Liberty And Dragon Revisited

Recently a friend from Austria translated the following piece in German. You may visit http://feecolora.spaces.live.com to read the translation. While I was re reading the post my thoughts were good and I hope yours are too.

LIBERTY AND DRAGON-ECLIPSE, MAGIC, MYTH AND SOMETHING ABOUT THE MOON

Liberty stepped softly from the clouds and spread her wings then soared. White feathers stretched as she sailed and the Sun light glinted all around her, in the clear blue and the twilight she found the Dragon and thwacked him on the snout. There was a quiet rumble and a puff of smoke as the Dragon began to wake. One red eye, then the other opened, to see Liberty. The Dragon then smiled and wagged his tail. Or rather, slapped and thumped it in the Cave.
Liberty was rubbing her right elbow and smiling at the Dragon as she folded her wings and said,

" Dragon, did you see the Eclipse last night? It was so glorious and a moment to behold."
The Dragon sat upright and wiped the sleep from his eyes, took a drink of dragon brew and cleared his throat, then said. " Of course I saw the Eclipse, I made the Moon look red!" With a small puff and an expression of indignation. Rather child like in a dragon sort of way. Liberty was right there.
"Silly Dragon, you had nothing to do with the Eclipse or the color of the Moon. These are not the Olden Days." She said, in a firm but gentle voice.
The Dragon put his claws together, looked down and there was a slight twitch of his tail. He was silent for several moments, staring off into Space. Liberty just stood there and touched his head, graced his brow and patted him like he was an old dog. Warm and friendly. The love of eternety returned and there was a spark in his eye as he said.
" Yeah, I know the Olden Days are gone. That is why I slumber so. You look better than ever! Why do you keep rubbing your elbow?" The dragon then took another draw of the dragon brew as Liberty smiled and replied.
" It is nothing, but a slight pain from holding the Torch. More of this later." She said and sat next to the Dragon with a wing and an arm around him.
Head to head they nustled in silence as the worlds and words spun about them. The memory of the Olden Days and the New Worlds and thoughts of their place These Days. Oh, there the memory of Liberty and Dragon danced with the Lords and Ladies, the Faries and Angels people of the forests, rock, stone, river, streams, oceans and all the Saints and Fires that glimmer in the night and imagination. That have ever been and ever shall be......Then Dragon held out his hand and said with a smile. " Sissor, rock, or paper?" Liberty laughed out loud! A laugh that rings in all things, it was so sharp and sweet.
She smiled at the Dragon, rubbing her elbow. Then Said, " Dear Dragon, it is written somewhere that in the Beginning Was the Word. The Word became that which gave us life in the mind of humanity. There we have given Humanity the beauty of the Myth, the Magic and healing quality of words. The poets and the Muse. The Dream of the Other Worlds and the beauty of All."
There they both sat in profound silence and reviewed the sad state of human history. All the terror, wars, greed, disaster, famon, starvation, man's cruelty to man's own kind and the rape and pilliage of the Planet that gave them birth. Sacred sweet life, the ability. The desire, the Dream.
Liberty, sighed and said, " My elbow is sore from holding the Torch," as she held the Dragon and wept.
The Dragon, wiped her tears and said, " Dear Liberty, though they need us not in the times of their own making and folly. They need us forever in the beauty of the Myths, Magic and Glory of it All."Yes, there we shall ever be." Liberty spread her wings and soared with a song of Freedom holding high the Torch for All to see the Light.

To me, the beauty of the myth, is as dear as the reality. There we are able to examine our heritage as our heritage is paramount to the future. We need and desire fiction that is more than entertainment. Thus, we were given the Word and the desire to share.
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

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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)

Sky Walking For Diamonds California Jer and Painting Studio Stephen Search For King Solomons Lost Diamond Mine

Introduction: Several nights ago I was chatting with my good friend Jeremy about upcoming birthdays and such. Jer mentioned that the love of his life Sassene one day would like a big bright diamond as a gift. It was late as we chatted and I was over worked, but I could see Jer's laughter as I created and Adventure spoof in the likes of Indiana Jones.

PAINTING STUDIO AND THE TEMPLE OF BALDY DORK FROZEN SKULL DOOM ADVENTURE.

When my friend Jeremy told me that Sassene wanted a diamond. I hesitated because Jer nor I have funds for diamonds. Then I did a Google search for lost civilizations and diamond mines. On page one of the search I read about King Solomons Lost Mines.......The following is fiction and fact of the imagination.

After Googling information about lost diamond mines Jer and I took a trans Atlantic flight to London because the search led me to the International Adventure Historical Society Museum. Located near Picadilly Circus the Museum was a dark old ancient structure. I left Jer at the City of London On Line Game Arcade near Madame Tusards Wax Museum. As we passed the Wax Museum, Jer signed to me and tried to turn his chair toward the door. "Jer, It is just a bunch of wax dummies. You will have more fun at the arcade." Jer was playing some Star Wars Games at the Arcade as I delved into the Archives in the Adventure Museum.

There was so much information about lost civilizations, maps, old books........The archives were in a vast cellar or huge vaulted basement below the streets of London. I was thinking this is kind of creepy and not very well lit as I pulled an unmarked worn thin leather book from the shelf. I was astounded at the content. Page after page of doodles that appeared to be crop circles or mazes. I turned them this way and that, upside down and backwards then saw the puzzle was a map to the Lost Diamond Mines of King Solomon!



I tore out the page and went to find Jer..................Sheesh! When I got to the online game Arcade. Jedi Jer was deep into his game and littered with fish and chips. "Dude!" Jer signed. " This malt vineger is awesome!"

I scribbled Jer a note that we were going to get outfitted and were on our way to Africa.
A call was placed to an old Army buddy for links of gear and provisions. I pushed Jer's wheel chair into the Old London Army and Navy Store in Soho.
" 'Elow mates! Must be Stephen and Jer. " How did you guess....I thought.
We were promptly outfitted with jungle gear and all terrain tires on the wheel chair with spares and extra back packs. The proprietor winked and said, " Ya are off then. No charge. Compliments of the White Star Line and your old pals." Jer signed thank you! I tilted my hat and we were on our way to Africa.

On the flight Jer was quiet. Looking out the window at the clouds the seas below and the lands as they gained sight. I was used to deaf people being quiet and was on my laptop chatting with Sassy. She wanted me to repost something in her guest book. Then Jer and I were about to land. I could tell that he was thinking about the Texas School for the Deaf. Good memories. He looked at me and smiled. Gave me a hi five as the plane landed in Africa.

Two weeks later it was hot and very humid in the depths of the old Congo. The Nile sprang from a spring in Gondor and touched the earth. The water of heaven, Father Sky and Mother Earth. Were raining on California Jer and Painting Studio Stephen.
Dripping wet, caws and calls, growels and chirps. Pushing the wheel chair slip and sliding.
" Hey Dude! Look at the size of that mosquito!" Jer signed.
That is not a big bug it is a giant tetesie fly! Smack! Thwack! Buzz it away...............
We were tired and searched out. The map was a dead end. Or so it seemed.
The green was all about. Jungle in and every where. Silence.
A profound still and quiet as the rains became a mist. That began to clear and from the hill side we could see a valley that began to glow as the sun cut the mists.
Then the wheelchair began to slide down the hill. I dug in my bootheels to try and stop the slide and held tight to the chair. Jer looked at me and smiled. I smiled back but knew that both of us were scared..........
We lost control of the wheel chair and slipped, slid and tumbled through the dense vegetation down the hill side to the valley below. It was a most harrowing experience to say the least.








With a thud and a crash we reached the valley. Stunned but intact with stars swirling around our heads we looked about. This was no ordinary valley. There were ruins of ancient buildings and I could hear music. This is most odd, I thought, because the music was not mumbo jumbo jungle music. It was Patsy Cline singing "Crazy". There was a curl of smoke in the distance where the music seemed to come from. I pushed Jer and the chair toward the smoke and sound. As we made our way through the ruins of a lost civilization the music was getting louder. We approached a ranshackle wooden structure that was European in design and quite out of place in the ruins. There was a sign above the door that read. LADY JANES JUNGLE TAP BAR AND GRILL. Jer was like, "Wow Dude!" We were both hungry and thirsty.

The screen door opened and a very striking woman stood on the porch sizing us up and down. Jer was smiling and I touched the brim of my hat then said. "Good day!" To the lady and after introductions she invited us in. As I suspected and old juke box was at the end of the bar. Lady Jane offered us refreshment. I ordered a gin on ice with a twist of lemon and Jer had a banana and wild berry smoothie.
"So, what brings you to these remote parts?" Lady Jane asked as Jer slurped his smoothie.
I hesitated with my reply because I did not want to let the cat out of the bag. " Well, we were up there." Pointing to the hill top. "Then lost control of the wheel chair and fell to the valley."
Lady Jane winked and said, " Guess you are looking for King Solomons lost diamond mine."
Jer's eyes went wide and I nearly choked on my gin. She was friendly so I showed her the map.
She took one look at it and laughed. Then said, " You both look hungry, we will talk about this over dinner."

During dinner she told us that she used to be married to Tarzan but that things did not work out after they moved to the United States. Tarzan had a difficult time finding work, took to drinking and one day he and his chimp ran off with the carnival. She sighed and said that she worked for a few years as an exotic dancer, saved her money and built the tavern in the ruins. I was wondering about the brass pole near the juke box. She also told us that she knew the location of the lost diamond mine of King Solomon and that she would take us there in the morning.

After a good nights sleep we loaded Jer and his wheelchair into the back of Lady Janes beat up old pick up truck and took off through the ruins. An hour or so later we arrived at the base of a volcanic mountian. She stopped the truck and pointed to a cave. "There is the entrance to the lost mine. Mind you, it is guarded by the Yahoolie tribe and if they catch you they will eat you." I had read about the Yahoolie and knew that they were only three feet tall with protuding bellies and wore bones in their noses. A fierce independent tribe. Jer and I thanked Lady Jane and worked our way to the entrance of the cave.

Near the opening we found skeletal remains. Some animal.....but mostly human skulls and bones. It was very creepy and the cave was dark as a moonless night. We found a sign in the rubble that read: Welcome to King Solomons lost diamond mine....NOT! We each lit a torch and ventured into the cave.

Shadows danced on the walls and after some time we could hear drums and chanting. The " Unga bunga, unga bunga, unjga bunga, cowa bunga" Was un nerving and vibrated the cave floor. The cave was getting wider and in the distance we could see light. A orange and reddish glow. We then came to a ledge and could see the heart of the volcano. Streams of lava flowed and there were some ancient buildings. Near the center was what appeared to be a temple. We found a stair way and a ramp that led to the strange looking place below. The drums and chanting stopped as we reached the floor.............


As I pushed Jer toward the temple we had a feeling that we were being watched. As we entered the temple the chanting started again. We made our way toward an alter like table in the center of the temple and there saw a diamond about the size of a lime. My fingers were trembling as I touched and then held the diamond in my hand. The chanting stopped at that moment and was followed by a yell. " Baddy ya di yadda!" That was answered by a hundred voices. There was an opening at the other end of the temple and I pushed the wheelchair toward it as fast as I could. The feared Yahoolie were pissed off and chasing us like a pack of mad dogs. Arrows and spears were falling all around us as we ran toward the opening the floor became wet and we slid into the opening which became a stream. I held tight to the chair as the waters rushed us along we could see daylight not too far ahead. All of a sudden the stream spat us out through the side of the volcano and we were falling in a waterfall.

We landed with a splash and made it to shore. The angry Yahoolie peered over the edge and saw my hat and a wheelchair tire floating in the foaming waters. We made our way into the brush. "Good thing you had that spare tire." I said to Jer as I put on my extra hat. The Yahoolie were no longer a threat and we began to make our way home. Jer signed with one hand. "Dude! Where is the diamond?" I pointed at Jer's other hand which was closed in a tight fist. In all the excitement I handed the diamond to Jer. I placed a hand on Jer's shoulder and said, " Let's go home! " Jer looked up and smiled as I clicked my dirty boot heels three times and PRESTO! We were outside of Sassene and Jer's apartment in California. She was standing in the door way scowling and tapping her foot. Our safari gear was a mess and we looked shabby. "Where have you two been?" Sassy rapidly signed. We tried to look innocent and were Um! errrrrr!
Then Jer approached Sassy and outstreached his arm and opened his hand. The diamond sparkled in the light and Sassene cried with joy! A diamond is forever even if it is only make believe. Sassy and Jer waved as I tilted my hat and went back to the Painting Studio.
As ever be well.

Stephen Craig Rowe
Please visit My Dear Friends Sassene: http://mypersonalstory.spaces.live.com and
California Jedi Jer: http://starwarsfan77.spaces.live.com
Photo and graphic arts in this post are
The work of Sassene.

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

Painting Studio And The Trans Siberian Orchestra Page Two Plus O'2l

PAINTING STUDIO And The Trans Siberian Orchestra Page Two
Some of you know that in addition to being a life long fine arts painter and sometimes bad poet I am also Maitre d' at Jim's Steak House in downtown Peoria, Illinois. Last winter I met several members of the Trans Siberian Orchestra and crew when they dinned at Jim's. I really got along well with Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane Mangini. We had a great time and when they left the restaurant it felt as though we were old freinds.
Last Thursday the Trans Siberian Orchestra played to a sold out house at the Peoria Civic Center. I took off work on Wednesday night thinking that perhaps Al and Jane would dine at Jim's the night before the concert. I called the bartender around 7:30 in the evening and asked if there were any guests that looked like rock stars. He told me that there were quite a few and I took a taxi to the steak house.
On the bridge as the taxi sped across the river Missy my driver said, " Kinda late for you to be going to work." I told her that I was going to see some friends who were having dinner. I then wondered if they would even remember me. Being on tour they meet so many people.
I gave the dining room a quick scan and spotted Al and Jane. When I approached their table Al jumped up
with a big smile and gave me a hug. Jane did the same. They told me how disappointed they were when they did not see me at the podium and how glad they were to see me.
Al is the band leader and lead guitar for TSO. His wife Jane does more than just play the keyboard, she makes music. After dinner we visited in the piano bar at Jim's and had some drinks. Jane played a very moving piece on the piano that nearly brought me to tears. After the applause Jane returned to her seat. I was seated between Al and Jane. Al said, " Jane, I have never heard you play that piece. When did you write it?" She said, " I composed it just now. " With a smile. I told Jane that she made a grown man cry. She looked me in the eyes, and then gave me a big hug and a kiss.
Al was band leader and lead guitar for Alice Cooper's world tour and has had affiliations with Asia, Blue Oyster Cult, Megadeth, Savatage, Danger Danger, Vertex, and others. He and his wife Jane have an ongoing band called O'2L that has received critical acclaim.
We had a great night and a wonderful visit. As they left the steak house we could not get enough hugs and kisses. A very memorable evening.
During the concert on Thursday night Al mentioned Jim's Steak House to the sold out crowd of 8,000......twice. The second time told the crowd that they were going to come back to Peoria just to go to Jim's Steak House. The crowd roared.

As ever be well. Stephen Craig Rowe

http://www.o2lmusic.com/

PAINTING STUDIO SILENT NIGHT

I wrote this piece in December of 2,005 and am re-posting it today.

Silent Night
Stone claws clasp
Ledge high above
The Streets
Gargoyle Wings
Frozen
Carved smile
Silent
Grimace
Blindly stare
As Liberty and
Dragon Dance
Holiday Cheer
Teeming the Streets
With Seasons Spirits
All those feelings
Thoughts, pains, dreams,
and Joys.
An Angel
Wiped snow from the
Gargoyle brow
and wrapped a
Wing around
The Stone Carved
Figure.
Giving sight to
The Blind
and warmed
The Heart
From above
They Sang
Sacred Songs
with no words
In the Silent
Night.

It is snowing as I type.
Have a good-great
Christmas Season
and
As ever be well,
With love.
Stephen Craig Rowe

Snow Queen.

HALF MOON ON THE EVE OF DECEMBER
Introduction: After work last night I stood in the yard and looked to the sky. Half moon seemed to open the heavens and give me a chance to see the stars. It was all so very clear, still and silent. When I went indoors and sat at the computer my thoughts turned to December, family, friends and the meaning of Christmas.

HALF MOON ON THE EVE OF DECEMBER

The Sky show sparkled after
Midnight as
Winter's chill became
Cold and
Rain turned to Ice.
Warm thoughts
Of those near
And
Far away
are sustinance
Amid the
Clutter and
Glitter of the bustling
Season.
Myth and
Faith mingle
In the Joys,
Memories,
Meanings,
and Merriment.
While the Heavenly Father
Gave life to the
Light of the World
and the
Holy Spirit
Walked
This earth
As Man.
Half Moon
Seemed to open
The Heavens for
A glance at the
Stars
On the
Eve of December.

Half Moon shivered and froze
As she saw her reflection
on the Ice glazed pond
That began to glow
under night sky
As Liberty
Softly scented the
Pines
Half Moon woke the
Heavens and Stars burned bright
In the deep blue night.
A sparkle, wink and chill took
Hold
as She touched the Sky and
Liberty sang one
clear still vibrating note
To crack the ice.
A thrill of a thrilling note,
A song without music or words.
A tone and tune to
cue the heart in the night.
Yet clear and ever knowing,
Ever clear and ever snowing, Ever known
and ever knowing, ever been and
Ever shall be.
Ever been and ever shall be.
Are those wind chimes?
Sparkling in the sky.
What sound is this?
Be they voices from the past, or dreams of the Dragon?
Half Moon and Liberty snickered,
Then gave the Dragon a NUDGE!
Half Moon laughed out loud as
Liberty thwacked the dreaming Dragon on the snout!
And said, into a big old Dragon ear that she had to partialy unfold for it had been slept upon for so very long. " Early in the times, whispers of myth are as clear as my words. Here and now I bid you wake, for the old days and new need you now."
The Dragon gave a Humph! A puff of smoke, a snort and tried to cuddle back into the treasue trove of dreams, ancient times and Dragon dreams. Puff, puff, puff. And Dragon, seemed to doze.
Liberty took her hands and shook the Dragon's head, her wings a flutter about the big smoldering snout. Then said,
" Dragon, wake for the month of December is the month of the old and the new!"
At that, both of the Dragon's eyes glowed wide open and fast awake to view the world all at once.
And the Dragon shed tears for the world of today.
" Dear Liberty, what have they done? " The Dragon cried. Now, I have never seen a Dragon cry, but can you imagine that!

Yes there is a beauty to the myth in human consciousness that is as real as the dream.
Liberty and Dragon
Dance forever
Entwined
Hand in arm,
In hand,
Reflected in
Glass beads
And
Tears
Eternal.
Ever have been and ever shall be.
Of the All.
In December.
As ever be well, again, Stephen Craig Rowe