And just like that, Sumo’s over. Boo…

No, this has nothing to do with sumo, but it’s hilarious and just more proof that Medieval monks were just as zany as we are today.

*Sigh*

There was a lot of upset, though. Those whom they call the “rank-and-filers” showed up and put the yorikiri (that would be ‘frontal force out’) to the ozeki and former ozeki. Ura, our favorite, finally got a kachi koshi (more wins than losses) so we were quite pleased. It only lasts for two weeks, at least the tournament. One of these days I’m going to get to Japan and be able to spend all day watching the tournament in person.

But I digress… and on to other musings.

I’m actually interested in YOU. I want to know who my blog readers are.

Did you reach this blog on a recommendation from WordPress?

Did you find my books and work your way back to this site?*

Was it by accident? Curiosity?

I have plug-ins that give me some information, but not the whole picture of course (God forbid the day when the machines can ascribe our motives for why we humans do things the way we do).

So if you’re willing, let me know how you discovered my blog, and you can tell me what you think. I only ask that in your honesty to be tactful and not let loose with pure vitriol. Thanks!

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*If you didn’t know it already, I write fiction. You can check out my catalog of work here or by viewing the gallery on the sidebar or scrolling down if you’re viewing this on a phone.

Sumo’s Back! WOOHOOT!

So who else out there is into sumo? Who else would plan a trip to Japan that coincided with one of the six tournaments that make their rounds on the island?

Yesterday night Mom and I watched Grand Sumo Highlights (which, thanks to DST, shifted to 1930 instead of 1830. Japan doesn’t use DST, just JST) and it was a much-needed diversion from the recent and unexpected loss of our very beloved (and severely spoiled) pup. For a half hour, we got to root for our favorite rikishi, and watch some of the slick and sometimes unexpected moves. We particularly like Ura, if only because, win or lose, he always seems to be smiling. And anyone who holds out a hand to help another wrestler back into the dohyō after tossing him out gets a point on the respect scorecard. Oh, and Endo, because when he wins, the announcer draws out his name with one long OOOOOOOOOOOOO, and he wears a dark purple–my favorite color!–mawashi.

Ura in his silk ceremonial apron.

One of these days I’m going to have to incorporate sumo into a story. As it is, I have the character who was born of my love for MMA, Ennid the Havoc, so maybe I can introduce a sumo-inspired fantasy bout in his universe, somewhere.

Wish me luck!

Have you ever watched sumo?

T. R. Neff Titles on Kindle Unlimited

“Reading a book in train” by alubavin, CCBY2.0

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