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Cosplay Bullying Project
This is one of the problems I see often in the cosplay community. These are very good tips. Follow all of them when you're facing a bully whether it be a cosplay bully, a normal bully at school, or even one over the net.
It's okay to get help! Just because you want to try and deal with this on your own, you can always talk to others! I'm here for anyone who just wants someone to talk to, even if it's not about the problem, I can at least try and cheer you up!
Everyone should take a look at this and read everyone's story/messages linked in Crystal Rose Creations gallery folder: Cosplay Bullying Project. Mine are included. The cosplay that I chose to represent with my answers was by far the most liked photo in my gallery and I feel that Jack is also a good character to support against bullying because he's a guardian, of course!
Cosplay Bullying Tip #1: Don't blame yourself. Know that it’s not your fault. What people call “bullying” is sometimes an argument between two people. But if someone is repeatedly cruel to you, that’s bullying and you mustn’t blame yourself. No one deserves to be treated cruelly. Do not blame yourself. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #2: Don’t respond and don't retaliate. Sometimes a reaction is exactly what aggressors are looking for because they think it gives them power over you, and you don’t want to empower a bully. As for retaliating, getting back at a bully turns you into one – and can turn one mean act into a chain reaction. If you can, remove yourself from the situation.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #3: Save all of the evidence. The only good news about bullying online or on phones is that it can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. You can save that evidence in case things escalate. [Visit Connect Safely for instructions on how to capture screens on phones and computers.]
Cosplay Bullying Tip #4: Reach out for help – especially if the behavior’s really getting to you. You deserve backup. See if there’s someone who can listen, help you process what’s going on and work through it – a friend, relative or maybe an adult you trust.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #5: Use available tech tools and resources. Most social media apps and services allow you to block the person. Whether the harassment’s in an app, texting, comments or tagged photos, do yourself a favor and block the person. You can also report the problem to the service. That probably won’t end it, but you don’t need the harassment in your face, and you’ll be less tempted to respond. If you’re getting threats of physical harm, you should call your local police (with a parent or guardian’s help) and consider reporting it to school authorities.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #6: Take action, help others. If someone you know is being bullied, take action. Just standing by can empower an aggressor and does nothing to help. The best thing you can do is try to stop the bullying by taking a stand against it. If you can’t stop it, support the person being bullied. If the person’s a friend, you can listen and see how to help. Consider together whether you should report the bullying. If you’re not already friends, even a kind word can help reduce the pain. At the very least, help by not passing along a mean message and not giving positive attention to the person doing the bullying.
Here's my answers to Crystal Rose Creations cosplay bullying survey in which I partook. The photo representing my answers is my Jack Frost cosplay. What better character to support against cosplay bullying than the notorious guardian of fun?
1) Have you ever been bullied?
Not really saying that I have, but I guess I never really noticed it as a form among the whispers and gossip that went around on campus. I was always the socially awkward and quiet one in middle and high school, but fun and loud in my small group of friends who were also as nerdy as I was. I've most likely had jokes being made and snarky comments behind my back, I know for sure.
I bought my first yukata and given a lolita dress (a present from my aunt) in eighth grade and clearly remember wearing both the day after I got them. The normal comments that I caught from time to time never really seemed to bother me like "Hey, samurai girl." or "Isn't it a bit early for Halloween?"
I made my first cosplay my sophomore year by the help of my animation teacher who was also the representative for the anime club and made two more the years after for the Halloween contests. I remember hearing about comments from my group that other students mistook my giant bow from my Shirahime (Angelic Layer) cosplay for me being pregnant. I never really understood why even to this day. I know there must have been talk about my Dorie (Magical Doremi) and Ichigo (Tokyo Mew Mew) cosplay, but never heard any of it or I guess I don't really remember anything.
When I started my cosplay page I received negative comments about my breast size and I felt it was unnecessary and uncalled for. Someone once told me to get implants soon to become cosplay famous and another told me that I wasn't a real cosplayer because my bust wasn't a C cup or higher.
Yes, I have a small chest, so what! I don't see a problem with it. Sorry, but what you see is what you get. Having a small chest only broadens my horizons on cosplay to where I don't have to always cosplay a girl. I can cosplay a guy if I wanted to, so I have to say it's quite beneficial.
2) Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? If you have, did you do anything to help out the victim?
Yes, I have during my school years and online. I confronted the bully, gave them my two cents, then tended to the one who was bullied by giving them some positivity, reassurement, as well as gaining a friend in the process.
3) How has the bullying affected who you are today?
Personally, I think it's made me more of an assertive person, one that can easily go up to someone and defend my opinion and what I've got to say. I don't run away and I won't back down from an argument until I've won, until I've gotten some sort of justice out of it. One of my closest friends, back then, told me to grow a backbone or I'd get trampled over because she thought I was too nice and I'm guessing she could see a side of me that was vulnerable.
4) How did you overcome the bullying? Or how did you cope?
I'm a happy-go-lucky person, so I can't really stay angry or sad for long. It'll have a small affect me for a while, but then I easily get over it by occupying my time elsewhere or with someone.
5) What advice do you have for others who are bullied?
Cosplay is a hobby that's meant for everyone to have fun and express a creative outlet from their everyday lives. Keep cosplaying no matter what people might say! Be happy with yourself. If you're happy, then that's all that matters.
People who bring others down have either jealousy, low self esteem, or might have something else going on in their life. Just be sincere to those people, kill them with kindness if you will, because you're the bigger person. Hold your head up high an be proud of who you are.
It's okay to get help! Just because you want to try and deal with this on your own, you can always talk to others! I'm here for anyone who just wants someone to talk to, even if it's not about the problem, I can at least try and cheer you up!
Everyone should take a look at this and read everyone's story/messages linked in Crystal Rose Creations gallery folder: Cosplay Bullying Project. Mine are included. The cosplay that I chose to represent with my answers was by far the most liked photo in my gallery and I feel that Jack is also a good character to support against bullying because he's a guardian, of course!
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Cosplay Bullying Form #1 - RACISM:
Whether you're African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or anything in between - we are all people! We all have emotions, feelings, ambitions, needs, just like everyone else! Two arms, two legs, one head.
If you were to cut yourself, you will bleed red just like everyone else does. There is no evidence that "Caucasians" or "Hispanics" or whatever are any different genetically than anyone... else.
If anything, the proof demonstrates we are 99.999% the same! People are people and race/ethnicity has no bearing on anything other than skin color. Just because your skin tone is lighter or darker, that does not make you any different from another human being.
This all applies to Cosplay. If you wish to Cosplay Jack Frost but you're a much darker skin tone, feel free to Cosplay him. A characters race should not matter.
As long as you're happy and you have love for the character, why should race matter? Darkening or lightening your skin tone to Cosplay a character you have a passion for is NOT racist!
***However, performing Blackface is incendiary, insensitive and racist. Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out incredibly racist and offensive stereotypes about African Americans.***
Whether you're African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or anything in between - we are all people! We all have emotions, feelings, ambitions, needs, just like everyone else! Two arms, two legs, one head.
If you were to cut yourself, you will bleed red just like everyone else does. There is no evidence that "Caucasians" or "Hispanics" or whatever are any different genetically than anyone... else.
If anything, the proof demonstrates we are 99.999% the same! People are people and race/ethnicity has no bearing on anything other than skin color. Just because your skin tone is lighter or darker, that does not make you any different from another human being.
This all applies to Cosplay. If you wish to Cosplay Jack Frost but you're a much darker skin tone, feel free to Cosplay him. A characters race should not matter.
As long as you're happy and you have love for the character, why should race matter? Darkening or lightening your skin tone to Cosplay a character you have a passion for is NOT racist!
***However, performing Blackface is incendiary, insensitive and racist. Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out incredibly racist and offensive stereotypes about African Americans.***
Cosplay Bullying Form #2 GENDER:
In Cosplay, Gender doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what your biological gender is, or what gender you identify yourself as.
If you are a male and you want to Cosplay a Disney Princess, then do it! Put on that sparkly dress and strut around like the beautiful and majestic Princess you are! Sing and be merry! And don’t let anyone tell you differently!...
If you’re a female and you want to Cosplay Ironman from Marvel, do it! Put on his suit and torment the Capsicle! Blast off onto new adventures with The Avengers.
If you're Trans, all this applies to you as well! Do what makes you happy! Cosplay who you want! Be who you want to be!
In Cosplay, Gender doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what your biological gender is, or what gender you identify yourself as.
If you are a male and you want to Cosplay a Disney Princess, then do it! Put on that sparkly dress and strut around like the beautiful and majestic Princess you are! Sing and be merry! And don’t let anyone tell you differently!...
If you’re a female and you want to Cosplay Ironman from Marvel, do it! Put on his suit and torment the Capsicle! Blast off onto new adventures with The Avengers.
If you're Trans, all this applies to you as well! Do what makes you happy! Cosplay who you want! Be who you want to be!
Cosplay Bullying Form #3 AGE:
Age does not matter at all. You're never too old or too young to Cosplay! If you want to Cosplay a character that is not your actual age or in appearance, then do so! You should not feel held back by being younger or, older than the character you're trying to portray!
However, if the costume for the character you wish to Cosplay isn't child appropriate, you can make modifications to the costume to fit your child's needs! Instead of a v-neck shirt/dress, use a crew neck! Instead of showing actual skin, use fabric to match your skin tone!
If you want to take cosplaying to the next level, you can modify your physical appearance with makeup, prosthetics and masks! That's perfectly fine!
Age does not matter at all. You're never too old or too young to Cosplay! If you want to Cosplay a character that is not your actual age or in appearance, then do so! You should not feel held back by being younger or, older than the character you're trying to portray!
However, if the costume for the character you wish to Cosplay isn't child appropriate, you can make modifications to the costume to fit your child's needs! Instead of a v-neck shirt/dress, use a crew neck! Instead of showing actual skin, use fabric to match your skin tone!
If you want to take cosplaying to the next level, you can modify your physical appearance with makeup, prosthetics and masks! That's perfectly fine!
Cosplay Bullying Form #4 WEIGHT:
Weight does not matter in Cosplay. Even if you're under or over weight. If you wish to Cosplay a character who’s body image doesn’t match your own, then do it regardless!
However, many people who have a serious passion for a muscular character, such as Superman, some will try to get into shape! And there is nothing wrong with that! Our heroes are our motivation! But if you do go on di...et or try to improve yourself, please do it safely! Your health is more important then Cosplay!
But if image and accurate is really important to you, some men do wear muscular suits to help improve their image for a character. And there is no shame in that!
Some women do use spandex slimmers to have more slim curves. Some even wear corsets. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
But keep in mind, if you are waist training with a corset, please follow all directions carefully and talk to your health care provider to make sure waist training is right for you. See More
Weight does not matter in Cosplay. Even if you're under or over weight. If you wish to Cosplay a character who’s body image doesn’t match your own, then do it regardless!
However, many people who have a serious passion for a muscular character, such as Superman, some will try to get into shape! And there is nothing wrong with that! Our heroes are our motivation! But if you do go on di...et or try to improve yourself, please do it safely! Your health is more important then Cosplay!
But if image and accurate is really important to you, some men do wear muscular suits to help improve their image for a character. And there is no shame in that!
Some women do use spandex slimmers to have more slim curves. Some even wear corsets. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
But keep in mind, if you are waist training with a corset, please follow all directions carefully and talk to your health care provider to make sure waist training is right for you. See More
Cosplay Bullying Form #5 HEIGHT:
Height does not matter. Anyone who values physical accuracy is into Cosplay for the wrong reasons! First and last of all it's about fun! The fun of playing one of your favourite characters!
If you wish to Cosplay Bilbo Baggins but you're 6' feet tall, DO IT! If you want to Cosplay the Hulk but you're 4' feet tall, then DO IT! Who cares? It's all about YOU and your comfort! ...
But if image and accuracy is really important to you, some Cosplayers do wear platforms to make themselves taller.
However, keep in mind when using platforms and high heels that you know the risks! Wearing high heels or platforms that are too big for you or just right can severely damage your ankles, heels and calves if you wear them for long periods of time. Take breaks in between photoshoots and conventions.
Height does not matter. Anyone who values physical accuracy is into Cosplay for the wrong reasons! First and last of all it's about fun! The fun of playing one of your favourite characters!
If you wish to Cosplay Bilbo Baggins but you're 6' feet tall, DO IT! If you want to Cosplay the Hulk but you're 4' feet tall, then DO IT! Who cares? It's all about YOU and your comfort! ...
But if image and accuracy is really important to you, some Cosplayers do wear platforms to make themselves taller.
However, keep in mind when using platforms and high heels that you know the risks! Wearing high heels or platforms that are too big for you or just right can severely damage your ankles, heels and calves if you wear them for long periods of time. Take breaks in between photoshoots and conventions.
Cosplay Bullying Form #6 ACCURACY:
Nothing in this world is perfect. Everything has a flaw. And our flaws is what makes us unique. Same goes for Cosplay. No Cosplay is 100% accurate or perfect in any way. Because there is no such thing as perfect.
There will always be a dent in the armour, the sewing won't be 100% stable, the fabric won't be the right color, the cowls and masks won't fit quite right, the symbols might be crooked. And THAT'S OKAY!
Remeber, sometimes we can not make a Cosplay as "accurate" as we want it to be due to funds. Money is what makes the world go around. Sometimes, we have to make due with what we have, and there is NO shame in it!
Nothing in this world is perfect. Everything has a flaw. And our flaws is what makes us unique. Same goes for Cosplay. No Cosplay is 100% accurate or perfect in any way. Because there is no such thing as perfect.
There will always be a dent in the armour, the sewing won't be 100% stable, the fabric won't be the right color, the cowls and masks won't fit quite right, the symbols might be crooked. And THAT'S OKAY!
Remeber, sometimes we can not make a Cosplay as "accurate" as we want it to be due to funds. Money is what makes the world go around. Sometimes, we have to make due with what we have, and there is NO shame in it!
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Cosplay Bullying Tip #1: Don't blame yourself. Know that it’s not your fault. What people call “bullying” is sometimes an argument between two people. But if someone is repeatedly cruel to you, that’s bullying and you mustn’t blame yourself. No one deserves to be treated cruelly. Do not blame yourself. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #2: Don’t respond and don't retaliate. Sometimes a reaction is exactly what aggressors are looking for because they think it gives them power over you, and you don’t want to empower a bully. As for retaliating, getting back at a bully turns you into one – and can turn one mean act into a chain reaction. If you can, remove yourself from the situation.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #3: Save all of the evidence. The only good news about bullying online or on phones is that it can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. You can save that evidence in case things escalate. [Visit Connect Safely for instructions on how to capture screens on phones and computers.]
Cosplay Bullying Tip #4: Reach out for help – especially if the behavior’s really getting to you. You deserve backup. See if there’s someone who can listen, help you process what’s going on and work through it – a friend, relative or maybe an adult you trust.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #5: Use available tech tools and resources. Most social media apps and services allow you to block the person. Whether the harassment’s in an app, texting, comments or tagged photos, do yourself a favor and block the person. You can also report the problem to the service. That probably won’t end it, but you don’t need the harassment in your face, and you’ll be less tempted to respond. If you’re getting threats of physical harm, you should call your local police (with a parent or guardian’s help) and consider reporting it to school authorities.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #6: Take action, help others. If someone you know is being bullied, take action. Just standing by can empower an aggressor and does nothing to help. The best thing you can do is try to stop the bullying by taking a stand against it. If you can’t stop it, support the person being bullied. If the person’s a friend, you can listen and see how to help. Consider together whether you should report the bullying. If you’re not already friends, even a kind word can help reduce the pain. At the very least, help by not passing along a mean message and not giving positive attention to the person doing the bullying.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Here's my answers to Crystal Rose Creations cosplay bullying survey in which I partook. The photo representing my answers is my Jack Frost cosplay. What better character to support against cosplay bullying than the notorious guardian of fun?
1) Have you ever been bullied?
Not really saying that I have, but I guess I never really noticed it as a form among the whispers and gossip that went around on campus. I was always the socially awkward and quiet one in middle and high school, but fun and loud in my small group of friends who were also as nerdy as I was. I've most likely had jokes being made and snarky comments behind my back, I know for sure.
I bought my first yukata and given a lolita dress (a present from my aunt) in eighth grade and clearly remember wearing both the day after I got them. The normal comments that I caught from time to time never really seemed to bother me like "Hey, samurai girl." or "Isn't it a bit early for Halloween?"
I made my first cosplay my sophomore year by the help of my animation teacher who was also the representative for the anime club and made two more the years after for the Halloween contests. I remember hearing about comments from my group that other students mistook my giant bow from my Shirahime (Angelic Layer) cosplay for me being pregnant. I never really understood why even to this day. I know there must have been talk about my Dorie (Magical Doremi) and Ichigo (Tokyo Mew Mew) cosplay, but never heard any of it or I guess I don't really remember anything.
When I started my cosplay page I received negative comments about my breast size and I felt it was unnecessary and uncalled for. Someone once told me to get implants soon to become cosplay famous and another told me that I wasn't a real cosplayer because my bust wasn't a C cup or higher.
Yes, I have a small chest, so what! I don't see a problem with it. Sorry, but what you see is what you get. Having a small chest only broadens my horizons on cosplay to where I don't have to always cosplay a girl. I can cosplay a guy if I wanted to, so I have to say it's quite beneficial.
2) Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? If you have, did you do anything to help out the victim?
Yes, I have during my school years and online. I confronted the bully, gave them my two cents, then tended to the one who was bullied by giving them some positivity, reassurement, as well as gaining a friend in the process.
3) How has the bullying affected who you are today?
Personally, I think it's made me more of an assertive person, one that can easily go up to someone and defend my opinion and what I've got to say. I don't run away and I won't back down from an argument until I've won, until I've gotten some sort of justice out of it. One of my closest friends, back then, told me to grow a backbone or I'd get trampled over because she thought I was too nice and I'm guessing she could see a side of me that was vulnerable.
4) How did you overcome the bullying? Or how did you cope?
I'm a happy-go-lucky person, so I can't really stay angry or sad for long. It'll have a small affect me for a while, but then I easily get over it by occupying my time elsewhere or with someone.
5) What advice do you have for others who are bullied?
Cosplay is a hobby that's meant for everyone to have fun and express a creative outlet from their everyday lives. Keep cosplaying no matter what people might say! Be happy with yourself. If you're happy, then that's all that matters.
People who bring others down have either jealousy, low self esteem, or might have something else going on in their life. Just be sincere to those people, kill them with kindness if you will, because you're the bigger person. Hold your head up high an be proud of who you are.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Santa Express 2015
In 1993, a small group of volunteer and career firefighters from the community of Pedley began supporting families with toys... and food during the holiday season. Within a few years, firefighters from the communities of Pedley, Glen Avon, Mira Loma, Rubidioux, and West Riverside joined together to support the greater community of Jurupa Valley. As the community grew, so did the need and by 2005 the program began to transition into a community based 501C3 organization. By 2009, the annual holiday adoption program was providing food, household supplies, health and beauty aids, and toys to over one hundred families and one hundred and fifty senior citizens. Partnering with the County of Riverside Fire Department Spark of Love program, the organization began to lead collaborative efforts to support numerous local non-profits and today provides toys to as many as seven thousand and five hundred children a year.
Over the years, the board of directors began recognizing they were supporting different generations of the same family. Knowing that while their annual efforts brought joy to families during the holidays, it didn't truly address the cycle of poverty keeping families dependent on assistance from generation to generation. In 2015, the vision and mission of the organization changed and the program became known as the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family Program. The new program would include two elements: the annual Santa Express parade,Adopt a Family program, and the newly commissioned Opportunity Development program.
Twenty years ago, the firefighters of the Jurupa Valley organized an Adopt a Family program that has become an annual event where we provide food, clothing, hygiene aids, school supplies, Christmas decorations, and of course toys to the needy families of the City of Jurupa Valley. Today, with active community support, we join Santa Claus in delivering the items to these families over several days just prior to Christmas. Families are chosen only after meeting strict eligibility guidelines. Since its inception, we have supported over a thousand families and brought holiday cheer to tens of thousands of children. We also were able to provide toys for the County Foster program that can be used to provide birthday and special holiday presents for over five hundred children.
In all, we filled over one thousand six hundred grocery bags with food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and other general household necessities. Children in each of the adopted families received school supplies as well. We provided bicycles and helmets to numerous children and met some special needs that were identified. This program wouldn't be successful if it weren't for the help of the wonderful community it serves, our family and friends, and to each of you that donated your time, money, or merchandise.
After the Santa Express had passed by my neighborhood smack dab in the Indian Hills golf course, I was eager to know if the organization that showed each year accepted participants/volunteers. Especially one that just so happens to be a cosplayer with a specific and favorite costume to go about in the winter season for some good old holiday cheer. I was super ecstatic to hear that they did after a fast response on Facebook and couldn't wait for the week after.
Before heading out towards the bus that would take us to our parade destination, I meet North AKA Santa Claus while snagging a couple of chocolate peppermint fudge cookies. After that small chat with him, it made the beginning of my night even better.
Friday, the Santa Express was scheduled for Glen Avon and the far north portion of Indian Hills. They were all amazing! For my first night, I was put on the Frozen float due to lack of characters: Hans and Kristoff with only Elsa and Anna to perform to selected songs while I just did my thing of being in character. Elsa was freezing in her dress with such sheer fabric and was surprised by how I was handling the weather, feeling my face and frowning that my cheeks were still really warm.
We started off in the bus lane of my old middle school JMS and went down my boyfriend's neighborhood. He had told me the morning after that he didn't see me nor heard the sirens of the firetrucks. I thought possibly he was too exhausted from work and that he had crashed on his bed. He's the type that knocks out quick and is a heavy sleeper. Perhaps Mr. Sandman gave him a good dream? Then we hit my friend Matt's neighborhood. Luckily, he did see me! I couldn't make out anyone in particular for going blind and not wearing my glasses, but he did mention that his house wasn't decorated yet and had no Christmas lights up, thus the reason why it was so dark. Coming back to the middle school, there was a large crowd that awaited us. I'm guessing that the choir students had a holiday field trip and didn't get back till later that evening. Young boys and girls cheered at our float and snapped photos. I had the most awkward request to whip and nae nae from a section. I did so anyway and the crowd went wild.
I started to feel the cool kiss of air nip at my nose and seep through the layers beneath my costume somewhat near the end of the block and walking to the bus stop to be picked up and brought back to headquarters. I rushed inside feeling the blast of the heater running then after a while I saw everyone off and walked my way home in the darkness. It wasn't that far since I live relatively close by, but the chilling breeze made walking tough.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported us. We were excited to see so many very large groups waiting to greet us. We also have a new "most generous neighborhood for 2015". Congratulations Glen Avon route, you're the new leader for being so awesomely generous.
Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad. Sky Country had a wonderful crowd and I had so much fun waiving to the crowds that lined up the streets and seeing the kids faces beam when they saw that Jack Frost actually does exist and that he's indeed real. Though I practically shivered the entire time clinging on the back of North's sleigh, I wondered how the hell Jack Frost does it then instantly remembered; oh yeah, the cold doesn't bother him. Did you get that reference? Even though, I was more than happy to fill in his shoes... Oh wait! That's right, he doesn't wear shoes.
Riding behind North, he did occasionally make jokes and poke fun at me.
I most definitely think Saturday, the second and final night of the Santa Express for me was even more frigid than the first. Oh my goodness. Brrr! It was so cold, I actually had to take a break in the trailer cab up ahead from North's sleigh and slowly warm myself back up for that little half of the three hour duration. I had been gracious enough to get a heated blanket from one of the supervisors that had quickly checked up on my condition and felt my shaking hands and numb barefoot feet.
A big thank you for the generosity and kindness of delicious cupcakes, cookies, hot chocolate, and a nice hot fire to keep even the coldest person in the world warm and kindled. You not only touched my heart, but filled my belly for I hadn't eaten a single thing that day and only had a mug of butterscotch toffee coffee that morning and later walked out of the house garnered in cosplay headed towards headquarters down the street. I was grateful enough to get a ride home by one of the supervisor's who was also concerned about my well-being and safety.
Over the years, the board of directors began recognizing they were supporting different generations of the same family. Knowing that while their annual efforts brought joy to families during the holidays, it didn't truly address the cycle of poverty keeping families dependent on assistance from generation to generation. In 2015, the vision and mission of the organization changed and the program became known as the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family Program. The new program would include two elements: the annual Santa Express parade,Adopt a Family program, and the newly commissioned Opportunity Development program.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Twenty years ago, the firefighters of the Jurupa Valley organized an Adopt a Family program that has become an annual event where we provide food, clothing, hygiene aids, school supplies, Christmas decorations, and of course toys to the needy families of the City of Jurupa Valley. Today, with active community support, we join Santa Claus in delivering the items to these families over several days just prior to Christmas. Families are chosen only after meeting strict eligibility guidelines. Since its inception, we have supported over a thousand families and brought holiday cheer to tens of thousands of children. We also were able to provide toys for the County Foster program that can be used to provide birthday and special holiday presents for over five hundred children.
In all, we filled over one thousand six hundred grocery bags with food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and other general household necessities. Children in each of the adopted families received school supplies as well. We provided bicycles and helmets to numerous children and met some special needs that were identified. This program wouldn't be successful if it weren't for the help of the wonderful community it serves, our family and friends, and to each of you that donated your time, money, or merchandise.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
After the Santa Express had passed by my neighborhood smack dab in the Indian Hills golf course, I was eager to know if the organization that showed each year accepted participants/volunteers. Especially one that just so happens to be a cosplayer with a specific and favorite costume to go about in the winter season for some good old holiday cheer. I was super ecstatic to hear that they did after a fast response on Facebook and couldn't wait for the week after.
Before heading out towards the bus that would take us to our parade destination, I meet North AKA Santa Claus while snagging a couple of chocolate peppermint fudge cookies. After that small chat with him, it made the beginning of my night even better.
Santa: "Hello, Jack! Are you ready to have some fun tonight?
Me: "Of course! Oh yeah, I'm still on the Naughty List?"
Santa: "Oh, you're at the very top, but for tonight, I'm wiping you a clean slate."
We started off in the bus lane of my old middle school JMS and went down my boyfriend's neighborhood. He had told me the morning after that he didn't see me nor heard the sirens of the firetrucks. I thought possibly he was too exhausted from work and that he had crashed on his bed. He's the type that knocks out quick and is a heavy sleeper. Perhaps Mr. Sandman gave him a good dream? Then we hit my friend Matt's neighborhood. Luckily, he did see me! I couldn't make out anyone in particular for going blind and not wearing my glasses, but he did mention that his house wasn't decorated yet and had no Christmas lights up, thus the reason why it was so dark. Coming back to the middle school, there was a large crowd that awaited us. I'm guessing that the choir students had a holiday field trip and didn't get back till later that evening. Young boys and girls cheered at our float and snapped photos. I had the most awkward request to whip and nae nae from a section. I did so anyway and the crowd went wild.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported us. We were excited to see so many very large groups waiting to greet us. We also have a new "most generous neighborhood for 2015". Congratulations Glen Avon route, you're the new leader for being so awesomely generous.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad. Sky Country had a wonderful crowd and I had so much fun waiving to the crowds that lined up the streets and seeing the kids faces beam when they saw that Jack Frost actually does exist and that he's indeed real. Though I practically shivered the entire time clinging on the back of North's sleigh, I wondered how the hell Jack Frost does it then instantly remembered; oh yeah, the cold doesn't bother him. Did you get that reference? Even though, I was more than happy to fill in his shoes... Oh wait! That's right, he doesn't wear shoes.
Riding behind North, he did occasionally make jokes and poke fun at me.
Santa: "Oh, look Mrs. Claus, if I remember correctly that one is on the Naughty List with Jack!"
Santa: "I think Jack could use some of that fire over there. Warm him up a bit. He's so cold back there, he's spitting out a flurry."
A big thank you for the generosity and kindness of delicious cupcakes, cookies, hot chocolate, and a nice hot fire to keep even the coldest person in the world warm and kindled. You not only touched my heart, but filled my belly for I hadn't eaten a single thing that day and only had a mug of butterscotch toffee coffee that morning and later walked out of the house garnered in cosplay headed towards headquarters down the street. I was grateful enough to get a ride home by one of the supervisor's who was also concerned about my well-being and safety.
Tag :
12 Days of Christmas
,
25 Days of Christmas
,
article writing
,
charity
,
children
,
Christmas
,
cosplay
,
December
,
Elsa
,
Frozen
,
Guardian of Fun
,
holidays
,
Jack Frost
,
Rise of the Guardians
,
ROTG
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Santa Express
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winter
,
"What's Your Center?"
This question was asked by North AKA Santa Claus to the mischievous Jack Frost in Rise of the Guardians. According to North, a person’s center is what makes them eligible as a guardian of children. He demonstrates to Jack what his own center is. He grabs a Matryoshka (nesting) doll and Jack opens it to reveal all the different facets that make up the man, North.
With each doll, Santa is:
The other guardians' centers are:
Throughout the movie we watch as Jack discovers himself. He starts out as a mischievous winter spirit who thinks a snow day is the best thing ever, and is jealous that children believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, Sandman, and the Tooth Fairy — even the evil Boogie Man — but not in him. They look and walk right through him; he's invisible to them because they don't believe let alone know that he even exists.
His journey is to find out who he is. Through a memory of his tooth box, he then realizes he was a human boy once. He loved his family, particularly his little sister. One day when they were skating on the ice, they hit a thin patch that began to crack and crumble under her feet. She was petrified with fear. Jack encouraged his sister by telling her that getting off the ice would be just like playing hop scotch. This helped her to move and he was able to reach out with the long branch he’d been playing with and flung her to safety. However, his selfless act put him in danger and he fell through the ice.
Fast-forward through the rest of the movie where Pitch, the Boogie Man, is turning all the children’s dreams into nightmares and snuffing out their belief in the guardians. We come to the scene where it finally dawns on Jack what his center is. Pitch has him, the guardians, and Jamie, the last boy on earth to believe in the guardians, boxed into a dark alley way. As Pitch advances to finish off his mission, Jack assures Jamie that everything was going be okay. Then he remembers how he had used a game for his sister to save her from falling through the ice. He creates a snowball in the clutch of his hand and threw it in Pitch’s face mid-threat. This shocked Pitch and made everyone start to laugh. Jack knew now that he is the guardian of Fun. He rallied the other children and they defeat Pitch with a good, old-fashioned snowball fight. Even the Boogie Man is no match for a child intent on having fun.
Jack's found center: "Well, it took awhile, but I figured it out."
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
How can we find the center of our characters? If you search out the center, you will find who they are at the core of their very being, and this in turn will help them discover what their own strengths are. You might argue that Jack’s center is heroism, but all of the guardians have that — yet each one has their own unique center.
The center of a character’s being can help you determine who they are. This their essence. To determine their essence, you must also determine their identity. "How can I know who I am... until I find out who I was?"
What is the hero’s identity – what protective persona keeps the hero from facing and overcoming their emotional fear?
What is the hero’s essence or truth? Who would he be if his identity was stripped away? In other words, who does he have the potential to become, if he’s courageous enough?
In the end, we see Jack’s essence is his ability to protect the children by removing their fears through fun and games. This is who Jack Frost is. The guardian of Fun. Once he embraces his true center, the children can see him now, and he is no longer alone.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Following Jack’s Lead… Something Fun! "This is my center. What is yours?"
IMAGINATION
"You are something else altogether! Your center is Imagination! This is a result that is very rare and difficult to have because it's a balance of all the other centers: Fun, Memories, Wonder, Hope, and Dreams. You can't have Imagination without these combined! Full of life, laughter, and ideas! You love nothing more than a good laugh, adventure, and games. You are strange and mysterious. No matter what, in light or darkness, you tend to see beauty in everything, and you believe it's the little things that matter. You're very loyal to those important to you and you're often looked to for given wisdom, strength and advice. Others don't always understand you or your motives, but in the end, you are usually right. You're calm, relaxed, fun-loving, and kind at heart, but when you're fighting for something, you're always determined for a cause. While others may back down, or be afraid, you stand firm and strong until the battle is won. You defend the imaginations of children.
