Recommended Gift Baskets...

 

One of the things that I enjoy making up for birthdays, special occasions and for a special someone is a personalized gift basket. I make up two for my eldest for her birthday and it was packed with goodies that I knew she would enjoy and also would give her great joy.

The reason why I think that gift baskets are particularly special is that you don't have to do it last minute. I recommend that you purchase a decorative cardboard box or plastic storage box and then begin filling it with things that you know that that special someone would appreciate.

The first box that I made up was a set of personal skin based products that I knew she liked and added in other celebratory products like choc's a personalized mug, tissues, lofah etc. So you can make them themed through the use of colour or product themes and the list goes on.  

And then I top it off with a large cellophane wrapped around it with a themed coloured ribbon with a card inserted inside for the special one to read of your sentiments for the occasion etc. This is something that I've been doing over the years as it takes off the pressure of last minute gifts and it's something that can easily completed within a short time frame too.

Some people even make it their business to make these and they're fantastic for Christmas if you're thinking of food related festive themes or care packages etc. So if you're stuck for buying that special gift for someone special, why not consider a themed gift basket. You don't have to choose a big box either, it can be as small as you wish and then fill with things that you know that that person would really appreciate. They'd thank you for it too...

World Vision out of India...

One of the surprising news that I just picked up this week was the fact that many NGOs Non-government Organizations have been barred or cancelled from working in India since last year i.e. over 20,000 overseas organizations who had been doing charity work in India have now been withdrawn.

The main reason being that the present government (and governments before) do not like the criticisms that many of these NGOs reports write about what they see as happening politically within India. Especially in terms of not helping their own poorest of the poor people.

These sanctions and the changes in the laws of India to not allow foreign charities into their countries have caused a mass exit of these international groups from supporting the very vulnerable families in India and could potentially cause and even more widespread poverty of communities there. 

One such community is a young boy, his family and community of whom I'd been sponsoring through World Vision since 2018/9. The financial support that many sponsors were able to provide aided the community in their various projects and also assist in alleviating poverty in the those communities through planting schemes, cottage industries for women especially and obtaining clean water.

This work was made known to me through the late Rev. Bob Challis who was a London Missionary society missionary who encouraged the early church that I currently attend, to sponsor children in those nations as a church organization.

As a result, I have been doing the same for over some 30 years or so but this was very sad news for me as I had wanted my donation to go to the poorest nations in need and this family in India had been brought to my attention to support.

The letter that I received this week has brought this sad news of their withdrawal and I have now been given another child (their family and community) in Bangladesh to support. I'm hoping that as I write this post that many will consider sponsoring children as you can make a big difference to an entire village and especially an individual child in poor nations.

I also sponsor a group called 'Kidscan' in NZ as I'm also aware of the vulnerable children and families in NZ and have seen this group right at the front lines of trying to support children with providing  clothes, food and other opportunities for vulnerable children in our nation.

If you haven't already, please kindly consider supporting an international organization and local organization that looks after our future leaders and families of tomorrow. The care that we give them now in their vulnerable states will not be forgotten...

 

Happy 21st Birthday to our eldest...

Had a great family birthday celebration of my eldest daughter, who turned 21 this week. We're having a birthday week as she decided to have a small celebration with family on her special day and a friends party for the weekend.

It all started with a countdown till midnight and then we broke out the bubbly and she cut her first Red velvet cake from the Cheese cake shop. Then took her up to her bedroom that had been kitted out with a makeover!

Here she is at the Restaurant that we chose to have lunch at with her 21st two tiered Red velvet cake (by Decor Cakes in Otāhuhu - our fave cake shop for celebration cakes over the years) and her 21st key given by my mom.

My mother, her maternal grandmother was able to pray a blessing over her and to hand her the key as my mum played a special part in also taking care of her in her formative years when I went back to work and she had retired by then. All of my children are close to their grandmother and she enjoys their company as well.   

 For dinner we went out to a Pasifika Seafood Restaurant that had amazing trays of seafood (her choice of Restaurant) and we had a ball trying out the new cuisine. I love seafood and it was another treat that we enjoyed.

Then the birthday girl shouted us to a game of 10 pin bowling with 2 teams of family and a couple of friends. It was so funny as the birthday girl's boyfriend came first followed by her mum (that's me) just making it to 100 points. All in all, we had a great day and she was showered with gifts.

We're now getting ready for the weekend where we'll be supporting her in her Saturday evening party with friends. Hopefully the weather will hold and it will be at the backyard with canopies, fairy lights and cool music. 

We'll be there to just set up and get things ready for her and then we'll just take it easy at my mum's home whilst they party all night up into the wee hours. Then Sunday I'll be making a small donation to my late dad's beloved church as he would have wanted. Just blessed to have seen this day come to fruition 21 years after, as my first born...

Pinata's sampler pack...

 

This weekend whilst busy preparing for the birthday week of my eldest turning 21 on Tuesday, my second child and I went to sort out the birthday cake at a local cake shop that we've ordered our specialty cakes to be baked at over many years.

Afterwards, we decided to take a dip into one of my late father's fave Samoa food outlets called Pinata's. It has a lot of tasty island foods but we thought to just have a drink and a steamed lamb bun.

I got to speaking with the lady of the shop and found that we had connections with my dad's village of Fasito-o in Samoa and also with the Tau'au name that my dad's family is associated with. We're again looking forward to spending after Christmas holidays and the new year back in Samoa.

It was such a blessing to be able to make those connections and as we spoke she offered to us a free sampler pack of Pinata's that they give to new customers (as I hadn't been there in years). I tried to pay for it but the lady refused it as a special on offer that they had for their new customers.

So I brought it home and my family was able to sample the panikeke (fried round pancakes) that had shredded coconut inside, a custard bun, a chocolate bun, a coconut bun, a caramelized shredded coconut bun and a cinnamon and sugar donut. Definitely, not for the faint hearted but a nice sampler treat for the day.

I would highly recommend Pinata's for those wanting to have a taste of 'home' of local cuisine and I noticed that whilst we were there, a lot of people chose to visit and pick up their favourite island foods options. I'll definitely be back there, as a result, and will check out there hot foods options as what my dad would have enjoyed too...

Local 'Cinderella' song...

 I like the vibes of this latest "Cinderella" song by JKING and the video clip of the Islands are neat too. It's been really interesting as I've heard it played on MaiFM a local Māori radio station for contemporary HipHop, Rap etc. music and great that it's been getting some traction.

It's also neat that there are some lyrics that are Samoan so that they Samoans out there who understand the language (like myself) can relate. I'm pretty sure his Samoan parents are really proud because this song has a really neat vibe about it.

I even read on the comments of this video that some are even seeing this song as a future wedding song, like wow! I remember using a local Samoan group 'Adeaze' song in my wedding which was neat with Samoan and English lyrics as well. 

Wishing this song artist and this song well. It's great to see our youth using their musical talents to share with the world as diaspora Samoans living abroad in Australia, NZ, USA, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe etc. Making us proud for 685...

Teddy Swims raspy storyteller voice...

 

I must admit that when I first heard this song, on a local radio station, whilst I was driving, I took notice and thought 'Wow! this guy can really sing!' and in my mind's eye it was a African American singing with lots of soul.

Only then to later check it out on YouTube to find that he had an interesting background as the grandson of a minister and had been brought up with an interest in music, American football and Theatre in high school.

I also found lots of his covers of other songs some three plus years ago as he and his band were trying to find traction in the music business but it was the covers of a couple of songs that really got the attention of people in the music industry such as the cover of a Shania Twain song etc.

Well, the rest is history as he is now on tour with his band and has even visited Australia (and NZ I think?). He has a lot of fans now in many countries with his raspy voice and clearly emotive songs that tell a whole gammit of storytelling.

If you haven't already, check out his latest releases (if you haven't already) and see what I mean. He reminds me of the late Joe Cocker and others with an undeniably storyteller voice. I've been listening to this song on repeat. He's definitely a show stopper...

Success requires replacing...

 

I found this quote on social media but couldn't find the writer to give them credit. I thought it had some really good ideas about some of the distractions that we have in our lives that keep us from succeeding in what we are wanting to get right. I added the graphics and thought it came out pretty good.

You probably already know these solutions but did you know that sometimes they are distractions especially when you have deadlines or things that need to get done and instead of doing it, one can end up doing other things (I'm talking from experience).

So no need to kick yourself but just be aware of those time wasters or time stealers that can often get you into trouble with those who are expecting things from you. I mean some of these are okay to do now and then but when they become first and foremost then there could be some problems down the line...

Creative Journaling the way to go...

I've just started creative journaling at the beginning of this month that I saw some women sharing on social media, and I'm loving it!

I thought to myself that that was definitely something that I wanted to try but was too busy to go there. Then I came upon some picture journal books whilst I was shopping, the other day and thought to give it a go.

Here is my first two page spread. Because I have a lot of scrapbooking and card making stickers, die cuts, stamps etc. I was an easy start.

I've really enjoyed organizing the page layout and then adding the various parts. It's definitely different from the layouts that I saw on social media but I think it's about putting your own spin on things and going with the flow. The other thing about it is that there are no rules you just add to it as you go with the resources you have on tap.

That's the other thing about it that I think is worthwhile thinking about because not only does it tap into your creativity but you can intentionally put messages in there i.e. the journaling that doesn't have to be written in long form but it can be about positive messaging that can be uplifting or something that you want to comment on or an experience that you want to highlight in just a few words.

I would definitely recommend this creative journaling to any who want to give it a go. It's doesn't require a degree or a lot of skill, it's just a journal for you to share your own thoughts on a page that you can then return to at any point in time...
 

John Misky - Tufuga va'a builder...

 

Today, I had the honour to attending a work rangahau (indigenous research) series with guest speaker, John Misky, who is a tufuga (master practioner) of va'a or traditional canoe builder. He came as a guest to speak to a group of around 20 educators who were interested to listen to his story.

He spoke about growing up in Tokelau as a young boy, with his grandparents and then moving with them to live in New Zealand. During the time with his grandparents, he made a promise to his grandmother that he would build a canoe.

The sad thing is that, many years ago, it was a common practice that was passed down in the islands but nowadays very few people are able to build them through the traditional process. Therefore the languaging used would have been one of the measina that has been lost to time.

I was able to ask a question to him after thanking him for his inspirational story and especially that there is a resurgence for such knowledge to be learned again. The question was related to how it is not common knowledge and if he was interested in sharing this knowledge in Samoa. In reminding him that Samoa was once known as the 'Navigator Islands' back in the 1800s by first European explorers. 

He did say that he had already had discussions with the Samoan voyaging society and hoped to be able to do something together with them in the not too distant future. This is quite special in being able to speak to someone who is learning knowledge about a measina that was almost lost.

John Misky was able to draw from his experience in joining a 2 year voyage around the Pacific including sailing in a traditional double hulled va'a to Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Marquesas, Hawaii, west coast USA, Mexico, Galapagos Island, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands (not in that order).

His story is truly inspirational in never giving up and being able to finally launch in last year after starting his 3rd or 4th attempt to make it in keeping a promise to his grandmother. He's definitely someone to be inspired by and hope that many get to listen to his story...

Forgiveness is divine healing...

 

I came across this quote today and I thought about how important this is in coaching someone who wants to reach a goal but there are sometimes things that stop them from reaching their potential especially when they're been hurt badly.

Everyone makes mistakes and some more than others and some more extreme than others. Somewhere, in there, people get hurt, abused, neglected, emotionally physically, mentally, spiritually etc.

When these hurts do not get resolved or healed in healthy ways, then that is taken into relationships, into the person's psyche and it's hard living life with this huge chip on the shoulder, or anger in the mind, or guilt, or sadness, or emptiness, or lovelessness.

I would suggest that each person who has had gone through some childhood trauma or abuse or anything that's been holding them back and especially if there has been some secrecy in their, that they go get some professional help or assistance that will help them to live good, healthy lives to break that cycle.

I've met a lot of people in my time in education possibly in coming in contact with thousands of people from children, teens and adults who have gone through untold difficulties and have been able to live happy and healthy lives with their families. Having gone through a process of healing and the power of forgiving through the trauma or difficult circumstances that they've had to overcome.

Many have had to go through a process of forgiving the perpetrator/s or whoever because of the experience/s that they went through. Forgiveness is a powerful force to contend with. I think it is divine because when you are able to forgive that person, the act and let go of that memory etc. It no longer has that hold on you. The opposite is true if you can't forgive. 

It doesn't mean that you must forget because that's what you can help others to heal from by ensuring that the same doesn't need to happen to someone else but it no longer lives inside of you and you can enjoy a happy healthy life.

I'm also met people who haven't forgiven others and it's difficult to contend with because it becomes unresolved and festers inside. It's taken into other relationships and can taint budding relationships because of a certain anger or position that one takes. It can even get quite ugly in transforming that person into something of a concern. 

Again, I would encourage you to see someone who can help with unresolved forgiveness. It could be a good pastor, a reputable doctor, a reputable healer, someone who cares enough to want to see you happy and whole again. Because to err is human but forgive divine - healing...

Birds of a feather...

 

Today, in my coaching, I've been reflecting on some of the important life lessons that I've learned along the way. One of them is the old adage of "birds of a feather flock together". 

It's an interesting proverbial saying that one can interpret in different ways. One being about how like minded people hang out or people with similarities often stay together (although the opposite can happen too).

In this particular instance, I'm thinking about how I've learned about keeping away from people who don't esteem you, or provide positive support for you and who can often become quite toxic.

You can tell when such people are around because invariably everything is about them or they try to make you feel bad about yourself or twist things that you've said to suit their needs. Often ending in arguments.

I'd say that if you are always feeling discontent around such people who don't make you feel positive about you, then you may need to consider whether they're really your friend/s after all and if that relationship is worth the time of day in not draining you in the long run.

It becomes quite difficult too if that person is a close family member, a spouse or a long time friend. But if you're constantly feeling ill at ease, then that's a sign that not all is well. So if you've tried to talk with them but they don't listen or treat it as not being important then is it really worth your while to pursue?

Our time here on earth is severely limited and so I remember someone saying that it's important to be happy during our time here and if you aren't already, then when? Triggers are indicators of some things that need to be dealt with so I've been blessed to be able to move away from such people.

So, an encouragement for today is to consider some of the people in your sphere of influence who are a blessing to you and genuinely care for you. They're people that you can be thankful for. They are usually the ones who give you that warm fuzzy feeling of love - those are the people that you want to flock together with.

Now think of those who are in your inner circle of whom you don't have positive relationships with and aren't genuinely interested in you. Perhaps consider not flocking together with them, letting them go to fly in other directions and giving yourself the freedom to enjoy life again...

Stepping out and having a good time...

 

Having a great time with my stepping goals at 10K per day. I also have a team leader in our corporate team who is stepping like crazy in our team challenge and she's pulling all the stops.

Even with rainy weather and cold snaps, it doesn't stop the stepping as it's something that can be done on the inside with freestyle dance and you can make it a cardio workout as well.

So as well as trying to finish this thesis and tidying up as I go through all 9 chapters! (I know - it feels a little over the top) but that's what you do in doctoral studies. Pull out all the stops.

I've even decided to give my online games a respite. Yes, I like to chill out most evenings with a couple of games that don't require any money being exchanged i.e. online gambling or anything like that but not judging you if that's your thing.

It's more about building virtual towns but then it can be seen as a time waster as well but during those down times, I'll also busy problem solving, so that there's a little multi tasking. It's the same with the steps, I can listen to music, dance freestyle and step. It's all is a day's work.

So why not try stepping out and giving it a go. I've enjoyed this since the last couple of years and it keeps me relatively fit and enjoying life. It puts a spring in my step and I enjoy the music and dancing to the beat of my own drum. Why don't you give it a try? you might even like it!

Spring coaching starts...

 

It's now officially Spring over here, although the season changed so long ago with the blooms on trees (earlier blog) that were the true official indicators from nature of the change in season.

With it, I've started my first session/s on coaching and I'm loving it. It brings together some of my teaching experience over the years, mentoring younger women, my own lived experiences with goal setting, time management and the list goes on.

The box in the pic is an idea that my lil' sister gave me of an introductory pack when people sign up with me for coaching. I loved the idea and took it on board straight away with lots of little treats there with colour themes.

What I've enjoyed over the years of my unofficial mentoring and coaching is that I've got to see people grow over the years and reach goals that they never thought that they could reach. I also just had lunch the other day with a former student and she reminded me that through interactions in my class she was able to consider something that she thought she could never reach. She's now contemplating to start her PhD in the next couple of years!

One of the areas that I'm most proud of is seeing so many of my undergraduate class members graduate with Masters degrees over a period of less than 5 years since meeting me. Now that's a real blessing and a feat that I know makes unfathomable changes not only in my former students' lives but also in the families and those closest to them to see the change in them and the opportunities that come with it.

Now I'm really encouraged to take that to another level and to see how far I can reach to support those out there needing support in those types of goals. I'm particularly interested in supporting other women of colour, who like the younger me, needed guidance in support with how to make it happen.

One thing I will share is that you can't do it alone. You really need to have support within your own family to help you get there faster. Otherwise it's a pretty hard struggle uphill without that kind of support. Although it can be done but might take a little more time and elbow grease.

I was super encouraged through the support of my parents and they were also able to reap the rewards of their support in the so many things that I was able to do for them in support and a "thanks" for what they helped me to achieve.

So if you're out there and you're wondering what next for you? consider finding a coach or mentor who can help you get faster to your achieving your goals and with less misfires or mistakes than if you did it alone. 

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot out of people out there who would be willing to do it for free but I'm starting my business with complementary sessions for my family of women of whom I've identified who might need a little hand up (not a hand out). Definitely something I've been looking forward to doing for a long time...