HAKA

Ki aro
Kia whakaronga, kia mau!
Hi !
Ringaringa e torōna
kei waho hoki mai! 
Kss Kss

Tika tonu!
U - e!
Tika tonu!
U... e!
Tika tonu atu ki a koe, e tama
Hiki nei koe aku whakaaro, pakia!
He hiki aha to hiki?
He hiki roa to hiki?
I a ha hā!

E tama, te uaua ana
E tama, te mārō
Roa ina hoki ra
Te tohe o te uaua na
E tāu nei.
Āna! Āna! Āna! Aue... Hī!

Pay attention
Listen up, take your stance!
Hi!
Arms outstretched,
out and back!
Kss Kss

What is right is always right!
In - deed!
What is right is always right!
Ah... yes!
Be true to yourself, my son!
My concerns have been raised about you, so pay attention!.... .
What is this problem you are carrying?
How long have you been carrying it for?
Have you got that? Right, let's go on.

So son, although it may be difficult for you
and son, although it seems to be unyielding
no matter how long you reflect on it
the answer to the problem
is here inside you.
Indeed! Indeed! Indeed! Yes, indeed!

Origin

As far as is known, this haka was composed by Waimarama Puhara, a highly respected chief of the central Hawkes Bay area. Waimarama was born at Paki Paki in about 1875, the son of Urupene Puhara and Marata Herea, and he married Ngahiti Rautu in about 1900.

Apparently he composed the haka in about 1914 as a message to his son Moana, who had been born in about 1899 and had been attending St Patrick's College, Silverstream. At the time Waimarama could see his son was having difficulties - something like a chip on his shoulder or some other intangible problem.

Moana married Ngawini Cowan (Kawana) at Gladstone, near Masterton in January 1922. But tragically, he died only five months later.

Usage

Young people are taught this haka as it contains an appropriate message for many adolescent males, particularly at that point in their lives where they are making the difficult transition into adulthood. The message of this haka is of challenge, struggle, perseverance and achievement. It is often used at events such as 21st birthdays and graduations. It is also used at tangi, to pay homage and respect to those who have guided young people through difficult times.

Silence

The statement: 

"I have fallen in love again with silence."

No. The picture below has little to, ok maybe slightly relevant to how I came to make the statement above. 

Firstly, how I came about to this thought is thanks to a simple, and moving silent movie 'The Artist' (2011).

As I build myself a best of pillows and my comfy blanket on the sofa with the lights of I wonder if my expectations for this silent, black and white movie was too high or too low, will I fall asleep mid way? 

Besides having an Asian translator beside me reading off an online script making me wait in anticipation for his commentary. Which added laughter to the already well-written, well-directed and well-deserved applaud to the main actor.

This movie should have been played on the big screen! It was simple yet infused with comedy, romance and relatable every day world problems, hurt and pain. 

All this from a silent black and white movie! 

Which brought me back to the night this picture was taken. Just a random night, no questions ask, the turmoil inside just needed some peace and rest. In the silence the lights spoke more to me than all the noise of daylight. 

I remember the days I smiled to myself as I settled in the silence of being in the presence of company but; but that silence spoke more to me than all the noise in the world. It spoke of love, of trust and of comfort. 

I slept well the night this picture was taken and so shall I tonight. As I have fallen in love all over again with silence. 

Big Bad Wolf

My first trip and my first haul ! I started of consevatively but a passing thought 'oh someone will enjoy this book'...

Well it opened the door to more books in my little red basket! 

What is love?

I woke up and stumbled onto something that surprised me, or shocked me would be the better word i think? I am unsure on how to react still after going through it a dozen times since the morning. However, a thought finally came to me and well, with me i write everything, difference is if i share or not. 

Just a few days ago a dear friend asked me, 'What is love?'

What is love?

According to Wikipedia:

Love is a variety of different feelings, states and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection to pleasure. It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment.

Is that all love is? In words maybe. 

But love, love is a funny thing no?

Its so overwhelming sometimes that crosses boundaries you never knew existed but at the same time so shallow its almost non-existent. 

What has complicated this thing called love?

I think love is simple but yet the mind of man just cannot accept the simplicity of love. However...

It took me until today, one month and 17 days later as I stumble upon this quote again that I can finally complete this post. 

Love is a choice. 

Someone once told me once "a relationship is one whole heart being with  another whole heart, not two halves coming together as one."

It is true. 

Once you've made a wholehearted decision to love, then love, love through the darkness because even in the depths of darkness there will always be light. 

You will always find laughter in the midst of tears, and overwhelming love in all the crazy because even though love is a simple decision to make, a choice, but love makes you go crazy with emotions because the thought of losing the one you love is just... 

Love. 

Love is beautiful, but it is bittersweet.

That's why it says, "... Til death do us apart."

Courage

For today I carry my identity clear and true. I carry my weights of the past because without them I will not reach today. I carry my biggest obstacle which is time and I carry a reminder to balance life with humility and determination.

Pamper Day

Once a month I have a pamper day. And today I've been wonderfully lucky. 

My facial place manage to slot me in and I got my absolute favourite facial lady to pamper my face in this horrible haze. 

Went to my mani/pedi place and it was empty coincidently no appointments. But since I have a long week of using my hands still. I decided a pedi will do. 

Next a wonderful luxury of ever you need a boost me up. A hair wash! Uncle was super busy today with a long waiting list and short of stuff but he still slot me in and my stylist did a wonderful job with my hair. 

To top it all! My absolute favourite go-to for gifts for loved ones happen to be here for a bazaar. And I got to secure a gift for dear Jo Jo.

Finally before heading off to the best part of Sunday. I'm treating myself and my belly to some of my favourites : fresh oysters, hotate sashimi and soft shell crab maki. Best quality and under 100 too! 

So grateful for this day. 

If ever you need a day off. Just treats yourself with one because you need it. And everyone who've contributed to making that day awesome. Smile. Get to know their story and it'll make the day even better!