Hello Again! I was thinking recently, of all things, about communication methods in the GFFA and how they compare to our galactic modes of contacting each other. Communication is communication, whether it be a holographic message, Iming or emailing via the internet, that contraption we call the telephone, or - my favorite - old-fashioned putting pen to paper. Now that we have the R2D2 mailboxes scattered about the nation (at least for a little while longer), how cool would it be to write a letter to my favorite Star Wars character! R2 could "deliver" if for me. If I could write such a note, this is what I'd say . . .

Dear Luke,

You don't know me, but I certainly know you. I've even met your alter ego Mark Hamill (although I am sure he does not remember meeting me. It was way back in 1999 when he was visiting Milwaukee to help promote "Walking Across Egypt". At least I can say I have the picture to prove it! What a thrill!).

I know you're a fictional character, but, even so, you are someone I strive to emulate as I travel life's highway. I've grown up with you, Luke, and, as odd as that may seem to most people, that's the truth. I suppose it is because I identify with you. When I first met you, I was 20, the same age as you. I was experiencing pretty much the same things you were. There was so much I wanted to do, too! Eager was I to set out and conquer the world, but held in check by parents whose love wanted to protect me from the harsh realities of life. While I didn't have the cruel hand of fate step in to thrust me on my way as you did (I took matters into my own hands), we simultaneously set off on our journeys. It wouldn't be an easy road, wrought with challenges, roadblocks and some hard-fought lessons, but, as my wonderful dad used to say to me, "Anything worth having or doing is worth working for. Only you can decide." My dad was a wise man, much like your mentor, Obi-wan Kenobi. As you and I stepped off into a brand new world, it was as if we were venturing off together. In many respects, we have lived parallel lives.

Both of us found ourselves in a new educational environment - you on Dagobah, me attending a new university. A whole new world was opening up to each of us - a world from which we would learn a great deal about ourselves, a world that would test our mettle, our beliefs, our outlooks, our trust in ourselves. We were starting to find out just who we really were as individuals, and where we fit in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Each of set off to blaze a new trail. It was fun, exhilarating - and a bit scary - all at the same time.

We both have had to face some demons along our journeys, as well as some hard, cold facts about ourselves. Could I - would I - be the person I truly wanted to be? The defining moment - for me, at least - came when you threw aside your lightsaber, stood tall and stated with such conviction, "I'll never turn to the dark side. You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi like my father before me." You knew who you were - and still are. You were not afraid (at least you didn't show it) to die. You could not see yourself being something, someone you weren't. Some might call you foolhardy, but what kind of life would it be if one sells out in the end? You have to stand for something. Sometimes one has to dig deep to find the courage to do what one knows is right no matter what adversity one faces.

Yes, I know you are a fictional character, Luke, but sometimes we can find inspiration in fictional characters. I know the difference between fiction and reality. I live in the real world every day, and I have my feet firmly planted there. It's fun, though, to delve into the fictional realm, and, when I do, there is nowhere I'd rather be than in the GFFA we call Star Wars. Thanks, Luke. Thanks for showing me that one can open oneself to new and exciting experiences. Thanks for demonstrating the meaning of the words friendship and loyalty. Thanks for proving that one can have many different facets to one's personality, but that each person can decide for her/himself just what kind of person s/he wants to be, for what s/he wants to stand. It's been a great journey (and it isn't over yet - for either of us!). I could make this letter a lot longer, Luke, but I'll stop there for now. I'll drop you a line every once in a while. You're fun to "talk" to.

MTFBWY
JMW


Yes, my friends, that's a letter I would write to Luke if I could write to him. And what would I write to you, my friends in our GFFA blogosphere? Well, I have something in mind, and it's in the works. For now, though, I'll write to encourage you to enter this week's Countdown To CIV Raffle. The drawing is open to all of you. Click on the "contact blogger" box. Type "Add My Name To The Hat", and make sure you include your blog name and email address. The drawing will take place on Thursday morning, after which time I will contact the winners (only). Remember, the prizes, though a mystery, are Star Wars-related.

MTFBWY
JMW

p.s. In case you're interested, last week's winners were Michelle1968 and Dark Lord of the Smith. Congratulations!

p.p.s. My website is almost done. Yea! It really isn't much, but at least it will be a jumping off point for the raffles.