Library Association of Samoa AGM July 2012

The Library Association of Samoa held it's AGM on the 11th July 2012.  We were privileged to have two Samoan authors present.

Fiti Leung Wai, of Samoa Stationey and Books, presented her new Ulafala series of picture books for young readers featuring stories on local topics:-

• Teuila Festival
• Easter
• My first day at School
• Independence Day

Fiti wrote these stories to fill a gap in the Samoan market and to get Samoan stories out there for young children.


 

Lani Wendt-Young also attended to present copies of "When Water Burns" the sequel in the Telesa Trilogy, to the Nelson Memorial Public Library.  Telesa is a Young Adult fictional series also based on life in Samoa.  Copies can be purchased in print here:-

NZ Readers        https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SP594VB9DCE7J

Australia & Pacific https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2HN5J8Y393HL4

Or as an ebook here:-

The Covenant Keeper - http://www.amazon.com/Telesa-The-Covenant-Keeper-ebook/dp/B005I3WD8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1332973143&sr=1-1 

When Water Burns - http://www.amazon.com/When-Water-Burns-Telesa-ebook/dp/B008F6CLY4/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340844795&sr=1-3&keywords=when+water+burns

When Water Burns continues the story of Leila and Daniel as they explore their powers of fire and water further. We wait now for the final show down in the last book of the series due out early 2013. Bring it on Lani!

Here is the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LDY7ic0Ll4

Lani has also recently released a book of short stories titled "Afakasi Woman : A collection of short stories" which is available here:-

http://www.amazon.com/Afakasi-Woman-ebook/dp/B007PCVGOU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1332972998&sr=1-1

And finally, I continue in my role as Vice President for the Library Association of Samoa so thank all local Librarians for their support voting me into this position.

Outrigger on Apia Harbour as the Sunsets

The Fungi and the Coconut

Interesting Fungi growing on our lawn

And the sponge on the inside of a fully grown coconut.  This is what sprouts to grow a new palm but it can be eaten at this stage and is a bit like a coconut tasting marshmallow!

Manu vs Scotland

On the 23rd June 2012 the Manu played Scotland at Apia park.  Contrary to rugby watching at home in the Winter, we sat outside in the blazing sun under the shade of an umbrella, drinking cold soft drinks amongst the crowd on the bank.  Our Scottish friend Nicola could be seen far away in the stand waving her Scotland flag!  Unfortunately the boys lost in the dying minutes of the game but was that try that was disallowed a try or was that foot out over the line?????

Tropical Cyclone Evan Update

I took this video at 8.30am this morning from home (Vaigaga) of the cyclone at Category 2 with 50-60 knot winds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CZyz-MEWJM&list=UUSqH7EN8l9rAUMO8hOXzlcQ&index=1 

Next door's power line fell down through our fence this morning so will have to get that looked at after the storm passes.  The power is going on and off now, town is busy with people sorting out supplies.  I am at USP Campus where weather is not too bad and we have the generator running at the moment.  Banana and Paw Paw trees are not faring too well and there are a lot of shredded leaves around.  The Old Man dog is very wet and very excited bouncing around.  He knows something is up!

We are battening down the hatches to ride it out and while we have generated power, will catch up on a few blog posts that we have been meaning to do for several months so watch this space!

Tropical Cyclone Evan

TC Evan is approaching Samoa. It is currently very grey and rainy here. The wind has not got up much yet but it may do as Evan reaches Savaii, does a complete right turn over Samoa, and heads back where it came from. USP Graduation is supposed to be Friday morning so we will see how that pans out! You can track the cyclone here on the very informative Fiji Met Service site

www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Evan%20Threat%20Map%20(1).png

Christmas in Samoa

This will be our first Christmas in Samoa since we moved here. When we first came over 4 years ago you would not have known Christmas was approaching but now there are decorations and trees up and flashing lights plus Christmas ads on the radio and TV. I guess the commercialism has finally reached the rock! Well our tree is up, we have collected a few presents already and now just need to figure out what to make for Christmas lunch. Less of a ham and turkey and more of what will actually be available at the supermarket!