New Year's Eve 2020...

 

The last day of 2020 and looking forward to the new year ahead. Tonight, my family is gathering together at my parents' house to usher in the new year in prayer and a late supper.

This is a special time when many families and friends come together to party or enjoy each other's company and reminisce of the past year's events and also to consider what might lie ahead.

I already have some plans for several things happening in the new year but as they say, we make the plans but pray to God for blessings upon it.

So far this season, it's been really good to be with my parents as they would usually be in Samoa as we had been hoping to be but with the border closures lots of families have visited them and it's been a time when we have been able to catch up and share about what's been happening in our lives.

I'm so thankful for today and pray for comfort for those who are needing support and comfort, especially victims and families of beloved ones who have been struck by the COVID-19 virus. Praying that there will be hope on the horizon and the dawn of a new year for all...

Trifle season...

 

This season in NZ, as we enjoy our summer Boxing Day shopping sprees, Beach BBQs, family gatherings seemingly COVID free our prayers and thoughts go to families and friends in Europe and the Americas where the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing.

In today's news, hospitals in California and trying to make ethical decisions through panels to consider who is able to get hospital treatment and those who won't due to not having enough capacity to be able to support everyone.

This is heart-wrenching for families and loved ones as we have family and friends in California i.e. Los Angelos and San Francisco and hope and pray that they are goinSg to be well.

In Europe with the new strain of COVID, it is alarming that the new symptoms spread even faster with super-spreading events being a big concern especially around this Christmas and New Year time of celebrations.

So as we in NZ enjoy are relative freedom, we hope and pray against this also happening in NZ. We have definitely been blessed and encourage more people to pray for those in places around the world who are experiencing this first hand. May God protect us and bring hope to affected areas...

Exciting news and a new year ahead...

 

It's been a neat Christmas season to spend with my family and especially together with my parents as we're all unable to visit Samoa at this time with border closures from COVID-19.

However, a neat surprise was finding out that in a recent NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) Level 1 Samoan 2020 Examination paper, it referred to one of the books or stories that I had retold or written a couple of years ago called Fale Samoa. 

The actual question itself was regarding the different parts of the construction of a traditional Samoan house and in the footnotes (as shown above) it references the book and my maiden name with my beloved as the translator.

This is a neat confirmation for me to continue the work that I've done so far since 2015, as this year I decided to take a break from self-publishing books in supporting our local church's Samoan Early childhood centre and a short break from my PhD studies with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in NZ and indeed all over the world but now it's time to get back to work.

As we count down the last few days of 2020, I'm thankful to God for another amazing year that has happened and look forward to the new year ahead and what it will bring. I trust that you all had a very merry Christmas and now look forward to another amazing year ahead, no matter what it brings...

Seniors' Christmas giving...

 

Today has been a blessed day for me as my parents wanted to go to visit some of the seniors in our church with special food parcels.

All of the seniors were in their late 70s - early 80s and it was such a blessing in sharing in their joy of remembering some of the old days and reflecting on where they are now in their senior years.

It reminded me that you don't need to be rich or it's not about making a name for yourself but it's about having a generous heart to give no matter what you have.

What I knew they appreciated the most was the time that we were able to spend with them. Not only in being able to talk and share in the memories but also in the laughter in remembering some of the special memories that they shared together.

It made me realize that this season was not one that we are meant to spend alone or be isolated away from family and friends but one that we share especially with the elderly or seniors in our lives. I know that I was especially blessed because I saw the example of my parents still caring for others even in their senior years. Something that I will remember for a very long time...

The week before Christmas...

 

It has definitely been one busy last-minute flurry of the last week before Christmas with so much to do in celebrating this end of year.

It started on Friday night in picking up our eldest from AUT (University) Southern Campus with her announcement that she has been accepted as an academic navigator whilst on 2 weeks training for the 2021 intake of the 5 weeks Uni-Prep classes and mentoring that the University offers for first-year ex-high school graduates.

So we had a small family dinner celebration complete with a cake for the awesome efforts that she's put into her first year at Law school with great results despite the COVID-19 lockdowns and concerns that those had brought.

The next day, I took our middle child to an end of year break up lunch celebration with our Samoan ECE Early childhood education centre staff and board to the SkyCity Fortuna Buffet Restaurant which was a lovely time.

There's still so much to do with last-minute Christmas shopping lists and the Christmas menu as well as Boxing day and New Years' celebrations. In knowing this, I'm so thankful for the blessings that we have had this year despite this unprecedented year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. So much to be thankful for...

Fanau (children's) day at our A'oga...

 

Yesterday, I had an excellent experience with our A'oga (Early childhood school) Fanau (children's) day break up and graduation with their families. The day was M.C.'d (Master of ceremonies) by the team leader of the teachers in the Samoan language and was enjoyed by all.

The day started with the children playing in the outdoor area i.e. bouncy castle and toys. They were then ushered with their families into the Aoga for the opening prayer with our local minister.

The graduation of the children moving on to Primary school commenced with gift-giving that also continued through each of the years and then I gave my short speech as chairperson followed by gifts for the Minister and teachers.

It was also neat to have my parents there who wanted to support as foundation members of the church and my dad gave a short speech and his gifts of monies for the Aoga and lei necklaces for the children and the minister that I was able to distribute on his behalf. 

Afterwards, lunch followed and I also bought a large cake for dessert that was enjoyed by all with the beautiful sun in the backdrop made for a very pleasant day. Our middle daughter shared her art talents with some face painting that the children enjoyed and I joined her to  makeup a lion and spiderman something I've always wanted to do.

The day ended in prayer with the Minister leaving and the children playing on the bouncy castle, laughing and talking with each other and all had a wonderful time together. I think we even be having some new children joining us in the new year.

Definitely a neat experience and looking forward to supporting the education of our next generations with many more neat plans for our Aoga, children and their families to flourish in the new year with new ideas. A real blessing from God...

Class dinner experience at 'Wildfire' Restaurant on Quay Street...

 

As it's the time of the season for work break up parties and end of year lunches and dinners, I had the privilege of attending an end of year dinner at Wildfire Restaurant at the Waterfront with my class.

They had the option of an 'all you can eat' buffet type dinner experience around different meats being taken to the table and opting for whichever you wanted or the ala carte menu whereby you just choose whichever meal/s you prefer from the menu and we opted for the latter.

Most on our table decided to go for the various burgers but I decided to order the salmon and for the dessert a creme brulee which was served with a biscotti. The meal/s were certainly delicious and we also had the opportunity of dining next to the waterfront and could see the boats moored just outside the Maritime Museum which was opposite the Restaurant.

A highly recommended dining experience especially if you're in town and like the buffet-styled 'all you can eat' meats option although I still preferred choosing your own menu which worked out for our group and dining with the water lapping just a few metres from the dining table. 

Afterwards, we walked around the waterfront and had a look at the changes that have been made to accommodate for the Americas cup regatta that is soon to begin with much hype in the media and international attention that will focus on Auckland, the city of sails, for the next few weeks...

The Post Office Public House Cafe & Bar lunch out...

 

Today, I had the privilege of going out for a Christmas office break-up lunch with an amazing group of ladies. What I like about these ladies are that they're fun, they're sassy and they're very knowledgeable about things Maori and other indigenous concepts.

We went to a local cafe/bar called 'The Post Office' which is a very interesting cafe concept as the theme was used throughout with stamps on the walls and a menu that looked like a letter.

And they used enamel cups, teapots and plates that had me laughing as it nostalgically reminded me of when I was little and we would go to Samoa and were often given enamel cups and plates to use.

These we also used when camping as they didn't break easily although when chipped you could see the dark foundation. So it was neat to see.

The menu was quite nice as pictured and we went for a variety of different plates with me opting for chicken steaks with fries, salad and waffles which was quite interesting and some pink lemonade which was also a first for me.

Afterwards, we enjoyed participating in a 'naughty santa' rather than 'secret santa' where everyone brings along a $15 - $20 gift and then sits in a circle where the first person opens a random gift followed by the next person. 

If they prefer or would like the first person's gift then they can 'steal' it. I was the first to open and my gift of scented soaps got stolen and replaced with some nice face products that I decided to keep to pass on for other gifts. It was quite a neat way of ending the lunch as I couldn't even fit in a dessert.

Next year we're looking forward to possibly having homemade gifts to share and I already have a few ideas for that too as I love home crafting as well as enjoy going creative and trying different things too. And tomorrow I have another outing to go on but more on that tomorrow...

'Mary did you know?' Christmas song...

 

Today, I listened to a neat rendition of "Mary did you know?" which is a contemplative contemporary Christmas song sung by Michael English in the 1990s. Lots of different artists have since sung their own arrangements with my favourite being the Pentatonix that I've featured before.

This year, I thought to share Carrie Underwood's interpretation of the song which has a storyline about some of the questions that one might have asked Mary if she was aware of what was to become of her baby son who had been born.

It's an almost sad Christmas song in that it points to amazing miracles that Jesus made but then for those who know how the Easter story ends that I guess if heaven is seen as the ultimate end then it is a happy ending after all.

If you do get a chance, why not check out the lyrics of this song this Christmas...

Life Church's "The Good News Show"...

 

Yesterday, I went with my family to watch a live Christmas show called "The Good New show" that was held at Life Church's City campus. 

We've been attending the Christmas shows for the last few years and it's a neat time for the family to come together and to take friends or a guest or two to experience the excitement of a live performance.

It definitely beats watching TV or even the movies or Netflix as the action is happening right in front of you that you have to suspend your disbelief to remember that there are actors in front of you on a stage.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and especially with the live singing that intermittently sang Christmas carols to remind us of the reason for the season. It was definitely worth viewing and driving into town to watch although parking is always horrendous.

The audience was full to capacity and with so many people coming together for sound, lighting, acting, singing etc. we were in for a treat. Hopefully all will be well next year as I know that they will be looking for some impressive people to fill the gap.

Ia manuia ma ia fiafia...

"Inspiring the future Aotearoa"...

 

Today, I've virtually volunteered to become a role model for "Inspiring the future Aotearoa" a Tertiary Education commission initiative.

It's a new initiative which is really interesting and it provides a space for local students, whose schools have opted into the programme, to engage with local community people who work in various vocations, bringing different perspectives and life experiences to share with local youth.

It's an exciting venture as I've seen this on a small scale with careers' days in schools and expo's that only a select number of students can travel to but never on a national scale as is seen on the website  https://www.inspiringthefuture.org.nz/ 

So if there are any people out there who don't mind volunteering their time for a worthy cause and being able to give back to their communities, this is something definitely worth checking out. Another neat thing about it is that you also get the opportunity to support our youth, inspire their studies and make the future a better place through your contribution...

Mama's Music box movie...

 Here's a first Pasifika Christmas movie that I'll be checking out these holidays and it's called "Mama's Music box" hitting the screen's this week by the same director as "Hibiscus and Ruthless", "Three wise cousins" and "Take home pay" starring Tofiga.

In fact, whilst doing a wee bit of research on the background of the movie, I read on https://www.thecoconet.tv/coco-talanoa/blog/pacific-island-xmas-film-mamas-music-box/ that they gave themselves a challenge of 30 days to produce the feature film from scratch!

Now, that's pretty genius and demanding to be able to do that and then have it showing in Cinemas the following month! Wow! as I've featured writer/director Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa's earlier movies in review on this blog and have been pretty impressed by him and his producer/sister, Abba Rose's effort's to bring their creative efforts to a public paying audience.

It also goes to show that there is a lot of Pasifika talent out there, not only in producing, writing, shooting, directing etc. the movie but also in the talented cast of actors and support crew to make this movie come to fruition in such a short time.

Suffice to say that as soon as I watch it, I'll be writing a review and looking forward to a few laughs that sometimes only Pasifika people can understand and a great storyline with a lot of action. Catching it in Manukau cinemas this weekend...

Mama's donuts in Mangere...

I'm not a huge fan of donuts but don't mind them for the odd special occasion but I do know many family members and friends who enjoy: Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kreme and the lots that are in local bakeries and treats shops.

Last weekend, I visited the Mangere Markets with a friend and my youngest sis asked me to check out to see if Mamas donuts from Botany had a stall there as she wanted to taste them.

Well of course, that got me interested and when I found the stall at the Mangere markets, I asked for which one/s were the most popular and true to form it was the one (pictured here) that had the koko Samoa powder that packed a punch.

What was also interesting was that the stallholders appeared to be Asian and spoke about "they" meaning the patrons that liked the koko Samoa and caramel like donut but not referring to themselves

So I would definitely recommend this donut for all those Koko Samoa lovers out their and would encourage 'mamas donuts' to consider having a Samoan crew out there to sell those donuts as there was some interest but not enough when the stallholders themselves don't look too interested in them...

 

Maui's hook - doco' movie...

 

This weekend is the last weekend of classes for myself and my students. It's certainly been a tough year with two lockdowns and uncertainty about travelling overseas in the near future but time has continued and now we find ourselves at the end of another year.

One of the activities we had this weekend was to show a sobering NZ movie called "Maui's hook" (2018). It's a documentary with some traditional Maori motifs and beliefs weaved into the story about 5 grieving families' healing and spiritual journey from Whanganui to Cape Reinga.

I couldn't quite figure out the 'hook's' symbolism until I read an article about the movie and it discussed the hook representing the route of the families' bus ride to the traditional spiritual place of Cape Reinga where Maori spiritual beliefs of the dead would return to.

Much like the Samoan beliefs of old in Falealupo on the northwesternmost coast of where the souls of chiefs would ascend to upon their death. This was the belief that their souls would then descent to Pulotu to the afterworld.

In fact, as I've blogged about a couple of times before, this was an interesting belief that is shared throughout the Pacific eg. Hawaii, Rarotonga, etc. where areas geographical areas were designated usually towards a Northwesternly point where spirits of the dearly departed would ascent to.

The movie itself included some touching stories of 5 families who had lost loved ones to suicide and the guilt, anger, questions and learnings that they had together in learning to deal with that grief. The journey they make is spiritual, physical and emotional.

A movie definitely worth watching if your family has dealt with grief relating to suicide and the healing journey of releasing or letting go of some of the debilitating emotions that families have had to deal with at Cape Reinga and learning to live beyond the grief...

Fun day at the Pools...

 

Today, my beloved and middle daughter accompanied our youngest to the pools with her syndicate classes. I didn't do the 15-minute walk to the pools as I had work to do but it was good to have two other helpers from our family to support the syndicate as, without parent/caregiver helpers, they wouldn't be able to go without that teacher/helper to child ratio.

It was neat to see the teachers chillaxing although some had to cook the BBQ and organise the children which is something that we parents were able to have a rest from and it was neat to see the children enjoying themselves and having fun in the pools.

We also realized that it had been several months since being in the pools as we had had our youngest's 9th birthday party there in March and have only just ventured back today due to the uncertainty of possible community transmission/s through the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also had a mini prizegiving to those who would not be getting prizes at the main prizegiving next week. Our youngest scored a prize as we had also been very careful in not sending her straight back after the two earlier lockdowns until we were certain that all was well.

All in all, they enjoyed their swim, the sausage sizzle, the ice blocks and then the long walk home with the end of year festivities only beginning...

Punialavaa - Beautiful Samoan song...

 

This evening as my beloved was serenading me with various songs, he sang this song and I was reminded of this beautiful song that my parents would listen to on a cassette tape (1970s - 1980s) when I was quite young by the group called 'Punialavaa'. 

The lyrics and tune are quite lovely as a beautiful love song about offering oneself to another. There has been another reformed band from the same family who have re-recorded the song a few decades later but I still enjoy this original song.

As the original band had quite a distinct sound. Something to listen to on a quiet evening when everyone has gone to sleep and you are with your beloved. Much like what I enjoyed tonight. Listen and enjoy...

Intellectual Property and Copyright...

 

I've had some very interesting conversations in the last week and it's been around Intellectual Property otherwise known as I.P. and copyright.

What I'd like to say as a self-publisher to many indigenous peoples out there who want to get published is to be very careful of 'sharks' or people out there who will take your I.P. and copyright and make it their's.

What do I mean by that? (I'm glad you asked). When indigenous writers, artists, musicians etc. are wanting to share their stories, music, artwork with the world they really need to be careful of whom they are choosing to represent them be that a publisher, an agent, a representative of some sort.

One of the things that I would suggest would be to check if you are able to keep the copyright to your work if you are publishing be it manuscript or music score etc.

The reason why this is important is that many are so busy being happy that they are being published etc. but they don't realise that the big companies and even small ones will not only publish your book but they will also own the copyright to that work and can print as many copies as they want. 

So that if you don't already have a contract in place then they are able to make as many copies as they wish to sell and are supposed to give you the royalties on any extra copies that they might sell. The problem then becomes that when you don't own the copyright to your book then you have no say over what happens to it.

In effect, you have sold that copyright to the agent, or publisher and effectively may have even sold the Intellectual property in that it becomes theirs. That's why it's really important for indigenous writers, artists etc. to carefully consider for what is best for their works for the future.

I've learnt as a self-published author that when I work in collaboration with other writers that the best way of working with them for them to keep the copyright to their own books therefore in the credits, in the front of the book, I would ensure that it stipulates that the copyright belongs to the authors.

In doing so, that means that the credit is given to them and the Intellectual property belongs to them and not to me as the publisher. People beware! there are sharks out there who parade themselves as helpers to indigenous peoples but then take your works and own the copyright and the Intellectual property. 

Please be vigilant in your precious indigenous works...

Photo credits: "Tekoteko" carving by Naufahu Veehala (Tongan). Te Wananga o Aoteaoroa 'Toi' exhibition Nov. 2020 at Mangere Campus.

Birthday shout-outs and thanks...

 

A big shout out to my Dad (and Mum) who wanted to shout my sister and I on our birthdays last weekend (although I tried to dissuade him) then decided to enjoy the time together.

Here we are at a local favourite restaurant i.e. Mongolian BBQ with buffet salads, sushi, soups, mains and pancake and ice cream for dessert with my parents and my family on one side and my sister's on the other. 

What was funny was that I was again reminded that we were born one day apart as I'm born a day before her i.e. 25th November but she's older than me by a year born 26th November a year earlier and that I used to say that we were twins for a day.

What's even more interesting is that our elder daughters are born one day apart with my daughter born on 26th September and my niece is born on 27th September. Now, what's the probability of that within a statistic equation (don't ask me as I quit on maths decades ago, although once one of my fave subjects in high school).

It was a great time to be together and catch up. There were other family members who couldn't make it for various reasons but I certainly did enjoy each other's company and looking forward to another time that we could do this again...