Some conversations with a six year old just NEED to be preserved for posterity. This morning, Bella was feeling wistful. "I want a boyfriend." I was horrified. "What!? Why? You're too little. You don't need a boyfriend." "You have Dad. I want my own boyfriend," she replied indignantly. I tried to be understanding. "But why?… Continue reading When your Six Yr old Wants a Boyfriend.
Author: Lani Young
Lani Young is an international bestselling author of YA fantasy, contemporary romance and literary fiction. The 2018 Pacific Laureate, her work is inspired by the diverse mythology of Oceania and the richness of her cultural heritage as a Samoan / Maori woman.
Why You Need to Film your most Painful Moments
I never filmed any of my baby deliveries. Not the twenty-two hour labor with suction, forceps and episiotomy – the one where I alternately begged to be put out of my misery and yelled at the Hot Man to go find a different doctor who would know what to do with my misery. Not the… Continue reading Why You Need to Film your most Painful Moments
Righteous Rape
The Samoa Observer interviewed the Chairman of the National Council of Churches and asked for his thoughts on the 'epidemic of rape and sexual abuse' in Samoa. His response was printed in the Sunday newspaper and can be read here: http://www.samoaobserver.ws/other/women/8044-bite-them-hard-church-chairman-urges-women While I think there was truth and helpful insight in some of his remarks, any… Continue reading Righteous Rape
Deep, Dark Secrets.
There's a number-tagging game happening on Facebook where you must reveal mysterious details about yourself. I got the #18 from Theresa Schubert (another superwoman mom of her own #Fab5) but because nobody cares about 18 deeply scintillating secrets about me, I’m going to do 18 #ThingsYouMayNotKnowAboutTheTelesaBooks instead. Nafanua had six children in her lifetime. One boy… Continue reading Deep, Dark Secrets.
Love that Blows Your Mind
"I love you Bella. My love for you is more than alllllll the stars in the universe." I say lovingly as I hug and kiss her at bedtime. Because I'm a writer and I can't ever just say, I love you...No, I have to add in some beautiful poignant imagery as well. Her response? "I love… Continue reading Love that Blows Your Mind
Do Men Control the Malu?
Receiving a malu can be a deeply personal and empowering thing and I have great admiration for all those women who have undergone this ritual ceremony and bear their malu with pride. I don't have a malu. I am not an expert in Samoan cultural practises or the historical background of them - so this blog speaks… Continue reading Do Men Control the Malu?
The Mata-Lulu Model
This writing thing has given me the opportunity to have some pretty awesome experiences. Like get DietCoke drunk in E.L James hotel suite in Kansas City with a fabulous group of women writers. Ride to a book launch in Sydney, in style in sleek low-rider cars and have specialty cakes and donuts made #TelesaStyle. Go back… Continue reading The Mata-Lulu Model
Bribery is Essential for Good Parenting
Six months ago I was worried about Big Son's academic commitment. Or lack thereof. While giving him treasures of wise counsel, I also, attempted to bribe him with the promise that IF he did well and scored himself a university scholarship, then I would gift him with a trip to Hawaii. In my head, I… Continue reading Bribery is Essential for Good Parenting
I helped write a MOOC in Philadelphia. (WTH??)
I've been travelling and book touring (and eating lots of delicious new foods while I'm at it...) so my poor blog has been rather neglected! I'm all done though with book launch stuff and back to full-time parent duty because the Hot Man has moved to Samoa for work. So I'm ready to get into… Continue reading I helped write a MOOC in Philadelphia. (WTH??)
“You can’t be happy when you’re fat. No-one can.”
A while back, Bella was getting dressed for school when she uttered words that broke my heart. "Mama, I'm fat. But I want to be skinny like Kelly. See my tummy?" She pulled up her shirt to show me a beautiful belly that loves tickles. And I looked at my five year old daughter - really… Continue reading “You can’t be happy when you’re fat. No-one can.”
Lani Wendt Young 