OUR PRICKLY PEAR

Don't get me wrong I love theprickly pear,--- I find its primitive cheerful look quite comforting. It's my friend and I trust too its medicinal qualities,---for high cholesterol, diabetes, ---you name it. I like it so much that we have a couple on the terrace.

I'm afraid though they have a deceitful side, and can lull you into a false sense of security! ---So it was that the other day, looking casually over the terrace wall I was attacked by their small almost invisible hairy stickers. So invisible that you can't see them embedded----(in my stomach!)---Days later there are still a few there, even after squeezing and pinching and a few sessions with the tweezers!---- Now with one of my faithful efforts to think positively I'm convincing myself that their medicinal properties are actually doing me good.-------No,---don't say it!!

TODAY'S PAINTING----SUMMER FIELDS.

Summer Fields.----textured on canvas, --acrylics-- size 24 x20 inches €220

I believe a leaf of grass is no less the journey---work of the stars.

Walt Whitman.

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.

Helen Keller.

OASIS STUDIO---OPENING HOURS.

During this hot weather I 've decided to open the studio in the evening---

5-30---7-30 pm----monday---friday. Feel very welcome to drop by and look around. At the moment the paintings are my originals,---soon I hope to add a selection of limited edition prints from these paintings.

The studio is within the grounds of the Palazzo Pescatore,St Paul's Bay. on the right side of the grounds. You will see steps leading to the entrance.(See photo.) --:If you need more help email me:- --theoasis@maltanet.net

Maureen.

TODAY'S PAINTING----DREAMING.

Dreaming-----stretched canvas- acrylic. 16x24 inches.

I seem to balance my 'activity' figures with those more still and meditative, and I suppose this arises from a deep need in myself to achieve that really balanced pattern of life, and so find true peace.---- Difficult in today's pressurised society, but without it nothing makes sense I feel!----So I keep trying!

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

Mother Teresa.

STUDIO PAINTINGS.

More about the Oasis Studio!--- I now have space to group and display my paintings, to offer them more openly to those interested in originals, and to feel that I am quite justified in making a mess! After all most painters are messy painters aren't they? --- or am I justifying myself too much?! Anyway it comforts me to think that way, and lets me feel more spontaneous and free.

Most of all though I'm hoping that it will grow into a place that others can enjoy too; ---a place of relaxation and peace, where those who visit can rest for a while away from the turmoil of day to day living,---not an escape more a means of inspiration and simple refreshment. ----My paintings are simple, and that's how I like to keep them, and If people enjoy them, that truly makes me happy!

What art offers is space---a certain breathing room for the spirit.

John Updike.

OASIS NEWS ---SUMMER 2009.

Palazzo Main Gate, ---- and Oasis Studio.

Yes --the Oasis News is on my 'blog', because I feel that this is where it should be! My blog spot is all about life and living and the Oasis vision lies at the very heart and centre of my life.

I studied Education:-B. Ed. Hons. London University, and for years I taught ,and worked in administration.

Increasingly though I have felt the need to follow ,as deeply as I can, a pattern of life that tries constantly to simplify, live freely and caringly in a balanced way:-enjoying all that is beautiful ,nurturing life, being simply creative, and as much as possible working harmoniously with the Spirit of life in a gentle rhythmic flow.--- Fromthis standpoint I feel more relaxed and able to respond more openly and peacefully to daily living and everyone I meet.

The creative, multi-dimensional approach to education that I offer really tries to promote this way of life as an opportunity for people to enjoy a simple , peaceful environment. Within the ambience of The O asis they can relax, feel secure,discuss constructively,enjoy meditation, and a social/leisure programme that develops in a fairly easy , spontaneous way. The emphasis is always on the positive ,with the belief that if people can move together with a truly altruistic attitude, then within this context only the good and positive will develop.

This format is based upon a vision that foresees a future development where people will live and work together in this truly motivated way, uplifting themselves and each other into a world of perfect happiness and peace. Certainly this is idealistic, but perhaps an altruistic idealism is the panacea that will lift the world out of its present jaded state in a final viable restoration.---My hopes lie with this vision.

My Art Website and my Blog:-

www.maureenhughes.artspan.com

http://mymospot.blogspot.com

The little art studio came our way quite simply and unobtrusively! ---I see It quite clearly as a facet of The Oasis, a place with an ambience of peace.

It is a little room, tucked away in the grounds of the old Palazzo Pescatore, and although quite close to the main road, the first thing I noticed was the bird-song. The old Palazzo is no longer used and looks sadly rejected, but it has a certain atmosphere.

After much hard , loving work by Joe, the little studio is almost functioning, and we look forward to seeing it grow and and become like the flat--- a place of light and peace, a rest ful place for people to come to and enjoy!

Wishing everyone a good summer,

Maureen

P.S. We are posting the newsletter as usual, but if you do have a computer you may wish to see the colour. Also please let us know for future so that we can email the newsletter or you can read it on the blog,---It will save a lot of time and posting for us!