WHAT MATTERS IS NOT HOW OTHERS SEE YOU, BUT HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF.
THAT MEANS EVERYTHING.
WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR WAKING UP
EACH AND EVERY DAY – A GIFT.
WITH GRATITUDE, WE GLOW WITH KINDNESS.
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
LIVE CHEAP BY THE MOTTO,
“THE BORROWER IS THE SLAVE TO THE LENDER”,
AND YOU WILL ALWAYS STRIVE TO LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS.
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
YOU WERE BORN TO WIN.
BUT TO BE A WINNER, YOU MUST HAVE A GAMEPLAN… TO WIN.
LEARN TO SIT BACK AND OBSERVE.
THEN,
PREPARE TO WIN.
EXPECT TO WIN.
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
Good question? As I sit at my work station, with a fairly big chunk of Cadbury’s chocolate with hazel nut, in my mouth; trying to re-enact the day, that day, last Saturday, as it happened, without the edits (ha ha 😉😂); I asked myself, “How best can I write that story as close as possible as to how the day transpired?”
It all started at the end of that Friday night (the night before that Saturday), when the time passed 11.59:59pm to 12.00:00am. As you can tell, I am trying to buy time, while trying to figure out as to how to put this essay together.
It all started when my wife, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; met with the organisers nearly a couple of months earlier, to talk about putting this event together. Lisa and Dato Sari were the organisers, who planned to put a book fest together. They said it would be good for me to do a book launch at the weekend event.
Fast forward to a few days before the event. I was in one of Kay El’s (More commonly spelt as K. L. for Kuala Lumpur [1]) most prominent shopping malls / gallery, to get a couple of errands done there. As I was walking past one of the shop boutiques; I saw a pair of shoes that simply stopped me right there, in my tracks. I went in for a closer look, with absolutely no intentions of buying. Just to look-si (or is it “look-c”?), that’s all.
It was a beautiful pair of red suede leather shoes (“Red, red, red suede shoes. Don’t want anybody to step on my red suede shoes” – Elvis Presley’s remake of his other colour-shoes song). It had a message on it, “We are yours, take us home”. As I stared harder, the message seemed to have vanished. 😁
I thought it was a handsome pair of shoes, – also great for wearing to my book launch. I did not purchase the pair immediately as I was in a bit of a rush for time.
As we got closer, to the launch, I went over to the store and got the pair of red Clarks Torhill Lo shoes. It was the right shade of red, (to me) a bright chilli red suede leather top, paired with Clark’s famous ribbed outsole. Very comfortable. I like Clarks because their shoes are well made – durable and long-lasting. My last pair of Clark’s lasted me 8 years.
Saturday came. We were at Amcorp Mall, early. Jeannie and Laura (our daughter), had seen to most of the planning of this event. One of the first things to start our event, was a bouquet of flowers.
The flowers were from Soo Sin, Angie and SL Kong, all ex-work-colleagues of Jeannie’s. THe message on the card read:
“Alan Ian Atkinson
Congratulations!
Wishing you an amazing journey in life, full of success and happiness!
Cheers from SL Kong, Angie & Soo Sin.”
The flowers set the tone. Soo Sin wanted to come, but due to her illness which had a setback, she couldn’t make it.
People started coming by, many of whom were curious to find out what the book was about. Then, when they saw the banner behind me (i at most times, stood in front of the table) remarked, “Hey, you’re him (pointing to the banner)” . “Yes, one and the same”, I replied.
They all had their copies of the book personalised by me, and, also had pictures taken with me. They were thrilled to meet an author of a book in person.
One of the book buyers, Kayla; had a long chat with me, mainly on photography. Hung around her neck was a nice retro-looking Fuji Instax camera. I encouraged her to pursue a career in photo journalism, since she was passionate about the idea.
I was honoured to meet with all the book buyers, and all those who stopped to enquire about the book. Each shared their reasons and expectations as to why they chose the book and what they expect to get from it. “What brings them sparks of joy? Many liked what they saw as they glanced through the pages. From their sharing, I may put together a book, if that is the direction. Who knows? Let’s see.
My message which I shared with everyone I met was to live in the present, plan and aim for the future. The future is not necessary the illusive distant future, but the very next moment, which is the future.
It begun. Multiple people acquired a copy of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
NOTES:
1. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of the country, Malaysia. Malaysia is the “Chair” for ASEAN in 2025.
so are the red shoes…
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MAY 3d & 4th
Keep these dates and times for this exciting and fun time.
https://leatherpotato.com/2025/04/25/somethings-brewing/
These dates have arrived.
You are all warmly invited to come. Come with your families. Come with your friends. Come with your neighbours.
There will be multiple x multiple x multiple people visiting us throughout the day. It looks like everybody who knows everybody will be there. All with the intention of getting their copy of the book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT signed.
I will be having a special launch and book-signing time on Sunday, May 4th, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
We are excited. Can’t wait to see all of you. 😁😁😁
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Keep these dates and times for this exciting and fun time.
You are all warmly invited to come. Come with your families. Come with your friends. Come with your neighbours.
Tudor is England, a little enclave in Subang Jaya. It is a little (yes, little; as it is made up of just over 190 houses) in this private section of Subang Jaya. For those of you who have immediately pulled out the map of Subang Jaya, and / or England trying to verify and find the “England” (not English😉😁- you will know by the way they speak. “Like that one oso got mah / meh / lah!) of Subang Jaya; or if Subang Jaya is in England; first of all you are a bit (maybe a lot more) out of date. Today, nobody makes use of maps. It is A.I., ChatGTB (or is it ChatTBC or ChatGBT), CoPilot or Google. No need smart one, oso can. The Queen’s (now the King’s, though not as popular) English has been run over by the English of people in the street, Malaysia. Haha.
Judith and her husband, Rueben; are our good friends from our Tudor neighbourhood. They live a street (though “road” is more commonly used in these parts) away, about 3 minutes walk away from us. Judith and I have found a sort of new common interest, even Rueben is into it – tattoos.
Some years ago, when my daughter, Laura was in early teenage years, she said she was going to get a tattoo one day. So, as a means to deter her or even delay the idea from her getting one; I said, “If you get a tattoo, so will I”. There I said it, with a hint that it might be one that is the same as what she gets. I was quite sure (not very sure, mind you) that it was sure to put her off the idea of tattoos, or put it on the backburner for a long time to come.
Guess what? “Long time” was so long that it snuck right up on me without me even realising it. Fast forward to October 2023: Out of the blue, Laura said, “Dad, I am getting a tattoo this Saturday”. Remember, I am not one of those normal parents who might have retorted, “Over my dead body, young lady!”. I said, “o.k.. Remember the deal I made with you? If you get a tattoo, so will I. Well, so will I”. There, I said it. That otta (supposed to be, “ought to) give her second thoughts.
My advice to parents who want to play the “I dare you” game”: it ain’t gonna work. Laura said, “Ok”. Now, I was stuck in a bind. I didn’t want to get a tattoo, but I had to. 😂🤣🥲😥😓😭😰
It started with my first tattoo:
Before the guy even started microscopically hammer-drilling the tattoo in, I asked, “Is it over?”. The rest as they (Who are “they?”) say, is history.
Judith and Rueben both have pretty unique, bold tattoos. Impressive, especially Judith’s latest.
From my first tattoo in October 2023, to the latest – my 7th. While Judith and I were discussing through text just after I showed her via WhatsApp, my 6th tattoo; she said she would also like a copy of my newly published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
I personally delivered her copy to her home. Jeannie was with me at that time. They started talking about Jeannie’s JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Capes. It so happened that Jeannie had her latest creation with her. Judith saw. Judith acquired. 😁
I also took the opportunity to show Judith my 7th. and most painful tattoo. I sort of designed the picture for the tattoo a little bit. The picture shows ideas and sparks of joy coming from reading books (perhaps mine?😉), the galaxy and lightning strikes to seize the moment. I may right an essay on my tattoos…will see.
Judith is now amongst the growing number of Tudorians from our Tudor neighbourhood who owns a copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Someone today, asked me if there are enough copies of the book to go around. I told her that my publisher is at hand to get more copies out.
Jeannie and I had such fun catching up with Judith, even if it was for a little while. Judith is one of those who is the future of today. Bright. Endless possibilities.
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.
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, 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”😂) 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).
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.
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.
EXCELLENCE IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT. AND YOU CAN’T FORCE SOMEONE TO RESPECT YOU. JUST LIVE.
THE QUALITIES YOU DISPLAY ATTRACTS PEOPLE. THE QUALITIES YOU POSSESS, KEEPS THEM. SO, JUST LIVE WELL.
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
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.😁😉
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 picture👆, 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.