Can you imagine the gusto it would take to tell the people around you that you are going to pursue a career in puppeteering? I thought saying I wanted to be an artist was bad, I can only imagine the kind of flack & negativity that came in the way of Jim Henson. But I'm sure glad he didn't quit otherwise I would be a completely different person today.

His encouragement came from his grandma who was a painter, quilter & needleworker. Even before he was a teenage, Henson, performed puppetry for audiences including his peers in the Cub Scouts. So it's no surprise that the original Kermit was made out of his mother's old coat and a ping-pong ball. Although the first version wasn't even a frog but a lizard-like character. Wizard of Oz was also one of his favorite movies which seems like an appropriate Muse.

As an adult he became successful by realizing ways in how to give puppets "life". He was a part of the characters as much as the characters were a part of him. "Lydia, the tattooed lady" was one of his favorite songs and he even drew on (or gave) her tattoo's himself.  His success stretched farther & wider than you would give him credit for. 

"Rubber Ducky" performed by Ernie was in the Top 40 for pop/rock in August of 1970 & stayed there for 7 weeks with a peak at #16. Henson has also received over 50 Emmy Awards, 9 Grammy Awards & a Peabody Award. Pretty impressive.

He's known for his creations on Sesame Street (1969), The Muppet Show (1976), The Muppet Movie (1979), The Dark Crystal (1982), Fraggle Rock (1983) & Labyrinth (1986)(which I also recently just re-watched & I was still entertained & not just because of David Bowie)... OMG I loved & still love them all. He also established Creature Shop, a renowned puppet studio for being as effective as special effects.

If you don't take him seriously, than you should know that 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of Ooze' (1991) was dedicated to him after his death on May 16th, 1990 from walking pneumonia. He also is so much cooler than you that George Lucas originally offered him the role of Yoda in 'Star Wars'. He declined & recommended Frank Oz for the part instead.

I've said it before & I'll say it again, I LOVE JIM HENSON! He will forever be one of my childhood hero's as well as my adulthood muse. His positive yet funny yet sophisticated humor has impacted my life in a glorious way. I never lost my childhood joy. Mr Henson, if there's any way for you to know this, I thank you for such a priceless gift. And it is my honor to have you as my first blog. My hat's off to you.

Your hope is a reality. Even if it was just for little 'ole me.