For Matthew...

Spadoodles was recently told that the new background (which was done as an experiment) was blinding our readers, and we (meaning I) should change it.

Hopefully this one will satisfy... if not, Spadoodles is responsible. ;)

Chihuly

A couple days ago, my grandparents invited my little sister and I to spend the day with them at some museums in San Francisco. I, of course, said yes! It was an amazing day. I just got home and wanted to share with all of you what an amazing time I had. My Grandma, who we call Grammy, had heard that there was a blown glass exhibit in San Francisco. So, we got up early and started our journey towards the bay. I had the best time. I was blown away by the exhibit. And I couldn't keep it all to myself. I have some pictures of what I saw. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

The exhibit started with the "glass forest." This picture doesn't really do it justice, but you can get an idea of how beautiful it was. These pieces of glass were probably around six or seven feet tall.

As we continued on we saw this incredible view. I think these were called the "Persians," but I am not certain. To me, they look like huge flowers on a lattice.

Now, I think these look like huge hats upside down, but you can decide for yourself what they remind you of......

This is a picture of the "Reeds." They don't really look that big, but if you put them in comparison with the logs they are connected to, the are really tall. My Grammy said that they looked like penguins, and then my Papa walked up (not hearing my Grammy) and said that they reminded him of penguins. Scary! I guess that's what happens when you have been married a long time to each other :)

This was the "Boat" room. I forgot to mention that the glass was placed on mirrors. I thought that was important.....

These pictures are from the "Chandelier" room. The green photo shows the detail of the glass up close.

This was the last room we went in. It was like the grand finale of a fireworks show. It displayed all the techniques in one magnificent masterpiece.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the pictures. If you would like to see this exhibit, I believe it continues through September. I would suggest buying your entrance tickets online. The artist of all this beautiful work is Chihuly. Here he is photographed with some of his work.

Shoes

I showered and shaved...............
I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat..............
In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer.........
As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me.....
Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......
I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...
But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father"............
I thought, "This man with the shoes...has no pride
They're dusty, worn, and scratched.
Even worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said...a quiet, "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer.......
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best....
When walking through that door?
Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,
Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended...........
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud......
Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters........
His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear....
The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering.........
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached....
Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out...........
What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink"
....as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me..........
To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man.....
For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........
As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors....
And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow.............
And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer..........
I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark.....
And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming.........
For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie..........
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes.........
But he had a large, wide grin.

"Let me explain," he said...........
Wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months....
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance.........
Is not like all the rest.
But I really do try.................
To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes....
Before my very long walk.
But by the time I get here........
They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."

My heart filled with pain............
and I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize........
For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here...........
I know I must look a sight.
But I thought if I could touch you..
Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment............
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison...
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

"Oh, you've touched me," I said......
And taught me, in part;
That the best of any man............
Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought,.................
This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am...
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul!

~Author unknown