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

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 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. 

PAINTING STUDIO Trans Siberian Orchestra In Peoria, Il., The Last Rose And Falling Back by Stephen Craig Rowe

The Trans Siberian Orchestra event at the Peoria Civic Center on November 6th was an extravaganza that welcomes the holiday season with good cheer, a message of hope, history, light, fantastic light show, more than awsome music and the chance for me to visit with some dear friends.  The entire experience was a joy as it should be.  After a few familiar numbers the band performed some new works that all hope to hear more of in the future.  Though brief my meeting with Al Pitrelli the band leader-lead guitar and his wife Jane the keyboard artist was very warm and friendly.  Al mentioned something about a road trip after the tour, perhaps  in the spring or summer for a visit here.   Because of the tight tour scheduale there was no time for them to visit Jim’s Steakhouse or the Painting Studio.   Do hope to see them in the spring or summer.

My buddy Chef Francis and I arrived at Jim's Steakhouse around an hour and a half before the show to allow time for a libation or two before the event.  The Steakhouse was very busy and rather than order a cocktail I caught the owners eye and said, " Tim, what do you need "?   See if you can get me a table in the lounge for a party of ten and I was off looking for table cloths, silver, napkins and such.  Nodding to guests in recognition while trying to set up tables.  Then Tim needed a party of six, a four top, a party of nine and a deuce.  Though fast and furious I felt quite at home and did my best to set the tables and seat the guests.  It went well and was pleased to play a small part. 

Sunday and Monday afternoon I started taking down my little rose garden and getting the small plot ready for winter.  It is not a big job but it is important to me and there are feelings involved when doing so.  I don’t exactly talk to the roses when I cut them back, but perhaps in a way I do for they have given me so very much visual and poetic pleasure.  This afternoon was excepetionally warm and I finished cutting them down to near the root bulb and then turned the soil with the spade to give them a good winter rest before taking my afternoon walk.  The sun was warm enough to make me smile.

As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO and The Trans Siberian Orchestra 2010 by Stephen Craig Rowe

It is that time of year again and the Trans Siberian Orchestra will be performing this Saturday November 6th at the Peoria Civic Center.  Have two tickets for the 8 p.m. show and am very glad to be attending this event.  Can’t wait to see Al Pitrelli the band leader-lead guitar and his wife Jane Mangini the keyboard artist after the show.  As most of you know last year prior to my surgery I put out the word for you not to send flowers.  Due to the busy tour scheduale Al and Jane were not able to keep up with my blogs and sent a beautiful bouquet to my  hospital room.  It really made me smile and brightened up my recovery and stay.  Before and after the show I will also be at Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria.  A review of the performance, visit with friends and photos will be sure to follow in my next post.  In the mean time, 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

PAINTING STUDIO And The Trans Siberian Orchestra Page Three by Stephen Craig Rowe

     Several years ago I was fortunate enough to meet Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane.  Al is the lead guitar and band leader of the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Jane Mangini is the keyboard.  We met at Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria, Illinois the night before the concert and through conversation became fast friends.

    A couple of days ago my sister Pam called and told me that she and mom wanted to give me an early Christmas present in the form of a ticket to the TSO concert on Saturday November 7th at the Peoria Civic Center for the 8p.m. show.  I was and am elated by this and the seat is on the floor in section A row 8.  Right up close where I want to be.  The Civic Center is only a block or so from Jim's Steakhouse and am sure to be there for dinner before the show and cocktails after.

    Am writing Jane and Al this afternoon in hope that we can get together sometime before or after the show.  Last year we missed each other because they were in and out of town faster than I can type.  Really looking foreward to this and would love to spend a bit of time with them.  My 12th round of chemo will be concluded on the 28th of October and there should be a few weeks before surgery.
    When not touring with the TSO Al and Jane are busy with their band O'2L.  Speaking of touring I have to get ready to go on the road again to the VA Medical Centers in Danville, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana for another dose of chemo this Wednesday.  Will be home on Thursday or Friday.  In the mean time,
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe

THE GREEN WALL A Walk Of Words By Stephen Craig Rowe

The effort of the lands and hands that ever try to lay back the green are but a false hope.  A half filled sand bag thrown into raging flood waters ever rising and quenching earths deep thirst to draw man beyond the madness of holding her. 

Translating the tides to fit a neat bit for a short time only is as selfish a task as drinking the whole cold creek dry.

For a time.  And the old world had no blinds or walls or words.

When the green was the garden of all and creatures had no walls to wait for the slash and burn.

Old worn hands and faces, generations of walls, wailing streets, sad windows and fences will never hold back the green walk of words

well spent

For there are no walls to hold back the green.

As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe 

SAUDADE REVISITED

This is the first Christmas Season without my Father. I miss him very much and though he is in my blood, bones, heart and soul. He is often in my thoughts. This is why I am reposting the following piece.

SAUDADE


A poem in my own words inspired by JouElam+Sofie http://mudosdaventuras.spaces.live.com/



INTRODUCTION: SAUDADE is a Portugese word that was given

to me in love and friendship. I can not translate this word, I

can only write what I feel.



Saudade



Echo in the valley

Cry in the night

Free and alone

Trickle in the

moon lit streams

That flow from

My eyes

onto the windows

In the keypad

That scratches

Only a high held note

The Violin

Trembles

Splashing wine

On streets that shine

With tears soaked in

Memory

Of those near and dear.

Of those that have ever been and ever shall be.

Of those that have risen'

Of those that sing

Of those that are

Of the Light and Spirit.

Of the woods, rain, forests, grasses, trees, limbs and

Leaf sparkle

Dew drip dawning

Rainbow brow smile

Reflect the night Sky

Stars

Dance in

The glistening drop

Waving at the shore

Foaming and breaking on the rocks

Receed, Smile at the Moon.

Reflect in the pond

Skipping stones

and remember.

SAUDADE,

Home is where the

Art is, forever home

Or away

Within the All.





SAUDADE! As ever be well. With love, Stephen Craig Rowe





Saudade







Ecoa no vale



pranto na noite



livre e abandonada



lua de fluxos brilhantes



iluminando os minúsculos córregos



que escorrem debruçados



nas janelas dos meus olhos



apenas a tecla em arrepios



tremúlos



é o sustenido



o violino



segurando uma nota altíssima



derramando o vinho do nosso copo



nas ruas encharcadas



pelo cintilar



da memória das lágrimas



de todos os que nos são intímos e queridos.



de todos aqueles que sempre foram,estiveram



são, estão, serão e estarão connosco



todos aqueles



que cantam



todos aqueles que são



luz do espírito



dos bosques, das florestas , das chuvas , da relva , das arvores , dos troncos , das folhas



faísca



gota d' orvalho amanhecendo



sorriso na sobrancelha do arco-íris



estrelas



reflectidas no Céu noturno







A Stephen Craig Rowe Poem



Translation And Adaptation By JouElam



A very touched thank you to our Dear Friend Stephen



Author's note: It is I who thank you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. As ever be well. With love. Stephen Craig Rowe

Painting Studio On The Wing With The Flying Monkeys And I'm So Glad

Talking about PAINTING STUDIO On The Wing With The Flying Monkeys and I'm So Glad

Quote
PAINTING STUDIO On The Wing With The Flying Monkeys and I'm So Glad
There are times when one is taken beyond words by the kind actions of another. After work on Saturday night I arrived home a bit late and logged into the Painting Studio to read a comment from Karen AKA Red Kitten. Karen is a MSN blogger that I have known and respected for years though she seldom comments at the Painting Studio. She wrote that there was something at her space for me to read. I went there at the speed of light and read her post. ON THE WINGS OF LOVE http://abnorms.spaces.live.com
Karen, you made a grown man cry good tears. Thank you! Flying Monkeys was a dream that became a reality. An international effort and collaboration that took shape of it's own. I am so proud of the Flying Monkeys and all of the good, fine, beautiful works and words for the betterment. http://flyingmonkeyshome.spaces.live.com/
Space is only as deep as one makes it. Thank you for making my space smile.
Now we shall see what the Flying Monkeys bring to the future for the dream is a reality.
I am so glad.
As ever be well. With love. Stephen Craig Rowe



CREAM LYRICS
I'm so glad, I'm so glad I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad I'm so glad, I'm so glad I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do I'm tired of weeping, I'm tired of moaning, I'm tired of crying for you I'm so glad, I'm so glad I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad I'm so glad, I'm so glad I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad I'm tired of weeping, I'm tired of moaning, I'm tired of groaning for you I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do I'm so glad, I'm so glad I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad I'm so glad, I'm so glad I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad (Chorus repeated 5 times)

Save Sayed Pervez Kambaksh

A university student in Afganistan has been condemed to death for downloading and distributing information about women's rights on his computer. Please take a moment to sign the Independent's petition by following this link:

http://zeynepankara-live.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!612AF29A1928F789!5453.entry

Thank you, As ever be well. Stephen Craig Rowe