Happy Hump Day everyone! Hope you all are doing well. Reaching Wednesday gives me hope every week because I realize that I am two days closer to relaxation.A few Saturdays ago, I went to my first Cherry Blossom Festival here in Nashville. The festival, celebrating the arrival of spring, was created to celebrate the relationship between Japan and The United States. Over time, the festival has developed into a celebration of Asian culture as a whole. You could have brought your entire family with you to the event, or had a date and still enjoyed the festivities. Initially, I spent my time with Cecilia. After she left, Matthew and his siblings joined me. 

Representation in the cosplaying field is always lacking. Non-white people enjoy to cosplay! I was delighted to see this girl, pictured above. What I loved so much about this event, was that it was extremely diverse. There were people from all age and ethnic groups in one spot, harmoniously enjoying a beautiful day.

Check out these awesome cosplay outfits! I’m not familiar with any of the characters, but I’m sure someone in the audience will enjoy these costumes. Where were the plus size cosplayers?!! I may have missed them but I love to see people express themselves.

Cecilia and I dined at this Fire and Spice eatery. The Lao Baptist Church had a food tent along with Jenni’s Icecream and a host of other places. One of the ladies at the Lao Baptist Tent left a great impression on me. She gave me some of the best ice coffee I have ever tasted! This church is trying to raise funds to build a playground for the children in the church. Who ever cooked the chicken did a fantastic job! It was delicious.

There were people playing drums, a section to sumo wrestle against a friend, fencing, and tons of more activities for engaging. My goal for this year, is to get out and smell the roses. I spent most of 2015 in the same Starbucks, doing the same ole nothing every day and every weekend with the same people. During this year, I completed my first road trip, where I drove to and fro. I’m thinking about driving to New Orleans this summer for vacation. I have gone to different events. I want to experience more. Live in the moment. Attend cool festivals. Eat at different restaurants. Cook new recipes. Shoot, I need to perfect fried rice! I hope to meet new people. Try funky hair styles and colors! I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and area of expertise, and had an awesome time. My most prized memories and experiences, happened when I was in unfamiliar territory. Maybe I’ll attend MTAC next year and dress up as a character! This is a lesson for life. You have to do different to be different. How would I learn about other cultures if I didn’t attend events or study history? Don’t always think that your way, ideal, belief, or tradition is the only one. Be open to learning and experiencing newness.

Have you ever cosplayed? If so, drop a picture of you in the comment section. 

Until next time,
-Nora