I sit here in the semi darkness nestled in the curve of one of our funky living room chairs as I put graphite to paper this New Year's Eve 2008. I like the darkness. It is quiet. It is tranquil. It is peaceful. So unlike the turmoil Anakin experienced. Sadly. But that is a blog for another day.

Before me, oh, about 3 feet away, is our Christmas tree, its multi-colored lights twinkling and adding a warm glow to the room. Just gazing at it makes me smile. Bringing an even wider smile to my face is the 18-inch, beautifully sculpted statue of my favorite character - none other than that fabulous farmboy from Tatooine, Luke Skywalker - on display just one foot from where I sit. The detail is exquisite, depicting one of fans' (including me ) favorite scenes from the saga - Luke's foot resting on a rocky outcropping, his restless eyes searching for his heart's content off in the distance before he resigns himself to the tasks that keep him tethered to his aunt's and uncle's moisture farm.

This piece of artwork had been on display at our local Star Wars shop (yes, we actually have one here in my neck of the woods. Unfortunately, it will close soon. On the upside, the proprietor will be hanging on to his merchandise - which is incredibly extensive - and all I have to do is call him when I need something. ). Okay, I'll be blunt here. I have coveted the statue for a looooong time. As much as I may have desired to take the statue off shopkeeper Mike's hands, it always has been out of my reach. But that never stopped me from dreaming (just like Luke ). "Some day . . ." I'd silently muse . . .

Fast forward to fall 2008. When I got word that Mike was going to close up shop, I thought I'd contact some of my good friends here who I knew to be serious collectors. Mike has just about everything Star Wars you can imagine (I can hear you echo Han's claim, "I don't know. I can imagine quite a bit." Believe me, there is little he doesn't have! ), so why not put some of my favorite people together? I asked Mike to take some pictures of at least some of his inventory, and I sent them to my friends. One of the batches of photos I sent off included a shot of the statue. I made (what I meant to be an aside) a remark, ". . . which includes the statue of Luke that I long have coveted." (or something to that effect)

Little did I know the series of events that remark would set in motion.

Just before Thanksgiving, I received a mysterious missive from hansgirl3 directing me to go to Mike's store, that a surprise was waiting for me there. Never one to turn down a chance to visit my favorite shop (I swear it's like being in a candy store! ), I was ready to oblige. The only thing was that, because of my schedule at the time, and aware of the shop hours in the coming days, I knew it would be almost one week before I could get to the shop!

Quite honestly, I didn't have a clue as to what awaited me. Hansgirl3 had mentioned the surprise was a "thank you" from her and many of our friends for what I have done for them since becoming part of this wonderful community.** With each day that passed (as I waited for my schedule to free up), my anticipation heightened. Finally, the day arrived, and I made it to the Star Wars store (not its real name, by the way. It's just what my family calls it.). Mike had me close my eyes while he brought out my surprise. When he exclaimed, "Okay, open your eyes!", all I can say is that I was totally floored, at a total loss for words (and those who know me know that is no small feat! ). I was moved to such depth that I could feel my eyes filling with tears. They are doing that again as I write this. I know I am the luckiest person on this planet in our galaxy, and I want them - and everyone reading this - to know the world is a brighter place because of them.

(((((Spew Crew))))) (((((GHG)))))

My heart brims with love for you all!

**I really am a pretty private person and I don't like to call attention to myself. However, I think it only fitting that I close this year by paying homage to a special group of individuals who mean more to me than they're ever likely to know. Thank you sooooo much.

I gaze again at the twinkling lights on the tree, and I see each of you there - a light shining forever in my heart. Now that's really something to smile about.

May your 2009 and beyond be filled with promise and wondrous surprises.

Happy New Year To All!!!

MTFBWY,
JMW