Sunlight glimmers from above but not directly, as the sun has just piqued it’s upper position in the sky; shone on the infants face. Colors abound, and spread in all directions. Blues, red, indigos and the pure white light. All stream across the innocence. Across the pure, pale skin check of this tiny life held in embrace before them. Intricate and delicate fabric, fashioned for this very occasion draped from the delicate body.

Rays of light pierce the overall gray that is the sky. The crisp wind cuts the very tiniest of cracks within the walls. These chill those inside to the slightest degree. Those sitting on the the long, wooden seats; those cold themselves, yet the perceived embrace of the occasion brings warmth to all.

As this, most important right of passage proceeds. Those attending the event focus completely on that which is before them. Outside, the passage of gold, tan, red and blue cars fade. All memories and regrets forgotten.

Trickles of water drip, ceremoniously across the brow of the young child.

Proud, tall and thin, he presides over the ship. Such respect his crew has for him, as he has overseen them through times of ordinary existence, awaiting the inevitable or that which will never come. They unquestionably follow him, as his experience and undeniable loyalty to them an the mission never falter.

As those they fight embark upon him and his crew, it becomes clear that that there is no escape from this, the inevitable fate of what lies ahead.

Just one of a multitude of scenarios that pass through her mind, for her tiny prince. A respected Naval officer presiding over a crew of substantial adoration. A hero of men, responsible for that which will change the lives of many, for better or worse, but to his best judgement. A man, a husband, a father. That pillar of the family to uphold generations to come.

All could have been, she imagines. So much that he could be.

As the sun passes over the, the light moves beyond the windows above. Those individuals presiding over this moment move aside. Without the noonday illumination blanketing the miniscule soul, the lifeless gray returns to his tiny cheeks. The baptismal droplets of water slowly trickle down his tiny head.

She drops to her knees as his small body is placed in the equally small casket. Her mind overcome for the boy, only three days old, and the man she never met, and that he could have been.


Eat, Peoria!

Goodness Cafe is located at the intersection of Monroe and Laveille Streets, very near downtown and next to the (former?) Peoria Bread Company. It appears that the PBC operates out of Goodness Cafe now, and is owned/operated by the same, including Senator David Koehler. Don’t mess with Sen. Koehler, by the way. Goodness Cafe just opened for business a week or two ago.

The place is amazing. “Franchise-fodder,” if you ask me. Many may describe the atmosphere as “eclectic.” I think it’s just a nice, clean, warm place with really good food. I did not have the soup, but it looked absolutely fantastic.

I really hope this place makes it. This is just a good place with good people, in the heart of a neighborhood. This is exactly the type of establishment needed in the area. Goodness Cafe is the “full package:” good food, good people, good reach across an immense array of foodies. As a result, I feel this is a gem. Time (and your business) will help Goodness Cafe become a new member in Peoria history.

(Ratings explanation.)

  • Menu
  • A dozen or so offerings, scrawled on a blackboard behind the counter. Sandwiches of all types. Many veggie offerings.

  • Food
  • Really good, very carefully prepared, fresh and quality food. I chose the avocado turkey on sour dough. Awesome. Large portion, too. More than enough for lunch. I was also given a side of hummus and (vegen) coleslaw as a “grand opening” special.

  • Ambience
  • Just amazing. Local artwork is prevalent, and most for sale.

  • Staff
  • Incredibly nice. All seemed honored to have me as a customer.

  • Price
  • Right around the $5. Perfect for a good lunch from a local restaurant.

  • Return?
  • Without a doubt. Go as soon (and as often) as you can.

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Eat, Peoria!

El Mexicano is located at the intersection of Jefferson and Mary Streets, very near downtown. I had heard of it for some time, but never made the time to go there. I am so glad that I did.

First of all, I love “dives.” When I describe somewhere as a “dive,” most often it is in an endearing fashion. This place is that. Secondly, I am fairly certain that, food-wise anyway, I should have been born in Mexico or Central America. I can, and sometimes do, eat it everyday. Needless to say, I was excited.

The kitchen is about 2.5 times the size of the dining area, which has around eight tables; roughly four too many for the size. That said, the dining area is perfect as is.

I was there on a work day, right around lunch time. The dining area was full with all types. Some appeared as though they had just walked off the assembly line, others as though they had just stepped away from the judge’s bench from defending a client. It was not overly busy, but this is the type of place I can envision a line out the door, wrapping around the building.

Several local reviews are displayed throughout.

(Ratings explanation.)

  • Menu
  • Fairly extensive, though not as much as many Mexican joints. It is prominently displayed (with photos) on the front counter. All the favorites; all the necessities.

  • Food
  • Thoroughly enjoyable. Not the best Mexican food in town, but pretty close. Quite a bit of beef is used, which is not my favorite. I might give it a higher rating if i were to order with chicken. Almost too much food for lunch. Great.

  • Ambience
  • Dive: perfect for where I would expect to find good Mexican food.

  • Staff
  • Very nice and helpful, even at a busy period. Glad to serve.

  • Price
  • Right around the $5. Perfect for a good lunch from a local restaurant.

  • Return?
  • Without a doubt. Visit El Mexicano right away. I certainly will again.

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