Photo: monkeybusiness/Depositphotos

Getting older is something many of us fear, but life doesn’t end at retirement. Old age is a privilege, and finding joy in your later years is possible, especially when you start adjusting your mindset and building healthy habits now.

Eating healthy and physical exercise play a big role in supporting longevity, but emotional well-being matters just as much. Addressing loneliness and staying socially connected are key to not only living longer but truly enjoying those extra years.

California-based gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight studies aging from every angle—biological, social, and psychological—and believes there are four key elements to living a happier and healthier life in older age: growing, connecting, adapting, and giving. Her own mom, 96-year-old Betty Parker, sets a great example. She still finds joy in the little things, like baking pies, picking roses from her garden, and playing cards with friends.

John Batsis, a geriatrician and an associate professor at UNC’s School of Medicine and Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has teamed up with Burnight to share four key ways to improve your later years. You can start putting these into practice today to build a healthier, more connected, and more fulfilling future.

Start these 4 easy practices now to set yourself up for a happier future.

Find a hobby outside of work

Once you stop working, how do you imagine spending your days? Batsis says, “The retirement cliff, so to speak, is very difficult for individuals who have been working a lifetime.” His advice is to start exploring hobbies and activities you’d enjoy in retirement while you’re still working. That way, the transition feels more natural.

Whether you want to write a book, start gardening, or learn pottery, it’s never too late to start something new.

Challenge your mind

Crossword puzzles and sudoku are great for keeping your mind active, but to truly stay mentally sharp and get the most out of your later years, it’s important to challenge yourself with activities that really push you. “New experiences activate neuro plasticity…that is our brain’s ability to keep growing,” Burnight explains. “If you do the same things you’ve always done, you’re really not setting yourself up for continued growth.”

Batsis recommends to keep moving and to find a hobby that will keep you physically active. One of his patients took up golf after he retired, but he even started playing the guitar. Batsis says, “Individuals need to find something that is of interest to them, because the more interesting it is to them, the more they’re going to be willing to kind of engage in that type of activity.”

Stay social

Loneliness can be harmful to both physical and mental health, so both Batsis and Burnight urge people to stay socially active. Even small interactions, like talking with a neighbor or your local barista, can help you feel more connected to your community.

Every month, Parker meets up with a group she calls “the youngs” to play canasta—a game she taught them. They’re women in their 60s she got to know through her daughter-in-law, and even though they’re much younger, Parker says having friends of all ages means a lot to her. That’s especially true now, since she’s outlived her husband and many of her longtime friends.

“Like how we diversify our financial portfolio, socially we want to have friends of different ages, friends from your neighborhood, as well as friends from the past,” Burnight explains. “You need to be the one to call to make a plan or to remember a birthday, or to sit by somebody’s hospital bed or to drive them to their chemo.”

Adapt your thinking

Studies show that your mindset about aging can have a powerful influence on how you actually age. “People who believe that aging is a time of continued growth live 7.5 years longer than those who think, ‘Oh, I’m old. I’m going to retire and just go knit with the ladies,’” Burnight says. “The way that you adapt largely is recognizing that it isn’t wrong that you’re going to have tough stuff. It’s how you’re going to respond to that tough stuff.”

Getting physically weaker with age doesn’t mean you have to step back from life. Burnight encourages shifting your focus to helping others. Research shows that giving back can boost your sense of joy, purpose, and even help you live longer. “Purpose is small and daily and a decision,” Burnight says. “It’s saying, ‘Okay, today, how am I going to use the fact that I’m alive and that I have things to give?’”

Source: 96-year-old shares what she does to keep life vibrant. You can start doing it now

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READ: 4 Practices You Can Start Now for a Happier and More Connected Life When You’re Older

When you picture Freddie Mercury, what is he wearing? The Queen legend is perhaps most remembered in his iconic white-and-yellow military-style jacket, posing with his fist in the air on stage. In tribute to that unforgettable moment from Queen’s 1986 Magic tour, LEGO set designer Takesz recreated the scene as a buildable 3D poster. Measuring 65 centimeters (25.6 inches) tall and 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) wide, the finished piece is nearly as show-stopping as Mercury himself.

Built entirely from classic LEGO elements like bricks, tiles, and slopes, Takesz designed the model using exactly 1,986 pieces—a clever nod to the year of the legendary concert at Wembley Stadium. The figure of Mercury appears to burst from the background, thanks to a layered design that gives the model a dramatic effect. His legs, torso, and left arm are solidly anchored, while the rest, like his head, feet, and outstretched arm, are created using dynamic, flexible joints. Takesz even captured impressive details like the fabric folds in Mercury’s jacket and the signature stripes on his sneakers.

The set also includes a tiny LEGO minifigure of Mercury at his Steinway grand piano, performing Bohemian Rhapsody to 72,000 fans in 1986. As well as Mercury’s outfit, this image of the artist at his piano became a defining image of Queen’s legendary tour.

The incredible LEGO build allows Queen fans to celebrate their love of Mercury and this historic performance, brick by brick. “The model is fun to build (and yes, it also takes time), and with the tandem setting with the minifigure it can be placed around the room any way you like,” says Takesz. “It’s not only a set to amaze others, it is a set to remind us of the limitless bond of music through generations.” The LEGO designer adds, “The Wembley show turns 40 next year. Bohemian Rhapsody was released exactly 50 years ago. The timing is Magic.”

The Freddie Mercury LEGO build is currently featured on the LEGO Ideas website, where fans submit creations and vote for their favorites. With just over 2,000 votes so far, it still has a long road to reach the 10,000 needed for LEGO to officially consider it for production. If you’d love to it become a real LEGO set, head over to the LEGO Ideas site and cast your vote.

Check out the Freddie Mercury LEGO set below and find more of Takesz’s designs on the LEGO Ideas website.

In tribute to Queen’s 1986 Magic tour, LEGO set designer Takesz recreated Freddie Mercury's famous pose as a buildable 3D poster.

Takesz designed the model using exactly 1,986 pieces—a clever nod to the year of the legendary 1986 concert at Wembley Stadium.

It captures Mercury in his iconic white-and-yellow military-style jacket, posing with his fist in the air on stage.

The LEGO build is currently featured on the LEGO Ideas website, where fans submit creations and vote for their favorites.

The set also includes a tiny LEGO minifigure of Mercury at his Steinway grand piano.

LEGO Ideas: Website | Facebook

Source: Freddie Mercury

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READ: 1,986-Piece 3D LEGO Poster Celebrates Freddie Mercury at Wembley

During Glastonbury 2023, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi was forced to cut his set short due to difficulties managing symptoms of Tourette syndrome and anxiety on stage. He thought he’d never perform again, but after taking time away to focus on his mental health, Capaldi made a powerful return at Glastonbury 2025. Now, in a gesture of gratitude and support, he’s partnering with BetterHelp to donate 734,000 hours of free virtual therapy to anyone who needs it.

The 734,000 hours symbolize the 734 days Lewis Capaldi spent away from the spotlight to focus on his mental health. He’s offering 1,000 hours of free therapy for each day since he last performed. “Therapy is the reason why I am able to be a musician again,” the singer says in a video announcing his effort. “In partnership with BetterHelp and to reflect my experience of therapy and the importance I feel it has in my life and other people’s lives, we’re giving away 734,000 free hours of therapy.”

In the video interview with BetterHelp, Lewis Capaldi opens up about his experience with therapy and admits he’d neglected to look after himself in the past. Although he’s tried therapy before, it wasn’t until he found the right therapist that he really started to see an improvement in his mental health. In a reflection of how far he’s come, Capaldi shared that in the lead-up to this year’s Glastonbury he had “no anxiety or fear or impending doom.” He even did a series of “secret gigs” in Scotland to get comfortable with performing live again.

During his emotional return to the Glastonbury stage, Capaldi was met with an outpouring of love, as thousands of fans sang along to his iconic song, “Someone You Loved.”

“Therapy has been such a massive part of my last two years, and is a reason why I am able to be a musician again,” the artist admits. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop going to therapy… and giving access to online therapy to my fans who have supported me throughout my journey is so important to me. This is my way of giving back.”

Learn more about Capaldi’s partnership with BetterHelp and how you can access one month of free therapy to support your mental health.

Sources: Lewis Capaldi on Mental Health, Music and His Return to the Stage; Your Comeback Story Starts Now: Lewis Capaldi x BetterHelp

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READ: Lewis Capaldi Partners With Betterhelp To Donate 734,000 Hours of Free Therapy

Photo: Sébastien Leclerc via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)

Once a thriving cultural and political hub, the ancient city of Babylon was founded around 2,000 BCE in what is now modern-day Iraq. Today, its ruins—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—lie around 85 kilometers (52 miles) south of Baghdad, and remain a fascinating place of discovery. Over the years, archaeologists have uncovered everyday artifacts and city layouts that have helped us learn more about this ancient civilization. However, it’s the thousands of cuneiform tablets that have really helped shed light on the intricacies of Babylonian life. Now, scholars have successfully used AI to piece together ancient cuneiform fragments that belong to the same long-lost text.

Anmar A. Fadhil from the University of Baghdad and Dr. Enrique Jiménez Enrique Jiménez, professor of Ancient Near Eastern Literatures at LMU’s Institute of Assyriology, digitized all cuneiform text fragments that have been discovered worldwide. Their team used artificial intelligence to decipher etched fragments that belong together, leading to the discovery of a lost hymn. Jiménez explains, “Using our AI-supported platform, we managed to identify 30 other manuscripts that belong to the rediscovered hymn—a process that would formerly have taken decades.”

The preserved tablet fragments dating from the 7th to the 1st centuries BCE offer fascinating insight into Babylonian life and values. The hymn celebrates the natural beauty of Babylon, saying the city “flourishes in her charms,” like a lush fruit garden. It also highlights key elements of the city, including the river Euphrates; its star (the “Star of Marduk,” named for its patron god); its grand gate; the protective wall Imgur-Enlil; and its king, Alulu. Researchers believe the rediscovered hymn was so well known and loved that it was likely known by heart by school children.

The popular hymn even sheds light on the life and roles of Babylonian women. Experts were surprised to find mentions of priestesses and their duties—something not seen in any previously known texts. The hymn also provides insights into peaceful coexistence in urban society. For example, the inhabitants are described as being respectful to foreigners. The text even references the divine triad of Anu, Enlil, and Ea—three of Babylon's most powerful gods—alongside the elements of water, fire, and air, which the Babylonians believed were the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

Jiménez believes his team has so far recovered two-thirds of the original text and the missing third is waiting to be found. Find out more about this incredible discovery in the report published on Cambridge University Press.

Scholars have successfully used AI to piece together ancient cuneiform tablet fragments that belong to the same long-lost Babylonian text.

Photo: University of Baghdad via Cambridge University Press (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

The preserved tablet fragments dating from the 7th to the 1st centuries BCE offer fascinating insight into Babylonian life and values.

Photo: University of Baghdad via Cambridge University Press (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Sources: Hymn to Babylon discovered; Literary texts from the sippar library v: a hymn in praise of babylon and the babylonians

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READ: New Discovery of 3,000-Year-Old Babylonian Text Sheds Light on Women’s Roles in Ancient Society

Since their introduction in 1949, LEGO bricks have been used in countless imaginative ways, far beyond their original purpose. Mexican artist Gerardo Pontiérr is one person who takes these colorful plastic pieces and turns them into something extraordinary. He recreates famous paintings and portraits as 3D, pixel-like artworks made from thousands of LEGO pieces.

Pontiérr uses LEGO much like a 20th-century Pointillism artist used paint—only here, each tiny daub of color is a single, meticulously placed brick. Up close, the individual LEGO bricks appear as simple blocks of color, and the image may seem abstract. But as you step back, the full picture comes into focus, with each brick acting like a pixel in a digital image, blending with the others to form detailed, cohesive artwork.

Pontiérr’s 3D artworks are striking from every angle. Viewed from the side, the varying heights of the LEGO “pixels” resemble a densely packed cityscape, adding depth and dimension to the work. The artist even includes thoughtful details in each piece, like in his portrait of Vincent van Gogh, where miniature LEGO renditions of Starry Night and Sunflowers are subtly tucked into the 3D mosaic.

“After more than 30 years of playing, I’m still captivated time and again by how each piece can become anything,” Pontiérr tells My Modern Met. “Today, I understand LEGO as a three-dimensional visual language—a wordless idiom practiced around the world that speaks to both children and adults through its geometry, colors, and endless possibilities.” The artist adds, “It’s a material where precision, imagination, and freedom come together to create worlds at your fingertips.”

Check out the artist’s incredible LEGO art below and follow Gerardo Pontiérr on Instagram.

Mexican artist Gerardo Pontiérr recreates famous paintings and portraits from thousands of LEGO pieces.

He uses LEGO much like a 20th-century Pointillism artist used paint—only here, each tiny daub of color is a single, meticulously placed brick.

Each LEGO block acts like a pixel in a digital image, blending with the others to form detailed, cohesive artwork.

Viewed from the side, the varying heights of these LEGO “pixels” resemble a densely packed cityscape, adding depth and dimension to the piece.

Watch how the artist creates his amazingly detailed work.

 

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A post shared by Gerardo Pontiérr (@pontierr_artbrick)

 

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A post shared by Gerardo Pontiérr (@pontierr_artbrick)

Gerardo Pontiérr: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Gerardo Pontiérr.

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READ: Artist Recreates Iconic Artworks With LEGO Pieces That Mimic Digital Pixels

For the past 40 years, Dr. Michael Zollicoffer—affectionately known as Dr. Z by his patients—has dedicated his life to caring for residents in Baltimore’s most underserved neighborhoods. Whether or not they could afford to pay, he never turned anyone away, driven by a simple passion for helping others. Unfortunately, the 66-year-old family physician recently became a patient himself after being diagnosed with two types of cancer—renal and rectal.

In addition to his diagnoses, Zollicoffer found out he didn’t have insurance due to an issue with his Medicare paperwork. He had no way of paying for the radiation treatments he desperately needed, which were going to cost around $150,000. Thankfully, one of his high school friends, Michael Haynie, started a GoFundMe campaign, and his community stepped up to help.

In just a short time, more than 3,400 people donated to help Zollicoffer, raising over $280,000 to support him during his time of need. Many of the individuals who donated also reflected on their gratitude for Zollicoffer’s goodwill over the years. One person who donated $1,000 wrote, “I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for all the care, compassion, and dedication you have shown to my son. Your kindness and patience have made such a difference in our lives, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as his doctor.” Another person wrote, “Dr. Z you’ve inspired me to pay it forward. You’ve truly restored my faith in humanity.”

Zollicoffer received the treatment he needed and is predicted to fully recover. Plus, his insurance has been reinstated, and he now plans to use any leftover funds from the crowdfunding campaign to support the community.

“You know what, I’m going to say something that may seem crazy as heck,” Zollicoffer said. “I’m thankful that I got cancer, because I am the happiest man on the planet, no matter what the outcome. What we have shown, and why we’re sitting at this table right now, to show America: this is what you’re about! We are about giving! I can’t make it without them, nor can they make it without me.”

Find out more about Zollicoffer’s story in the video above and and you can still donate to his GoFundMe campaign here.

Sources: Support Dr. Mike Zollicoffer's Cancer Battle; For decades, a doctor refused to charge patients who couldn't pay. When he couldn't pay, his patients came to his aid

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READ: Family Doctor With Cancer Receives Support From Baltimore Residents He Spent Decades Helping

 

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While we know a lot about human history, there’s still so much waiting to be discovered. One of the most fascinating and mysterious finds is the Shell Grotto, uncovered in 1835 beneath a backyard in Margate, England. This 70-foot underground tunnel system, adorned with 4.6 million seashells, forms an intricate, 2,000-square-foot maze of mosaics and symbols. However, even today, the creators of the Shell Grotto remain a mystery.

The first mention of the Shell Grotto in Margate appears in the Kentish Gazette on May 22, 1838, when it was announced that it would soon be open to the public. According to the report, a man called James Newlove who had recently bought Belle Vue Cottage was making some changes when workers hit a large stone. After investigating, they were surprised to discover the extraordinary grotto underground. However, years later, Newlove’s daughter, Francis, recalled her brother Joshua finding the grotto “before anyone else knew about it,” possibly as early as 1835, through a chalk North Passage. In a letter, Francis recalled sneaking into the grotto with her brother, some friends, and “a candle in a lantern round somebody’s neck.”

Some believe the Shell Grotto was once a smugglers’ hideout, while others think it might have been a pagan temple. In Britain, decorative shell structures were popular in the 1700s, often built for aesthetic rather than practical purposes. The ornate, nature-inspired spaces were common in the gardens of wealthy estates, and were built to show off the owner’s wealth and creativity. Today, many of these structures still dot the UK, with the Shell Grotto in Margate being one of the most famous examples. The true purpose of the incredible space remains unknown, but carbon dating suggests the site could date back even further, as far as the 1500s.

From mussels, whelks, oysters, and limpets, nearly all of the 4.6 million shells are native to the British Isles. However, there are some areas where queen conches from the Caribbean are used, such as in the “Altar Room.” The intricate mosaic designs include floral patterns that could symbolize life, fertility, and growth. Plus, there are 19 stone hearts tucked away among the shells, perhaps symbolizing love or connection.

Today, the Shell Grotto is privately owned, and the owners have a theory that it was designed to track the sun, with the Dome acting as a kind of solar calendar. They shared their thoughts on Instagram, saying, “We don’t know if there’s any truth in that, but, some years ago, mirrors were strategically positioned around the grotto on the solstice, and when the sun came out it shone through the Dome at just the right angle to be reflected all the way down the Serpentine Passage, hitting the shrine in the Altar Room! Scientific? Perhaps not. But we felt, just for a moment, like we were in Indiana Jones!”

Regardless of the true origin, there’s no denying that the Shell Grotto is a captivating piece of human history. Today, it’s open to visitors, and the owners even host events like meditation sessions.

Find out more about this amazing discovery on the Shell Grotto website.

This fascinating Shell Grotto was accidentally discovered in 1835 beneath a backyard in Margate, England.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

The 70-foot underground tunnel system, adorned with 4.6 million seashells, forms an intricate, 2,000-square-foot maze of mosaics and symbols.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

Today, the creators of the Shell Grotto remain a mystery.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

Some believe the Shell Grotto was once a smugglers’ hideout, while others think it might have been a pagan temple.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

The owners have a theory that it was designed to track the sun, with the dome acting as a kind of solar calendar.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto)

Shell Grotto: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via Shell Grotto.

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READ: Discover the Mysterious 70-Foot Underground Grotto Covered in 4.6 Million Seashells

Only 14% of England’s rivers are in good health, with the rest heavily polluted by sewage and chemicals from industrial farming. The plants, animals, insects, and birds that once thrived in these vibrant ecosystems are now at serious risk. Now, London-based filmmakers Tom Wrigglesworth and Matt Robinson of Tom & Matt studio are creatively spotlighting the urgent need to protect the UK’s freshwater habitats in their new film, Flow.

Wrigglesworth and Robinson partnered with The National Trust to set up a unique animation installation in South Wales. The piece consists of several kinetic wooden sculptures, dotted throughout the river and carved with fish and bird cutout motifs. As the river flows, the current sets the sculptures in motion, creating continuous animated loops that symbolically breathe life back into a once-thriving river.

“The idea was to take the wildlife hidden below and bring it up to the surface by creating dynamic animated loops of different river based wildlife,” Wrigglesworth told My Modern Met. “Inspired by the negative space in the work of Kunio Kaneko, we cut shapes out of the wooden panels. The texture of the background became part of the image, the river illustrating itself.”

The filmmakers built 168 paddles attached to 21 spinning wheels. Each paddle showed one frame of a looping animation, all hand-cut from 2-millimeter-thick sheets of FSC-certified wood. The river’s natural flow powered the movement, controlling how fast the animation played.

“We chose a quiet stretch of the River Neath in South Wales, a visually beautiful home for the installation; but, unfortunately, one at increased risk of pollution, just like so many other freshwater habitats across the UK,” Wrigglesworth tells us. “Using the natural shape of the river we installed our sculptures. It became our timeline, as we moved down the river, we introduced each animated sequence, the narrative being written by its natural flow, dictating the final compositions of the film.”

Wrigglesworth and Robinson teamed up with a local crew and spent a week camping on-site to install the wheels. They then dedicated another week to filming each part of the installation, patiently working with the natural flow and light to capture the animated sculptures. “Despite careful planning, we had to accept we were at the complete mercy of the ever-changing river and weather for the shoot,” they admit. “On paper, it was simple, in practice, it was anything but—a reminder that we can't control nature, only work with it.”

As well as making their own independent films, Wrigglesworth and Robinson create work for advertising agencies and brands. Flow allowed the creative duo to do something different, away from screens. “At a time when branded content is crowded with heavy VFX,” they tell us, “we wanted to step away from the noise and make something real, in camera, built by hand, rooted in nature and raising awareness to something that's important and affects us all.”

Check out Flow below and find more of Wrigglesworth and Robinson’s projects on the Tom & Matt website.

London-based filmmakers Tom Wrigglesworth & Matt Robinson of Tom & Matt studio spotlight the urgent need to protect the UK’s freshwater habitats in their new short film, Flow.

As the river flows, the current sets the sculptures in motion, creating continuous animated loops that symbolically breathe life back into a once-thriving river.

The filmmakers built 168 paddles attached to 21 spinning wheels. Each paddle showed one frame of a looping animation.

Watch the animations come to life in the full short film below.

Tom Wrigglesworth & Matt Robinson: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Tom Wrigglesworth & Matt Robinson.

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Nature has always been a go-to source of inspiration for artists, both past and present. Trees, clouds, mountains, and oceans have been interpreted in countless ways, each reflecting the unique vision of the artist. UK-based artist and illustrator Harry Frost adds his own voice to this tradition with a series of ink drawings that celebrate his love for the natural world.

Taking inspiration from the landscapes around him, Frost uses a fountain pen and blue ink to render thoughtful snapshots of nature in his sketchbooks. “I sometimes refer to myself as a ‘visual magpie’ who loves both the grandeur of clouds passing over the landscape as much as the smaller, intricate details that may be missed along the way,” Frost tells My Modern Met. “As a keen observer of the natural world, I translate these fleeting moments through my artistic practice, fountain pen drawings, and sketchbook pages.”

Drawing with a flowing fountain pen allows Frost to mindfully connect with his subject matter as he puts pen to paper. He explains, “When creating a new drawing, the smooth flow of ink from the nib of my pen onto the paper is at times a meditative process that allows me to slow down and to spend time to fully engage with both the tactile nature of drawing along with the stories I wish to tell with each particular drawing.”

This meditative sense of serenity is felt by more than the artist himself. It radiates from the art itself, washing over viewers like a wave of tranquility. One online admirer says of Frost’s work: “The simplicity in your drawings feels like poetry.” This visual “poetry” is evident in his countless markings that make up the textured bark, gnarled branches, and bountiful leaves of various trees—a subject that Frost revisits time and time again.

Using the hatching technique, Frost captures an impressive level of detail, relying solely on lines to build texture and tonal depth. Sketchbooks play an integral role in his creative practice, giving him the space to try out different ideas. “Using a sketchbook allows me to have the freedom to both create and experiment with my line quality, mark making, and compositions,” he says. “With the turning of each fresh page, there is the possibility to create and engage with the world through drawing.”

Check out some of the artist’s brilliant nature drawings below and for even more, follow Harry Frost on Instagram. If you’re a fan of his work, you can also grab prints, bookmarks, and tattoo “blessings” of his original fountain pen drawings from his online store.

UK-based artist and illustrator Harry Frost creates blue ink drawings that celebrate his love of nature.

Using the hatching technique, he captures an impressive level of detail, relying solely on lines to build texture and tonal depth.

Drawing with a flowing fountain pen allows Frost to mindfully connect with his subject matter as he puts pen to paper.

He has a particular affinity for trees, capturing their textured bark, gnarled branches, and bountiful leaves in his signature style.

In addition to trees, sheep and other fauna tend to make appearances in Frost’s pen drawings.

Regardless of the subject, there is a shared sense of serenity in his art.

Each thoughtful snapshot of nature captures a serene moment in time.

Harry Frost: Website | Instagram | Cara

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Harry Frost.

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READ: Serenity in Nature Captured Through Hatched Fountain Pen Drawings in Blue Ink

Archaeologists in Poland have announced the discovery of a rare 6,000-year-old limestone figurine, found by a farmer near the city of Kołobrzeg. Dating back to the Neolithic era, the artifact—named the Venus of Kołobrzeg—is believed to have been created by early agricultural settlers along the Baltic coast.

The figurine was discovered in December 2022 by a farmer in a village near the Parsęta River, close to Kołobrzeg. Archaeologists and researchers from the Relicta Foundation took time to verify its authenticity and confirm the exact location of the find. After careful analysis, they were able to determine its likely origin and purpose.

Standing just 5 inches tall (12 centimeters), the beige, hand-carved limestone figurine has a featureless face and two small legs. Its hips and breasts are exaggerated, leading archaeologists to believe it likely represents a female fertility goddess. It also shows signs of smoothing, suggesting it may have been handled frequently, or even rubbed like a good luck charm. Historians believe the ancient figure might have even been used in rituals or ceremonies for promoting fertility, survival, and prosperity.

Simple human-like figurines like this one have been found at many Neolithic sites dating back to the 6th and 5th millennia BCE, especially in regions south and southeast of the Carpathian Mountains. Similar pieces have also been discovered in places like Anatolia and southern Europe. But the Venus of Kołobrzeg is the first of its kind discovered in Poland. Most Neolithic Venus figurines were made of clay, while stone versions—carved from sandstone, marble, or limestone—are much less common.

The Venus of Kołobrzeg is now housed in the permanent collection of the Polish Arms Museum (Muzeum Oręża Polskiego) in Kołobrzeg, where it stands out as one of the oldest and most distinctive artifacts in the museum’s archive. “I can safely say that this is the find of the century,” Aleksander Ostasz, the museum’s director said. “What was discovered…is truly something phenomenal, extraordinary. It absolutely pushes the boundaries of our history of Kolobrzeg.”

Check out photos of the fascinating Venus of Kołobrzeg figurine below.

Archaeologists in Poland have announced the discovery of a rare 6,000-year-old limestone figurine, found by a farmer near the city of Kołobrzeg.

Dating back to the Neolithic era, the artifact—named the Venus of Kołobrzeg—is believed to have been created by early agricultural settlers along the Baltic coast.

Historians believe the ancient figure might have even been used in rituals or ceremonies for celebrating fertility and promoting survival and prosperity.

Muzeum Oręża Polskiego w Kołobrzegu: Website | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Polish Arms Museum / Muzeum Oręża Polskiego w Kołobrzegu.

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READ: Polish Farmer Discovers 6,000-Year-Old Neolithic Fertility Figurine