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.

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

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.

'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.

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

Freida Storage Vessel

FREIDA STORAGE VESSEL

Freida Storage/Art Vessel

For those of you who are new to my blog, Healing Woman, welcome! Also, a grand hello to those of you who are loyal followers. The summer had me involved in various garden projects and now I am finally back, with a brand new banner to boot.

I have been prolonging summer these early fall days. I just hate to see it go. Here are a few pictures of how my garden grew and the fabulous sunflower farm I visited.

Overlooking pool

Goddess Planter

Herbs

Sunflower Farm I visited-Beaver Dam Farm-100 Year Old Farm Here In Virginia. There Were 30 Acres and 600 Thousand Sunflowers Planted!

I've Never Seen This Many Sunflowers In One Place and I Have Viewed Them All Over Europe!

Now more about my Freida vessel. I came upon a stash of cigar boxes years ago. It's just one of many unusual things that happens to me, and always confirms my clairvoyance. Here is the link in case any of you missed it. It's quite a story. A beautiful shaped box with picture of Mexico inside called to me and I added my Freida waxed image to the top. The image comes from a 6’ fall painting I created of her.

Freida Painting with Freida Sculpture on Left Hand Side

I had some antique needle point (No, I did not sew the needlepoint) with beautiful flowers, and since I know Freida loved flowers, I added it to inside. I left picture of Mexico as is since it goes so well.

Inside Of Vessel

Antique Rose Latch

Hope you like her. She is 8"x 10" x 2" and is priced at $65. I can ship immediately. Just contact me here and we can go from there. I take Paypal, or personal checks.

OUTLAW BROCCOLI SALAD

OUTLAW BROCCOLI SALAD

Outlaw Broccoli Salad

My mother-in-law, Muriel, was a classy lady who belonged to about 30 ‘clubs.’ She was a gourmet cook and always enjoyed cooking for her family and many others. The ‘others’ often included my own family. Whenever she would entertain any of us, or any of her other children’s inlaws, she would call the party an “outlaw’ dinner party. I always thought it was clever and now I follow suit with my own ‘outlaw’ entertaining and recipes. This particular recipe comes from my daughter’s mother in law, Jeanie. That would make her my outlaw. She is by no means dangerous but she is a good cook and when I asked her for her broccoli salad recipe, she gladly sent it to me.

Recipe:

6 cups fresh broccoli florets

1/3 cup red onion diced

2 cups seedless red grapes, halved

1 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sugar

1 Tbs. Apple cider vinegar

8 slices of bacon

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Mix crispy bacon pieces, broccoli, red onion and grapes. Whisk mayo, sugar and vinegar. Pour dressing over broccoli and mix. Mix in sliced almonds.

It is easy to prepare and doesn’t take much time at all. I cut the recipe in half and still had a very large amount. It is crunchy and has that tang of sweet and sour to it which makes it so luscious. Summer is coming..give it a try. I think you will love it. I might even add some fresh strawberries to it next time too. Thank you Jeanie!

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE AND WINE TOTE

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE AND WINE TOTE

Finished Recycled Wine Bag

From the time I was a child, I believed in recycling. All the kids in my neighborhood used to take our ‘pop’ bottles back for a refund ( I think we got 2 cents!) There was a shop that took our aluminum foil for refund and of course milk bottles from our milkman etc. I try to remember now to take my own bags to the grocery store instead of using their plastic. Having just returned from Morocco, I was pleased to hear that plastic has been outlawed in the entire country.

I was tired of looking and stumbling over the huge stack of wine bags I had accumulated from my weekly trips to the grocery store. I racked my brain trying to think of some unique way to use them but finally decided to load them all in my car and take back to the store in hopes they would recycle them in some way. I was told that it was not their policy to accept wine bags back. So..they sat for a long time more and kept accumulating (I love my wine) until FINALLY I came up with a solution!

Stack of Bags That Accumulated

Selection of Bags Now Available for Chocolate Truffles, Wine, Bagettes, Vegetables Etc.

I cut a section from the middle of each bag and then added a copy of one of my paintings or sculptures to each bag along with one of the stories I write for each one. Viola! Now my customers will have a padded, insulated, sturdy waterproof and colorful tote in which to place their chocolate. The totes accomodated 6 bottles of wine and now will hold 4 plus the truffles, baguettes, and all sorts of other shopping needs. I am offering them this week at the market (while supply lasts) complimentary with the purchase of 3 boxes of my delicious chocolate truffles. Each box is only $6.00.

Inside Recycled Tote-Holds A Tremendous Amount of 'Stuff'

Hope to see anyone on my reader list one day at the Farmer’s Market in Roanoke, Va. I am usually there Saturdays and sometimes Fridays and Sundays-depending on weather. Booth 18. Please stop by for a sample of my dark chocolate truffles which include: Bailey’s Irish Cream and Salted Caramel, My homemade Kalua, Mayan, Dark Chocolate with Grand Marnier and Orange extract from Morocco, to name a few…

Thanks for reading my blog posts. I appreciate you!

Cheryl-The Chocolate Queen

DOORWAYS, ARCHES AND GATES OF MOROCCO

This is The Relics of the Royal Stables, Originally Built To House 12,000 Royal Horses

It would be impossible to show and tell about all the exciting views and places my grandson, Zack and I saw while in Morocco. I am trying to give highlights but get carried away when I go to my pictures and remember the stories that went along with them. I want to tell you everything but you surely would be very bored having not been there. Many of my viewers are artists like myself and hopefully you will appreciate seeing the doors, arches and entryways all over the country. Here I have just touched on the gates to the old Medinas or old part of the cities, oppulent arches and doorways as well as humble abodes. Please feel free to repost or use any of the pictures as you would like. I believe Morocco should be shared. I wonder what treasures I would find If I opened any of these doors. Next post I will be showing the wonderful Moroccan people we met along the way. Please click once on any picture to enlarge.

Another View of Same Stable Arches

Opulence Inside of Mosque in Casablanca

Zack and I outside of Mosque in Casablanca-largest mosque in Morocco

Another Picture Inside The Mosque