Three inch (7.5cm) Shiva I got in Seattle last year, click for larger view

Grecian triad, Egyptian sphinx and pillars of candlesticks

I might not be remembering the pillar history right. It might have been in 1985 or 1986, when I had just moved out on my own, and was attending a gay church in Hinsdale. The church which rented to us had a sale of various items. Yes, I think it was then. Memory, it's such a changeable thing. If I don't write it down, I can't really be sure.

Anyway, here it is as I best remember it. The hosting church was having this sale, and our MCC group had advance notice of it. I think the intentions were for the items to be in an auction. But we were told, "Just pay what you think the items are worth." I paid a really cheap price, something like five dollars, no doubt much less than the contributor had hoped the pieces would garner for the benefit. But to elevate the 'karma' points, I gave the candlesticks to my mother. I figured the act of giving would outweigh the act of near theft. By now, the karma's almost squeaky clean? Anyway, I hope my mother enjoyed them while she had them. She had given them a prominent place in her home.

I found a picture she'd sent me and here is a detail: