A few words of circumstantial situations come to mind. . . . .
Mainly, the issue at hand is:
Keeping the PLAY in Cosplay involves a fanciful condition of portraying a 'fictitious' character created in the name of amusement, but entwined with the condition of the human being, including the act of coping with reality as we see it at the moment in time, albeit the time(s) in which we presently live.
Within the act of assuming a persona, be it villain or 'Super-hero', involves more than donning threads, brandishing some form of  substantial weapon, including affiliated footwear.
Becoming another entity involves, even requires the cosplayer's passion to produce, the purpose to please and a personal reason to engage in artful fantasy for the satisfaction of creating enjoyment and, hopefully, physical forms of communication and socialization- all respectable.
What has become interesting are the expressed situations wherein the 'play' becomes skewed and/or rather obscure within the entirety of the cosplay milieu. That is, whether a participant is either nationally famous, or locally admired, the element of negative expressions of egos has repeatedly come into play. We have all heard of cosplayers feeling that they have not always been respected.Certainly this is an important and natural integral  part of this form of  activity and these 'situations' have become attached to the cosplayers in parasitic way.
Perhaps the word 'parasitic' may appear a rather strong descriptive word, yet it is not completely negative as much as it is a realistic adjective.
When ego becomes involved, when one strains another's feelings, or one feels injured, therein lies the opportunity for an incision to expose one's sensitive side.
We have read about, known and heard where cosplayers have  felt slighted, been treated unfairly, and even demeaned by those who effectively undermine the joy-of-engagement in another's art-form- even the art-form known as 'Cosplay'.
Herein lies the heart of the cosplayer's soul; where one exhibits their pleasure by displaying and being willing to set themselves apart as purveyors of creating and wearing costumes and exposing their alter-egos. The cosplayer's heart, as anyone's heart, is necessary for survival. It may also become a target that is as frail as any other organ. In this case, our 'hearts' are our strivings for admiration and acceptance by those we respect, want to relate to, and  favorably impress and be respected by.
Again, we have read and known our friends who have had confrontations with those who have twisted and tugged at their art-form, even to the point of hurting one's innocent enthusiasm and bruising the heart of one's joy.
This author has concluded that such negative situations are birthed and sustained by integral parts of being truly human- not mere creations of fantasy. This 'true-villain' is alive and well among each of us. Locked away and maintained in a condition of dormancy, it may arise during times of stress which allows, and even encourages this anti-hero to rise up and dwarf the stature of anyone succumbed by its power. It's power morphs one's normally docile nature like a demon, swelling within the afflicted as the most gargantuan of any artist's imagination.
This villain is called 'jealousy'; the formidable foe that has turned nation against nation, and friend against friend. This foe is not merely depicted in fantasy, anime, or any other form of like-activity. This particular  part of one's being has the ability to take control, even without it's victim recognizing that it has taken over.
Cosplay is certainly a true and pure form of art in more ways than one might recognize, or that some may even admit it to be. Some may consider the efforts of these individuals to be less than serious, or meaningful, much less than relevant within our society. 
Whether one has been 'attacked' by another's personal attitude which has resulted in bad feelings, injured feelings, including anger no less, the operant definition here is that it is a bona fide 'art-form'.
Herein lies the true and nature of  these  conflicts.
That is, whether one has been slighted by another's attitude or comments, the fact that cosplay is a art-form puts it in a wondrous and most unique category of endeavors.
This means that, being a genuine art-form, it harbors similar characteristics of any other creative medium. By it's birthright, cosplay-art plays within the inherent rules, definitions and boundaries of any form of art! In other words, by creating a character, becoming another for even a short period of time, one is now playing within these same rules which allows one to stretch into the world of imagination.
By engaging in the nature of art itself, one may 'legally' create disharmony, push limits of expression, defy the limits of 'normal', abhor complacency, challenge the status-quo and yes, create jealousy and disturb assumed equilibriums.
After all, it is art that keep us creating, imagining, redefining, challenging- all in an effort to deal with conflict in all its forms during one's day-to-day existence.
Art has the ability and responsibility to investigate and sometimes create solutions, instilling hope that we, as humans, may be able to conquer impossible odds that tear away at one's rational view of existence.
Therefore, let it be considered, that if one feels that they have been treated unfairly, singled out, been a victim of negative and subversive attitudes-  either as a person, or as a 'player'- rejoice!
It is the author's view and conviction that if an artist is not criticized, not able to stand alone even if placed within another's irresponsible or inaccurate scenario, then one is not taking advantage of the power and responsibility of performing one's artistic participation.
That is: "If an artist is ever scrutinized, set apart, even criticized for one's art, it is tantamount to willingly assuming insignificance, with no one else is to blame."
Stand stubbornly proud of your craft.
Keep the PLAY in Cosplay and enjoy the wildest of rides!

It has been said that the human brain is the most complex thing in the entire Universe!

Think about it! Is it not amazing- absolutely incredible- how the human mind possesses the ability to assimilate a multitude of factors we consider 'reality' and fuse these myriads of bundles of  abstract concepts with the 'unknown'; and then analyze their potential relationships, eventually producing a plethora of possible outcomes, ie.,  plausible scenarios of future events?

Possibly  more dramatic are the surprising, unexpected experiences that we humans feel, see, or hear; ones that are so awesomely profound, which are  bestowed on us as rare  and wondrous gifts- boluses of startling realizations, if you will. These 'gifts' are wondrous and special. They are not showered upon us frequently and, in more cases than one may realize, and despite their dynamic significance, they may go unnoticed- never to be appreciated.

This blog entry is  leading up to the sharing of such a 'gift'; a gift that this author himself, has not only recognizes, but appreciates as one such stupendous occurrence that only, evidently, a human brain is capable of  materializing into rational thought and out of random chaos.

Without forethought, concentration or process of active deductive reasoning, I was recently struck with a miraculous compilation of blatant wisdom and acute understanding.

What, you ask, could be powerful enough to fulfill the criteria of the above categories of dynamic cognition?

It is this, and I quote my own brain:

"If money were free, we wouldn't need it!"

Now is the time to get your family, friends and arch-villains together to enjoy the next COMICoCONVENTION in a saloon (oops!)  . . a City near you!
Central California, Northern CA and, of course, Southern CA is locked and loaded to bring you varmints the best of cosplay and all other manner of play. So, Please, support your passions, fun, and mutual admiration of the genres that make up the world of COMICs!

This blog-entry may not be  overly complicated, but may be worth a slosh of one's time to contemplate.

Perhaps a sale on broad-swords and jousting gear went un-noticed; hence your chance to ward of the Monguls must be delayed until next payday and, as a result may seems like a lost siege- totally frustrating, maddening and belittling.

Yet, isn't it perhaps true that when I, for instance, get so push-out-of-shape and when I focus on the one thing that went 'wrong , it is so easy  for me to not recognize the million and twelve things that DID go 'right'  but simply went unnoticed- not to mention unappreciated?

Being human is no excuse. Being human makes falling into this pit all the more ridiculous?

 . . . hence, I slosh on . . .

'"It is Never TOO LATE to start . . . ."

Within the last two days I have had conversations with three young adults who have "always wanted to do something."
One lad wanted to  become proficient at photography, and the other two wanted to "create a COSPLAY costume."
What is interesting is that each of them have been hesitant to start- for YEARS!
For instance, the would-be photographer said that he had a camera when he was 16 years-young but never really begin taking pictures. 
The other two always wanted to make a COSPLAY costume, but . . . but . . but  . . WHY NOT?
In either case, it seems that lacking the Big 'C'= Confidence was holding all of them back, i.e.., "Will I be good enough? Do I have the talent?  Can I learn the necessary skills?"
The comment that one of them said struck me was, "It is never too late to start."
Now, this is a common, and mostly true statement, but my reply back was, "Yes, but you can wait TOO long."
 There is no guarantee that he will be able to fulfill a dream as life can deal us a bad card- right?
One assumes that it is 'never too late' because one always assumes that the future is available- that we have an ongoing future and that  'time is on our side'.
What if time is NOT on one's side? Now LONG does time need to be to BE on our side? How many people in the "O" section of the newspaper thought that time was on their side, and that it would NEVER be too late to start?
SO, how about the 'reasons' why one does not start right NOW? Let's consider that a major 'reasons' for thinking that 'it is never too late to start' is a lack of confidence- resulting in the unwillingness (fear) to lurch into the unknown. 
Think realistically about it. How bad could it be? Unless you are learning how to fold your own parachute or fashion a piece of elastic for your bungy-jumping dreams, the tasks of learning through trial -and - error do not usually create  a fatal flaw in our endeavors.
Not too many successful people grabbed a camera, scalpel, heat-gun and created an Earth shattering creation! How many of you girls took up a mascara pencil and perfected your face in the first ten minutes?
I suggest this . .   . 
Be willing to :

• 1. Ask questions of successful people.
• 2. Be willing to start and immediately try to improve.
• 3. Be willing to be to listen to and heed  'good advice'.
• 4. Find others who are starting out and learn as a 'team'.
• 5. Read, look, and listen.
• 6. Check out organizations like "IDEAWORKS' in Fresno.
• 7. Attend as many photographic exhibits and COSPLAY conventions as you can and ask the winners questions.

"Fail your way to the top?"
NO!- LEARN and IMPROVE your way to wherever YOU want to go. 

Is it ever too-late to start? 

The answer is: "YES"  because no one  knows exactly how much time I really do have - so I will begin right NOW! 

It all begins with a PLAN- a simple concept that will spark your creativity in a way that will launch you into the world of 'The Doers'. 
Take a pencil, pen, keystroke- whatever you have and write down=

"I have always wanted to ______ and the first thing I am doing right now is putting it in writing.
then say out loud,
​ "My brain is now engaged and I have begun the journey  , , , , BLAST OFF!!!!!!!

Out of curiosity? 

Actually I am currently INTO curiosity. That is, I am curious about how our readers look at the two basic forms of entertainment!

The question is: "What do you prefer . . . reading a book, or seeing the movie. first?
If you like BOTH, then which one do you prefer to read/see first?

Of course, television puts us in a Beta-wave-brain-freeze.
That is, our brainwaves go 'lump' (with no better analogy available from this author). I suppose so much is thrown at our perception without time to analyze or imagine anything other than what we are currently seeing, the brain kind of goes on dumb-down autopilot . . .

The written word, on the other hand, allows one to use one's imagination to picture the scenes in a novel, for instance. Even with a detailed picture put forth by an author, I suppose no two pictures in one's head would be identical to another's reading the same sentences. 

(ps. ever wondered if an orange as seen in your eyes looks exactly the same as another is viewing it. After all, I doubt that any two people's cones and rods and nerves are exactly alike . . Are we all seeing the orange like it is, or are we all seeing it incorrectly, but majority rules?
As artists draw the same orange,and they look exactly alike, I suppose that is proof that that is the exact way the particular orange really does look . . Unless the artists draw it unintentionally differently but we are seeing both images as only our eyes believe it to look like. It may not look like this in reality, but we all perceive it to appear because that is how our vision/brain sensors are wired, unless, or course, one is 'color-blind'- for example.
Oh well, it have no definitive answer, and no one really cares, so back to the original question . . .)

Some peoplel really want to read the story first, as it is more detailed, insightful, and does leave one's imagination/brain working. Suppose that there is so much more information in a book and this is why the reader can get 'into' the story- at least in a different way.

On the other hand, the movie brings things to life with characters, color,  sound effects, special effects and actually, per time constraints, shortens the story and graphically shoves the whole shebang forward.

So, back to the question I would like to know at the peak of my curiosity, which do YOU prefer and WHY?

Inquiring movie creators and authors want to know . . . .!

My I add another 'blog' entry, if I should be so bold?

The author used to look at Personal Development books and tapes as merely clever ploys to make me feel more powerful, more important, much more successful if I would diligently read their PD materials daily, aloud, and listen to tapes in the car (hands free, of course).
This, I believed, would simply line the pockets of those who spoke-the-speak. A smooth way to convince me to buy their advice. Nice for 'them', I thought.
It was strongly recommended in business seminars that immersing in PD materials is the 'missing-link' in the chain to maximizing talents and monetary reward!
It wasn't until a few days into 2016 that I ran across a success-type  magazine that caught my eye.
Funny thing about the authors like Tony Robbins and Oprah Winfrey.
I thought, "Sure, they are the exceptions who have maximized their personal fortunes by convincing us (i.e., ME) to watch their shows, read their materials, and attend their seminars".
The difference, I now understand, is that many, of not ALL of the supremely wealthy, DO attest to the power of positive thinking and follow the philosophies of personal development- even personal development in the form of RISK- taking.
It seems that those who were willing to risk and change  their lifestyles, almost entirely,  won the biggest prizes. It included  changes in their outlook on life and living, professions, locations, and even relationships which made the significant defining differences! 
Example- one lady signed up for a stint with Richard Branson on a balloon ride. At 10,000 feet above the Earth she was to climb to the top of the ballon on a rope ladder and have tea while sitting on the top of the gas-filled bubble. How much development  would I really like- hmmm . . . THAT much??
My cousin's friend recently sold her high-economically valued home and sold him her truck for a song the day before she left on a round-the-world trek starting in Nepal with an REI group before heading out alone. One woman-one big step into the unknown. The saga is unfolding while you read this.

Another lady- billionaire now- quit her lucrative position, packed a backpack and started her quest in the same fashion before returning home to turn ladies Spandex underwear into a fortune. Funny thing about her new-found goal of wanting to "make people feel good about themselves".

Does one's mastery of Personal Development necessitate that you and I go to these extremes?
No risk=No gain?
 Does one have to risk life and limb to get to a higher level of being?

This answer is (Drum role please)"

 . . . . . C'mon . . . .How on Earth would I know!?
Don't ask ME, of course. But if you do want to reach new heights and truly attain goals far above your present level of expectations, you might consider joining me in beginning to read these PD books. You know, just to see if all these wealthy-successful, self-actualized people, who say reading and listening to PD is this important,  are truly changed in incredible ways- or are the really  just LUCKY!?

For instance, seems there might just be something in John Maxwell's books that Pastor Tom Sims has told me about  . . . . well . . . . we'll see.

By the way, if  you DO get rich because my little blog- article spurned some curiosity that turned into your dreams into reality- and you do get really rich- just remember who loves ya baby!

Where do YOU want to see yourself headed in the near future. . . . . . or do ya chose to keep on muddling along?
Please keep us informed.

New Year's Resolutions! "BAH"-
New Year's resolutions are all the trite, or blatantly overstated elements in a list of personal useless drivel comprised of personal false-promises of  things I am "gonna do" without fail- AGAIN this year.
Yes, I have tried each year and have yet to fulfill one resolution past February- at best. 
BUT here's the thing! People like the ones pictured here belong to the truly successful people we read about, admire, and look to for inspiration- right?
Ok, to those who know them, that is,  but that's not important. 
What is important to understand is that these and other truly successful people  set GOALS!
Not only do they proclaim them, but they actually WRITE THEM DOWN.
Not only do they do it once a year, they are constantly attaining them, growing and learning from them and setting newer and even higher goals as they are achieved!
Setting and attaining goals is what are the hallmarks of those who WIN.

Who me? How do I know ?.  . . . uh, well, . . .
that's what I have read and heard . . . . .
so my NY goal is not doing the 'resolution' thing, but I will  learn to make a habit  of what successful people do. After all, this New Year's Resolution thing has always been a waste of time, and time is not getting longer . . . . so here is one goal:
Add a BLOG comment at least once a month.  . . .
What are YOUR goals??

One's (my) creativity is a way to escape, enjoy, experiment. 
Let's take the word 'experiment'. 
Seems a lesson to be continually learned is that with a work of creativity comes an attempt to impress, nurture admiration, impart positive emotions and share the up-side of improvisation.
This is a a process- evidently.
For instance, to ask an opinion from another as to the 'quality', correctness and even the  level of talent regarding something I create is a two edged sword.
On the one side of the blade, it can carve off a slice of a wonderful entree, or it is capable of viscously cutting away the over-confident side of my concept of a successful rendition.
Perhaps the lesson of not wanting to hear the 'less-than' critique is that if I don't want to hear any negative comment(s), then I should not ask.
Yet, without the willingness to hear another verdict, than one I would hope to hear, there would be much less objectivity. 
That is, without daring to hear another's perspective which is honest and forthright I am not only fooling myself, but the worst part of this scenario would be that I am unwilling to stretch and grow- to shy away from and not accept the challenge to improve through more experimentation.
Growing pains are good- right?
The moral of this idea is, "Go ahead, take the risk of seeking another's honest opinion of your works, no matter if it is film, drawing, acting, or whatever you are pursuing.
What we all have is the option to persevere and improve beyond our own perspectives and self-criticism- including self-aggrandizement.
Nature can, and will never create the same clouds in the sky. It is a once in a moments existence. Make the most of your 'storm's and know that they are all part of the nature of getting better at whatever you do.
Ask and let someone tell. As an artist,  you will be better off for it . . . .  that's what I tell myself.