Egyptomania, Angels & Decluttering

Hey there!

How’s your summer going? It’s hot as Hades here in North Texas, so I’m coping the only way I know how: reading, researching, swimming... and swigging iced tea.

Since my last newsletter, I’ve been prepping hard for all my upcoming talks and classes.

But as you can see from the photo above, I’m also tackling a long-overdue decluttering project.

Can you believe that at least three of those bags are packed with coats, scarves, and other winter clothes? It’s all stuff I wore when I lived up north.

Somehow, when the heat index is pushing 119°F, it’s easy to let winter clothes go…

As for the talks, the first is a brand-new presentation on Egyptomania. What a FUN topic. I’m having a blast putting it together.

Every day my research uncovers another surprising connection between ancient Egypt and our modern world—from obelisks and freemasons, to pencils, fashion, movies, America’s dollar bill, and even the Statue of Liberty.

But I’ll tell you more about my Egyptomania talk in this newsletter, so keep scrolling:

• New Talk: Egyptomania Through History
• Cemetery Symbolism: Angels & Cherubs & Virtues—Oh My!
• Follow My Travels

I’m excited to unveil a special presentation called “Egyptomania: Egypt’s Eternal Influence” that I’m creating by request for Watauga Public Library!

🗓 Wednesday, August 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
📍 Watauga Public Library (7109 Whitley Rd, Watauga, TX 76148)

From obelisks and sphinxes to lotus blossoms and ankhs, the influence of ancient Egypt is all around us.

Join me for a photo-filled adventure exploring the waves of “Egyptomania” that swept the Western world.

Along the way, we’ll discover how ancient Egyptian art, architecture, and beliefs continue to shape our monuments, cemeteries, and culture today.

And yes... there will even be complimentary Egyptian-themed snacks! 🤠

Please let me know if you’re coming. I’d love to see you there!

👉 Full event details: Egyptomania Event Page and Watauga Library: Egyptomania Talk

👉 All upcoming talks: 2026 Talks, Tours, Events

Not every winged figure in a cemetery is an angel.

Some are cherubs. Others represent virtues such as Hope, Faith, or Charity. Learning the difference can completely change how you interpret a monument, along with the story it’s trying to tell.

In my newest American Cemetery & Cremation article, I take a closer look at these fascinating figures and explain how to tell them apart.

You can find out in my article for the August issue of American Cemetery & Cremation: Angels & Cherubs & Virtues—Oh, My!

If you’d like to wander along with me between newsletters, I share travel photos, tombstone pics, as well the occasional odd historical tidbit.

Follow wherever you like… or meet me back here next time:

• Facebook: Tui Snider
• Instagram: Tui Snider
• Substack Notes: Tui Snider

That’s all for this edition of Tui’s Travel & Tombstones. Until next time, keep wandering, keep wondering, and keep looking for the offbeat and overlooked stories that surround us everywhere we go. ~Tui 💜🪦🤠