Cucklebur & Co.

Suddenly, I’m talking to directors, filming, and making friends with actresses? Someone pinch me—I must be dreaming!

Just a week ago, I headed home to Wilmington and had the chance to meet the one and only Sydney Penny. Do y’all recognize her? If not, you should.

Sydney starred alongside Clint Eastwood in Pale Rider and has had incredible roles in The Thorn Birds90210All My ChildrenPretty Little Liars, and so many other films and shows.

How did this even happen?

Well, Sydney found me on X and wanted to meet. Why? Because she and her partner, Jonesie, run Cucklebur & Co., a local production company devoted to showcasing Southern art.

So, off I went to Wilmington to sit down with an actress I’d admired since I was a kid.

And let me tell you—it was amazing! Sydney and Jonesie were so down to earth. The whole experience felt like catching up with old friends over a cup of coffee.

They were genuinely curious about Where the Dogwood Blooms, my deep love for North Carolina, and my upbringing. In return, they shared their own stories. Sydney spoke about her father, Western swing legend Hank Penny, recalling his quirky snacking habits and what it was like growing up with a famous dad. Jonesie, meanwhile, had us laughing with tales from his military days and growing up in Newnan, Georgia.

They also told me about Cucklebur & Co., which has its hands in everything—books, movies, TV shows, shorts, even musicals.

Before the meeting wrapped up, Sydney and Jonesie mentioned they might be interested in collaborating on a future project. We’ve got loose plans to meet again in the next few months.

What comes next? I don’t know—but I’m excited to find out!

Hey there! I’m Cassie Clark, a Carolina girl who grew up in two towns on opposite sides of North Carolina. My family has lived here for 8 generations, so my love for my home state is something I got honest. I’m passionate about sharing all the things that make North Carolina living so sweet – the history, the great outdoors, the culture, and the laidback lifestyle. That’s what Where the Dogwood Blooms is all about. It’s my love song to life in the Old North State; an ode to sunshine & hurricanes.

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5 Comments

  1. Carl Judkins wrote:

    Like Alice in Wonderland lately Huh? 😁

    Posted 10.16.24 Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      That’s certainly how it’s felt! lol

      Posted 7.2.25 Reply
  2. Meade wrote:

    What made her move to Wilmington?

    Posted 10.16.24 Reply
    • Cassie wrote:

      It’s easy to fall in love with Wilmington 😉

      Posted 7.2.25 Reply
  3. Tom wrote:

    That thought brings back some precious memories! Stuck in my shoelaces, pants legs, socks, gloves & sleeves! Had a navy buddy from New Hampshire who called them cockerbuttons.

    Posted 7.12.25 Reply