Dreams of Deirdre - In Memory of Anicka

Anicka Mikhalis was a bright light in the world of Dreams of Deirdre. She helped us to become who we are, and brought new players, optimism, and joy to every game. She made us feel like rock stars, and though most of us only saw her two or three times a year, each time she was a fast friend. She was one of those rare people who could make you feel special, even if you had only met her five minutes before. She brightened not only our lives, but the lives of kids in her community, to whom she provided a creative outlet and valuable mentoring.

She was a profound source of entertainment and wonder. She said the funniest things, and the group recalls her explaining, perfectly straight faced, the story of the three little pigs to an increasingly agitated other player. "She did it with the face of an angel," said Lori, "and the seriousness of a judge." When a game was going roughly and we wondered why we put forth so much effort, we could simply look at Anicka and her kids and know that we did it for her and for them. "She had a smile that melted moonbeams," added Lori, "I miss her."

This year, at DunDraCon 2004, we dedicate our LARP "The Goblin Ball," to her memory. We will begin the game with a "Moment of Nonsense," during which we will ask participants to make noise, dance, sing, do a little act, or simply laugh in remembrance of Anicka, an important and positive influence on gaming as a whole, and the troupe itself. We invite you to join us, or, if you cannot, to do an act of kindness in her memory on February 15th.

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