NEW YEAR'S EVE.

We've had quite a bit of activity this week, and also enjoyment, but always on New Year's Eve we try to make space for a gentle reflective moment.Time to offer a silent prayer for all the blessings that the year has brought;---all the happy times, the glimpses of joy and beauty, the company of friends.---Time to offer too a prayer of faith and hope; a prayer that wishes 2010 to be a New Year of real newness, freshness, life in fullness,----a life born out of a love and peace that motivates us all to help rebuild a beautiful New World for everyone.

'CHRISTMAS ROSE'.

I know the legendary Christmas Rose is white, but ours is red.It burst into bloom outside the studio on Christmas Day, and this morning Joe took a picture. How simple colourful and beautiful, and for us a symbol of the Love, Peace and Promise of this lovely time of the year.

CHRISTMAS PEACE.

How fitting that for Christmas week and the feast of The Holy Family this morning radiated peace and stillness. The blue of the sky melted into the sea, and all was dusted with a silver sheen.---So simple, so breathtaking, so beautiful!

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature----grows in silence: see the stars the moon and the sun how they move in silence.---We need silence to be able to touch souls.

Mother Teresa.

CHRISTMAS AT THE COFFEE SHOP.

Our morning walks are always brightened by our visits to-the local coffee shop, and Christmas has been a particularly bright time. The little place greets us cheerily and Joe is always ready with our special cappuccino. He has a passion for all things Sicilian , many he has collected over the years on his visits so naturally his Christmas decorations reflect this. They are lovingly polished and displayed, and much appreciated by those who visit the shop, attracted by its warmth and welcoming ambience.---Thankyou Joe, Mary and the girls.----Happy Christmas!

CHRISTMAS DAY.

It's Christmas Morning, and a beautiful, -almost summer-like day here. We've been to early Mass, enjoyed being with friends at the coffee shop,and we have delivered the Christmas cherries. Now we're off to the studio to light a candle in front of the Nativity Scene .

So ----HAPPY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

May the Baby of Bethlehem warm your heart with the light of His Love today and always.----xxx

ChRISTMAS EVE BLESSINGS.

We've had a lovely Christmas Eve, moving from coffee shop, to studio and then back to the flat, happily enjoying the company of friends,and exchanging gifts. This evening though,- time to be a bit still before tomorrow.I always feel at peace on Christmas Eve; for me there is an almost tangible sense of the mysterious,the magical, ---a stillness, a hush, that never fails to move me deeply. So tonight I'm drinking in this peace, and wishing with all my heart that it continues to fall gently on us all, and on a world that is so much in need of it!-----God Bless!

MORE BITS AND PIECES OF CHRISTMAS .

I know that I move quite definitely into the sentimental at Christmas, but isn't that a lovely way to be? Suddenly I feel happier and Life takes on a deeper meaning. Anyway I can't be without our little Christmas collection,- those momentos, keepsakes, -those so familiar things that are an integral part of the scene , many appearing year after year, even if a bit battered and worn by now. The favourite bauble, the little glass tree, the glittery Christmas cushion, the Nativity Scene with the Baby just a little the worse for wear! So too I love the sense of Christmas cheer and celebration that comes with the festive food and drink----(moderation ofcourse!)

Most of all I love to bathe in the warmth that the spirit of Love radiates; the companionship, the bonhomie, the sharing and caring, the warm greetings sent from family and friends not with us.----- See Margo's Nativity card -a lovely example. -----And so a little medley of some more of the simple things I love at Christmas!

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Christmas waves a magic wand over this world and behold everything is softer and more beautiful.

Norman Vincent Peale.

TODAY'S PAINTING----IN THE SNOW.

In the Snow----mixed media on 100% cotton watercolour paper.---see website.

Oh it has been snowing in England, but here in Malta -not a flake. How I miss those snowy moments! For me snow is one of the wonderful joys of Christmas adding a dimension that nothing can replace.

I remember as a child waking during the night to sense the stillness, feel the unique cold /warmth and just know that in the morning there would be a snowy carpet outside.

One of my loveliest memories is of one Christmas Eve long ago in Scotland. As we made our journey over the tiny bridge on our way to Midnight Mass, soft snow flakes began falling against a dark backdrop of velvet and stars. Church bells broke the silence----and in that never to be forgotten moment moment a perfect aura of magic enveloped us.

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this isn't enchantment then where is it to be found?

J .B.Priestley.

BITS AND PIECES OF CHRISTMAS.

How I love them!---Those bits and pieces that add to the colour, bring back memories of childhood, and draw our dear ones so much closer, bound together in a glow of love and light. There's the little wooden Astu rocking horse and toy soldier, the glass Christmas tree, the Russian Icon that belonged to my parents, the olive wood Nativity Scene from Bethlehem, the garland for the door,the golden bells and candles, and of course the tiny angel who sits at the top of the tree when we can get her to balance!--- Oh I could go on---and on---I somehow don't want to stop! Everything is ready though, and we are simply bathing in the warmth now, absorbing that Spirit of Peace and that so rare,precious feeling that everything is alright with the world.

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,and we are better throughout the year for having in spirit become a child again at Christmas time.

Laura Ingalls Wilder.

CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS.

We've lived in Malta for a long time now,and every Christmas ,- although they have some lovely carols here,- I still long to hear those old favourites we sang in England.

Years ago I was fortunate to stay in Kensington, London while at college there;I remember with nostalgia the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The lights in the High St. reflecting colourfully in shop windows, the carefree bonhomie of passers-by; the incense , the aura of the mystical at Midnight Mass, and perhaps most of all the huge Norwegian Christmas tree with the simple Nativity Scene underneath.Quite often there was snow or frost, people were snug in mufflers and woolly hats, and ofcourse the 'Baked Potato Man was there' with his offerings.Passers-by were drawn to this scene, as if mesmerised ; they joined hands, and the carols floated on the night air like magic.

We've been in London since then over Christmas, we've returned to Church St, but for me the magic has vanished. I know now that it was something very special;- a glimpse of Life as it should be,-a moment to remember joyfully, a rich memory to treasure always.

LITTLE LAMBS AT CHRISTMAS.

Each year we faithfully 'dig' out our little plastic lambs from the Christmas drawer,- how could we discard them after all these years? Ofcourse they still want to be part of the scene, they want to be there, ---they were the first visitors!- So out they come, even if a bit wobbly now, and always add that much needed dimension to our little Nativity Scene.And ofcourse they are happy!

Little Lamb who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Gave thee life, and bid thee feed

By the stream and o'er the mead;

Gave thee clothing of delight,

Softest clothing,woolly, bright;

Gave thee such a tender voice,

Making all the hills rejoice?

Little lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,

Little Lamb I'll tell thee:

He is called by thy name,

For He calls himself a Lamb.

He is meek and He is mild

He became a little child.

I a child and thou a Lamb,

We are called by his name.

Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Little Lamb, God bless thee!

William Blake------The Lamb.

----and oh the memory of school poetry lessons!

TODAY'S PAINTING---CANDLE GLOW.

Candle Glow-mixed media on 100%cotton watercolour paper----see website.

I'm definitely someone who dislikes the dark, I always feel drawn to the light. Mind you I also dislike most artificial light, especially the harsh garish kind that offers no relaxation or comfort,---for me, something very unrestful. So around Christmas I love to make the most of candlelight. Somehow it transforms, and moves everywhere into a softness that helps to soothe away tension from body and mind, and offers a reflective moment.---For me, it nurtures a sense of peace---the same feeling the snow gives me , and I love it!

In the right light at the right time everything is extraordinary.

Aaron Rose.

TODAY

OASIS STUDIO AT CHRISTMAS.

We have two places to decorate this Christmas,- but how I love seeing the warmth develop! Somehow the colour , the candles , the scent of spices,even the glitter, fuse into a lovely glow that gives me joy and a simple peace. A sadness mingles there too, but for me a sadness, a nostalgia tinged with hope. I'm sure we all need this hope: hope that dreams of a better world, a world where everyone can truly experience the love, joy and peace of this beautiful season.

For the Spirit of Christmas fulfils the greatest hunger of mankind,

Loring A Schuler.

Keep your Christmas heart open all year round.

Jessica Archmint

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing

It makes no noise at all

But softly gives itself away.

Janice Maeditere.

TODAY'S PAINTING----WINTER CHERRY.

Winter Cherry---mixed media on cotton paper with plain mount---see my website.

I love the winter cherry, it's cheery look brightens the colder months and I try always to make it part of the Christmas scene . Apparently it is also known as the Christmas cherry or the Jerusalem cherry and is native to Brazil. This year ours is small, but in Spring I'll try putting it outside and see what happens!

Earth's crammed with heaven,

and every common bush afire with God.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

I go to nature to be soothed and healed and have my senses put in order.

John Burrough.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS----PAUL AND FAMILY.

Bugibba Square is just not the same without Paul! Throughout the summer and autumn on our morning walk his cheery wave and smiling eyes,-clear as the sea,- greeted us ,and helped light the way .

Now Paul is back home in Ukraine with his family armed with gifts for his wife and two boys.--He was so excited! ----The cafe where he worked looks sadly desolate now, ---it will have to wait until spring.!

So Paul, greetings from Malta,---we wish you all many blessings in 2010.

RIZDVOM KHRYSTOVYML -----NOVYM ROKOM !

With Love.

LITTLE WHITE FLOWER.-TODAY'S PAINTING.

Little White Flower---mixed media on cotton watercolour paper. (see website.)

Yes - it's Advent and we are trying to decorate the flat and the studio for Christmas. At this time I always envy those highly energetic, super-organised people who by now have presents wrapped, cards sent and of course a mouthwatering Christmas cake tucked away- all ready. I still love this time though,-I think it's the sense of hope and warmth that grows for me as Christmas draws nearer.Maybe it leans on childhood memories, maybe it's a deep longing for the world to re-capture its true identity as a place of beauty, love and light. Maybe I'm just a dreamer but I cling to this dream,-I need it!

For me it's the time of waiting, - waiting for the Christ Child to come again and turn the darkness to light, the pain , misery and confusion to laughter love and peace,---for everyone.

Today's Quote:

Sanity may be madness but the maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it should be.

Don Quixote.

SLEEPY MORNING- TIME.

St. Paul's Bay-early morning.

We have just returned from the morning walk, It's a beautiful day, -the first day of Advent, and so a fitting time for The Oasis News for Winter.

The summer here was exhaustingly hot, and I think everyone suffered in varying degrees! Autumn has been erratic, but at the moment we are experiencing calm, rather mellow sunshine days, for me ,days of drinking in that fading, warm glow that helps me through the winter.

We continue to enjoy the Oasis Studio as a simple expansion of the Oasis Vision and Way of Life. It's lovely to enjoy the sense of freedom that the creativity of painting gives me, and it's lovely to be able to share moments with friends in a peaceful , sunny work -place. I think that Joe is enjoying working with the plants in the small outside setting ,-(good exercise too!)

Increasingly we try to simplify and to follow, as trustingly as we can The Oasis guidelines for living:- that simple, positive, balanced, loving , caring,happy, wholesome format that has been offered over the years.Despite the pressure, confusion, and pain that is so much a part of life at the moment, this really does give us a sense of peace.

Christmas will soon be upon us again, and I have to say that it's my favourite time. Somehow the wonder has never left me, and I feel it so deeply as a time of Hope! Don't we all need this hope to sustain us? The week leading up to Christmas we hope to be at the studio- mornings-10-00am-12-00. We will be delighted to see you , hear your news and enjoy a Christmas drink with you.

So may this Christmas be for you a time of deep Peace and Love, and may The Holy Family guide and protect us all in the New Year to follow.

Maureen

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE.!

Having morning coffee at our local coffee shop is always an interesting experience! Joe the proprietor has usually some surprises in store . At the moment he is re-vamping the interior, and because he is a designer at heart this allows him scope to give his creativity free reign .No mean result! The scene on entering is rainbow-like with a splendid array of subtle lighting--- at once you are floating on air or drifting underwater,---just right for early morning,- and the coffee is good too!! Keep up the good work Joe!

TODAY'S PAINTING----GIRL IN WHITE DRESS.

Girl in White Dress----Textured acrylic on stretched canvas. €590---28"x36"

My paintings are simple and hopefully uncluttered, probably because this is how I feel life should be. We seem to weigh ourselves down with so many complications and often unnecessary baggage that the sense of freedom and carefree living increasingly disappears.I'm sure that true living shouldn't be this way and I suppose I am always searching for that real peace that can only come with a genuine feeling of being at one with God, oneself , everyone and everything. Doesn't this demand such faith, hope and love? --'Girl in White Dress' tries to say this, I think she is an expression of my deep longing!

JOE'S PICTURES OF THE STUDIO.

Joe's Pictures.

Last week there were some lovely,bright mornings and friends visited us at the studio: Joe-(of the 'Great Catch!)- and Ingrid.Ofcourse there was also Joe's camera. With camera in hand he can't sit still and the result -some lovely pictures of the studio.---The sun streamed through the windows bathing us in light and I think he has really captured the glow. Thankyou Joe!

'Live in rooms full of light.'

Cornelius Celsius.