Time of Hope and Promise.

So sorry if yesterday's blog seems negative, I just feel that it is a statement I had to make.

As for today, I choose to remember  that we are in Advent, the season of hope and promise, the beautiful, reflective movement into Christmas and all the wonder that it holds. Nothing can take away from this time the real peace and beauty that we are all seeking, if we try to keep open and simple and move with the heart.

I cling to this hope, this feeling that all can be well with the world;

without this hope I honestly feel that I could find no real meaning for life.

So I light the candles, burn the  spicy oils, decorate the tree with the little angel on top,

and  each night before our tiny Nativity crib I make my own simple prayer for Peace.

Maureen

                                          
                                                        

                                What a Mess!

]

What's this I see lurking on the road below us? Oh no! Yes it is ---- the usual regular knocking down and building up chaos that descends on us  regularly, and with abandon.

----And yes- believe me, this is the state of the pavements that we are confined to in the name of safety for the duration of the roadworks, and thereafter.

Noise, turmoil, upheaval , as pillars are knocked down, roads are dug up

wire fencing erected, residents , -some disabled, -confined to restricted space  having no idea what is happening.

 So much for a democratic system! So much for sensitivity and a a caring community- type spirit.

This is progress! This is the faceless bureacracy that levels individuals to an unimportance

that increasingly  diminishes any need to inform them, communicate with them ,or even show them a basic courtesy and respect, so crushing any feeling of freedom they might still hope for.

 Responsibility is so easily passed on!.  

Maureen. 

                                       

                                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.

AN EASY HOUR.

JOIN ME FOR AN EASY HOUR OF DE-STRESSING!

  

 

             RELAX  EVENINGS.

let me know if you would enjoy an hour or so of relaxation on friday evenings.

Nothing too organised or formal,

 just a way to de-stress through simple exercise, meditation, socialising and wholefood refreshments.
Email or telephone me, I'm happy to hear from you.

                 Maureen.
If you live outside Malta, why not try a CD for deep relaxation.?---See details on the sidebar.

Or how about a spot of Salsa?

http://www.putamayo.com/

Oasis Pre-Christmas Fundraiser- Painting Sale.

                                      
                                           Pre- Christmas Fundraiser.
           The Oasis Studio 29th October-6-30 pm.---900pm.
    The studio is in the grounds of The Palazzo Pescatore,
                                                  St. Paul's Bay.
Join us to enjoy a glass of wine  and see a wide range of  paintings in watercolour, acrylic and mixed media.---- Price Range €7--€90.---- All watercolours are framed and most canvases are with deep recess so no frame is needed.

The Oasis sees itself as a 'safe space'- a small centre dedicated to peace and wellbeing, working towards wholeness and a caring community life style.It is a 'not for profit'concern and so  offers relaxation, meditation,discussion evenings etc. on a voluntary basis, relying on donations to help.

 The painting sale is a fundraiser to help towards the next Oasis project,-----i.e.
to be able to rent a patch to do some organic growing, as the wholefood theme has always been such an important part of The Oasis philosophy, and it will be good now to develop it in this way. 

I see  my paintings as a part of the organic whole, with a therapeutic aspect that
offers a peaceful, positive ,uplifting experience with their simple style and colourful
mood. I hope you enjoy them.-

If you are in need of de-stressing there is a small section with 'Relax' CDs and details of the 'Oasis Relax' evenings.

                           If you are free on 29th , we look forward to seeing you.-Feel free to bring friends, and please forward  to anyone you feel would be interested.
                                                   Maureen.
P.S. if you would like a preview of the paintings----see my website. Ofcourse studio prices are much reduced for the sale.

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

FRUITY FRUIT.

We are so lucky to stay on a little island where fruit is able to

grow abundantly, and can be picked and eaten straight off the tree.

We are lucky too to have  friends who grow their fruit organically,

---AND IT IS SO DELICIOUS.!

I love the Maltese bananas,----they are shorter and plumper than the usual type

and have quite a distinctive  soft sweet taste.

Those pomegranates in the picture were sweet, juicy, and

irresistable;---packed with goodness too.

At present we do some simple growing in tubs, but the next Oasis project

will be a fundraiser to help rent a patch where some more

serious growing can be done, with the emphasis on the organic aspect.

I look forward to this as the Oasis vision has always emphasised

wholefoods as an integral part of the way of life.

I'll keep you informed about fundraising dates soon!

 Maureen.

                                                                  

.CD's for Peace and Wellbeing.

                                                              

The Oasis way of life is based on a simple pattern of living that believes
 in living life as peacefully, happily and freely as possible.
It believes too that if we can enter a more spiritual dimension , lessening the emphasis on the materialistic approach to life that so often dominates,  and finding a more balanced pattern, -then we are able to draw on a supply of energy that really animates us because it is the very Spirit of a Life flowing through us.

 We begin to see more clearly, live more lovingly and fully, and start to find a real happiness and peace.
              The CD's below are based on this approach,
and they offer a simple but deep experience of relaxation to inspire a feeling of peace and wellbeing.

I offer four CD'S each approximately half an hour long, and you can interchange them daily if you wish.They lead with gently spoken words through a relaxation, deep breathing, visualisation and meditation programme that is simple but deep.

Try to find a quiet time when you can release your mind a little from some of

the jumble of daily thoughts and activities.

If you have a space that is uncluttered ,simple and with soft lighting,-maybe candlelight,-this is great.

Wear comfortable loose clothing----then you are ready to begin. As you listen

your conscious mind will relax, opening you up to a deeper level, and

a receptive meeting with your soul where you can find true peace.

A suggested price for each CD is  €10  or you can have a set of four for €35.

Postage is included in the cost.

 You can use the Paypal donate button on the sidebar.

 If you do this, please Email me also with the title(s)

you have chosen.

If you live in Malta you can Email me and collect the CD from the studio or flat.

Also if you are interested in small group sessions of guided

 relaxation/meditation evenings , or have friends who might be interested,-let me know.  

I do hope you find the CD's helpful and inspiring if you use them.

  Maureen.

Try to clear your head a little from some of the jumble of daily activities and thoughts,

wear loose, comfortable clothing,------and you are ready to begin.

Oasis paintings for peace and wholehealth.

To see the range of  current paintings please visit my website.

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

The Oasis is all about a way of life that attempts to be self-sufficient

through  simple holistic living and a desire to help people to

feel a sense of well-being and peace.

Being creative is so much a part of this way of life so I paint to use

my own creative talent and offer the paintings as a source of enjoyment and relaxation. Their main purpose is  to offer a sense of vibrancy, animation,

colour and peace,-paintings to uplift the spirit.

They are too a way by which I can develop The Oasis in a self sufficient way.

I also offer a small range of CD's for relaxation and meditation-- please feel free to be in touch about these.

The Oasis evenings work with donations, ---with the paintings I suggest a price

that allows for flexibility depending on the circumstances.

If you look at my website and like a particular painting

I 'd love to hear from you  through the blog comment facility or by Email

so that we can discuss the cost, then if you feel happy about this

you can use the donate button on the side bar  here for payment.

I hope you enjoy looking at them.

Maureen.

OASIS NEWSLETTER-AUTUMN 2010

If you would like to receive the  Oasis newsletter  each quarter and upcoming events please Email me. 

The Oasis is based on a vision of Love that is very clear and simple.  
 It proposes a life-style that is very simple so that people can feel free and happy
and full of life, following a simple approach that is motivated by love.
            So The Oasis vision foresees a point where people will move together lovingly
in a social interaction that lets them provide each other with a livelihood that is stable and protected.
            The Oasis settlement ofcourse requires people to opt out of their present life-style to commit to a life-style that preserves an integrity as a community, and this will indeed happen.
           It will happen very simply because several people will move together in a new enlightened approach, and will live and love together with a desire to opt out of a materialistic emphasis and place their emphasis on a life-style that provides each other with everyhing needed to live peacefully and simply.
           Here they will grow in health and well-being, knowing that they are able to use a simple energising system that is based on a fusion of natural/supernatural energy and they will flourish here most productively.
          The Oasis vision is my appreciation of Mary's explanation to myself- so I move forward with its guidance, trying to base my own life on the principles she sets down, knowing that if I can achieve this she will move me constantly and precisely into this community life-style that I wish to live as freely and happily as possible.
                                                                  Maureen.