I bet you're wondering how a famous piece of art relates to Star Wars? Stick with me...I'll explain.

Today at work, I walked down the hallway to the elevators to get the mail. I passed by the main doors to the reception area...and I saw our receptionist look at me, smile and shake her head. Naturally, I had to ask what that was for.

So I poked my head in the door and asked her.

"Every day," she said. "You whistle down this hallway. And I hear you. I don't even have to look to see who it is, I just say, 'Yep! That's Shada!'"

I had to admit, it made me laugh. I don't typically whistle if I know people can hear me because I know that many find it annoying. But our receptionist actually said she liked hearing it. She even mentioned it to her sister who said, "Well, that's good that you've got a whistler at work! It means she's thinking happy thoughts!"

"And it's true," the receptionist told me. "You always have a smile on your face no matter what."

And it made me feel good. It made me feel proud. And it made me feel...like I'm doing a good job. So I whistled on the elevator when I went to get the mail.

And this afternoon, this whistler is taking her mother (hence the title) to go see one of her mother's favorite people--Darth Vader. I believe I've spoken of my mother's love for the Sith Lord once before. But this is the last weekend for the big Star Wars exhibit, "Where Science Meets Imagination." And even though I've gone twice already, I have to go back again.

A big thank you to all of you who voted in my online poll (and the two of you who called me a "looney," I will hunt you down and make you wear Yoda ears!). Unfortunately, I was not able to get my Jedi costume ready in time for this afternoon's visit to the exhibit. I am contemplating a second trip during this final weekend, however. I would love to see the look on the kids' faces. That is the true joy of putting on a Jedi robe and walking around. The kids love it and they are so amazed.

I will never forget when two kchildren standing in line at Celebration III pointed at me--walking in the light, misty, Indiana rain with thehood up on my robe--and whispered in awe to their mother, "Look Mom! A real Jedi!"

A real Jedi...

A real whistling Jedi...

With a mother...

Who loves Darth Vader...

I hope this doesn't mean I'll french kiss my long-lost brother or anything.