chance, jelly, mummies

Two photographs which didn't work out as intended but which I don't regret.

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"Ghoulish vodka jelly shots for all who make an effort to dress up" says the notice outside The Compasses. "Join us for the Halloween Weekend."

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Pictures of mummified animals - monkeys, bulls, cats, lions, dogs, crocodiles, among others- are to be found in this month's National Geographic Magazine. These ancient relics from Egypt have the power and directness of sculptures and leave you amazed at the immediacy of their presence. One caption reads: "A queen's pet gazelle was readied for eternity with the same lavish care as a member of the royal family. In fine, blue trimmed bandages and a custom made wooden coffin, it accompanied its owner to the grave in about 945 BC". The coffin, constructed in the shape of the animal in contained, adds to the feeling that you are looking at a sculpture. The intervening years seem to vanish when you consider them.