Author: Alan Ian Atkinson
“Writing this book was my journey. Reading it will be yours. A glimpse into the most important lessons I’ve learned.”
Just off the printing press.
Available now.
Coming to all major book stores soon.
You can also get your copy through me for yourself, family and friends. I will be more than happy to personalize your copy.
The first Saturday and Sunday, which is the first weekend of the year, 2025. Into the 4th day of the year, with 361 days to the end of the year; just in case you are counting.😂
The first three days has put us through the paces with challenges (for the want of a better word) which we didn’t see coming, and those that we knew were on the horizon but kept putting them off “to a later date”.
Feelings or how we feel or react comes into play. Are we in control of them or they in control of us. It all boils down to the choices we make. Without a doubt, it has been an exciting three day start.
Jeannie, the Batik Influencer (who happens to be my wife, too); and I, the Hatted Writer (Alan); are in Amcorp Shopping Mall today and tomorrow. We believe that every new moment (and day), offers us opportunities to live life to the fullest, which we are doing and will continue to do.
We are so looking forward to seeing and meeting with all of you over these next couple of days. Share your experiences with how the start of the new year has been for you. Some of you may have extended your leave by taking January 1st and 2nd off; and would only be “starting” your new year per se on Monday. How nice. We are looking forward to having loads of stories, especially new ones to share.
The Batik Influencer has some of her new batik Cape Creations under her label, “JEANNIE’S OWN”, that she will be showcasing. These are an array of amazing designs and colours. Bright red, different shades of gold, light blue or a sort of turquoise (yay! I got that spelling correct). The patterns and designs – are works of art. One just gaze at them and be lost in the wonders of these beautiful designs. Come and get yours quickly.
My book, which had a bit of a delay, promises to be out real soon. It just went through its edit, with a few additional adjustments and then it would be good to go. Teaser: First word of it’s title: “SPARKS”. I am superly excited about it. It has elements in it that stretches the English language. I wish I could tell you more… Maybe, I can… it is a real book…for all ages. You can mark the chapters that you like best, you can put all sorts of markings it it, and you can share it with anyone.
Come over to our booth at F2.15 which is located on the second floor. We have many things of interest, including a whole range of James Bond cars and Ferraris, too. There is even an Alfa Romeo Tonale. Many are collectibles.
We will at our booth from 10.00am onwards. Let’s make some noise…Lot’s of noise😉😂😂😂
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 2.15, 2ndFloor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: January 4th & 5th:
Time: , 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
One thing that has remained the same in over 60 years is the view of the sea as we drive up towards Port Dickson (affectionately known as “P.D.”) town and along its coastline towards the multiple hotels and private homes. The sea is not sea blue (it has never been as long as I can remember). It has always been a chalky lime-green in colour.
Another thing that has always seemed to be the same is that the sun is scorching hot once it hits the 10.00am mark onwards to late afternoon. It does break if rain show up, and it shows up whenever it feels like it.
The beaches and sea have never failed to entertain. I can remember the days travelling in a little red and black mini – uncle Jeff’s and Aunty Val’s go anywhere vehicle. it never seemed too small or small. It fitted all 18 of us nicely and comfortably. O.K. Not 18 but close. There was Uncle Jeff and Aunty Val, Brendon, Shenton, Jennifer, Nigel and myself – that’s around 18, thereabouts.😉😂
As for a comfortable ride, I can’t remember. The adrenaline (don’t worry if this word seems like a tongue-twister and you find it tricky trying to pronounce it. Try spelling it out on the keyboard. I had to correct spell it several times before the right one stuck to the screen)… so, the adrenaline rush got us excited with the idea of going to the beach to play in the sand and water.
As we came up the last bend (it was a sort of slight slope climb) of the road and tuned left, we could see “paradise” on our right. It was not the end of that road, we, the kids; were not interested. Believe me, the scene which was everyuthing “sea”, was phenomenal…breathtaking to us very young kids in the late 1960s. By the way, Uncle Jeff and Aunty Val were the hip couple for us young Atkinson cousins; both good and everything (and I mean, everything) mischievous.
The recent trip that we (Jeannie, my wife; Laura, our daughter; and I) made, rekindled the days of the 1960s. P.D. is modern by today’s standards. The good thing is modernisation has not affected the sandy beach coastline too much. We still can feel some beach sand under our feet and see the sea. Let’s hope modernisation, urbanisation and every thing futuristic will leave this landscape remaining unchanged.
I would strongly recommend to take the break from the rush and dust (that too) you have always wanted, even if it for no rhyme or reason (I have not heard that phrase in a long time – English class😅). P. D. is a fairly short drive from Subang Jaya, P. J. (Petaling Jaya) or K.L. (Kuala Lumpur).
Sometimes, when we are too much into what we are doing, we may not be at optimum level. Taking a break, even it is for a short while, from whatever we are doing, especially if it takes up a good amount of our daily time; can do wonders. Have fun. We sure did.
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST CAN ONLY HAPPEN IF YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO.
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE AND YOU WILL REALISE THAT YOU HAVE MANY BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE!
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
I think I am a bit blurry-eyed, or is it blood-shot (oops! Spelt it wrongly just now. I’m now going to tell, say or re-spell the way I spelt it wrongly. It’s too mischievous!).
We are in between visitor visits. One of the earliest visitors was Keisha. She was attracted to our display of Ferrari cars. As we started talking, I found out that she helps her mum run a booth, selling rare collectors baseball, football and other types of collector cards. They basically are selling off her late father’s collection of cards.
Keisha is a Formula One (F1) fan, and a Ferrari fan at that. Ferrari has been progressively gaining momentum back to its position as a top F1 team, and currently is amongst the top 3 teams. Keisha, predictably chose the F1 Ferrari car that was on display for sale.
The Batik Capes under the “JEANNIE’S OWN” label was doing well. The Batik Influencer did multiple demos throughout the day, which led to several acquisitions by the audiences.
I think it must have been the lack of sleep that kept me actively thinking of what to do next to stay awake. Then, I got this brilliant idea, why don’t I write a new article. And since I quite often break off from writing to recalibrate my thoughts, people stopping by our booth will also help me break off to recalibrate my thoughts. However, here it may be too frequent a break off.
I decided to give it a go, and here I am, working on this article with my Samsung Galaxy Fold 5. Though the “start / stop” of writing or finger tapping on the Fold 5 screen was quite frequent, yet bearable; stopping in the middle of a sentence while creating it was not because I kept losing my train of thought. However, as my late grandmother used to say (when she was alive), “Slow, slow, catch monkey.” Let me know in the comments if you guys know the meaning of this phrase.
As, I sit, momentarily to catch a moment’s rest, I watch people as they walk past. The hat culture seems to be catching on. Here, when I talk about people wearing hats, I am not talking about the usual baseball cap wearers. More and more are wearing fashionable hats, be it flat caps, Panama, Jason Miraz, bucket, etc. There was one who donned a “Sherlock Holmes”, look – interesting. His sidekick, Watson (“elementary, my dear Watson” ), was not with him today .
I can hear someone in the background, a couple of floors down; strumming a couple of musical notes on his electric guitar. He has been at it for some time. However, no song or even part of it can be made out. It’s o.k. He’s chilling out with a couple of people.
I spoke… wrote (?) too soon. He’s now singing , ” To Love Somebody” by the Bee Gees, and strumming to the tune of it.
My best and most beautiful Tibetan friend, Rigzin, who is more popularly known by her last name, “Dolma”, and runs a booth next to ours; has been kept busy with many customers visiting her booth. She sells mainly ladies’ costume jewelry and some East Asian items. One of them is a brass sort of bowl. You strike the brass bowl with a small wooden mallet and it will echo, vibrating a melodious sound. At the same time, you rub the wooden mallet round the outer age of the brass bowl and it creates a sweet melodious sound. Very unique. You should drop by and visit her booth. By the way, Rigzin is the only Tibetan friend I have so far. 😁
What do you call a specific time that is shorter than a moment, as my moment’s rest has come to an end. The moment felt shorter than a moment.
There was a guy who dropped by last week and asked me to reserve the Samsung Buds Pro2 for him. This Buds Pro2 set is brand new, with the box still unopened. The guy said he would be coming by today. I am going to give it to him at an amazingly low price with an 80% discount. I think he is a low income wage earner who would like something very nice like this lilac colour Buds to have some enjoyment.
Hello, hello, hello, everyone. Good morning. Great start to the weekend. This early Saturday morning’s weather is a bit gloomy, however, it is still fine. The last few mornings and almost all of each day, we had rain, with many parts of the day experiencing heavy downpour.
The Batik Influencer, that is, my wife, Jeannie: and I, will be at Amcorp Shopping Mall, at our own booth, F1.08; on the first floor, today and tomorrow. We are going to be there shortly, at 10.00am. We are excited to be there (We are always excited to man a booth at Amcorp Mall because we can meet multiple (o.k. “so many”) people – relatives, friends and make new friends.
We were at Booth F1.08 last weekend, too. We met many interesting people. One of them was so taken up with the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape Creations under the “JEANNIE’S OWN” label, that he is proposing a collaboration of sorts with her for 2025, as Malaysia takes the “Chair” for Asean. Endless opportunities of excitement there. We just have to harness all the abundance of positive vibes that will be flowing through this honourable role that Malaysia will be in, for the whole of 2025.
I, the Hatted Writer; met with an Italian Scientist, who stopped at our booth. He is researching and working on how to split platelets to increase its numbers. It could be in the area of helping those with low platelet count or splitting the platelets after donors donate it, to multiply its numbers. I told him that I was a regular platelet and blood donor, having donated 304 times in total. His immediate remark was, “You have saved many, many lives”. He and his wife are on holiday in Malaysia.
Several people have called or messaged us, asking if we will be having a booth at Amcorp Shopping Mall this weekend, as they want to drop by and visit. So, we are expecting to be kept on our toes. Exciting! Some people who came by last weekend, booked some of the items we had on display and said that they will come this weekend to get them.
The Batik Influencer has several new pieces, limited number, of course; for this weekend. She is definitely an inspiration to the batik world. She was introduced and inspired by her late maternal grandmother, who word batik daily. So, come early to get your batik cape by the Batik Influencer.
This time round, among the many new items that we will be putting up for sale; there will be many Ferrari cars – a rare collection of over 15 years ago. You Ferrari fans and collectors who have been constantly asking me if I had Ferrari cars, your wishes and dreams have come true. You better come early to get yours. There are also, sets in special display containers. These will be offered as sets only.
A transparent “briefcase” style cabinet of a series of Cars used in James Bond movies, is also up for grabs.
These sets are in ultra beautiful display units. Very rare. Definitely show pieces for topics of conversation.
Another item of interest is a set of high end headphones, its condition is like new.
O.K. I will have to go now. The Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, are looking forward to meeting with all of you. See you there.
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: November 30th to December 1st, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
As “they” say, “Yay!” (And I ask, “Who are the people behind” they?), the weekend is upon us. Was it not upon us yesterday? Time waits for no man. Nor any other living species.
It is the rainy season. We have been experiencing heavy rain almost any time of the day. In a way, it is a good thing: the days aren’t so hot. However, humidity is high; which is quite frustrating. You shower, dress up nice to go for an outing like dinner for instance. Many people will perfumate (1) (a new word that I just created, or is it invented?) themselves for their outing. Then, before you reach your destination, you would already be perspiring (2) (This word sounds nicer than “sweating” which may be linked to intense activity like sports).
Each day…, really, is unique. Each day can never be the same. Yes, the parameters of time, that is each day has 24 hours or 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds, that is the same, and will not change.
Another constant is that time that has past us by, can never be recovered. If we can understand that in its entirety, time that past us by is gone. It leaves only a memory (that is, if we can remember).
So, as each moment is unique in itself, that before it comes, it is our “future”, when it is with us, it is our “present”; and when it has past us by, it is our “past”. Another fact is that we get older as each moment passes us by. We can decide to “get in each moment and be active in it” or fall by the wayside and let it pass us by. I have decided to make every moment or series of moments an adventure. I feel like I am Mark Twain (3), on one of his adventures.
Mark Twain wrote, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1876) and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885), both classics. I remember when my siblings and I were young children, our father bought these books and many others, for us to read. I encourage you to read these stories. I may be nostalgic but it would be better to read the actual books rather than read from an electronic screen. The stories come alive. Fascinating.
Our adventure this weekend is that the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, Alan, also known as the “Hatted Writer”; will be at Booth F1.08 in Amcorp Shopping Mall.
The Batik Influencer has a new range of unique designs of Batik Capes under the JEANNIE’S OWN” label. There are only a limited number of pieces available. So, come early to secure yours. Let her show you its uniqueness of casual and formal, and the multiple ways that it can be worn.
I am really excited as my book gets closer to launch date. Multiple people have indicated that they have booked their copy (some have told me that they are obtaining several copies to give away as Christmas gifts. I am looking forward to meeting with all you readers of leatherpotato.com and about to be my book readers, too.
It is definitely going to be another fun weekend for us as we get to meet all of you, and also meet some old friends who will drop by to visit, too. And, not forgetting many of our family members who use this as an opportunity to meet up with us. See you all there.
NOTES:
1. “Perfumate”: A new word that I just invented.
A verb: To fill or infuse something with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance. For example, “Roses perfumed the wedding chapel”
2. We are told that “sweating” usually refers to animals. Perhaps that was in the past and does not apply any longer.
3. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, and essayist. He was praised as the “greatest humorist the United States has produced,” with William Faulkner calling him “the father of American literature.” Wikipedia
4. Songket or sungkit is a tenun fabric that belongs to the brocade family of textiles of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is hand-woven in silk or cotton, and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. The metallic threads stand out against the background cloth to create a shimmering effect. Wikipedia
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: November 23rd & 24th, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
IF YOU WANT TO BE POWERFUL, BELIEVE IN YOUR BRAND.
EDUCATE YOURSELF.
YOU ARE YOUR BRAND.
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
Yay! It is the weekend again. We sure can be happy about it. The last two evenings, coming through P.J. on the Federal Highway and surrounding areas was what can I say? “Peachy”. It put P.J.’s road system to the limit. You are going to say, “What system?” I am sure that all of you who were on the Federal Highway or surrounding areas are going to agree with me and say, “Yes, it was just…’peachy’”.
To be fair, it was the exceptional heavy rain downpour that probably was the culprit. Come to think of it, in all the areas that we drove through on both evenings, we had missed both storms. The rain at its heaviest, was just a heavy drizzle. Today, the weather is fine. And, I don’t need to pick my wife, Jeannie; and our daughter, Laura; up from work. They both, have own their plans for the evening.
Which leaves me home alone. It works out well for me as I have lots to do in the current phase of getting my book manuscript ready for publication. My target deadline is to complete this phase by middle of next week.
Both Jeannie, who is the Batik Influencer; and I; are looking forward to this weekend, which has officially begun. We are looking forward to it because we will be having a booth at Amcorp Mall Shopping Centre in P.J.. We always look forward to having a booth there as it gives us multiple opportunities to meet and make new friends.
As the Batik Influencer, Jeannie talks of batik with passion. Batik designs are endless. They are either factory or block printed, or hand painted motifs. Hand painted motifs are really for the exceptional exclusive few.
Batik showcases colour in all its richness and vibrancy. I love colour. At one time, handheld Personal Digital Assistant devices boasted 16k (16,000) colour screen displays. Recently, the brand, Oppo, a smartphone maker from China, introduced its Reno8T model, which is capable of displaying 1 billion colours. Wow! Technology takes the spectrum of colours to a whole new level. Can you imagine, batik, in its finest; displaying 1 billion colours in its prints?
The Batik Influencer will be showcasing her Batik Cape Creations under the “JEANNIE’S OWN” label. There are a very limited number of pieces of these “JEANNIE’S OWN” Batik Cape Creations available. So, come early to get yours. One of our good friends, Jino Lim; has somehow always missed us. So, we have to send a personal invite to him and his wife, Angie; to head on down to our booth this weekend.
I will get the opportunity to meet followers, readers and visitors of www.leatherpotato.com in person. I am honoured to meet these wonderful people. They share their views on the articles and have many, many suggestions for various stories, and cafes and restaurants all over town that I should write about. The biggest takeaway I guess, is that they are excited for me, that my book is going to hit the bookshelves at bookstores real soon. They are pre-booking orders so that they can be the first to get the first series print. They seem to be making it a “limited edition”😁. One of the most important points that resonates with them is that this will be a physical book.
A physical book offers the opportunity of the reader getting immersed in the stories, which come alive as they are being read. There are no distractions like notifications and other such things that you would get if you were reading from a screen. No glare, pleasing to the eyes. Anytime, you want to re-read the story or article, you just refer to the book. As the Hatted Writer, I am always reminded of the multiple reasons that reading a physical book is always better.😊
While we take weekends running a booth at Amcorp Shopping Mall such as this as an opportunity to meet new people, we are just as happy to meet with all our exisiting friends again. We have met multiple people whom we had not seen in years, come by. I wonder who will be the mysterious friend or friends this weekend.
We are at Booth F1.08, First floor. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: October 5th & 6th:
Time: , 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
50,000 HITS!
From over 100 countries. Thank you to each and everyone of you for your support through all the various forms of social media and communication. I enjoyed meeting multiple readers / subscribers / followers in person whenever the opportunity was made available.
As one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers, Michael Schumacher once said, “Records are meant to be broken”. I am looking forward to the next 50,000.
I am grateful.
ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller