One of my most treasured objects is a Grover puppet that I have had for over 40 years! I take it with me on almost every trip. I entertain children (and adults) in airports, on planes, in parks or wherever people may need to be engaged or entertained. There are many stories about me and Grover!

Here's a picture of Grover on a trip in France with my buddy Carl, and a sweet little gal named Orian. She is the daughter of a couple that owned a small campground that we stopped at along the river Seine. Grover spoke French to her and made her laugh!

And here's a story I had almost forgotten, tucked away in the shadows of my memory. Circa 1975. I was living in NYC and working as an actor/dancer. I was about to head out with another tour in just a few days. I saw a notice in one of the trade magazines that Jim Henson was auditioning for puppeteers. I had just three days until I left on the tour. I called and was told there were no more time slots. I begged the woman on the phone and said I HAD to meet with Henson. She did find a slot for me and I met both Jim Henson and Frank Oz (the real-life voice of Grover) They ran me through some character voices and then, I couldn't resist telling them that I did Grover. They wanted to see, so I pulled him out of my bag and Frank Oz and I talked Grover to each other for a few minutes... A few of the most memorable minutes of my life! I didn't get the job, but I do have the story.

We all keep and hold dear, certain things that are significant to us. Close your eyes. Think about something you have that is important to you in some way. Maybe it's a photo. Maybe it's a book someone gave you. Maybe it's a piece of jewelry or a small trinket. Perhaps you have some sort of talisman that keeps you grounded or inspires you. Do you have a special object that reminds you of someone or something in your life?

There's a story behind that! Let's hear about it. Where do you keep that object? What does it look like? How did you come by it? When did you get it?  What power(s) does it hold for you? All of these can make a story, a great story about you and your life!