A Sad Day of Great Loss For Us All

First, the news that Mike O'Reilly passed away shortly before 1 p.m. this afternoon. I was grateful for one last opportunity to hug him in the lanes at KCRF opening weekend. A fantastic man, fellow White Hart performer, and gentle soul that will be sorely missed at the many faires he loved and visited.

Second, the news that Tatiana has left us. Sweet, young, smart and an outstanding dancer, dance mistress, and performer, I first met her in '98 at OKRF when she was in Kate's (Jane Seymour's) court there; she and Sally took my daughter under their wing and got her hooked on Renaissance Faire. The news came via LJ, in performingdude's journal, relayed through lys1022. Tati was one of my original inspirations for becoming a "rennie".

I wish peace and strength for the families and friends of both.

Sweet gods, I'm gonna quote itzwicks and say "Live like you mean it, people". It's over before you know it.