A great start to the day

A little heady for early morning, but what glorious splendour!
I feel privileged to  be able to drink in this majestic sight most mornings now on rising.

Somehow, it gives me strength for whatever faces me,knowng that in reality I belong with this beauty, its truth shines  through all negativity and gives me hope to face the day in peace.
                                        Mo.

Passionate Pomegranates.

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The pomegranate tree outside the studio window is in bloom, the scarlet flowers cascading profuse and passionate, full of  verve,  beckoning us to join them in this glorious celebration , this colourful dance of life.
                                Mo.

                                      

Porgy and Bess 'Summertime'

Yes it's summertime, and the living has to be easy as it grows hotter here by the day.
Energy seems to flag-(mine anyway)-, and all that cleaning and dusting seems somehow to get left behind.
Well , they say 'enjoy the moment.'-----Sensible advice I feel!
              Mo.

' In summer, the song sings itself.'                       
                                 William Carlos Williams.

The Prayer.-----Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

A friend sent a copy of this song with Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, a lovely way to start or end  the day I feel.
                   Mo.

That peaceful hour.

'Everything you can imagine is real'------Pablo Picasso.

I really do try to find peace in my day,---a moment to leave stress behind and move into a world of tranquility.
On an early summer day, that quiet time after lunch often provides that moment.
Bathed in a post-wine rosy glow, a misty haze  out at sea, i dream for a while.

A sense of vast space and the mind slows down,unclutters,adopts a rhythmic gentle pace , This surely is reality, this beautiful world, lying serene.----This is where I wish to stay!

                                                                                                  Mo.

                                                                              

                                        THE   OASIS- VISION---SUMMER 2011

The whole meaning of life is love, and this is the Oasis explanation of a vision that really foresees this love as the way the world will continue to be, in any substantial way.


 It offers a way of living that wishes to acknowledge this meaning in an active way, so it lets people accept a new relationship with life in a simple activity that centres on simplicity, truth, and a perfectly useful environmental understanding of nature.

 This is centred on a self sufficient development that uses a new understanding of the power that love has, to enable people to live healthily, happily and freely, using their own abilities to form a pool of resources with those who think similarly,  working in harmony with each other and life.

In time this productive approach will develop a support network that is self- sustaining  and protected, because it will allow God's power to multiply and create an energetic momentum that is extremely fortuitous.

 This is the only way for a healthy, positive, new, active society, so people understanding the truth of this will simply move in this way, as they see fit, and trust that their enlightenment will develop as is required if their attitude is absolutely sincere.
                             Maureen.

The golden hour

Back to Golden Bay to breathe freely for a while. Mist hovers over the sea today but still the holiday makers are growing and soon it will be just too busy for comfort.

We find a table at our little cafe and we feel free for a while to drink in the peace, the sense of relaxed activity and enjoyment. A beautiful setting, a carefree atmosphere, ---life as life! Thank God for Golden Bay and that golden hour.
                             Mo.

Reality or nightmare?

From St Paul's Bay by-pass.

It's growing hot here and at times the little village can seem oppressive.Narrow streets, traffic chaos and plentiful fumes.---- Not inspiring!

To add to the discomfort, a frenzy of road works is happening daily beneath our flat.----Not just fumes but dust dust and more dust. No real supervision or coordination, no constructive effort to help with the obvious health concerns,no one assuming responsibility for the mess, no end in sight.-Appalling!

How to escape for a while?----Take the high road up to the bypass and spend a refreshing hour or so away from the Hell below. Believe it or not, pollution is much less invasive here , crazy as it seems people prefer to drive through the jam-packed scene below.

Oh that welcome fresh air! I actually feel liberated! I walk along relishing my new sense of freedom, breathing deeply, and pausing to look at the view below. Serene, tranquil, white houses fronting a sapphire sea.Who could dream of the close- up  actuality?

I stay there dreaming for a while.Maybe I could bring my tent up here.Maybe I'll take time off to enjoy a higher perspective. Maybe down below is part of an ugly nightmare and I will return  to find that this insane
moment has vanished, Who knows??
                           Mo.

A different path----

View from St. Paul's village.

A different path today for our morning walk,-and a different view. Still the sea, but the sea through trees somehow gives a different perspective.

Sometimes the  unbroken vista as we look from our terrace is so vast and uninterrupted that its sense of Eternity is overwhelming, Here  I find a gentler mystery, a milder magic; , a relief that provides a  more tangible solid statement that grounds me in a mystical kind of way, awe inspiring and capturing again for me the amazing beauty of the world we live in.
                                          Mo.

'Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.'
                Rabindranath Tagore.

Into The Depth.

'Into The Depth'----acrylic on stretched canvas---16"x20"----€55

Usually my paintings arise out of my mood and feelings,
sometimes they come all in a rush as if there is a deep need to express myself there and then.

So it is with the above painting, born I think out of a sense of frustration, a desire to dig deeper into life, cut through the veil of illusion and move into a sphere of reality where there is only lightness, brightness and clarity.

Maybe a painful experience, maybe a  frightening one, but one that, in that moment of painting, beckoned me to go deeper, reach a truth that in its absolute nature revealed the ultimate fulfillment.
                       Mo.
       

Why?

 Early morning at St Paul's Bay and a glorious sunrise, setting the mood for a lovely day.

So difficult to look at this beauty and not feel stirred to the very soul with its hope and promise. Why is it that  in such an amazing world, with its light and colour, with its mystery and slendour,-why is it that we abuse it, neglect it, exploit it,
then expect as our right that it continues to be there for us, never changing?

Why do we not treasure it, nurture it, love it and everything and everyone in it, and be thankful that the Spirit of Life continues to animate and sustain it inspite of our destructive efforts?
                                Mo.

A FUNNY THING-----

' The Wedding Feast'----oil pastels and acrylics on fine cotton.

A funny thing happened to me today,
it really did.
I woke as usual, dressed as usual,
looked at the clock as usual,
and saw that time was standing still.

I stepped outside to see the day breaking,
the sun shining.
and people  full of every colourful lightness and brightness.
They were floating around in this colour,
drenching themselves in it,
drenching each other in it,
looking like rainbows in a beautiful scene of light

And I was with them,
moving with them, dancing with them, feeling such joy,
they gave me such warmth, and love and peace;
a perfection that dazzled me,
showed me Heaven just for a moment.
A funny thing, ---but I think it really happened.
                                               Mo.

VIEW FROM THE SITTING ROOM

We are blessed with this glorious view from the sitting room. Blue sky and sea, sapphire -like, tranquil,----an ambience of peace.

Here I can move away from stress and world turmoil just for a while and drink in the beauty of the real world. This is not illusion, this is the reality that we all search for in our heart.

I pray that this reality stays with me, showing me everything  that has meaning and substance, everything that I believe will ultimately prevail.----Meanwhile I drink in this moment, and nurture it deep within.
                     Mo

Today's painting------'Dreaming'

Acrylic on stretched canvas-----20"x36"-------DREAMING

Today I will be still and wander with my dreams to places I love.I will raise my eyes, drinking in the wonder of space and feel my heart beat softly to the  rhythm  of the waves lapping the shore.---- I will find peace.
                        Mo.

Sit in reverie and watch the changing colour of the waves that break upon the idle seashore of the mind.
      Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

COLOUR MY WORLD

 'LIGHT ENERGY'----WATERCOLOUR-12"X16"

                            Colour My World.

Colour my world with 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.
                        Mo.

                   
                             

Sunrise at St Paul's Bay.

Butterfly moments----

Beautiful and graceful,varied and enchanting, small but approachable,-butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life.
And everyone deserves a little sunshine.
                                               Jeffrey Glassberg.

Leonard Cohen Hallelujah

Take a moment to listen.
                                        Mo

Happy Easter

'Morning'-----acrylic on stretched canvas.

 Wishing everyone the Peace and Joy of Easter.
                           Mo.

Good Friday spiritual------'Were You There?'

This hauntingly beautiful spiritual never fails to touch my soul and move me deeply.
                                                       Mo.

'Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.'
                     Roberto Assagioli.

Joe among the daisies.

  

I love this photo of Joe taken last week in the palazzo grounds.

The daisies abound and the Mock Orange above is delightfully fragrant.

Passers- by wander in often to sit beneath the statue and rest awhile.

A sense of history here,a place of refreshment and peace.

I must say though that I  am just a little wary of the man brandishing the club!

 Mo.

Simple pleasures-----and birthdays.

I truly think I am happiest with the simple pleasures in life----yes, even on my birthday.

So last week I celebrated very simply and really enjoyed the day.

Joe and Ingrid arrived at the studio early and we all enjoyed coffee and biscuits as I enthused about the lovely Indian tunic they gave me.

Lunch was a simple home -cooked affair, but so relaxing, washed down with a glass or two of red wine and listening to-believe it or not ,-'The Shadows'!

A rest for a while, then off to Golden Bay for a leisurely walk,  finishing with a cappuccino at our favourite little kiosk cafe,and  gazing at the sea below.

Night time,----the time to settle down with a good D.V.D. thriller.

What more could I ask for on my birthday?

                                                                          Mo.

Today's Painting-----Under the Sea

                  Under the Sea-----36"x28"---acrylic on boxed canvas € 270

                                                      
Usually with the arrival of Spring and the changing light, I feel my spirits rise, and I
can never suppress the forceful urge to take up my paints again.

I love the colours of Spring, the newness, the freshness, the clarity.I feel that the renewed sense of life and energy needs to be translated onto canvas and so I paint as the mood and moment inspire me.

This painting I  feel captures some of the joyful Spring qualities that I love, hopefully there is a feeling of lightness, brightness and animation, with the textured background adding depth and dimension.The sea below us always inspires me at this time of year, especially on a South wind day when I gaze  into the clear depth, transported to that mysterious world of beauty.

It is offered here for sale, or from the studio, feel welcome to visit.----Mo
                                                                  

A place for peace and quiet----

The Public Gardens setting lies just outside Mosta, so the other day we took a detour on our way back to St Paul's Bay.

A lovely experience! A small area, just a few relaxed people chatting quietly, and a breathtaking view over the fields to the blue sea beyond.

Time to sit and reflect for a while, drinking in the stillness. Nature all around in its simplicity and wonder, a gentle beauty unspoilt, unhampered, unpretentious.

                                                                          

                                                                      
A place to visit when the soul needs refreshment , a place to breathe in peace.
                                                                           Mo.

Away from it all-----

Off to Golden Bay again on a lovely blue sky day.

At this time of year the crowds haven't gathered, there is a sense of carefree leisure.

 It's not too hot to walk about in the sun, not too cold to indulge in a gentle paddle.Swimming is for the few brave souls who inevitably appear!

There's the little kiosk above where you can bask in rthe sun enjoying a very good cappuccino----- almost mesmerised by the dazzling sea sparkle,---- lingering maybe to watch the glorious golden sunset.

Peace,  freedom, and wonderful space, simplicity,-----Golden Bay is a treasure!

Mo.

Studio facelift for Spring-----

Since Christmas  I have sold quite  a few paintings and ofcourse

I'm happy about this,---the problem is that the studio walls begin to look a little bare.

Before Spring I usually find that inspiration comes slowly and I find it hard to even look at an empty canvas.

This year however I must have had extra help and I've been able to put together a new selection. Not many, but the studio is looking a little refreshed,---in time for Spring. Let's hope that inspiration keeps on coming.

     Mo.

The change we long for----

So much enlightenment here.
                           Mo.

blue morning mood.

Blue morning---sky reflected in sea, houses bathed in early  light.
Boats serene, still, ----waiting for the day.

I too wait, suspended in that moment ,
a precious moment when all seems  right,
when Creation seems at one with itself,
and my heart is filled with peace.
                                        Mo.

A painting and a prayer-----

                                                                      Acrylic on stretched canvas   ---
Spring is in the air here with its promise of newness and rebirth,-yet the world seems to be falling into a turmoil and violence that is shocking.

So much suffering, so much grief, so much happening that we can hardly comprehend  within our helplessness.

Daffodils speak to me of the hope of renewal, so this painting is my prayer for a troubled world. Within the scenes of devastation that we are seeing, we are also aware of so much courage and truly unselfish love.

Many people now are fighting for freedom.Yes we need freedom, and we need change, we need revolution;-----I believe though that the  revolution that  will ultimately win will not be accomplished by hatred and war,  it will be a revolution of the heart .
 Mo.

A place to dream in.

              The first time I saw my little studio it was the palms that drew me.

There was something majestic here; something that felt strong, powerful and protective,-somewhere to feel at peace.   

               

                                                  
Today, months later I still feel that magnetic pull as I look through the studio window.
A sense of history, a sense of mystery, a vibrational force that creates within me a deep feeling of both awe and peace.
Within this circle of palms I feel safe and protected, apart somehow from the hustle and bustle around me.

                                                  
It's a place to paint in, a place to socialise in, a place where sometimes it is so good just to sit quietly and dream.
                                                   .Mo

OASIS NEWS---SPRING 2011

The Oasis  vision continues, and  I try to develop what I consider to be the most helpful programme that can be used by those interested as practical guide lines. 

It is simply a framework that people can use to let life be as full, happy ,peaceful and free as possible, in their own individual way, using their individual gifts in a positive, caring interaction with others.----a development of a true community style of living.

From the Oasis I offer a simple monthly programme that people can enter into if they wish--------

1) 'A central theme for the month, with a focus on an aspect of the Vision'----For this month  -  thursday 17th march  7-30 at the flat.

2)A therapeutic programme of deep relaxation/meditation , with a focus on  finding an inner silence that makes contact with the soul and a real sense of enlightenment and peace.----This month- thursday 31st march-7-30 at the flat.

3) The Oasis studio is a facet of The Oasis and is offered as a base for people to relax and enjoy a positive social interaction. Infact all programmes emphasise the social aspect, although I also offer individual Relaxation Therapy if wished.

For this month no set opening time. If you see the door open feel welcome to call in .  

I always feel so sorry that those of you in the U.K. or abroad who have an interest in The Oasis are not able to be here for  the evenings and programmes.Please  feel free to contact me at any time.

There is a CD (available in mid march)-'The Oasis Way,' and you might find this helpful in that it summarises very clearly the Way of Life that is advocated.

Also there is a small range of Relaxation/ Meditation CDs. These use the spoken word to lead into a deep yet simple programme of relaxation, visualisation,reflection,

and positive suggestion,-----a slowing down of the body and mind to open out the heart to its relationship with the soul and so find an integrated sense of wholeness

and peace. I  show one of the CDs below, all use a basically similar format.

So.- as Spring approaches I hope that everyone feels ready to enter into the hope of a renewed sense of  life and living,-----Mary calls it 'The time of Rebirth.'

God bless,

Maureen.

      €12----free postage and packing.

Today's painting-----Soul Dance.---and feeling alive.

                                Soul Dance-----acrylic on stretched boxed canvas14"x20"-€75
                                                                              
                                               

To my mind  the soul is the Meeting Place  the central point of our existence ---here Humanity fuses into the Divine and becomes one essence while retaining separate entity. Here is a storehouse of energy for us to use,-----with love,-only with love.

 I also feel that today in an increasingly materialistic world we have lost contact with our soul to a large extent,----we really do not know ourself and what we need to feel alive and fulfilled .

So much unhappiness, stress, anxiety and confusion. So much living in fantasy and illusion, losing our direction and meaning.----So sad!

So my work is largely focused on a therapeutic approach that helps give people the space  and stillness to relax, move deeply within themselves to  relate to their soul,  so find their true self and the  refreshment, renewal and peace that comes from this meeting.
                      Mo.

If you feel you would like to try one of my C.D.s and use this therapeutic programme, you will find the titles on the side bar.

Red Red Wine------I needed it yesterday!

             
Yesterday morning did not go well! It was one of those mornings when despite a
supreme effort to stay calm, the compilation of small but irritating incidents multiplied minute by minute until the body wound itself into a tight knot of tension and every nerve jangled.

So it was with real gratitude and relief that we left for the studio and realised that it was infact a sunny day. Down there ,with the lightness and colour, with the sheltering palms and a few friends dropping in, things moved into a more balanced perspective. All not so bad really!

Especially that is as lunch time drew near, and we placed our little table just outside
at the top of the steps.---- Ah that sunshine, that blue blue sky, the inviting aroma of lunch and ofcourse that daily glass of wine.

How it softens my mood. Things seem simpler now; clearer,  more positive.My body relaxes along with my mind,tension melts away and I semi-drift happily in a mellow mood that somehow lifts me gently into a rather hazy, rosy glow.-----Thank God for the red red wine!
                          Mo

Dance of the Flames----Today's painting-----activity and stillness.

Dance of the Flames---acrylic on boxed canvas 24"x34"----€90

I was boasting the other day about the lovely sunny days we have been enjoying, -well this weekend has been stormy with gale force winds!

So how about a little warmth, colour, vibrancy, with the comfort of dancing flames.

I always try to infuse my paintings with colour, it is so much the way I see life.I feel too that today we are so much in need of an uplifting sense of animation and a balancing sense of stillness to truly appreciate the real beauty of living.

Fire seems to possess all of these qualities, and looking deep into the heart of the flames we are drawn into a mystery that centres on the very core of our being and

offers peace.

Mo.

'It's not what you look at that matters-it's what you see.'
              Henry David Thoreau

A sunshine day today.

A beautiful sunny february morning and the little sailing boats are there ready to start their day as we walk down to the studio,-

We are ready to start too, so the open sign goes up and a few canvases are put out on display.

Amazingly our poinsettias are still blooming and I love their scarlet brightness.

Joe is already busy watering the plants inside and out,

always more pleasant on a sunny day.

Lunch time here-a favourite time, especially on a sunny day helped along with a glass of red  red wine!

Enjoy your day!

 Mo.