The saying is true: "There's nothing like the real thing". Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting, in the flesh, three of our fellow bloggers: JediPug, MelindaWolf, and I went to JP77's Senior Recital in Jazz Performance. The only way I can describe the evening is, what a treat!

Pug, Melinda, and I got to spend some quality time together on the way into the city. Of course we talked about SW, but we also talked about personal things, and I feel like we got to know each other a lot better. These two ladies are intelligent, funny, and kind (and SNARKY! ). Those of you who think you know how generous Melinda is, as she's demonstrated with her SW raffles, you don't know the half of it! She insisted on paying for all of our dinners and would not take NO for an answer! JediPug and I had to literally stuff the money into her hand! Melinda, you are too kind!

JP77 gave a breathtaking performance. She is one TALENTED Jedi princess! Her vocal range is amazing, and she put heartfelt emotion and soul into each of her songs. And what's an SW fan's performance without elements of he greatest Saga of all time? JP cleverly incorporated her love of SW with a small bouquet on the stage with a figurine of a Bith, she wrote a song about Luke and his dreams that only an SW fan would "get", (as Luke's name wasn't actually mentioned in the lyrics), and she arranged a funky scat version of the Cantina Song we all know and love! Believe me, you have not heard that song until you've heard JP and her crew perform it!

After the performance, there was a small reception. Pug, Melinda, and I each got a huge hug from JP, and we got to meet her parents. She introduced us as her "Star Wars friends", and the surprised, brightened look on her dad's face was priceless. JP and her family really appreciated us coming out to support her, and her professor commented that he hadn't seen such a large turn-out at other Senior Recitals.

Besides meeting JP & co., the highlight of the reception was munching on Wookie Cookies! YUM! I've gotta get that recipe!

I'm so happy I got the opportunity to meet these sweet, talented ladies. I feel like my world has opened up a little bit more. I know I'll meet more of you in the near future, and I can't wait! C4, here we come!

***edit***
I can't believe I forgot to mention this: talk about generous...JediPug was kind enough to give me, Melinda, and JP awesome SW Lego Mini Bulding Sets! What a cool surprise! Thanks, Pug!