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July 02 PAINTING STUDIO Independence Day Weekend and A Letter From One.org Wishing everyone a good, great and safe Fourth Of July Weekend. Independence is something that I love and freedom a right that I cherish. No one tells me what to paint, write, or what and when to do anything. Obviously no one tells me what to write. Smile! As of late I have had to depend on others and this has been a difficult adjustment as I have been independent nearly all of my life. Now I depend on the Veterans Administration as my primary medical care provider and veterans pension as income until my Social Security benefits kick in this fall. Mother and family support has helped through recent rough times and your kind words and well wishes are valued more than words can tell. Yep, I am retiring from the day to day workforce not just because of my illness but rather that I may paint and write until my end of days. If and when I am able, may help out at Jim's Steakhouse from time to time for fun but never full time or even regular part time.
The following is a letter I received today from One.Org that you may read.
Dear friend,
Thank you. Your message will be delivered to your senators. Did you know you can double, triple, even quadruple your impact and help convince the Senate to invest in global agriculture and end hunger by asking your your friends to take action? Here's a sample message to send to your friends: Subject: We can end hunger! Hi, I've just taken action with the ONE campaign and asked my senators to set an example for the world by fully funding President Obama's request for $1.36 billion in global agricultural development funding. I hope you'll join me: http://www.one.org/us/ag09/index.html?rc=ag09taf This action couldn't be more urgent. Next week, President Obama and world leaders will meet in Rome for the G8 Summit. If we can convince the senate to step-up the fight against hunger now, America will set an example for the world and put pressure on other countries to invest in a global effort to end hunger. http://www.one.org/us/ag09/index.html?rc=ag09taf Together as ONE we can make a difference! Thanks! --The ONE Team and of course please visit http://ILoveMountains.org
Have a great Fourth Of July Weekend http://www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html
and as ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe
June 28 PAINTING STUDIO NEWS by Stephen Craig Rowe Published on Windows Live Spaces  Last week the team decided to kick up my dose of chemo by adding BEVACIZUMAB to the bags of drips. Don't know about you, but just trying to pronounce bevacizumab gives me the willies as the word seems kind of spooky and otherworldly. Just hope it works.
Have been busy cleaning up the Painting Studio and moved the woodworking shop to the garage for making frames and stretcher strips. No more saw dust in the studio. It has been hot, humid, stormy and I resisted turning on the air until last Monday. A result of having the windows open all spring is that some of the paintings warped and have been busy removing paintings from the stretcher strips, cutting new strips, then re-stretching the canvas on new frames.
One more to go and then will be stretching pure white canvas that shall soon be covered in oil paint.
Am well, in good spirits and this last round of chemo has not kicked my ass though I tend to tire a bit more than usual. So I shake it off and keep busy. Recent storms have caused my internet service to be intermitent and non existant last night and most of the morning. Do hope this post gets published. Wishing all a great Sunday and a fine week to come filled with adventure, discovery, wonder, and blessings.
Please take a moment to visit http://ILoveMountains.org and
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe June 22 PAINTING STUDIO Rose Garden Deer Raid by Stephen Craig Rowe The Day Lily is shedding some of her petals and may only be about for a few days to a week. Temps this week will be in the 90's and very humid with more thunder storms on the way. One would think after the wettest spring in recorded history that Bambi and her friends would have plenty of good stuff to eat in the woods, fields, and other people's gardens. Unfortunatly as I slept last night they came munching and crunching to my little rose garden.
Bambi and friends lurking outside my bedroom window as I shut off the light on my night stand, remove and kiss my Grandfather's ring, then pray myself to sleep.
Bambi, " Ok guys the light is off and Stephen will soon be fast asleep. Lets go check out the rose garden." Not all deer have names but the conversation may have gone something like this as they approach and enter the garden.
" Oh my! The scent is very pleasing and just look at those roses.
" Beautiful, sigh...." Then doe step guietly closer. " You gotta try some of these white roses. They taste great and the buds are sooooo good."
" Try and save me some. Am busy eating the leaves off of the Black Baccara as they are most tasty."
" Hey, I just got a big fat bud off of the Mr. Lincoln and the flavors seemed to explode on the first crunch then permiate my entire mouth before rolling down my tongue."
" Look, there are more buds and flowers on the red rose." Sounds of munching, crunching, smiling deer faces with petals and leaves sticking out of their mouths.
" What about the bush with all the red roses on it?"
" Nah, leave it alone. How about some of those big white things?"
" Day Lilies? No thank you they give me gas."
" Are those green round things any good?"
" Nah, deer don't like tomatos."
" You mean tomaaato?" Deer smile and chuckle.
" We are just here to eat the roses, leaves and buds. Man, is Stephen ever going to be suprised when he sees the garden in the morning."
" Yeah, he is going to be like, WTF happened to my roses?"
" Got any more of those white roses? No. We have pretty much cleaned things out and it is time we get back to the woods. Let's not press our luck being in the nieghborhood."
The satisfied deer belched and farted their way across the lawn, nuzzling each other, smiling and just before dawn returned to the woods.
When I saw the garden and the damage done, just shook my head and smiled. Nearly the end of June and this was the first deer raid of the roses. Tonight I am going to have venison for dinner.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe June 20 PAINTING STUDIO Fathers Day Letter To Dad And More by Stephen Craig Rowe Published on Windows Live Spaces 2009 Dad, Can't believe it has nearly been a year since....Yeah, I know time flys when time flys and you are playing poker with the Saints, bitching about the Packers and whispering in the winds. I think about you all the time and talk to you every day. You know this and sometimes I feel your closeness. My son Adam is in the US Army and is planning on visiting before his deployment. Other than that things are still pretty messed up. You would not believe that the taxpayers recently had to bail out some major banks and GM because some idiots in the private sector were greedy and stupid. Am sure you would agree that the failed auto industry should have gone begging to big oil for a bail out instead of the tax base. Just another case of stupid is as stupid does. Speaking of stupid some folks here in America are blowing off the tops of mountains to mine coal. Just the thought of it makes me ill. Oh yes, The Supreme Leader of the theocratic nation of Iran has told the people that the recent elections there were fair and not fixed in favor of Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. May God grant the will of the people of Iran to overcome this farce and wipe the silly grin from Ahemdinejad's face and dump the "Supreme Leader" back into the stone age. Enough of that stuff. I am fine, in good spirits and dealing with my cancer thing and am planning on making some new paintings soon. The family is all well, good and misses you very much. Dad, you are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day, as we are in yours. Love you more than words can tell. Happy Fathers Day to you and to all.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe
Tears In Heavenby Eric Clapton and Will JenningsWould you know my name I must be strong Would you hold my hand I'll find my way Time can bring you down, Beyond the door, Would you know my name I must be strong June 15 PAINTING STUDIO Home Is Where The Art Is by Stephen Craig Rowe This past weekend Mother and two of my sisters, Kathryn and Carrie, visited the Painting Studio. They arrived by auto around ten pm or so Friday night and left at noon on Sunday. It was fantastic, amazing, wonderful, great, loving and very special seeing them. We visited all smiles Friday night, put away the venison Kathryn's husband sent, chatted about family matters, my paintings, the roses (of course), and they were somewhat taken by the clean bare wood floors, tidyness and organization of my humble abode. I may have said something like, " Oh it's nothing just try and keep up with things as it makes it easier." With a smile thinking about how I had worked my ass off getting the place all Mother and sisters ready.
On Saturday I drove them around as I paid some bills and we did some shopping for foodstuffs and provisions. Once back at the Painting Studio in the afternoon they went through the paintings. It was great fun watching them take a piece off the wall then look at it in a better light, then another painting, then another, with great pleasure in seeing my work. I kept quiet and let them be about their way. Every wall in the house is covered with paintings but the bulk of the work is in the Painting Studio downstairs. I left Kathryn and Carrie there to go through my stuff and mom and I relaxed in the living room that by now was cluttered with paintings, as was the rest of the house. They picked out some paintings and then we went to the porch as I took down the flag from my living room and put it up on display for Flag Day.
Saturday evening we went to dinner at Jim's Steakhouse http://jimssteakhouse.net and it was just perfect. Mother and my sisters loved Jim's Steakhouse and if any of you are ever even close to Peoria it is well worth a visit for a memorable dining experience.
On Sunday morning we did a bit more shopping, packed some paintings in the trunk, chatted, grinning and could not get enough hugs before they departed at noon. I waved as they drove away, and there were no tears for I was, and am smiling for home is where the art is.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe June 12 PAINTING STUDIO Day Lily In The Yard by Stephen Craig Rowe Walking up the street after another three day trip I could see that the day lily had bloomed. Smiling I picked up my pace, placed my back pack on the porch steps, then went to the flowers. Veterans Administration Hospital trips are exhausting but my tiredness was lifted as my eyes took in the beauty of the lily and roses. Won't have another three day trip for two weeks when I go for another round of chemo.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe
Please visit: http://ilovemountains.org
and: The Environmental Defense Fund http://www.edf.org/home.cfm June 09 PAINTING STUDIO Sunrise by Stephen Craig Rowe Prior to sunrise, took coffee on the porch with birdsong and became a part of the quiet thunder of dawn.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe
June 04 PAINTING STUDIO RED ROSE IN THE FOLD by Stephen Craig Rowe In the fold the rose becomes the poet.
There the words
are
captured
in
the
image.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe May 30 PAINTING STUDIO And The Black Baccara Rose 2,009 Grown, Photographed, And Written By Stephen Craig Rowe Three springs past my dear friend Barbara in California sent me a Black Baccara Rose plant. It is by far the favored rose of my little garden. The color is a deep dark red and the flower has a velvet like texture unlike any other rose. The Black Rose is also very poetic to me and am drawn to the flower with a pull that is more than just visual. Thank you Barbara as I can not describe how very much the Black Baccara Rose means to me. http://capacina.spaces.live.com
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe May 26 PAINTING STUDIO Iris, Rain A Word Sketch And Poem By Stephen Craig Rowe
Iris Drew herself to the window sill just above the hedge and Leaned quiet as a flower in shadow light and rain against white washed walls of home. Quiet as a flower song Gaze the rains sweet thunder in the Light.
There on the ledge of words planted poetry grows in the breeze as rose print winds sketch time wrapped in a parcel as delicate as the turn of a leaf and as bright as the light within and without. As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe
May 23 PAINTING STUDIO Memorial Day Weekend And The First Roses by Stephen Craig Rowe  I arrived home late Friday afternoon from my latest trip to the Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Danville, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana. Minor surgery was performed on Thursday afternoon to install an IV port just under my right collar bone for the chemo pump and can also be used for blood draws, injections and such without poking and piercing veins. Thursday evening was my first chemo session lasting just over two hours and the pump was installed to continue chemo injection for three days. The next session is in two weeks. Am feeling fine and there are no ill effects to date. As soon as I got home, put down my bags and went to the garden. Without unpacking grabbed the camera and took pictures of the first roses. I was smiling, feeling really good to see the roses and glad to be home. Will not have to visit a VA Hospital for two weeks. Yeah!
This Memorial Day Weekend is fresh with memories of five of the past six weeks visiting VA Hospitals walking the grounds, talking to veterans who served in campaigns from WWII to the present and this causes many thoughts. Alone as I walked the stones at the Danville National Cemetary I felt privilaged to honor and salute the Fallen in silence and respect. My brother Jim will lay flowers on our Father and Grandfather's stones and place flags near the graves.
May all have a safe, meaningful and good Memorial Day Weekend
And as ever be well.
Stephen Craig Rowe May 18 PAINTING STUDIO Change Of Plans by Stephen Craig Rowe There is a knowing and a bond that goes beyond words for those of flesh and blood that fill in the spaces as the knowing is made meaningful and true. Chemo has been bumped up from the 27th to this Thursday the 21st. So ever light a change of plans are mine for those of others that are mine. Instead of Chicago and the great north woods with the family this weekend, I shall be adjusting to the juice flowing from my newly installed pump. What adventure does this road now lead or has it become one long day? No matter she whispers for they are about and you are about. Yeah, I thought and smiled. Tomorrow I will be in the garden for a bit tending the nearly blooming roses then on the road again until sometime on Friday evening. Thank you all more than words can tell and
as ever be well.
Stephen Craig Rowe
May 14 PAINTING STUDIO Windows Live Spaces Home Again Update: Rock and Roll by Stephen Craig Rowe The stones speak in silence as they tell their fare, well worn tides swept shores of words wept
wave tattered sheets, rather like a poem in the making.
Pause. Cold as a steel rail rocking and rolling in the hands of train sounds.
Bus stops. Islands.
Rain.
The passing of friends and strangers. So few words exchanged in a glance.
Yet
A knowing.
UPDATE: I am ok. No pain. Will begin chemo for my colon cancer on the 27th of this month for three months and then the surgeon will go in again and get the bugger out. I may be gone from time to time here in. Have been learning how to find computers in Hospital spaces, librarys and on my phone.
In the mean time, I will not be posting any post about my health or well being. Have to get back to the painting studio and the Flying Monkeys. So, look out for some more bad poetry, great fine art, and a smile!
As ever be well, more than words can tell.
Stephen Craig Rowe
May 08 PAINTING STUDIO Full Moon Of May And Mothers Day Weekend by Stephen Craig Rowe Mother Earth and Mother of mine given to give the Full Moon of May. With the gift of life you have granted me the grace to see the stars, step in words on the Moon and beyond. There the bloom of our history shall flower 'till the end of time and more. The Irish rage of words is a blessing in my desire to express love in the light and in the space between, for we are bound ever in the glowing knowing poetry of alive.
Love you more than words can tell
And as ever be well
Stephen Craig Rowe
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
 May 01 PAINTING STUDIO May Day MAY DAY, MAY DAY, MAY DAY!
ALERT: Spring is in the air
long branches drip
soft cool rains
from stars that
fall in the garden
fall in the words
fall in the reflection,
rise in the smile
and light
and light
and light
the dawn.
Ever as is and.....
You know.
Dance the dream and live it!
In the rains of Spring.
As ever be well,
with love,
Stephen Craig Rowe
April 26 PAINTING STUDIO On The Road Again Update, Tender Graces, The Eagle by Stephen Craig Rowe Update: Was on the road again last week for three days and will be on the road again this week for three days. No news is good news but the good news is that my signed copy of Tender Graces was in my mailbox when I got home. Thank you so very much Kathryn Magendie the author of Tender Graces http://kathrynmagendie.spaces.live.com and Kathleen http://1kathleen.spaces.live.com for your kindness, thoughts, and care. This morning I read a post about an eagle that had been shot. Rambling On http://y12beta6.spaces.live.com reported this event and have been thinking about it all day long. When I was a small boy I came colse to the Eagle and am reposting the following.
HER WINGS AND SOARED
As Liberty spread her wings and soared a small boy sat alone on the edge of a pier in the Great North Woods. There was no one else on the lake and the morning mists had risen. He took his eyes from the fishing bobber and looked at the island as the sun sparkled the water and listened to the small waves splash and slap the foam on the shore. There was a twitter of birds, croaking of frogs, buzz of insects and sounds of the forest. He was vacationing with his Grandparents far from the city. A pair of dragonflys spun around the end of his fishing pole and he thought of the Dragon that lived under his bed, back at home. He was just a little boy and knew the Dragon was not quite real. Then again he was wont to think that if he were born in days of old that he would have drawn the Sword from the Stone with ease, walked on water, and become a hero in all manner of lore and stories. Just like any other little boy.
A caw in the air cleared his thoughts as he looked at the island and the main feature that was the Eagle's nest in the highest tree. He often took the old row boat made for a man to the island. It was no small task for a child to manage the oars but he would lift, splash and pull, lift splash and pull until he got to the island. After pulling the bow upon the rocky shore and a bit into the grasses he would walk the island. There were no signs of any other ever being there. No human signs or litter. The little boy would then walk to the base of the tree below the Eagle nest and look at the fish bones. Then look up at the nest and wander about the island sniffing plants, wild flowers, ferns, pines, birch, berries and wild grapes. How blessed he was to be so free and alone.
At the edge of the old pier that creaked when one walked on it, and some boards were missing and half of it was covered with moss, sat the small boy watching his bobber bounce in the small waves when there was a shadow that startled the child and he almost dropped his fishing pole. It was the Eagle. Quietly gliding with magnificent wings spread not ten feet from the pier. The child stood and spread his arms trying to look like a bird as the Eagle seemed to look him directly in the eye. For a moment, time seemed frozen and there seemed to be a communion. Then the Eagle took flight and I nearly fell off the pier.
In the distance I heard a call. " Stephen, Stephen it is time for lunch." It was my Grandmother Evelyn. A voice like no other, a song in the woods. The boy gathered up the fishing gear and returned to the cabin.
At the table with a plate of steaming food. She asked, " Did you catch any thing? "
The little boy said, " Yes, but the fish got away."
The Eagle in my eye is forever a memory and a melding that I can not explain.
Liberty Spread Her wings and Soared
As ever be well, Stephen Craig Rowe
April 23 PAINTING STUDIO Some Say They See A Stephen Craig Rowe Poem Some say they see Angels,
Some say it's just rain.
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe April 18 PAINTING STUDIO Rain And The Calling A Bit Of Green Spring Song by Stephen Craig Rowe Some time ago I wrote about the calling when I was a young man and faced with the calling of fine art painting, poetry and more. There I wrote, " If one does not make the call, one should not heed the call for they are not chosen". To me it is very simple, take what has been given, and give back no matter the price. For there is the Key and answer to the call that one has made.
The rain to kiss the spring with almost silent mist
The hand upon another,
Hand upon hand in the Garden,
Light in the Dawn and Sunset,
Never alone in the calling,
For the birds and all of life is about
Here there
and
Remember all of the best.
Take with and give without for you are
the light of the world.
As ever be well,
With love,
Stephen Craig Rowe
April 14 PAINTING STUDIO On Rain, Roses, Love And Spring by Stephen Craig RoweRoses and rain, love and spring. How could one have love without roses and thoughts of spring? Some may love alone without roses and some may love alone without spring soft cool rains chill to the greening and glee. As I
walked the grey mists in head bent prayers damp steps
drew me back to shadows. Light in depth
and in stride walked the words. Thought the words as the poetry walked with
me.
In a curious meld of art, self, a quiet place in the All and
I wanted to run.
To dive into the roses and love, into the mist and the greening
into the seasons and view dreams that only
Dreams view
one fast frame at a time rather like a poem
or prayer
silent spent in the mist.
The trees on the ridge seemed to wave, a bit as the breeze became soft, the drizzle less of a chill, and I ran into the rain
Ever to return.
As ever be well, with love,
Stephen Craig Rowe
Author's Note: On Monday evening when Mom called I told her that my stride was back and my walking pace is back to speed. This afternoon seeing that I may miss the bus....I ran like a young man for a block or so and made the bus without even being winded. April 10 PAINTING STUDIO Easter Weekend And The Cross I Wear Upon My Chest by Stephen Craig Rowe It is written that the Heavenly Father gave His only Son to become a man, walk the earth, teach, live and die as a human being. Thus God became man and for a time was of mankind. The revelation of this experience remains as does the power of the words that are written. For the death of the Son is not a celebration but an awe inspiring event held holy. Then rejoyce for the Resurrection as He is risen.
The cross I wear upon my chest was given to me by a chaplain several years ago before an operation. The chaplain asked me if I had a relegion. I replied, Irish Catholic as I lay waiting to be moved to surgery. He then asked if I were an active or passive Catholic. I said,
"Mostly passive but things have been a little more active lately, if you catch my drift". The chaplain paused, almost shook his head and smiled when he saw my smile.
It is spring in the midwest and all about there is a greening and time of rebirth and renewal. A time of healing, hope and wonder in the adventure of experiencing the terrible beauty of the All.
May you and yours have a very meaningful and Happy Easter!
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe |
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