TODAY'S PAINTING---GIRL IN WHITE-----and some thoughts about colour healing.

Acrylic on stretched canvas---see my website for originals and prints.-

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

At the coffee shop the other day we were talking about natural remedies

when Joey with great emphasis said knowingly,-'You should wear white!'

At that moment I was wearing a red T shirt and black trousers! I know though

that although Joey isn't really aware of it he works often with an inherent intuition,

sometimes I think that he is a bit 'over the top,' but very often his words ring true.

Anyway, his words made sense to me because I really love the colour white.

For me the perfect dress -(ofcourse in the perfect weather!)

is light cheesecloth or linen, white, loose, and sleeveless.

No shoes,  simply bare feet and loose hair,- maybe just a touch of beads

in wood or coral, around  the neck, in the hair,- feeling

easy, light and carefree.

Ofcourse we don't have perfect weather,

so I have to adapt, and because I'm Aries,

red is often the colour I choose to feel more alive and energised,

-that or soothing green. It's the same with the room settings

in winter, more red,- in spring, summer more green;---but always white walls.

The alternative practice of Chromotherapy goes way back

to ancient times,when it was believed that  most  diseases could

be treated by using coloured light.'Colour Halls' were used

in ancient Egypt, China and India.

Many believe that white is the colour that has the highest charging 

field to bring peace, comfort and relieve pain.That it can

work on all levels physical,mental, emotional,

spiritual, and will allow enlightenment.

 

As G.K. Chesterton says-'White---is not a mere absence of colour; it

is a shining affirmative thing; as fierce as red, as definite as black,---

God paints in many colours, but he never

paints so gorgeously, I almost said gaudily, as when he paints in white.'

So my flower is the Daisy

 my birthstone is Diamond, 

and  although I'm of the Fire sign,

I believe that there is such a thing

as White Fire.

So I think Joey is right,

I should wear white!

Mo.

DON'T FORGET THE HONEY!

D

POOH BEAR AND THE HONEY TREE (Part 1)

I was scraping out the honey jar this morning,
thinking how much I enjoy the taste, and believing

 it to be one of the most wholesome nutritious foods,

 when I found myself thinking about Pooh Bear and

 his honey adventures.

How I love Pooh Bear. This goes way back to when

 I was given my Christopher Robin story book as a

class prize in Infant school. Once  again sitting in my

usual place in the garden, I delighted in the lovely pictures,

the verses, the characters and their adventures. No-one

dared to disturb me,- I  was in Heaven!

 So I thought that, this morning I would treat us to a video

of part of Pooh's honey adventure. An animated version, I like

the feel of the interpretation---just simple relaxation

With a little nostalgia.

Honey is a prolific food in Malta,and so it should

be  with it's translated name Melita.The difficulty

though is in trying to be sure that it is really pure

with no added sugar or from sugar- fed bees.

A well known expert bee-keeper is Arnold Grech

who lives in Attard and has won many awards in recognition

of his expertise.People believe in his honey to help

cure many ailments and it is truly delicious.

Recently we have discovered another source who will

deliver the honey, and offers a range of jar sizes.

http://www.maltesehoney.co.uk/

It's a family run apiary at Bahrija

the predominant flavours being  thyme,

clover and carob.His website is quite informative.

Meanwhile-'Long live honey!' It certainly adds

sweetness to the day's journey.

Bahrija---scene of the' honey area'-Anther Honey.

Oh No!--- Another windy day!

I lie awake listening to the doors and windows beginning to rattle a little serruptitiously and I know that the wind is on the way again.Oh no--- we're in for another day of North Easterlies!

It's certainly not that I don't appreciate Nature and all its wonders, It's just that I feel far more comfortable

  when the sun shines on a bright, fresh still Spring morning. I suppose God can't please everyone all the time!

 I know that many of my friends revel in a windy day.---Bunty, for instance,---over there at http://buntsblog.blogspot.com/

just dreams of that North Easterly so that she can do a spot of windsurfing.As for me ,give me gentler breezes any day!

       I  haven't always been uncomfortable with the wind. Idon't remember disliking it as I grew up.I think it all stems from my experience when I began teaching. I absolutely hated Playground Duty on a very windy day.

Outside at play-time the youngsters seemed to tune in to the wild weather. Completely uncontrollable they would charge around  ignoring any attempts to bring about order, obviously feeling free---and back inside the classroom things grew worse! They couldn't sit still, they couldn't pay attention, they just wanted to be outside in that WIND! Who can blame them?

Anyway, the memory seems to have instilled itself deeply  into me,----that and the Full Moon, when things were even worse! So- roll on tomorrow,------maybe God will be on my side!----Sorry Bunty!

At least the washing will dry today!

Don't knock the weather, nine tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while.----Kin Hubbard.

The really nice breezes blow through my body into my soul.----Astrid Alauda.

Bob Dylan and ' Mr Tambourine Man,'-----I remember it still!

I don't know why, but at this time of year I often feel
quite wistful. Maybe it's due to the 'not quite spring-time'
mood,maybe it's due to the rather unsettled weather,whatever the reason at this time I often find myself humming Bob Dylan's sixties favourite, Mr Tambourine Man.I find the blend of lyrics and music hauntingly evocative the imagery vivid and so moving, especially that last verse. I know it can bring tears to the eyes.










Then take me disappearin' through the smoke rings of my mind
Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves
The haunted frightened trees, out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow.
Yes to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow.

Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I'm not sleepy and there is no place I'm going to.
Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I'll come followin' you.

The version by 'The Byrds' had only two verses, so much of the theme and imagery is lost. So many interpretations of Dylan's meaning have been offered, including the suggestion that it was 'drug induced'- which he denied. I feel that it should simply be appreciated for what it is,-a beautiful, inspired composition.

It was interesting to note that Bob Dylan was a recent guest and performer at The White House.- An enyoyable video- an extract here.- Times They Are a Changin'.
Mo.

It's good to be back at the coffee shop!

                         How we have missed those early morning walks to the coffee shop! We've missed the journey along the coastline,the greetings from the early morning joggers,the simple feeling of being with people to start off the day. The leg probem has really restricted me, and even this morning we used the car to shorten our journey.But---we made it!

It was lovely to be greeted by Joey and Berto with real enthusiasm, ---they had missed us and the feeling was mutual. Soon there was much animated conversation. Ofcourse caring advice was offered for the management of the leg, with various natural  home- made remedies at the top of the list. Given priority were the old favourites:-olive oil, lemon juice and honey. We heard about their daily dramas large and small, and before long, relaxing into the warmth ,the little shop was full of the usual laughter,and the light banter that has been an almost integral part of our morning scene.

  The Italian contingent arrived for their espressos and we settled down to enjoy our cappuccinos, very lavishly served this morning with extra chocolate topping and milk! How we enjoyed the warm companionship.

    --- Back home again, with uplifted spirits we move into the day.  , As I think about the morning and it's simple enjoyment I am once again convinced, without the slightest doubt, that although  an enforced solitude is at times beneficial, it's not long  before it's very clear that  ---people need people!

'No road is long with good company.'---Turkish Proverb.

'The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it that the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce.'----Oliver Wendell Holmes. -1891

   

Today's painting---'Solitude.'-----I need an empty space today!

                                                         watercolour-'Solitude'

                     I need an empty space today..I  look out to sea, to the horizon, and that sense of infinity draws me.  There is  vast space there, and I wish to belong with it. No clutter, confusion, inhibition, simply  emptiness of being , a buoyancy, a lightness.Here my soul speaks soundless truths, age old, eternal, deeper than the ocean,higher than the sky. Here I will rest, outside of time and space,  lifted into peace,----simply peace.

               Mo.

'Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.'-Marcus Aurelius.

TODAY'S PAINTING-'VISION'---- and my recurring dream.

                                                VISION.- MIXED MEDIA ON CANVAS.

I painted this some years ago,- not my usual style, it has a primitive, symbolic quality, and I know that it was born out of one of my often recurring dreams. This dream developed in intensity at a particular stage of my life, linking with a visionary experience of the same intense nature.------

-----I am standing on land, gazing out to the horizon and a far distant shore. I'm drawn into the water, and I begin swimming. I enjoy the moment, and the tranquil sea, Suddenly, however, the sea changes to a wild, turbulent force, buffeting my frail body, causing terror. I'm struggling,sinking, calling out desperately.All seems lost when, seemingly out of nowhere, strong comforting arms are supporting , guiding, lifting me as I continue on my journey. On and on I go, in a semi trance- like state, half hearing soothing ,encouraging words.Then,quite suddely again, I feel myself being laid on dry land.------"You made it, "---- whisper the voices, and I lie there, exhausted, but experiencing  a profound sense of happiness, peace and fulfillment.----

           The dream ends there, and I waken still feeling the intensity.Ofcourse it is telling me much,----much about my own journey  through life , -everyone's journey.-I believe like Carl Jung in the symbolic  importance of dreams. I believe too in their  association with the deep collective unconscious and our connectedness with each other as part of the whole picture.  I believe in this dream.-I believe that we are all on a journey; not a smooth one to be sure.And, with continued faith and optimism I  am conviced that we WILL all  reach that shore.
          Mo.

'A dream  that is not interpreted is like a letter that is not read.'----The Talmud.

Those who have compared our life to a dream are right-----we  sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
                                                                    Michel de Montaigne.- Essays 1580.
          

SNOWDROPS----I MISS THEM!

                Years ago when living in the Warwickshire part of England, as soon as the weather allowed we went for a regular walk in the small, nearby woodland. I  remember  with nostalgia the pure joy that accompanied the sight of the beautiful snowdrop carpet that suddenly appeared. That moment was one of sheer delight and wonder.  The same thing later when they gave place to the bluebells.-Part of Nature's spell!

Brave little one,

 born to a stark scene.

Clad only in beauty

  weak sun for warmth,

in this dark time.

Hope, joy, peace,

the gifts you bear;

promise of  life in

a still sleeping world.

Mo.

Flowers are the proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

                                                                                                                                                  

TODAY-STORMY SEAS---- AND GENTLER DREAMS!

                                                           MY SEA SHELLS.

After some days of lovely Spring weather it seems we are back to a wintry scene with a vengeance.Gone is the tranquil blue of the sea, to be replaced by a raging mass of steely grey  mounted by wild foamy surges of white! Awe inspiring, certainly,-but for me, -not comforting with that noisy atmosphere of  restless turbulence.

So I'm just dreaming for a while of gentler sea sounds. Do you remember that song of the sixties-  'ListenTo The Ocean? Sung by the Danish pair Nina and Frederik, it had a freshness and simplicity that along with their soft harmonies became very popular- I loved their calypso style songs.---(SEE SIDE BAR-to view video , also video of Sucu Sucu, Kingston Town etc.)

----There's a world of sun and sand

    Full of sky and far from land 

   Where evening breezes caress the shore

   Like a gentle comforting hand.

  Fragrant blossoms, honey bees.

   Careless laughter upon the breeze,

    And lovers fading to pools of deep

    Purple shadows among the trees.

    Listen to the ocean,echoes of a million seashells.
    Forever it's in motion.
    Moving to a rhythmic and unwritten music
    That's played eternally.

                                    

                                  

                                 

                                    

----Reminds me of the sound of the sea when I put the conch shell to my ear. But IS IT THE SOUND OF THE SEA?- The scientists would have us think otherwise and spoil our day-dreams. From their view point the wave -like sounds are produced by  the ambient noise around us. The sea shell captures the noise which resonates inside the shell, so different shells accentuate different frequencies. Anyway, ----I still like to dream,----tomorrow too,---- I think we're in for another stormy day ! 

Mo.

'The sea pronounces something over and over in a hoarse whisper; I can't quite make it out.'---Annie Dillard. 

  

P. S . The sea this evening.

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                          

                         

                             

                                                                          

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ELEPHANTS?

I'm not really a collector of animal ornaments but every time my tiny marble and jade elephants catch my eye, they  bring about a happy feeling. Maybe they remind me of the cuddly hand- knitted  one that sat on my bedroom window when I was small. He was really smart , with brightly coloured checked trousers and braces attached with white shiny buttons. He was my friend and we talked together.

What is it about elephants? They seem to have a drawing power.Maybe it's their sense of mystery.Those eyes,-tiny pools of darkness, the depth seeming to harbour a wisdom, a knowingness, deep memories, sadness. If we were only perceptive enough to  hear all that they have to tell us-how wonderful!- Maybe some day!

Elehants can cry, laugh, play, Have incredible memories,they grieve when a member of their group dies.

They use their trunks as a hose to spray water into their mouths,and the trunk itself is extremely sensitive with around 100,000 muscle units.According to Cicero they have a strong-' fellowship with the human race.'

I always feel that the circus way of life is an insult to these amazing creatures, so it was great to hear that  Jumbo the elephant, after 28 years with a circus, has been brought to retirement at theFranklin Zoo  and Wildlife Sanctuary.

http://www.franklinzoo.co/

Here he can live in relative freedom,enjoying sandpits, dust baths etc. They also are planning a barn where he can have a regular wash-down. So life is looking much happier now for Jumbo.

His First Steps Out :-

 

Elephant eyes,

dark pools

deep seeing,

deep knowing,

 age -old secrets,

remembering----

remembering all.

Mo.

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.--Martin  Buber.

                                                                   


                                                                           

MY PAINTING FOR TODAY----AND SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT 'STRESS'!

    ' BE STILL.'-----MANDALA PAINTING.---ACRYLIC ON CANVAS.16"X16"

 Everyone we meet these days seems to be 'STRESSED!'- it appears to have become a fact of life. When did this awful word become the norm in everyday living? More and more I feel that there is some monopolistic effort  at work to move people away from simplicity and freedom into a world of complication , confusion and unhappiness.

 I remember years ago organising a class project around the theme of advertising. It was the time when the media through newspapers and television was really beginning to work hard at its insidious consumerist campaign. I remember pointing  out to a class of teenagers the way advertising was brainwashing the public into feeling a real need to have more and more! A need to" keep up with the Jones'", be more healthy, be more beautiful, save time with various appliances, have more leisure., don't be the odd one out.---you get the picture? The consumerist, materialistic age had arrived with a bang! There was a massive campaign to lure the masses into it and it seems we have been lured.

I go into a local store to find my favourite, simple soap, toothpaste, cleaner, food even, and I can't find them! Instead I find a real glut of products of so many shapes, sizes. labelling etc, that my head begins to burst and I'm thrown into a dizzy, mesmerised, confused state.   The same picture with so called medicinal drugs.We are being hypnotised!

It's not so long ago, here in Malta, that there was no sign of a cell phone. Suddenly everyone had one'glued'to their ear---and voices were growing more high pitched, tense, loud and accelarated by the minute. In fact the accelaration  factor seems to have increased in all spheres, ---and no-one seems happier!

As far as I can, I just need to be aware of this and take some kind of stand to preserve my own peace of mind and sense of freedom. Oh for simplicity! And I know that there are so many of us who agree.I need to try to find the time each day to be still and unclutter my mind from its maelstrom of anxious thoughts, I have to seek out the simple, the beautiful, the loving, the positive,the creative, the spiritual, ----and let these nourish and sustain me. I still believe with all of my heart that it is a simply beautiful world,- and I try to move on this way with faith and optimism, believing that all WILL be well.
                                                                          Mo.

'Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated.'----Confucious.

'The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things'.----Elise Boulding.

THIS MORNING'S MOON.

                                           In morning dark,
                                           misty moon, through palms,
                                           all seeing, -all knowing,
                                           softly soul -searing.
                                            .
                                             Stillness ethereal,
                                            hauntingly beautiful;
                                            fathomless as night,
                                            deeper than dreams.
                                                                         Mo.

'The moon looks upon many night flowers; the night flowers see but one moon.'--- Jean Ingelow.

'If the Sun and the Moon should ever doubt, they'd immediately go out.'--- William Blake.

                                                   





                                                                        

                                                   
                                             
                                               
                                               

                                                        
 
                                          
                                                         

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS----and----DOWN WITH SPRING CLEANING!

                                                           http://www.amazon.combooks

To continue with the Spring Cleaning theme. I always tend to take it lightly, and it often brings to mind the wonderful  atmosphere  evoked in the opening chapters of 'The Wind in The Willows .---another magical read of childhood (and occasionally now.!) I know that I'm right there with Mole,- no doubt about it.

"----The Mole had been working very hard all the morning,spring-cleaning his little home.First with brooms.then with dusters, then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail and a whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur, and an aching back and weary arms. Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little home with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.

It was small wonder then he suddenly flung his brush down on the floor, said 'Bother!' and 'Oh blow!' and bolted out of the house without even waiting to put on his coat.

'Up  we go! Up we go' till at last pop! his snout came out into the sunlight, and he found himself rolling in the warm grass of a great  meadow."

O'Harris  pic.

How his adventures begin then!----I'm so in sympathy with the mood! On lovely Spring mornings should we really shut ourselves in with toxic cleaning sprays and polishes when outside is calling us? Malta is a dusty Island very often and it's easy to drive yourself into a stressful, fanatical state about 'cleaning'! So you really have to let go! Ofcourse do the basics, but keep the balance! And truly I don't want to live in a completely sterile, disinfected environment.

That said, I think I'll just poke my nose round the door, sniff the fresh air, and spend the morning (well some of it) venturing into the big'wide world';---You never know your luck.----Rattie , Mole  and the others might invite me to one of their impromptu picnics!

Mo.

                                                 CHEERS EVERYONE-JOIN US?!

'Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.' Hans Christian Anderson.

 'The miracle is not to fly in the air or walk on the water, but to walk on the earth.'--Chinese Proverb.

SPRING CLEANING-------WELL I HOPE SO!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Spring time is the season for clearing away all that dust in corners and clutter in cupboards,  but I decided that this year my priority was to concentrate on an internal cleanse! What have I started?--- For a long time I have believed that lurking in my body is a deep-seated infection that , through the years has caused problems on a scale varying from minor to major,- so this year I decided to get to  the  root of it all!

 

So a week or so ago I began!----Believe me we are not fanatics about health, we try to approach life simply, in a balanced way, using good wholesome foods where possible. And I really do believe in the healing power of nature and herbs. -I am  just unable to deeply believe in a cocktail of drug remedies with their horrifying list of contra- indications!So aware of their cleansing ability I am using nettles from the garden, and dandelion.These combined with the fruit and veg. should get to work on the system ,and they certainly are! I think I am undergoing quite a thorough blood cleansing! Various skin symptoms erupted quite dramatically, and after the initial panic I decided that this is as It should be. Far better outside than inside! Fortunately our doctor friend also believes in this approach as, -not easy, not instant, but best. He recommended a short course of a mild antbiotic to stabilise the situation, but I am  still continuing the natural healing routine with determination!

ALOE VERA

Joe from the coffee shop is sending regular messages reminding me of the benefits of olive oil, lemons, honey ---and prickly pear! I am sending regular messages to myself reminding myself that MODERATION is the order of the day!

I am still managing to get out and about in moderation, I'm going with the flow as it were.  And so with the help of  time for meditation, help from Above and the healing power of Love, I'm sure everything will work  out well.

Mo

             

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

A miracle drug is any drug that will do what the label says it will do.----Eric Hodgins.

It's no coincidence that four of the six letters in health are'heal.'

Ed  Northstrum.

TODAY'S PAINTINGS AND------SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

                                                     SPRING SONG.

           Today it's march 2nd, and Spring is in the air- I feel it! The last few days have been warm and fresh, almost like early summer, and people seem to be opening their doors to push out that stale winter fug! (Is that a word?) Early tourists have donned T shirts, even sun hats and the change has begun here!

                                                             
                                         SPRING BOUQUET- WATERCOLOUR.


    Out  on the terrace, plants in tubs are beginning to shoot reminding me of Gerard Manley Hopkins' vivid picture of Spring-----
          
                   'Nothing is so beautiful as Spring
                    When weeds in wheels shooting long and lovely and lush;
                    Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush
                    Through the echoing timbers does so rinse and wring
                    The ear, it strikes like lightening to hear him sing;
                    The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brush
                    The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush
                    With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling.-----

 We don't see much of the thrush here, and I miss seeing Spring in my cousin's lovely little garden in England, where the Mother thrush can be seen each morning digging for worms under the blossom tree. Here though the birds are growing much more enthusiastic with their morning chorus, and outside our bathroom they are starting to prepare their nests in the ventilation blocks in the wall. This means that bits of straw occasionally float through, down into the bath, -but I don't mind! I think that maybe Marius' cockerel across the way, is becoming rather high----he has started crowing now at 4-00 in the morning!

All in all , I love Spring! I see it as a time of  rebirth, renewal, of hope and joy,and this year I want to savour each moment, and live it to the full!
                                                                  Mo.

.

It's  Spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want-oh you don't quite know what it is you do want,but it just fairly makes your heart ache you want it so!

                          Mark Twain.

                           

 

                                                              
                    

A MAGIC WORLD.

                                                              http://www.amazon.combooks/

   One of the wonders of my childhood was the abundance of  books and stories that were my world. I was encouraged to read at an early age, and I was never happier than when I could sit on the steps leading to the garden and steep myself in the colour, the excitement, the adventure  that I found. I was completely oblivious to the happenings around me,and I would have been so content to stay like this all day long.

           I had a wonderful book of Hans  
          Andersen's Fairy Tales and these
   stories transported me into realms where my emotions, imagination and creativity were  given full play. I wept with the Little Mermaid, the Tin Soldier, and the Little Fir Tree, The  tale of the Nightingale inspired me.

                                                                      
   I was  overjoyed when Eliza saved her brothers and was freed from prison to marry the King, and although a bit afraid of the Dog with eyes as big as saucers, I was tempted to sneak a look at him from time to time. My book had wonderful pop-up pictures that I returned to day after day,- they were magical! And ofcourse there  was The Garden of Paradise:

                 'In the middle of the scene stood a large tree with silver branches.Golden apples of every size hung among transparent leaves. The sun was setting and the whole sky was pure gold. White transparent lilies shone amid a purple gleam----the spicy fragrance grew stronger----- 

                      How this scene played on my senses! There is so much  I learned from these stories, and not just words and language. It's interesting to note that Hans Andersen wished them to be read by adults as well as children, -annd looking at them occasionally now I am aware of deeper meaning and symbolism. In those childhood years though they introduced me to a world of beauty,colour, feelings,happiness , mystery, sadness,- a world where I could perhaps develop a sensitivity to Life that would remain with me through the years. I am so grateful for these stories!
                                                              Mo.

'Children have neither past nor future, they enjoy the present, which very few of us do.'  ----Jean de la Bruyere.

'Grown ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.'
                             Saint Exupery----The Little Prince.