For about a year now, my gal-pals and I had been planning our trip to C4. We were so excited we could hardly stand it. I think back to all the times each of us muttered the words, "I can't wait", and I swear it must have been in the thousands. It was a count-down; monthly, weekly, daily.

At the last minute I had some things come up and it wasn't looking like I'd be able to go. I was crushed. Would I miss being in the midst of our great Saga's 30th Year Celebration? Would I not get to meet my dear friends who I now regarded as family? As it turned out I was going to be able to attend one day at least, so the smile on my face was in full effect again.

Before I begin telling you about my big day, I must mention the Blogger's Meet & Greet. Since I had helped out with the planning of this party, you can imagine how bummed I was that I was going to miss such an event, but thanks to Deej making it an interactive live broadcast, it was like I WAS there. Seeing everyone I love having a great time and even being able to mingle with them via my computer was awesome. I can't say it enough, a BIG thank you to Deej for that. Talk about bringing people together...

Awesome Deej. Thank you.

Okay so here it is Saturday morning and my two boys and I hopped in the car and made our way up the coast to LA which is about 1.5 hours away. When we arrived we purchased passes for the boys and began to look around for the end of the line. Just then my phone rings and its Angel Baby asking where I am and I squee that I'm looking for the line! See how strong the Force is with her and me? As we're talking I hear the sweetest voice say "Michelle!" and I turn around to find MO2YP and EwanandHaydenFan right there! Hugs and kisses were a must as we giggled in delight! Those two were on their way somewhere so they pointed out the way to the gang.

As the gang came into sight my heart skipped a beat. Here they were in the flesh! LOL Angel, Deej, Hansgirl, Lily, PadmeSkywalker77, and Jazzie. *Sigh* I'd made it. This was really happening. These are my best friends folks, who I was now meeting for the first time. How weird does that sound! But wait! Someone was missing from this flock of seagulls, the Queen herself, my beloved Mina was not there! Well, in no time Hansgirl had her on the phone with me and we squeeed till I just about peed. I didn't ask but I imagined the Queen was getting a massage by a handsome masseuse before heading down to join the crew. I wonder why I thought that. Maybe because she's always getting those, the lucky ars girl. Ha ha!

Moving along....

When I entered the Con I felt chills and those chills stayed with me the entire day. I had never seen so much Star Wars in my life. Stoogie and Granny were right, the SW Exhibit we attended in March, though super cool, was nothing compared to this!

When the gang veered off to go stand in line for Carrie Fisher's autograph, I made my way over to the artist's area where I found the one and only Steve Andersen and received, as promised, his autograph on my Collector Coin Album! If you guys haven't seen his beautiful work on that, I suggest you get one! Amazing! Steve was equally amazing as a person. Very cool. I could have stayed and chatted with him all day.

There was one more artist I just HAD to meet. Joe Corroney. I've been a HUGE fan of his work and had reserved a copy of his C4 print a month before. When I did finally meet Mr. Corroney, I was sort of star struck. I don't recall what I said. I do remember him being such the gentlemen though and very down to earth. What a nice guy.


After that the boys and I began walking around, seeing the sights, and were thrilled to see Seth Green walking right next to us! My boys think he's the bomb so they ran up to him asking for a picture and without hesitation Seth said, "Sure little dudes!"


We began looking around, feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, when Deej popped his face up over the crowd! He had decided the place was too big for us to go without a guided tour... you know how he loves to give tours. LOL Nobby had offered to get his CF autograph so he could go find us. The guys in our blogger family are so very cool. Love them to death! Mwah!

Next we headed to the Jedi Training where Junior had a blast training and fighting Vader!

Gathering the whole gang together again we decided it was time for lunch and had a blast meeting more of my favorite people, Nobby, Melinda, Amidalooine, JP77, Green & White Jedi, Granny & Grampy-wan, Rainbow Droideka, Gencrs and Pidluk.

Took some great pics at lunch and I was so touched that Green & White Jedi had gifts for my boys and I he had brought from his trip to Japan. That guy is top notch and what an adorably handsome young man. In fact, a little Haydenish girls.


We enjoyed the day some more, signing the giant SW birthday card and seeing the sights. When it was finally time to get in line for JP77's performance, it felt great to kick back and rest with the gang. We were being so silly and having so much fun anticipating the show. JP77 was incredible and many people there in the audience were surely shocked not to see her take home the prize that day. She was amazing. Love that baby girl of ours!
To end a perfectly wonderful day, we watched the fanfilms, and I for one REALLY enjoyed those! My legs were so weak and it felt so great to just relax and enjoy.

The day was absolutely perfect and apart from wanting more time with my special friends, I must say that I'll cherish that day, May 26, 2007, for the rest of my life.

Lots a love,
Shelly Bean