Ok, so I have given in - I have written an entry about CIV!

I wasn't sure if I would, since I knew the blogs would be filled with similar entries, and I thought that mine would just be "one of those CIV blogs," but I've had so much fun reading everyone else's, and re-living the experience through everyone else's "eyes," that I just had to jump in and do the same!

The friendships: So, my experience began Thursday morning as I met Anakinside1 and PadmeSkywalker77 at the airport - we were lucky enough to fly out together, and were even more fortunate to find that we had others on the plane who were also traveling to CIV...one of which we ended up playing a game of Star Wars Trivia to pass the flight time!

Next we met up with many other gals (some of our Crew) at LAX - ViagoAngel2, Jedilily, JediMasterMina, Hansgirl3, and EwanandHaydenFan5. Let the squeeing begin!

Then it was off to our cool hotel - The Westin Bonaventure! I was so excited to find out that it was used in the making of "True Lies" - another one of my favorite flicks!

Later, we met up with JediMelindaWolf and her lovely daughter, as well as amidalooine, and JediPrincess77. Everyone was so sweet!! We have all had a lot of contact with each other online, and many of us have had the chance to meet in person, but the sheer joy I felt in having us all together is so much more than I can possibly put into words!! I love my girls so much!!

To make what could be a REALLY long story short, I'll just recap a few things that totally stick out in my mind:

The Meet-and-Greet: SO many of us have already said how wonderful it was to meet everyone and share some camaraderie. It gave me such a natural high that my hubby - who watched the web-cam broadcast - thought I was totally drunk (which I wasn't - I did not have one drop to drink other than water)!! THANKS AGAIN to DJ Maul, Michelle68 and GrannyWan for pulling it together, and to Nob01 for making the blogalot designs!

We also had another informal meet-and-greet on Saturday, when many of us had lunch together and snapped oodles of pictures: Anakinside1, PadmeSkywalker77, ViagoAngel2, Jedilily, JediMasterMina, Hansgirl3, Michelle68, EwanandHaydenFan5, amidalooine, JediMelindaWolf, JediPrincess77, greenandwhitejedi, Granny Wan, DJMaul, Rainbow Droideka, gencrs, and Nob01...I hope I didn't forget anyone!

The lines: Although long and at times arduous, while ami, AS1, EHF5 and I were in line waiting for Carrie Fisher's autograph, we met a very wise stormtrooper that said "It's not about what happens up there...it's about what happens here." Wow. That was such an epiphany! AS1 has promised to write a more detailed entry about this statement, so I won't steal her thunder. Just suffice it to say that he was right...my "line buddies" were so much fun!

The Talent Contest: JediPrincess77 was so amazing! Her singing honestly gave me the chills, and left me with such a feel-good emotion I'll never forget! She was bubbly, passionate, flamboyant and classy all at the same time...although she didn't win the contest, she'll always have first place in my heart!

The Vader Project: I wasn't sure what to expect walking in, but I was utterly awed by the depth and breadth of artistic talent that was on display in that room.

The costumes: I was so proud of JP77 and PS77, as well as Granny Wan and Grampy Wan - they poured their hearts and souls into their costumes!! I was just so incredibly impressed by all of the costuming talent I saw! I really loved Clone Wars Anakin.....!!!

The belly dancing: Athough to some, it may seem like just a seductive dance, I have so much respect for Amira and what she does. That type of dance is an art form and a discipline of the body. I got up on stage and tried to imitate the motions, but felt more like a bear with boxing gloves on! Amira herself was very gracious and down-to-earth. I had the opportunity to speak with her at some length during the meet-and-greet. She even has a degree in Physics!

The Signing Wall: How cool was it to be able to leave our mark on what was possibly the biggest birthday card ever?? Thank you again, Mr. Lucas.

The celebrities: Everyone was so gracious to their fans - signing autograph after autograph, and taking picture after picture. I really got the feeling that they really care about their fan base, and in many cases, they are fans just like we are! I was humbled when Amy Allen initiated a conversation with me (in the restroom of all places) after having met her at her autograph table the day before.

The kids: Although I didn't bring my two Padawans along, it brought tears to my eyes to see all of the Younglings who genuinely love Star Wars! Here it is, 30 years later, and the saga is still as strong as ever - perhaps even stronger!! THIS is what Star Wars is about - it is a legacy, not just a story. It is a way of life, not just a saga of movies. It is an heirloom that we are passing on to the next generation with pride.

I could go on forever, but I won't subject you to any more of my rambling!! Will I be attending Celebration V? I sure hope so - and I hope it's in Cleveland this time!!

MTFBWY....always!!!!!

MO2YP