Traveling Princess

By now you've seen the new Disney movie, Moana... " I am Moana of Motunui!" What a powerful statement! I felt instantly connected to Moana and every character as if in my own family. As Pacific Islanders, we have always known ourselves as great explorers and now, we are finally being recognized worldwide! How fun! Thank you Disney!
  I'm thankful to Disney for their interpretation of our island cultures and their positive exposure of the many talents found beyond one's familiar shores. We are not just people of any one island, we are people of the Earth. Exploration is in our blood, that's for sure. For me,

"I am Lois of Samoa. I am Lois of Idaho. I am Lois of France. I am Lois of England. I am Lois of much much more."

Traveling Princess

Although there are many stories to be told by many royal members of royal lineages, this one is my personal journey. Enjoy!
Most people that know me, know that I'm constantly out and about. I guess it's my nature to love enjoying our Earth and all the different cultures and people that come with it. I call it, exploration. In fact, I have a travel blog: http://explorationonabudget.blogspot.com/

You can check that out later for some inexpensive travel deals and ideas!

 These are the white cliffs of Dover, UK.

The love of travel started young for me. My dad was in the U.S. Army and we were stationed in various places around the world. My mother is a Princess and Matriarch from the beautiful islands of Samoa. My parents met in California while serving religious missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They were married in Los Angeles and began a family and a life-long service in the military. 

As far back as I can remember, we were piled up in a station wagon or camper van and no matter where we lived, we took advantage of the local terrain. Dad had weekends off as an officer so we frequently headed to our weekend adventure.

From the wooden shoes and windmills of Holland to the Giant Sequoia's of California to the Great Barrier Reefs of Australia, we lived. I'm so glad my dad was inspired to take advantage of life's great wonders early on: family, friends and this beautiful Earth. 

It was shortly after our move to the state of Utah, in his early 40's that our Dad was tragically taken from us in a car accident. We were surrounded with love as our relatives tried to fill the void but there was something inside of me that went "wild".  I couldn't mourn. I still remember how hard it was to focus. I suppose it was a sort of shock.  Death was unacceptable to me.  I ran away from my feelings for years. Had a bit of a rebellious episode. Tried everything there was to numb the empty. Nothing worked. 

A few years later, my oldest was born and I decided it was time to start being responsible. I moved to Provo, Utah to get an education. Living in Europe, I was exposed to the french language, where I fell in love with linguistics. My father was a linguist. My mother multi-lingual as well. I began to feel again that part of me that had become so quiet; I almost forgot it was there.  I signed up for university and took as many French classes as I could. I found it difficult to manage a brand new baby and a full-time school schedule but I was determined to succeed. I got a job, got married, and started a family. That quiet feeling started to manifest every time I held that newborn in my arms. And soon, it was manifesting in my small family time as we made efforts to travel. 

Then I knew.

 The fire of exploration was lit within me!

 My dad was speaking to me beyond the grave. We started small and took the kids around Salt Lake, Park City, and then a little further. We have 5 kids so we had to be smart with our finances. I loved to drive. I always felt like driving was my favorite American pastime. At the time, gas was generally inexpensive so we kept going further and further. We drove to Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana and sunny California. Life seemed less empty but I couldn't shake that there was something else calling to me.  My husband, at the time, (now divorced) had a job with a local airline and we found ourselves on our way to Samoa.

We saw green for miles. Samoa is covered in Banana and coconut trees. The water was clear. The plumerias were abundant. Mom was in her element. She was home.

We took the ferry from Apia to Savaii. It was HOT and HUMID. We had a great time and in a few short weeks, we drank in everything "Samoa" that we could. That side of me was completely satisfied. I had visited the homeland of my mother, my grandparents and their parents and so on.

You know when you've eaten your fill but now you have thirst?

I was thirsty.

I

It was the travel. It was the act of it. It's true that exploration and adventure are the part of me that keeps pricking at my heart. It's getting lost in a new place that excites me. I love the adventure of finding my way home. I love the experiences travel brings to me. I love the people travel introduces me to. I love the history travel teaches me. I love the cultures travel connects me to.

Travel is the quencher. 

I have found my happy place(s).  I've traveled with friends, I've traveled with family, I've traveled in my sister singing group, and I've traveled all by myself. Travel makes me happy!

You might ask, "Where is home?"

Well, My family and I live in Utah but because I grew up in a military family, I've always considered myself a Global Citizen. Home is where my family and I are, wherever we are.

Lapin Qui Fume, Tours, France

KLASSY

(Kayla, Lois, Anya, Shiloah, Suli Young)

We've been singing together, all around the world since birth. My mom and Dad had a passion for the arts. My mother danced at the famous PCC in Laie, Hawaii and my dad shared his super talents of guitar strumming and piano. Together they raised and inspired us to share our gifts with everyone we came in contact with.

KLASSY will be performing in Idaho Falls, Idaho this weekend! 

Come out and enjoy Idaho's rich agriculture with us October 21-22nd, 2016

If ever there was a Duchess of New York

This segment was inspired by an experience I had as a young child in Germany. My father was fond of driving. We lived in Berlin, Germany in the 80's and took the autobahn frequently to and from various locations. We were once caught up in traffic with Prince Andrew and the newly titled Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Doing their very best to escape European paparazzi, they nearly ran us off the road! It was truly exciting as the speedy motor brigade with it's lights and horns wailing, "Caution, Caution" as they passed. Could it have been a foreshadowing event of their marital future...."Caution, Caution"...lol..?
Superstition aside, it was one of the more exciting memories of Europe.

If ever there was a Duchess of New York...

It's customary in America that seniors take a sort of vacation before attending university. So, after graduating from high school, Cumorah decided to she wanted to visit the city that never sleeps!

(Senior photos with Princess Gia)

Between hers and my summer schedules, we found it difficult to really plan the best time for it. She patiently waited and before we knew it an opportunity arose.
Since my brother Jared currently resides in Uptown New York and my birthday was coming up, we decided to hit 2 birds with 1 stone:)

What a blast! 

Broadway Talent,

Time Square,

Birthday Bubbles,

Cityscapes,

PIZZA,

The Brooklyn Bridge,

Colorful collage of couture,

Pampered to the max

Reconstruction of mind body and spirit,

Royal treatment at it's very best.

What a blast!

(My NYC birthday collage including: Jared and Cumorah)

If ever there was a Duchess of New York, She the very one!

Neighborhood Royals: Fit for a Queen

Neighborhood Royals: Fit for a Queen: We've just celebrated the marriage of Gene Moi Moi and Jodie Holness Young at Queen Victoria's family home among the elaborate Engl...

Fit for a Queen

We've just celebrated the marriage of Gene Moi Moi and Jodie Holness Young at Queen Victoria's family home among the elaborate English gardens and ponds of Ashford's Eastwell Manor.

The mid morning festivities included the most beautiful ceremony attended by many of the couple's closest family members and friends. It was followed by wonderful reception, 6 tier cake adorned with Jodie roses, merry-oke fun for all and an amazing photography session by Dottie Photograpy of U.K. 

http://dottiephotography.co.uk

The setting absolutely incredible and next to none as the weather was as heavenly as the Bride herself.

 Thank You is in order to our Capel Le Ferne Families, The Maj. Nolan Brian and Hon. Apaula Sulimoni Young Families, The Joe and Sharon Holness Family, and especially: The Wayne and Tracy Ravenhall Family, who spent countless hours preparing, and organizing every last detail. We would like to thank Capel Garage for attending the transportation needs. Thank you for the use of  your "little green machine";)

(photo by Lee Walker, Uncle of the Bride)

Gene and Jodie Young 2014

We haven’t got a gift list for all of you to see,

Because as you all know we travel the sea!

Come to our wedding, to wish us both well,

And if you would like to contribute a gift,

Please visit our wishing well!

www.ourwishingwell.com

Gene Young

Registry number: 401252121

Gene & Jodie’s Wedding

White Horses

White Horses

I was born in 1978. The Year of the Horse. 

This was supposed to be my year. I had hoped for a smooth year, and all in all, I guess we can't complain. Not saying we haven't experienced our own hardships and failures this year just saying, we're all healthy and alive another year. I can say we have a lot to be grateful for. 

Mountain Momma;)
We were able to spend the last year in West Virginia. My husband, at the time, had a career opportunity with some friends and we took off for the new adventure. There were some really great posts on some of the more positive moments but in the end it just didn't pan out. Needless to say, we returned just 8 months later. It was a difficult time. We were insecure about our choices and we unsure for the future.
We spent most of our time tweeking our talents and redefining our needs. It was the time of checks and balances for us. Hardly successful at it, we became discouraged and frustrated with ourselves.
A few things we could find "positivity" in were that we were back in the familiarity of Utah, we were able to see beautiful east coast sights, made and reconnected with really good friends, and were able to travel cross country in safety.

White Flags
I decided to rewrite this post. I didn't like the way it was going. Most people that know me, know that I am non confrontational. I do my very best at peacemaking. My father, Major Nolan Brian Young was my mentor and next to Jesus, himself, the best example of a peacemaker.
When I think of how I want to be portrayed or remembered in life, I think a lot of my father's obituary. In his short life my father, along with my mother were able to love each other unconditionally and raise a family, nobly serve their God and countries and live life to the fullest, finding those silver linings. They were exemplary in proving that there was nothing more important in life than relationships and family.
Peacemaker til the very end, my hero, my father.
   (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/427446/DEATH--NOLAN-BRIAN-YOUNG.html?pg=all)
 "Nolan Brian Young, 43, beloved and devoted husband, father, brother and friend, died instantly from injuries sustained in an automobile accident July 7, 1995.

Brian was born August 29, 1951 in Idaho Falls, the eldest son of Nolan and Lois Young. He grew up in Idaho Falls, graduating from Skyline High School in 1969. He then served a two year LDS mission in the California Spanish Mission. He married Apaula Sulimoni Molifua (Suli) in 1973 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They have eight beautiful children.He joined the Army in 1972 and served 21 years before retiring as a Major. During his distinguished military career, he was awarded numerous citations and medals including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army's highest peace time honor. He served twice as Company Commander in Wurzburg, Germany and Fort Irwin, California. His last assignment was working in the satellite and space technology at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. While in the Army, he earned a bachelor's degree in Russian from BYU and a master's degree in Physics from the University of Maryland. In 1993, he left the military and was employed by the Loral (Unisys) Company in Salt Lake City where he continued to work in space technology.

He was an active member of the LDS Church, and was ordained a High Priest. He served in many positions including the bishopric in two wards, Deacon's Quorum advisor, Young Men's president and Scout leader. He was a reverent man and lived the teachings of Jesus Christ with a strong testimony.

Brian loved music and shared his gift of song with his family. He spent many hours with his guitar singing with his family and friends. He was an intelligent, gentle, compassionate man, always ready to embrace a friend and lend a helping hand. Ever optimistic, Brian could always find a silver lining in any situation.

Brian loved adventure. He traveled the world over with his family, making friends everywhere. He had a gift for creating laughter and fun. Among his many talents, he was fluent in several foreign languages including Spanish, Russian and German.

First and foremost in his life was his family. His wife and children were his focus. His unconditional love, wisdom and leadership have given his children a lifelong gift of virtues and values that will endure for generations to come.

Brian is survived by his wife, Suli; his children, Shiloah and Clint Gilmore, Taaga James (T.J.), Maoputasi (Tasi), Lois, Gene, Anya, Jared and Kayla; his mother, Lois, his brothers, Dallan and Jim, his sisters, Deri, Teresa Hancock, Donna, and Susie Fuller, numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Nolan G. Young.

The funeral services will be held Thursday, July 13, 1995 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Hunter Second Ward, 3970 South 5200 West. Friends may call Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Thursday one hour prior to services. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park.

Brian has returned to his Heavenly Father and is now rejoicing in a reunion with those who have preceded him. He will be sorely missed here by all of us who have gained so much from his time on this earth."  

I want so much to stay positive, encouraging and inspiring, not just for me but as a reflection of the wonderful legacy my parents created for us. It was after rereading and revisiting the memories of a lifetime that I have decided to keep this a living memoir of our family and experiences.  

It's the perfect time to reevaluate.
For my readers: Reinvest the value in yourself. Take yourself back. Own yourself again. You are the best you. I am inviting all to rediscover yourself, your dreams, your passions! Concentrate on the goals you want to achieve and steps to take to achieve it! 

I want to say that after years of struggling to find my self worth, I have discovered that even though we are created individually, not equally that I, me, you, him, her... am not and are not above or below anyone else. Put down the measuring tape.
Scrapes and bruises are inevitable in these mortal bodies. We can all rest assured that we are all faced with daily deals and compromises, validations and humiliations, successes and sacrifices, trials and triumphs, and so much more....

I have fallen off many horses. It's been choosing to get back on and moving forward that has caused the growth to happen. 

To ALL, in the words of a true friend:

"Buck up, I say," (C. Tanner,2014) Don't be afraid to live your true potential!  

Returning To Our Roots

Paramount Chief Palepoi Afamasaga Mauga

was chosen to lead the people of American Samoa after a 5 year dispute of the title. His marriage to Sipusi Malepeai, daughter of the Paramount Chief Malepeai of Western Samoa, was to join the two main islands of Samoa. Even though the islands remain separate, the families and villages honor the Mauga name for their endeavors for their country. 

Hon. Princess Apaula Sulimoni Molifua Young, PC Mauga's eldest granddaughter,

revisits her youth as she returns to American Samoa. (Along with her is, soon to be daughter-in-law, Jodie Holness- Marriage to Gene Moimoi Young to take place late August of 2014, England )

 Hon. Apaula remembers her grandfather's passing like it was yesterday. She remember's sacred rituals and keeps them close to her heart as she takes in the warm tropical air. 

Education was the legacy grandfather wanted for his posterity, so he urged his youngest daughter, Hon. Princess Sulimoni Mauga Molifua, husband Hon. Henry Taaga Molifua and 11 children to move to the states for education opportunities. 

Following Father's advise, Henry Taaga and Sulimoni moved to Hawaii but could not take all their children at once, leaving my mother, Apaula to be raised by her Grandparents PC Mauga and Sipusi Malepeai Mauga. It is here in the very spot, Apaula flourished, surrounded in the ancient lands, her family and in her traditions.