Food

MOMENTS AT F1.08, CATCH THEM WITH US

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Celebrate the weekend, come on, There’s a party going on over at Amcorp Shopping Mall in Petaling Jaya; as there has always been every weekend. Theme: Flea Market. It is a party for all ages – there is always something for everyone. My wife, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted (have to make sure I type this correctly…otherwise havoc! Lucky I saw the spelling error, ๐Ÿ˜‚) Writer ; will be there, manning a booth at our current usual spot (F1.08, First Floor).

One could be forgiven to think that our weeks seemed to have shortened to a mere Saturday, Sunday. Monday, Friday…and it’s back to Saturday. It seems that was as time keeps zooming past us at breakneck (not literally) speeds. I am a firm believer in living each moment in the present.

The speed of each moment is supposed to be way, way faster than each second; I believe that speed is relative. We can actually feel and live each moment as we do each day, month, year. Or it can be absolutely fleeting as we feel the days, months, year has been. You may think that it requires some skill to capture each moment. Maybe it does. We can start by looking at time in a different perspective. That rushing and jam-cramming schedules so that we can add more to our free time that we have managed to save, is not all that important. Just saying.

The Batik Influencer is showcasing a whole new range of her Batik Cape Creations under the JEANNIE’S OWN label. Like always, the number of pieces to be made available; is limited to several, only. You will have to come to our booth quickly to acquire one of these very limited in n umber one-of-a-kind JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape creations.

Should I or should I not? That is the question.

I am looking forward to meeting multiple x multiple numbers of my followers and owners of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. I learn so much (cannot quantify the amount) from all of them. Their insights go a long way for the book titles I am working on. I can’t fit all the insights and ideas into each book title, that’s for sure because the spectrum of ideas from end to end is so wide. However, just like each sunrise every morning where as time progresses in the day and the sun becomes brighter, and we filter the rays and light to choose what best suits us; I will do the same with the ideas for each book title.

Percy Reyes and I; the Hatted Writer, also known as The Writer Innovator – Alan Ian Atkinson ๐Ÿ˜.
Percy and my dad are first cousins. Does that make him my cousin brother, or my brother’s cousin? Or is it second or third cousin?

Amcorp Mall has loads and loads to offer from the safe to say, “most renown flea market in Malaysia” to the many stores and restaurants that surround the flea market. Come on over to be in the most happening Flea Market in Malaysia. If you have a prior appointment elsewhere, try to relocate the appointment to Amcorp Mall.

The Batik Influencer and I will be at F1.08, First floor; to greet you, to entertain and be entertained by all you wonderful people. Par-t-eee! (wrong spelling for “party”).

Regal! Trying out and acquiring this absolutely stunning JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.
The King & I. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Thomas Doherty, an ex- U.S. Vet – Navy, the proud owner of a copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

“Best wishes! Live life to the fullest!” -a personalised message in Thomas Doherty’s copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

She acquired it. Another happy person.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: August 16th – August 17th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

66 ENDS, JUST ABOUT

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Yes, I am trying to soak in as much of 66 as I can in its last moments.

Not too long ago, I was this scrawny 10 year old, who spent most of his time dreaming of how he could change the world with his inventions…that were yet to be invented. Many of these inventions would have put thew current sci-fi movies to shame.

As time went by….and it did at such a rapid pace; this young boy is now living the last few hours, minutes, seconds and moments in the end of his 66th year.

Early morning hours were captivated having breakfast at Happy Merry Chef with my wife, Jeannie. We both had a plate of wanton (pronounced as one ton) noodles each, which came with the usual as wanton noodles usually does. We also ordered coffee (Chinese local coffee); I had the peng (iced) version.

I can’t really remember if I have had the wanton noodles served here, over my previous visits. It came neatly served – sort of a nice presentation. It had quite a bit of gravy on it, however; it was not soupy or too dry either.

Jeannie heaped praise on its noodles, being “fine noodles”, which was nice. I don’t know about the noodles being fine or otherwise. It was good, all the same.

I was back home by 8.15am, and was soon on my 10km daily walk. It took a few minutes longer than usual to complete the distance. I guess I was doing a lot of pondering – 66 years worth of it in 2 hours ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚. That’s quite a lot of years. I am grateful.

As I pondered…

The “artist” in me.

Left
Right

Centre…

Beret (1) to match my eye-glasses (spectacles, for some)

As I pondered…a beret…or two… Should I or should I not don one?

There were many messages on my phone, waiting to be attended to. I saw a “miss call” and a message that followed, “Are for free for lunch?” Patrick thought that it was my birthday today. I told him that it is tomorrow. But I was still available for lunch today. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜I returned his call and fixed lunch at Damen. He’d come and pick me up from my house.

I showered and was ready with a bit of time to spare and go through the rest of my messages.

Patrick & Hazel Archibald, and Hazel’s father, Mr. Ong; were at my house at a quarter to one. Damen Mall is nearby. We had lunch at the food court. I had a kway teow fried (I think) loaded with black pepper sauce gravy, and telur masak (fried egg). Hazel ordered the same but without the fried egg. Patrick and Mr Ong, both had noodles, not sure what variety, they looked the same.

I got little sauces of red chili sauce ready for our meal. However, it was not necessary as the meal tasted really good on its own. The green drinks in the mini jugs was umbra juice. Superb. Hazel and Pat had lime juice.

My noodles was really good stuff. The presentation of the meal (you notice I am beginning to talk a lot more of how the meals are presented.) was good. The meal did not just look good, it tasted good, too.

Now…for a picture from this side…to show our other good side.

The food court was such a pleasant setting, lots of space between tables and was brightly lit. It was comfortable. We had a pleasant time fellowship-ping, and catching up on news in general.

My Kway teow in the black pepper sauce gravy with fried egg.

As our meal came to an end; Pat suggested a CEO coffee. ZUS Coffee was a floor up. Yes, coffee was a nice idea. We sat at one of the tables near the cafe and enjoyed our coffee. ZUS’ CEO coffee is pretty good.

I thought it was a nice touch to end the 66th year, spending some quality time with very dear and close friends like Pat & Hazel. I was soon back home, still sipping on my CEO coffee to go.

When I look back at 66 years, it seems like a very long time. Countless stories to be told. I am grateful for the 66 years – every moment of them. While I have learnt many lessons in that time, I am still learning. I believe that life is a constant teacher. We can never stop learning. One of the biggest lessons of all is that life is simply amazing.

A special mention to Su Yin. She is a super wonderful person. It is her birthday today. Happy Birthday Su Yin.

NOTES:
1. A beret isย a soft, round, and flat-crowned hat, typically made from hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, or felt.ย It is known for its lack of a brim and its distinctive appearance.ย Berets are often associated with French and Basque culture and have been adopted by various military units worldwide.ย 
Berets are also a popular fashion item, worn by both men and women to add a touch of style to their outfits.ย 
Berets are versatile and can be styled in various ways to suit different looks.ย They are often seen as a stylish and practical accessory.ย 
Search Labs

IT’S TUESDAY

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

I find it mind-boggling to think that nearly everyone on Planet Earth goes through the motion of each day doing just that – going through the motion. This is a guesstimate (Is there such a word? I wonder…)(1). Each day goes by and not much attention is paid to it.

I tend to be mind-boggled in the moment ahead…, let alone each second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year. How do we deal with the moment ahead…which is the future?

I am excited as I physically feel each moment come at me, gushing, rushing past… I have to somehow get hold, grab it and hang on to it….presenting views, ideas, plans as to how I am going to use that moment.
“Time waits for no man”. I can imagine the speed that each moment is “valued” at… definitely way faster than each second.

It was just after five in the evening. I had just picked up my wife Jeannie, from work and was heading home. I asked the zillion dollar question, “What are we doing for dinner?” Jeannie said she had a late lunch and left the decision up to me. I said, “Let’s go to Star Bhavan”, our usual place for meals. Good food, convenient, relatively easy to find a car parking space.

Then, it hit me. “Today is Tuesday. It is also Coney Dog day at A&W. This is from what I remember, as I had not eaten their Coney Dogs (hotdogs) on Tuesdays in years. They used to have special offers on Tuesdays for their Coney Dogs. “Let’s go there for dinner”, I suggested to Jeannie. She okay-ed the idea.

We made a slight detour from our usual route and headed for the A&W restaurant in SS15. We were in Subang Jaya. (2) Parking was surprisingly easy today. Parking is a deciding factor for almost anywhere we want to go.

Jeannie placing our orders.

We walked in to an empty restaurant, with all but two ladies in front of us; making their orders. Maybe it was because it was just after 5. There aren’t many like us who will have dinner this early. Our order was simple: 2 Coney Dogs and a large root beer. Jeannie ordered the chicken variant, I went for the standard beef.

Our orders: Chicken Coney Dog, Beef Coney Dog and the root beer. The thing that was missing from the root beer was its thick froth.

Guys n gals, you’ve got to believe this. A&W brought back the original size of their Coney Dogs. One bite into it and all memories of this great hot dog came back. IT WAS BACK! AS HOW CONEY DOGS USED TO BE. The original size sausage, the taste, the minced beef toppings with generous onion (garnish). Simply superb. I took a bite (more than a bite, actually) of the chicken variant. Just as good though my preference is still beef – the original from as long as I can remember.

Enjoying everything A&W. Back to it’s original. Simply amazing.

The root beer was good, too. Though I think the glass needed to be chilled to freezing cold temperature. All the same, the drink was great.

Another view of the super delicious coney dogs.

This restaurant here in SS15, is really, really nice – decor, ambience, cleanliness. I believe, (Jeannie included), that A&W has got everything right.

Next time…Chocolate Sundae…Will it be the same as when I used to have them at the A&W drive-in back in 1967?

NOTES:
1. Guesstimate: It is defined as an estimate made without using adequate or complete information, or, more strongly, as an estimate arrived at by guesswork or conjecture. wikipedia.
There you have it. More or less what I expected it to mean. However, if you are lost as to the meaning of the word, not to worry.๐Ÿ˜

2. Subang Jaya is a bustling city, with every amenity and more, for peoples of all ages, cultures and religious practices in the central state of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia.

TIME TICK TOCKED WHEN A MOMENT SEEMED LONGER

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

It all started when I read somewhere (where? The memory  escapes me now)  that there is a place south of the state of Johore in Malaysia that is the southern most tip of Asia.

You’d probably think it to be Singapore, further than that is one of the islands in Indonesia…. To some in the western world, they have heard of Indonesia because of its holiday island of Bali; they’ve heard of Thailand because of Bangkok, possibly through multiple songs composed about the life there; they’ve heard of Singapore because only rich people live there possibly because of its near prohibitive property prices…you know where this is leading to…Malaysia? Where is that?

Now, with it’s second tallest building in the world – Merdeka 118, and it’s iconic (yes, iconic, and beautiful, too) Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia is noticed. The Petronas Twin Towers officially held the record as the tallest building in the world. Now, several, new, taller buildings have come to the forefront.

Coming back to the topic of the tip… I was intrigued by the fact that the southern most tip of Eurasia is in Pontian, a district of Johore. I thought to myself, how nice it would be to visit this “tip”. Thinking… thinking… the thought drifted and was gone. That was it.

Recently, my wife Jeannie (who is the Batik Influencer), and my cousin Dato Ronald Gomes’ wife, Datin Debbie Gomes; and my cousin Christopher Nalliah’s wife, Evelina Nalliah; got together and were making plans for a holiday in Vietnam. It was a ladies only trip. The plan was firming up…until the earthquake in Myammar and the surrounding countries.

They still continued with the trip plan until another earthquake hit again. They decided to put their plans on hold. However, (not as a consolation), our plans on a weekend trip to Malacca, which is coming up real soon; is on. Keep a lookout for the news and articles / essays to come about Malacca, where the Portuguese, Dutch, English and everyone else wanted a piece of this state. There are canons and forts, hundreds of years old, as proof.

Spur of the moment.. more exciting.

Old charm of Yong Peng?

Jeannie said that she still needed a holiday… that we should go somewhere soon. Out of nowhere I said, “let’s go to the southern most tip of mainland Asia. It is located in Johore”. Jeannie immediately agreed and set out to chart our holiday. I suggested we go for a couple of days, and got our daughter, Laura to book our hotel online. All this took place less than a week from the start of our holiday.

Wall clocks… with different time zones?

The day came. We started our journey on time. We planned to have a leisurely drive along the almost 5 hour trip. The last time we took a leisurely trip down south, heading to Singapore, to watch and support Laura as she represented Selangor and compete in The Singapore National Swim Championships Open, we together with a couple of parents; made about 10 stops along the way to indulge in the amazing food the south had to offer. The trip down took us over 10 hours. We did the same thing on our return, but to different makan places. This was back in 2018. By no means did we exhaust the list of eating places because in Malaysia, we are simply spoilt for choice.

Jeannie and I are more conscious of how much of food we consume nowadays. Hence, we only made one stop this time. We decided that we wanted to stop at Maxims in Yong Peng because this was one of the places we stopped at when we were on our food extravaganza to and from Singapore. Why we stopped by here in 2018 was because Maxims had good reviews about its food.

I like the wooden table top. Nice grain. Nice colour. I think this is normal wood, not the expensive kind.

It must be quite a chore or a love for these kind of clocks to have to wind them up; each and every one of them, each day, every day. There are more clocks on the opposite wall and a grandfather clock standing in the middle of the room.

We ordered some kuih. Jeannie ordered a hot coffee, and I had a Kopi Ais Kosong (Iced Coffee with no clothes on [Black – no sugar, no milk]).

SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT : My recently published book, now in Maxims Snack Shoppe, Yong Peng Johore. This is our second visit to this establishment, our first being around 7 or 8 years ago.

I am not too sure why it is named a snack shoppe. I guess because of all the takeaway biscuits, cookies and cakes it has to offer, However, this time round, it did not seem to have too wide a variety, Perhaps, it was a Monday morning, with less people coming in when compared to the weekends or holidays.

It was not as how we had expected it to be – crowded, with customers flowing in and no tables free. It did have people coming in, but most tables were empty. It was Monday morning. People were working. Perhaps, some people have still not gotten used to the idea of the weekend switch, where Johore has switched to Saturday & Sunday being its weekend from the previous Friday & Saturday.

We soon were back in our vehicle, to continue our destination, to say “seen this, done that”. ๐Ÿ˜

This is sort of a sago thing. Jeannie knows the actual names of all the kuih here. I just go by the looks, colour, smell and taste.

The ondeh-ondeh (green in colour), wrapped with coconut, was fabulous. Gula Melaka, strong – the perfect blend. Loved it.

Old charm with modern technology: Payment method and QR code.

NOTES:
1. Johore is one of the largest states in Malaysia. It has a thriving economy.

VIBRANCY, COLOURS, STORIES AND BATIK; THE WEEKEND THAT WAS

/ Alan Atkinson / 1 Comment

Another angle. The author and his newly published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Notice how the sparks of joy are the “jewels” of life.

I had written in my recent article, “Seize The Moment With Batik and Sparks Of Joy” (1) how fast each week goes by, that I am more convinced that the weeks have been shortened to just Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Now, it looks like the weekends are getting shorter too, may be shaving off some seconds here, and minutes there. Just as fast it comes, it seems to go faster.

It is for that reason why I talk about “moments” (2). To me, I believe a moment is way faster than 1 second. I also believe that we should not take time for granted, that we have to use it wisely. I will save the topic of “Moment” for another essay.

Yes, the one and the same.

Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted Writer; had another good weekend at Amcorp Mall. The Batik Influencer had multiple pieces of her Batik Cape Creations under her label, JEANNIE’S OWN; “acquired” by existing and new friends. The Batik Influencer was in her element as usual.

I see…Interesting; listening attentively. Batik. Dynamic!

I, too; had my fair share of meeting with existing (notice how I didn’t use the word, “old”. It could end up in the same sensitive vein as “hotdog”๐Ÿ˜‚) and new friends, readers of http://www.leatherpotato.com and owners of their SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT copies.

David Fernandez texted me a couple of times earlier in the week, making plans to meet at Amcorp Mall for coffee. He was the first one to get his personalised copy of my book. He knew I could not leave my “work station” for long to grab an enjoyable time for coffee, so he included an extra amount for a great cup of coffee. Thanks for the coffee, David. Looking forward to meeting with you over a real mugga (for coffee as in “cuppa” for tea).

David Fernandez and the author, me; Alan Ian Atkinson.

The Batik Influencer is always spritely when talking about her Batik Cape Creations to just about everybody. The patterns, the colours, the whys, whos, hows and the list goes on.

It was a slightly quieter weekend due to the long holiday. People would travel outstation, while people from outstation would come over. It was fun, all the same.

We, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted Writer, will be at Amcorp Mall to meet all you wonderful people. There were many who contacted us, saying they want to meet with us. We will be in the same place this weekend, at F1.08; 1st Floor. The Batik Influencer has some great new pieces on offer, especially with new muted colour designs. Very, very limited number of pieces. Come early to ensure you get your very own JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.

I will be at hand, to personalise your acquired copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

We are expecting this weekend to be another amazing weekend.

The poster. The Book.

The author. The book. The poster.

David Fernandez and his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

The Batik Influencer, Jeannie; explaining the vibrancy of batik.

One (and more for the camera) – to get their daughters to choose, by video call.

I like this. The Batik Influencer showing the finer ways of getting more from the style and beauty of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

“This is definitely me”, she seemed to be saying.

The Hatted Writer

Nice Tee, Davis. Davis with his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

Sivakumar, his son and the author.

Sivakumar, displaying his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

She’s back, as she said she would come back. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Listening attentively and sharing / exchanging views and ideas about batik, with the Batik Influencer.

Josh, grandson of George; with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

“There is so much to know about batik”, said the Batik Influencer. “It is always exciting.”

Every edition is a “Special Edition” of the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: April 5th – April 6th,  2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

NOTES:
1. https://leatherpotato.com/2025/03/29/seize-the-moment-with-batik-and-sparks-of-joy/
2. Historically, a “moment” (as a unit of time) was roughly equivalent to 90 seconds, while a second is, of course, a second. Therefore, a moment was significantly longer than a second. However, the phrase “a moment” is often used in a more general, a slang, if it may; subjective way to mean a very short period of time, which can be shorter than a second.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Example: If someone says “I’ll be there in a moment,” it doesn’t necessarily mean 90 seconds, but rather a very short amount of time, potentially just seconds, or even less.
Historical “Moment”: In medieval timekeeping, a “moment” (or momentum) was a unit of time, with 40 moments in a solar hour, which was a twelfth of the period between sunrise and sunset. On average, this equated to about 90 seconds. 
Modern “Moment”: While the term “moment” still exists in the context of time, it’s now more commonly used to refer to a very short period of time, often shorter than a minute, and potentially shorter than a second. 
Subjective Perception of Time: Our perception of time can be subjective and influenced by factors like boredom or excitement, making “a moment” feel longer or shorter depending on the situation. 

JOANNE YEOH : ELECTRIFYING

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

What a day it has been….and it’s not over yet.

I continued where we (Jeannie and I) left off yesterday. Yesterday, we started putting to action what we have been talking and planning for the last 2 weeks or so.

We have been putting together a public relations and marketing plan for my newly published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. We’ve been speaking to multiple people who are connected and / or related in these areas of expertise. Many, many people have offered us advice and suggestions, which we have noted and are taking into consideration. We have got certain parts of this “master plan” put into action. We are extremely excited as to how things are taking shape.

One of the things penciled (not really pencil as in using a “pencil. It’s just a figure of speech to make it look [or is it sound?] nicer or more canggih[1]) was to get a new tattoo done today. I have been wanting to add another piece of tattoo art for a few weeks but had been putting it off. One of the reasons is (or could be. Is it a reason? Haha) I had not “penciled” it in my calendar or Tasks. Which meant it was not tha-a-a-t important, until I finally pencil-ed it in. The word to stress on is “finally”.

I think another reason that I had not scheduled a tattoo appointment earlier was because I had not decided on a tattoo. There were so many (that’s putting it mildly) to choose from. When I picked one, a whole new range of others popped up. And you know how when you show an interest in something, that something pops up all over your phone, that it won’t leave you alone. It is not just one website. It’s like** everywhere. Once you’ve “invested” in that item, thing or service; it stops popping up on your screen. I know I can shut off these auto-ads, but when you are interested in something, you want to see more. And you don’t have to go looking for it. It comes to you. ๐Ÿ˜‚

I scheduled the tattoo appointment for yesterday since it was a holiday in the week (Tuesday). However, my tattooist messaged me saying that he had to cancel our appointment because he was not well. I agreed to re-schedule it for today. I mean since I decided to do it, it had to be done. I go all the way. “Strike while the iron is hot” or something like that. ๐Ÿ˜‰

The next day (that is today) came. I got a call from my cousin, Chris, asking to meet up this afternoon. I agreed, saying that we could meet after I got my tattoo done.

Towards the late part of the morning, I received a message from my tattooist that he was still not well and would not be in. I asked if one of his colleagues could “perform the procedure” in his place. He put me on to his “mentor”, a young lady by the name of “Rui”. She had to fill in (pun? intended) for another colleague who was on emergency leave, but could see me at about 5.00pm.

Which meant that I would meet with Chris first before getting my tattoo done. Our rendezvous was 2.00pm at Good Ground Bakery (GGB).

Got to GGB just before 2.00pm. Greeted by its Happiness Ambassadors (they are all very happy), Monique and Joanne (my favourite barista); I ordered a long-black and made my way to a table past the counter as the tables in front were all taken up.

Chris arrived a short while later. By that time, there was a table in front that was available, so we decided to sit there. We had our usual family updates. Lots of yarns and jokes.

Sitting in front gives us a view of the outside through the full length glass panels and door, sort of “al fresco” but in the comfort of air-conditioning, away from the hot and humid afternoon weather.

GGB had its usual crowd. People kept coming and going. Then suddenly, this tall very attractive lady, a model in her own right; swung open the door and stepped in. I recognized her instantly. My favourite violinist (not just any violinist, but an electric violinist) of all time; Joanne Yeoh. “Hi, Joanne”, I greeted her.

The stunningly beautiful Joanne Yeoh and me.

I was elated to see her, in person. Joanne instantly caught my attention when I first met her over 20 years ago. I took to her immediately. Her persona was one of vibrance, excitement, fun, seriousness, humble, gentle and kind. If I was to point out the very first thing that struck me about her, it was that she was electrifyingly colourfully bold, with a smile that melts hearts. She captures her audience instantaneously. I was one of them.

Joanne is one of those super amazing people that you could become best friends with immediately. I was blown away by her amazing talent and showmanship. This virtue of hers has stuck with me since then.

We have been communicating with each other through Facebook and Instagram through the years but never had the opportunity to meet again…until now. In fact, I was thinking about her over the last few days. There’s a saying, “Long life”.

One of the things she did recently, that touched me was when she performed for the Kajang prison inmates. It was indeed, a noble gesture.

Joanne Yeoh with her copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

I believe and know that this is in her nature…to inspire and bring joy, hope and love with her talent and kindness.

I told Joanne that I spend many an afternoon, having coffee and pastries at GGB. Always a good place to be. I also mentioned that I just published a book and showed her a copy of it which I had with me. She purchased a copy for herself and asked to personalise it for her; which I gladly did. It was more an honour for me.

Joanne was in GGB for about half an hour and then left. It was also about the time for me to make my way for my appointment with Rui, the tattooist. Keep a lookout for my write-up on my new tattoo. It promises a message, too. Till then…

NOTES:
1. Canggih is a Malay word for sophisticated in English.

**Did I just use the “like” word as a matter of speaking, sounding like ’em youngsters? I am young, no denying that; just a bit older than ’em young ones.๐Ÿ˜‰

WHEN BROTHERS OF DIFFERENT PARENTS MEET

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Where have all those young years gone? What happened? All of a sudden, reality hits, we are still very much the same as when we were in school, well at least since our memories serve us well.

A few weeks ago, there was mention in our La Salle@75 WhatsApp (that’s a Social Media communication app on devices like smartphones, electronic pads and computers…for those who aren’t sure) about us, guys, getting together for a physical meet up. It has been many years since we last had one.

Mak Weng Kit straight away replied, “I’m in”. I, too; was game and thought it was a capital idea. As the saying goes, “Time waits for no man”, weeks went by when the suggestion was made.

I decided to buzz Weng Kit for us to meet first, to start the ball rolling with the hope that this will begin a more than once meeting on a regular basis. Then, others can join us in our future meetings.

It was good to know that Weng Kit kept busy by being “Grandpa” to his five grandchildren, two of whom live abroad. He told me that he could only meet after 1.00pm because he had to pick his granddaughter up from school. He made a suggestion that we meet in the coming week at Starling (another place where all the “stars” meet? [in reference to my other articles written about Star Bhavan]) Mall in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya; or any place I suggested. He would be there.

I counter- suggested Happy Mansion, Section 17, also in Petaling Jaya; as there usually is ample parking space there. Date: The coming Monday. Meet time: 2.00pm. Weng Kit agreed. It was set. The meeting of the year. I was thrilled that it was an “all systems go” for our meet. The following explains why…

Come Monday, I was out on my walk, probably faster than I usually do, in the build up to 2.00pm. Another reason for my faster walk-than-usual was probably because I was held up by my morning replies to my emails and social media. There seemed to be more than the usual numbers, and people seemed to be responding faster to my responses of their original messages to me. I crossed the allocated time I set for this daily morning exercise.

I completed my walk in the nick of time. Had a shower, got ready and spruced up a bit more than usual. Texted / messaged / Whatsapped Weng Kit at the time I was leaving my house and told him I would be at our meeting place, Good Blue Men before 2.00pm.

Traffic was good from Subang Jaya all the way to the venue. I arrived a few minutes before 2.00pm. Weng Kit, arrived just after me, before 2.00pm, too. Punctuality.๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‰

We were both really happy to meet, face-to-face, after many years. The last time we met was our La Salle 1975 batch gathering in 2014. Since then, it has only been through social media.

Weng Kit is a happily retired from business, businessman. The head of a growing “Mak Weng Kit” clan (his son, the third of three children; is getting married at the end of this year), Weng Kit and his wife devote their time to their children and grandchildren. Weng Kit is also an avid golfer, marathon runner and adventurous road bike cyclist going on long cycle trips.

However, his keep-fit activities have temporarily come to a stop because he recently had a knee-cap replacement. Which means, taking things real easy. However, Weng Kit is still looking really good.

Weng Kit has been keeping abreast about Laura, Jeannie and family through all the articles I have been posting on leatherpotato.com . The latest being Laura’s marriage. And of course, the publishing of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

We talked very fondly about the past, the time when most of our La Salle friends were in our (Atkinson) No. 21, Jalan Ladang house (which was a few hundred meters away from school). From early morning to late night, every day. The guys used to stay over, too. My sister, Jennifer, had her friends from Convent School stay over, too. 21, Jalan Ladang was a pretty big house. It had a very large compound, all round, with a badminton court, too. Our usual day activities were badminton, football, hockey, table-tennis, and darts. We had many dance parties there, too because of its big courtyard just out of the living room. That house sure had many, many, many great memories.

We talked about all our cherished friends and teachers, many are no, longer with us…Hock Chai, Andrew Rozario, Kien Tat…. our teachers like Mr. Ho Chai Fong, Mr. Julian Xavier and the Lopez brothers (Mr. Joseph and recently, Mr. Anthony), among others.

We talked about those who were our temporary teachers like Dr. Khoo Phaik Choo, who was a temporary teacher when she was 20 years old, and we boys, 13. Over the years, she has become a renowned Paediatrician in Malaysia. Another temp teacher was a person by the name of Kenny. He was a fun teacher, always cracking jokes and communicated well with the boys, maybe because he was not that much older than us.

Yes, we, the boys from the 1975 batch have been blessed with an amazing spectrum of dedicated teachers. A couple more of such teachers today are Mr. Michael Xavier; and Mrs. Sivakumar. Mr. Xavier, who is in our Whatsapp group, never fails to wish us with his “Good morning guys and take care message, each morning. Mrs. Sivakumar, whenever we reach out to her, will respond to us. She never looks a day older than when she taught us in class back in 1972. She was our History teacher in Form Two.

Soon, far too quickly; it was time for us to go back to our family lives. But not without Weng Kit having gotten his very own personalized copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. He paid far more than the price of the book, which I thanked him for and said that it will be passed on to a needy cause. Weng Kit has always been a generous person.

We took this picture๐Ÿ‘†, too. Definitely one for the album.

I think what Weng Kit and I felt which we did not talk about, did not see the need to, or there were no words at that time to describe it; was the aura of re-uniting in person. That is friendship taken to a different level.

We will work towards making meetings like this on a more regular basis. We don’t need a major reason to do so. However, Weng Kit reminded me that this is our 50th anniversary year of the 1975 La Salle Klang alumni. I told him that I am in with him, to organize a re-union of sorts for the boys of that year, and the teachers, too. That will be interesting.