DANCING.

Today's Painting-Joie de Vivre----Acrylic-oil pastel on stretched canvas---€220

see my website for Pay Pal facility--www.maureenhughes.artspan.com/

I love to dance! No one could call me a good dancer, it's simply some basic need that bubbles up inside me causing me to move in just the way I feel at that moment. I love to dance to music,but it's always in my own 'free style' as the mood and the rhythm take me.It's a part of my being so intrinsically 'me' that I can't imagine Life without this feeling.

There is so much I could say---but just let my painting and my poem say it!

Dancing.

Dancing is really my cup of tea!

It fills me with hope,

showing me that life

needn't drown in boredom.

It shows me too that every part of me

responds to movement, light,

and that deep sense of wonder in freedom.

When I dance I really see

the moon and stars so close

I feel that I am floating there

touching them, feeling them,

drinking them into me deeply,

with such intoxicating happiness

that this is where I wish to be.

So dance with me,---and let us simply

light up our life!

Today's Quotes:-

I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance---

Friedrich Nietzsche

Stifling an urge to dance is bad for your health---it rusts your spirit and your hips----

Adabella Radici.

TODAY'S PAINTING----'A DAISY A DAY'

Today's painting---A Daisy a Day---Acrylic,-oil pastel, on stretched canvas 24x24 inches---€220---See my website---for Paypal facility.--http://www.maureenhughes.artspan.com/

Whenever I see a Daisy I feel happy;--there is an instant uplifting of spirit, a nostalgic moment transporting me to childhood days in summer, carefree days of daisy -chains , picnics on the grass. There is an unpretentious Beauty here! The Daisy speaks to me of Innocence, Freshness, Joy, Simplicity,--an uncomplicated approach that clears away all unnecessary clutter and moves to the very heart and soul of things.

I remember once while meditating , I saw quite clearly that 'Simplicity is the essence of Spirituality.'---We live in a world so burdened by complication and confusion that the ability to unravel our consciousness and touch on the very 'heart of things' seems increasingly difficult.

When I look at the Daisy with its 'central sun', its pure white petals,--for that moment I feel centred,---It puts me in touch with my own soul.

I love the Daisy---- and I'm so glad that it's my Birth Flower!

My painting tries to capture for a moment those qualities that for me represent so much of the amazingly simple Beauty of Life.

Quote for Today:-

Bread feeds the Body indeed ---but flowers feed also the Soul.

The Koran.

WILD AND WINDY!

Sea Breeze---Watercolour with mount--- 16x12inches---€100

See Website--- http://www.maureenhughes.artspan.com/

I think I sang my Spring Song a little early because Winter has returned with a vengeance and the weather here has been wild, windy and very cold!

On our walk yesterday Olga our Russian friend,was swathed in 'woollies",

bemoaning the fact that she had never known such cold weather,---and she from Moscow!

Great news though for our windsurfing friends---(see 'Bunts Blog')---who meet the challenge happily- braving the elements to perform acrobatics above the crashing waves!

Not for me! Call it temperament, constitution, inhibition, or just plain FEAR,---( maybe a little of all of these)---my idea of bliss is strolling peacefully in a gentle breeze --relaxing on a balmy Summer evening,---floating in a glass-like sea, sunlit particles dancing on the surface, the depth below saturated with rainbow hues.---This is Peace!

Like the seasons though, we all have our innate rhythms and balances, unique in our differences, able to contribute to the amazingly colourful mosaic of Life, but often searching with difficulty to find our true milieu and the sense of fulfilment we know deep down that it will bring.

Anyway,---roll on those ---' lazy,hazy, crazy' days of Summer,---when ofcourse I'll be complaining about the HEAT!

Quote for today:-

The really nice breezes blow through my body and into my soul.

Astrid Alauda

LETTING GO!

I know that it sometimes seems that I view Life through 'rose- tinted spectacles' but truly I am intensely aware of the suffering and misery that the world is enduring-I believe largely because of individual greed, selfishness, lust for power, ---all of the negative aspects that demean us as human beings.I do believe though that the only way through this for me is to try constantly to let go of fear, suspicion, too much introversion, and focus on those positive qualities----beauty, truth, goodness ,humour, peace and love, that for me are the essence of life and living.If I as an individual can try in my daily life to act these out,- even in a little way,- then I am trying to show that I really believe in theirTruth and essential Reality.

My Poem for Today( extract)---Letting Go.

-----So let me dare!

Dare to move beyond this choking fear of life,

see the sunrise in the east

and walk with sureness into sweet scent of flowers

that bloom in the freedom of my heart,my soul.

Let me dare be me, without restriction;

feel the wonder of my own life,

as I move into this Light,

and feel my spirit soar to the heavens and beyond ......

Maureen (Mo)

Hats----!!

Feeling Free- GIRL IN HAT---watercolour with mount.

16x12 inches----100 euros

Please don't mention the word 'HAT' to me--it brings on a horrid fearful moment! The HAT is everything that is anathema to me---brings back memories of schooldays in a monstrous navy felt affair!! Someone offers a wedding invitation and my mind races to 'The Hat' theme'and how I can possibly get by with a discreet flower or clasp---!(especially difficult here in Malta!)----

And yet-----warmer weather is arriving here now ,and so are the tourists --- and the Hats! I have to admit I enjoy the scene! The main square is full of a splendid assortment--all colours ,shapes and sizes --just waiting!

Soon the scene below us will be coloured by a varied display:-dotted 'flowerpots', striped 'flowerpots',jaunty denims,

and ofcourse the elderly couple strolling by holding hands, he in--

striking stetson ,she rather plump in a broad brimmed ensemble complete with huge bow and 'floaty' streamers! He the gallant hero, --she the romantic heroine of a momentary dream world!

So much fantasy, so much image,----we all need a little don't we from time to time?----- The best I can offer is my 'gypsy' scarf when painting, or If I'm feeling a touch flamboyant, my cowboy (girl) old straw! Ofcourse I'm galloping away into the sunset!! Joe's is the inevitable baseball cap---- and he's a soccer/cricket fan!!

Today's quote:-

Clothes are never a frivolity--they always mean something!!

James Laver

- ---SPRING SONG---PAINTING FOR TODAY.

This morning I woke to the sound of birdsong-a joyful song, simple happy and uplifting!---SPRING has arrived and the sense of New Life is in the air! My weekly painting tries to capture this:- the lightness, the brightness, the colour, the energy, that each day gives as Life. I truly try to see Life in this way- often I don't 'make it'-- but I TRY!!---I feel deep inside an urge even a responsibility to acknowledge Life in this way, and to try to nurture it by living it as freely and as fully as I can! With the arrival of Spring I always feel a new clear space opening in front of me, I hope I can make it as light, happy, bright and vibrant as possible!---

Have a good Day!---- and a happy ST. PATRICK'S DAY to all of us who have ---' a little bit of IRISH

My Spring Poem:-

Colour my world in rainbow hues,

nothing drab or dreary,

this is my wish:-

to live in harmony with Life,

see the beauty of Creation up close,

rise into the morning sun,

touch Heaven with my heart.

Maureen (Mo)

Contact me by email if you would like to buy the painting:-

Size 24"x24" - acrylic on stretched canvas.

Price...... Euros 220 - free shipping.

REVERIE

Finding The Balance.

It is sunday,---for me the day of rest!---I always strive to be that 'laid-back' type, but although I may seem cool on the outside, my inside is invariably twisted into knots. You know the feeling?---So on sunday I really try to relax.

' Reverie' is a painting born out of the deep need I have to express that side of me drawn towards stillness.We live in a world that increasingly seems dominated by pressure and an accelerated pace , driving one into a hper-active state of confusion , stress and exhaustion.No gentle rhythm, no real equilibrium, no time for that peaceful moment of quiet reflection.

Surely we are losing something precious! How we need that simple moment to feel grounded ,centred, to look deeply into our heart and soul and find our true self. Surely it is from here that real enlightenment comes, inspiring one with a sense of purpose and motivation that is truly meaningful.It is as if in the depth of the stillness and silence we hear clearly. Maybe this is not always in line with what our rational consciousness is telling us, but I believe it to be a more clarified perception , guiding us authentically towards our fulfilment and peace.

I have tried to capture this in my painting ;----this ability to be still for a while, look deeply into the soul, into God's soul and experience a sense of peace.I don't often succeed,I rarely find it easy,but I keep on trying, --Life is certainly richer when I catch a glimpse.

My poem for today:-

ONE WORLD

I see a world,- everyone in peace

a peace so pure it lights up space,

and time melts into a moment of bliss.

The whole of creation here,

fusing into life with perfect joy,

each spectrum colour resonating through,

blending into wholeness

and deep, deep, love.

A happiness profound,

a life simply perfect,

a moment of clarity

that sees deeply into the soul of God,

knowing that I belong.

Maureen

LIVELY LUZZUS !

As we walk past the tiny village harbour early each morning, the fishermen are already hard at work painting their boats. They really take great pride in this activity , getting rid of every scrap of paint from the LUZZUS before they dress them in their revitalised colours of bright blue, yellow, red, and sometimes green. The protective EYE of OSIRIS is clearly defined at the front, a tradition apparently handed down from the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, many locals say it wards off the 'Evil Eye" ---- quite a bit of superstition here !

These Luzzus are really sturdy and can brave most weathers, ---- it can be pretty rough here in winter ! In summer they make a lively picture against a backdrop of intense blue sky and sea as they ferry tourists here and there !

And for today - an Irish Blessing !

' May the holes in your net be no larger than the fish in it!!'

THINK POSITIVE!

I know it's Friday 13th ---but I'm going to be POSITIVE! Call me a stubborn optimist ---but there it is!

I had a dream once,--very vivid---and I painted the picture above to fix it in my mind. Symbolic ofcourse! You can read the painting any way you like, but I DID make it to the other shore!---Took a bit of doing though! I felt I was sinking, then suddenly I was lifted up, with a wonderful buoyant feeling,--completely uplifting and free.------I try to keep this dream constantly in mind!!

Anyway, this morning the sun is shining, the sky is a lovely clear blue, the birds are gliding above the sea , and our cheeky robin is showing off on the terrace.We have been for an early morning walk, chatted to the locals, enjoyed a REALLY GOOD cappuccino at the little Italian style cafe just past the square------Then back to WORK!

A good start! Hope you have a good day too!!

PS ---An afterthought! ----The kitchen sink suddenly sprang a leak yesterday. -Joe and friend spent the whole afternoon KEEPING CALM with screws, nuts and quick fix resin! It's not leaking this morning-----and I'm CONFIDENT!!

QUOTE FOR TODAY ----- LEO TOlSTOY

If you want to be happy ---BE !!

FISHING TIME !

I painted this picture some years ago, looking down from the terrace. Mark - the boy in the painting has now grown up and has disappeared from the fishing scene --- A pity !!

Some humorous reflections on fishing ---- to be read lightly!

Men and fish are alike - they both get into trouble when they open their mouths.

There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot -- Stephen Wright.

Of all the liars among mankind the fisherman is the most trustworthy ! --- Willam Sherwood Fox.

Great Catch Joey !

I can't comment on day to day life without mentioning 'THE FISHING SCENE ! '

Well done Joey! --- Joe Farrugia is a friend who loves fishing as you can see: he also loves photography and is always clicking away - ( he helps me with my pictures too).

This is the time of year when the wind can be fairly strong, the sea quite rough and down below our terrace we see the fishing enthusiasts gather ! Joe F. is a regular, always good to watch since his fishing skills blend with a kind of 'aerobic dance' around the rocks --- it keeps him fit !!

Painting For Today

As promised my painting for today.

The Mexican 'Music Man' embodies all that I enjoy:- the lightness,brightness and colour, the wine, music and dancing , an atmosphere that is fully alive and animated those lovely happy moments.

This painting has recently sold but I am happy to consider painting a similar picture for you if you would like to contact me by email and give your ideas.

The smaller size offered now is :- 24" x 16" - price -220Euros

email:- theoasis@maltanet.net

Quotation for today.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. - Pablo Picasso.

View other paintings at :- http://www.maureenhughes.artspan.com/

Starting The Blog

I'm starting the Blog with a view from the terrace to St. Paul's Island, from where the famous disciple landed onto the mainland - Malta - many years ago. I'm British - I live here in Malta, a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean. It's a land of deep history, ancient temples, sandstone, blue skies and sea - (well in the summer - this winter has been a rough one ! ).

Everyone here is longing for Spring for a much needed refreshment. For me Spring is a time of revitalisation and hope , the promise of new and beautiful things ! And so then I always feel the strong urge to paint ! My paintings want to express the colour , the vibrancy, the joy of living, so they are essentially happy paintings - they let me feel happy and I hope that they create a happy atmosphere wherever they go ! I hope to put up my paintings here - to see more you can visit my website :-

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