On a whim, I bought some simple, colored cellophane and "stained" the window panes in the front doors. The large, old french doors each have 15 panes of glass and each of those is slightly different size. (This is often the case with antique doors as they were usually handmade.) The "staining" first came into play with one of the Clue Hunts on the Bayou. The french doors and similar greenhouse doors all received a pattern of colors. Well, I liked the look so much that I kept it and as the cellophane faded with the sunlight, I simply added more colors until Darling Daughter bought me some actual glass clings. What a difference!
Well, the other day, someone mentioned that I should take the stuff down. "It takes away the view." No, the view is still there, I just added a bit more interest to the room. If you wish to see the pier, go outside. I live here, my fake, stained glass windows make me happy so they stay. It is simple as that.
I mentioned this encounter on social media and immediately got responses that echoed my feelings. It was the consensus that stained glass windows bring calm and tranquility. To be honest, I did a bit of research and it seems that we are not alone in this feeling. Several noted resources state that this is one of the reasons that the windows were so popular in ancient churches. The windows illuminated the inside of the building with ever changing patterns of color. The eyes could wander with the colors and patterns and become relaxed so that spirituality was profound. A feeling of serenity enveloped those who entered. They immediately "felt" peace which must have meant that God was within the building.
I have often thought that I should probably remove the colored cellophane and window clings simply to move on to something else. Now, I am not so sure. Perhaps more folks need to be doing this to their homes and businesses. The world could sure use some tranquility about now. Peace could go a long ways with our worried minds.
