Weaving - Lalaga in Samoa...

 

I can almost not believe it! In an earlier blog this week, I spoke about learning to weave a mat or fala from my mum, and I've been so busy working on it that it's almost finished!

This is a dream come true for me in December of 2024, in that I'm able to tick off that I can now say that I've learnt to weave a skill that was passed from my great grandma Eleni (namesake), to my mum, in Samoa, and now I'm able to do it as well.

The sides were a little hard to figure out as there's a special way of weaving it out, and also, the corners are a little' tricky for a novice like me, but I'm still in disbelief that I've finally been able to learn it.

It would have been the basic pattern for making the sails of the early canoes. I know it's stretching it a bit, but I see and feel a generational echo that I've wanted to know for a long time.

I first learned to weave from watching a demonstration of making Māori putiputi or woven flowers when I worked as a lecturer/teacher at AUT (Auckland University of Technology) in 2006 - 2009 on a community project. I then tried it and enjoyed it so much, but I wanted to learn how to weave Samoan styles.

My mother was a very good weaver, but because we didn't have the products, i.e. the pandanus, I bought some and took them home to Auckland with me, but I was just too busy with so many projects, work, church and family life that I didn't quite get to it.

But then, in returning to Samoa with my last week to go (a few days), I decided to boldly ask my mum to show me how to do it, and the rest is history. I must also thank the ladies who taught me when I was on the Measina workshops in 2020 - 2021 as the basics I had retained in memory, and now I'm ready to tackle making a small 'iē Toga or woven mat that originated from Tonga.

I only have a couple of days left before flying back home, but I'm really going to try and finish it, as it's been such a blessing to finally succeed in something I've wanted to learn for years. It's also neat to think that it's never too late to learn a new skill, and I've also wanted to experiment with making hats and fans. 

Roll on 2025 as I have a countdown with my family over Messenger with those in New Zealand. Afterwards, we plan on continuing the celebrations with pain popo (coconut buns), a New Year's chocolate mud cake and a puligi or steamed pudding after midnight. However, if I'm not up to midnight eating, there's always the new year tomorrow for continuing the festivities and celebrations...

Samoa 10 years later...

 

Samoa has been full of surprises lately in bringing my youngest sister, who has been absent from Samoa for over 10 years, and she's noticed some changes with some developments, too.

One is the abundance of plastics that have replaced glass, which used to be the norm. I also remember bottled drinks rather than plastics that now add to plastic pollution, which is rather harder to recycle and easier to throw away.

However, one of the things she's really enjoyed at the local markets has been the fresh produce and tropical fruits that we can't easily find in NZ except sometimes at the Chinese markets.

Take, for example, these lichee that I have only just discovered through her as I think they came from imported seeds and are now easily grown in Samoa.

I still can't get over their alien-looking appearance on the outside, but when you peel off the thick outer layer, there is a membrane-like egg that is the delicious fruit with its unique taste and a thick seed in the centre. 

It costs about SAT$5 (Samoa Tala) for a bundle of 5-6 fruits at the markets, but it is definitely worth it with its delicate taste. We also brought some dragonfruit, and my mum's favourite - sea grapes. These are little green, tasty, and tiny grape-like fruits that are harvested from the ocean. Yum! Never a dull moment...

Apia Markets and meet ups...

Went to the markets in Apia with my family, leaving Fasito'o-uta at about 10 am. We first made a quick pit stop at our friendly Vodafone Internet store to buy more data before leaving Samoa.

Afterwards, we went to the markets and picked up some gifts for family and friends in Samoa. The going rate for a printed dress is about SAT$120 (Samoa Tala) for my elder two, who are house-sitting. I also bought earrings and some printed lavalava material with some beautiful colours.

We then made a beeline for the fruits and veggies section of the market. It was filled with delectable tropical fruit, and my Lil sis picked up some lychee (the first time I've ever tried it), some dragonfruit, pineapple and soursop, which tastes a little different.

I'd recommend the markets in Apia to any travellers to Samoa. In fact, it was so funny to meet a colleague and then at the same time to meet my cousin from Melbourne whom I didn't at first recognise because he was wearing sunglasses. I remember seeing him mid-year at the Melbourne airport, and then to see him again was a real bonus. 

I will now visit his mum, my auntie, who was in her late 80s and one of my late dad's elder sisters (he had many). I can never stop bumping into my many relatives as I visit various places. Sadly, on our way home, we went to visit our fave 'oka (raw fish with coconut cream cuisine) but was told that the boys who work on the boat were on holiday. Oh well, we can try again next year because that's when they start up...
 

Weaving a fala (mat) in Samoa...

Yes, this is me weaving at our house in Fasito'o-uta, Samoa. Earlier this year, when we were in Samoa, I got the itch to weave, and one of our neighbours came over and started teaching me, but I completely forgot about it when I returned at the end of the year.

The reason was probably because I was observing her rather than trying it myself. This year, however, I asked my mum if she could show me as I had given it a go a couple of years when I was a part of the measina workshops at our Samoan bilingual early childhood centre (which has since closed).

This time, not only did I pay attention, but I gave it a go and started working it line by line. It's a really interesting process because not only did I have to weave to make it larger, but I also needed to lengthen the strands of pandanus by adding new ones. I had a wonderful time, except my back and legs got sore.

I also had the overhead fan and front door and louvres open so that I could catch the breeze. My first sitting took about six hours as I gained momentum and learned how to make it. I will see how far I can go with this and then start another one in NZ, as I want to keep my first ones in Samoa for our home here.

Later on, I went for a drive with my youngest to pick up some food, as too lazy to cook after the long weaving session and filled our water bottles with filtered water from our local water store. At night, I like to listen to the cicadas singing their songs long into the night.

Can't wait to get up tomorrow and do some more weaving as some other things that I'd like to learn to weave are bags, hats and fans, just like my namesake great-grandmother Eleni would have when she lived in Faleula...

 

Siapo/Tapa planting and Xmas lights in Samoa...

 

Boxing day here in Samoa has been raining overnight, which means there's probably flooding in Apia, and that's a place I'm going to avoid going to.

This pic shows the paper mulberry tree, also known as u'a locally, which has been missing at many Samoan houses due to many households no longer learning about how to make tapa or siapo.

I made it my business to go to a local source in Falelatai, i.e. check out my blog (after asking around) about sourcing this plant and bringing some little seedlings with me, and now - Wow! It has grown with offshoots as well.

Next month, I plan to publish a book about this next measina a Samoa, the siapo. It has its origin story, which is very interesting and telling.

For Christmas night, last night, my family jumped into the car and went for a night ride to check out the Christmas lights close to Apia. Each year, it's been improving, and this year was no different, especially in the village of Leauva'a, which has its Christmas decorations galore. I especially like the coconut tree sculptures with bright lights, which are worth viewing.

I was also surprised to see a lot of local shops open and some big supermarkets like "Frankies" and DMC (Samoa's KFC). My youngest discovered last night (after I shouted the family as a treat) that DMC stands for Dad, Mum and Children. Well, what better way to advertise :)

Ia manuia le Kirisimasi mai Samoa...

 

Posting twice on this special Christmas day in Samoa, wishing you and yours love, hope, and peace with your family and loved ones.

I've got to give credit to Doug Healy for this wonderful piece of art I wanted to share with you as he encourages anyone to use his art free of charge - a true artist after my heart, too.

Last night was so interesting as after our countdown to Christmas night as a family, we started hearing cars and trucks beeping up and down the road, then watched bikes lit up with Christmas lights riding up and down the street.

Then, there was a procession of cars, utes, and vans with loud music and singing with revellers driving up and down the street. It was definitely a sight to behold.

Then, at 2 o'clock in the morning, yes, I couldn't see because there was so much celebration outside on the street, I heard carol singers or manuao walking down the street. This brought back memories as it was something that I had enjoyed participating in with my family back in Auckland when I was young, we had a Samoan church youth group that would hire a bus, and we would go Christmas carolling on Christmas Eve to church members houses where we'd often get treats. It was so fun to participate in....

Merry Christmas from Samoa....

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from sunny Samoa! Ia manuia le Kirisimasi! One of the beautiful things that I appreciate about spending Christmas in Samoa is the beautiful tropical weather and sights that we get to see.

I love this pic with the beautiful blue that meets at the horizon with puffy clouds and the azure aqua colour of the ocean.

I feel very privileged and blessed to have two homes and I get to spend time in my ancestral homeland with my mum, lil' sis and my youngest too.

Even the colours of the flora is bright too. This pic was taken on our drive back from Falelatai district, where worn tyres are repurposed and painted to decorate villages for the festive season. It's a delight to the eyes to see the beautiful palette of Samoa.

Wishing you, the reader, peace, love and hope this Christmas for you and your family. In remembering that there is a special reason for the season and it's not found in the shopping, nor the Christmas lunch or dinner, or going to the beach but it's about spending time with family and faith above all...

Attending Saofa'i or Title bestowal ceremony in Matautu, Falelatai...

 

Yesterday, I went to my ancestral fanua (land) in Matautu, Falelatai, to witness and support the unofficial last day of our Ah Siu Reunion in the saofa'i or title bestowal of some of my extended family from overseas and in Samoa.

It was a title bestowal that was bittersweet as the last time I was on this particular land was with my late father, and the first time I was with him to witness his Fasavalu title on the same fanua.

I've been really encouraged as many people knew of him and his passing, and knowing that I was attending spoke to me about his peaceful and caring ways and his humility and knowledge. He had a confident and organised way of bringing families together in a special manner.

I think his leadership is missed a lot as he was quite pivotal in ensuring that at our last Auckland Reunion in 2018, we, as the Auckland hosts, did things in such a way that our visitors from overseas did not have to worry about a thing.

The title bestowal was also interesting in that the village has now allowed women to receive titles as during the years of my father as paramount chief or sa'o; however, he sanctioned women to receive titles; the village men were against it, but it has been good to see the change in consideration.

This has been a very interesting development, but for my own reasons of looking after the villages that my father lived at, I decided not to add to my name as with such things, there are expectations (by the village), obligations and responsibilities that I'm unable to commit too at this present time.

Another interesting person who attended the ceremony and added to the blessing of the title bestowals was the Head of State of Samoa, his Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II. It was interesting to see him there with other ministers who blessed the event.

Now it's time to relax with all of the Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in Samoa events completed. I thank God that everything went well and that we can now relax and enjoy Christmas in Samoa with the New Year of 2025 just around the corner... 

Finale Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in Samoa...

 

Yesterday was the culmination of our 4 day Ah Siu Reunion in Samoa. Everyone was encouraged to go to their own faith worship. 

We have many different faith journeys in our aiga (family), i.e. Catholics, Presbyterians, Seventh-Day Adventists, Evangelicals and some with alternative faith journeys.

Of the five 'clans, ' my great-grandfather Aialaisa was the eldest, and some of our family ordered some neat banners and decorated them with Christmas-like decorations that just added to the festivities.

After lunch and dessert, there was talk about where the next Reunion would be held, and the 4 places were discussed with pros and cons for each:

• back in Samoa again (easier access for those living in Samoa) but a logistical nightmare as we experienced
• over to New Zealand (where I spoke about having had our turn already in 2018) plus the fact that I know how busy we would be again
• Australia were very keen to host it as they had not hosted one before
• USA but the problem would be costs and airfares plus visas are not always easy to obtain

In the end it was Australia that won the votes as they hadn't hosted one and they were also willing to host it too. Great stuff! I must confess that I spoke was really keen to have it in Australia in having a rest for another term.

So Australia it is in 2027 during the holidays so that people can attend during work holidays and school holidays for the children too. I heard it said that it will be hosted in Brisbane! Yay! where my elder brother will be living with his children and then we can see more of our families in Australia attending too...

Reflection on Lefaga beach...

 

Today our Reunion organisers had a day at a Lefaga Beach with beach fale and a spell of rain and hot shining sun.

It was sad to also reflect upon missing the funeral of my elder sister, who passed away in Auckland, but we couldn't be there with her children and sent financial support and our love.

Returning would have been a logistical nightmare with skyrocketing airfares during the holidays, and seats for all four of us simultaneously would have been horrendous to find.

To keep it simple, I watched it live-streamed in a hotel room with an aunt before taking off to the beach for our family reunion activities. It definitely wasn't the same, but it was in keeping with what we could do to support from afar.

It also reminded me of the importance of community. I advised some of the upcoming matai who wanted to have titles and explained that in my 24 years of being a female matai (high chief), it was important to be in the community, be it a Samoan church, regular family get-togethers like meetings, funerals, weddings and attending together etc.

I found that the biggest mistake that overseas matai made was not being in a community/s, i.e. standing independent and expecting people to follow instructions when not in the community. My father continues to be a shining example to me of how to do things in community, and he has been sadly missed at this family reunion as many have reminded me of the care and love he dealt with people.

He was one to coordinate and plan events, he delegated but also walked alongside, and he had a knack for getting things done on a budget with great results and success. I think I picked up that same knack and have been given opportunities to demonstrate this...

Aialaisa clan, Ah Siu Reunion Samoa 2024 Book Launch

 

Today was a very special day as it was the first official day of our Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in *Samoa. It was hosted at the Return to Paradise Resort & Spa in Lefaga.

In representing the Aialaisa clan (orange), my great grandfather's, my grandma Asia's, and my late father Fasavalu Faalavaau Aiolupo Uili's legacy.

The order of the day started with a sacred Chapel Service:

• Welcome by the Samoa Reunion komiti (committee) Leader and my Aunty Lomi, who with her husband are the resort manager/owner

• Lighting of candles for those who had passed away. I lit a candle for my dad, as did my youngest, who accompanied me, as it was the anniversary today of 3 years since he passed away and in remembrance of my elder sister, who passed away this week.

• Prayer by my Aunty Martha & Bible Reading that I read in English from Romans 8: 36 - 39 "... that nothing can separate us from the love of Lord Christ Jesus." We also had Holy Communion for those who were happy to eat a small piece of bread symbolic of the body of Christ and drink a symbolic red drink as the blood of Christ.

• Pese/Songs were sung at the beginning of the service, during and after. It was beautiful to feel the presence of God through Unity and love being shared together as a family, and the various parts of the service reminded us that we all served a higher purpose.

• Afterwards, we had an Ava Fa'afeiloa'i or a kava welcoming ceremony organised through my aunty's resort, with leaders from each clan welcomed and recognised through the ava ceremony. This was another sacred ceremony of the fa'aSamoa (Samoan way of doing things).

• We then moved into tau mafutaga or eating together, including dessert. Afterwards, the introductions began for each fale tama (house of children) clan member from the five siblings of Shing/Xing Ah Siu & Asialausapi Fasavalu.

• Birthday celebrations were interesting also that there were a couple of important birthdays at the Reunion and these were honoured with singing the birthday song, speeches and photos taken at the Photo Booth

• Therein, I was able to have a Book launch of my latest offering called "The Origins of Traditional Tatau (Tattoo) Samoa". The books were blessed by Dr. Rev. Peter, with 5 copies given away to each clan and 50 passed on to the resort in support of hosting our Reunion.

• Introductions were continued by each clan's leader, and it was interesting to learn about the gafa or family tree and how we all "fitted" into the family tree. We then finished with siva or dancing and a Prayer  

Tufulele village Pool project...

 

Back in sunny Samoa for our 2nd Ah Siu Reunion in Samoa for 2025. It was neat to drive into the town of Apia and check out the sites along the way.

There's been a lot of development over the past couple of years, and one that has piqued my interest has been the development of the Tufulele Village Pool.

I watched the development of the Tufulele Village Pool project each time we visited Samoa last year, and it was one such site that I was really interested in watching as it was a large freshwater rock pool they were developing.

Since my return, the CHOGM Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 21 - 26 October (a couple of months ago) has already been hosted by Samoa. As we headed home after hosting international guests, we saw how each village decorated its roadside with bright lights, paintings, flags, and beautiful flora.

However, the Tufulele Pool project took it up another notch with railings and small faleo'o dotted around the pathway where people can have lunch near the rock pool with a nice scenic ocean view. Loving it back here in home-sweet-home.

Ah Siu Reunion Samoa 2024

 

It's all on! Getting ready for our Ah Siu Reunion, representing the Aialaisa clan (my paternal great grandfather) with bright oranges, although burnt orange was chosen by my cousin as she was quick off the mark. My choice would have been blues.

So next week, from 19 - 22 December, we're all converging in Upolu island in Samoa for a 4-day weekend celebration and getting to know each other with people flying in from the USA, American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand (I'm not sure of Hawaii?).

There are five fale tama (houses of children) or clans that my great, great grandparents, Shing Ah Siu (China) & Asia Fasavalu (Matautu, Falelatai), had with their eldest son Aialaisa being the branch that I come from.

My grandmother was his eldest and was named after her paternal grandmother and my progenitors. My father was my grandmother's eldest. So a small group from Auckland, New Zealand, will represent our family there. I'm so looking forward to it.

It will be interesting as this is our second Ah Siu Family reunion, with the first celebrated in Auckland in 2018, close to a year after my grandma Asia died. Her wish was for our families to fealofi or care/love one another.

So our family will be decked out in oranges (all shades as you can see in the pic) with complementing orange hat, orange ribbons, string and the list goes on. We're anticipating to have a lot of family members there with clan colours of: blue, green, red and purple.

Now starting to pack as there's so much to consider taking with the reunion starting next week on the Thursday on the 19th December which is a week from now. I've decided to even take a mini Christmas tree as we will be spending Christmas and New Year's day there. Roll on the weekend...

Evolution of Lolly leis...

 

I decided to write a blog on Lolly Leis and how I remember the evolution of where they started and how they came to be when I was growing up.

I remember as a youngster that the only time we would make up lolly leis was when we were going overseas, or we knew someone was going, and we would make up lolly leis for them.

This was especially in the 1970s (yeap! maybe even before then) when we would go to Samoa, or we knew someone who was going, and we would take them to wear on the plane.

Those lollies would then be gifted upon arrival to family or friends they would visit, as there were only a few lolly varieties sold there.

The story has now completely changed. Nowadays, there are a variety of leis, and some contain chocolates, bars of chocs and even money.

I also don't see them at airports anymore, but they are prolific, particularly at graduations where Pasifika students are, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. You can also coordinate the colours, like the ones in the pic with gold and blues above or with various coloured wrapping, like the ones below with a chocolate theme.

Even Tongan varieties have their own woven pattern that is not enclosed, draping them upon the recipient with ribbons. I even saw feathers (unsure if they were Maori), but they piqued my interest as it's the first time I've seen feathers used. I also saw one made into a type of hat. Now that was a first.

Suffice it to say that this won't be the first graduation to see innovation with feathers incorporated and even a hat whereby lolly/choc leis are a symbol of celebration, albeit at graduations where families celebrate their family member's success. Neither will it be the last...

Prize Giving and Success...

The busyness continues with the countdown towards Christmas and our trip away to sunny Samoa. However, today, we celebrated my youngest's success in the first year of high school at the prize giving.

It was where I learned to strive towards success, especially around prize giving, as I knew that my hard work would be rewarded.

I also have my parents to thank for always encouraging me when I was young, and now I pass on the same encouragement to my children.

It's an interesting year for my youngest as in a break from tradition, she is the only one of my close family who has gone to an inner city girls' grammar school.

My siblings and I went to the local high school co-ed with many Pasifika and Māori students and some European and Asian students.

At this particular prize giving, it was great to see many parents, grandparents, siblings and friends coming to the prizegiving and sharing this special time together. We got to give our lolly leis, flowers and best wishes to our youngest and also with other girls, some who were even related to us.

Now it's time for the holidays to start and it's something to look forward to as we count down with only five more sleeps before we board the plane to Samoa and soak in the sun in Samoa. Plus we have our Ah Siu Family Reunion. Not long now...

 

Brunch and family trips away...

 

I had brunch at 'The Gaff, ' a local cafe/restaurant with my eldest, and we both ordered an eggs Benedict with salmon. It came on two hash browns with a balsamic-type vinegar dressing.

I was catching up with my eldest as she had just returned from a trip with a friend to Rotorua (a 3 - 4 hour drive from Auckland) and told me about all the different rides they went on and the fun things they enjoyed.

She also recommended it for a family trip in the not-too-distant future, which I think is a great idea. I'm considering booking a family trip there sometime next year as something to look forward to.

I've also got a family trip to Samoa next week for our Ah Siu Family Reunion, so I am busy getting things ready with so much happening at this point in time. But it was good to catch up with my eldest over brunch as I try to keep up with what my children are doing, and I'm happy to support them whenever needed. Roll on the holidays...

Back to the gym this summer...

 

Can't believe how fast these past few months have been with Christmas just around the corner and planning to attend our Ah Siu family reunion in Samoa.

It's summer here and have finally made the decision to start back at our local gym complete with a swimming pool complex and outdoor pools as well.

I'd love to take up badminton again as that was one of my favourite sports growing up but unfortunately the fitness complex doesn't have provisions i.e. net to be able to play Badminton there.

But no worries there, as the treadmill (pictured left) and the weight machines are more than enough to keep me busy and enjoying the workouts again.

The gym was a place that I frequented many a time back over 5 years in my Uni days and before the kids so it great to be back with muscle memory and all that entails.

It's definitely something I'd encourage those over their 50s to consider, if not doing regular exercise as it keeps us health and fit (if we try and eat a more healthy and balanced diet) which isn't always easy as when one gets older, we kinda hang up our boots a bit (a lot).

So looking forward to what this new summer brings and especially in these last couple of weeks before Christmas. As I've finished all my marking with just a few small things to complete and then I'm home and away to Samoa. We're almost there....

Moana 2 at the movies...

 

Yesterday, I went with my youngest to watch the highly anticipated movie "Moana 2" at our local cinema. With our fave movies now, we pick up the tickets with the lounge chairs that you can chill into with your feet up and the chair back and relaxed.

Add to that some ice cream, popcorn and a drink (in a promotional Moana cup of course) and that adds to the atmosphere of enjoying the movie. In this movie Moana has grown into a young woman and navigator with a new slew of additional characters that brings more laughs to the movie.

I still prefer the first Moana movie as my fave with its iconic music and storyline but my youngest prefers this one better. I must say that it did feature some important Samoan cultural elements for me like the ava ceremony with the ava bowl that was featured twice with for her title bestowal and for welcoming guests.

The other Samoan element was the tattoos featured on both hands of Moana's mother which are similar to mine but only on my right hand and Moana features one extended upon her hand. It was also interesting to see the Samoan male tattoos called a pe'a or malofie on Moana's father that was featured in the origin Moana and also on the old man.

This is the topic of the next book that I hope to publish and launch sometime soon. It's about the origins of tatau or tattoo in Samoa. It is so neat to see women's malu lima or hand tattoo featuring on the movie. Interestingly enough they didn't feature the Samoan thigh tattoo that is very popular called the malu.

It gave me great pride to think that I came from a line of navigators who traversed the seas and conquered the Pacific Ocean way before any European ventured out into the oceans. It also confirms our identities as explorers and wayfinders, with our ancestral DNA continuing to this day...

"Proud to be Samoan" FREE Artwork/s by Doug Healy...

 

Check out "Doug Healy"s artwork that I came across on Facebook. When I saw this particularly print I saved it as the artist has written on his Facebook post, and I quote..."All my Art is FREE to use and enjoy."

Thanks Doug Healy as he's obviously an amazingly talented artist but to share his artwork freely for other to enjoy shows his generosity to the max!

I especially like this series of his artwork on "Identities". If you go to his Facebook site it showcases his talent by creating artworks that feature iconic images associated with the theme of the pic.

Take for example this one with the red, white and blue colours of the flag, frangipani flowers, coconut palm tree fronds, some traditional Samoan tattoo designs with the words "Proud to be Samoan." So why not check it out and see if he has an iconic image that summarizes your cultural identity...

P.D. at Mt Maunganui then homeward bound...

Had a great time at Mt. Maunganui just out of Tauranga. Really enjoyed meeting with our national team of kaiako (tutors/lecturers) for our professional development with a team of 8 of us.

It's a 3 hour drive out of Auckland and the weather was beautiful driving in and then 3 days later, driving out to Auckland.

We have four campuses offering the course of learning called: Kaitiakitanga (guardianship, protection, preservation etc.) Post Graduate Diploma of Bicultural Professional Supervision.

The campuses are at:

1. Tamaki Makaurau (Māngere, Auckland campus)
2. Mangakotukutuku (Hamilton campus)
3. Tauranga campus
4. Papaioea (Palmerston North campus)

I even got time to explore a lil' island with a walkway as pictured above and between meetings we were able to go for long walks, swimming at the hotel pool (I gave the sea a miss) or just chillaxing on our hotel balconies. 

Now ready for finishing my marking, closing the year and looking forward to visiting Samoa in a couple more weeks. Roll on Christmas...

 

Sun, Surf and sand at Mt. Maunganui...

 

I'm currently in Mt Maunganui on a 3-day professional development teaching focus with discussions on how everything went.

Mt. Maunganui is an interesting place to be as I remember coming down with my family a few years ago. 

It's become a real touristy town with lots of hotels/motels and private homes on 'Marine Parade' and many luxury Cruise ships dock at the harbour nearby. 

Across the road the beach with golden sands beckons us all to put down our tools and enjoy the sand, surf and sun but we're here for some professional development so all the fun starts after finishing the work. Gotta go and catch some sun, oops! I mean surf! oops! I mean work meetings...

Birthday trip to Auckland Zoo...

 

Happy Birthday to me! Yes, it's that time of year again and I got to spend it with my close family at an AirB&B which was really lovely.

I also thought to take a trip to the Zoo much to the chagrin of my entourage and we sent out to view all of the enclosures at the Auckland Zoom.

It had been a few years since I'd taken a tour around the enclosures it is very different with lots more viewing platforms and places to view the animals or reptiles etc.

This pic is taken with my middle child next to a large elephant corrugated iron sculpture. I remember it years ago and it's still going strong with many a family and friends photo taken under it.

There were 5 different areas starting that were amazing to view and they had lots of information for the interested traveller and plenty of seats for the weary walker:

1. Africa Safari track
2. Aotearoa New Zealand
3. South East Asia Jungle Track
4. South America Rainforest Track
5. Australia Bush Track

It was definitely worth the trip and I'd highly recommend it as an exercise activity as I easily broke my 10K steps a day in walking around and seeing all the sites. One of my favourite was checking out the NZ track which took one up stairs and you ending up on a viewing platform on top of the trees and native bush canopy....

"Wicked" movie...

 Just returned from watching the highly anticipated movie "Wicked" as a Girls' night out, and it was definitely worth the wait. The movie was a musical and the music was amazing with both lead actresses' amazing voices! i.e Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

I also enjoyed the set design with an interesting storyline that is the 'back story' of the Wicked Witch of the West from the "Wizard of Oz" book that I read as a child. The origin story was written by L. Frank Braum who's initials were used to name the main character of LFB or Alphaba.

It was also a hit Broadway Production that I remember seeing advertised in Melbourne when we were there last in Australia. It's still also being showcased in Musical Theatres around the world and something I'd definitely watch.

It's only Part 1, so we anticipate that there's probably an upcoming Part 2. (Spoiler alert!). I guessed that the Wizard of Oz is actually the biological father of Alphaba but my entourage don't agree so I guess we'll wait until the next movie instalment. However, as a seasoned writer, there were enough clues to given but I'm happy to stand corrected if this is not the case.

Over all a neat evening out as we watched the last show of the evening and it was a fairly long movie at just under 3 hours but there was plenty of drama to keep us watching. Some of the songs were outstanding with one called "Gravity". Comes highly recommended if you like musicals and theatre and something just a little different...

It has definitely been a very busy couple of months and especially hurling towards Christmas! with so much happening since my last post.

Just yesterday, I was able to double-team with my eldest at a Career's Expo at a local school of around 800 students called Papatoetoe Intermediate school. 

I was invited as an Author and Publisher and I was able to share some tips, considerations, ideas and answer questions from the students as well.

My eldest was able to give her perspective as an avid reader, and law student on how enjoying reading and writing had helped her to get into law school with other tips about publishing on Whattpad and AO3 (Archive on your own).

There, we exhibited with 9 other career "experts" that included a lawyer, entrepenuer, a CEO, police, virologist, environmental scientist, general manager of a hotel and an artitect.

It was a really interesting experience as we got to have 8 groups of students over a period of 4 hours. The neat thing about my eldest was that they got to introduce themselves and we played a game with them of making up their own story with each student contributing three words each. It was hilarious at times.

I was able to thank Vilimi, the careers coordinator, for inviting us there as they served us with a lovely lunch and even gave us a box of biscuits as a Christmas gift. I was also able to respond in kind by leaving two of my books for the school and will keep in contact too.

One of the highlights of my day, apart from having my eldest accompany me, was that there were some students who recognized my books from the earlier schools they'd attended. One in particular remembered some of the books that she had seen at her earlier school library and at an ECE Early Childhood Education and that family members had bought some. I in turn had to give her one that she didn't already have in her collection and that was a real blessing. 

It was also interesting that she explained that "Sina and the Tuna", my first book that I published in 2015 almost 10 years ago (next year) was her favourite of them all. The neat thing was that I had already considered to re-publish books in a different format so looking to re-launching the books with a different look but still retaining the same text. Roll on 2025...

National Shake Out Earthquake & Tsunami drill...

 

I've been so busy lately that was just reminded that tomorrow is our National Earthquake and Tsunami drill.

This year, I've registered and will take part with my family to also consider what our Emergency plan would be too i.e. better to be prepared than not.

Tomorrow the drill will be enacted by mostly schools and organisations nationwide but individuals, families, and other groups can also register and join in. The idea is that at 9.30am everyone drops, covers and holds and then considers what other preparations need to be made and kept in mind.

It's called the nation 'Shake out' and all are encouraged to have an emergency plan and to check out what potential natural threats you might have close by eg. Tsunami for those close to open waters, Earthquakes (NZ on Pacific Fire Rim) etc...

Books as special wedding gifts...

Last weekend, two of my former students who were a couple were getting married and asked after some of my books as gifts for some special family members.

It was a real honour and privilege to be asked of this for their special day and I obliged willingly. As I must say that I've had a few couples come through my class as part of their learning journey together as a couple which has been a really neat.

The pics you see are bundles of books that I had made up for them and you are most welcome to contact me if you are interested in any book bundles too.

I'm also looking forward to the end of the year as I have some new titles being released and looking forward to seeing how they are received.

I've also been very encouraged by such requests as it reminds me that these ancient Samoan stories are still relevant today as they were when they were first being told. As there are a lot of information that's shared when these stories are brought to life through books or theatre (films & plays)...
 

Latch-hooking break from academia...

 

One of the neat things that's been keeping me busy and connected with my artsy side has been latch-hooking with a kit that I picked up not so long ago.

It was real helpful for my thesis writing too as it's a creative practice-led thesis that allowed me to add in pics and ideas from some of my art work then when it got too wordy and I wanted to take a break from academia I started hooking this rug.

I started this artform back in my late teens early 20s but it was quite expensive to do back then as the kits were coming from abroad and I only had a big rug that I've kept for ages.

Since then, I've hooked a cushion cover, another two smaller rugs and am going for another cushion cover that I'll be giving away as gifts for some unsuspecting family member who would appreciate the time and effort put into these works of art.

It's definitely not something that I see a lot of people doing as it's not as accessible but there are definitely more kits at affordable prices these days. It's also good for one's mental health in creating an artistic piece from a different type of medium that's not so commonplace...

Anticipating WIPCE 2025 Nov...

I'm so looking forward to the WIPCE World Indigenous Peoples Conference of Education for 2025 that's taking place in Auckland next year.

It has one of my fave academics who will be one of the keynote guest speakers whom I've been following over the years regarding indigenous education and research.

Her name is: Prof. Linda Tuhiwai Smith and she has received awards for her groundbreaking work on Indigenous research and has made a lot of positive in our indigenous communities and western university institutes.

She's challenged research paradigms and has been pivotal as one of many pioneers of encouraging Māori language medium schools to thrive throughout New Zealand as prior to the year 2000 there were few and far between indigenous Māori schools in the nation. 

Now there are many throughout the nation and that's so encouraging for the Māori language to continue to grow. It also encourages 'Indigenous Research' to take place as a very different way of finding out new information...

Just "Own it!"...

 

During the weekend noho (overnight stay) of two nights with my cohort of post grad' students, my colleague asked us all to pick a card from her pack of inspirational sayings and I picked "Own it".

This was quite fun because there's so much I've been through in the last few years that there's nothing left to do except to 'own it'. I interpret that as the way one talks, and walks, thinks and sings.

Your swagger (if that's how you rock) and they way you move your hips (if that's how you roll). It was just funny to pick out this card as I'm also there now in getting my thesis ready to roll out the door.

Sayings like this are encouraging because it reminds me that we don't have to be like everybody else but can be our authentic selves without having to compromise to be who anyone else wants you to be. 

I've gotta say that especially in reaching over 50s, it's my perogative to enjoy life without worrying about what anyone else thinks and encouraging women in similar situations to just enjoy the freedom of 'owning it!'. To be unapologetically me...

Manawa Bay Parking exclusivity not inclusivity...

 

This weekend, I got to have a look at the opening of Manawa Bay Outlets stores during its opening week with their specials. The car parking was free for the first four days and then it reverts to paid parking.

I was honestly surprised. I've been to big stores in different parts of the world, most recently in Melbourne, and to find out that there was paid parking was alarming. 

As a social Geographer (from back in the day) such ploys made by businesses could be seen as a way of excluding certain peoples from shopping there i.e. the locals as it is situated near a lower socio-economic location.

It makes me wonder why they used a Māori word in their naming of the Shopping outlet centre. They should have just used an English word because when using a Māori word there are certain esoteric values that go with using that language. They should have just named it 'Heart' instead.

I guess it concerns me because there are a lot of Māori and Pasifika people who live nearby and I read this as a hostile move by the powers that be to exclude certain people from the local community from shopping there. I mean why else would they make such a bold move in a time of a socio-economic crisis (still in NZ).

Or are they chasing after the mighty dollar of overseas tourists and don't really care about the local community. It just reads as privilege and discrimination and yes, I'm a local who won't be shopping there either. I'd also encourage other locals who have the monetary discretion to refrain from shopping there also. 

Obviously, they don't need our money and they don't want to be inclusive so I'd rather take my discretionary monies elsewhere and if you feel the same spread the word. There are just some people who are about elitism and not inclusivity....

New Post-graduate Office space at TWOA...

 

Here's a pic of my work desk moved into our newly refurbished Post-Graduate office here at TWOA Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Loving the new space and looking forward to the window treatments to come.

I'm all for windows in any rooms that I occupy as I've been in teaching classrooms where there are no windows and it's just not the same.

I also like a bright and airy room with lots of space as I've also been in cramped working conditions with offices spaces where people are almost on top of each other. Definitely not cool!

As you can see, the first thing I put up after sorting out the desk were the artworks. I've got my lil' sister's art piece that she created for me last Christmas which was such a joy and also smaller art canvases that I painted a while back.

Having double screens is a real plus too because I can work on my documents and also check on my emails and multiple other sites too. So I guess I'm not so minimalist as some people are in there workspace. I'm definitely all for making the space mine i.e. you can tell it's mine with all the artworks around and almost always a lot of colour i.e. that's my bright Samoan side :)...

"Heartbreak Anniversary" song by Giveon...

 

I heard this song on the radio and thought I hadn't heard this tone before. It's a song about heartbreak, and it's around three years old, but I still thought I would share it, especially for those going through difficulties with relationships at this time.

I also heard the radio announcer speak on the artist's name, Giveon. She said that when he was named, his mother chose it for the purpose that he would "give," and he's definitely lived up to his name with this song.

I also found it really interesting with his music video setting that apart from the bedroom setting, the music video looks like it's set in an urban industrial area where there's a lot of barrenness in terms of greenery and I guess that echoes the barrenness in his soul...

"Mini Challenge" changing lives...

 

Have you ever had an unexpected conversation that changed the trajectory of your life? That happened to me almost 10 years ago, on January 23rd, 2015. 

I had a conversation with a business mentor called Maria and it was my sister Maria's birthday. The conversation was only supposed to take a 30 minutes but a couple of hours later I walked out with a plan in my mind and determined to make my dream come true in throwing caution to the wind and self-publishing my first book.

It was a 'mini-challenge' but it had an astronomical effect on me and it cut through all of the years of self doubt and considerations that had held me back for years. In fact, it's hard to believe that I'm coming up to the 10th anniversary since self-publishing that first book.

I blogged about it, at the time, because three months later, I launched my first book of the bilingual picture book series called "Samoan Origins series". Now I've published 20 books in several genre of: bilingual picture books, poetry, short stories, plays, non-fiction and now I'm considering novels.

My first book sold out twice with the small print runs that I started and on its 10th Anniversary next year in March, I'm looking to re-launch it again using markers as the art medium. The book itself is the most popular in the series and its been distributed all over the world in University libraries and in local community libraries and with families too.

As I move into completing my thesis, I'm interested in moving into a new space in supporting and coaching other women of colour to throw caution to the wind and go for their dreams. If this sounds like you and you'd like to consider me as your coach then drop me an email for a free "discovery session" via a virtual meeting and we can go from there.

At this stage, I want to grow it organically and am not interested in putting out ads. I believe that if you've been reading my ad-free blog over time, you probably understand what I'm about and my interests in supporting people in my teaching, and with friends and family.

If you think this is for you? then email me on: helenftauau@gmail.com and we'll go from there. The graphic that this blog leads with is some artwork that I'm considering for the virtual coaching platform and I'm using with my maiden name in honouring my late father who was my first mentor and believed that I could achieve anything I put my mind to...

New Māori Queen ushers in great expectations...

 

Yesterday, at the tangihanga or funeral of the late Māori King, Te Arikinui, Kīngi Tuheitea Pōtatau te Wherowhero VII before he was laid to rest atop Taupiri maunga (mountain), it was interesting to note that he was taken by a flotilla of Māori waka or canoes to the maunga.

It would have been such an amazing experience to observe this occasion and I learned that some of my students and colleagues were going with their families to be present at the tangi or funeral.

It was also interesting to note that upon the passing of the King that an announcement was made by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage that all New Zealand flags be flown at half mast until the day of his funeral which was yesterday.

I remember over the last few years of teaching tikanga (Māori cultural practices and protocols) I learned more about the Kingitanga movement and the prospects of who might become the next successor with many believing that it would be his youngest daughter and not her two elder brothers. Now she has rightfully been honoured by the privilege yet saddened in the passing of her father.

The new Māori queen has been given the title of: Ngā Wai hono i te Pō it's an interesting name and would have been given after much deliberation. She is second to the only other Māori Queen who was her grandmother.

At 27 years old, she has a lot of expectations to meet as her late father and Māori King was seen as a person of kotahitanga (bringing together as one). He earlier invited iwi (tribes) to come together for discussions at his Marae of Turangawaewae in Ngāruawahia.

This was especially in the wake of the new coalition government's policies that have been confronting to Māori and many people who have lost jobs, or had their government jobs restructured under the tight economic squeeze of this present government's fiscal belt tightening. This comes at a time when NZ's unemployment rate has soared with new government policies.

We wish her well, as this will not be an easy time to ascend as a young Māori women steeped in tikanga of which she has a Masters degree with the expectations of many for her to rein similarly to her paternal late grandmother and late father.

Aotearoa New Zealand now ushers in a new monarch, although not constitutionally recognized, she still holds great mana (esoteric power) and prestige in her position. I believe that she will carry her role with dignity and the high expectations of her people in this post-modern age...

"The Forge" recommended movie for men...

 

I'm loving this first official week of Spring as the mornings are lighter and the days stretch out into the night. During the week, I got to watch the movie "The Forge" and would highly recommend it, especially for men. It is a faith based movie with some good wisdom for our times.

I've always enjoyed viewing the Kendrick brothers films, over the years, ranging from: Fireproof (2008), Courageous (2011), War Room (2015), Overcomer (2019) which is currently on Netflix and their current offering.

No spoiler alerts here, except to encourage mom's to take their sons, women to take their partner / husband, young women to take their boyfriend / fiance and especially for young men to see. I think it's particularly hard for women to understand the battles that men face on a daily basis and it's better for men to tell men how to be good men...

Upcoming Ah Siu Family Reunion in Samoa...

 

This year, I'm looking forward to attending our Ah Siu Reunion which is set for 19 - 22 December in Samoa at a Marist Brothers school with details still to be confirmed.

It will be our second reunion but already there are many who won't be attending as it was just announced around April but many had already made travel plans with families a year ahead.

Last week, I was asked to be a guest speaker at a class at our neighbouring Wānanga (that I happen to be a student at) called Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi translated as the house of higher learning of Awanuiārangi.

The class was a Zoom class and there were about 20 adult students attending. My topic was on genealogy and indigenous research methods and I shared my story about my search over 30 years on my family tree.

In starting with only knowing the names of 1:16 of my great, great grandparents and now I know 10 of them. The pic on the left is a pic that I just recently found that was shared on a family reunion Facebook page. It's a pic of my great, great grandmother Asia Ah Siu who was married in an immigrant to Samoa from Shanghai, China named Shing Ah Siu.

It was really interesting because in joining the first Family Reunion, I was able to find out so much information about her and her husband and the homestead that they had in Samoa which is still standing and I hope to be able to visit the grave sites of my ancestors as well as the places of significance.

Interestingly enough, their eldest son was named Aialaisa George Ah Siu and he was the eldest of the children. His daughter was my grandmother and she was named after her grandmother Asia and my brother, George, was named after our great, grandfather, in his memory.

I'm quite looking forward to the Family Reunion, as I'm hoping to learn more about my ancestors and the lands they were guardians of and lived upon. I did stay in Matāutu, near Apia in 1989, with my grandmother and got to safe on our ancestral lands there at my great, grand uncle Paulo's house. He was my great-grandfather's brother and the last of his generation...

Happy Father's day in commemoration of my hero, my late father...

This Father's Day, I commemorate my hero and late father Faalavaau Aiolupo Fasavalu Uilitone Tauau. He's my role model who taught me many things about life not only in fa'aSamoa but also about living an authentic Christian life and caring.

Today as I went on my usual weekend 5km walk, I walked past a car that was parked outside a home and the lady that was standing beside the car asked me to stop. I turned around and she recognized me as her English teacher when she was a teenager many moons ago. It was such a lovely reminder of making a positive impression that she stopped me to tell me.

It reminded me of my dad whom I thought was very strict, growing up, but now I realize that he was trying to protect me from the unsavoury things of this world that are harmful (including people). He taught me about what's good and healthy and strong and I'll always be thankful and grateful to God for giving me such a dad as he was to me.

In fact, we went over today to visit his grave as many families were visiting their loved ones, with three generations including my mum, myself, my sister and youngest. We remembered the great times we had together. It didn't mean that he was perfect but the memories we had of him were perfect, lighthearted and beautiful.

To all those beautiful dads out there who love their children before themselves and who often sacrifice for their childrens' dreams and just love on them, I wish you the best. There are some uncommon men out there who I've been told are great men (in the words of Steve Harvey) "they love their wife and take care of their children". They love with unconditional love and they inspire people to do good in their own humility. 

Those are the men that aren't intimidated by their wife's success and encourage their children to live out their dreams and when they are older, their wife/partner and children want to be around them as well as their grandchildren. These are the uncommon men who other men strive to be like and I'm glad I got to meet my dad, my hero in life (of course my mother is my heroine)...

The passing of the King (Māori)...

 

Yesterday, it was announced all over the news that King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII had died at the age of 69 years.

I acknowledge the special legacy that he came from as a King who was gracious and often unassuming, however, he leaves a legacy behind of a King who cared for his people.

He is indeed a King for all of NZ, however, not all Māori tribes subscribe to him as their king and not all New Zealanders are aware of him or if they do, they see him as the Māori king as seen in this news clip from RNZ (Radio New Zealand). 

It is a sad day for New Zealand and especially for the Kingitanga, a movement that was grown out of the the 1950s as a answer to lots of land being taken from Maori (mostly illegally) and then resold to Europeans and other immigrants so much so that Māori own only 10% of New Zealand's land to date.

There have been tributes pouring in from all over New Zealand and all over the world from many nations who recognize his sovereign state as King as his mother was also known as a gracious Queen when he succeeded her.

According to the news, he is lying in state at the Kingitanga marae at Nguruawahia where only two weeks ago, he was at the celebrations of his coronation or Koroneihana. Many will be visiting his tangihanga or paying their respects for his passing before his burial on Thursday.

I visited the marae (or meeting house) called Turangawaewae Marae and observed a Koroneihana one year with a group of kaiako or teachers and students. At the time there were many speeches and singing waiata (Māori songs) and they catered for everyone there.

This time around it will be a massive undertaking with so many tribes and people paying their last respects to him i.e. NZ's politicians and Indigenous leaders from Pacific nations arriving to pay their last respects. There has also been speculation as to who will succeed him, which is a discussion for the leaders to make. 

There is a Maori proverb or whakatauki that when translated says that a mighty tree has fallen in the realm of Tane (god of the forest). It reminds me of a similar Samoan alaga upu or proverbial saying which says the heart and the earth weep at the passing of a beloved chief or leader...

Neat new Cafe & Eatery "The Gaff" with eldest...

 

Had a neat lunch with my eldest yesterday as she took me to a newish local Cafe and Eatery called "The Gaff" in Māngere Bridge, a 5 - 10 minute drive from home.

My eldest ordered our food, after we made our choices. I have to say that it was the first time I'd tried 'Camomile tea' (my eldest's choice for me) which I think doesn't stand a chance next to my usual 'Green tea' option but it wasn't too bad either.

She told me that there was information on the history of the place and that the concept for the name 'The Gaff' came from England which means a person's home.

What's neat is that I watched the conversion (over a few years) of what I thought was a early 1900s old colonial styled home into a Cafe complete with settings to eat outside, inside, and on the landing around the skirting of the house. There's even a little play house for the littlies to run around and climb up.

The menu was superb and made with love! as we ordered a steak sandwich, chicken burger and a sweet 'n savour dessert made of waffle, edible flowers, meats, banana and maple syrup. I loved the way that the plating was set up with rich colours especially for the waffle.

You'd have to taste it to believe it! as it definitely wasn't something that I would have tried by my eldest is quite daring in her palette choices plus she's gymming almost everyday so I threw caution to the wind and enjoyed it too :)

It's safe to say that I would highly recommend this Cafe and Eatery to any as there were so many people there having lunch when we were there and I would definitely recommend the outside setting too complete with overhead umbrellas where we were seated.

The prices were definitely reasonable given the amount of care and love that went into the cooking and plating up of the food that we ordered. I like that it was very diverse in it's clientele with corporate groups, friends and locals attending and I think I'll definitely be making my way there again...

New sounds "Hinamoeaki"...

 I heard my lil' sister listening to this song that she had heard/seen on TikTok. It was the first time that I'd heard it and thought that some of the words were definitely from our Poly languages it's from French Polynesia. 

I've had the blessings of having travelling to the Cook Islands, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, American Samoa and Tonga (but didn't venture out of the airport - does that count? :) all with their own unique sounds, traditional dance music and songs, dance costumes etc.

In my youth (not as much these days) I've danced traditional Niuean, Cook Islands drum dances, Samoa siva and tried the Hawaiian hula and Tahitian drum dance and just love the sounds. So when I listened to this song that was released this last year, it was neat to listen to but not so sure of the lyrics although some of the words have a Pasifika or Poly sound...

"Die with a Smile", new song by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga...

 

When I first heard this song by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga, I had to stop and listen as it carried a very interesting tune. Then I listened to the lyrics and thought - Wow! then when my eldest pulled in her car on the weekend to go out, she had this song playing on full blast.

I laughed as I thought to myself that great minds think alike (of course she is my child and I'd say that) then the next day after we watched a movie she drove me (she likes driving me around now) and we had it on full blast and took the scenic route whilst listening a couple of times to the song.

I guess we're both 'hopeless romantics' and have similar tastes in music although mine spans back to the 70s with a little wider repertoire of genres of music and eclectic going back to my classical piano training and taking music in high school and that I took piano exams but that's a whole other story.

Suffice to say that if you haven't heard this ballard then I'd highly recommend it. I've got it on repeat in my head and on YouTube it has already had over 10 million views from over the weekend. This could be the big hit of the year!

Anyway, see what you think as I really like how Bruno's smooth vocals blends in well with Lady Gaga's edgey tones. Simply beautiful - like my feedback on their official music video site. I had to laugh when I saw their Cowboy/Cowgirl costumes as it just gave it that interesting vibe. Enjoy!...

"It Ends with us" movie - domestic violence is not okay!...

 

Had a great day yesterday spent with my elder two: firstly joining me at our local youth White Sunday morning service at church which brought back a lot of memories of my early forays into writing productions for Christmas, creative dances, choir singing etc.

The church is definitely a place that a lot of artists have been able to develop their talents through music production, singing, performing on a stage and acting including myself.

After having lunch together I had a nap after spending some time on my thesis. Into the evening we decided to go to watch a movie encouraged by my eldest. It was an interesting to watch with them as it tackled the topic of domestic violence that can be both physical and psychological. The movie was called "Ends with us".

After the movie we went out for a bite to eat and reflected on the movie in which a (spoiler alert!) spouse is beaten up by her husband and then her daughter goes through domestic violence as well with her new spouse. She has a daughter but then decides that she doesn't want that life to continue and divorces him unlike her mother who stayed in the abusive marriage until his death. 

It was an interesting movie as we women know lots of women who have gone through domestic violence whether it's physical or psychological and then find it hard to understand why they stay together. It's definitely something that's been on my radar as I've watched lots of friends and family go through it with different outcomes. We had a dinner conversation about it in my not ever wanting any of my children to go through life in domestic violence - physical and/or psychological.

I believe that safety for women is important (or men if the shoe is on the other foot - so to speak). Often it's hidden and the perpetrator tries to either pretend it never happened by not speaking about it  or cos it's a power play tries to normalize it and make it the victim's fault i.e in denial and not getting help. It can get real nasty, as I've seen and leaving the perpetrator is the only way forward to see if things can be resolved or to end it like in the movie.

The movies' main character showed resolve as it does take courage and consideration for the families involved but at the end "It ends with us" is a call to action for women (and men who are experiencing it) to end this type of violation that treats individuals as if they have less worth or value. To call out the perpetrators to get help through therapy or speaking a men's group to be accountable and never go back to normalizing domestic violence as it's not normal and it's not okay!...

Borderlands movie...

 Watched the Borderlands movie last night and it was better than I had expected as it had action (plenty of it) and an interesting storyline and backstory that has a climatic twist at the end. It was also interesting to see Australian actress, Cate Blanchett, in the role of a bounty hunter which was very different from her earlier roles, i.e. Lord of the Rings, Thor Ragnarok, The Curious case of Benjamin Button etc.

It was interesting to also see comedian Kevin Hart playing the role of a supporting actor and in the action of a soldier and he plays the role very credibly as well. Then to add well known seasoned actress Jamie Lee Curtis to the mix and young actress Ariana Greenblatt then you have an interesting treatment.

No spoiler alerts as in making a choice between Deadpool & Wolverine and this movie, I think this movie would fare better as one is not always impressed with the lengths to which the character Deadpool goes to in order to get a laugh...