I enjoy cosplayers. I can understand the need to put on a costume and become something more than you are; to fulfill a dream to be a hero, a villain, someone powerful or someone meek. It’s another form of escapism, as reading, writing or drawing is a way to escape the humdrum of everyday existence…But eventually realism seeps in and the bills have to get paid, the children have to get fed and the wolf has to be kept from the door. It seems as more reality creeps in, the more people bury themselves in their recreational fantasy existence. We spend more on movies and video games and entertainment and building elaborate costumes than at any other time in history. As long as we can maintain a balance between the two and not let one or the other take over our lives, it’s all good and our lives will go on nicely as we hope it would. Escapism and fantasy are important to live a healthy and happy life, but it doesn’t pay the bills. I believe in working to live and not living to work! So live a balanced life and enjoy 2015!

Till next time, take care – Jim