I feel like this is going to be a very silly post but I have no idea how or why I ended up with first place. I still doubt my skills or my confidence but it is a nice boost to know that a costume I made years ago, forgot about, lost, found, completed, outgrew, adjusted, and is fading could still be considered good enough for a first place prize.
I don't like to hop into cosplay contests (it isn't something that I value as a cosplayer) but this was rewarding in the sense of finally being seen. This was my first time in full cosplay in over a year and it felt normal. It felt like coming back to a place of comfort. Seeing people's expressions when they finally realized who I was dressed as was rewarding on its own. But my skills being acknowledged is something that I didn't know I needed.
Anyway, thanks for the ramble and thanks for reading. Here's the real lesson:
You can cosplay however and whenever you want. Just remember to have fun and be kind.
