I can see it clearly now.

The thousands of fans, Star Wars in 30 minutes, the costumes, Billy D. Williams, the merchandise, stormtroopers, and of course, the lines. How could anyone who attended Celebration III nearly a year ago from today forget the Star Wars magic that they lived? Literally for four days, everyone who attended was ensconced in the flannelled one's magical galaxy. Heck, we even got to see him!

It has been a year now and after rummaging through a tub found my loot from CIII and was transported down a welcomed memory lane. I looked at the wad of pictures, decided to hang my lanyard up once again on my bulletin board, and marveled at my Vanity Fair (the issue with the entire, old and new, Star Wars cast on its cover) with the signatures of Billy D, Kenny B, the General himself, Matt Wood, and the shaggy Mr. Mayhew. And of course, the original man in the suit, David Prowse. Ah yes...

Then to my surprise, I see that this time next year, we'll all be at CIV. Now, that's most impressive. It's based in sunny Southern California, which for me, works out just great since my dad lives in San Diego. It's hard to say just what Lucasfilm will have in store for all of us next year, but all that I can think is that it's going to be hard pressed to beat the hype that surmounted to the pre-Sith time of CIII. Certainly, I'm sure they'll deliver.

Just think, what's happened to Star Wars in a year's time.

We've seen the end of the Star Wars saga, which has opened up enormous new venues of speculation, theories, and marathons. Imagine a continuous loop of all six films playing at the convention where you could pop in and sit down for a bit to enjoy some Star Wars magic, or stick around, and make a day of watching all six.

Star Wars blogs are now the hip, cool thing to do. I love the controversy, the maddening debates, the theories, the humor, and of course knowing that Mace's lightsaber is purple for oh...about eight thousand seven hundred and fifty...two reasons. Just imagine an entire setup at the convention where bloggers could meet face to face if they so chose too. Who knows, K-fan might really have a white beard? It could be a cool coffee house like atmosphere to relax, laugh, and get off your feet for a while.

The prospect of theatrical 3-D releases of the films, a live action television show, and I betcha a kick a-- cartoon show. I for one love the Star Wars theater experience and have the confidence that the 3-D stuff is just going to be awesome. Even the naysayers would come out once more to see Phantom in 3-D and bust its chops all over again. But, that's okay. Some people enjoy being hypocrites. Besides the point, I'm sure we'll be given a tease of at least one, if not all of these at CIV.

The merchandise! Is it just me, or is the Star Wars stuff just getting cooler and cooler? I remember at CIII the introduction of the Force FX and that even George's kids couldn't get their hands on one. There's always some new Star Wars thing that I want. Whether it be the Qui-Gon Jinn mini bust from Gentle Giant, Obi-Wan's Force FX, those cool Han and Greedo bookends, or even the Lucasfilm logo tee. Ugh...it's just so cool and leaving my wallet barren. Oh well, at least at C IV we'll have glorious 24 hour wallet burning sprees!

And, who knows, maybe the master himself will pop up again. If not, you know McCallum will be there. At least I hope he will, because he's the man!

Yep. We've all got something to look forward to this time next year. Sure, it's a year away, but who thought that we'd be saying that this time last year. I mean, it's been a whole year since that bittersweet midnight.

Only one dilemma remains. My high school graduation. About this time of year my school's graduation stuff starts. So let's hope that it fits in right. Even if I fly back the day of my graduation. Because, there's no way I'll ever miss another Star Wars celebration.

If I got detention for skipping out with a friend to get the Sith DVD, then there's now way I'm missing CIV...

~QGJ