Celebrate good times, come on! (You know you want to.)

So, wow. I’ve been truant for quite a while. I hope this doesn’t mean I’ll have to repeat a cyber grade.

Much has happened since our adventure in sandwich land. Christmas for one thing. Lots of family togetherness. Lots of friend togetherness. Lots of meaningful life. And now a new year has dawned. Do you know why 2007 is special? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s the year of my personal Jubilee. Yes, my friends, it’s true. I turn 50 this year. And as everyone knows, the year one turns 50 must be spent in continual celebration. Of course, those who know me know I’m not one to shun celebration at any time for any reason. What’s that? Broccoli’s on sale? Let’s party! But this year it’s a mandate. Celebrate we must, and we will.

So far we’re off to a great start. Luke was here the first seven days of the year, and his mere presence makes the mundane merry. On the 3rd, Lisa Samson and her way-too-adorable daughter, Gwynnie, arrived for four festive days. Lisa, a talented author of nineteen books, came to research a novel she plans to set in Marshall. I think I learned almost as much as she did about the various people and places we visited. It’s amazing what you discover about your own town when you dig a little. The whole time with the Samsons was pure delight. And so much seemed to fall into place for her book. I can’t wait to read it! (Check out Lisa’s blog to read her accounts of our adventures. And be sure to scope out her published works in the side bar. She’s an awesome writer!)

Lisa and Gwynnie left after church Sunday, and our family hopped in the van to drive Luke to the airport in Dallas. After dropping him off, George, Jacob, and I rendezvoused with Fran the Speedo Man, Mary, Sophie, Aidan, and Julia DeMuth for a fiesta at On the Border. What a cool family! I love them all. They moved back to Texas mid-December after two years in France, and they’re living in a two-room apartment in a barn until they close on a house. Even though life is crazy for them right now, our evening was punctuated with laughter. As we were leaving, Fran even did a little impromptu cha cha to the Spanish music piped outside into the parking lot. That Fran. He’s got the moves. I bet Mary was glad it was too cold for his speedo.

Monday when George and I sat down to dinner alone, we looked at each other and said, “It’s so quiet.” Sadly the dust from round one is settling, but never fear. It’s Jubilee year! The celebration must go on. Next week I start choreography rehearsals for a 50s musical production at the high school. Swing dancing and rocking around the clock. Sounds like a party to me.

By the way, you’re invited to this year-long hootenanny. It’s your excuse to celebrate, even when broccoli isn’t on sale. Don’t worry if the boss catches you break dancing in the break room and demands an explanation. Just shoot him a hello expression and say, “Jeanne’s Jubilee.” He’ll probably join in the fun and then give you a raise. Oh, and if anyone needs help with dance moves, I know the perfect teacher. He lives in a barn, and his name is Fran.