Samoa

Marital Dischord in Paradise (Or, When Your Partner Gets On Your Nerves)

Today marks one week since we arrived in Samoa. And its taken exactly one week for the Hot Man to conclude what I suspected he would...       "Its kind of stressful having you all here. And expensive!" he said in exasperation. "When its just me I can work and train without worrying about other people.… Continue reading Marital Dischord in Paradise (Or, When Your Partner Gets On Your Nerves)

Samoa

A Day in Samoa

This is the hill right outside our driveway. Its my early morning nemesis because I'm trying to avoid dying an early lazy-writer's death - by going for an energizing walk every day. I walk to the top and then feel like puking. I walk down and up the next hill, then feel like puking. Perhaps… Continue reading A Day in Samoa

Samoa

There’s Samoans everywhere.

So we've officially moved back to Samoa after a three year stint living in New Zealand. (Although its a bit misleading to say we have lived in NZ all this time because in actual fact the Hot Man has still been working in the hot, humid land. And Ive been home so many times that… Continue reading There’s Samoans everywhere.

Samoa

Be Worthy

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

Samoa

I want to stab someone.

So if you've read any of my books, or more than one of my blogs, or you have the misfortune to be friends with me on Facebook - then you know I have a soul-wedded affinity with Diet Coke. As in I drink too much of it and write too much about it. As in,… Continue reading I want to stab someone.

Samoa

“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.”

Samoa

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

Samoa

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.