Dear Puddlebeans

I am writing this letter with a heavy heart and fond remembrances. I did not see the need for such a letter until a couple of days ago when a human named Haffron asked the simple question: "No more Minis ?" It is true.

We, as the group, went through many changes, some good and some bad. It is my job to recount on what happened, and all who are interested can learn.

The Mini's began as a very small group. We had no idea where it was going to go. I remember walking about (in my usual daze) when an exile named Santeria came by. "I have a present for you." At that time I went by the name Sparrow. "A present?" I asked. "Yes." Santeria bought me a purple blouse, and so became the original Mini uniform. Purple blouse, blue skirt. But something much more important began there. What really started from the beginning was the unselfishness of the Sisterhood. We always gave to each other, making sure each sister was immediately equiped for life, and did the same for other exiles. It was our generosity that made us great.

From there Santeria introduced me to Soulsword. It brings a tear to my eye to remember these two. We tromped around the beaches (more on that special place) scaring up gators and sunning ourselves. Above all, we made sure that we had fun.

The real birth of the Minis , though, began perhaps a week later. Santeria, Soulsword and I were but a small beginning. Things flourished with the coming of three other sisters: Maquiladora, Solome and, of course, Elise. We were a rogue group of ladies: close knit, loud mouthed, adventerous, kind, helpful and loving. How could anything go wrong?

(A side note on the beach) The beach was the first place that I really got to know Maquiladora. Maqui and I were in North beach, getting trounced. And, as we did so often in those early days (wait, I still do often) we fell to the teeth of a hungry monster. So, there we lie, for hours. I got to know a lot about her in that time, and am ever thankful that we fell together.

The Mini's did not stop at six though, as many people surely will remember. I believe that we had 27 members at our peak, although my memory is shot from too much drink. Stacey, Midnight, Ruby, Diotima, Babajaga the Se(eker), goodness... the list went on and on. In fact, in the eyes of many Minis, myself included, we had grown heavy. Every sister was loved, but the identity of the group was gone. I don't know which was more important. Wait, yes I do. The Minis are gone as a group, but the friendship between us endures. Nevertheless, this is when times began to go sour.

I received a note from a seemingly delerious Soulsword. And then did not see her for months. When she came back it was only at night, and she was very silent. When Santeria left for a bit the identity of the older sister, the one who did her best to keep us together was gone. Maqui felt responsible to take up the reins. I believe that some sisters questioned it. When, as young exiles we grew up together, as more experienced exiles we grew apart. I think that is only normal. The rift wars were quite tolling on the sisterhood. And then all went black.

After the wars, few of the Minis came back. In fact, there were not even enough of us to start the clan up again. We did, but, in reality it was never the same. Other things began to plague us: sexual harassment, a general dislike by some exiles of us, the times were dark. I had to leave. The things that I saw, and how it tore us apart made me miserable. Maquiladora began to known as Dark Maqui. Solome became extremely sick. The Order of the Mini collapsed.

So, where does that leave us? Hmmmmmmm I have returned, taking on my real name, Allinca. Maquiladora has been away for some time, but by letter I believe that she will come back. Solome is extremely sick, and it is only love that can save her. Currently, Stacey is the only person who still holds the mark of being in the Order.

The thing is though, I know we will be back. Whether or not as the Minis does not matter. The Order of the Mini was a name made out of a joke, the friendship of us is the real clan. Friends, and enemies, we will rise again.

It is important, of course, to give thanks to many of the people who helped us: Polerand, Ananna, Spit, Ton To, Oedipus, Timur Lenk and dearest Fuyu are the ones that I remember always going beyond their call to help me, and I know that many other exiles went above their need to help the clan and the other Sisters. Once again, thank you dearly.

Be Strong, Allinca ........Sparrow