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 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

 

 

 

PAINTING STUDIO In A Space Between The Words Silence Is Spoken by Stephen Craig Rowe

 

September roses yawn after August heat and pale flowers wilt with light sifted through silver clouds.

Bright as salvation in the early fall.  Cool as a quiet twilight gloaming and silent between the words where poetry is spoken.

There the quality is grace of experience and given.  As ever be well,  Stephen Craig  Rowe

Full Moon Of August by Stephen Craig Rowe

With one hand in the earth and one hand in the sky

Sleep does not come easy in light of the August moon.

Dreams wrap around a breeze, flapping window shades all night long, in and out of tossing and turning a glow of silver blue in and through the clouds.  With one hand in the sky soar

As stars rain in the garden.

In light of the August moon.

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

"FERN HILL" written by Dylan Thomas and read by Anthony Hopkins

http://youtu.be/xg-_ah0JfhU

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 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

The Last Day Lily by Stephen Craig Rowe

The last day lily
stands alone
as a reminder of the others
that filled a part
of the yard
with color
and light
for nearly
two weeks
of rain, winds,
heat,
and
photographs.
The last
lily
is still
in bloom
and
a miracle
to
behold
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

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 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

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