarium from an old fish bowl I had lying around,  filled with dirt,  rocks & moss
​I found on the driveway​, a new home for E.T.
  The tiny white mushrooms in it are real, it is a bit of forest on my desk.

                                                                      Cardinal. 8 x 8  gouache on black

I enjoyed painting the other bird so much I decided a cardinal in the fall would be lovely.  I have not seen a cardinal here, I did see some further south, I love the big red beaks.  I have one more bird idea to paint today...  I was going to paint bugs bunny but don't want to rush it so it's on the desk, waiting.  I'm obsessed with light , shining through the forest... I'm actually looking forward to winter with more branches & sky for more experimenting.   They make a lovely set', if I do say so.

I've been having an adventure in the garden! Storm showed me an Ap. called 'Picture this - you simply hold your camera up to any plant in the garden and it tells you what it is. It also shares plant info & even culture. The 'culture is neat as it sometimes has poems, history on uses  The first plant I took was Yarrow, there was a huge bunch growing in the garden, it's now hanging and drying in the studio - good for tea to help with colds and fever, crushed it also stops bleeding.. it's often used fresh - roll up a leaf and place it in the nostril to stop a bleeding nose.  I read about  'Lady's Thumb which should be pulled as it's invasive and will choke out other plants, it's growing wild on the side - out it comes. There were many plants I was curious about  -now it's as easy as taking a photo.  I then, just to be sure, also check with one of my garden, herb recognition  books to be accurate.  The ap is the perfect start and has been 100% accurate when I cross reference.  

The timing is perfect as everything blooming and soon they'll die with the end of another season.  I should have an abundance for the natural 'medicine' cabinet & teas for every reason!  Raspberry leaf tea has many benefits - today I'm stocking up.  They grow wild all over the property.  There are precautions with everything so the better you educate yourself the better off you will be . I tend to think of it this way now: Pop & many other products' which have been available & been around forever has been proven harmful to us...  look at recent awareness and admitting artificial sweeteners are causing all sorts of neurological problems and should be banned, long after the fact that they have indeed caused already much damage.  I'll take my chances with organic honey & maple syrup and plants.

There is also have an Ap. for recognizing mushrooms but I'd be especially careful - know your mushrooms or DO NOT eat them, in the news last week a woman made lunch for relative and several died, was it intentional - who knows.    I read about a dog who ate mushrooms and died too, which leaves me shaking my head - perhaps it's just meant to be.  Stuff happens.  My dogs although they have seen many - hundreds with us on walks over the years  -have NEVER eaten a mushroom or showed any desire to do so. Even when cooked on pizza, they spit them out, peas too, it's why I don't buy dogfood that has peas in it.  Birds know what to eat & not eat- they just do...  God made sure of it.   The couple is trying to ban mushrooms- how about you take the time to train or educate.  I think a mushrooms course should be taught to elementary school kids emphasizing -KNOW what they are and NEVER eat anything you find in the wild unless you do, kids are smart...  it's usually toddlers who die from eating mushrooms that have not been taught. Below some photos of the garden - growing amazing, considering all the rain, it's raining now, at least it's not snow... yet.  

​Get out on an adventure & learn about plants.

White-eyed vireo.    gouache on black 8 x 8. 

A couple of leaves have fallen on the driveway, this means the birds will soon be on their way.  The humming birds - I'll miss most as they have been a delight & entertaining, the other day Storm & I watched a pair fight for at least 10 minutes in mid air, darting and circling one another until I thought for sure one would fall to the ground.  They are very territorial.  White-eyed vireos were in the garden off and on all summer, they enjoy the feeder & black sunflower seeds.  Little vibrant dashes of yellow fluttering around, I thought would look nice amongst fall colours.

Most leaves are still green & I'm in no rush for them to change but the chill in the air definitely has me thinking of fall & it's many shades.  Today, it's all about cutting herbs and picking flowers to dry as I've researched medicinal gardens'. For example I'm picking and drying Yarrow, know to help for fighting off colds & a fever and stopping bleeding, there is a huge bunch growing beside my water barrel waiting to be picked, hang to dry, pulse to chop and store of tea.  Herbal medicine is making a comeback.  I've also been reading natural medicine's will be harder to come by -I've been reading about it for at least 5 years, natural medicines also have fewer side effects that man made prescription drugs.   I was watching a documentary on how women use to be the healers the original 'shaman' of long ago.  While men hunted, women foraged for plants - healing many in the process, traditions passed down from generations... causing some to think they were witches' instead of healers.  The light, education, history (and time) now exposing the truth - women were the first doctors,  we still are usually the main 'caregivers' & the first to look after our sick children & family. 

It brought up memories of a great book I read long ago - Clan of the cave bear..
I think I'll plan it for winter reading, again. 
Let there be light! Shine on truth & bring healing!

"Let there be light"...  the first words God speaks in the bible that are apply to everything.
Let your light shine!   Amen.

​ Bugs Bunny next - and a 'bad trip' .

It's raining, again...  pouring.   I'm not complaining, I love the rain even though it plays havoc with my arthritis, namely my hands... they just need a little more time to warm up before painting.  I've been reading about rubbing actually chilly spice with olive oil on my hands - I'm going to try.  I'm also going to try to take some in capsule form as I've been reading many say they notice a difference after a few days.  I've been enjoying 'candied garlic'.  Garlic that's been sitting in honey for a few month - when you feel a little run down or a cold possibly coming on it's recommended. I think it taste so good - I don't need an excuse.

With the rain comes mushrooms!  Storm on a recent foray found both Chanterelle's & HedgeHog mushrooms (as shown above) both very fresh. I didn't have time to paint them as they both ended up in the pan pretty quickly, lol.  Both very tasty!  There's all sort of recipes from pasta, pickled mushrooms to soups but we like them simply fried in butter to experience the true taste.  We then topped them on Pizzas - also made by Storm which were delicious.  The absolute positive side of covid was everyone learned to cook from 'scratch' more!  I don't really want any other pizza now that I know how tasty his pizza is.  I'm grateful my son knows his mushrooms and grow us lions mane & oyster mushrooms  - good for the brain and my favourite fried! In the spring we should have an abundance of Shitake he has prepared them in logs... its educational and enjoyable to see them start to grow.  I also prefer them as much as meat.  Grow your own food!    Soon I'll be cooking zucchini  in bread, fried and in stew, pasta too!  We have an abundance this year.

We also acquired a few new chicks - they are adorable running around the coop, as well as 4 ducklings but sadly a hawk got one the other day.  The man at the feed store educated us a plastic owl probably won't work and suggested hanging CD which we have now, at least 10 are twirling in the coop.  As time has passes, I've learned to not I get attached to any chickens -this way I avoid being heartbroken when something happens.  Bird2' a.k.a cheeky f*cker as he is called is not like my last bird, he has attitude!  Especially when I play music - if he does not like it, you know it.  He prefers classical and is not a fan of  The Smiths.    He flies outside his cage now a couple of times a day but always returns and never lands anyplace but his cage.  My last bird use to sit on my lamp above my desk, I still miss that tiny pecker.  
​Isn't nature amazing?  

​Time to paint: Let there be light!

           Love      gouache on black 8 x 8               Let all that you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:14

Love God first & it becomes easier to love others... mostly.    
It's easy to love God & Jesus... it's the others humans I struggle with, mostly.  Each lesson is one God would have us learn to bring us closer to Perfect Love.  With  Perfect Love - comes Perfect Peace.  I painted these peaceful chimps pondering Gods love - me & them. I've started to believe the reason we don't have perfect Love with others (just look at every relationship & divorce rates) is so that we can realize & have only one Perfect Love.  That Perfect Love helps & teaches us love all others, mostly. 

To show love to yourself & God, sometimes walking away is the path to peace for all.   Staying in an abusive relationship grows anger, resentment & hateful feelings - not love.  It's one part of the bible I struggle with the most. God was very aware we will have relationship issues as it states in the beginning, in Genesis.  Thanks to the snake... women will  suffer during child birth & struggle with their husbands but they will rule over us. Unfortunately, many husbands have come to think this means tolerating  constant control, abuse, being thought of & treated as mere property,  enduring years of mental & physical abuse.  That is not how God expects husbands to treat their wives.  God is very clear - husbands are to love their wives the same as the love they have for their church & God. There are many examples of love in the bible for those who care to learn.  Our Choices are what decide our fate, not God.

Trudeau is splitting with his wife, I'm not shocked, regardless of how I feel about him as our PM, marriage is very difficult & divorce is too, especially for children.  It's also very stressful being a high profile family, when strangers from all over the world comment on every action, focusing on tiny details  that are frankly, none of our business.  In his recent post - attending the Barbie movie with his son, many comments are simply nasty.  I get Canadians being angry with his actions but not to take out frustrations on his family or  kids... his son has grown but is still a kid, albeit  he must realize what he was getting into - being 'in it' since a kid.  

I am thankful for realizing & feeling  the Love of God.  I thank Jesus for teaching me how.  I am lost without it.
Let all that you do be done in Love - every painting is created with love - or I don't paint.  

Created to create.

                                        Sparks of imagination.  8 x 8 gouache on black

I wonder what creatures think when they see fireworks... if only they were silent, fewer creatures would be frightened.
This young chimp above is enjoying the show, he may as well... as it doesn't look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Drone displays are impressive but they must need quite a bit of man' power & practice, costing quite a bit financially &  hours.  Displays in the sky created  with projectors will be the way of the future.  Remember the old school house?  We'd light that as kids and it would make a cord of (?) burnt substance fascinating to watch grow?   I did see a new version of that concept which was more accurate visually & and amusing - a dog pooping', I'm sure it has many wee ones giggling.  
I have no intentions of purchasing one. Someone should make them with peoples custom dogs printed on the package - it would sell... perhaps. 

 I'd like to encourage other creatives to explore:  The Creative Act. By Rick Rubin 
It has several suggestions that have peaked my curiosity & different ways to approach an already existing creative process. I've been listening to the audio book while painting.  It's for visual artists as well as writers and musicians anyone striving to create & create consistently.   Several topics discussed made me feel pretty good too, I never seem to struggle with artist block any longer. It was Chuck Schultz autobiography that helped with that. Knowing I am on the right 'creative path'...To create for the creator first and not be concerned of anyone else is particularly helpful.  Paint above all else for pure passion & enjoyment.  Paint consistently! I do - daily for decades.   Follow what sparks your imagination - giving no consideration to others or their opinions.  My binder collection is proof of how many things have sparked ideas.  Every now and then I take them out to look for something and am reminded of how much I create.  It  has progressed my skills as an artist at a faster rate than reading about techniques of others by actually just keep painting.  Break the rules! Explore new material and ideas - start with what you have, there is no excuse not to create.  
​ Creating is what you are here to do - your purpose, anyway that brings you joy.

​Time to create some sketches for the next creation. 

                                                                     Forest bathing            8 x 8 gouache on black

Soon the leaves will be gone, it's time to do as much forest bathing as possible!  We are one with the forest & all nature.  
My preferred pastime or hobby - watching leaves wiggle in the wind, beyond relaxing - comparable to watching ocean waves.  Monkeys take a lot of time, much layering and looking - bears for example, I just know to paint fur so beyond the initial sketch - not much 'looking is required.  The last chimp -I added an ear where there wasn't one - just to see what it looked like, no one noticed  or f they did, no one remarked.  See it now?  This sun also represents the eye of God.  If I was to display them I'd have them side by side - looking at each other.  They are in fact inspired from the same image.  I just flipped it... how different they look! How amazing our brains are!!  I think today I'll paint a third example to see how it turns out.  I already have the setting imagined' -perfect for this holiday Monday.

 This summer we did not have to water the garden once - God did ;)   It rained often enough to keep it going & growing, the downside is I still have many green tomatoes which I hope will ripen the next couple of weeks. The harvest has not been picked,  peppers & zucchini still on the vine, soon baboon, soon. 

We attended mass yesterday after being absent for 2 weeks and it was lovely! I'd miss it if  covid rules applied, it's not the same on ZOOM - no coffee, smiles & laughter afterwards.  I giggled on the way home as the woman behind me had slipped  me a note  (written in lovely cursive) to respond to &  I felt like I was in middle school and Storm laughed too. heehee
She also said  "I'm so happy to see you today."  I was happy to see her & her  husband as well, I notice he alway wears a bolo necktie, yesterdays was a steam engine a  tiny work of art! I have one, it's Mickey Mouse - I'll look for it to wear next week to show him  ;).        How nice was that simple remark - I'm happy to see you... very.   It's a tiny congregation - big on love, easy to understand why they attend.  Our last parish had hundreds and I made many friendships (I still have today) but the intimacy of only a few feels  unique ' yet equally as powerful and inspiring.  I'm so fortunate to have a son who encouraged me to attend mass - lol.  Guess what?  -It's pouring out...  Great day to paint!!
Happy Holiday Monday! 

Created to create

The eye of God. gouache on black 8 x 8

The images of the universe are incredible, the 'eye of God' -  awesome.  Last night we had a fire (happy the fire ban is over) the sky went from blue to black as we sat with the dogs & enjoyed the ambiance, the stars were impressive - as always.  August is here and it's getting chilly instantly, a few yellow leaves have fallen on the driveway - bring out the 'fall attire.  
As awesome as the night sky is the trees will soon be displaying their magnificence in shades of orange, yellow & red. Spending fall up here one weekend over a decade ago is when I fell in love  with the Algonquin Highlands & the forest... It's absolutely worth the drive!  The Haliburton forest <(check out the website to see all there is to do!) is incredible to experience any time of year but the fall is the most impressive display of Gods constantly changing creativity.
You should check it out if you can.

This primate ponders the universe & the eye of God, understanding - we understand so little of what's out there in the universe.  Trust in God, to show us everything in time... it's really all we can do. His gaze seems to be slightly off' - as deep in thought, trying to take it all in as he is reminded: We are stardust. 

Enjoy the day & night - Tomorrow is a holiday in Ontario Canada - a wonderful time to explore the forest.

​created to create

                                                       Jesus, How sweet it is to be loved by you!  gouache on Black

I have a thing for smiling bears lately.  I'm still smiling over the tiny miracle yesterday.
I feel loved, thankfully.  I am reminded Jesus loves me.
My creator loves me!  We are loved. 

There have been times in my life, I have not 'felt loved.. how about you?
Not until I learned and found Jesus & embraced him - have I ever felt so embraced.
Amen!   Teach Only Love - as that IS what we are.

We were created  by LOVE to be loved and loving!  
"Love each other as I have loved you."
It's ALL about LOVE & creation. It's that simple.

Let there be light -yesterday was full of miracles!       Georgia... On my mind

Yesterday my day started with miracles! First, I woke up at 3:06 and craved a blueberry scone, I never eat in the middle of the night.  Needless to say, it was tasty and cured the craving but I couldn't fall back to sleep so I lay there pondering and waiting for the everyone to wake up.  At 6 I turned on my computer & see I had an e mail from someone I had been thinking about just hours before.  I went back to bed, I was sore actually...  I kicked the ball wrong (in flip-flops) & broke my baby toe, black & blue and hurt every time I moved under the blanket, I guess it's why I couldn't sleep.  A danger that comes with the job -lol, it will heal.  Everyone up, I still lay there which I don't normally do & then... "it appeared".

The painting (above) I did a while ago hangs in my bedroom close to the ceiling, far from the window. I witnessed something I've never seen.  Suddenly, my painting started to glow, as if a flash light beam was on it!  The painted sky became bright - I was amazed. I thought I was seeing things but I watched and it just got brighter! A light danced on the ceiling too,  I looked over at the window and the sun was no where to be seen - if it was it would have shone on the floor, not on the ceiling, on the opposite side of the room. Luckily, I thought to grab my camera because I knew no-one would believe me and filmed, then it started to slowly fade. The photos are stills I took from the video. It was hi-lighting a tiny deer I forgot was there,  you can only see if you are up close!  Lighting it's path so lovely.  I'm tempted to go back and paint it (like above).  I watched stunned, as it glowed so bright. Theres no glass on the painting, it's canvas, there is no glass anywhere near to cause the light on the ceiling either - it looked as though it was coming from the painting.  Anyhow, the thought that came immediately to my mind was: The meek shall inherit the earth.       
Then the light faded and I watched a  while longer but it was gone.  

Needless to say, I was excited to paint I jumped out of bed...  as I carried my drawing paper outside with my coffee in the other hand, a golden dragonfly - as if covered in fine gold glitter landed on my finger holding my cup!  I was again amazed and just stood there... it stayed a moment, long enough for me to wish it "Good Morning!" & admire the golden sparkle -then flew off. I couldn't stop smiling. & I painted a new smiling bear titled:
Jesus! How sweet it is to be loved by you.   (next post)

I thought I'd share because it was "super cool, the timing... everything. I don't care who believes, it doesn't matter, there are some who never believe.  I expect miracles! Everyday we wake up - is a miracle! Every flower, bug, bee, tree... all miracles of God.  You reading this - are indeed a miracle!  Interesting enough, I had thought of giving this painting away a few days ago. I'm going to keep it - exactly where it is and every time I look I'm now  reminded of that tiny deer in the trees - with  it's path  lit...  all paths lead to him.

Below is todays bear I was going to share. Happy as can be with a butterfly wishing him a hello, I painted him the day before -experimenting with a blue forest.  A photo of Ginger & I enjoying the sunshine was snapped -she makes me laugh!
After the rain last night my hands are sore, while they loosen up I'll starting this grey, overcast day with some Bugs Bunny, I have a new DVD - 'The Golden Carrot collection' with lots of bonus material... as I consider my next painting.
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Have a creative day - EXPECT miracles.

                      Grin & bear it!  gouache on black 8 x 8

             I am not a body.  I am free.  For I am still as God created me.    ~ACIM.

Can you imagine this bear sitting in the forest? I can - clearly.  Smiling at the sunshine caressing his fur making him feel good, warm & reminded of God and the magnificence of the forest. Every petal, leaf & creature - give thanks. He was painted with a very tiny brush, love in each stroke.

       Grin & Bear it... life.  Not always easy but if we can celebrate it anyway & thank God for each day - it is bearable. I know.
​I say this especially pertaining to chronic pain.  All things are lessons God will have us learn.  In season 3 of  'The Chosen Jesus explains to little John why he has not healed him and I cry, every time.  I have the series on DVD so yes, I have watched it a couple of times - I love the visuals' as well as the message.  I'm excited for season 4.  I know many who at the first sign of pain & discomfort run to hospitals and hospitals are NOT the cure all many think they are.  I just read an enlightening article in the National Post about Canadian hospital FACTS..   A hospital secret: 1 in 17 Canadians is harmed or even dies due to hospital mistakes.  I know it's true, I've known a few people very close to me who have indeed suffered and died due to hospital fuck ups.  Every time I think of one in particular it still brings me to tears & then anger.  Also my friend Marie who was fine and went in for a simple knee surgery and died a few days later.  I've not asked my friend(s) if they sued or were compensated, because -nothing ever compensates for the death of a loved one  due to an accident while in the hospital that we trust - with our lives. Good luck even trying - I just read of a woman who had her breast removed and then was told: Ooops - we made a mistake & it's more common than you think.
I don't encourage friends or family to undergo any procedure. I tried to talk Marie out of it.  ;(

My own step dad Billy, now passed had a hip replacement and became very ill after surgery - spending months in the hospital, they removed the part after a few months only to realize it was eating away at his flesh & making him sicker.  My mom still has the part.   ​I do encourage you to watch (on Netflix) the Documentary:  The Bleeding Edge. 

      If you think there are not days I still cry and consider another brain surgery, (for a second) - you are mistaken.. I do.
I would never wish 'this' on any enemy although, I  do wish some could experience it for a few hours to better understand what I deal with.  God has me here, God keeps me here... God reminds me of why I am here.  I've struggled with God, asking 'why' but then something happens 'a sign', reassurance of some sort and I Grin & Bear it.   I try to tell people to put their faith in God first, not doctors and absolutely before hospitals.  Never forget hospitals, doctors are a business - out to make money. 'Do no harm' seems to have been lost in the shuffle. I would like to state: a hospital never intentionally kills people - but we all know that to be untrue as well.  Some nurses/doctors have been exposed to do exactly just that - murder.      Put your faith in God FIRST.  

Life is not pain free & sometimes the pain is what makes JOY all the greater.
Research, try natural alternatives - try everything you can before you go under the knife.

Trust in God.  Ask God  for the strength to endure.  
ALL things are lessons God will have us learn & others learn through us.

Now, to thank God,  I'll go paint, enjoy the sunshine, trees, bears, dogs & the occasional humans company.
Created To Create.... Praise Jesus!
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