Wednesday, January 30, 2019

THE CURSE OF KING TUT'S MUMMY

THE CURSE OF KING TUT'S MUMMY

At the Pyramids in Egypt

I didn’t think I believed in curses until I got to Egypt a few weeks ago. The trip was full of mysterious happenings like those you would read about in a psychological thriller. I knew things were going downhill on day one when I climbed upon my trusty camel and found that it behaved more like a thoroughbred racing horse than one of those bactrian camels you see lumbering around the Sahara. Our guides looked to be about twelve years old, each handling about 5 or 6 camels, all linked together. I looked ahead of me and saw one such herd coming at my herd at a ferocious speed and tried to figure quickly what was the best action to take. Should I hold on for dear life at both front and back braces or should I remove my knee from the stirrup since the herd was coming directly at me. Surely the camel guides would steer them another direction, but no. They raced full speed ahead like racehorses aiming for the finish line and brushed strongly against my camel, my foot and knee faced outward. Luckily I didn’t fall off but unluckily, the camel made a direct hit on my knee and kept on at full speed. I figured I may as well have a good time on the camel after that and view the pyramids and sphinx and deal with knee when I dismounted since I felt no pain.

Before Camel Mishap

The curse I am referring to has nothing to do with the mummy horror movie but of the tale of archaeologist, Howard Carter and his backer, Lord Carnarvon, also owner of the castle where they filmed Downton Abbey. Carter brought his team to Egypt and worked for five years trying to find the tomb of Tutankhamen; King Tut. The story goes, and how true it is I don’t know, Lord Carnarvon brought along a canary that they considered to be good luck. Before they could take the canary to the tomb, the team found an Egyptian python ate it! Carter and his men anxiously pried open the lid of the coffin to find the embalmed body of Tut. Shortly after, he became sick and not too long after, Carnarvan was rushed to the hospital in Cairo and died as did several of the others who were exposed to the coffin. Supposedly, there was a stone covering the mummy telling of a curse placed there to protect King Tut that Carter hid. It read “Death shall come on swift wings to him who destroys the place of the king.” More than eleven people died according to the papers, including Lord Carnarvon’s dog, who died reportedly the same time Carnarvon was rushed to hospital and pronounced dead. A month later, his secretary jumped from a window to his death. These deaths and incidents started being referred to as the curse of Tut’s mummy, Later it was believed to be poisonous mold that escaped from the coffin when opened. None the less, my journey seemed to be plagued with one onerous thing after the other.

Alli Enters the Great Pyramid (Tan Jacket)

The trip was in honor of my granddaughter, Alli’s upcoming graduation from VT s master program. She and I had no idea until we reached DC that there had been a bombing, possibly but not necessarily, directed at tour companies. None the less, my son, Cam, showed us the small paragraph in the paper stating that 4 people,including the tour director, had been killed after a bomb hit the bus while it was returning to the Marriott hotel at Giza, exactly where we were headed. This attack took place just days before we arrived on January 3rd. We called our tour company and were assured they believed it was an isolated incident. When we got to Cairo, we were told the entire area was under high alert and that we were to have 2 body guards that escorted us wherever we went, sitting right at the front of the bus. Also, we had 2 armed police cars at the front and back of our bus the entire time. The guards escorted us for the rest of the tour.

Alli and Me With Friend, Mike, Who Will Definately Play a Role in New Book

I learned that tourism has been at a standstill in Egypt since around 2011 and all there were happy to see it coming back, only to have yet another incident by Isis. Reports said that 40 of the dissidents were shot a few days after the incident but I never saw more than a small article claiming this.

Lots of mysterious events occurred during the tour, most of which might be expected while touring what could be the oldest ancient ruins in the world. I’m saving those mysteries for my upcoming book but will continue here with a few more gruesome details from the trip.

Nothing that happened thereafter was normal. Nothing. When we finally landed down from Cairo and after waiting for 9 hours at JFK because our plane was trapped in a snowstorm in Boston, we boarded our plane heading for DC. When we were just above the airport in DC, the plane started to land, but then and then took to the air again for another go around Dulles airport. We were told it was a computer glitch. As soon as the plane came to a halt and we could get WiFi, the first message was that my daughter, Kelli, had been rushed to the hospital with pneumonia. Then, the next morning, we got word that while she was in the hospital, her husband, and my son in law, Lewis, was found dead in the family bathroom. This traumatic event threw the family into turmoil and sadness. The funeral is over and at this point, I really don’t want to leave the house for awhile. Superstition? Curses? I don’t know but I can add up about 15 strange things that happened since I got to Egypt and I am on the edge, hoping it has come to an end. I am taking one day at a time.

These adventure trips I take provide inspiration for my books. This time, however; I got more than I bargained for. I want to make clear, I don’t write my books- they write me. As I expected, the trip to Egypt was life changing. Hope you will stay tuned to read more and see more of the mysterious I found in Egypt.

Alli and I Ventured Off the Beaten Track to Find a Nubian Village Where the Oldest Tribe of People in Egypt Live. We Were Greeted By the Chief

I'm Game for Anything. Here We are Partaking Hookah in a Shisha Session!

My Buddy While in Cairo (And I'm Afraid of Big Dogs!)

Serenaded by Nubian Villager

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Monday, November 5, 2018

Burning Bowls!

Burning Bowls Finally Available!

Burning Bowl #1 Front

Hello everyone! New Burning Bowls are finally ready. I broke my upper arm recently but fortunately, I had already sculpted and fired them. They are each 9” h x 4” deep and 4” wide, approximately. I use stoneware clay and fire to high temperature to accommodate the stained glass basin. I haven’t changed the price on them so still $68. You can let me know if you would like one by e-mailing me at cherdolby@cox.net and we can go from there. I accept Paypal or personal checks. Many of you already have one but they make lovely gifts.

Burning Bowl #1 Back

Burning Bowl #2 Front

Burning Bowl #2 Back

Burning Bowl #3

Burning Bowl # 3 Back

Burning Bowl #4 Front

Burning Bowl #4 Back

Burning Bowl #5 Front

Burning Bowl #5 Back

Burning Bowl #6 Front

Burning Bowl #6 Back

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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Morocco
A Journey Through the Sands of Time

Finally! My new novel, Morocco, A Journey Through the Sands of Time, is up and running on Amazon. Maybe that will explain, partly anyway, why I have taken so long to get back to posting. Chocolate sales took off, I broke my arm etc..I know. Lots of excuses but I’m back in full swing now. Or should I say, full sling?

When I returned from Morocco over a year ago, some of you might remember that I posted lots of pictures. What a country. Although there were many different aspects I could have covered in my book, I was drawn to the myth of the very young Berber lovers who cried lakes. Since it is a myth, there really wasn’t much to go on research wise. When I saw the lakes of Tislit and Isli shimmering at the bottom of the Middle Atlas Mountains, I somehow knew I wanted to write the lover’s story.

You can go to Amazon.com and key in Morocco, Cheryl Dolby to purchase the book. It is available in e- book form and paperback. If you’d like a preview, just click on the book where it says “peek inside” and you can read a few chapters. Hope you like it.

Stay tuned, in the next post I will be showing you a new way I found to cook delicious meals. You can even make them with one hand, as I’ve had to learn to do. Also, I will be posting several of my Goddess Burning Bowls soon.

Once again, thank you for viewing and I hope you like the new book.

Cheryl

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Tuesday, February 6, 2018

PASSWORD GODDESSES

PASSWORD GODDESSES

Password Keeper: "Butterfly Goddess" $38.

No matter how hard I try to keep my passwords in one place, it just doesn’t seem to work. I decided to create "Password Keepers." Now my passwords are safe in my keeper and I always know where to find them.

Password Keeper: "Spring Goddess" $38.

I made one for myself and a few extra ones for those of you who might be interested. Since it took a long time to do original passport journals, they are priced a bit higher than the regular journals I made with same images. The journals are actually art journals but the sky is the limit for other uses. I used various items for the original password journals including crackle glaze and embellishments and on the regular journals, I took image and used encaustic wax, yarn and other embellishments. They are standard size- 8 ½ high by 6 ½ wide with beautiful thick black leather like covers and large rings. The pages inside journals are white artists paper for sketching or writing.

Close-up of inside of Password Keeper

Price for Password journals is $38. and for regular journals $34. If you are interested in purchasing. Just e-mail me and we can go from there. If the link doesn't work for you, address is cherdolby@cox.net Also, I have just added several pieces to my revolving Etsy shop which is located on the top right hand corner of my blog. I will be adding more as I finish pieces. Thanks so much.

Be sure to use a pencil when you enter your passwords (you know how they change and you will have a beautiful Goddess Keeper for years to come.

Password Keeper: "Snowflake Goddess" $38.

Sold. Thank you Diane!

Purple Passion Journal $34.

Butterfly Journal $34.

Frida Journal $34.

Grandmother Tree Journal $34.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Goddess Ceremonial Tea Vessels

GODDESS CEREMONIAL TEA VESSELS

Goddess Ceremonial Tea Vessel

While I was in Morocco in the spring, I kept noticing an abundance of almond trees all along the roadways. I was lucky enough to be served some at one of the hotels and found those cookies to be the best I have ever tasted. I keep experimenting to see if I can duplicate and I have come close but not hit it at 100% yet. The recipe I am including today is one I tweaked and so far my favorite. If anyone has another favorite almond cookie recipe, I'd love to hear from you. These are easy to make as well. Recipe is at the bottom of this post. I think it is the flavor of the almonds there in Morocco that made them delicious. Of course I'm having tea. In Morocco the tea is almost always mint.

Tea Vessel With Moroccan Almond Cookies (My Version)

Enchantment found it’s way to the table where the Goddess Ceremonial Tea Vessel was placed. Three friends gathered to help initiate a healing. The pungent herbal aroma from the mysterious vessel containing the special roots and herbs chosen fresh from the garden permeated the air. The elixir was steeped to perfection and the cups were filed. Each Goddess inhaled the scent of the tisanes which opened their sensory perception as they gazed at the fascinating original clay Goddess face that was sculpted into the vessel. All were oblivious to their surroundings and time was lost to antiquity as they partook of this special potion, all the while awaiting for the magic to unfold. The tea vessel I am showing today will allow for only a party of one. But that can be a joy as well. Time alone to cherish with a cup of mint tea.

Close-Up of Lid

My tea vessels are each an original. I hand sculpt them using stoneware clay. The Goddess faces are sculpted in the bas-relief method. I used a lead free glaze on each vessel.

The best way to brew tea for vessel is to place cold water in another microwavable container. Heat water and then pour into vessel in which either tea bags or a tea strainer or tea ball has been placed. Place lid back on and allow to steep for 5 minutes or so. Serve. The lids are an integral part of the vessel. Be sure to hold the lid as you pour the tea.

Because of the various embellishments placed into the vessel, it is best not to place in dishwasher or microwave but instead use the tea vessel to steep and serve. I have used lead free glaze on the interior of each pot so that it is safe to drink the tea and after finishing, running hot water inside the pot releasing any tea having lodged there is all that is needed to keep sanitary.

My tea vessel is priced at $76.00 She is small, holds 1 cup, approx. 6" w x 4 1/2 " high x 4" deep. If you would like to purchase, please e-mail me and we can go from there. I like to use Paypal but checks are ok too.

Moroccan Almond Cookies

Ingredients:

½ lb butter ( 2 sticks)
2 ½ cups flour
½ t. baking soda
½ t. salt
1 C. sugar
3 eggs
3 t. almond extract
½ cup blanched ground almonds
50 blanched or whole almonds for top of cookies
Method:

Cut butter into dry ingredients, add egg and extract. Shape into small balls-about 1 1/2-2 “ on ungreased cookie sheet about 2” apart. Flatten out and press 1 almond into the center and bake at 350 for about 17 minutes. Keep checking to be sure bottoms are not browning too fast.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with tea,coffee or cold milk. Yum.

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Thursday, November 2, 2017

Goddess Ceremonial Neckllace; Goddess of Flight

GODDESS OF FLIGHT

GODDESS CEREMONIAL NECKLACE

Goddess of Flight necklace

Today I am featuring one of my Goddess Ceremonial necklaces. I have named her “Goddess of Flight.” I love using butterflies in my work. They present a sense of airiness and freedom and what fun to wear.

Close-Up of Butterfly

You can dress them up or down from blue jeans to black dresses. They can also be placed on the wall as a decorative accent or artwork in-between wearings.

Close up of Unusual Embellishments

Goddess of Flight is approx 3” wide by 6” high including butterfly. The chain is quite long and can be easily adjusted by using clips from craft stores such as ACMoores or Michaels. I like mine long and jangly.

Idea for Hanging on Wall as Piece of Artwork. I Love Wearable Art

If you would like to add her to your collection, my wholesale price is $85. I take Paypal or personal checks. You can e-mail me and we can go from there.

Thanks so much for viewing.

Cheryl

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

MORE CRONES!

MORE CRONES!

Crone number 1 Years Ago I Collected African Trade Beads. I Have Quite a Few Left So Used Them Plus an Ancient Looking Bell and of Course Horsehair Taken From the Tail.

Sold. Thank you Sally!

I absolutely love creating my crone series. Through the years, I have collected a lot of unusual materials for my work and now I’m digging into the reserves and finding some great embellishments. I am showing 4 crones and gave a description under each one of the materials I have used. Here is her story, for those who missed the last post.

THE CRONE

Winged woman of flight.. the all-mother of humanity.. wise soothsayer Goddess Or hag. Her eyes burn with the wisdom of antiquity.. Her voice murmurs a truth that cannot be heard by the unreceptive masses.. She has passed through the great change and she lives on to rewrite the burned chronicles of ..Her Story. She allows each wrinkle to act as voice to proclaim and reclaim her power.

~Cheryl Dolby~

Crone Number 2 Features a Beautiful Piece of Crystal and Very Old Pendant That Came From India (quite expensive as I recall)

Crone Number 3 I Used an Unusual Pendant on the Top of Her Head Which Shows An Egyptian with A Snake on Her Head. I Have No Memory of Where I Got This Piece. It Also Has Some Lettering That Spells Out D O F I. If Anyone Knows What it Stands for I Would Love To Find Out.

Sold. Thank you Sally!

Crone Number 4 Has An Interesting Pendant in Purple, Not Very Old But The Purple Beadwork On Her Head is Quite Old.

Hanger Included on Back

They are for sale for just $32. Remember, even though they look big as life on the screen, they are very small. Would look good in any special nook or altar of your home. Size is only 3" w x 6" high approx. but they pack a big punch!

If you are interested in purchasing. Pleased e-mail me and we can go from there. I take personal checks or Paypal.

Thanks so much for viewing.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

'THE CRONE'

"THE CRONE"

Crone number 5.

Sold. Thank you Sally!

Sometimes good things come in small packages. I’m referring to my new series titled “Crones.” Maybe some of you know someone who is getting up there in age. Maybe you are climbing that ladder as well. The story I have written describing the way I feel about aging kind of tells it all. I started my new series with 5, all shown below. Each comes with printed story. I hope you enjoy and want to have one of these small treasure for yourself or a gift. They take up very little space and would look lovely adorning a special nook or altar in your home.

The Crone

Winged woman of flight...the all mother of humanity..wise southsayer..Goddess or hag..

Her eyes burn with the wisdom of antiguity..Her voice murmurs a truth that cannot be heard by the unreceptive masses.

She has passed through the great change and she lives on to rewrite the burned chronicles of Her story..

She allows each wrinkle to act as a voice to proclaim and reclaim her power…

Cheryl Dolby

Crone number 1. Crystal adorns crown. Also featured is smaller crystal at bottom. Hand sculpted clay and horsehair from tail of horse.

Sold. Thank you Beth! I had a feeling you'd like this one.

Crone number 2. It is hard to see color or glass bead on crown-it is a deep purple and contrasts nicely with the white hair and other purple embellishment.

Sold. Thank you Sally!

Crone number 3. This crone features an earring my friend Val created about 27 years ago! I lost the other one so found perfect spot for remainder. Also, great crystal on crown.

Sold. Thank you Tina! This works out well since now you have an art piece containing 2 artists works that you know!

Crone number 4. Worry bag attached came from some of the things I collected from Africa.

Sold. Thank you Shirley!

Crone number 5 (Also shown on header of this post) Beautiful antique shoe clip and turquoise.

Sold. Thank you Sally!

Each crone is 3” wide x approx 6” high-remember, they are small. They are priced at $32. each. I was surprised at how long they took to complete but very pleased with the ancient yet wise look on each hand sculpted face. I take Paypal, which usually includes all credit cards and personal checks. Please e-mail me and we can go from there.

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Tuesday, October 10, 2017

3 BURNING BOWLS

3 BURNING BOWLS

3 Burning Bowls

I just finished 3 new burning bowls. For those of you who are not familiar with burning bowl ceremonies, Unity church has one every New Year's Eve. Members are asked to write down anything in their lives that they would like to alleviate-bad habits etc. All are placed in the bowl to be burned and thus disappear from your life forever. Or so we hope.

I decided to create individual burning bowls several years ago and they have always been a real hit. You can use them for your own personal ceremony and you don’t even have to wait for New Year’s Eve. When not in use, they can be used for incense or even burning a special candle.

Sometimes I name each one but decided it might be more fun for the recipient of each bowl to give a meaningful name. I’ve always said that things worth owning are worth naming.

Burning Bowl # 1 Front

Sold. Thank you Cindy!

Burning Bowl #1 Back

Burning Bowl # 2 Front

Burning Bowl #2 Back

Sold.

Burning Bowl #3 Front

Burning Bowl # 3 Back

Sold. Thank you Shirley!

Stained Glass Base -Representive Of Each Bowl

Each bowl is approx 5” wide x 5” deep x 8” high and priced at $68. I have hand sculpted each one and fired in my kiln. If you are interested in any one of them, or more for gifts, please just e-mail me and we can go from there. I take paypal and personal checks.

Thank you for viewing.

Cheryl

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