COINCIDENCES.----Are there such things?

In my experience coincidences certainly seem to happen,-now is this

 random chance or is there some hidden order and pattern at work?

Physicist David Bohm concluded that there is infact an 'Implicate Order'

holding everything together as a whole.

Last week my cousin sent me the card above for my birthday;

as hers is close to mine, almost simultaneously I had posted off 

a card to her.The strange thing is---they were both almost identical!

Both cards showed two young women, and both had bicycles.

Although the cards were painted by different artists,

in each the theme and mood was identical.

Each picture

evoked an atmosphere almost surreal,with a mistiness

and dream-like quality, beautiful, quite mystical.

A movement into light is here,a closeness to nature,with its

sense of new life,colour and simple loveliness.

Carl Jung would call this happening'a synchronistic one',

                               in his opinion coincidences have a deeper,

important meaning that we should look at.There is a symbolism here,

 similar to that of dreams, and we should reflect on that meaning.

In dreams, riding bicycles is often interpreted as linked

 with a desire for or a movement back into joy, simplicity,

freedom.

Looking at my lovely birthday card I'm drawn

into this beautiful moment.I do desire this new life  with its

sense of lightness ,brightness, beauty,carefree living,

so simply unpressurised. I'm free-wheeling here, and meandering

through idyllic scenes, lifted into a world where life

in its loveliness has real meaning, where all is gentle,harmonious

and at peace.

I choose to think that this is my birthday card message.

Hope to enter  a new year of  simple abundance,

a movement into real happiness,with true living,

and adventure of the perfect kind.!----

I'm wishing this for my cousin with the card I sent to her,

and ofcourse for everyone.

           Mo.

'There is no such thing as chance;and what seems to us the merest accident

springs from the deepest source of Destiny.'

       Friedrich Schiller.

'Happiness is not a matter of intensity but a balance, order, and rhythm and harmony.-----Thomas Merton.

Synchronicity-----'a governing dynamic that underlies the whole

of human experience.'   ----Carl Jung.

             

                                                                                 

NOISE!----the good, the bad and the mixed.

As I see it there is noise and NOISE! There is that soothing,

comforting kind that  brings a sense of peace and harmony, and

then there is the other kind that sets every nerve on edge

causing you to clench your teeth and just about suppress a desire to scream.

Above the necessary sound of palms being spruced up for summer---a busy, productive noise.

Our little flat here in Malta is perched between the two extremes.

Just look at the beautiful view from our front terrace!

What could be more serene? On a sunny day a perfect blue vista

greets us as sky melts into sea, a few  sailing boats

drift by.On the terrace  birds are chirpily flitting from

 branch to branch, the butterflies are fluttering and

the bees are humming.Peaceful,mellow,beautiful sounds

of revitalised  life and living.

Now for the other scene and sounds!

To the rear of the flat is a main high street.

It is an old street, and a narrow street with shops and houses

on either side.It is also a busy street! From the early hours,buses,

delivery vans, lorries,  and so on,make their noisy way.

Parking restrictions are in place, but no-one seems to

observe them, so cars trying to pass through with

 a modicum of speed, resort to LOUD horn-tooting.

As Spring approaches, so do the workmen, bent on

re-constructing old  buildings, accompanied of course with

the inevitable concrete mixers, cranes and drilling equipment.

In the street people are increasinly losing their'cool'so

voices grow louder as do the cell phones.----You get the picture?

I'm so glad to say that we are protected from  much of this

 by rows of fairly tall flats and the prevailing winds.

Most often we are blissfully unaware of the commotion

happening just a few metres away.I am thankful for this,

and as we move into the lovely month of May I intend to

relish every tranquil day before we are beseiged by

the summer holiday season--- holiday-makers,

youngsters(already on a high) anticipating their three

month vacation, and then ofcourse the ear-splitting,

mind blowing, peace shattering speedboats

with their LOUDNESS!

So meantime, I'm building up on some quiet meditation,

nurturing the  energy,growing(hopefully) in resilience.

and being prepared I'm sure to keep on sending out those

gentle,harmonious,positive vibrations as we move into

 the busiest time of the year!

Mo.

,

       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Games people play!

   A Grammy award winner this song appeared around the late sixties
when the song-writer Joe South was at the peak of his career.
An amazingly talented man he wrote and played for many famous artists of the era.His disappearance from the scene with his brother's death

 was a shock and a tragedy. His website:-

                                    http://www.joesouth.com/                                                                       

                                                                              

   
     

        I love his song 'Games People Play.' and I find it so relevant
        for today.
               I  remember years ago organising a project on 'Advertising '
         with a class of teenagers. It was at that  point where the  media  
          was working in an accelerated way to encourage everyone  to be 
          part of an affluent, materialistic lifestyle.  T.V.
         with its sleek commercials encouraged people
         to "keep up with the Jones' ', be more beautiful, enjoy more leisure,
        have the latest car model, etc. Increasingly many were caught up
        in the'rat race' looking to better themselves, pleasure- seeking constantly.

           As I see it, alongside this development, increasing stress developed too.
          In the almost fanatical drive to be as  good or better than others,
           we have lost ourselves. I really feel that few of us today really
            know who we are, or why we are, we are so busy
            trying to be someone else.----' Games People Play hits hard!'
                                                         Mo.
             

               

                                

           
                     


.                               
             

The sneezing baby panda.

                                                                            

                   A quickie  blog today----monday is busy!
                   A shortie video too, ----it's in the top10 classic favourites
                 for You Tube.-----I hope it brings a little smile to your monday!
                                                                               Mo.

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

'If you smile when no-one else is around, you really mean it.'----Andy Rooney.

Dancing is my cup of tea!

                              I have a back problem and so I need to exercise regularly.
                               Much exercise I do out of a sense of duty or necessity,
                               but dancing is a different matter---I do it out of love,
                               ---I love to dance!

                                Somehow I am lost in another world, and when
                              the music is right, I'm simply flying.-So today, I'm in
                            the mood, the music is right,----I'm off! Won't you join me?

                                                                           

          Video of Toure Kunda's song 'Rapada.'----Putamayo World Music.
        Putamayo have an inspiring collection of music from around the world.

    



                      MY DANCING POEM:-

                    Dancing is really my cup of tea!
                     It fills me with hope-
                    shows me that life needn't drown in boredom.
                     Every part of me living in light,
                      a deep sense of wonder and freedom.
                     
                    
                                                   
                     When I dance I see the moon and stars so close
                      I'm floating there,touching them, feeling them,
                      bathing in the brightness of them,
                      drinking them into me deeply,
                        dazzingly alive  in light.
                                                    Mo.

                      
                                                    
.

Saturday morning-----coffee time at The Oasis.

Saturday morning and coffee time with friends.This is the day with a specific time    to be at the Oasis Studio, so that friends from far and near can come to relax with us for a while.I see it as a kind of gathering place, restful  pleasant and peaceful,
-it  certainly is for me. 

It's quite a sheltered spot, and although it's a little windy this morning

there is a sign of sunshine!

If you live near-by or if you pass and feel like unwinding for

a while, do drop in for a chat.

Mo.

Time----10-00 12-00.

Thought for the day-------

'Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.'

Chinese Proverb.

                                                                         
                                                                                   

Crazy about Daisies!

Down at the studio---among the daisies. They are

here in profusion just now.

                                                                                      

Can't you see that I'm just crazy about daisies, they

seem to crop up spontaneously in so many of my paintings?

When they appear on the terrace or down at
the studio I feel a surge of joy, an immediate uplifting of spirits however low I may be feeling.

Place a huge bunch of them in a jug on the sitting
 room coffee table and no-one notices the dust in the corners; they bring such a sense of freshness and Spring.
                                                               

I love their uncomplicated simplicity.I love their

cheerful joyful attitude.They never try to compete

with their more exotic neighbours, they seem happy to be 

 just as they are.

Do people still make daisy chains? I remember

happy hours gathering them from nearby

fields, carefully stringing them together,

-making a necklace and bracelet, then  ofcourse

the sadness when they lost their freshness.

I

As I have said before, I'm happy that I'm 'Aries' and

daisies are my flower,----but incase this is all too simple,

diamond is my stone and fire my symbol.

 What contrast!

"IfI had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in

the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall.

I would go to more dances, ride more merry-go-rounds.

I would pick more daisies."-----Nadine Stair.

-----and me too!

'

                                                                

Happiness is---------?

Tulips.-mixed media on stretched canvas---28"x28"

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

 

Today  is  a little windy, but the sun is warm and comforting

in a bright blue sky. What a difference that blue sky makes!

Down at the studio yesterday Joe met the driver

who delivers our small supply of organic veg.It

was really good to know that he loves the studio;

for him, the paintings are' happy paintings.'

I'm glad to hear this, because it's always the

motive behind my artwork:-the wish to bring

 brightness into peoples' life.

It's difficult to define happiness isn't it? Your idea is

probably different from mine.

Happiness for me would have to include lightness , brightness,

colour, peace, joy, animation, love, laughter, dancing, music, wine,

flowers----oh I could go on and on.!

A perfect Happiness Scene for me--------  A beautiful

colourful setting,the sun  mellow, soothing;

Intoxicating flowers , gentle birdsong.

 There is a long table laden with wholesome food,

 delicious wine.Laughter drifts on 

 a gentle breeze, soft music, dancing(ofcourse)

if desired.

Everyone is here, feeling so safe,so free, so complete.

An energy resonates,  vital, alive.

A colour washed peace for all,born out of  deep empathy,

 lighting up space , moving beyond time into a sweet

blissful moment of Eternity. 

Mo. 

-----And what about the Icelanders?

 

Pictures----Daily Mail. U.K.

'There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual

part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we

are caretakers of this planet.'

Brooke Medicine Eagle.

As for me, I have a strong belief that Man cannot safely

interfere with God's natural Law of Order;-if he continues

to do so this will  increasingly have a massive negative

reaction throughout the Earth.

 Mo.

                                                                               

P.S.-----MY SECOND POST TODAY!

                                                  

                  I have been reluctant to point to Pope Benedict's visit
                  to Malta,----so much has been said. However I have 
                   just come across this new video and I wanted to              
                 record  it. I was gladdened to see  the welcome given by
                  the young people. He looked tired and strained despite
                  his smiles and I am sure he must have felt comforted.

                  As for the young folk.---As a teacher my heart goes
                 out to their deep need for meaningful direction in a troubled world.
                 May we all find that real Peace we are looking for.
                                                Mo.

                   
                                                                 

NUTS ARE GOOD AND NUT MILK IS DELICIOUS!

                                             When you have to be careful as to the amount
                                   of milk you drink, nut milk I think is a delicious
                                   alternative.We use it on cereal and it is satisfying
                                   and nutritious.Simple to make too in a blender.I
                                   use the little Moulinex- Moulinette and I find it great.

                                                                   



                                        Personally I don't use quite as much   water                                         as is shown in the video, nor do I usually strain
                                        it, so  it has a creamier texture to pour
                                        over cereal, fruit etc.If you use it as a drink,
                                       though, you will probably add more liquid.
                                       Ofcourse you can try all kinds of nuts and
                                       sweeteners, it depends on taste.We love dried
                                       figs! ---As for me I find it a delicious, wholesome
                                        change from the goat's milk ----that I love too!
                                                       Mo.
                                                                                                                                     
                                                                  
                                   
                                        
        
            
   
                               
                   
                                                                     

A laid -back day today!

                                                                                  


                                                         FOREST SPIRIT.

                     Sunday today, and a day of rest.A laid-back day
                     when I put monday morning out of my mind,
                     try to relax and really appreciate the moment.

                      We've had quite an active time lately enjoying
                      the company of friends so  there hasn't been
                      much time for painting activities.The video above
                     is a gentle,relaxing,interesting one for artists
                      or indeed anyone.
                      The artist's website is also interesting; it offers
                      a variety of ideas and resources that I need to spend
                      time  looking at.
                                              http://robertgenn.com/

                     He loves painting outside,and like many artists believes
                     that light is captured more truly here.
                     I tend to be more of an 'inside' painter, I am more
                      private here, and comfortable.

                       'No-one would have the courage to walk up to a writer
                    and ask to look at the last pages of his manuscript
                    but they feel perfectly comfortable staring over an
                    artist's shoulder while he is trying to paint.'
                                                   Robert Genn.

                  As for me, I hope, now that Spring is here, to have an
                  inspired, animated burst of Spring painting.Meanwhile
                  I hope also to  soon  put up on my  Art website a' Spring sale Offer' 
                  on a selection of my paintings.-------Mo.
                             http://www.maureenhughes.artspan.com/
                 
                                                    
    

                 

                                                               
                      

 

                        



                                                                               

Birthdays---- and mystery tours.

                                                                           

My Birthday nearly always turns out to be a happy day.

Even the time when I was small and it landed on Good Friday,

that day of sadness and certainly no celebrations.

My devout Irish Granny however was so disturbed

by my crestfallen face that against all

tradition she organised a surprise party for me.

I'm always happy now for my birthday to pass quietly,

but it's great to be remembered by loved ones.

A lovely surprise from Joe was a little book with the story

of Heidi. He knows how much I loved it as a child,

and this is a version for young readers

because ofcourse he knows that I am young at heart.

My love of goats' milk and cheese stems I'm sure

 from that unforgettable scene with Heidi

up in the mountains with Grandfather

enjoying for the first time a jug

of rich creamy goats'milk. I can still see and taste it!

I was so sad to learn recently how much the Heidi

theme has been commercialised today.

'A Daisy a Day.'---a painting from my website.

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

Daisies with their central 'sun' are my birth flower, 

and I'm sure today will be  a lovely sunshine day.

---a bit of a mystery tour I think.

Going with the flow and just knowing that good things

will happen.One thing I know for sure is that this evening

there will be the traditional House Blessings.

What a way to end a brthday!

Mo.

'Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that

 the people who have the most live the longest.'----Larry Lorenzoni.

'Because time is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday

each year: the same energy that God invested in you

at birth is present once again.'

M.M. Schneerson.

.