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.