2013 PIPA Graduates. Photo - Letti Wickman. A Keynote Address given at the 2013 Graduation ceremony for the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts, Auckland. I’m delighted to be here with you young and restless graduates, and with your families and friends, as we celebrate your achievements. I stand in awe of you. Not just because… Continue reading Be Worthy
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“Your sexual abuse is disgusting and has brought shame on our family.”
Three weeks ago I wrote an article about rape and sexual abuse in Samoa which was printed in the Samoa Observer, posted here on my blog and shared on various online sites. It was written in response to a national religious leader in Samoa and his comments on rape/abuse but it addressed widespread views held by many. In… Continue reading “Your sexual abuse is disgusting and has brought shame on our family.”
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
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.”
Sexilicious Men (and houses) – When Fantasy meets Reality
The nice thing about being married to a man who owns his own construction company, is he can design AND build your house for you. The Hot Man is freakishly clever like that. How lucky am I??? I went out with him for his sexilicious self and had no clue he actually had like...skills...talents...housebuilding moneymaking potential... But then that's… Continue reading Sexilicious Men (and houses) – When Fantasy meets Reality
The Next Book in the Telesa Series
I'm working on a new book in the Telesa Series - that picks up the story of Teuila, Keahi and a few of the other characters, about eight years after 'The Bone Bearer' story finishes. I don't have a title yet and its very much a work in progress, but I'm excited about the new… Continue reading The Next Book in the Telesa Series
Lani Wendt Young 