My normal is different from your normal

This is me at the Elf Fantasy Fair

A few days ago I saw a newspaper article about my hobby (which is technically more of a life style than a hobby) and the caption by the picture said: "You won't find your average person here today" The picture was taken at a Fantasy Festival.




A Fantasy Festival.

Yes.

No, its not like a Children's birthday party, Halloween party, or a Renaissance Fair. It's a bit of all three, and none all at the same time.

A Fantasy Festival is a place where like minded people go to celebrate LIFE, individuality, and freedom to be who ever they really are.

People dress up as their favourite Film character, cartoon (Manga), hippies, witches, fairies, or Fairytale villains. There are market stalls selling everything from Renaissance clothes and kitchenware, to Swords and bows, to jewellery and fairy wings. You can buy home decor and hand made soap and even taste food from other worlds and times.

It is escapism from the harsh reality of day to day life some say. It's for people who are a bit detached from life or people who want to run away from responsibility. I disagree.

It is an adventure, to DARE to be yourself, to DARE to be at one with nature and with the earth.
To DARE to go back to basics.
To be creative - to make music, to make costumes, to go to a festival with beautiful people, gentle people...

To enjoy old castles and gardens, old inventions and "the god old days" :-)
It is a place to learn about the old ways, to learn about fantasy, to learn about the old religions, about how to re-connect to what is really important.

Fantasy Festivals are generally held in the summer months, so its a place and time to enjoy lazing in the grass, or to enjoy a night time fire.
During the winter months there are events as well, mostly fi and Horror is also part of these events. Subcultures of society such as Gothic or Lolita are combined with Steampunk and Cosplay.
There are also costume contests to show of your creations and the glory of being crown winner. The Best creation of the event, what an honour!

concentrating on music, film, cartoons and books. Sci-

So why did I mention that this hobby can be turned into a lifestyle? Well because creating these costumes takes time. First of all you need to think about what you want to represent. Who do you feel like today :-) And create it.
Also, being at one with nature is a form of life. Being free and thinking positively is the life style of the hippie.
The medieval music fills my home on a daily basis, and so does
The medieval food make it on to my plate at night (mostly on special occasions) and I bath myself in natural oils and incense.

that folk metal created on mostly traditional instruments.

It is so hard to explain this to someone who has never been a part of it. Never judge something you do not understand, never fear it. Embrace it and learn.
I have always loved fantasy movies and celtic music and when I learn about a great gathering of like minded people I went to check it out for myself. That was 8 years ago and I almost never miss a gathering. It has strengthened my spiritual beliefs, my beliefs in humans and my relationship with the earth has grown deeper. I like to go back to basics, to relax, to take life easy. Stress is something we create for ourselves.
Coming home and doodling a fairy for Ebay or sticking gears on my new top hat relaxes me. It's a wonderful life.

So this is my life, most people think its a bit strange, but its only because they do not understand it. 

This is me, and this is why my normal is different from your normal :-)