Colored glass has been produced since ancient times.  Both the Egyptians and the Romans excelled at the manufacture of small colored glass objects.  Stained glass as an art form reached it's height in the Middle Ages when it became a major pictorial form and was used to illustrate the narratives of the Bible to a largely illiterate populance.

How must it have felt to be an artisan entrusted by the church with this complex, important work?



                                            An Artisan's Faith

A Cheryl's Pals Collab
By Margie

This job was sent to me from heaven above
But feelings of doubt mess with my head
Am I worthy of this labor of love
Or will I fail my God instead?

In deep, terrible despair do I fall
My prayers keep falling on deaf ears
My soul is screaming, but no words will follow
Is it only the dark shadows of my fears?

God, give me a pattern to work your magic
Heavy heart full of grief and dread
The path ahead is dark and obscure
I fall wearily into my troubled bed

And like a dream it came to me
Revealing love's blueprints
Time after time the pattern repeats
On this message He did not stint

He sent forth the spirit of hopefulness
Put stained glass imprints on my soul
Danced a kaleidoscope through my mind
I saw my beautiful work, complete and whole

Sunlight softly glowing through fiery colors
A breath-taking sight to behold
Light imbued with rainbow hues
Capturing sacred moments in times of old

I see the floors colored prismatic
Candles emanating precious scents
Lingering here through the centuries
Praising our Lord's descent

Jewels of an offering that will be shared
As each person reflects on what they feel
Come close and you will see Heaven
His compassion and love revealed

If your heart is hollow and cold
Make the image of an angel on the wall
Light a candle in a stained glass window
Heed the holy angel's call

If you believe in magical things
In a world of beauty with endless dreams
Tranquility exists in a place like this
You'll know, at last, what peace of mind means

From this God-sent plan I won't deviate
He sent my humble talent as a tool
This wonder to create

I just have to shout, sing and dance
With this holy work entranced

Thanks to angst-ridden Pals:  Lady 'Cheryl' Death, Raiden, JT, Mary Ann, Colleen, My Evil Twin, Lost Soul Linda, Sheila A, Oracle, A-Rhodi, Vivi, Scotorum, Joskibear, Jeannete, Rabbitsage, Budding Artist, Linda, 70schild60ssoul, Copenator, Lady Seda, Butterfly, Wizthom, Angel Knight, Troy, Barbara

                                                Compulsion


     

Thanks, Robert, for a beautiful picture! And a thank you to A-Rhodi for hosting!                                          

Back online after a move to a seniors apartment complex. Yep, I did it, I'm offically a senior citizen. Makes me feel good and bad. I still feel young inside, but the wrinkles on my face belie that and still have the power to shock me when I look in a mirror. But getting old and qualifying for a place like this has it's benefits.



Then there is the hand rail in the step-in shower. I can stand on one leg and shave the other without falling on my butt. Neat, huh?

I live in fear of being carted off to old folks jail for breaching the awesome security here, so I won't tell you that my door code is ......... is that the cops at my door?

Big THANK YOU to my kids, grand-kids and Jim for moving my stuff!! Without breaking anything, too! How lucky can you get? All in all, it was not a trumatic move, even though I stressed out terribly beforehand, just imagining all that could go wrong. A special thanks to Sherry, who coordinated, supervised and worked her hinny off.
 
Lucky me, I already have my phone and internet transferred and hopefully, the cable guy will deign to pay me a visit tomorrow after a no-show yesterday. He just better not make me miss House and 24! My vengeange will be terrible!

Before I walk off into my sunset years, here is fair warning that I still have lots of mischief left in me. I've met some nice folks here already, and some seem promising!Just kidding, young'uns! You know I will behave with decorum and moral rectitude.


So here's to me and my last home. I am NOT, repeat, NOT, ever moving again! If this place burns down, I'm living out my final days on the street.

Got back online too late for the lines, but I'll see all my Collab Pals on Sat.

Chery's Pals Collab 2nd Anniversary!!

 Well, it's been two years since I was blessed to stumble across a sweet lady's poetry blog and meet some wonderful pals! I have spent countless hours in their presence since and learned so much from each and every one of them.

    If you thought you knew what warm-hearted friends means, you ain't seen nothing yet!! It hasn't just been a learning experience about writing and poetry, (though that too), it has been about support and encouragement and sharing emotions and experiences with wonderfully compassionate people.

    O.K, I'm blubbering now. But with my Pals, that's ok, too. If you haven't checked out this remarkable group of people, do yourself a favor and come celebrate with us tonight!

    I love you all!!

     Margie

A Cheryl's Pals Collab by Margie

                                                       Bottoms Up!

You beautiful bottle, my very best friend
I'm so happy to see you again
Come sit with me awhile on my favorite bar stool
We'll go that extra mile

Adrift in a fog of bartenders and beer
Drowning in maudlin tears

Can't believe we would be where we are today
That we would still be going strong this way
Falling deeper in love with each passing day

There is nothing else I would rather do
Then spend every waking moment with you
You made me an offer I could not refuse

Unable to break the tie that binds
To walk away and leave you behind
My life and yours forever entwined

Why be drenched in pain and misery?
Have another drink, even two or three
Always feeling so wild and free
I can fly, look at me!!

Uh-oh--

Thanks to tipsy friends: Lady 'Cheryl' Death, Mikey, Lady Seda, Budding Artist, Lost soul Linda, Raiden, Colleen, BreeZy B

I hasten to add that I still have half of a bottle of gin I recieved for Christmas, this was in fun.

A Cheryl's Pals Collab by Margie

                                                   I Don't Want to Know

Always able to see some people's future
I never considered that a curse
I don't live in dark, evil shadows
So let ignorant people think the worst

But when my eyes met yours, I saw my own
A change is coming and it will be soon
I knew right from the very start
Our futures intertwined filled mine with gloom

You're unable to break free of your playboy life
A wayward heart roaming, leaving a trail of tears
No longer the hunter, now I'm the prey
I see happiness fading with every year

You will always be one heartbeat away
From leaving me and going away
Too painful to look outward to all those years
I wish I knew nothing at  all

Looking for love, finding trouble
Tell me you're capable of more than lust
I'll believe you, you'll hold my trust
A lifetime of true love, if the gods are just

Will the love remain after passion's fire?
O will it die in marriage's boring mire?
Is this really such a huge mistake?
How can it be, if preordained by fate?

Bewildered, besotted, unsure of you
I start to travel to unknown lands
Trying to escape what I can't face
My rebelling heart trying to take a stand

The sky grows black as my spirit departs
Looking for a way out of future pain
Out of body awakening, searching for answers
Knowing this in not a game

Will you lie easy with me over the years
Or will you always feel trapped?
My defenses fall as my love unfolds
Can't fight a love already mapped

A clue to my impending demise
A dancing gleam in your eyes, a kiss, a sweet surprise
Your touch makes me bold, your love makes me whole
You're forever mine, to have and to hold

You purse your lips and blow a kiss
That shimmers my world with a rosey mist

You're a raging fire in my veins
I must have you, no matter the cost
Searing my blood, igniting desire
I'm irredeemably lost

Craddled deep in your warm embrace
Is a thing of dreams and I dare not wake
In the lonely stillness of a later dawn
I know I'll feel my heart break

But I'll live my life with no regrets
Hello to you and good-bye my heart
Cherish the gift of your love until it's gone
And fate deems we have to part

Forever and ever, Amen

Thanks to doomed lover Pals:  Lady 'Cheryl', butterfly, Linda, wadjalicious, Sevenamagenta, Colleen, Joskibear, J, The Chairman, Mikey, Michelle K, Barbara, Sheila A, Lady Seda, Ev, Cherry rose, Demme, Vivi

What If?

One little thing changed my life today
One tiny little thing
What if it had gone another way?
Then what would my new tomorrow bring?

You caught my eye that long ago day
And I said a bedazzled 'Yes!"
Now that I'm old and gray
I wonder if that was best

If I'd never left my southern home
What would my kids be like?
Why do I speculate and moan
Did I fall off fate's intended bike?

In some parrallel universe of mights
Is another Margie wondering too?
Is she looking out at this same night
Thinking she should have left and grew?

Lol! Guess I'll never know
My kids are the best and so are you
So I'm content with the fate I chose
And love these Virginia skies of blue

This is just not going to work, you beast!

I gave you treats on which to feast

I told you where, but you won't tell me when

Ok, let's begin again--



This paper is to pee on--

Keep this up and you're going to be gone!



Thanks to Lady Cheryl

A Cheryl's Pals Collab



Death Watch



I lie and I must lie some more

My beloved is dying, cancer once more scores



I must block out my disbelief

Must comfort and give his heart relief



You were there in my life, beginning to end

Toasting better times in smuggled gin

Memories come crashing in and we remember when



Deeply cherishing those wonderous years

Setting aside our inward fears



Sharp emotions ripping through my heart like a spear

Heart overflowing with unshed tears



Through the darkest hour, the waiting begins

And I sit and ponder our lives

Why did you swear to love me forever

When you took me for your wife?



Lying, I told you there was nothing to fear

Let go the pain and escape, my dear



You go then and I'll be there

I'll tell you when, you tell me where

Meet me half-way and joy we'll share



The truth often is hard to swallow

You're going first and I promise to follow



The day will come we'll be together there

No more pain, no more dispair



Two souls united two souls tethered

I just can't say good-bye in this place

Never thought I could hurt this much

Salty trail of tears on my wooden face



Sometimes you learn from life's blows

Sometimes you just rage and regret them

I'll never see your face glowing again

And I'll never believe in Him



But your smile is mine as long as I live

Branded on my heart

If I should be wrong and there's something more

It will lead me to a new start



R.I.P., Driver, and keep it between the lines, whereever you are



Thanks to my Pals keeping the vigil: Lady 'Cheryl' Death
Sorry, hit the wrong button- other Pals contributing: Colleen, Linda, The Chairman, Wyn, Sheila A, Lady Seda, Mikey, Just Jo, Tyler, Marcia, Karen, Scorotum, Angel, Cherie, Michelle K, A-Rhodi, Nikki Rok$
 

Treasure-hunting pioneer, Mel Fisher, was an Indiana born former chicken farmer who struggled through decades of hard times searching in the Florida keys. His motto was, "Today's the Day". In 1985, he found the Spainish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Atocha, the richest ever shipwreck. It yielded a reported $400 million in coins and other loot.








The Atocha


On Sept 4th, 1622, the Tierra Firme flota of 28 ships left Havana bound for Spain. With it was carried the wealth of an empire; Silver from Peru and Mexico, gold and emeralds from Columbia, pearls from Venezuela. Each ship carried its crew, soldiers, passengers and all the necessary materials and provisions for a successful voyage. The following day, the fleet found itself being overtaken by a hurricane as it entered the Florida straits. By the morning of Sept 6th, eight of these ships lay broken on the ocean floor, scattered from the Marquesas Keys to the Dry Tortugas. In them were the treasures of the Americas, and the untold stories of scores of Spanish soldiers, sailors, noblemen and clergy.





Lost and Found- A Cheryl's Pal Collab





1622--Aboard the Atocha





Homesick and missing my Marie


At last headed home across the sea


I'm as happy as a sailor can be


We're treasure-laden by the King's decree





Worried, I watch the storm clouds unfold


From gray to midnight black


Lightening flashes, the winds increase


And blow with power and might





Huge waves toss and roll


Sailors crying and praying, once so bold


We won't give up without a fight


Desperate hope lighting even the darkest night





Marie holds me in her arms as the ship rocks


I gather the strength to say good-bye


With an imaginary kiss, she makes my death alright


Alone with my tormented soul, I'm about to die





I have many mortal sins to confess


Before I'm pulled into the light from the deepest abyss


In a bitter, even cruel sort of way


Mother Nature and fate have had their say





Lying on the seafloor, feeling the wrath of the wind


Will these bones ever see the light of day again?





When they sing a tale of ages old


Of timeless treasures, silver and gold


Of riches earned and riches stole


Will anyone remember me,


Vanished without a trace


Will they mourn with my Marie


A nameless sailor without a face?





1 sailor and 2 slaves survived the wreck.





1985--Aboard the Dauntless;





Deep in the dusk and dark


Where midnight rain obscures the stars


I'm haunted in the darkness before sleep I find


Will this voyage end in failure, one more time?





Dropping anchor on a strange impulse


When the gentle breeze seems to sigh "Marie"


Intuition or insanity, call it what you please





Roaming the seas in search of treasure


Sunken ships my dogged pursuit


Running for years on faith and not much else


Living out my dreams of salvaged loot





Stories for centuries will go untold


Of the hard working slaves in hot, dark mines


Who produced these emeralds, silver and gold


Whose cries will echo through eons of time





But all our excitement just can't be controlled


When a diver brings up that first bit of gold


Woven in time with its siren call of old


A treasure for all to behold


Let's relish this time and take it slow





We wait for the mysteries of the deep to unfold


Secrets it has kept for time untold


Cherished deeply, to have and to hold


Feeling an awe we never thought we'd know





As each winch unwinds


The light of truth on the past does shine


Dark clouds part to reveal the blue sky


Has any man ever been as lucky as I?





Treasures abound as I gaze into the deep


Past riches are ours to share and keep


Ahh, this wonderful feeling of delight


I would do anything to hold a treasure so bright





Stored inside an antique chest


That on the ocean floor did rest


Heirlooms from past lives once held so dear


Reaching through time to those who care





A long awaited day


About time some good luck came my way!





After eight year of litigation with the government and the state of Florida, the Supreme Court awared ligitimate owership of the treasure to Fisher.





Thanks to treasure hunting Pals: Lady 'Cheryl' Death, A-Rhodi, Linda, barb, The Chairman, Melanie, Blue, Wizard of Awwwws, Ev, Barbara, Colleen, Annie, Wyn, Shiela A, Nikki Rok$, Butterfly, Desert Rose, Lady Seda, Susan, Marcia, Jo, Michelle K

The seasons result from the earth's axis being tilted  to it's orbital plane; it deviates by an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees.  Thus, at any given time during summer or winter, one part of the planet is more directly exposed to the rays of the sun.  This exposure alternates as the earth revolves in it's orbit.  Therefore, at any given time, regardless of season, the Northern and Southern Hemispheries experience opposite seasons.
Huh?  If you understood this, you are smarter than me!! It's sufficient to me that the daffodils are going to bloom in March in Virginia, and you can count on that. It also leaves a cold feeling in the pit of one's stomach to realize just how delicate the balance and how many the factors life on this wonderous planet depends upon.  If the tilt had been 26 degrees--
                                                      Imperatives
A Cheryl's Pals Collab
Earth
Spinning through the void
Head tilted in a courtly nod
Covered with teeming life
And fertile sod
The seasons coming and going
Precisely plotted, masterfully wrought
What would become of us
If our world didn't do exactly what it ought?
Winter's leaving
A cold season of the soul
Leaving me feeling so weary and old
Gone the wind and the drifts of snow
I can feel the warmth ahead
It takes away my doom and dread
Feeling Mother Nature making love
Putting forth buds and leaves above
Spring is just around the corner, you know
A time for beautiful flowers to grow
Soon we'll be reaping seeds that we sow
Now buried beneath drifts of fallen snow

Caressing the earth with its fiery love
The sun falls gently on the first spring rose
Spring time birds call out the news
Down mountain streams, bountiful water flows
Spring blooms greet summer heat
It feels so good to walk in my bare feet
Harvesting the fruit of summer seeds once sown
Reaping with satisfaction what we have grown
Winters doldrums finally relieved
By waves of greenery and bright blue skies
Rampant growth overtaking all
Never reasoning nor wanting a why
Yearning
If I could save time in a bottle
It would be now
Sap rises in us as it does in the trees
Triggered by instinctive reproductive needs
An urgent imperative all creatures heed
With Spring time here at last again
Mating season is about to begin
As I lie in the arms of my beloved
My womb stirs to life, gentle nature's shove
Across your body smooth, my fingers trace
Our love affair marked by fingers laced
I look at you amongst the sheets
And you smile back so warm and sweet
I meant it when I said forever
During the mind-bending heat of sharing each other
But as I drift away, I have to wonder
Can I get out from this spell I'm under?
Is this only a seasonal blunder?
I marvel at the sheer madness of it all
But I suppose we must heed nature's call
And such is life, as we all know
I've conceived, it's time to go

Thanks to randy Pals with spring fever:  Lady 'Cheryl' Death, Pink Sapphire, Sevenamagenta, Lady Seda, Angel, Just Jo, Sheila A, Smiley 29, Colleen, Carol, JT, Michelle K, Susie, A-Rhodi, The Chairman, Ev, Joskibear, Vivi, Butterfly, J