My Personal Experience With The Veterans Administration Health Care

My primary health care provider for the past nine years or so has been the Veterans Administration Medical Clinic in Peoria, IL. The facility is up to date, efficient, spotless, and all appointments have been on time. The entire staff has been professional, courteous and respectful. I thank the Clerks, Volunteers, Nurses, Doctors, and Administrator for the highest quality of service. I also thank all at the VAMC in Danville, IL and the VAMC in Indianapolis, IN who have given me care, put up with my sense of humor and saved my life. Thank you for your service and as ever be well.

In The Light Of A Rose By Stephen Craig Rowe

In the light of a rose there seems to me to be a fair and poetic land.  Where color is true soft and bright.  A place of peace and yearning.
In the adventure
of
Spring.

As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

Out and About A Way Of Words In Spring by Stephen Craig Rowe

When one captures a bit of grace, it is held holy for a moment and given to the world.  The world then turns to the Universe as the unique beauty becomes of the All.  The Jonquil is as sure a sign of spring as is the Robin, warm days and rain on the ridge.  The flower is but fleeting, one day here and one day gone.  Rather like a twist of fate and more for each season brings new life, a curious change of light and joy for those who behold the symphony in awe.  As ever be well

PAINTING STUDIO 4th Of July Weekend 2011 by Stephen Craig Rowe

 

 

 

     The holiday weekend is a time for family, friends, cooking out, parades and celebrating the birth of The United States Of America.  It is also  Canada Day weekend for our northern neighbors and allies.  My part of the mid west is hot, humid, without a breeze and thought I was about to melt while on my walk today.  Will be sure to partake of liquid refreshment over the weekend and on Monday night may climb the ridge to watch fireworks over the river. 

     I thank my son and those he serves with at the Special Forces forward operating base in Afghanistan for their service.   Also thank all who serve here and overseas in the military as well as all first responders and those who serve.  Wish you all a good, safe, meaningful and Happy 4th Of July and Canada Day Weekend.   Now off to find some of that liquid refreshment.  As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

    

    

Memorial Day Weekend 2011 by Stephen Craig Rowe

This Memorial Day Weekend let us honor in respect those who have come before and are now gone because of their service.  The hero, the father, the mother, the son or daughter who in service gave all because it was their duty, their job, and because they would not have it any other way.  The love of country, family, home, and the Constitution of this Great Nation.  I salute my Grandfather, my Father,  Uncle Warren and Jim, my Son Adam and all who Serve.  As ever be well.

One Well Placed Word by Stephen Craig Rowe

      I once wrote that one well placed word can change the world forever as one well placed stone can topple the strongest wall and at the time did so in a poetic context.  Recent events have shown that this is true.  The revolution in Tunisia inspired by the act of fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi is an example of the innate human desire to improve not only one's lot but to improve the common good.  It is reported that Bouazizi refused to pay a bribe in order to operate his fruit stand, he was then slapped by the official and his scale was confiscated.  When he went to the officials to reclaim his scale he was refused entrance.  He then bought some petrol and lit himself afire in front of the office.  A well  placed word, a small stone placed to topple the wall of oppression has freed his people.

     This act in Tunisia has inspired others in the region to demonstrate for human rights, freedom from oppression caused by age old dictators, kings and queens appointed by themselves, rule with a total disregard for the people, enrich their own coffers while the subjects suffer.  This is not a new story as this sort of management of affairs has been going on forever.  Make the rich richer and fuck the people has been the rule.  Pretend to care, give a little here and there for personal gain and fuck the people into poverty.  Well, Kings and Queens, those that rule.  One well placed word, act, and small stone is about to tumble the wall and change the world forever. Or so it seems. 

     I for one pray for peace, the right of people to choose a government of and by the people. 

As ever be well.  Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO Bean Plate And Update Stuff by Stephen Craig Rowe

My son is on his way to the Afghan war I am full of thoughts, prayers, gin, poetry, fine art, snow, winter winds, music and stuff like prayers and thoughts.  Most of the snow fell in the night and there is a profound silence as snow falls without wind rather like the quiet comfort of a blanket wrapped around one in warm dreams of spring.  Now on to the bean plate, no matter what one must eat and need sustenance.  On a cold winter night this dish has filled and warmed my core over the years.  It is an old time bean plate.

Do not throw away the skins, clippings, trimmings, tops and ends of your vegetables.  I freeze mine in a zip lock type freezer bag and use them as needed for stock.  Carrot tops, ends and peelings, tomato tops and ends, celery pieces and roots, onion skins, garlic skins, tops and roots of nearly any vegetable that one trims should be reserved for stock.

Cover the stock with water and bring to a high boil, add whole and cracked pepper corn, a bit of chicken base and reduce to a simmer until the broth looks like this.

How sweet is that?  An amber colored base that is all natural and made from scraps that one would normally disregard.

The ingredients are simple.  Two cans of great northern beans drained, three or four new red potatoes diced, one medium onion fine chopped, mixed peppers, smashed garlic cloves, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, chopped celery, carrots, pork jowl or salt pork.  I prefer the smoked pork jowl and saute' on low to med heat for about five or six minutes then drain on newspaper before adding to the bean pot then will add some smoked sausage and after bringing the pot to a full boil will let it simmer until thick enough to be eaten on a plate.  With lightly toasted herb and garlic bread. 

From my home to yours, and your home to mine, we are all in this world together, be it a hill of beans or a can of fish assholes.  Smile and as ever be well. 

Stephen's Painting Studio Thoughts About The Old Year And New by Stephen Craig Rowe

     Liberty never sleeps for when she is not in the stars she is about in the heart and minds of those who dream, those who believe, those who wonder and wander and all those others.  Liberty and Dragon dance eternal, entwined forever in the reflection of glass beads and tears.  In mid winter the magic of Christmas combines with the power of winds, rains, snows, "only God knows", and such that the Snow Queen bestows upon the lands.  There Liberty wakes the Dragon for a dance again on New Year's Eve.
     One can not help but recall the year past, with all the good and ill experiences.  Then shed a small tear for the ill memories and smile for the good ones with hope that the New Year shall bring more good than ill to those near and dear, to those who dream, those who believe, those who wander and wonder, and all those others.
     On New Year's Eve Liberty and Dragon will be dancing a wing flapping, tail slapping galactic tango that touches the all in the magic of who we are and the realization of the miracle that we are here and able to count our blessings.
     The celebration is ever one of hope for a better year to come and an appreciation of the year past. 
     I wish you and yours, a very meaningful, safe, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
     As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

    

    

Painting Studio thoughts about Social Security freeze of cost of living increase two years in a row by Stephen Craig Rowe

     Those who know me here and through other blogs have found me to be a rather quiet man when it comes to current events and I busy myself with painting, photography and writing.  Seldom do I voice an opinion on political views or news.  Today I am pissed off because of the freeze in Social Security cost of living allowances and just don't get it when rents rise, food costs rise, fuel cost rise, utility costs increase, medical costs increase and on and on.  One works hard all of their working life and during that working life pays into the Social Security trust expecting compensation upon retirement.  Not a lot of money each month but enough to get by and one would think that the cost of living allowance would increase yearly as costs increase.  Yet for the past two years they have not.
       Yet $80+billion has been paid to bail out the auto industry and unless one is employed by the big three or in the oil-fuel business.  What have these corporations ever done for you?
        How about the 4.72 trillion dollars spent on the bank-Wall Street bail out?   Then it has been recently reported that the recipients of  the 4.72 trillion dollars are paying out record bonuses this year.  What have those blood sucking profiteers ever given you?  Foreclosures, law suits, headaches, homelessness, starvation and in some cases suicide.  The fuckers don't even take you to lunch or ask you if you want grease before shoving it up your.......
        Then we can spend $737,964,960,000 on the war in Iraq looking for WMD that did not exist and kill and be killed for what?  Nation building?   When was the last time money was spent from Iraq to America?  No answer. 
        Also there is a great deal of money being spent in Afghanistan, approx $355,425,000,000 to date and rising.  Lining the pockets of officials there, that are laughing their asses off at us as they re finance the Taliban and make deals with contractors as brave soldiers shed their blood because they are following orders from the commander in chief.  What does Afghanistan provide the USA and the world, a very high quality opium crop.  Does Afghanistan pay any money to the USA?  Gimme a break.
       Yeah, I know that commander in chief was not typed with caps because to my knowledge the President Of The United States Of America did not serve in any of the Armed Forces.  Oh well. 
       I don't pretend to know and am sure that I don't know but it seems to me that all of these expenditures are spent on ventures that gain no return for the American people or improve the betterment of the world.  Every day it seems that the news reports cuts in state and local welfare programs for the needy and disabled.  Cities and towns have to cut back on police, first responders and other essential services here at home because of lack of funds.  It really makes one wonder what is going on and why.
       In conclusion, those who have worked and paid into the Social Security Trust should expect timely cost of living allowances regardless of where other monies are spent or why. 
       As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe
      

Father's Day, Summer Solstice And A Sunday At Stephen's Painting Studio By Stephen Craig Rowe

I was going to write a letter to my Father today and then burn it as a means of sending the letter to the afterlife.  I took a walk instead and thought about fine art, poetry, what to make for dinner, and all kinds of stuff.  While walking I wrote a bit more of Page One The Novel A Work In Progress by Stephen Craig Rowe and decided to keep that chapter in my head for now.  I also thought a lot about my Father today and after dinner will share a drink with him, though he is gone, we shall have a moment or so on the porch or in the garden.
     Dinner will be lamb chops, Brussels sprouts, honey glazed carrots, a nice fat baked potato slathered with butter and green onion sour cream.  A glass or so of a deep red wine will carry me home.
     The light today was splendid as it should be for the solstice and am looking forward to the sunset.  If it is spectacular I will take my camera to capture and image or so.  Am still walking at least an hour a day and feeling great.  I am also painting and hope to post some new works soon.  As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year by Stephen Craig Rowe

Peace on Earth to those of good will.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe



Stephen,



The holiday season is a time where we give thanks and remember the year past, while we look forward to the new year. I thank you for the difference you have made in the lives of people next door, across the country and around the world.



I wanted to share with you some of my favorite photos from this past year. Some of the photos are inspirational; others are heart-wrenching. All of them speak to the lives we've changed together this year.



While you may not see yourself in these pictures, know that you're there, standing beside us, in each one—helping to save the day for someone in need. Click below to see the photos:











Thank you for being the heart of the Red Cross this year. Warm wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday!





Gail McGovern

President and CEO

American Red Cross

Fire On The Ridge and a bulletin from IloveMountains.org

http://www.youtube.com/v/AzmrohA0aNc&feature=hd

Though I do not live in the mountains there are many friends that do.  For those known and unknown it is essential to preserve and protect the natural beauty and bounty of the mountains. 
Following is a bulletin from http://www.ilovemountains.org/
iLoveMountains.org Bulletin


Posted by Sandra Diaz

Two weeks ago, we wrote to tell you that Massey Energy had begun blasting on Coal River Mountain -- ground zero in the fight to end mountaintop removal coal mining.



We asked you to tell the Obama administration to intervene -- and your response was incredible! You sent more than 15,000 letters to the Obama Administration, and in partnership with other organizations, more than 64,000 citizens took action to save Coal River Mountain.



The blasting at Coal River Mountain represents an escalation in the fight for the future of Appalachia. Massey Energy has already been cited with using stronger explosives than is allowable near a gas line, and local residents are worried about the impacts of the blasting on a nearby coal sludge impoundment.



That's why we need to ensure that we're ready to meet Big Coal's efforts to destroy the mountains we love across the region.



Can you make a contribution to iLoveMountains today, to help us grow the campaign to end mountaintop removal coal mining and support the activists on the ground at Coal River Mountain?



Go to: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1741/t/6886/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=5475 to make a contribution.



Whether you're able to contribute $25, $50, or $200, any amount you can afford to give makes a tremendous difference in the effort to end mountaintop removal coal mining once and for all.



You contribution goes directly to helping iLoveMountains.org raise national awareness and keep the pressure on decision makers to end mountaintop removal coal mining. Your contribution also helps the Alliance for Appalachia build regional support for ending mountaintop removal coal mining, and lends support for the activists at Coal River Mountain Watch, who are on the ground every day working to save Coal River Mountain.



You can also help grow the movement by taking just a moment today to invite 5 friends or colleagues to join you at iLoveMountains.org. To date, more than 38,800 people have joined you in supporting a clean energy future for Appalachia. Can you help us reach 40,000 people in a week's time by inviting 5 friends to join you at iLoveMountains.org today?



Invite 5 friends to join us today: http://ilovemountains.org/take_action/



Thank you for everything you do to contribute to the end of mountaintop removal coal mining. Your efforts form the backbone of our campaign.



Matt Wasson

iLoveMountains.org



P.S.--Post this group on your wall and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/welovemountains

As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO Sunflower and The Week That Was In East Peoria, and Peoria, IIlinois. Written by Stephen Craig Rowe

Sunflower, sunflower shine on me. So sweet your beauty sang to me. Sunflower, sunflower may you ever be. Sunflower, sunfower brought light to the day. Sunflower may that light never fade.

One morning last week there was a knock at my door. A smiling young lady introduced herself as Alice and asked if I had any children. My reply was that my son is a grown man and in the US Army. She took a look over my shoulder and saw some of my paintings. " You are the artist?" She asked, and I said, " Yes, come in, come in, and see the works."

As Alice was looking at the paintings she told me that she was an exchange student from Estonia. Looking for part time work as a baby sitter. Then asked me if I knew of Estonia. Yes, Estonia is home of the Tall Blonde Vodka. She smiled and kept saying that these paintings are "So cool.", with her distinct accent. I gave Alice a grand tour of the Painting Studio and answered her questions about my work. She wanted to buy a painting to take with her to Estonia but could not afford the price. So, of course I gave her a small piece and on the back wrote: To my friend Alice from Estonia. At the end of the visit we parted with a little hug and big smiles. Never know who will come knocking upon your door. How one receives, greets, and treats a guest gives ones self and the guest a memory that lasts forever.

Not half an hour later there was another knock at the door. It was Danielle a friend and server at Jim's Steakhouse in Peoria, Il. http://www.jimssteakhouse.net/ Danny as I call her, brought me a small jar of home made jalapeno jelly and asked if I would like to join her for lunch. I told her that I would love to but had not shaved or had my morning ablutions. Whatever they are. Grin. We had a nice visit, chat and I told her that I may visit Jim's Steakhouse over the weekend. We then parted with a sweet hug and a wave.

I then chatted a bit with Sassene and then my dear friend Riette from South Africa. Did some communication with friends on MSN Windows Live Spaces, Rambling On, Douglas S. Taylor the author, and others.

Over the weekend I did go to Jim's Steakhouse for dinner. Friday and Saturday nights. It was so very good on Friday that I had to return. Tim Comfort the owner, good friend, and past employer was and is ever a gracious host. Was able to see and talk to some of the guests and co workers. It was a pleasure indeed. Spoke with Dr. Norm Estes, a friend, who is head of the College of Surgeons for the University of Illinois. I gave him an update of my condition and he offered to write or call my surgeon and told me that the facility in Indianapolis is where Lance Armstrong was cured. I also spoke a bit with the prominent Peoria lawyer Joe Napoli, also a good friend, as well as Bruce Saures former owner of the local hockey team and a Peoria landmark. Then as the night was drawing to an end Kim Armstrong from the Peoria Art Guild brought in some performers from the Peoria Blues Fest. I had to say hello and mingle a bit. Exchanging musical tid bits and such.

I also joined http://www.peoria.com/ just because I have been part of the community since 1995. In spite of trials, tribulations, trouble and strife have a feeling that I have left a positive mark on the community that I serve with fine art, wit, my twisted humor and sometimes bad poetry. On that note I must be off for another road trip and dose of chemo. In the mean time,

As ever be well.

Sun flower sunflower shine on me. For the light of your flower shall ever be.

Stephen Craig Rowe

RAIN ON THE MOUNTAIN A Song Poem by Stephen Craig Rowe

" In the space between the words poetry is

best spoken aloud, quiet and near the fire. "

Stephen Craig Rowe

The eyes spark alit in the embers of words quietly spoken, ever remembered in texture, tone, shape, form, rythem and grasp. There she came nearly frozen from winter's crewl grip in silence with a heart full of life, yet nearly stone cold, alone and removed from the fire sweet warm and light.

In the shadows she sang quiet in the meadow, real as the dream within. Walls strong enough to sustain and repel the Ice Princess and the Snow Queens clear blue kiss. Rain, rain, rain, spring rain mist the mountain. Hear her caw and calling. Late in the night, past the midnight hour. Dare to watch the stars and drink the silence.

Ever clear as a kiss of rain upon a rose or tossed about on a leaf reflecting the

light of stars splashed on all of the oceans

of the worlds.

Is it one thing? Or another? Here there and ever, never everywhere.

Knee deep in rose petals she danced in the Spring laughing in the creeks, rivers and streams. Dancing on the seas. As bright as Moon light, and as free as the salt sad burning tears of joy and rapture

that scar

then heal.

Fingers trace

blind signs.

As the Spirit sings that ever special note. The word from within that has ever been and ever shall be best spoken, quiet near the fire, and the light in your eyes. For there one becomes the space between the words and God willing experience

Poetry.

As ever be well. Stephen Craig Rowe

No espaço entre as palavras é poesia melhor falado em voz alta, calma e perto do fogo. " Stephen Craig Rowe Os olhos faísca alit brasas no silêncio das palavras faladas, sempre lembrado na textura, tom, forma, forma, ritmo e alcance. Aí ela veio quase congelado de inverno da crewl grip em silêncio com um coração cheio de vida, ainda cerca de pedra fria, sozinha e retirado do fogo doce quente e luz. Nas sombras ela cantou calma no pasto, como o verdadeiro sonho dentro. Muralhas forte o suficiente para sustentar e repelir os Ice Princess e da Neve Queens azul claro beijo. Chuva, chuva, chuva, chuva Primavera névoa da montanha. Crocitar e ouvi-la chamando. Atrasos na noite, passada a meia-hora. Ouse ver as estrelas e beber o silêncio. Ever clara como um beijo de chuva sobre uma rosa ou atirados sobre uma folha refletindo sobre o luz de estrelas splashed sobre todos os oceanos dos mundos. Trata-se de uma coisa? Ou outro? Aqui, e nunca, nunca em toda a parte. Joelho profundas no rose petals ela dançou na Primavera rindo nas enseadas, rios e córregos. Dançando sobre o mar. Lua tão brilhante como luz, e tão livre como o sal queima tristes lágrimas de alegria e arrebatamento a cicatriz então curar. Dedos traço Sinais cego. Como o Espírito que canta sempre especial nota. A palavra de dentro do que já foi e sempre será melhor dito, calma perto do fogo, e à luz dos seus olhos. Para existir um torna-se o espaço entre as palavras e se Deus quiser experiência Poesia. Como sempre estar bem. Rowe stephen Craig

PAINTING STUDIO AND THE ACLU

I don't know about you but the times are a changing. Here we hold holy rights, and an awesome responsibility to care for the planet, universe and those that dwell within. I am only a simple painter and sometimes bad poet and care. So I shall post this,
Dear ACLU Supporter,




Thanks for sending a message to your senators asking them to reject efforts to use and politicize the Defense Department Authorization bill as a vehicle for undermining civil liberties. Your voice, and that of hundreds of thousands of other ACLU activists, are being heard in Washington. After months and months of pressure and newer and more disturbing revelations, Attorney General Holder is close to appointing a special prosecutor to investigate torture. And we have allies in the White House and in Congress who are committed to cleaning up the mess left by the Bush administration.



Please ask your friends and family to let their senators know that preserving our values and the rule of law are a top priority. We’ve made it easy to send your friends a message. Just cut and paste the message below into a new email message.



Thanks for all you do to defend the Constitution,



Anthony D. Romero

Executive Director

ACLU
To me the rule of the law is the will of the people expressed through their chosen form of government. Just a thought. Please visit http://ilovemountains.org/ http://one.org/ and keep your fingers on the keypad to improve the betterment. As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe



**************************************



Subject: Help us stand strong



Hi there,



This week, the mammoth Defense Department Authorization bill will reach the Senate floor. This must-pass legislation could easily become a vehicle for amendments to stop the closing of Guantánamo Bay, undermine efforts to hold to account those responsible for the Bush torture program, and, most troubling of all, to promote a new system of indefinite detention without charges and without trials.



You and I have to respectfully urge the Senate to not let this important piece of legislation become a vehicle for undermining civil liberties. I just sent a message to my senators. Will you do the same?



Take action: http://action.aclu.org/senatealert



Thanks!

The Fourth Day Of July 2,009

This Independence Day I rose early to the sound of rain.  How sweet the drops fall cool and greet the dawn.  As coffee brewed I took to the porch and saluted the flag in silence and respect.  Reflecting on the value of freedom, independence and the depth of knowing those qualities in my life and work.  Freedom is not just singing freedom songs, or blindly following a mass of blurred slogans.  It is a right and responsibility.
I wish all a good, great, free and safe Independence Day Weekend and
As ever be well.
Stephen Craig Rowe

Rain, Flowers and Stones by Stephen Craig Rowe

Rain flowers and stones were April's travels on the road and in the wings.  Before dawn I curl up in a back seat of a van turn up my collar and try to sleep away the ride with prayers and strangers.  Old soldiers not bound for glory these days as the trips are to Veteran's Hospitals.  My first trip in April was a day trip to Danville, Il. for a visit to the palliative care unit at the VA Medical Center.  The unit was clean, well appointed and the staff caring and compitent.  Prior to my appointment I was asked to wait in a day room with other patients.  I was the only person in the day room not in a wheel chair or bed hooked up with IV's and breathing devices.  This was clearly a place for those on their last legs or no legs as the case may be moaning and staring blindly at nothing on the television.  Not my cup of tea as it were thinking about those poor old boys so strong then and so weak and helpless fading away.  I thought about my grandfather, father, Army friends and thought about running away, then my name was called for a brief interview with the Dr.  We talked about my case, what Palliative Care was about the Hospice Program and such.  I want nothing to do with this as I would rather crawl into the woods or take a bottle of gin to a whore house for my end of days than drool about running on empty in some hospital. 

I have things to do I thought as I left the unit.  Paintings to paint, bad poetry to write, maybe books or a novel one day.  Then took a walk on the grounds and looked at the sky.
The second trip was a three day trip to Danville with a day trip to Indianapolis for a super CT Scan to determine the nature of my ills that did not.  A meeting with my surgeon in Indy was good and have a feeling that this Dr. has it all together but that may be another story.  We shall see. 
The third trip to Danville and Indy in April was in the last week for a scope and another biopsie.  Should have the pathology report within a few days.  Oh, this last trip was a three day visit away and it was rainy and cool for the most part but I did get to walk the stones. 
When I am away I do talk to people, but not much.  Tend to let them do the talking and I just listen until I have to kindly walk away and be about my own.  Help when I can and do what I do and do it well.  Pushing old hippie dudes in wheelchairs, talking stuff, looking people in the eyes as they tell me.  When I look them in the eyes they see.
Late in the afternoon I went to the Danville National Cemetery  and walked the stones again. 
Alone in the stones
No life in sight
the White on green
rows grow and fold
upon the other rows of
White Stones.
Each one a Soldier,
Veteran, Hero,
Family history.
Honor for my hand and eyes
to touch the stones
as I
Walk the Stones
alone in silence and
Snap to attention
give a crisp
Salute.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe

Spring and Signs of Life a New Day Turn Within And Without by Stephen Craig Rowe

Just the other day I was talking to a friend in Kokstad, South Africa about all manner of things as friends do talk about. The past, present, the now, and future. My current ills and healing and events in her part of the world. Then she asked me if I had any dreams. Before I could answer there was an activity on my street. Sirens and such three or four doors down about a flair up or whatever. I excused myself and went to the porch to snap a pic or two. It was all over before I knew it was about and the fire men were folding the hoses. Attention to detail is paramount to attention to flighty events. Though half a world away, I would rather be there than in the blind. In the dreams and in the hands and heart. There was a break in the clouds and was able to place my hands in the garden for some signs of life.

My thought was so beyond words. Then bent for some signs of life of last years roses and I was amazed

The greening and colors took me by

The Day Lily poking her head in my happy face! A good day is a long day in the light. As ever be well, With love, Stephen Craig Rowe
By the by, Tender Graces the Novel by Kathryn Magendie to be released in April is available for pre order http://www.bellebooks.com/books/TenderGraces.asp

COLD CREEK The Poem by Stephen Craig Rowe

Cold Creek

reflects

rust

colored

swaying reeds,

Pines,

Stars,

Mist swept

mountains

moaning

Ancient

Holy

songs

that

no

words can

tell.

Cold Creek

flow

Refresh

birdsong

doe

soft steps,

slip

stones

Banks ring

a

bright spark

of

Light

in

the

Water of Life.

Cold Creek

seep

from the

Heart

of

Earth

and

grace the

Brow

of

Life.

As ever be well, with love, Stephen Craig Rowe

One may pre order a copy of Tender Graces The novel by Kathryn Magendie by following this link http://www.bellebooks.com/books/TenderGraces.asp

On The Road Again With Apture and you

PAINTING STUDIO UPDATE:

Work has been busy and things a bit hectic as I am on the road to Danville again. I report at 11:am on February 25th at the Danville, Illinois Veterans Administration Medical Center for surgery at 1:pm on that day. The surgeon will perform a Left Colectomy. I will be in the hospital for five to eight days then at home in recovery for six to eight weeks.

I was not going to blog about this but some of you may have been wondering about where I have been and am about to go. Now you know.

My thoughts are of all of you, here there and everywhere. There is a comfort in the knowing and the space between the words that transends and extends understanding. As quiet as a brush stroke or the scratch of a pen. That bind the mind to poetry and grace. Yes, the white rose was grown in my little garden. Those are dew drops and not tears. I do have a new phone, Samsung Instinct that is like a little hand held computer. Way cool. Am sure to have time to figure out all of the features. In time. For time is all we have to be of the all. Oh yeah, United States Congressman Aaron Schock visited Jim's Steak House in Peoria last night, we talked a bit and he said that he would call when I was in the hospital.



A special thanks to Deborah Smith http://www.deborah-smith.com and  http://www.bellebooks.com/  for sending the sound trac from Tender Graces the novel by Kathryn Magendie http://kathrynmagendie.spaces.live.com/   to be released this spring by BelleBooks.

As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe