(scroll down for photo galleries and other links)

soon to come:  9th Valkyrie (me) featured in Renaissance magazine and my role on the History Channel in a show called "Strange Egypt" where I played the role of an Egyptian Queen about to overthrown her husband ,the pharaoh so her son can be the next pharaoh.

Unfortunately I'm somewhat behind with the updates on my site.  But I hope to get back to it soon.  I still intend to keep it going.  Facebook has NOT replaced this site, it is not a good searchable repository for photos.  I'm also in the process of transitioning this site to a different tool so that is part of the delay.  The other part-way too busy with way too many interest.  Being a food advocate/foodie has taken up some of my time as well.  It is another strong passion that I am trying to make a difference with by building awareness. 

Renaissance Background

 My main character/persona,  Annika the 9th Valkyrie, is an outcome of my personal interest and readings of Norse eddas and sagas; this character was developed and launched for 2001 faire season (and evolution from Callisto the Warrior Queen).   I have also developed two other characters for 2002-1) Antoinette Bentivoglio-of French/Italian heritage (Renaissance era)- and 2)Ankhesenamun - of ancient Egyptian heritage; this one is a result of being exposed to  Egyptology and Egyptian art during childhood.   Although Ankhesenamun  is not a medieval or renaissance character, this persona reflects my strong interests in Egypt, its culture, and history.  For the 2003 season I have also added two more characters:  Captain Jacqueline Sparrow (the female counterpart of Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean:  The Curse of the Black Pearl), and Zuleikha, a Turkish Gypsy nomadic character.  Being a playtron for me is a very creative and innovative process (different aspects of character creation and development).  My first character,  Callisto, the Warrior Queen, was launched during 2000 when I instantly turned into a 'renaissance faire addict.' Although Callisto is not my main character anymore (and actually hardly ever shows up at faire), I still enjoy an occasional day as Callisto.  Each new character is not simply a 'new set of garb,'  instead it is a manifestation of my interests and personality, further developed and researched. As the years pass, one finetunes these  characters for an even better match to one's personality.  I think many playtrons understand this, but people not intricately involved in faire believe it is simply just a 'new costume.'  Also, another enjoyable feature of character development is the  evolution over the years. For me, being a playtron becomes a better experience with each year.  We have met some great,  fun and unique people during our journeys that share this passion.  And of course, as other rennies  already know,  there is plenty of fun to be had.

2000  was my first  year at the  Bristol Renaissance Faire  as Playtrons, Rennie's or most directly put:  Renaissance Faire Addicts.   Since then, I have also attended the Michigan Renaissance Faire,   the Minnesota Renaissance Faire, Kansas City Renaissance Faire, Arizona Renaissance Faire,  St. Louis Renaissance Faire, Ohio Renaissance Faire, Scarborough Faire, Maryland Renaissance Faire, Silver Leaf, and the Texas Renaissance Faire, the nation's largest Renaissance Faire.