What kind of magic brings together a banjo-playing frog, a pig that defined the term, “Media Darling” when Paris Hilton was still just a hotel in France, and a whole world of other manic, unusual characters? The picture above is a clue, but I’m talking about the Muppets of course.

I have a confession to make. I never quite “got” the Muppets. There was so much going on, and so many characters, it was just too much for me to take in. Now I’m older I have a much greater appreciation for what Jim Henson created, and this article by Stacy Conradt reveals the most intriguing stories behind some of his most beloved characters.

What excites me the most from this series of tales is the seemingly random way all of Henson’s previous work came together. Muppet aficionado’s might prove me wrong, but my impression is there was never an initial plan to create a show where a Scandinavian culinary expert shares screen time with a cannon-crazed blue alien or a dog that plays the piano – through trial and experimentation, previous creations were melded into a rich, diverse world that audiences around the world loved.

This is exactly what I am aiming to do myself, and it’s encouraging to think that somewhere in all of the shows I’ve pitched, doodles I’ve drawn, and characters I’ve written about, there might be a hidden formula lurking around that draws on the very best ideas I have merged into one.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go back to enjoying my Muppet renaissance.