An interesting week in nostalgia land.

STS 132 – Space Shuttle Atlantis is on its final mission right now.  It is at the International Space Station today.  The astronauts are doing space walks and installing new equipment.  When it lands on May 26, it will be retired and earthbound.  Discovery and Endeavor each have one last mission in the fall and then the space shuttle program is complete.  Wow.  I don’t know what to think about that.  For me there have always been space shuttle coming and going.  I remember counting down as they lifted off and holding my breath as they touched down, I remember the Teacher in Space program, both the excitement and tragedy.  I didn’t pay attention much once I was in highschool and college and afterwards, but I knew they were still out there doing their thing.   I know there will be future missions and new rockets, but I don’t think I will ever love them as much as that charming white space shuttle.  Safe Landings Atlantis!

My second bit of nostalgia – May 16, 1990 Jim Henson passed away.  I vividly remember seeing this Life magazine cover and having to walk away or embarrass my 16 year old self by crying in the grocery store.  How could that possibly have been 20 years ago?  I just saw a tribute on the Wired blog and spent the last hour watching YouTube clips of Jim’s memorial service and blowing my nose. ( I was ok until Frank Oz choked up and then I lost it.  Don’t watch Big Bird singing unless you have kleenex, seriously.)  I never even have to think about that question “What famous person would you like to have lunch with?”, my answer is always Jim Henson and I don’t care who else is at the table.  He embodies everything I aspire to be as an artist and a person – creative, generous, clever and kind.  I am not a rabid fan, I haven’t seen everything that Jim ever created or every episode of the Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock because I don’t need to.  I know it’s out there and someday I will encounter it and it will be new and amazing.  I want to savor that feeling as long as I can.