Early morning fishing time- and New Year's Eve.

An early morning walk and sun turning St Paul's Island to a honeyed golden glow.It is the morning before New Year and holiday fishing time for these enthusiasts.

Out on the pier before six o'clock ,laden with fishing gear, camping seats and plenty of sustenance, they are all set to enjoy the day.

Maybe not many fish to catch,but  nobody seems too worried; -after all it is

 idea of it and the doing it that is the important thing.

Many are perhaps taking this quiet time to reflect on the past year, -its joys and sorrows, and silently praying for a new year of blessings.

So now, on this New Year's Eve, my prayer is that the world can know peace, and each of us can truly experience this peace in a way that reaches out to each other

to share in a new world of love and light.

        Maureen.

Christmas Essence.

Now at Christmas  the very Spirit of Life abounds with a depth of love that offers such fullness and light that we can soak ourselves in the glow and  float in this beautiful momentum. So close to Heaven is this that it is all we need to find true     Peace.

Maureen.

           

Christmas Medley.

                                                                           



It has been a lovely week of festivity, Christmas Mass, happy evenings with friends,phone calls from family,----and now a little time to bask in the glow of Christmas Peace.

                                                                           

                                                     



         I love this time. Evenings listening to gentle carols, looking at cards, frankincense and scented oils ,the room warm in the glow of candlelight.----Another magical moment!

                                                                     
Baby Jesus has lost his arm,  the wooden figures on the tree are a little worn,
but we wouldn't be without them, and what simple joy they bring year after year.

                                        Keep  peaceful.
                                                             Maureen.
                                                                                                           
    



.

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY AND JOHN DENVER

                                                                

The simplicity of the song, John Denver's clear voice, and the depth of meaning, -for me  make a lovely blend for Boxing Day, and the feast of The Holy Family.
                                                  Maureen.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS,

                                                                     

                                                              

Wishing everyone the Peace and Joy of Christmas always.
                                              Maureen.

Christmas Eve and its Magic

Christmas Eve for me is so special. It is a time of mystery, magic, hope and anticipation, when somehow I am taken out of  time into a suspended peaceful moment.
The soft candlelight,the almost touchable quiet, the waiting, the warm feeling, the sense of the Holy Spirit of Life hovering gently , encompassing the world in his love. How I long for this love to radiate powerfully, sustaining everyone in its peace. -This is my prayer for Christmas Eve.
                                            Maureen.

The Little Match Girl----One of my favourites..

As a child, I would often lose myself in the world of fairy tales. Hans Andersen was my favourite and as Christmas time approached it was The Little Fir Tree  and The Little Match Girl that drew me.

Christmas for me is a joyful peaceful time, yet those stories , tinged with poignancy
and sadness never failed to captivate me. How I  was always moved to tears, and was always so utterly relieved  to know that she was finally safe and happy with her Grandmother.

Maybe at this beautiful Season, we need  to make room in our hearts for  sadness along with the joy.

Sadness that many friends and loved ones will  not be with us this year, although my heart tells me how close they are still.

Sadness for all those who are lonely, afraid, suffering or in need , and a deep gratitude that I  myself am able to enjoy the wonder and peace with those I love. 
    Maureen.  

                       The Oasis Christmas News.

It is drawing near to Christmas as I write, and once again the Advent Candles, the Crib and the Tree are warming us with their glow, bathing us in peace.

Yes -the Oasis vision is all about Peace; the real Peace that begins deeply in the heart and radiates out into the world to touch others.So The Oasis is bound to Peace,

and the promise of the vision is certainly that this real Peace will ultimately prevail. How we need it and long for it, but at times it seems so far away.

This Peace needs to be worked for, and it seems that the closer we move to it the more we realise how vital it is and how meaningless life is without it. It can only really be experienced when we are at peace with ourself, and this journey to self discovery and wholeness of being seems so difficult.

Th Oasis vision places Love at the very centre of this discovery because it is the only Reality and the essential motivational force that gives meaning and body to existence. The Christmas Message is all about Love, a Love that is mightily powerful and all pervasive in its Spirit. So at this beautiful time we are able to steep ourself in this Love letting it pervade our being and move us into a communion with God, each other and life that can give us this Peace  we  are longing for.

 

 So please know that from the Oasis, the Light of this Love radiates warmly,  wishing all to be encompassed by it protective strength and its fervent desire to share with everyone this beautiful moment of peace.---Happy Christmas to everyone.

Maureen.

                                           

More blue skies.

                   I still find it difficult to believe that another year has gone by and we are moving into Christmas again. This has been another 'blue sky' day with a balmy southerly breeze and high temperatures. Having been brought up in England, I am still  waiting for the frost, the cold, the snow.

So Advent becomes a little different. There is still the anticipation, and the evenings are dark here too, so we can light the candles around the crib, decorate the tree, and bathe in the aura of mystery and magic that I always love. 

In day time too the magic is here . Looking below, the ittle sailing boats are
gliding into the bay, white sails perfectly contrasting with the deep blue of the sea and the honeyed backdrop of the rocks.

Advent it is, whatever the weather, a time for memories, reflections and peace.
                             Maureen.

                           Same world-different scene.

I know it's December, but here in Malta it has been a perfect summer- like day;

-soft southerly breezes, brilliant blue sky and a calm unruffled sea.

An idyllic scene really, - a few holiday  makers swmming and sunbathing,

while the locals did a spot of leisurely fishing.

.Once again I was able to enjoy lunch on the terrace!

Then I had a phone call from a cousin in England. Snow covering everywhere, and no sign of easing. She has been snowed in for over a week now, and I have to say she doesn't seem too concerned.

Did I detect a more peaceful mood? It is as if she feels no guilt at adopting a more leisurely pace, because really, what else can one do? She has food stored, books to read, and her little garden looks lovely with its snowy carpet.

She has been feeding the blue tits and robins,and watching their squabbling with amusement. She thinks they can't be too desperate, as they ate the raisins but declined the breadcrumbs!

 And ofcourse, come evening and she can snuggle up to the fire with a warming drink

or maybe two!

So------same day,   same world,but oh such different scenes,

each possessing their own unique beauty and peace.

Maureen.

                                                 

                       Simply Wishing-----

                                                       
                            'Morning'---acrylic on boxed canvas -7"x10" 


 Simply wishing the newness of life to come as the old fades.
 Wishing for a glorious dawn to bring into being everything we  lack,
 everything we long for, everything deep in the core of the world ,
 - all that is fullness and peace.

 This wish of mine, deep in my heart, --  this moment of new beginning ,
this  reverential Epiphany,-lifting us into the stars.

                                    Maureen.

                 Time of Hope and Promise.

So sorry if yesterday's blog seems negative, I just feel that it is a statement I had to make.

As for today, I choose to remember  that we are in Advent, the season of hope and promise, the beautiful, reflective movement into Christmas and all the wonder that it holds. Nothing can take away from this time the real peace and beauty that we are all seeking, if we try to keep open and simple and move with the heart.

I cling to this hope, this feeling that all can be well with the world;

without this hope I honestly feel that I could find no real meaning for life.

So I light the candles, burn the  spicy oils, decorate the tree with the little angel on top,

and  each night before our tiny Nativity crib I make my own simple prayer for Peace.

Maureen

                                          
                                                        

                                What a Mess!

]

What's this I see lurking on the road below us? Oh no! Yes it is ---- the usual regular knocking down and building up chaos that descends on us  regularly, and with abandon.

----And yes- believe me, this is the state of the pavements that we are confined to in the name of safety for the duration of the roadworks, and thereafter.

Noise, turmoil, upheaval , as pillars are knocked down, roads are dug up

wire fencing erected, residents , -some disabled, -confined to restricted space  having no idea what is happening.

 So much for a democratic system! So much for sensitivity and a a caring community- type spirit.

This is progress! This is the faceless bureacracy that levels individuals to an unimportance

that increasingly  diminishes any need to inform them, communicate with them ,or even show them a basic courtesy and respect, so crushing any feeling of freedom they might still hope for.

 Responsibility is so easily passed on!.  

Maureen. 

                                       

                                One Day at a Time.



We're moving towards Christmas, -my favourite time of the year. Since childhood it has held a magic for me so that my spirits lift and I  love to bathe in the glow of candlelight, fairy lights, frankincense,
 cinnamon oils, Nativity Scenes, -always with a child- like feeling of wonder and peace.

How sad that the growing commercialism of life today is doing its best to erode that wonder, replacing it with a tawdry materialism that has no empathy with spirit.

People seem increasingly weighed down with stress, the pace accelarates, and as the day draws near hysteria rises to a crescendo. Little time to savour the wonder, the magic, the joy of this beautiful season.

Once again though, I'll look for them, open myself to the hope and promise of Advent and everything it offers, and try to preserve that sense of peace that I treasure so dearly.
                                              Maureen.



                                     

Moon Magic.

 Morning walk by moonlight.

Solitude, mystery, magic.

Light reflections  on black velvet,

shimmering, shining,-soft dazzle.

White light, magnetising, mesmerising,

hauntingly beautiful,

Stillness beyond stillness,

-Deep peace.

Maureen.

      

                          Friday night and candlelight.

Last friday was a lovely evening.  Just the company of  those  who enjoy  The Oasis evenings 

whether they are for talks, suppers or relaxation/ meditation  as on friday.

Candlelight transformed the sitting room into a haven of peace and mystery,so the atmosphere was perfect.

As I guide into the deep state of relaxation, my perception  heightens, and I become aware of a really beautiful sense of peace. Somehow, last friday was extra special, and I think everyone felt this.

How we need this peace!

 This deep connection with the soul  and God's soul, this sense of belonging, safety and completeness. How the world needs it.

In the gentle glow of candlelight,-let body and mind relax,  heart open out,

and from deep within the stillness hear the soul speak.

Maureen.

                                                

                       Sunshine Saturday.

I know  I have been complaining about the cold, bleak weather, but this morning

is a beautiful sunshine day, lovely for coffee time at the studio. We are able to enjoy an hour outside with easy conversation and a feeling of lightness.

On the walk home the sun  still shines, the sky and sea are a glorious blue, people are swimming happily,and it is almost like summer again.

The little sailing boats lie peacefully in the bay, the birds are chirping,

and I am absorbed in the  moment.

Soon the flat welcomes us, and it's time now to prepare lunch.

Today we will enjoy it on the terrace, drinking in this delightful,

so welcome sunlight, and feeling grateful for a perfect day.

Maureen.

                                    

Love is the answer.

                       
Do everything with love and you can do no wrong,-love is the ultimate optimum good.
                                            Maureen.

Into the Cold.

It was a dark, bleak scene here this morning.

             

              ----   a morning walk was not inviting. Fortified by a creamy cappuccino though, the proposition seemed easier, and we returned from our venture feeling ready to face the day.

Lunch time today---and I felt further fortified. We are really doing the pumpkins proud this year,
and the pumpkin and leek pie (tart) is always welcome, washed down with my daily glass of red wine.- somehow warming and Very mellowing!

This afternoon more work, then a brisk walk down to the studio. I'm not doing much painting there just now, so it is lovely to relax in that glimpse of afternoon sun;- so much warmer here! I am thinking it is the place to start

'bringing on some seedlings,  with organic growing in mind!

Back home before the dark descends. Maybe a peaceful evening watching a DVD, then before bed that wholesome, relaxing, sleep- inducing cup of cocoa.

HAPPY DREAMS!

                                       Maureen.

                                                                           

Time to slow down.

 

The part can never be well unless the whole is well.-Plato.

 Oasis Evening-

     friday 19th nov.

7-30pm--9-00pm

         A candlelit evening for relaxing and revitalising.

This will follow a simple programme using the healing medium of
Light-Energy as a basis for guided visualisation,deep breathing,muscle relaxation and a period of stillness.

A peaceful atmosphere to allow for mental, physical, spiritual
renewal . 

Afterwards, if you wish, light wholefood refreshment, and hopefully gentle conversation to nurture the peaceful mood.

I advise loose, comfortable clothes, and if you prefer the floor, feel free to bring your own cushion or rug.

The venue this time is the flat, starting at 7-30.
There is space for 2 or 3 more so if you feel drawn, be in touch for directions.

No fee  for the sessions,- a donation is helpful.
                                            Maureen.

  Autumn Days and Autumn Leaves.
                                  


It's cold here today,---certainly autumnal, more like winter infact. From the terrace the scene is bleak. We face north and the sea seems chilly, bleak, ,desolate ,
with a hint of foreboding.

Yes it's a grey day, and although there is a hint of blue sky, the mood is essentially grey. I have to admit it, autumn is not my favourite season, it touches me with a kind of melancholy that I  momentarily  absorb.

So in keeping with the mood,- that hauntingly beautiful song  -Autumn Leaves.
                                                               Maureen.

               Anyone for tennis?

                               What's this we see as we approach the coffee shop window?
Has Joe suddenly swung into athletic mode? Is this the latest in sport? There he is prancing round the tables brandishing a raquet at 6-30 in the morning.

No!- This we learn is the ultimate weapon against the mosquito. Fed by battery,one click of a button issues a short sharp noise, somewhere between a crack and a snap,
and without fail the offending creature is 'taken care of.'

Can you guess what I carried on our way home? -A present from Joey! He  had decided that, despite its admirable qualities and fine performance, if he continued to use it so enthusiastically, in full view of all who passed, his mental equilibrium might come into question, and he might lose a few customers!

Oh well, you never know what you come across on your morning walk.We now possess the latest anti-mosquito weapon, and the only problem  is-I can't kill the smallest being, not even that insidious,buzzing, sly, disturbing night-time  horror.
                                                Maureen.

P,S.-As an afterthought, and in empathy with my Scottish links, here is good old Kenneth McKellar  and  the sad story of the Scottish mosquito equivalent-----The Midges! ---(My Dad enjoyed this one!)

                                                           

          Those GoodVibes!                        






                       The Oasis bases its whole philosophy on an ongoing vision that speaks constantly  to me about the real meaning of life and living as an interaction of energy:-positive energy-love energy, an energy that can bring the world back to harmony ,peace, and a realisation of its meaningful existence.

The vision knows that this will happen,and indeed it is happening as more and more people are enlightened into a conscious awareness of this Reality.

I came across this little video, and I like its simplicity, truth and humour.
Take a look,- it doesn't last long.
                                        Maureen.

CHANGING SCENE-CHANGING MOOD.

 A few weeks ago the early morning walk was full of sunlight and blue skies,today the mood is a little more solemn. Not desolate, just tinged with a sadness that hangs softly in the air.

St Paul's Island looks a little lonely too.

No tables or chairs at Siren's Cafe.

And -oh dear! The rocks below our flat are taking on a damp, mossy,

soggy look. No more Summer crowds, noise, laughter;well I admit it, I did quite

often complain about them!

I'm not complaining now really. It's just that the change here in Malta is

 sudden and throws me off balance for a while and I do miss the changing colours

that you find in more variety in England, and the smell of Autumn.

There will still be blue skies here though, and many warm days I'm sure  until

January arrives. So I'm making the most of them with gratitude,

and deeply appreciating the fact that yesterday I was able to enjoy lunch on the terrace with a so relaxing glass of Maltese wine,-organic ofcourse!

 Maureen.

A happy evening.

I think  that last friday's fundraiser was a happy relaxed evening for those who came.

I set out the table centrally so that refreshments could be enjoyed along with easy conversation after people had viewed the paintings at their leisure,and there cerainly was  an animated social interaction,- just as it should be I think.

I was very happy with the sale of paintings, and especially delighted that a friend bought 'Summer Fields'-

the painting shown above. She loved it, identified with it, and was intrigued when Ginny told her the story of how it grew and developed.

I had a email from her yesterday to say how happy she is with it. She has hung it in her study on a yellow wall;-a sunshine painting indeed!

So this is a good start for the 'Organic Growing'

project;-despite the hard work organising it,

the evening proved to be a happy one for all who came.---Thankyou for the support!

Maureen.