i have the collectors zelda for the game cube and am having trouble with majoras mask

Does anyone know how to save the game?
i know its probably really simple but its driving me crazy! I have hit the owl statue in the town which saved the game but now i just start from there.
i got to the start of the first temple and also hit the owl there, thinking that it would save but when i went back to it i was back at the town.
i cant think of what i am doing wrong! hope this makes sense x