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 Walking The Rain By Stephen Craig Rowe

Walking rain
November drizzle wept damp gray

sky all

the day and night.

Fog longing soft shadows
nearly apeare

then whisp away wrapped

in a cloak of swirling

leaves as an

old ghost whould seem to be,

and then not. 

Mind your step the walk is slick, take my arm and take care.

It is so quiet in the fog and drizzle she said.

The fallen leaves have a unique scent this time of year.  Or is it just this night?

Perhaps.

The lamp post glowed as the last roses faded in the fog and the rains came.

As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

Painting Studio All Saints Day Thank You For The Rose by Stephen Craig Rowe

Are you sure that all of the Saints were in your dreams?

No, I only pray for them.  She looked at her hands, shook her head and said.

Thank you for the rose.

As she spoke I took a drink and my thoughts were of the garden for a moment and of all the Saints.  The half moon rising above the Painting Studio this first day of November.  Then my thoughts turned into the folds of the rose and time spent in the garden this afternoon.

Are you still with me?

Yes, was just thinking about the last roses, fall, stuff like that and all of the Saints.

Are they with you?  Or what?  She said and,

I don’t know

So much of it is like poetry, grace and a song half sung

Walking is healing.  Walking with you and the roses is sweet.

Thank you for the rose.

Thank you. 

I took to the garden and the ridge free and alone for a talk with all of the Saints and a prayer on the first day of November.  As ever be well

 

 

 

Rose On The Run, A PAINTING STUDIO Poem by Stephen Craig Rowe

     Wait all the winter long for spring soft winds, rains and green in the warm for the roses.

      The colors and scents seem to close a door to the world, yet open a window.  Time in the garden, small though it is tends to take one away from the trial and strife of the day to day.

     Or so it seems to me as I get into the roses and day to day see the roses run in life from cold winter roots, tiny shoots that become buds and blossom in late spring and summer.

    There free and alone all the chit chat bird song and sound is absorbed  by the images of summer as the roses are on the run.

     Roses on the run, ever a joy.  Here today and ever in memory.

     Wonder not how sweet the blessing, but take and behold the wonder of the poetry in the fold of a rose.

     Rose on the run no one can hold you forever.  For we are also poetry held in the fold of the rose.  There but for a moments grace we hold each other in the reality of a sacred image never frozen in time, for time is all time. 

     Rose on the run, petals in the sun rain on your brow smile as sweet as summer sounds spoken in silence against a screen door slapped shut in the wind.  Spring held taught then wrap the buzz of night around you.  None of the ghosts speak but rather sneak in your sheets and surround dreams tossing and turning as real as real is.  In dreams as a rose on the  run and reflections in the  wine. 

     As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe     

Painting Studio First Rose Bloom In The Small Garden 2011, by Stephen Craig Rowe

     The first rose of this year recently bloomed in my small garden and I had to take camera to the yard in order to share some of these images and words.  Am sure some are thinking, “ old Stephen is a bit nuts about his roses and into his cup of gin again”.  Fine, for this is true and would not have it any other way because of the joy found and seen in the first rose of spring as she flowers, then graces my eyes with a silent poetry, a visual affirmation that the artist is alive, well, and in tune with nature as much as one may be in the miracle of life in the all.  Or something like that as one re creates images that capture moments the painter/poet desires to share. 

     There one may begin to understand my personal feeling for the first rose of spring, for there seems to be a light within the flower that displays an energy as if the rose gives light as well as takes light.

     Though only a simple painter and sometimes bad poet there is a  profound beauty in the fold of petals of the first rose of spring.  As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

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 And The Snow Queen by Stephen Craig Rowe

     The Snow Queen sighed as she saw the ridge bathed in an early evening light, with all but a few leaves fallen and cast a color rather like rust, rose and something in between in a moment before dusk.  In a deer stunned moment birds became silent as chill winds brought the first dust of snow that soon became rich full flakes as one would see in a movie drifting in the last sun rays upon the ridge.  Fall hung on her arbor as a leaf fell in silence as quiet as snow, as silent as a tear, and there but for a moments grace a sigh in the wind gave the face of Fall to the Snow Queen's kiss, and all night long, then through the day the ridge and lands where covered in white.  Some say they see Angels, some say it's just cold rain falling and some say the change of seasons is magic that no words can tell. 

     The Snow Queen smiles as some bring indoors the outdoors with pines, green wreaths, cones and things that recall fall.  Put up lights, make music and merriment with family and friends.  Recall all of those near and dear, here and gone that make us who we are in the present and in memories. 

    Some say they see Angels and the Snow Queen Smiles.  Some say the season is magic, and as ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

    

PAINTING STUDIO Home by Stephen Craig Rowe

     Sunday night before my trip sleep was hard to find as I kept waking and looking at the clock, then trying to fall back asleep only to wake seemingly moments later to look at the clock again.  On Monday I did take a good nap in the van on the road to Danville for the landscape was as drab and grey as the day.  Cold and winds prevailed through mid week.  On the lodging ward of the VA Medical Center in Danville I did have a room to myself and was glad that the evening meal was by no means fit to eat because I wanted to limit my intake in order to ease the cleansing that would take place on Tuesday night.  The hospital sounds on Monday night made sleep hard to find but on Tuesday morning a good nap was taken on the van on the road to Indianapolis.
     On Tuesday arrived at the VAMC in Indy early in the morning but did not have any appointments until Wednesday so I visited some staff, made myself useful here and there with fellow Veterans, then spent some time in the computer lab.  Checked into the hotel around 4pm and began the cleansing prep for the procedure on Wednesday.  Had to drink eight ounces of the foul mixture every ten minutes until 12 glasses were consumed and it sure did clean me out.  Hotel noise and jets flying over made Tuesday night sleep hard to find as my thoughts raced toward the procedure on Wednesday morning.
     Before the colonoscopy my surgeon came into the room and introduced himself with a hand shake.  I said, " Doctor, there is no need to introduce yourself.  How could I ever forget the man who saved my life. "  As we all take pride in our work my remark had the desired effect and caused him to smile thus putting all in the room at ease.  The procedure was flawless and the results were outstanding.  No cancer and the next scope will be in three years! 
     Upon hearing this news, I damn near cried for joy but saved my tears and said a quiet prayer of thanks. 
     As I waited for the van to take me home I noticed a fellow veteran I had seen the previous day who had Parkinson like symptoms and was wearing a short sleeve cotton shirt waiting in the lobby.  Winter winds and cold had finally settled into the mid west.  I went to the canteen and bought an insulated hooded sweat shirt, took it to the lobby and gave it to the fellow veteran.  He said that he had a coat at home and as I helped him  put it on I said that though you are far from home, this  is home.  Merry Christmas.  He shook my hand and thanked me.
     That afternoon on the van ride back to Peoria a much needed nap was in order though interrupted by road sounds and sway of the coach I was only half asleep.  Late afternoon as the sun set on the horizon the light cast below the clouds formed a band of red that flashed behind trees, farms, hedges and the place where land meets the sky.  I was fully awake then and in that beauty my eyes became wet as the last blaze of light seemed to sink into the earth.
     Though it was dark when I arrived home, the house was full of light, had a drink or two, a fine home made meal, a wonderful telephone conversation with the fine arts photographer in Georgia and went to sleep with a smile on my face and slept like a rock.
As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

Stephen's Painting Studio and The Rose & Thorn Journal Page Two by Stephen Craig Rowe

    I know we have seen the image above in previous posts and some of us just can not get enough of it.  Myself included.  Grant me a moment or so to give an update of recent events here and there.  My home blog the Windows Live Space PAINTING STUDIO as we knew it, is no more.  The other day I read a message from MSN Windows Live Spaces that informed me that Spaces would no longer exist after March 2011 and that I could migrate my Painting Studio space to WordPress.  So in good faith I pressed the migrate button and presto!  The PAINTING STUDIO was gone.  Poof!  I thought the whole thing would be transported to WordPress but only my posts and archives seemed to follow.  I don't know.  Anyway here is a link to the WordPress PAINTING STUDIO.  Am still testing the waters there but plan on moving my home blog to Google here.  I almost forgot that the Flying Monkeys space was still active and made a post there and plan on keeping Flying Monkeys alive until the end.

    Recently the co editors/publishers of The Rose & Thorn Journal asked me to become the art commentator and art gallery curator.  It is an honor for me to accept the position as a staff member and hope I do them proud.  The art gallery is still a work in progress and will feature emerging and established artists.  The fall edition will be published on October 15th and hope all of you will sign on for the news letter while enjoying the fine quality publication.

     Thank you all, and as ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

In And Out Of The Screen, Space Is Only As Deep As One Makes It By Stephen Craig Rowe Published On Google Blogger July, 2010

I am not one to re-post stuff time and time again, but I really like this screen shot.  The photograph was taken last August on an early Sunday morning.  I call it a screen shot because of the texture that the screen gives the images rather than a screen shot that one's web cam can do.  As I walked myself through the set up with camera, tripod and light there was just a perfect setting for the shot on the window ledge.  The light reflected in and out in a most pleasing visual quality that I found most poetic as the screen gave a texture to the work that gave this photograph a push and pull that draws the viewer within and without the image.  I have done this with a few other images that are striking with the screen effect.

And without.  So here we are on a new adventure making Space as deep as one makes it. 

One word at a time, it seems.  Then again,

one word

can change the world

and

improve the betterment

of all.

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

Stephen's Painting Studio And The New Novel SECRET GRACES Written By Kathryn Magendie And Published By Bell Bridge Books

     Early this month my dear friend Kathryn Magendie the author celebrated the release of SECRET GRACES the novel that is Book Two of the Graces Saga.  Book One of the Graces Saga is TENDER GRACES.  I can not count how many times I have read TENDER GRACES savoring each and every word while awating the release of Kathryn's second major novel SECRET GRACES.  The author was kind enough to send me a copy of the new novel that arrived by post on Friday the sixteenth of April.
     I was thrilled that Kathryn signed my copy of SECRET GRACES and honored to see my name in the dedication.  She also wrote a brief note on the dedication page informing me that I was also a character in the novel.  As I read with a smile, good glad tears came to my eyes for now I was part of The Graces Saga. 
     It is such an honor that now I feel that I must write, publish and dedicate my first novel to Kathtryn.  Am smiling as I write and Kathryn while you read this post I hope you are smiling too.
     Kathryn Magendie is a well known short story author.  She is also co-editor and publisher of The Rose & Thorn Literary Ezine and a very dear friend who I shall cherish forever.  TENDER GRACES and SECRET GRACES are published by Bell Bridge Books .  Both novels are a must read.
     Kathryn,  thank you.  Thank all of you and as ever be well.
Stephen Craig Rowe
    

Stephen's Painting Studio On The Eve Of Spring, The Ides Of March And An Irish Thing by Stephen Craig Rowe

On the eve of spring light lingers longer on the Ides Of March and thoughts tend to dwell on new buds, sprouts, gardens, the greening and things Irish that Mother has given to the children.  Ages untold carved in stone haunting beauty filled memories of times and words unspoken, yet known in the flow of blood, bone, heart, mind and Spirit of the universe with a slap of the seas that touch the shores and ever call one home.  The air is rich with winter's last chill and sweet damp fog that cause the heart drum like thunder thrill a fiddlers dream in the pipes of the winds.  Ah, the glory of the terrible beauty of the All. 
The roses of a past year only rest as in dreams with roots held warm deep in the earth to gain anew in the light of spring.
Indeed this life is a gift and a blessing each unique single moment a clear calling as we are in the passing and being.
Indeed it is good to be about and poetic in prose on the Eve Of Spring, The Ides Of March And An Irish Thing in the roses of time.
As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

Stephen's Painting Studio and Rose & Thorn Magazine Cover Art

Recently I was honored by Rose & Thorn Journal to display a piece of my work for the cover page. I am most pleased by the results and the review of the painting and the Painting Studio by Liam Wilkinson has left me almost without words. I can find words to say thank you, Kathryn, Angie, all of the cast and crew of Rose &Thorn for the kindness you have given for me to grace your page and urge my friends, visitors and guests to visit Rose & Thorn Journal.

For in the roses and thorns a poetic dream is realized that touches all. There, one experiences the word, words, images and efforts that enhanse and enrich the quality of humanity through fine art.

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

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