Meet Sasayama Mary!
Yes, she’s a cat-woman. Or is it woman-cat?
How did this happen? Very interesting story indeed!
Sasayama Mary was a very popular and successful fortune teller. As her success mounted, those around her became envious and spiteful. She found herself abandoned. When her best friend turned on her, it was the last painful straw. She became depressed and withdrawn, not sure where to head with her life.
Then attending a Halloween costume party changed everything, She went to the party as a cat. As she mixed among the guests, the smiles of delight were evident. She was making people happy! It felt good to again be accepted and to spread some joy in the world.
Thus, Sasayama Mary, the feline celebrity of our sleepy little town, was born! Currently, she only appears in public as a cat and can be seen anywhere and everywhere around town.
Masumi reminded me that we originally spotted her at our Dekansho Festival. I remember seeing her but just assumed it was another person dressed up specifically for the occasion, a common practice. But no, this was Sasayama Mary, doing her thing.
How we officially just met . . .
We had guests last weekend and were sitting in the store of our friends, Keiko-san and her husband Yatsushi-san, when in strolled a human-size cat! To put it mildly, I was surprised … amazed … delighted!
Sasayama Mary sat down with us and we got acquainted. Meow!
About the folks in this photo, starting bottom right and going clockwise: Of course, first is my wife Masumi. She’s a public school music teacher, phenomenal piano player and opera singer, is currently studying cello, drums, and ballet. Then there’s Sasayama Mary. My wife loves cats. Maybe that’s why she’s sitting next to her.
Coming around the circle, there’s yours truly. My Facebook Profile says “I can balance a Boeing 767 on my nose while I dance Swan Lake. I see hope where others see soap.” That’s really all you need to know about me.
Next are Yatsushi-san and Keiko-san. They are genuinely amazing people. They have built over thirty schools in Bangladesh. In the background of the photo, you can see pics on the wall of some of the hundreds of students they’ve helped with their education.
Next lady is Yoko-san, married to Gary-san. Yoko used to work for the World Bank. Through her contacts, she was able to arrange a huge grant for Yatsushi’s and Keiko’s NPO, funding the construction of at least five schools in Bangladesh. Finally, her American husband, Gary, is a poet, philosopher, political writer, formerly a teacher.
It’s certainly true that the tiny city I live in, Tambasasayama, is a quiet, traditional, rural town. But don’t think for a minute, it’s only farmers and rice fields we have here. Some rather unique and interesting people live here and come to visit. Does your home town have a cat-lady?
By the way, Sasayama Mary has an Instagram page. It’s truly a walk on the wild side. Check it out!
