Food

CHRISTMAS IS LOVE

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Christmas has been kind of different this year. For starters, we, (my wife, Jeannie) and I; have been going to St. Thomas More Catholic Church for daily mass almost every day over the last several months. Monsignor (1) Patrick Boudeville walked us through the Old and New Testaments, explaining how it was like with the people living during those eras, and how we can relate our lives to them.

I attended mass at the close of the Advent season. It was simple, yet meaningful, in preparation for the Christmas masses.

During the period, Jeannie and I visited the major shopping malls in town to see the Christmas decorations. Many of them were very beautiful, spectacular. The individual stores, big and small; decked their stores with Christmas trees, lights and decorations that were themed with what the stores were offering for Christmas. There were multiples of Christmas carols and songs that were played and aired – sung by famous singers and new ones, too. We have noted them down and will try to get the songs to add to our personal playlists.

Eating – did I mention eating earlier on? The cakes and cookies on sale – they all looked so delicious. By just looking at them, we’ve put on some extra kilos. In our case, we didn’t just look, we had to eat… in moderation, of course.😂

Then, when we go home, away from the hustle and bustle of things, life becomes quiet. We kind of settle back into our daily routines. Maybe, the shopping malls and stuff like that are temporary – entertainment at best. There is more to Christmas than all this.

While all this is part of Christmas, a major part (it depends on how you look at it), that is; the real meaning of Christmas is about LOVE. Love with family and friends. Back in my growing up years in the 1960s and 1970s; after receiving our Christmas presents (which was usually after attending midnight mass in church), my siblings and I were more excited visiting our cousins (yes, Christmas started at midnight – visits were after our present opening ceremony). Visits carried on for the next few days. We had Open House at our house on December 26th (every December 26th, it was at the Atkinsons’ house) – with everybody converging at our place for the next few days. It was really fun. A fun and meaningful event that is missing today.

A child that was born over 2,000 years ago, came with a promise, a gift if you may; of a love like no other, for all mankind.

JEANNIE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THIS LOVE, JOY AND PEACE OF CHRISTMAS WITH ALL OUR FAMILY, OUR FRIENDS AND THE PEOPLE THAT COME INTO OUR EVERYDAY LIVES, THOSE THAT WE MAY MEET OR SEE ONLY ONCE, BUT PLAYED A PART TO MAKE OUR DAY WHOLE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS – LOVE PEACE & JOY

This has to be one of the cutest pictures, don’t you think so?

Jeannie, feeling very much at home; what with the flowers all around.

I’m right at home, with J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter team, promoting my book,
SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. It’s a best seller!

The chair was quite comfy.

Christmas lights all around.

This is Christmas decorations – Japanese style (I think).

NOTES:
1. In the Catholic Church, Monsignor (from Italian monsignore, meaning “my Lord”) is an honorary title, not a rank, given by the Pope to certain priests for distinguished service, making them part of the “papal family” and granting them special dress/privileges. It’s a title of honor, recognizing exceptional dedication, often for those serving in diocesan leadership or the Vatican. 

CHRISTMAS EVE

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

My growing up years in the 1960s and 1970s on Christmas Eve morning, as I now look back were really special. It is now that I realise they were special years. My sister, brothers, parents and I were together – that has to account for the meaning “Special“. We were making sure our new clothes would be perfect for Christmas eve midnight mass, ensuring that the presents under the tree were just right, meaning that we were getting presents 😁, mum was busy in the kitchen frantically cooking a feast that could (and did) feed the whole neighbourhood and dad was always busy tinseling the whole house with tinsels (it was very popular back then).

Today, things have become modern. However, the sparkle of love at Christmas is as radiant as ever.

Hark! Now, hear the angels sing, “A new King is about to be born today!”

Merry Christmas Eve to one and all.

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY WITH THE BOOK WRITER AND THE BATIK INFLUENCER

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

🎵It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas🎄, everywhere we go🎶… and you know how the rest of the song goes. Join in the festivities.

Jeannie (The Batik Influencer) and I (also known by many as the Hatted Writer), together with my cousin and friends; have been on a tour of sorts, or pilgrimage if you may; of some of the major shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur (1) or Kay El (K.L.) and Petaling Jaya or Pee Jay; checking our the level of christmassness each of them had to offer. It was more of the company and building the drama towards the big day and then, being filled with the reason of Christmas.

Though we have not planned, nor it is our intention to cover each and every of the many (there are multiple x many in Subang Jaya, Kay El and Pee Jay) shopping centres or malls, I dare say we have visited quite a few over the last few days.

Our first “official Christmas visit” was Sunway Pyramid, obviously due to it being amongst the closest of all the malls to our house.

Our next was to Bangsar New Village, then Bangsar Shopping Centre, TRX, Pavillion, KLCC and Nu Sentral.

At KLCC, I decided to visit one of Malaysia’s most well known and premier bookstores – Kinokuniya. My book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT is available at their store. You can get your copy of the book at Kinokuniya.

Or, you can get it directly from me, whichever best suits your convenience.

I will be at Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya or Pee Jay P.J.), together with the Batik Influencer, my wife, Jeannie; tomorrow (Saturday – December 13th) and Sunday, December 14th. I will be very happy to specially personalise your copy of the book. I am looking forward to meeting all of you.

The Batik Influencer has a whole new range of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation with her this weekend. They are, very, very limited number of pieces. Come on over as early as possible to get one, two or more of JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

Christmas is just a wee number of days away. So, if you want to bring your guitars, violins, keyboards, trumpets, tubas, triangles to play and sing Christmas carols, the Batik Influencer and I will definitely join in the fun. Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la🎵🎶

It is also getting to be the time when we have to prepare our goals, directions, dreams and aspirations, if we have not done so already (for some of us). I, for one; am grateful for each moment that has not presented itself yet, for the “now” moment and for the one that has just left. I had a traumatic (can I say that?) experienced which began about 48 hours ago and lasted for about a day, until the clearance that all was ok was confirmed. This experience is for another essay, maybe soon.

Now, let the weekend began. Oh, it has already.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: December 13th – December 14th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm(can be extended to 7.00pm)

MUCHAS GRACIAS

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Arriba, arriba! (meaning up, up! Come on, come on! Let’s get going! in Mexican), associated with that famed Speedy Gonzales.

We thought – Mexican food, no walls, probably some Mexican music, Christmas decorations.

Sombrero-clad, we had a quiet, but not-so-quiet (There was a gathering of muchacho and muchacha amigos at a table nearby us who were having a noisily good time) dinner at Las Carretas. It looks like this is the come-to restaurant for our wedding anniversaries – we have had several wedding anniversary dinners here, in the past, already.

It was a great day – filled with multiple, countless numbers of well / wedding anniversary wishes and blessings from family and friends – it has been an amazing day which we know has given our next 30 years that extra happiness.

Jeannie and I thank you all dearly. God Bless.🙏🏻

MERDEKA – A NEW NATION AT 68

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

As the weekend approaches, the atmosphere begins to lighten up a bit. Stress (for those who have it) seems to be offloading itself into the corners of the work week, people become more at ease…somehow, we can hear music… and it’s getting louder… lively music…dance music…. Then, reality hits…We are stuck in a Friday stall…crawl, jam. But it doesn’t hurt to set the mood…

We are happy… or at least relieved some what that the weekend is upon hand. We get to do “our thing”, whatever it may be. I know of a guy some years ago, who would get home, sit in front of his large fish aquarium, and talk to his fish for hours. He said it was very teurapatic (therapeutic) [my spelling of the word versus the actual one in brackets – close😏😉🤣]. Right…

Celebrating the Writer INNOVATOR.

We, that is my wife – Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, and I – Alan, the Hatted Writer; will be at our booth, located at F1.10, first floor; to celebrate the 68th year as an independent nation with all you lovely people. As Malaysia celebrates, so does its people.

Merdeka today, is not just about flag waving or standing at attention when our national anthem is sung, it is more than that. It is about a nation that continues to work towards being a culmination of peace. That peace is freely offered towards all its peoples and the ever-growing number of people visiting our country, and even calling Malaysia “home”. Sure, there are little bumps and hiccups along the way, it is evident that we are conscientiously working at smoothening them out.

This gentleman definitely has moved in strides and made a fashion statement. I love his spectacles. His hat hints that he could be a Broadway dancer.

The Batik Influencer will be showcasing her latest in Batik Cape Creations under her JEANNIE’S OWN label. The number of pieces available is very limited. So, it would be best for you to come early and get at least one for your very own self. What a way to celebrate this year’s MERDEKA.

I, amongst the many things of our own which we will make available for you to acquire (yes, these multiple items were collected during our travels made over the years); will be showcasing my just published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Here is the opportunity to get a specially personalised copy by the author, direct from the author, himself.

Celebrate Merdeka 68 with Jeannie, The Batik Influencer; and I, Alan, The Hatted Writer, at Amcorp Mall, 30 August – 1 September 2025.

The Batik Influencer demonstrating the versatility of one of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

Yes, this is totally me! Awesome!

Samsung Galaxy Fold 5, Crumpler and Ferrari all have something in common, quality. They ooze in greatness.

Mother and daughter combination – JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

Long time dear friend, Richard Kok; with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

I am glad to share the success of having published this book with Richard Kok. Success is about getting on with it. Now, for my next book…

Prim and proper. Beauty and elegance. Everything matches, including the ring,

With the unique lace version of a JEANNIE’S OWN Batic Cape Creation.

A new follower, Erryq; with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.10, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: August 30th, August 31st & September 1st 2025,
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 8.00pm)

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

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.