All posts filed under: ANIMALS

An orange ceramic bird.

From Groovy to Gorgeous: How I gave a thrifted ceramic bird a modern makeover

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I love the thrill of a good antique or thrift store treasure hunt. You never know what quirky, charming, or unexpected items you might stumble across — and on one of my recent excursions, I discovered a curious little ceramic bird that looked like it flew straight out of someone’s 1970s den.

With its bold orange glaze and retro vibes, it definitely had personality, but it didn’t quite match my decor. Still, something about its shape and whimsical charm caught my eye. I couldn’t resist. For just a few dollars, I decided to take it home and give it a second life.

A wooden bed with peacock wall art above it.

Sleeping in a Treehouse: My whimsical bedroom makeover with a vintage peacock theme

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For more than 20 years, I’ve had what could best be described as a “tree bed” — a headboard and footboard crafted entirely from real tree branches.

I bought the bed in Ripley, Mississippi, and though it’s a little rustic and wild, it’s held up beautifully over the years. If you use your imagination, it kind of feels like you are sleeping in a treehouse every night.

A group of vintage birds.

From Purse to Paint: How a 1960s Enid Collins handbag inspired my cabinet makeover

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I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky vintage treasures — especially if they sparkle. And one of my absolute favorite retro obsessions? The whimsical, jewel-studded box purses of the late, great Texas designer Enid Collins.

If you’ve never fallen down the Enid Collins rabbit hole, be warned: it’s a delightful trip. Her iconic 1960s wooden handbags — playful, hand-painted, and bedazzled with rhinestones — are tiny, portable works of art. Each design has this charming, cheerful energy that just makes you smile.

A photo illustration of a girl and her horse.

Getting back on the horse

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Near the end of the school year at Brandon’s University Christian School, the art teacher gave his first-period students large canvases, leftover paint, and the freedom to go at them Jackson Pollack-style.

Danielle Parkman, 14, dipped her hands in color and splattered it against the white, tossing pink, blue and red across the rectangle. Then she threw it on her friends, who laughed and retaliated until, pretty soon, everyone was engaged in a colorful, carefree mess of creativity.

Notecards featuring multicolor birds.

Tweet-Worthy Stationery: These bird notecards make my heart sing

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Over the weekend, I wandered into Target for toothpaste and detergent — and, as usual, walked out with something delightfully unexpected: the cutest set of bird-themed notecards. (Target has a way of doing that to people, doesn’t it?)

These little gems are printed on recycled paper and come from a company called Green Inspired, which is all about combining eco-friendly design with modern style. Their products are sold exclusively at Target, so if you’re into charming stationery and saving the planet one card at a time, you might want to swing by the paper goods aisle. Or you can check them out online at green-inspired.com.

My handmade shirt featuring Kermit the Frog.

Kermit, collectibles, and a little Mississippi magic

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It’s not easy being green — but it’s very easy being a Kermit the Frog fan, especially this week as the new “Muppets” movie hits theaters. With that in mind, I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the world’s most lovable amphibian by showing off a few of my favorite Kermit finds — and sharing why this little green guy holds such a special place in my heart.

Like many of you, I grew up in the golden age of “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street” — the 1970s and ’80s, when television was a little quirkier, a little fuzzier, and a whole lot more musical. Kermit wasn’t just a puppet. He was a philosopher. A dreamer. The gentle soul trying to hold everything together while Gonzo launched himself from cannons and Miss Piggy karate-chopped her way through love and drama.

A feature story about a Muppet exhibit that was coming to Mississippi featuring Kermit on the cover.

Jim Henson’s Fantastic World comes to Mississippi

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It’s hard to imagine childhood without the Muppets, and since “Sesame Street” debuted in 1969, generations have grown up with Jim Henson’s unforgettable creations. Now, Jim Henson’s Fantastic World — a traveling Smithsonian exhibit — brings his incredible legacy to the Mississippi Museum of Art.

Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, Henson transformed his early love for puppetry into iconic shows like “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street,” captivating audiences worldwide. This exhibit offers a rare glimpse into his creative process with 100 original pieces, including puppets, sketches, storyboards, and videos.

Kermit the Frog

Exclusive Interview with Kermit the Frog: Mississippi roots, new projects, and life lessons from the legendary Muppet

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I recently had the unique opportunity to interview the legendary Kermit the Frog for “The Clarion-Ledger.” Known worldwide and deeply connected to Mississippi through his creator Jim Henson — born in Greenville — Kermit shared insights into his roots, career, and views on fame.

Kermit was delighted to learn his swamp home was identified as Deer Creek in Leland, Mississippi, describing his upbringing fondly despite his small size. He humbly compared himself to other Mississippi icons like Elvis and Oprah, crediting their “regular folks” charm to growing up in the state. When asked about current projects, Kermit highlighted holiday specials, a viral Queen cover, and a potential movie.

A statue of Charles Darwin.

Why Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ still sparks debate 150 years later — and why it’s worth reading today

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With the 150th anniversary of “The Origin of Species” and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth falling just a year apart, New York Times science writer Olivia Judson recently predicted a surge of “Darwinmania.”

And for good reason — few scientists have had as lasting and polarizing an impact as Darwin, whose theory of natural selection reshaped our understanding of life on Earth.

The black dog

The Black Dog and the Breeze: A simple moment that reminded me to embrace the present

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Today, as I drove home from the Japanese restaurant over the Reservoir, I noticed a black lab in the back of a black Chevrolet Silverado wearing an orange collar. As his owner drove, he ran back and forth on each side of the truck, stepping up and sticking his head out on each side to feel the cool breeze.

His movement was repetitive. Over and over again, he moved to the left, then to the right. I guess he thought the wind felt better hitting his face the first time, so instead of standing still, he ran from side to side, creating a pause, before sticking his neck out into the air again.

A poster for the movie "Sea Monsters."

Sea Monsters and Childhood Mysteries: National Geographic’s new film dives into prehistoric legends

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“National Geographic’s” new film “Sea Monsters” is making waves — just not in Mississippi. Funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film dives deep into the prehistoric oceans that once covered North America, exploring ancient creatures believed to have inspired legends like the Loch Ness Monster.

Roughly 80 million years ago, areas like Kansas were submerged beneath a vast inland sea, where giant marine reptiles roamed. The movie blends scientific discovery with legend, shedding light on the real-life creatures behind age-old myths. For anyone who grew up fascinated by dinosaurs or sea serpents, this one might stir up some serious nostalgia.

A turtle swims in the blue ocean.

Why ‘Deep Sea IMAX’ is a must-watch for ocean lovers and marine life fans

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“Deep Sea IMAX” is a breathtaking underwater documentary so vividly filmed and full of personality that it feels like a real-life prequel to “Finding Nemo.” With its dazzling visuals and captivating marine cast, the film brings the ocean’s wonders to life in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.

Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, the documentary is a perfect pick for anyone fascinated by marine biology or eager to discover strange and beautiful sea creatures. From vividly colored fish to otherworldly invertebrates, the film showcases the deep sea as a vibrant, living world few ever get to see.