Palm Sunday-----and Chesterton's 'Donkey'

                    

                                              THE DONKEY-G.K.CHESTERTON

                                 When fishes flew and forests walked
                                And figs grew upon thorn,
                                Some moment when the moon was blood
                                Then surely I was born.

                                With monstrous head and sickening cry
                                And ears like errant wings,
                                The devil's walking parody
                                On all four footed things.

                                The tattered outlaw of the  earth,
                                Of ancient crooked will,
                                Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
                                I keep my secret still.

                                Fools! For I also had my hour;
                                One far fierce hour and sweet;
                                There was a shout about my ears,
                                And palms before my feet.
                            
                           

                            

STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER------?

    They may not be strawberry fields forever, but our little hanging basket of strawberries brightened our morning. Joe from the coffee shop brought them when he called in with Mary his wife.

We were given strict instructions to place them in sunshine out of the wind, so they now hang on our roof terrace facing south.

We have been watching their progress with interest, fascinated by the steady growth of the little fruits.

Maybe if we wish hard enough we will have strawberries and cream for Easter tea!

 Maureen.

       

Lights on the Water -----and those reflections.

Through the window the lights reflect on still,dark water,---- mesmerising, with a drawing power that never fails to magnetise me.

Evening is here, the sun has set, and the sky is still a dusky blue before velvet darkness arrives.Its a hypnotic moment for me, a moment like so many here, when time seems eclipsed and a peace that is magical reigns.

Those reflections, shimmering , scintillating, warm the soul, moving it deeply below the liquid watery depth into mystery of the unknown,--- inviting, captivating and speaking of something deeper than we know.

Maureen.

The Scent of Freesia-----

The scent of freesia fills the room this morning as the sun filters through,-the fragrance haunting beautiful with  that  sad-sweet note that pervades my senses.

Joe brought them from the little flower shop early, knowing how much I love them.

They were an important part of my wedding bouquet, and when my Mum died, we filled her room  with freesia,- the memory lingers.

 Somehow, freesia are woven into my being, they seem to belong with me as part of my heart and soul.They speak to me so much of Beauty  Hope, and  the delicate ,

translucent lightness and brightness that I feel will be Heaven.

Maureen.

Keeping the balance -and enjoying the moment.

An Evening on the Terrace.

I tend to be someone who loves Life, loves being creative;-I can't live happily without a sense of animation and vibrancy, I love interacting with people, ---the trouble is, I'm also very sensitive, very susceptible to stress.

I know that all the time I need to try to keep a balanced approach amid the often confusing situations that each day brings. For me the way that helps most is the holistic attiude, where the focus is kept on a sense of wellbeing that tries to harmonise the physical and spiritual, and a balance between being active and being still. ---I really need to give myself time for this stillness.

For me stillness is found in many ways,-usually simple: maybe a short evening meditation by candlelight,maybe watching a lovely sunrise or sunset, we are so lucky to live with a beautiful view through the window.

Sometimes as I paint a lovely scene, my mood becomes reflective and leads me deeply into a stillness that is so peaceful.

Summer Fields-Acrylic on stretched canvas.

Whatever the way, I know that I need this stillness, just as much as I need the activity; infact the energy for the activity isn't there without it, I find that the stillness is really the very source of the energy.

I try to incorporate this philosophy into my work activity, and ofcourse it is a natural follow-on. The 'Wellbeing Evenings ' are a blend of this stillness and activity, with a view to releasing stress and really enjoying the moment. So when a small group comes along we enjoy ourselves with an informal mix of relaxation , meditation exercise, social chat, and ofcourse light refreshments with a wholefood emphasis. The aim is to relax, feel more positive, lighter and happier.

If you live here in Malta, and think you and several friends would enjoy a 'Wellbeing Evening' just contact me . I like to keep the groups small ,so three or four people is a good number.

For more info:-

theoasis@maltanet.net

Maureen.

Spring Song -acrylic and oil pastel on stretched canvas 24"x24"---€250

To buy go to my website for Paypal Button

http://www.maureenhughes.artspan.com/

Thank goodness Spring has arrived, ---for me it really is the most beautiful time.

Here in Malta Spring has its own unique loveliness,with blue sky, golden flowers scattered everywhere, and bright fishing boats freshly painted down in the little bay.

At this time though ,memories drift  to an English Spring. The thrush digging for early morning worms, the blackbird's welcome song, joyful daffodils, delicate blossoms,  petals strewn on  grass, evening time and the sweet  scent of lilac

with it haunting nostalgia.----

Yes,my mind drifts to memories of English Springtime,and I miss it.

Maureen.

It's Holiday Weekend.

The storm is over and Spring is suddenly here. Through the window the  early morning sky is reflected in a soft silver sea with tinges of pink. For the moment all is still- peace reigns.

But soon the morning stirs and movement begins. It's a holiday weekend here, and that means a leisurely movement into the day's activity.

On the pier someone has already taken up his position, hoping for the big catch, or maybe just  to dream a little.

----and there is The Buccaneer, ready to move into action.

The Malta Sightseeing Bus was just a little too quick to photograph,tourists already settled on top deck, enjoying the view.

So-----the sky is turning to blue, the sun is becoming hot already, the pansies are in bloom on the balcony, and all seems set for a lovely holiday weekend.

Maureen

TODAY'S PAINTING-'SUNSHINE GIRL'- and a morning meditation----

Sunshine Girl----Acrylic on stretched canvas 24"x24"

This is a special painting that I like to keep, but I am happy to consider a commission for a similar theme if you would like to be in touch:-

theoasis@maltanet.net

This winter has been the worst Malta has known for nearly a hundred years,and it has been a difficult one.Early morning starts are not inspiring, especially when there is no promise of sun.

I find that a simple energising meditation helps to move me a little into action.

Sit comfortably in a quiet spot if possible. Close you eyes, and begin breathing slowly, rhythmically , deeply but gently. Feel your mind slowing down to this gentle rhythm, let it feel easy and relaxed. Your body too is becoming more relaxed, it is loosening out , feeling quite light, flexible and pliable. You no longer feel it heavy and weighing you down, it feels airy, buoyant and very very light.

 Breathe in very deeply now,-very deeply, very gently, very slowly.

You notice that the air around you is full of little particles of light, very beautiful, colourful, and shiny. You enjoy bathing in this warm, bright air, this light that is also very porous. Your body too is feeling porous, and is able to absorb this beautiful, colourful energy, You drink it into every little cell, through your pores, through your lungs, through your eyes, and you are feeling very very well, happy,and  very light.You are floating in this light, bathing in it, drinking it in, letting it circulate through your body, through your mind, through your whole being, feeling warm,  peaceful, very refreshed, very alive.

You realise that this is God's Life Force, His Spirit flowing through you, keeping you alive in this strong, gentle loving way. And as you breathe out you know that this beautiful, colourful, vibrant love energy is passing into the atmosphere around you, resonating, vibrating scintillating,- an amplified, strengthened supply for you to  feel fully alive,  to live and love with Him  and everyone you meet today.

I hope that this helps you to start your day well!

Maureen.

A Trip to the Sun

Yesterday was windy and bleak here in St Paul's Bay! The worst of the storm seemed to be over, but we were longing for a little sunshine.What a tonic to take the morning walk just a few miles away.When a Northwesterly is blowing hard, Golden Bay has the answer.
                                  

        It was almost unbelievable to see the blue sky and sea;- and oh that sunshine!
Mind you those trees look a bit precarious don't they?

And there is the aloe vera, always prolific in Malta.We grow some on the roof of our apartment and it really is wonderful to treat burns or cuts.

A walk along the sand, a reflective moment looking out to sea, and we are ready for that morning coffee.Now is it to be the Golden Bay Radisson Hotel, looking so imposing above us?

           


Or what about the little 'kiosk' coffee shop on the sands?
                   

Ofcourse the kiosk it was.- What a perfect setting, and they make an excellent cappuccino too!
                      

My Painting for Today------Soul Dance

Soul Dance.- Acrylic on stretched canvas-3 ft x 2ft.

We really shoulld be flying you know;

we should soar to the heavens each day,

find a new world in the realm of Light;

be happy with the the clouds  and

the blue blue sky.

We should touch the dew of morning

as it rises in the air;

soak ourselves in sunlight 'till we drench each pore

saturate our senses with beautiful light.

We should rise to the heavens, float in space,

feel free and happy and full of life.

We should be as we can be, as we wish to be,

as we are.

We are Love we are Light we are Stardust.

Believe me !

Maureen.                      

Not Such a Magical Scene ----after a stormy night!

                                      The   pier at St Paul's Bay  this morning.

It depends on what you like I suppose, but for me, not such a magical scene today  Last night the wind grew wilder, the rain poured, and lightning flashed. Its the kind of time when things on the roof begin to roll and rattle, and you wonder if the tank top is about to take off like a flying saucer.
       This morning thankfully there is no news of injury, but telephone poles have broken, flooding is bad in some areas,we saw  that. billboards and telephone booths had collapsed., and  some areas are without power.
       Apparently it all began with a cyclone in North Africa  moving to Southern Italy creating a severe storm -force 9-in Malta,-  a very vulnerable little island. A very bad one this time, and this kind of thing can happen suddenly.
    This morning after the rain, it grew calmer, so we set off for a morning walk, camera in hand. On the way lots of tourists and locals too had the same idea.All a bit of excitement I suppose, but for me, the gentle breeze and blue sky are happier experiences.
    We hear that it is to be unsettled until wednesday ,------Spring seems a long way away!
Maureen.

,                                                     The scene below our window.          

Magic of the Morning.

St Paul's Bay.

I rise early at that magic hour. The hour when all is still and a hush envelops my world.

Through the window dawn emerges imperceptibly, its  glow gentle, its voice peaceful. Soft lights reflect on dark water waiting expectantly.Yes, its a moment of waiting, a moment of  calm, somehow a precious unhurried moment ----I  bathe in it gladly as I  move  with hope into the new day. .

Maureen

Sadness flies on the wings of the morning and out of the heart of darkness comes the light.'

.Jean Giroudoux

Be Fully Alive--- My CD for Relaxation.

                                                PRICE  €4 and |€2 postage.

  My Oasis World is a place where I try to really be myself, free from the constraints and pressures of a society that so often attempts to mould us into a conformity that is devoid of true indentity. As an educationalist trained in Social Psychology I am so very aware of the strain that these pressures put on many.

With this in mind , some years ago  I began to hold  informal relaxation sessions, creating a simple setting where those who came could slow down, meditate, socialise, and enjoy being together. Born of this came the development of CDs that could be taken home to continue the relaxing experience.

  All of the CDs  are based on holistic principles  and so concentrate on the whole being, ie body mind soul and spirit ,as I believe that a real sense of peace and wellbeing must come from an integration and balancing of these.
They are split into four sessions  each  under 10 minutes. I use the spoken word to lead into a deeply relaxed state, and develop with the use of guided imagery and visualisation. They can be used regularly to reinforce a sense of  peace.They are simple in style, with a gentle approach that that allows for a slowing down of the conscious mind to open up to the spiritual dimension.

I hope soon to offer these with a Buy Now button on my side bar, meanwhile if you would like to try one Email me  for address to send cheque to.    
                        Maureen

                  

Spice of Life-----my painting for today.

                                       Spice of Life---mixed media on stretched canvas -3 ft.x2ft-6inch
                                                 For sale----see my website for more.

My artwork is certainly not cerebral, it comes from the heart and a true desire to offer a sense of wellbeing and an acknowledgement of a world that is saturated  with light, colour,  beauty and animation. For me, this is the real world, one that will ultimately dissolve all selfishness greed and lust for power;-a  worId energised by Love.

I paint with my mood, with my emotions, sometimes with the colours that comfort and soothe sometimes with  those that inspire zest, energy, vitality. Always they focus on the positive side of life.

Maybe they are healing pictures offering a moment for reflection, meditation, a glimpse of a timelessness in a world  that is  full of joy and hope.-Maybe it is an idealistic world, maybe it is too simple,- but is my world,- my Oasis World,- I believe in it and I love to share it.

BETWEEN THE PALMS

St Pauls Bay.

I look through my window, just a simple scene.

Clear blue sky, calm blue sea.

 White sails in the distance

Simple colours,- colours of peace.

My painting--- Dreaming..---Acrylic on canvas (sold)

                                                           

Song of the Spring.

View from my window. -----St Paul's Bay. 

Today, I look out of the window early, breathing in the morning air.Something different!
That unmistakable Spring air! ------And then the scene below!Tranquil, serene, blue melting into blue  in the soft light. A surge of joy, an uplifting of spirits,my heart  dancing  to this new rhythm, this song of Spring and its promise of renewal. Is it Spring or is it not? My heart says 'yes'.