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11月24日

PAINTING STUDIO Home For The Holiday Thanksgiving 2,009 by Stephen Craig Rowe

I will be home for the holiday this Thanksgiving and plan to cook for one as I have done for a number of years. Ten years I believe since sitting at a family table and taking it all in, the banter of conversation, warm smells, before dinner prayers, relaxing cocktails and toasts. The joy of being with loved ones, family and friends. Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go, and those memories are most precious.

My sister Carrie invited me to visit but I don't feel like traveling to Ohio. Will just stay home and cook, work the phone and internet giving thanks, giving, and counting blessings.

For a number of years as a spoof around the holiday season I would tell fellow workers that Bob Dylan made a Christmas album and in my raspy voice mimic some tunes like Dylan doing Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night and such. It was quite funny. This year Bob Dylan has a new album out, Christmas In The Heart and all proceeds are going to http://www.feedingamerica.org Don't know about you, but I think this is a good thing for Mr. Bob Dylan to do. http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1599922023?bctid=50273075001

The video made me smile and hope it does you too.

Wish you all a good-great Thanksgiving weekend in peace, with family and friends, for home is where the art is.

as ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

11月19日

PAINTING STUDIO Update and Twilight In The Rain by Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO Update: On Monday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Danville I took a shot of H1N1 and in the early evening escaped with a fellow Veteran who brought his auto to a Chinese buffet. My first plate was loaded with sushi and following plates with all kinds of delightful Chinese foods. On the way back to the hosipital we stopped at a corner tap for a little libation or a gin or two. It was a welcome relief.

On Tuesday at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis I had my pre-op appointment. EKG, chest x ray, pneumonia vaccine, blood-lab works and such. Everything checked out OK and was given the go ahead for surgery on December 8th at the hospital in Indianapolis. Have to be in Indy on the 7th and will be in the hospital for 7days to two weeks following the operation. By then I hope to have my cell phone mastered enough to post updates here or on Facebook and Twitter. If not will ask Sassy or one of my sisters to do so.

It has been a cold, wet, grey week and the quality of day light reminds me of an endless twilight. Trees seem to stretch twigs that touch the low hanging clouds, wave and hiss in the winds. A perfect time for me to make some new paintings and get my house in order as I want it spic and span for when I leave and return. With the event being two and a half weeks away am sure to make some posts from now until then. In the mean time,

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

11月12日

PAINTING STUDIO And The Last Leaf Of Fall A Word Painting And Poem By Stephen Craig Rowe Published On Windows Live November 12, 2,009

On my walk today there was a bright clear sun and a chill in the air that was most pleasing. A moment in time, free and alone touching beauty in the change of seasons.

I was there with the sun upon my face and the cold winds. Hugging trees, rustling brush as my boots lace laughter in personal poetry for those who care and are. Of a love, of a feeling, a knowing and a being so close and so far away that my arms cry to touch you and to be held in clean sheets, quiet streets and an empty sink.

The last leaf

fell

as I

drew upon time,

and

there

I did

not

Fall

For you.

For you are

forever.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

11月10日

Talking about PAINTING STUDIO VETERANS DAY November 11, 2,009 by Stephen Craig Rowe

Quote

PAINTING STUDIO VETERANS DAY November 11, 2,009 by Stephen Craig Rowe

                                             " In action and deed ever remember in honor and respect those who serve and the Veterans

                                                 that have served. In doing so one becomes a part of history and in the present improves

                                                 the betterment. " Stephen Craig Rowe

     My Father's flag holds a place of honor in my house. As the eldest of six I recall the moment when the Post Commander white gloved presented Father's flag to my Mother.  She held it in her hands but for a second and passed the flag to me. There are no words to describe the field of glory as we lay to rest one so near and dear. The Service and Sacrifice are held holy and carved into the white stones that represent the Soldier, the family, the people and the thanks given in rememberance and honor. I took my flag from the living room to the porch and hung it as I do on the eve of Veterans Day with part of my battle dress uniform on, paused before I saluted the flag, shed a tear or two as I reflected. The porch light will remain on all night long, and until midnight on the 11th.

     Just before midnight on Veterans Day Night I will don my battle dress uniform and go to the yard. I will look at the flag, the stars, take in the night for a bit, pause, pray, remember, pour half of my drink into the ground in honor, respect for those. Then I will salute and take the flag down and return it to my living room where a light ever shines on the stars and stripes. Though no one ever has seen me during this tradition matters not, for the act is mine and mine only in honor and respect of Those.

     This is also the birthday of my dear little sister Carrie and a finer day it could not be. In parting for now I will leave my brothers in arms with a salute and tribute.

     Adam, my son, at last report you were stationed at Ft. Riley Kansas and assigned to the Big Red One. I love you more than words can tell and am so very proud of you. I salute you.

      In time within and without the following video is well worth a view.



As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

http://www.army.mil/

11月8日

PAINTING STUDIO And The Trans Siberian Orchestra November 7th, 2,009 by Stephen Craig Rowe

Al Pitrelli, Myself, and Jane Mangini "Friends well met are friends forever."

As some of you know I attended the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert at the Peoria Civic Center last night. Before the concert I went to Jim's Steakhouse for a gin on ice with a twist of lemon. Before I could order, Paula the bartender said, "They were asking about you." Who was asking about me? I replied, and Paula said that The Trans Siberian Orchestra was in the other night and that they were asking about me. As she served my drink I told her that it would have been nice if I were there. She said it was late when they came in and I took that as an excuse for not calling me. Then the Steakhouse got busy and I jumped in clearing and resetting tables for a bit before making my way to the concert.

At the Will Call window I picked up my back stage pass and found my seat. The arena filled and the show began. I can not put into words the feelings experienced during the production. The music, orchestration, lights, action, and seeing my friends Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane Mangini the stars of the show perform. An amazing experience as the orchestra ran through and redefined traditonal tunes in a unique presentation, then did some awesome pieces from the new album Night Castle a haunting beautiful work in progress.

After the show Al and Jane joined me in the Club Room. We had a very good, warm and close visit. The room was about half filled with other VIP's but Al and Jane spent all their time with me thus making it all a bit more special and touching. As we parted there were hugs and kisses, well wishes and beaming glad smiles as I held back my silent tears. I went back to Jim's Steakhouse and had a couple of drinks with the owner. Oh, yes, just before Al and Jane left to sign autographs and stuff, Al said, " I wish we were going with you." Sweet. They also mentioned that the TSO will be doing a Night Castle tour in the spring. All willing I will see them again soon.

In the mean time,

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

11月6日

PAINTING STUDIO And The Seven Horsemen by Stephen Craig Rowe

The seven names are known only to themselves and the Heavenly Father. From the dawn of imagination they served kings, queens, Liberty, the Dragon, magicians, churches and states. Though seldom seen their heroic deeds were often called miracles and they answered to no man. Some good folk thought of them as warrior angels, while those who dwell in darkness thought of them as ghost riders and fear. Though they have been about for as long as forver I only saw them about ten or fifteen years ago.

My painting studio at the time was located in an old coffee warehouse on the river front that had been converted into trendy shops, offices, and the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria occupied the second and third floors. The third floor was reserved as rental space for artists, crafts people and such. I had a private studio at the time and as I recall it was a cold winter night as I painted alone in the building. The old wood floors and bricks would often make cracking sounds as the winds pelted windows. A painting I was working on was not quite what I wanted and took a cloth to wipe the canvas clean. As it was rather late I put the rag aside and decided to call it a night. While putting things to right and cleaning brushes the cloth on the floor caught my eye. I held it to the light and there they were.

My mind's eye gained sight as I gazed at the image then the image became poetic and very real.

The Seven Horsemen

rode upon a storm

deep in the night

unseen

silent.

Rather like a dream

tossed in

soft sheets,

turning to each other

with a knowing nod,

a sign,

perhaps

or was it

banners waving,

horses tossing tail

in flight of

riders on

the storm and

into the

fires

of

dawn to

be

born again.

And they rode

the fire,

and

all night

long

touched

dreams,

gave hope,

took nothing,

and

in dawn,

rode into

the

Light

There but for a moment

was peace.

Then the Seven Horsemen

woke again

in

the reality of

myth

nodded to each other,

for only they

and

the

Heavenly Father

know their

names.

Then as dawn

came to day

a whisp

of

frosty mist

gave frim

ground

for

The Seven Horsemen

to

ride!

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I have enjoyed the writing and, oh, you know.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

11月2日

PAINTING STUDIO In The Light Of November Moon by Stephen Craig Rowe

IN THE LIGHT OF NOVEMBER MOON

by

Stephen Craig Rowe

------------------------------------------------------

Introduction: In olden times some north country people only knew two seasons. The season of light and the season of dark. Samhain is an Irish word for the space between seasons when the harvest is done, stores laid up for the winter and summer is put to rest. In the light of November moon there were celebrations of thanks, rememberance, and a fare thee well to the season of light, for those who parted, and in Grace gained the will to go on.

IN THE LIGHT OF NOVEMBER MOON

Long shadows grow swift

late afternoon

winds chill

as

bright sun sinks

and

sky struck rays

shaft through

trees,

left lone with few leaves

fingers

trace the sunset long shadow

then

the all too early

dusk

and

dark

become

A familiar cold time

turn up the collar,

Face away from the winds

walk into the shadow

step out of the warm home

and

Gaze in awe

with the sky

In The Light Of

November Moon.

As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe

I BHFIANAISE NA SAMHAIN GEALACH

Scathanna fhas tapidh Fada

Denach trathona

West chill

6

Sinks grian geal

Agus

Speir ghathanna bhuail

Trid an seafta

Crainn,

Chile' gonaracha Le duilleoga beag

mhe'ara

Lorgfaoisca'th E'agtha fada

ansin

An vile ro'-luath

dusk

agus

Dorcha

Teacht chun bheith

A am familiar fuar

dul suas an collar,

Aghaidhe ar shiu'l o' na west

Siu'id isteach faoi sca'th

Ce'im amach an bhaile te

agus

Gaze i awe

leis an speir

I bhfinaise na

Gealach Samhain

10月30日

PAINTING STUDIO Update-Fall In The Wind, Woods, And Words by Stephen Craig Rowe

" A view of the grand design is often found in the elegant and simple beauty of nature." Stephen Craig Rowe

Painting Studio Update: This past week I had my last dose of chemo and it was a sad-glad parting for myself and some of the care givers with hugs, well wishes and soft tears as it was a long six months. Same, same with my oncologists, fellow veterans, and friends in Danville and Indianapolis. After the fare thee wells I hoist my backpack on my shoulder, turn and walk on while flooded with emotion and quiet tears.

I also met with my surgeons and have a pre op deal on the 17th of November for some tests and probes, consult and info for my upcomming surgery on December 8th to remove the tumor. The surgeons were very positive and I feel that I am in good hands.

FALL IN THE WIND, WOODS AND WORDS

by Stephen Craig Rowe

Fall is best read aloud

for the sounds

of the words

echo

in

the winds

that

flutter and filter

in

shafts of light

scattering

in the

woods,

mist in the

cool

damp

lush

scent

loaming,

and

whispering

in the

pines

Falling in the

winds,

woods,

and

words.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

10月21日

PAINTING STUDIO Rain And Roses A Welcome Wake Up Call To Fall by Stephen Craig Rowe

Last Rose

" If not for the eye of the beholder, the Heavenly Father would have made every

thing the same." Stephen Craig Rowe

I took in the last red rose a week or so ago and placed her on the window sill so that she could catch the light and cause my eyes a smile. Though too late to bloom in the morning light I saw a reflection and shadows from the screen that laid a pattern on the bud and had me scrambling for the camera. As I viewed the result my thoughts were of fine art, the essence of a moment and one's place in the grand design. Or something like that. At any rate am most pleased with the photo and just had to share.

Early this morning my phone rang and I was greeted and blessed to talk with a very dear friend. We have walked in words together forever it seems and in the connection there is an understanding that transends words. I call this the space between the lines....a place where fine art, poetry and reality cause a knowing that just is. Julieann is a fine arts photographer, author, and so very much more. In all of our times of trouble and strife there is ever a call to the light and positive action. Julieann put together a very special video of humming birds and music that is a very beautiful experience that I am sure that you will all enjoy. I found the work amazing and am ever in the light. Thank you Julieann, Thank all of you and

as ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

10月9日

PAINTING STUDIO Update, Trans Siberian Orchestra News and the Last Rose Of Fall by Stephen Craig Rowe

The Last Rose Of Fall

PAINTING STUDIO UPDATE: Only two more doses of chemo on the 14th and 28th of this month. On the 28th I also have a consult with my surgeon and hope to receive pre op instructions and an order for the date of operation to remove the tumor. What began as a 3 month order for chemo ended up as a 6 month order and it has not been a walk in the park .

Be that as it may, the medical stew is working and the tumor is shrinking.

Trans Siberian Orchestra News: The Trans Siberian Orchestra will be at the Peoria Civic Center on November 7th for a 3pm and 8pm show. My sisters and mom bought me a ticket to the 8pm show as an early Christmas gift. Section A row 8. Yes! A great seat right up close where I want to be. Several years ago I was fortunate to meet Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane Mangini. Al is the band leader of the Trans Siberian Orchestra as well as lead guitar and his wife Jane is the keyboard for TSO. We met at Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria the night before the concert. Hit it off from the get go and became fast friends. I recently wrote Jane and Al to let them know I would be at the concert this year. Here is a copy of the email that Jane sent me:

hi!!!
i am so sorry to hear that you are going through all that

would love to see you after the show that saturday, i can set you up with some after

show passes at will call. do me a favor and email me a couple of weeks before the

show to remind me and we will see you and whoever you're bringing after the show.

Yes! A back stage pass. Can hardly wait.

The Last Rose of Fall:

The last rose of fall

bloomed a week ago

on a bright warm

day

before the

chill winds

and

rains.

Though there are a

few buds,

fear they will not

flower

on cold dark days

and

taken in

with care

shall remain

with a

smile

and

memory of

The Last Rose of Fall

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

10月4日

PAINTING STUDIO Invitation to The Rose And Thorn by Stephen Craig Rowe

The Rose

And Thorn

The Rose and Thornhttp://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ is an internet literary quarterly that features authors of novels, short stories, poetry and more. The ezine is going through a revamp and earlier today I was approached by the publishers and editors to contribute art work for the cover of the winter issue due out in mid January with a run through mid April 2,010. Kathryn Magendie and Angie Ledbetter are publishers and editors of The Rose And Thorn. My dear friend Kathryn is also the author of Tender Graces a novel that I did not only read but was able to experience through Kathryn's well written words. Of course I gave the publishers permission to use any of my images for the new Rose And Thorn Journal format and will do what I can to get the word out. It is an honor to do so.

Though today was too early for Indian summer the sky was blue and the sun warmed my face as I took my Sunday afternoon walk. Do hope the sky remains clear so I can see the full moon of October later tonight. The house is warm and filled with scent of an oven roast chicken and all that goes with. Perhaps one more gin on ice, finish the mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots, giblet gravy and stuffing. More than enough for one so I shall dine fine for a number of days on this evenings mini-feast. Wish you were here.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

10月1日

PAINTING STUDIO Home Is Where The Art Is Page Two.

" Home is where the heart is, because home is where the art is." Stephen Craig Rowe

Fall hangs on it's arbor sweeping cold wet winds upon the prairie as the lands give harvests to combines, tractors and fields of green go golden brown hues of purple in the dawn and sunsets. Husks are swept in a cloud of dust mown as fields are drawn under and into farm machines. Deer and critters seek refuge in the woods. Time and tides roll on and each in it's place has and holds a reality. As near and dear as home. For that is where the heart is and where the art is.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月27日

PAINTING STUDIO Hands Across The Prairie By Stephen Craig Rowe

HANDS ACROSS THE PRAIRIE

" Space is only as deep as one makes it. " Stephen Craig Rowe

We read each others words, see pictures, gain knowledge of past and present as we blog and share. In doing so an insight is gained as we explore within and without. There we come to realize that who we are is paramount to the self and relationships with others. As most of you well know "Space is only as deep as one makes it.", is a quote of mine that I favor and most enjoy when it becomes a reality. Today was one such day because a dear friend Beth Marie her daughter and son in law visited the Painting Studio. Beth brought me a hens and chicks plant for the rose garden and we all visited while looking and commenting on the paintings for an hour or so. We talked about this and that, computers and blogging of course, blog friends that we both know such as Rambling On Carole, Stephen Kent, ( both have recently celebrated birthdays) and others. Then we went and had a fine dinner. It was a very good afternoon and early evening as we made space a reality. Thank you Beth, Thank you all

and

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月24日

PAINTING STUDIO Update And September Sang by Stephen Craig Rowe

September Sang

" In the change of seasons, one becomes of and a part of the lands. " Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO Update: Arrived home around three this afternoon, gray days away filled with soft rains and quiet conversations. The CT scan on Wednesday showed that the tumor is still shrinking and the surgeon said that I am doing fine. The chemo will continue for three more sessions, six weeks, and conclude at round 12. In six weeks I will consult with the surgeon again and then, pray tell, a date for the surgery will be set.

September sings a change of seasons, harvests, rememberance of death, and joy of birth. For in the colors we tend to see ourselves in the changing light that cast more than shadows in the blessing.

Thinking of birth, September 25th is the birthday of my dear friends Beth Marie and Carole The Libra Astral twins who are both proficeint, prolific, compitent bloggers that not only write about life but share insights, tid bits, rants, and a slice of life that enriches the internet and places the human factor first. Thus making it real, and it is very real to me. Thank you both, and I wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CAROLE DAY! BETHDAY!

A very special treat for me is that Beth Marie, her daughter and son in law are going to visit the Painting Studio this Saturday and then we are all going to dinner. Yikes! I must get busy and tidy the place up a bit. Charge the camera batteries and such.

September has not sang, for September is ever singing.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月21日

PAINTING STUDIO The Deep Green Of Summer By Stephen Craig Rowe

The Deep Green Of Summer

has gently left the ridge

as

Lawns and gardens

seem frail

Then pale in the change

of light that is

still bright

Yet

not quite strong

enough

to

sustain

The deep green of summer

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月18日

PAINTING STUDIO Thoughts And Roses by Stephen Craig Rowe

Thoughts And Roses

" In the heart, mind and spirit of humankind is ever a desire to return to the garden." Stephen Craig Rowe

Once again I left home four days away on the roads and in the wards of Veterans Administration Medical Centers. The quality of care I receive is superb at the VAMC in Danville, Illinois and in Indianapolis, Indiana. Every time I go away am sure to take myself with me and am able to share a bit of the art that has become my life with others. Often it is in humor and at other times it is quite serious. Familiar faces are glad to see me and new faces are well met then never forgotten. When I finally got home late on Friday afternoon the first stop was not the computer or the mail box. I placed my back pack on the front steps and went to the small garden in the front yard. Bambi and company had left the roses alone so the buds could bloom and I had not seen a white rose for months. I had to smile and take out the camera as some of the red roses greeted me home.

This is the weekend of my sixty second year and also a year since the passing of my Father.

Though he is dearly missed, he lives in my mind, blood, bones and spirit. My Father lives in my brothers, sisters, all of our children and grandchildren forever and ever. Love you more than words can tell.

Tonight I am going to have some thoughts and roses. On the eve of my birthday I am having Saturday dinner at my favored restaurant Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria, Illinois. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I pimp it all I can. Smile! http://jimssteakhouse.net

In the mean time,

as ever be well.

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月13日

PAINTING STUDIO Mother And My Three Sisters Page Two By Stephen Craig Rowe

http://www.jimssteakhouse.net

Mother and my three sisters visited me, East Peoria, Peoria and Jim's Steak House this past weekend. I had a wonderful time with the most important, lovely and loving women in my life. Mother and my three sisters.

Mother

Kathryn

Pamela

Carrie

Yo! Sis, gotta little red eye going on there. Ya little devil.

We all had a great weekend with clear blue sky, meaningful and mirthful conversations filled with love and family in the yard and in the Painting Studio and in my home. Dinner at Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria was exquisit. It was a pleasure to introduce Mom and my three sisters to co-workers, guests, and friends. There was a whole lot of handshaking, hugging and love. Tim Comfort the owner of Jim's Steakhouse was most gracious and bought our table a round of drinks or so. He also asked me to work on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day if I did not have anything better to do. Love Timmy like a brother but, fat chance of that happening. Well, maybe.

On Sunday we were all back at the lawn and took good care as Mom and my three sisters were about to depart and though I tried to hold back my tears, I could not but gave them a small handfull of roses, that the bleeding deer did not eat or the tomato plant did not smother.

Love them more than words can tell

And as ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月10日

PAINTING STUDIO Mother And My Three Sisters by Stephen Craig Rowe

"Family first, then friends, then family first." Stephen Craig Rowe

I looked everywhere but could not find one photograph of Mother and my three sisters so I put up an image that is part of a painting. Soon am sure to have plenty of photographs of Mom and my three sisters because they are visiting me this weekend. I can not begin to tell you how very happy I am and anxious to see them. Of course all week long I have been cleaning floors, windows, carpet, bleach the kitchen and washroom, polish the pots and pans, scrub the porch, scour the sinks, dusting, vaccume, sweep, mop, wax the woodwork, shave shower and buff my little bald head to a high gloss. Don't want mother and my three sisters to think that I am just an degenerate artist. Smile and wink.

Really the place is looking spick and span enough to host the Pope or a head of state. Oh shit! I should have gotten a red carpet. At least I brought some of the roses in and they look very nice. My sister Pam and her girlfriend Chris will arrive from near Green Bay, Wisconsin later this night and I can hardly wait. Mom, Kathryn and Carrie will arrive from near Cleveland, Ohio on Friday night.

On Saturday night we will go to dinner at Jim's Steak House http://www.jimssteakhouse.net in downtown Peoria to celebrate Pam's birthday, my birthday and kind of retirement, as well as a rememberance of Father who passed one day after my birthday last year. Ok, I know I pimp the Steakhouse every chance I get but one must remember that I worked there for ten years and it is the finest establishment in the midwest. When the cleaning was done and all spick and span I thought "Oh, no, all I have to drink here is coffee and gin". So I went to the market and bought some German wines for the sisters, vodka for Mother with mixers and fruit for all. Am going to give the Painting Studio a final sweep and walk through before Pam and Chris arrive in an hour or so.

Ya know, I am sitting here now just looking around the place, the painting studio, my home, the paintings on the walls with expectation of the visit with Mother and my three sisters.

It is indeed a blessing and

as ever be well.

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月7日

PAINTING STUDIO The September Moon Flying In The Blind And In The Fold Of The Flowers Colors Kiss The Clouds And Touch The Moon written by Stephen Craig Rowe and published on MSN Windows Live Spaces. September the seven, 2,009

"In the space between the words poetry is written. There one may read and see within and

without." Stephen Craig Rowe

On the night and in the night I could not see the full moon of September for the clouds were too deep dark swelled with rain.

Yet I went into the yard

and touched the sky and

holy damp

grass held my feet

upon the ground

as I gazed upon the full moon of Septemer and blinded by the clouds She moon cast

a glow

all kind of blues

silver shine

and milk

run puddles

in and out of the

diamond sky,

In dreams we

often go to the

light side and

brush about

the clouds

gather up the

star dust, and

see. For with in your hands

eyes, and spirit

is the ability to see within

and without the folds of

the flowers as roses have

no tears, nor has the full

moon of September.

There some go into the

sky and look within

And without.

Said as a poet, painted

on the other side

and seen

for your eyes.

In dreams I went above the clouds,

Held the full moon of

September in your

hands

Star struck.

As ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

9月4日

PAINTING STUDIO Update On The Wings And In The Wards With A Few Words Of This And That Holiday Weekend And Stuff Written By Stephen Craig Rowe Published Labor Day Weekend On Windows LIve Spaces September, 04, 2,009

PAINTING STUDIO UPDATE: Left home at 6am on Tuesday morning and arrived back home around three on Friday afternoon. Four days away from the home and garden spent in wings and wards of the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Danville, Il, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Road the endless seas of corn and beans again never a blur in the haze of dawn before sun burns off the mists, rises, and sets in my eyes. Had my last dose of Avastin as it may retard healing for an upcoming operation. The date yet to be determined. My Oncologist called for four more rounds of chemo unless the Surgeon calls them off. I don't know.

In the wings and wards I visited with nurses, Doctors and staff, as well as fellow Veterans. Some were going home and some were not. I am most fortunate to be home. I was able to get on line here and there while away to check email and such but in the crowded computer labs, hospital environment, I did not have much to say for many of my thoughts were turned within.

I did watch some of the past weeks news and urge my friends in California not to play with matches this holiday weekend. There was also some fear of H1N1 Swine Flu mentioned in the news and how it may be spreading in returning college students and such. "Cough in your elbow and stay home if you are sick". This is going to stop the spread of a potential pandemic.

Thinking about this I decided to take some preventive measures of my own. Of course wash your hands often and don't touch yucky things. Avoid contact with Swine Flu infected persons and do not exchange spit with them. No matter how pretty they may seem at the moment. Care for your barn yard friends, but don't get too close to them, if you know what you mean. I for one can not imagine. Wait for an empty elevator and avoid crowds of sickly school children. If one must depend on public transportation, you know,the bus or commuter trains, protective measures should be taken. Those little white nose and mouth masks may not be enough. I advise protective clothing and gin, along with a great dose of common sense. Wish all a good safe holiday weekend.

Just needed a little comic relief,

And as ever be well,

Stephen Craig Rowe

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