PSYCHEDELIC UMBRELLA-----VINTAGE SIXTIES!

There was a real downpour the other day on our walk and by the time we reached the coffee shop we were soaked; the problem was- our umbrellas! Suddenly, along with the rain came a wild wind playing havoc with our flimsy models- turning them inside out, then collapsing them.

Warmed by our cappuccino we were dreading our return journey, but Joe saved the day by running upstairs and returning with his vintage umbrella.---WOW!----psychedelic to say the least,and very much belonging to the sixties.How good though! We sailed smoothly home, protected by its sturdiness;solid and strong it is, no flimsiness here.What's more, I can keep it, and with a bit of'polishing it should be even brighter.-------

I'm quite looking forward to our colourful rainy journeys now, especially when I note that the dictionary definitions  for' psychedelic' are-----BOLD, VIVID ,COLOURFUL,and producing HALLUCINATIONS! ----Now I just hope they are going to be exciting ones!! 

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

        Anthony D'Angelo.

AND MORE SERIOUSLY------

The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibilities that we all had. It wasn't the answer, it just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.

                                          John Lennon. 

A QUICKIE-FUN COLLAGE!

A very busy day today, so not much time for blogging! It's quite a grey day though, so I felt like offering something a  little on the cheerful side:-it makes me feel better and I hope that it offers someone somewhere a bright moment !Just another fun collage,-nothing special,but maybe adding a touch of colour and a smile to a grey day.
                                                                                   Mo.

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

INSIDE THE RAINBOW.------TODAY'S PAINTING.

'INSIDE THE RAINBOW.'---WATERCOLOUR 10'X16'.

I usually paint with acrylics as I enjoy the 'feel' but now and again I venture into the realms of watercolour and I  realise that I am happy with this medium too. When working on an abstract painting I tend to use the paints loosely, rather like a 'colour drop' I suppose, and this brings in the elements of adventure and the unexpected,
 so that the result is often surprising. It's one of the joys of painting, this journey into the unknown, giving the imagination free reign, and submerging oneself in the flow;-for me an experience that is perhaps closest  to that deepest part of me!
                                                                      Mo.

Every artist dips his brush into his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.-----Henry Ward Beecher.

GO ON-----HAVE A GOOD LAUGH!

I know we were out early this morning and maybe just a bit bleary eyed, but we both read the message on the side of the car, and I took a picture to prove that we were seeing right. (Look closely at the writing!-click on image to enlarge)Thank goodness for  humour, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this one!----A  good start to the day don't you think?
   Although I'm grateful for my  own sense of humour, ---it has carried me through many difficult life situations,----at the same time it tends to be quite off-beat and quirky.Also I have to admit it, I'm a giggler, and this can land me and those with me in some embarrassing situations. Unfortunately the giggling urge usually begins at a fairly formal serious  occasion-(probably due to nerves.)often at an important period of poignant silence.-From the urge it develops into a build up of wild mirth which in my attempt to control --- sets my whole body shaking and trembling and then bursts out into a VERY loud choking guffaw!----Needless to say those near me move away,- not to be associated with the moment, and I am left to  suffer my mortification alone! Finally, I'm VERY ashamed to admit that this has happened(although rarely) on  quite sombre occasions: and I have come to the conclusion that the root cause of it all MUST  be nerves,---or emotion,--- or maybe some mild form of hysteria?!-----
                                                                                              Mo.
                                                               

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. e e cummings.

Common sense and a sense of humour are the same thing moving at different speeds.A sense of humour is just common sense dancing.----William James.
                                                                                         

COLOUR MY WORLD---IT'S GREEN TODAY!

We live in Malta, -a land of blue seas and sandy rock, beautiful in many ways,--- but how I miss the greens of the English countryside.I was brought up in 'leafy Warwickshire' and Joe,  in the hills and green dales of Yorkshire, so I suppose 'green' is deeply embedded in our soul.
  Really I need green!Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye, and has the ability to soothe and relax both mentally and physically.It can offer a sense of renewal and harmony, a sense of peace.
          I find that my paintings are predominantly green. I don't feel that this is through a conscious decision, I think it flows out from a deeper,emotional, sub-conscious need that I have for this reflective calm.Certainly I love to paint with the whole spectrum---- how I love reds, purples and vibrant pinks,---- and different colours appeal at different times,---- but it's green that seems to draw me back to a feeling of newness, freshness and joy.----a real life giver I think!

           
     Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.
           Pedro Calderon de la Barca.
         Spanish Poet.

SIMPLE SYSTEM OF ENERGISING.

               

                           ACRYLIC PAINTING-28"X 28"------'LIVEWIRE

I  truly believe that it's no good doing all the exercise under the sun, eating the right wholesome food, getting the right amount of rest, if I forget all about how this works best.For me, the only way it all makes sense is to see a holistic picture of life and each individual.I hope that if I try sincerely to live in harmony with God's Life -force, that Spirit of Life who is the very source of it all, then I can actually draw on that energy to supplement and amplify my own.-Positive love energy that needs to be used positively with love to further its momentum in the environment and even if in a little way, help let life be truly life as it should be For me this gives my own life a meaning that makes sense, so I try to build it into daily living as an fundamental core.------- An exercise I try to use daily goes like this:-

Concentrate on a simple belief in your ability to dominate negativity by breathing in God's Life -force.combining it with your own and letting it magnify and amplify as it circulates through your body, mind and whole being.

                                            EXERCISE.

Simple visualisation of energy, through breathing in a colourful supply of particles and transmitting them through the body in an active way, through dancing, or your own free movement.  Breathe in the energy and the colour and let this circulate  freely, breathe out and see it resonating, vibrating and extending into the atmosphere, giving an amplified strengthened supply to those absorbing it,-only positive, vibrant, strengthening love energy.

                                                   Mo.

                  

COLLAGE CRAZY!

                                                           FLOWERS-COLLAGE-10"X6"

Today has really been one of those days!You know what I mean? Not seriously so, just irritating, annoying, frustrating stress -making etc. in that horrible niggling way it has.So to get myself back into balance ,back to that unruffled, positive-thinking approach,- I have to say I went a little 'collage crazy.'

          Great relief!----I thoroughly enjoyed making a mess with the paints, the glue,the paper, the materials. I also enjoyed giving vent to my feelings with,---- I need to say it,----a quite aggressive approach with the scissors! I needed some concentration though so that sobered me just a little.----- I'm happy to report that the sense of  freedom and a bit of recklessness restored my sense of humour and this lightness  brightness and colour put the day into a more sane perspective before things went leaping out of control!

       So you know the remedy now  if you're about to' lose the cool'-----go a bit 'collage crazy'-------it's great therapy!!

                                                                                          Mo.

COLLAGE TIME AND HAPPY MEMORIES.

                                              FUN FLOWERS---COLLAGE- MIXED MEDIA. 8"X10"

  Whenever I start on a collage, I feel free! Call it frivolity, fantasy,flightiness, I don't know,- somehow my approach is never serious. I think part of this is because I'm immediately transported back through the years to the little Infants' classroom where I always waited eagerly for those art and craft afternoons;-fridays I think.How I loved them!The  place came alive with a hum of excitement and chatter.Then there were the smells:the plasticine,paste, wax crayons,poster paints. The colours and textures:- sugar paper, tracing paper, shiny coloured squares of sticky-backed paper,   golden cut-out stars and moons.All of this cocooned in a little world of innocence, safety, security, warmth,---where the imagination could soar.So today-----
                              COLLAGE TIME.
        -----a child again! Weaving worlds of magic, fields of dreams.
                                                                                          Mo.


                              

A COCKEYED OPTIMIST?

                                           OUR CYCLAMEN.

Outside The Oasis studio we have a small patio area(part of the Palazzo grounds.)There's a table and umbrella there so that people can relax in the sun in warmer weather.Joe lovingly tends the plants , and just before Christmas bought several  small  cyclamen in vivid shades of pink,-How they brightened the scene! We loved them , hoped that others would enjoy them, and indeed passers -by remarked how the sight of them uplifted their spirits. Then, one dark night, before Christmas Day, -----they vanished!----Someone liked them too much! I felt sick! How could anyone do this at Christmas time? After the first surge of anger I just hoped that whoever it was would feel a few twinges of regret on Christmas Day.
     We replaced the cyclamens with others just as lovely, and they continue to give simple pleasure.Maybe we placed them a little more cautiously and carefully, but---I still go on trusting.I think I dread going through  life with an increased level of introversion, suspicion and fear, -becoming more obsessive and paranoid by the minute.I suppose deep inside I still believe in the innate goodness of human beings.You can call me a fool or an impractical idealist, but I prefer to hang on to this belief with a hope and a trust,-----otherwise what else have we?

                                 COCKEYED OPTIMIST.
       I could say life is just a bowl of jello
       And appear more intelligent and smart;
        But I'm stuck like a dope
       With a thing called hope
       And I can't get it out of my heart.
                                            From 'South Pacific

'You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment unless you trust enough.'-----Frank Crane.----and Me.

     


    

PEACE AND PROTECTIVE PALMS..

         The first time I set eyes on the little room tucked away in the corner of the old Palazzo Pescatore I knew that It would be ideal for The Oasis Studio. I was drawn to the sense of peace and stillness, a feeling that this would be a lovely place to be.....And so it is! ---Although quite near a busy road I find it such a comforting, inspiring place  : it frees me from stress and moves me into a timeless moment of relaxed creativity -a lightness of being where painting is a joyful experience.I feel sure that much of the atmosphere is bound to the  old palm trees within the grounds.Solid and sturdy , they have seen and endured much of life and living,and here they are still, encircling me with their comforting protection ---offering a healing moment.

They breathe sweet music, embrace me in their timeless dance, then whisper words of peace.
                  Mo.

CATHY'S IRISH BROWN BREAD RECIPE.

Our good friends from Ireland-Cathy and Ruben spend quite a bit of time here in Malta and we so much enjoy their lively company and our shared interests.----A 'hot' topic is that of living simply and healthily  and we really do try to nurture that way of life. The bread here is nourishing and really scrumptious, -try some and I'm sure you'll agree!

                                  CATHY'S IRISH BROWN BREAD.
                350g course wholemeal flour.
                25g  wheatgerm
                1tsp. bicarbonate soda.
               1tsp. cream of tartar.
                Half tsp. salt.
                Tbs.dark brown(molasses) sugar.

                300m milk.
                1tbs. olive oil.
                125g carton of natural yogurt(also hazelnut is very good.) or ground nuts
                 approx 2 tsps.

                Grease loaf tin.
          Mix all dry ingredients -make sure no lumps.
          Mix wet ingredients.----combine wet and dry.
          Pour mixture into loaf tin(scatter with sesame seeds if you wish)
           Bake in pre-heated oven at180c for approx. 55mins.

         Take out of tin, wrap in clean tea towel, and place upside down on wire rack to cool.Wrap in cling film to store.

 'Bread deals with living things: with giving life,with growth, with the seed, the grain that nurtures.It's not coincidence that we say bread is the staff of life.'
                                                                               Lionel Poilane.

A TOUCH OF GOLD!--GOLD LEAF MANDALA PAINTING.

Mandala for Peace.---- Textured acrylic on stretched canvas-with gold leaf.-12"x12"

A good morning in the studio -I've been really enjoying experimenting with gold leaf. So fragile it's a little like burned paper turned to ash in texture, but I found it quite manageable and lovely to use.It's recommended that you use a cotton bud slightly dipped in vaseline to lift the protective cover, then after applying the gold leaf in sections on top of a tacky coat of adhesive, use a very soft sable brush to arrange it. I tend usually to 'do my own thing '  and in the end,  I found that I was using my fingers most of the time!
  Thoroughly enjoyable though, and I hope to use it in my selection of gift mandalas,-I'm working on these at the moment!
   All in all  a happy morning, with a touch of gold to brighten the day!

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL WORLD!

             Sunshine through the window,
          a clear blue sky,
          the breeze gently ruffling curtains
          that let in the morning-
          a morning full of promise
          showing me the way;----
           the way beyond myself---
           see myself in retrospect,
           deep inside the caverns of my mind,
           see what I am here to see------

          To see a world-everything beautiful,
           Beauty reigns in splendid knowing
           that this day is perfect.

           I see this  so clearly deep in my heart 
           This moment---the end of my journey,
           this morning sun - the promise
            of that perfect Day.
                                       Mo.
                      


           

A WORLD OF MUSIC!

On a grey day like today- how I need music!-Like colour its that vital ingredient that  speaks to my senses and lets me feel alive! Always when I need to lift the spirit Putamayo World Music is one of my favourites. If you're feeling energetic you can sneak in a little dance or two if nobody's looking, but whatever you decide there really is a choice to suit the mood. Everything from jazz, blues rock to classic- it has an upbeat selection of music from around the world. The C.D. covers feature the art of Nicola Heindi and are so inspired and cheerful.So if you're feeling low----give it a go!--- See you there! 

Also Putamayo in response to the Haitian disaster are re-activating their French Caribbean C.D. Throughout 2010 they will be donating 100% of their proceeds from the sale of each .C.D. to Yele Haiti  a non-profit relief organisation.
                            http://www.putamayo.com/

 

A SIMPLE PRAYER.

                       
A prayer this morning for all those people suffering fear and torment in Haiti.May this suffering be eased as speedily as possible and may those trying to offer help be strengthened and enlightened to see clearly the best  way to go. 
May each of us be given the grace in our own life to live sincerely and lovingly, letting go of all that inhibits us:-the greed, the selfishness, the fear, the prejudice. May our hearts open wide in  warm empathy with each other ,knowing that  a true active caring for the whole human family can only help to heal the world and bring it back to its true nature.
                                        Maureen.                                                    

SEAS OF CHANGE!-------GREGALE BREWING!!

This is the view through our window this morning---and we have to go out!-------O. K. we made it and I even took more pictures on the way before things get too bad.
One of the things about living in Malta---some would say one of the exciting things----is the acute unpredictability of the weather.One moment we are bathed in the glow of a brilliant blue sky and sapphire sea,next comes the howling wind and menacing waves and the RAIN! Our flat faces north , looking out to sea so there isn't much protection!
            During these quite turbulent winter days It's difficult to remember those hazy summer scenes, the time when ofcourse everyone is complaining of too much heat.--- So meantime, ----we enter the scene with positivism, complete with the inevitable woolly hat, and we NEVER (well almost never) forget that umbrella!! 

Weather is a great metaphor for life.-  Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella. ---Pepper Giardino.

P.S. These are the latest---taken just now by Joe.----No more today.- we're inside now with our hot ginger drink!

                                                 
                                                    
                                                      


    

SUNSHINE GIRL----.TODAY'S PAINTING.

Today is a grey day so I think we need a little sunshine and colour! Sunshine Girl is in some ways a fun painting but on another level she is more expressionist in that she symbolises for me those qualities that I see as essential ingredients of true life and living:------colour lightness brightness warmth love humour joie de vivre vitality exuberance simplicity and a sense of feeling free!----Sunshine Girl is all of these,she sends out peaceful, positive vibes, and really I see her as an embodiment of what I would like to be.
                                  Mo.


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

ONLY THE GOOD VIBES!

 Today's painting---Light Vibrations.-Acrylic on stretched canvas-12"x12"

We set off for this morning's walk in the cold, the dark and the rain! Not an inspiring beginning for a  positive thinking blogger. Nevertheless we plodded on staunchly. greeting everyone we passed with a warm smile:again not an easy thing if getting out of bed at 6-00 has been a bit of a struggle!I have to say though that the effort has been so worthwhile!
 At the start of last year we made a consciously sustained effort to do this simple thing,and we have been so blessed by the development. Along the way we have seen the growth of a relaxed camaraderie, an easy, spontaneous  time of meeting and greeting  friends, who have turned that morning exercise into a warm moment, no matter what the weather has offered.So hopefully this year we will continue---- and do you know, however dramatic I sound,--- I honestly believe that if we can just keep nurturing and sending out those positive vibes,  life  can be a happier  experience for everyone, and quite definitely the world can be a happier  place ! Don't we need this?
                                                                                        Mo.

'Peace starts with a smile.'----Mother Teresa.

OASIS SATURDAY MORNINGS.

Some of you have asked the best time to drop in to The Oasis  and I feel that saturday morning each week is good. I work there most mornings other than sunday and you are welcome then, but because of the erratic weather  I haven't given definite times: so each saturday from 10-00 am ---1200 we will now be there (in reasonable weather!!)----Feel free to drop in for a chat and drink if the mood takes you- friends, fellow bloggers etc.

    
                                         Maureen.

A DEFINITELY HOT DRINK DAY!

It  may not snow here in Malta(or rarely,) but we certainly have the wind! Today a strong westerly-offering me no encouragement as I poked my nose out early this morning assessing the situation for our walk.Definitely a woolly hat day- no doubt about it! Ofcourse we braved the elements like troopers, negotiating the watch-tower with its whirlwind scenario, along the coast buffeted and lifted as we moved along,the sea already giving us menacing looks.
             The coffee shop at last, and that well deserved cappuccino! As usual the relaxed conversation lifted the spirits, but then the return journey-oh no! -----We made it, and really it wasn't so bad.------The bad news is we 've just heard that tomorrow looks like being worse, and the rain is coming too!- Oh well----definitely a HOT drinks day! How about some of the pomegranate  liqueur, or even a  little Sambuca?

A beauty born of wildness,- a restless spirit that offers me no peace.
                                                                                    Mo.

HOW I MISS IT----- SNOW!

The pictures here were sent by readers to The Northern Echo newspaper, based in  England - a lovely selection for those snowy days that they are experiencing.

I know it causes chaos but how I miss that first fall of snow! The stillness, the peace

 the purity, all these for me have an unsurpassed magic that  has never failed to inspire me with a sense of wonder and delight.Here in Malta  the better winter days are filled with the intense, beautiful blue of sea and sky, one melting into the other, an infinite sense of space,- yet still my heart longs for that first snowy fall.

Timeless moment,soul searingly exquisite,---a glimpse of Eternity.

                                                                                Mo.

       

HOT SPICY AND HEALTHY----GINGER DRINK.

Good News!--- We enjoy using herbs and spices and this ginger drink is a real winter warmer.Great for the digestion the immune system and the circulation,and hopefully is warding off those winter sniffles! You can ofcourse adjust the ingredients to suit your taste:----we like it hot! ----Makes enough for two and is so good!

Blend the following:-

One large juicy lemon.

Two cloves garlic -chopped

One inch chunk of fresh root ginger- chopped

Dessertspoon of pure honey.

Enough water for two cups.

Heat and drink piping hot---add more honey if you like.

Food is an important part of a balanced diet.---Fran Lebowitz.

WINTER WARMTH.

Today's Painting --- Heart of the Flame ---acrylic on stretched canvas 12"x12"

How I hate taking down the Christmas decorations! For a while I really miss the glow, the colour, the whole ambience. The scene looks a bit bleak! I know I should be moving on into the new year with zest, but just for a few days it's always the same. So now I try to spice up the atmosphere with the colours and little touches that lift my spirits!--- Red and burnt orange come into play with paintings and cushions and the mellow glow of candles is vital. Even though we've had some lovely sunny days here, still those dark evenings need the warmth of candlelight to give a cosy feeling.;Light , colour and warmth for me are woven into my being and without themI just don't feel alive!

Maybe it's because I'm Aries, of the Fire sign and the colour red; whatever the reason , for the next few months I know I need to colour my world in this way.

P.S. I'm also working on some spicy meal ideas,(healthy ofcourse)---and some warming drinks for those cold days!

P.P.S.---How could I forget my meditation sessions,- they give warmth to heart and soul.

*****************

Better to light a candle than curse the dark.---Chinese Proverb.

END OF CHRISTMAS---THE EPIPHANY.

So with the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem the Christmas season comes to an end.Such an important feast though, with its symbolic opening out to all people so that the whole human family is able to share in the love, light and peace of this beautiful Happening .

Sorry for the next piece but I couldn't resist it!----An extract from a Christmas poem written when I was seven, and kept lovingly by my mother for years.----

---He lies asleep in stable bare, with ox and ass to warm him there.

The shepherds are the first to see Jesus on his mother's knee,

And Wise Men come to worship Him, welcoming the Baby- King.

There was an accompanying crayon drawing (sadly lost!) with all the characters very colourfully dressed, and, to the amusement of the class teacher a VERY large electric light bulb replacing the star, and dangling perilously down from the stable roof determined to reach EVERYONE with its far reaching , dazzling rays.----I was so proud of this drawing!

So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.---

Baha u llah.

WHERE DO I GO NOW?

A Mandala .

Into The Deep.----watercolour on cotton .

Christmas time has been active and so lovely, but I feel that I need to spend some days now slowing down just a little and finding the space to regain a more even rhythm ,refresh the spirit and move into this year with a sense of renewed vigour.Time to reflect lightly but deeply, asking for guidance and inspiration,and wishing to live life as fully ,meaningfully ,lovingly and happily as possible in the days ahead.

'Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.'----Hans Margalius.

LIGHT REFLECTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Light Reflections----acrylic on stretched canvas 24" x24"

After exchanging more New Year greetings in the coffee shop this morning, the conversation touched on the theme of hope.Now that the excitement of the festive activities are over I feel that we are often left with a sense of anti -climax.Christmas draws us with its sense of wonder, and as New Year approaches a sense of anticipation,- expectancy is there hovering in the air.---We long for the wonderful,- the magical!---The so often hum drum days that follow leave a let down feeling, sharpened by the wintry days.

Sometimes it takes quite an effort to let hope enter the scene at this point, yet for me it's a vital factor and I feel goes so much hand in hand with it's companions faith and love,--- the trio that make life meaningful .---My prayer for us all at the start of this new year is that these three beautiful gifts nurture us always, keeping us positively and peacefully moving on our journey into a fulfilment of our own unique potential and so that happiness we are all deeply longing for.

Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.----George Iles.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE.

So 'HAPPY NEW YEAR' TO EVERYONE!'----Family, friends, fellow bloggers,everyone in this big, wide world, ---I wish us all real Peace.

We had a visit from Marvic yesterday, as always bringing her lovely Christmas gift. Always unusual, enlightened, and something to enjoy through the years, this time it is a litle Nativity/ Family Scene, hand- made in Peru. ----Lovely for New Year too,:-Peru the home of the Incas, with its ancient Sacred Paths and the Master Path leading to a renewal and re-awakening of our 'real self'----who we really are.---I hope to keep its little candle alight regularly this year, wishing for us all to experience this beautiful re-awakening, and so our fulfilment and peace.