This is how 'The Mummy' changed my life:

You probably remember this film. Or at least its rapidly deteriorating sequels 'The Mummy Returns' and the unforgivable 'The Mummy, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' which doesn't even have my belovéd Rachel Weisz and has some sort of second rate replacement called Maria Bello.

As a rather flimsy Indiana Jones wannabe film with dodgy graphics and dodgier jokes you may wonder how on earth it changed my life. Well its quite simple. It's got ancient history and jewellery in it. And the beautiful Rachel. And its set in the 1920s with all the lovely clothes and suitcases and things. 

It inspired me in two ways;

1.) It showed me that you can be a massively geeky librarian type but still be sort of kick-ass and cool in your own little way, "Take that, Bembridge scholars!"

2.) I think that the swarming scarab beetles in this film were what originally made me think that a swarm of metal insects would make pretty cool jewellery

Rick and Jonathan shooting at the swarm of flesh eating scarab beetles.

My gilded dung beetle cocktail ring (available from http://www.joyeverley.co.uk )

And now, let us take a moment to appreciate Evie and her outfits:

 A delightful ensemble for visiting Cairo's inmates: camel maxi-skirt, men's shirt with loose silk scarf, knitted cardigan and straw hat!

 This is to show the earrings, and also what was probably a very awkward kiss (this scene was on the first day of filming)

 A better view of the knitted cardigan and hat followed by Evie's traveling attire, trés chic (but I have one of those sorts of suitcases and there is now way she would be able to carry them unless they are empty!)

 "The only thing that scares me, Mr O'Connell, is your manners"

(I want her jacket)

 (and I want her nightie)

 (and, to be honest, I want her)

pictures belong to Universal Pictures etc. etc.

And so whenever I feel a bit demotivated by an essay or a bit of a boffin when someone asks me what my degree is, I take heart in the thought that one day, maybe, I will be involved in the awakening of an Greek god and my encyclopedic knowledge of mythology will save the world and with many japes and capers along the way!

Cheerio!

xxx