Flowers of Freedom

Like all posts in past years, this one will address the special day linked to my experiences, in particular Pokémon. Yet also like last year's post (see below), I'm still not comfortable to address it directly. Therefore, I'm addressing Pokémon directly again instead but with influences from that special day. I don't know how long it might persist, but that may just be the case for some time. 

Last year, I addressed fauna or animal life - specifically birds of the kind that might be pertinent to national symbolism. Now I want to address its conceptual kin, flora or plant life - specifically flowers as a part of their anatomy, and a beautiful one at that. Some Pokémon also have bodies made up of flower-like anatomy, and while they may not constitute flowers themselves, they could be construed as the flowers they resemble.

Many nations likewise have flowers as part of their national symbology, and where I am is no different. One of the pertinent flowers for the current place is a large, reddish, and speckled flower, much like the head of a Vileplume - or in fact the reverse is true, as the Pokémon takes inspiration from this very flower. Both of these flowers, though pretty, also have detracting qualities, which people of both worlds have discovered.

Meganium, meanwhile, has a showy collar that very much resembles a flower in and of itself. The same is true of the Phalaenopsis orchid (aka the moon orchid) that is also very showy, and it happens that the collar of said Pokémon can be considered to resemble this flower's shape to some extent. As for color, that may be another matter, though the orchid may have color variants that are reasonably close in shade.

Not all flowers are big and showy, certainly. The jasmine is small and elegant for its stature... and so is Floette, particularly in its White Flower form, which may be considered to bear resemblance to that very flower. Though Floette and especially this form are rare, compared to the more common jasmine, they might just become common at some undiscovered place, showing off their existence elegantly much like the jasmine.

Now, flowers are also associated with some "withering spirits", which could be said to be the case for my discussion of the special day on this blog along with Pokémon. Yet it may also be necessary to bring flowers at times to bring liveliness to periods of "withering" and "rising" spirits. This post can thus be construed to do just that, bringing real and Pokémon flowers to keep some special things lively.

One year ago: I Want to Be Free (...as a Bird)

Two years ago: Seeking the Unity of All Aspects

Three years ago: My Land, Never Gone

Four years ago: Independence Numerology, Pokémon Style

Five years ago: Sparkling, Shining for the World

Six years ago: Rise Up and Live, with Body and Soul

Seven years ago: ...And Social Justice for All

Eight years ago: United in Diversity

Nine years ago: Red and White Philosophy

On Freedom, Equality, and Brotherhood

Today is... well, actually, a special day in a certain part of the world. But it's not that relevant to me, aside from someone who shares their birthday with the day, whom I mentioned way back when I started this blog (see below, nine years ago). Yet there's something to be said about the special day, so I've decided to make a one-off post about it and certainly bring Pokémon to the table alongside the special day in question.

Now, said special day is very much linked to three aspects (or perhaps they could also be said to be "qualities"). All three of them are mentioned in the title of this post and will become a part of the discussion shortly. In this case, I've also put them in a more "diverse" form, since the "parallel" form is best reserved for those with direct links to them... and I don't. The only direct link I have is with Pokémon, and that becomes the secondary "core" of the discussion.

For those aspects or "qualities", the first is or should be familiar to those who are able to pursue their good and best life objectives without being restrained - except where it might be needed, certainly. Pokémon Trainers have a lot of freedom in their world to pursue their objectives under a similar state of affairs. What is clear is that regardless, freedom is valued and there is benefit in it for the people, which then can extend to those linked to Pokémon.

As for equality, there is a beauty (and necessity) in being able to regard fellow people in equal stature in all relevant social situations. That has to be the way for Pokémon Trainers as well, and that is in fact the case before and after they meet for battle. Outside of battling, social situations in both the real and Pokémon worlds are quite varied, and they also warrant equal stature for the people involved in them - as well as Pokémon species when relevant.

Brotherhood, the last aspect, is surely one that many people in general will be able to relate to. It would warrant maintaining good linkages... especially when Pokémon battles come into the light with all their tensions before and after. Indeed, tensions always arise whether it's the real or Pokémon world, so having the prerogative to keep good relationships is something that is quite worth it, and Pokémon has a lot of that going on as well beyond all the battles.

If the above is of any indication, the three aspects or "qualities" are actually quite universal - even for Pokémon - aside from its relation to that certain part of the world, which becomes relevant today. It will likely be the only time I'll address the particularly special day and its related specifics, but the relevance will remain somehow as I continue to address Pokémon matters on this day and further beyond that.

One year ago: A Tale of Some Psychic Pokémon

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2024 (Global), Day 2

Three years ago: The Single-Type Cup of GBL

Four years ago: Forest Bathing with Pokémon

Five years ago: Redeeming Offer Codes in Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Miss You, Brandon

Seven years ago: Cosplay: COSTHNIFEST

Eight years ago: Spending on Pokémon

Nine years ago: A Pokémon Forum Persona

250 Going on 30 Going on...

Today is a very, very, very, and did I mention very special day. It is the Fourth of July, the day taken as the independence day of the United States of America, but not only that, today is the 250th anniversary of that - termed as the "semiquincentennial", one half of 500 years. It's a significant number, along with this year also being the 30th anniversary of Pokémon. With that being the case, I thought I'd discuss these (and other) numbers as well as challenges faced by both of these sides for their respective commemorations.

Now, 250 years is a long time for a modern nation-state, especially if its bases haven't changed (much) since it started - which is more or less the case for the U.S. in all that time. Yet the varied people and elements that have come since that time have made things a lot more complicated, and in recent times, that also has been a source of certain problems, even for Pokémon fans. Still, things march on and on for the country.

Similarly for Pokémon, after 30 years, its foundational games are still there, but the games themselves have become diverse - and so have the species. That has led to its own set of complications and problems that people on both sides of the developmental divide have had to experience and/or resolve. Like the people of that country, though, they also carry on somehow amidst the challenges that emerge and submerge.

For today, there is even a special yet regular happening for those who deal with Pokémon Go. It involves the number 816 and a certain watery (literally) Pokémon, who after becoming fully evolved can take on a role similar to "oh-oh-seven", another number that many will understand. Its challenges, though, will take another post to explain.

Based on the above, it does seem to take a long time for certain things to have its problems and challenges manifest. Yet the people associated with them also have their ways of carrying on with things, whether it's for the promise of independence that is so associated with that great big country or the promise of adventure as for Pokémon itself.

With that, for this great occasion, I can only wish the best that the special day has to offer, along with continued well wishes for Pokémon for its ongoing anniversary. With their big and little numbers and challenges, hopefully they'll have good things in the future.

One year ago: A New Order of the Ages...?

Two years ago: Blessed Be These Efforts

Three years ago: From Sea to Shining Sea

Four years ago: The U.S. as a "Center" of Pokémon

Five years ago: Searching for Myself... with U.S. Included

Six years ago: A Few Words about U.S. (Us)

Seven years ago: Welcome to the Jungle

Eight years ago: Metal Reversed Cap Pikachu Keychain

Nine years ago: The Subdued Hometown Themes

April Fool's Day 2026: A Shade of Difference

March goes and April comes, bringing with it that tricky day known as April Fool's Day. As is typical of today, there are certain shenanigans for various things, including Pokémon. Over the course of many years, those shenanigans have surely become differentiated in many ways, and this year wouldn't be an exception to that. For this year's occasion, that seems to make a good point for discussion... along with how that may be reflected in certain "shades" that apply to people, Pokémon, and everything in between.

Surely it is obvious that people and Pokémon are all different, even among those who share a common element; as examples, that would be background for people, and type for Pokémon. The "shades" then could be their colors - in a literal sense of the word - as well as the features that they possess, like for outfits and such (also in a different literal sense). That's more of a material for a typical day, so for a bit of a silly day like today, something else has to play into that and the happenings to make them "shenanigans". 

For that, the "shades" have to be things that make them stand out in all their silliness and present considerations for what they mean to them. There will always be reasons for this, of course, but then the reason of today being April Fool's Day might just make things stand out and be meaningful even more to the parties of concern. Pokémon elements can present such a potential, especially if prior years are considered.

Now, today's "differences" are best addressed, like in previous years, with a talk about them with some familiar parties for that case:

Ash: Hey, it looks like there's a Mimikyu nearby!

Me: Hey, thanks! I'll go catch it. 

Goh: Ooh. It looks like Pikachu, but then there's something inside there.

Ash: You don't want to know.

Goh: Absolutely.

Pikachu: Pi pika... [shudders] 

Me: And, well, since you're here, how about you raid for Regidrago?

Ash: I did just that - but I didn't get a Shiny one. Or anything special.

Me: Huh. I guess there are tricks afoot with the raids.

Goh: I think they're tricky, whether on this tricky day or not.

Ash: I know! One of them even ran away.

Me: I suppose that's what makes things different.

Ash: And then there was Pikachu and Mimikyu appearing at the same time in the same hour!

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Hey, hey!"] 

Goh: It really is a tricky day this year!

Ash: Some things just don't change.

Me: But a little difference like Mimikyu this year is always nice. 

Well, it seems the "shade of difference" for this year has become evident. But whether they're "tricky" or "shady", some differences keep things going and may just something to think (and talk) about for all the forms they can take for Pokémon and beyond.

Happy April Fool's - it's a tricky and different world out there, now and ever.

One year ago: April Fool's Day 2025: Balls for You and Me

Two years ago: April Fool's Day 2024: Making Good (Excellent?) on Things

Three years ago: April Fool's Day 2023: For the Birds

Four years ago: April Fool's Day 2022: Life in Duplex

Five years ago: April Fool's Day 2021: Aipom Business

Six years ago: April Fool's Day 2020: Truth in a Post

Seven years ago: April Fool's Day 2019: Objectivity and Subjectivity

Eight years ago: April Fool's Day 2018: Stepping Back, Moving Forward

Nine years ago: It's April Fool's Day!

Six by Five: Pokémon Day 2026 - 30th Anniversary

I say "long in the tooth" from one (personal) anniversary to another, because indeed today is Pokémon Day, and indeed it is its 30th anniversary. I've subtitled it personally as "six by five" since my yearly theme this year has a six in it, and last year's had a five, and six times (by) five makes the number you see (ahem). That's a long stretch of time, and the franchise certainly stretches longer than that, so this year's anniversary is quite special - and as mentioned last year (see below), it falls on a round number, which augments that very much.

Also as I've mentioned last year, by tradition, the number of years for this year's anniversary is considered as the "pearl" anniversary. Pearls, like the regular kind and "Big" kind, which are in-game items in the main series, are round and valuable, and in fact are attested as such in those games. For all the things that have happened with Pokémon so far, each one is a precious pearl (not to mention the main series game that bears the label) among the various segments of the franchise's fans. Strung together, they make for a wonderful piece of jewelry, and every fan will have their own version of this, including me. It's a good imagery for this year.

Closely associated with pearls is the word "wisdom". Taken together, they make an expression that refers to how some valuable sayings or advice are or can be encapsulated in little chunks of words. It may be considered that a lot of things from the Pokémon franchise carry their own weight of wisdom, and it is up to the fans to package them in whatever little chunks (pearls) they choose to have and (perhaps optionally) to string them up into a piece of jewelry they can be proud of. After 30 such years of those things, the "pearls" may end up in different sizes - or may not even be "pearls" at all - but at least they may all look pretty somehow.

Speaking of "pearls of wisdom", there are some of "those" in an edition of Pokémon Presents as is the norm for this very day in many past years. As a preview of what was highlighted in that edition before I discuss them more or less thoroughly, there are the requisite anniversary festivities in many current spinoff games, the next steps for competitive Pokémon battling (including the all-important World Championships later this year), the reminding preview of the content of the latest "main series alternate", and... something that's blowing in the _____ and riding on the _____, two fill-in-the-blanks to be filled with the later discussion.

Of the anniversaries that have occurred thus far, this one is obviously a significant one for all of its merits as above... at least philosophically. The realism of everyone's Pokémon experiences with the games, entertainment, merchandise, and everything in between is what tells the tales, stories, enjoyment, memories, and fun that are at the core of all of those things. Not everyone will get a chance at owning pieces of absolutely all of those things, but what they own might "multiply" the experiences in the same way that this year's anniversary number "multiplies".

Happy pearly and iridescent (and wise) 30^th anniversary.

One year ago: Pokémon Day 2025 - 29th Anniversary

Two years ago: Pokémon Day 2024 - 28th Anniversary

Three years ago: Pokémon Day 2023 - 27th Anniversary

Four years ago: Pokémon Day 2022 - 26th Anniversary

Five years ago: Suddenly Silver: Pokémon Day 2021 - 25th Anniversary

Six years ago: Pokémon Day 2020 - 24th Anniversary

Seven years ago: Pokémon Day 2019 - 23rd Anniversary

Eight years ago: Pokémon Day 2018 - 22nd Anniversary

Nine years ago: Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary

Fourteenth Cosplay Anniversary - Make the Old New Again

So, today as usual is my "cosplay anniversary", as the day I first started cosplaying formally. It certainly started with a Pokémon cosplay and that remains the bread-and-butter of my cosplay efforts even to this day. That's an ongoing effort, and it's also an old effort (especially given how long it has lasted, 14 years to this day), so that brings up an interesting point, in that a lot of my current efforts are also "old" efforts, whether it's bringing up an old character from the rich history of Pokémon or reworking an old cosplay, both of which apply to Ash as my most frequent character. Thus, I thought of discussing the "new" element that can apply to these.

Bringing up an old character in a way makes it still relevant for a cosplayer, and that would be true for me with Ash, who is no longer seen in the Pokémon anime but is still influential for me even now. I can see the same thing in other cosplayers who bring out other characters that are just as old or even older than Ash, yet they too are still relevant for them and even in this modern age. That becomes my vindication that I can still cosplay as Ash or any character from any point in Pokémon history, and that would still represent the relevance of Pokémon to me.

Then, the reworking of old cosplay represents my desire of giving them improvements so that the above process of maintaining relevance can still occur. Even if they're not completely new, at least the spirit is still new or renewed. It's a continuous process that is still occurring for as long I have the costumes, and it's also necessary in many ways in the case that certain "new developments" occur and may preclude any and all cases of my continued foray into cosplay.

What is also affirmed is that the process as mentioned is important, whether for the possibility of new costumes being made or just the renewal of old costumes. I have to keep this in mind, and perhaps others do too - both the cosplayers and the makers - so that they too can also include and experience the "new" spirits in some way.

Regardless, it is with Pokémon cosplay that I've attained many of these realizations, and on this anniversary, that seems important as I've become a long-in-the-tooth cosplayer and Pokémon itself is also "long in the tooth" for its existence.

New things are great, but giving "newness" to old things is also great in some ways, and that may be just as well for my (Pokémon) cosplay.

Happy fourteenth cosplay anniversary to me.

One year ago: Thirteenth Cosplay Anniversary - In and Out of Solitude

Two years ago: Twelfth Cosplay Anniversary - Fostering Hope

Three years ago: Eleventh Cosplay Anniversary - (Part of) My World

Four years ago: Tenth Cosplay Anniversary - Still Patient

Five years ago: Ninth Cosplay Anniversary - Taking a Backseat

Six years ago: Eighth Cosplay Anniversary - Doing What I Want

Seven years ago: Seventh Cosplay Anniversary - Timeless Cosplay

Eight years ago: Sixth Cosplay Anniversary - From No-One to Someone

Nine years ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary

Valentine's Day 2026: Creature Comforts

Another year, and Valentine's Day comes by almost imperceptibly. Of course, for those who really feel (perceive) it, this day is all about the best of things for the best of people... and of course Pokémon as the core subject of this blog and those who feel a connection to it. For this year's occasion, then, I'd like to bring up the feeling of "comfort", for which some say it could be tied to certain beings or creatures - and thus the phrase mentioned in the title. It also becomes relevant to Pokémon, given the "creature" aspect.

For the phrase, many fans of Pokémon will no doubt feel comfort with their favorite creatures beside them in both action (through the games and such) and inaction (by just being there, like with merchandise). That may have some romantic overtones in some cases, given the penchants of some fans and especially for this particular day, but otherwise the pleasurable aspect may be the only thing that is apparent, and that seems fine for them.

Then there is the aspect of creatures seeking comfort with one another. Some Pokémon species are evidently related to others, and aside from the potential conflicts that may arise, it is possible that at least some harmony can also manifest by their presence in togetherness. That's something ideal to see on any given day, but even more so for this particular day.

If there is any suggestion from both cases above, it is that comfort is important for both creatures and people. In that case, the feeling is one that may just manifest in all the right ways when the Pokémon and the people allow that to come to be.

On this day and even with the state of the (Pokémon) world, there is no time - better and/or more at that - to seek comfort and rightfully so for people and Pokémon alike.

Happy Valentine's Day, and may fans (and creatures) find some comfort wherever they are.

One year ago: Valentine's Day 2025: All Your Love, Awesome

Two years ago: Valentine's Day 2024: Pick What You Love

Three years ago: Valentine's Day 2023: A Batty Heart

Four years ago: Valentine's Day 2022: Within Attraction

Five years ago: Valentine's Day 2021: No Love, Only Love

Six years ago: Valentine's Day 2020: In Pursuit of Love

Seven years ago: Valentine's Day 2019: Think Pink

Eight years ago: Valentine's Day 2018: Address to a Luvdisc

Nine years ago: It's Valentine's Day!

In Solitude and In Togetherness

Thanks to Ash yesterday, as well as the context of posts from past years below, today is indicated as my "anniversary" - that is, my birthday. It's a happening that has had its own dynamics, especially with Pokémon, if those past years are of any indication. That seems to want to apply to this year as well, given the circumstances that surround it; one of them was the thing yesterday, and the other... well, that's tomorrow, and I'll save that for then. Right now, though, there is another circumstance that when taken together with those other ones becomes the state of matters for today.

For that, celebrations can and do occur whether one is in solitude or in the company of loving people, whoever those loving people may be. That's something that people may choose to have happen, or might happen to people regardless of what they do. Even for celebrations centered on Pokémon - or at the least ones involving its most fervent fans - this may still be the case, and all that they can do is to "go with the flow" for how those celebrations play out. With that, the current occasion of my own birthday seems to have to play out to both celebrations of solitude and togetherness. 

Certainly, it was evident that yesterday's anniversary party could be construed in part as an "early" birthday celebration. As always, I'm bringing - or technically I brought - my Pokémon flavor to the celebration, which is something I chose to do. As for today being the actual day, the weather dictated that I wouldn't be able to find togetherness even if I wanted to, so it was a "forced" solitude in some ways. Meanwhile, as a preview for tomorrow, there is a familiar kind of Pokémon togetherness to celebrate, even if it may not exactly re-warrant my birthday to come up. Yet it still may be OK.

After all this time, Pokémon still has a way of making togetherness and solitude enjoyable in either circumstance and however they're (forced to be) chosen. The circumstance of my birthday might make realizing that more important, especially given how long I've been around and how long Pokémon has been around. Following that first step, the next step is ensuring that all my Pokémon and other dealings reflect just that.

Every day is a good day for all things that are one and many (people included), and if they happen to be Pokémon things that can be enjoyed by the same number of people, then that's fitting for me and others in our singularity and multitudes for them.

On that note, I've got one and many things to do. Happy one-and-many birthday to me.

One year ago: My, How Time Flies

Two years ago: Starting (Anew on) a New Day

Three years ago: A Legendary Existence

Four years ago: Unique Touches

Five years ago: Wishes for Good Days

Six years ago: Always Together

Seven years ago: Wonderful Opportunities

Eight years ago: 30 Going on 10... Or Something Like It

Nine years ago: A Pokémon Party?

Hoppip New Year 2026

Hoppip New Year! Well, this Pokémon blog is now starting its tenth year, a round number for all things concerned. Now, roundness can be construed in many different ways, and any of them seem apt to be discussed at the beginning of this year of Pokémon blogging for all that they may indicate for what has come as well as what will come with everything Pokémon. That then becomes reflected back into my blogging efforts for what I've done and what I'll need to do - the latter likely in more detail tomorrow.

One of the things that "roundness" may refer to is completion. Nine years of discussing certain Pokémon matters on this blog have been completed, and I've also been able to complete a lot of things within that time. Yet this is something that faces challenges, much like the subject of "commitments" that I discussed a year ago (see below). Despite the challenges, both past and present, I still want to commit to that completion, and that also means doing what I can possibly do in both the Pokémon front and blogging side.

"Roundness" can also have references to perfection or fullness, and this presents a more intriguing prospect. Over the past year, a lot of things have happened for Pokémon, and I got to address many of them in my blog posts. This year, meanwhile, already has its cues for further perfection and fullness, some to be evident in a couple of months' time. That means more of them to address, which further means more chances to achieve a "roundedness" of my own with this Pokémon blog.

Like in past years, I also put forth my "Hoppip Report" on this day. Last year, I put out stats on my captured Hoppip through the in-game Pokédex since I didn't have anything particularly special for a captured Hoppip. I've decided to revisit that and show what kinds of Hoppip I actually have through the new and improved appearance of that Pokédex - something I should probably discuss in a different post. The ones for the 100% (best stats) and Lucky are indeed missing... but they'll surely come sooner if not later.

Also like past years, the list of posts from past years grows even more round with the addition of the one from nine years ago. That is something that is warranted regardless along with the state of roundness of all my affairs, both in and out of Pokémon. As for Hoppip itself, it is not necessarily a "rounded" Pokémon in one sense, but after all this time, it still has provided a sense of "roundedness" for me to start off another year of Pokémon blogging. By all means, that may be a good and "round" way of looking at things at this point. 

One year ago: Hoppip New Year 2025

Two years ago: Hoppip New Year 2024

Three years ago: Hoppip New Year 2023

Four years ago: Hoppip New Year 2022

Five years ago: Hoppip New Year 2021

Six years ago: Hoppip New Year 2020

Seven years ago: Hoppip New Year 2019

Eight years ago: Hoppip New Year 2018

Nine years ago: First Post Time!

Nine Years... in My Item Storage

So, as of this post, it completes a full nine years of blogging about Pokémon on all kinds of topics, from hard ones related to the games and the rest of the Pokémon franchise fandom to soft ones related to much of my own experiences and at least a little bit of some of other fans. Like previous years, to close off the year, I take a concept or mechanic - mostly from the main series games - and attempt to apply that to all that I've blogged about within that time. The concept I've chosen for this year is item storage (or Bag, when talking about general-purpose Pokémon Trainers), something that is evidently needed for those main series games but is also applicable to other Pokémon games with their multitudes of similar yet different items. 

When I started this blog, I didn't have much of an inkling of what I'd post about, and I'd often choose random topics to discuss - like a Trainer starting out with only a few items in their Bag. In more recent times and especially this year, those "random topics" have settled into a kind of "regularity", like for a Trainer having a ready stock of various kinds of items in their Bag, ready to use them when the opportunity strikes. My regular event rollups and coverage for Pokémon Go, updates on certain progressions for all kinds of Pokémon games, and some days of the year with posts dedicated to more esoteric topics are examples of the evident "regularity".

Many items, in and out of the main series games, are certainly of the "enhancer" nature, like the hold items I discussed a year ago (see below). But the main series games also have a host of what are called "key items" that serve to advance the adventure in some way. My takes on all kinds of Pokémon aspects, like the ones in the "gimme five" series posts throughout this year followed by other facets of the franchise have elements of both enhancement and advancement - in many cases depending on how readers and other fans look at them.

Quite incidentally, nearly two years ago, I had discussed the amounts of items Trainers may have in their Bag in general, and the points that I had discussed there (re)apply into this end-of-year discussion with the more general topic of item storage. For the concerns of this blog, the path taken can be said to be the "moderate" path with sufficient items (or discussions) that free Trainers - or fans - to take whatever Pokémon path they want or need to take for them. 

Yet much recently, there has been the concern of "maxing out" the items in my storage, which can and still do happen in games that impose such limits like Café Remix and Pokémon Go, and the associated problems that come with that. That translates to this blog as having issues in composing posts and having to cope with them like Trainers use up their excess items.

Nine years is a pretty long time for blogging efforts, especially in my case where I devote them to a specialized topic, in this case Pokémon. Even more specialized within that is the body of items that make up one's storage in the games of the franchise or wherever they apply.

Looking into my "item storage", it seems that I've got a varied lot of items in it, like the posts on this blog, and that has to be shown off within this year and the next. Cheers! 🍒🎈🎀

One year ago: Eight Years Holding Items

Two years ago: Seven Years with Usage of Field Moves

Three years ago: Six Years & The Conferring of Statuses

Four years ago: Five Years - Extended Healing

Five years ago: Four Years, Taking Damage and Healing

Six years ago: Three Years: Making My Moves

Seven years ago: Two Years of Evolution

Eight years ago: One Year Full of Pokémon

Lost and Found Christmas

And then, the day itself comes. Christmas for many is a time of great cheer, especially when the conditions are normal. But when they're not, it can be a bit of a confusing time - and the moment of the holiday might be in a lost-and-found state. So it is that with a happening that befell my personal affairs, as well as some distant people finding themselves in a quagmire, I thought I'd discuss this state of affairs for the holiday, and certainly I'd include the pertinent Pokémon experiences for that and more.

For the "lost" part, there have been a few occasions of Christmas that I've had where Pokémon was an included part. One of them happened to be the occasion where I also obtained the relevant Pokémon album, which was indeed adjacent to the time. I know now that I can never get the occasion back by the above happening - although that's probably the case regardless. For the others, they might also be shuffling themselves and the Pokémon things they still have, so at least a bit of the day is "lost" for them.

On the "found" side of things, in many of the past years, I've been able to get into certain happenings close to or exactly on the occasion - one of them earlier this week - that enable me to put in Pokémon. These would represent me "finding" them and therefore "finding" a kind of Christmas to celebrate. As others recover from their quagmire, which could take until the next time Christmas comes around, they can also find their Christmas celebrations; with luck, some of those might just involve Pokémon.

The ways that things are "lost" and "found" on this day might be considered an oddity, given the festivity that's in the air. Yet it is understandable that life happens with or without an upcoming or ongoing festivity, in particular the one of this very day. Losing or finding oneself or the associated happenings would then be expected along with the progression of life (and certainly Pokémon things), but with the festivity at hand, one seems to just need to go along with it and find only what really needs to be found.

I'm still at the moment trying to find myself after the happening above while contemplating the Christmas happenings I've lost and found alongside Pokémon. Others may be in the process of trying to find their footing after they have lost hold of it, and still others may be in the process of finding Pokémon things that can complement them in whatever state they're in. In all of these cases, at least there is still today and the hopes that it implies or brings - just maybe to lose the "weight" and find the "wings to fly".

Merry Christmas. I hope that (Pokémon) spirits are always found and never lost. 🎄

One year ago: A Natural (Pokémon) Christmas

Two years ago: The Colors of (Pokémon) Christmas

Three years ago: Much Ado About Christmas

Four years ago: Keeping the (Pokémon) Christmas Spirit

Five years ago: Merry Christmas... in Fantasies

Six years ago: I Like Christmas, Merry Christmas

Seven years ago: Christmas Bash: Concept Album?

Eight years ago: Merry Christmas!

Thanks for the Memories

Today happens to be the fourth Thursday of November, which means that for those who are familiar with Americana, today would be Thanksgiving. As in past years (this would be the one for last year), I'm interested in taking the spirits that pertain to the day and discussing it along with Pokémon, usually involving a theme of some kind. Thankfulness is a given, of course, with it having been discussed when the occasion first came up, but other things may have to do with sentiments that are at hand for this particular day.

For this year, those sentiments pertain to memories and being thankful for them. Some rock music aficionados will surely recognize the sentiments as being cited in a particular song, but I'm not too familiar with it, so I'm not going to deal with it. Overall, however, the sentiments present a nice idea, and they are quite fitting to be discussed on this very day, moreover to be linked with Pokémon as the central and overarching theme.

All fans have their own memories associated with Pokémon, and so do I. Some of the ones that pertain to me have been discussed in the "Memories of..." series of posts on this blog. Then, there are various others that are strewn across the posts of this blog in some way, shape, or form. (Even this entire blog could be construed as a single one.) It is certain that fans have to be thankful for all of that, and that includes I myself personally.

Memories can also involve people who are connected with them, and in the case of Pokémon fans like me, the people might be in connection to how Pokémon things or the memories that are linked to them are furnished. I too have some people who qualify in this way, including a kind-of special person... but I'll deal with this one when it's pertinent.

It's a matter of fact that thankfulness or gratitude is necessitated for all things in life and even beyond this particular day. Yet some of those feelings remain strong for this particular day, including for the current sentiments in relation to memories. Given Pokémon as an associated topic, it's a great thing to be thankful for it and all the related memories.

Whatever memories are associated with Pokémon for me and my fellow fans, remembering and being thankful for them is also important in the grand scheme of things. On that note, I wish a Happy Thanksgiving for those celebrating, perhaps also with Pokémon.

One year ago: The State of Nominations, Part 31

Two years ago: NYT Games, Pokémon Editions?

Three years ago: Pokémon Loot from ChibiCon

Four years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 13

Five years ago: Go Onwards to Home

Six years ago: Herding the Last: Wooloo Sticker

Seven years ago: Poké-Pareidolia

Eight years ago: The Pacing of Types

Halloween 2025: Heads and Tails

And then, there's the big spooky day itself - Halloween. Also as detailed last year, Pokémon has really been getting into its spirit through its "Pokéween" branding for all things spooky with all things Pokémon. Certainly, that would be from head to tail, as is true of many Pokémon that are like real creatures that have heads and likely tails. With that, the subject seems to make for a good discussion for this year's Halloween festivities and how that centers all around Pokémon and some spookiness.

Recently, the revealed Mega Dragonite has been shown to have a really funky head (with wings) and an equally funky tail (with an orb just like Dragonair). It made many fans do a double take, perhaps in a way even "spooking" them out. With the way some Pokémon are - like the eyeless headed Zubat, or the forked tail Espeon - they might just be able to bring spooks to anyone, particularly those uninitiated with Pokémon. If they're if any indication, the oddest heads and strangest tails are definitely helpful in this regard.

Meanwhile, looking at the current plethora of costumed Pokémon in Pokémon Go, specifically those related to today's occasion of concern, quite a few involve putting things on Pokémon heads (or somewhere close to that). Even if bodily tails aren't too involved, the things being put on might have "tails" themselves of some kind, and that makes for a unique tails-on-heads situation that could be considered spooky in quite a few ways. That would still be rather unique, even for Halloween.

Of course, there is another sense to "heads" and "tails". That would be the two sides of a coin, something that TCG players often use in their battles. These may be considered to have their aura of "spookiness" about them, being strangely "helpful" when not needed and less so otherwise. That will then cause "spooks" for either or both of the attacking and defending players. And even if they're only figuratively related to actual "heads" and real "tails", either player will still need to deal with the possibly "spooky" results.

Me: Maybe we can think of any other strange heads-and-tails things today?

Ash: Don't you have that "something important" for me coming up?

Me: Oh, yes! So, um... I guess you might as well go out for me.

Goh: Hey, another actual outing on Halloween!

Me: Sure! No parties (that I know of), but a few friends always deal with things on this day of the week.

Ash: They're your card game friends - and they're helping me get set up. I paid for you just as you told me to do.

Me: Great! 

Ash: And then... I hung around with them and even talked about you for a good bit of time with one of their buddies.

Goh: You didn't play?

Me: Oh, I wish I could set up myself and Ash for that. But I really can't.

Goh: I'm sorry. Well, it does seem like a good time.

Ash: But it's right on Halloween... so I also got you a little something.

Me: Oh, nice! A few "treats".

Ash: It wasn't exactly "trick-or-treating" but it was as close as I could get.

Goh: Maybe you can do it for real at some point.

Me: I'd love to arrange that. 

Goh: By the way, what's this in your fridge? It looks a little like... Torchic heads. 

Ash: Oh, that's an odd one.

Me: Well, you don't need to know too much more about that...

It's amazing that even something as trivial like "heads" and "tails" can be thought-provoking for Pokémon matters or spooky matters - or both as a matter of fact. It's the way they combine as in the case of Pokémon species, the two sides of a coin, and their other manifestations that make them what they are, and even "scary" good. 

So, at the tail end of this discussion, I'd like to head cap things off by saying Happy Halloween 🎃 to all those getting into all of its festivities - hopefully all the way from the head to the tail.

One year ago: Halloween 2024: Chasing Illusions

Two years ago: Halloween 2023: Going (All) Out

Three years ago: Halloween 2022: Relative Spookiness

Four years ago: Halloween 2021: Spooky Branding

Five years ago: Halloween 2020: Facing the "Spooks"

Six years ago: Halloween 2019: Taking My Chances

Seven years ago: Halloween 2018: The Tricks to Treats

Eight years ago: Happy Halloween!

I Want to Be Free (...as a Bird)

Um... well, today's a special day, which should be evident by previous years' posts (see below). Due to some currently prevailing sentiments, however, I don't feel like addressing it directly - although as the prevailing topic of this blog, I can (and have to) always address Pokémon directly. It's like I'm not really "free" in doing so, even with today being a day for "freedom". For that, the desire to be "free" is very strong, and it's something that I and others possess, even with Pokémon in tow somehow.

Some people may consider that birds are the most emblematic animal of freedom, certainly if cages don't become a matter for them and the aspect. In fact, most countries in the world have some sort of a national bird (possibly even more than one), and these birds may be purely representative or deeply symbolic. And when it becomes very much the latter, then it will be present as emblems in various areas or contexts. Conceivably, this also applies - and very much so - for a certain reference area.

With that, the national bird of the reference area is a local raptor, a sort-of hawk and a sort-of eagle. The consideration of its significance is really not for these specific resemblances, nor the fact that it's now a very rare species, which it is. Rather, when the bird takes flight and spreads its tail and wings, it becomes the perfect shape for embodying a certain symbolism that drives national agendas, then and now. As well, the bird isn't particularly gleaming, but the symbolism is quite as such.

When these are taken into account, some of the Pokémon birds that fit into this reference are Braviary, Pidgeot, and Corviknight. The first of these is somewhat agreeable with the species and resemblance, while the others are more agreeable in their impressive symbolism. Yet if purely "impressive symbolism" is to be considered, then there is nothing like Ho-Oh, which in some circumstances may appear as gleaming as that particular symbolism, even if it might be less agreeable in shape and size in this specific regard.

Ultimately, the point of this discussion and the references made for that purpose is to reason for my "freedom" as well as that of others, some of which has been seemingly lost. So it is that birds provide an outlet of reason, whether it would be that certain national bird or the Pokémon birds that resemble its likeness and then that symbolism. The next thing would be to ensure that "freedom" flies high in any form and that my desire (and those of others) are fulfilled on its wings. 

So, yeah, um... happy that "freedom" day. Yeah, that.

One year ago: Seeking the Unity of All Aspects

Two years ago: My Land, Never Gone

Three years ago: Independence Numerology, Pokémon Style

Four years ago: Sparkling, Shining for the World

Five years ago: Rise Up and Live, with Body and Soul

Six years ago: ...And Social Justice for All

Seven years ago: United in Diversity

Eight years ago: Red and White Philosophy

A New Order of the Ages...?

OK, it's July 4 again, so it's the day that the United States commemorates its independence. Since several years ago, I began the norm of discussing it (by a theme related to the country) along with some relevant Pokémon matters, and that remains true for this year. The theme taken last year was a Latin saying found on a piece of national imagery... and yet it's actually one of two on that imagery, like either Plusle or Minun. With that, I figure I need to discuss the second of the pair, moreover since now there is some relevance and importance to some other Pokémon matters.

That second saying is "novus ordo seclorum", which means... more or less the words in the title of this post. Its apparent history is that it's a reinterpretation of a phrase found in a certain classical Latin piece - which I would consider to be of interest to me, but I digress - and it was chosen (along with the saying above) to represent the dawn of the new country, implicatively as a place of independence and freedom, spiritually speaking. It then goes back to the occasion of this day as the commemoration of that.

As for the relevance of this with Pokémon matters, recall that years ago (see below), I had written about how the U.S. can be regarded as a "center" - a focus place, so to speak - of Pokémon happenings. That is still true today, although recent upheavals outside of Pokémon (not to be discussed here) might seem to make that fact a little less on the pleasant side. It's as if the saying above is realizing its premise, only in a darker direction. Even people beyond Pokémon affairs feel exactly this way, as if the spirits above are becoming lost.

With that, what would be needed for this "center" to become viably pleasant for Pokémon players - since a few Pokémon events (like the World Championships) are invariably held there - is... perhaps the phrase itself, but in a better direction for the country. What's done is done, and it's clear that the current situation of an age shift has been nightmarish, but that doesn't mean it can't change again for the better, as far as all Pokémon fans are concerned.

Independence for this country has been a wonder such a long time ago, which might just explain the choice of using the saying in the national imagery. That seems equivalent to the wonder Pokémon has aroused in a fraction of the time of that independence. Time keeps on changing and ages keep on shifting, and for all that is good (like Pokémon) in this world, the ages may need to shift again for the country before it's too late.

But what is never too late is wishing well for the independence of a country, especially as the pertinent occasion comes up for Pokémon fans there and all other people of interest. On that note, that is just what I'd like to do - to wish well on the occasion - and hope that the ages may newly turn for the better.

One year ago: Blessed Be These Efforts

Two years ago: From Sea to Shining Sea

Three years ago: The U.S. as a "Center" of Pokémon

Four years ago: Searching for Myself... with U.S. Included

Five years ago: A Few Words about U.S. (Us)

Six years ago: Welcome to the Jungle

Seven years ago: Metal Reversed Cap Pikachu Keychain

Eight years ago: The Subdued Hometown Themes

April Fool's Day 2025: Balls for You and Me

Things are back to that one day a year where a few things go crazy, including some Pokémon things. That would be April Fool's Day, and already some realms of the world have their own shenanigans for this very day - including for Pokémon (and specifically Pokémon Go), but that's to be explained shortly. Now, a key part of the Pokémon experience is being able to capture Pokémon in special capture balls in the range from Poké Ball to Great Ball and beyond, so the concept of "balls" are inherently tied to Pokémon in this case. Of course, that's in part a formality derived from the main series games, and capture balls may or may not be needed in other cases. Yet the "ball" concept may still manifest itself in other ways.

Perhaps in close relation to the ubiquity of Poké Balls specifically, some Pokémon species have developed appearances that resemble that ball. Then, when they're interacted with - in both intended and unintended ways - expected and unexpected consequences may result. That may still be exceptional, though, and it is likely in the usual cases one will interact with them in good ways, or as in the older main series games, be able to find balls containing items in their place and not have to deal with them at all. The species and mannerism of getting items may be somewhat idealized, but they're still what they are for their worth.

In situations where the capture balls are not pertinent for their actual usage, it may still be nice to have a bit of whimsy with them - like having beach balls in their motif, as some anime episodes have demonstrated, or having figures that closely replicate the look and feel of the capture balls. Both are quite perfectly suited for real-life applications, although the latter is more admittedly so and the former could be considered a bigger whimsy of the Pokémon world itself, but if they can work out for fun, they'll work out nonetheless.

Me: What do you think?

Ash: Poké Balls or any kind of balls or fun!

Goh: Fun and functional. I recall you two demonstrating it last year.

Ash: Oh yeah! 

Me: Of course, that happened. (See below.) 

Ash: But then, Pikachu prefers being outside with me, so it doesn't really care for balls. Right?

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Right you are."] 

Goh: What's the story on that?

Ash: It's kind of long - it might take a journey for some people to understand.

Me: And now's not the time for that.

Goh: Well, I gotcha.

Me: Anyway, I don't have anything special for Ash this time - I thought I'd just call you up to talk.

Ash: That's fine - hey, is that an Amoonguss over there?

Me: Looks like it. I'll go catch it real quick... What do you know - it's a perfect one.

Goh: Very nice!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"] 

Ash: Now you have a ball Pokémon you could really deal with.

Me: That's very true. It'll be fun trying to make it work somehow.

All things considered, there's a place for Pokémon balls somehow and somewhere for everyone that enjoys them. There will be ones that are functional for the capture of certain species, while certain species function to duplicate the look of the capture balls, and look-alikes of the balls will be abound in one form or another. It's a ball-filled life for those who fancy and deal with Pokémon, and there is just no substitute for that.

Happy April Fool's ...and have a ball (that is, fun).

One year ago: April Fool's Day 2024: Making Good (Excellent?) on Things

Two years ago: April Fool's Day 2023: For the Birds

Three years ago: April Fool's Day 2022: Life in Duplex

Four years ago: April Fool's Day 2021: Aipom Business

Five years ago: April Fool's Day 2020: Truth in a Post

Six years ago: April Fool's Day 2019: Objectivity and Subjectivity

Seven years ago: April Fool's Day 2018: Stepping Back, Moving Forward

Eight years ago: It's April Fool's Day!

Thinking About... Us

We must be truly clear and absolutely clean

Pure in our bodies and in our souls

Look inside yourself before you start to speak

Cast away the dust that's still present there

Oh, cast away the dust that's still present there...

-- "Untuk Kita Renungkan (For Us to Think About)", Ebiet G. Ade (free translation)

Like in past years, there's that certain special time of year - which seems rather coincidentally (or not) placed close to a certain "break" - that I want to touch on while incorporating some things related to Pokémon. In the past couple of years, I did that rather indirectly and almost vaguely with the mediating aspect, but this time, I have a clear song that I can use as that mediating aspect. It's one from a local artist who also has another song that I used in the past as an end-of-year song, and it seems pertinent for all matters of concern. 

Both songs were in fact once used by a certain party to promote contemplation for this certain moment of the year many, many years ago when the actual moment was during a different time of year - clearly as it shifts throughout the year. Furthermore, both songs were actually conceived after disasters, this one after a natural one and the previous one after a human one. In any case, it is their contemplative nature - specifically for the current song for the current discussion - that becomes importantly pertinent.

"Contemplation" is also indeed relevant for this specific song, as the translated title contains the word "think". The song itself, beyond the first verse, is a call for reflection when terrible things happen, and to keep in mind that there is a supreme power about that keeps things in line. What that supreme power might be might depend on the person - and in the case of Pokémon matters, it might involve a certain four-legged beast - but the key is that the supreme power continues to hold sway, while people still contemplate what it means.

Now, to relate all this to Pokémon, it has been plain to see that my Pokémon relations have been on edge lately, and the causes of this may be both external and internal. I've done my share of self-contemplation (that is, introspection) to try to figure it out where and how things went wrong, though it's still a difficult process; I'm not sure if the others have done the same or not sufficiently enough. What's for sure is that the matter will still need to be dealt with in the short term for the better of us.

Perhaps at this time, Pokémon may need to contemplate a few things as well, particularly given the shift of Pokémon Go management to be under Scopely and the continued problems with the physical TCG out there, in order to find possible solutions to rectify matters or make sure things always proceed as possibly as they can. Given that next year is somewhat of a big anniversary year, this also becomes a bit of an imperative in some ways, along with whatever else is to come in the lead-up to that or whatever will become closely associated.

This certain yearly special time always makes itself out as a time to think about things, which makes sense given the song above and in particular its quoted verse above, especially now personally and in some ways for Pokémon itself. The latter is regardless composed not only of those who enjoy it but also those who make the enjoyment happen, and thus the "us" element is manifested in more ways than one. All that seems to be ever important to be put under the scrutiny of thought, even at this moment.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/31/2024

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 21

Three years ago: Consume and Create

Four years ago: "New Daybreaks" for Pokémon

Five years ago: The Long-Winded Side of Things

Six years ago: Cosplay: ONEGAI Bunkasai 2019 - Eiyuu no Uprising

Seven years ago: Mauville's Progress

Eight years ago: Nostalgia: Episode 672 - "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!"

3000 Posts!!!

This post being written has a significance: it becomes the 3000th post I've written on this blog. It comes a few years after I've written my 2000th, and it will always be that way because of the number of posts and the intervening time for all of them. The most significant digit of the number for the current milestone is of course 3, which has strong ties to Pokémon in its manifestations (three Legendary Pokémon in a bunch, three evolutionary stages, three starters or first partners, and so on and so forth). Meanwhile, the number itself is a part of a certain facet of pop culture that also in part encompasses a certain triad, and with that in mind, I thought I'd use (interpret) it as the framework for the occasion of this milestone.

Each of the elements in the triad technically represent "zones", but for the milestone occasion, I thought I'd interpret them as "concerns". The first of these deals with residential affairs, which may have been considered by many of the posts on this blog. These can be interpreted as my entrenched progressions, as well as those of others, in the games as well as how the games continue to entrench themselves for everyone who deals with them, like me. They're really "entrenched" in the sense that they're persistent... and therefore "resident" as well, and that's something I like to present in the posts about the above topic.

Of course, Pokémon now has a lot of things offered for money deeply embedded within many of its things, so there are commercial affairs afoot. In addition to the games - which in a way I'm promoting thanks to my posts about them - there also has been a lot of merchandise, which I've also taken to promote at times. Some are purely aspirational, as in ones that come to my attention and I promote without owning them, but others are genuine, as in ones that I do actually own and/or have gotten and have taken to promote them as such. The affairs might be considered "iffy" for some - even me - but they're still part of the process.

Lastly, there are industrial affairs and their associated concerns. In the case of the posts on my blog, these can be considered to be the various analyses and critiques I've made of matters surrounding official Pokémon goings-on as well as my own creative efforts, the latter of which could be considered as further extensions. The process of putting Pokémon things out - including for this blog and my related creative efforts - is not (and has not been) always an easy one, and it may be helpful to review and check them as they occur. That's definitely a concern along with all the other concerns I've outlined or suggested above.

All the elements above in their original form need to be balanced in some way in their original context, and that would seem to have to apply well for the posts on this blog. After having written 3000 posts, I've explored so much about Pokémon and yet there's much more about it to explore, especially as Pokémon itself continues to develop. What other significances Pokémon will have in the future and I will provide in return for this blog may not be known yet, but to look for them as I deal with and write about Pokémon is the task.

One year ago: Rethinking Pokémon-People Relations

Two years ago: Cosplay: Culture Festival

Three years ago: Pokémon of Overlapping Roles?

Four years ago: The Post Malone P25 Virtual Concert

Five years ago: No Sight, No Mind

Six years ago: Fashion Statements by Pokémon

Seven years ago: PokéTerminology

Eight years ago: Cosplay Hair

Pokémon Day 2025 - 29th Anniversary

As is always the case (for me personally), the end of February is always a time for certain anniversaries, and the most pertinently important one is for Pokémon itself - which is today. It's the celebration known as Pokémon Day, and this year marks the 29th anniversary, twenty-nine years after the first Pokémon games were released. Admittedly, though, the occasion of this year's anniversary - among some of the past few years - could be considered an "in between" anniversary for certain reasons, and that "in between" quality seems to serve as a good discussion point for this year's Pokémon Day.

The reason it's "in between" is because next year is a particularly round anniversary number; it would be the 30th anniversary, which in some circles, albeit uncommonly, may be regarded as the "pearl" anniversary. Because of this, the content for next year's anniversary is likely to be fuller and more fleshed out akin to the silver anniversary from some years ago (see below), while this year's can be considered to be a "filler", to borrow a term from the anime fandom, and to pass the time waiting for that anniversary.

Reports have also indicated that this year might be an "in-between" year regardless for some Pokémon affairs as well, though some might just be somewhat too early to tell, in particular the circumstances of their happening. One of them has even been brought up on this blog and is awaiting answers. I'm also "in between" some of them, as well as between a figurative "rock and a hard place", and perhaps so are many fans. To resolve all of that, something like Pokémon Presents is needed to pin things down. 

With that, an edition of Pokémon Presents is indeed scheduled for today, and it divulges things that are now not so "in between". As usual, it will take a separate post to discuss (and a bit of time to organize for that purpose), but I can give the highlights of the showcased facets. The most important have to be... a shade of "big" in the physical TCG, a "championship revival", and of course the big-time "legendary" reveal that everyone has waited for with bated breath - hopefully with at least some gulps of air. 

Even on an "in between" year like this one, it's always a great day for Pokémon, and especially today as the occasion of the franchise's anniversary. That - including what is (was) in Pokémon Presents today - may be all it takes to fill the gaps in each and every day, and all parts between them, for all the days of this "in between" year into the next year and even beyond. Between you and me, that should be a great thing.

Happy 29^th anniversary.

One year ago: Pokémon Day 2024 - 28th Anniversary

Two years ago: Pokémon Day 2023 - 27th Anniversary

Three years ago: Pokémon Day 2022 - 26th Anniversary

Four years ago: Suddenly Silver: Pokémon Day 2021 - 25th Anniversary

Five years ago: Pokémon Day 2020 - 24th Anniversary

Six years ago: Pokémon Day 2019 - 23rd Anniversary

Seven years ago: Pokémon Day 2018 - 22nd Anniversary

Eight years ago: Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary

Thirteenth Cosplay Anniversary - In and Out of Solitude

Well now, it's been thirteen years since I formally started cosplaying, and today would be its anniversary. My specialty and preference is of course Pokémon cosplay, which is why it's on this blog when it is on for conventions, festivals, and such. It is also an effort that allows me to meet many other people and the characters they bring out through their cosplay, yet in a way I'm also finding myself as being alone in the effort at times. It's this going in and out of a state of "solitude" that I thought I'd take up as this year's topic of discussion.

The "solitude", of course, is due to the fact that Pokémon cosplay in my area is scant, unless people bring in their own surprises like Pikachu the other day or Charizard in the past, or a team project gets initiated - furthermore with my blessing. Thus, it's always a journey to go out of that "solitude" when I partake in conventions and festivals locally. Certainly, if I was in the U.S., chances are I might not have to venture much to get out of that situation, since Pokémon cosplay is more plentiful there due to the "mainstream" status.

It is true that I'm technically and physically never "alone" when I go to conventions and festivals, as I share other interests outside of Pokémon with other people. Yet I'm also often left up to my own devices outside of these situations and seemingly in a difficult position to ask for assistance, sometimes let alone to receive it. While at least going to conventions, festivals, and such might alleviate that condition temporarily, the rest of the way will take my own effort, which is acceptable yet could use some help in some cases.

At least, the rise of people providing cosplay services, like prop makers and rentals (the latter of which might have a presence on aggregators like a specific one) also lets me - and others - know that I'm not necessarily ever alone. Yet given that my focus is on Pokémon cosplay, even sometimes these services aren't too helpful for that purpose... and I'm right back where I started. This too is thus a "struggle" against a solitude, and they all may need to be utilized in the best way for the purpose of my Pokémon cosplay and others for theirs.

"Solitude" is not necessarily a bad thing, even now after I've been active for 13 years in cosplay, but having people to share that with is always a neat thing, and especially so in my case with Pokémon cosplay. So, the journey continues in order to be able to seek people to enjoy both Pokémon and cosplay together, and to deal wisely with the times when there aren't people for that purpose. Whatever the case, having Pokémon around is always a prerogative - especially in my case - and cosplay and other people will still be needed for that.

Happy thirteenth cosplay anniversary to me.

One year ago: Twelfth Cosplay Anniversary - Fostering Hope

Two years ago: Eleventh Cosplay Anniversary - (Part of) My World

Three years ago: Tenth Cosplay Anniversary - Still Patient

Four years ago: Ninth Cosplay Anniversary - Taking a Backseat

Five years ago: Eighth Cosplay Anniversary - Doing What I Want

Six years ago: Seventh Cosplay Anniversary - Timeless Cosplay

Seven years ago: Sixth Cosplay Anniversary - From No-One to Someone

Eight years ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary