BE HUMBLE, YOU SHOULD.
ACT AS THOUGH YOU CAN’T AFFORD THE BREAD.
BE KIND.
BE POLITE.
THEY FIND OUT YOU OWN THE BAKERY.
SOMETIMES, YOU BEING HUMBLE MAKES PEOPLE THINK THEY CAN PLAY WITH YOU.
YOU KNOW BETTER.
ALL THE SAME, BE HUMBLE.
~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller
What a fun time it was for the Batik Influencer, Jeannie (who oso [the word “also” pronounced this way by some people here😁] happens to be my wife); and myself, recognised by more and more people as the “Hatted Writer” (This recognition is gaining traction), at our stint at Amcorp Shopping Mall last weekend. It was fun from the word “Go” when we set up our booth until we packed up to leave.
People started streaming in, browsing all the things that were displayed on the tables. Soon enough, others started checking the various Batik Cape Creations under the JEANNIE’S OWN label. Before long, the buying started. JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations were very limited in stock, making it exclusive to those who purchased one or more of them.
Off and on, Jeannie and I managed to get short rests here and there during the day. I have to admit, I managed 40 winks…ok ok…it was 57…I counted😉😂. That super short power snooze was a great help as I had about a couple of hours sleep before getting up to come to the mall. The reason for the short sleep (or lack of it) during the night was because I had a couple of essays I had to work on, while the ideas were still fresh in my mind.
Over the weekend, multiple numbers of the book were snapped up. I had a lady who was an avid reader stop by. After reading the back cover, she got a book. I was happy to personalise it for her.
Another book acquirer was Derek Fernandez. He is one of the senior guys at MCMC, heading a very major portfolio. He showed me an app that he and his team had developed, one that is going to put “Speedtest” an excellent app itself, until now, in the bin. With this new app, you can test the broadband speeds from wherever you are. When testing the speed in an area, even if in a shopping complex as such, and the speeds fall below its approved level, it will send the speed result to the broadband provider and at the same time, to MCMC to take whatever action necessary.
Several people who had purchased the book earlier / previously, also turned up, just to chit- chat. Many were curious as to how I came up with this book, and discussed the various articles and chapters. They are eager for me to write my next book. Wow! That is motivation.
As the saying goes, “How time flies when we are having fun”, holds true. Before long, the weekend came to a close.
Now, this weekend, which begins today; is at hand. Both, Jeannie the Batik Influencer, and I, the Hatted Writer; invite all you beautiful people, to come by. “You come by now, you hear!”, a line taken from the very famous tv show, The Beverley Hillibilles of the 1970s / 1980s.
Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: March 15th – March 16th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
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.
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)
I am overly tired, I think.. What a day today was. It is not over…yet. The time is only 11.30pm. I am yawning all the time, so much so that when I yawn , it does not seem to be in sequence. Before I can finish one yawn, another one comes.
I was working on 5 new articles for my upcoming book over the past few days and I was falling behind. This was on top of my usual daily tasks to do…one of them is an article everyday. So far, I have had an article published each day, every day; over the last 488 days. Whose keeping count? Not me. WordPress is.
WordPress keeps tally and has been sending me notifications each time I publish an article consecutively, each day.
The Batik Influencer (My wife, Jeannie) and I, the Hatted Writer; set up a booth at first floor (F1.08) in Amcorp Mall this weekend. I could not get an article out in time to inform our friends, families, customers, readers and followers that we would be in Amcorp Shopping Mall. The details of our booth are below.
It was a good day at our booth. We met many people who came over for different interests. I met with a lot of people who were giving me advice for the book. I will definitely try to take everyone’s suggestions into consideration. Many fantastic ideas. A close friend suggested that I write an article about him. I’m not sure if he meant it.
I took a short break from manning our booth, to go visit a good friend, Mahmud and his wife; and see their new hats on sale. Mahmud is the guy I buy all my hats from.
I came across a green and red flat cap. It really looked stunning. The colours of the cap “called out to me”, “Take me, take me”😁. I was trying not to hear the “take me” pleas. Hahaha.😂
My short break time ran out rather quickly. I told Mahmud that I will come back and see him tomorrow. I like this flat cap.
Funny thing happened a couple of times while I was trying on this red and green racer flat cap. I was wearing my tweed newsboy cap when I went to see Mahmud. I removed my newsboy cap and put it on top of the other caps on display as there was no where else to put it while I tried on the new hats. Twice, people came up and straight away went for my tweed newsboy cap. I told them that that it was my cap. Both the guys said that my newsboy cap was very nice.
A bit of new information. The newsboy cap is also known as a baker’s cap. I will inform Sarah and Joanne of Good Ground Bakery the next time I go there, wearing this cap.
JEANNIE’S OWN label Batik Cape Creations had the “wow!” factor that drew many people to our booth. Most of the pieces were sold, with only a couple remaining, which will be sold by tomorrow.
It was a fun day today. Looking forward to meeting more people tomorrow. You may want to suggest what subjects I should write about for the 3 articles I have outstanding to include in the upcoming book. It will be fun to meet with you all. 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: October 26th & 27th 2024:
Time: , 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
Just got back from my 10 kilometer daily walk a short while ago. The skies were a bit overcast at the beginning of my walk / “jog?”. Then, the sun came out, with its flame flickin’ rays spurting out heat balls at us, some 93,000,000 (93 million) miles or 151.07 million km away from us here on earth. It was sufferin’ succotash hot. I continued my walk to its distance.
I did not want to stop as waiting for the “perfect day with the perfect weather”, may never come. I have become quite accustomed to the weather, so it did not bother me all that much, though I’d walk under shades provided by trees along the way whenever I could. My 10km daily walk is on my daily Task Todo list. I made it mandatory instead of “whenever I can” to carry out this daily task.
The weekend is almost upon us once again. One more day to go. Then, Friday. This weekend is the Merdeka weekend, where Malaysia celebrates its 67th year of Independence on August 31st. There are loads of “Merdeka Day” activities throughout the country. For people who usually spend their time at shopping malls, it will be most evident there where the shopping centres will be decorated, foyer activities and special Merdeka sales offered by most stores.
We, that is, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, and I, Alan, the Hatted Writer; will be at Amcorp Shopping Mall, manning a booth at F1.04 (1st Floor, East Wing). It is a first for us to be having our booth up on a Friday. We will be having mostly, a different crowd of people coming by, mainly working people on their lunch break from offices around the area. Being a Friday, lunch break is usually a couple of hours long. So, more time to browse through and buy.
The Batik Influencer has a whole new line-up of her Batik Cape creations under her “JEANNIE’S OWN” label. The number of pieces available are very limited. Come early to grab what is up on offer. A great opportunity to grab one or more for yourself, and as Merdeka celebration gifts for your loved ones.
Emir, the young student; has been keeping in touch with me regularly over the past few weeks. He is looking forward to meeting with me at Amcorp Shopping Mall, as I with him and others. He has eyed one of the things that he wants to get from our booth, when he comes over.
I look forward to weekends like these. I get to meet with multiple many (which means many, many😁) readers, subscribers and followers of leatherpotato.com in person, share ideas, views and possibilities of my upcoming book and articles. Who knows? Maybe, something zany will come about over these next three days. Crazy ideas bring the best out of us, yes?
We, the Batik Influencer, and I, the Hatted Writer; are gonna have fun at our booth at F1.04, 1st Floor, Amcorp Mall. Looking forward to seeing you all. Peace, people.🤗
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.04, 1st Floor, West Wing,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: August 30, 31 and September 1, 2024
Time: Friday, August 30th: 11.30am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
Saturday, August 31st & Sunday, September 1st: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be
extended to 7.00pm)
NOTES:
1. “Suffering succotash” is a humorous exclamation or minced oath used to express surprise, frustration, or annoyance. It is often used in place of stronger language or as a way to avoid using profanity. The phrase itself does not have a direct or specific meaning, but it is used for humorous effect. Sufferin’ succotash is an often used phrase used by Sylvester the Cat of Terry Toons cartoons.
The weekend has fast approached us, slower for some, faster for others. The weather, Formula 1 and the Paris Olympics, among others; have been dominating the news.
What is great about this weekend is that we, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, are going to be at Amcorp Shopping Mall, in Petaling Jaya, or “PeeJay” as it is more commonly known.
We are operating a booth in the east wing on the first floor (our booth number is F1.01, by the escalator).
We are excited to have our booth opened as this gives us the opportunity to meet with many new people and our friends, too. Amir, is one of those many friends. He texted me to ask when I would be at Amcorp again. He was happy when I told him that we will be there this weekend.
There was one young girl, aged between 10 – 12 years old; who stopped by our booth several months ago and showed an interest in a little teddy bear we had on sale. She asked how much we were selling the bear, and I told her the price. At that particular time, we had a stream of people visiting us, requiring our attention. I thought she would hang on for a while until I settled with the person who grabbed my attention first , and I would have given the teddy bear to her for free. Ever since then, I have reserved the bear for her. I have been looking for her, hoping that she would come back to visit us. The look in her eyes said it all, and I am quite sure the little bear would have found a worthy owner. Let’s hope she comes over this weekend.
The Batik Influencer has a new selection of her renowned Batik Capes for you to choose from. The number of pieces in this new range is very limited. Eye-catching designs and vibrant colours, the Batik Cape Creations under “JEANNIE’S OWN” LABEL, oozes style, charm, sophistication, under statement, comfort, pleasure…the list goes on. Come early to get yours.
Some of the latest from the label, “JEANNIE’S OWN” by the Batik Influencer.👆
I am putting up my Insta360 Go 3 for sale. This is absolutely the action camera (even for those with not much action like me😁). Just in case you want to action action when you carry or / and use this camera in public, you can. This is tremendously the best camera for everything. Film your own sci-fi movie or anything else, including stills photography.
I have only used this Insta360 Go 3 twice. Why am I selling it? Valid question. I just don’t have the time to spend with it. It is still brand new, so to speak. I purchased a Harvey Norman extended warranty for it. The warranty extends right to December 2028.
We have multiple new items up for grabs / sale.
I am looking forward to meeting as many as possible – followers, subscribers, readers of leatherpotato.com. I had many interesting conversations at our Amcorp Mall booth sessions in the past. I am sure this weekend is going to be just as good. The topic of my book will come up. It is shaping up, going through its due process. I have had many suggestions on what my next book should be. One is to write a serious book based on my past experience as a Financial Planner. I see it as a short book that would help the customer invest their money in protective assets. I am giving much thought to it.
Come over to Booth 1.01, First floor. Tomorrow, August 10th, we will be there from 12.30pm onwards. Sunday, August 11th, we will be there at 10.00am. We, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I (the Hatted Writer), look forward to meeting with you all there.
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.01, 1st Floor, West Wing,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: August 10 and August 11, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
experiencing friendships…
It is the weekend again. It has been quite the week since last Sunday.
I think the highlight of the week was when I was momentarily airborne (I think). No, I did not say, “Up, up and away!”. You would have mistaken me for the guy that wears his red underwear over his turquoise blue leotards. That must have been some sort of punishment he had to endure his whole life.
And for some of you who may think just because I am writer, I would have pulled out a fountain pen from my pocket and shouted, “Shintaro akeh kusa” or something like that and transform to the giant plasticky looking guy, with bulging eyes, and sort a mohican blade hairstyle running from the centre front of his head, all the way to the back. How many of you guys remember this – the crossing of his hands provides him the ultimate weapon. Yes, Ultraman.
The fall in Taipan, USJ; after that totally airborne moment or so; was quite a shocker. Jeannie rushed me to a clinic to get my wounds attended to. Now, into the third day, I am here waiting to get the dressing changed. The wounds are healing nicely.
We had so much fun last weekend at our F1. 03 booth. One of the many highlights of that weekend was when we met a Thai food Influencer. She did a short interview with the Batik Influencer, Jeannie. Thai Food Influencer & the Batik Influencer… hmmmmm. Maybe, a collaboration in the future?
On the second day at the booth, I suddenly realised I left our house that morning without a hat. That only meant one thing – a visit to Mahmud, the hat and spectacle seller. As usual, he always has a super vibrant choice of hats and caps.
I tried on many and then came down to two choices:
or
It was a tough choice. The Gatsby was more a laidback, versatile, U.S., U.K., Japanese or French (beret) style cap. Or The flat cap. Neat always, on the go for any occasion, more formal for formal and casual occasions.
Jeannie and our daughter, Laura; chose the same one as I had in mind – the flat cap. Love it. It is a very, very comfortable cap.
In the meantime, I met some people who gave me some more ideas of how my book should come about. At present, I am putting together a manuscript. So, that is how much closer to having my book published. Excited and at the same time feel the pressure building up as I am targeting a deadline to have the book go to print. The people that I had talked with over that weekend gave some constructive ideas to possibly further enhance the book further. I wish I could incorporate all those ideas. However…., perhaps my next book or so.
We look forward to having fun yet again, this weekend. The Batik Influencer has got several new designs out. Be the first to come and grab them. Very limited numbers.
There are more pre-loved items that will be up for grabs at ultra special prices, over the next two days.
Come and check us out. We are looking forward to meeting all of you. Let’s once again, be the livewire of Amcorp Shopping Mall.
Booth F3.08, 3rd Floor,
Amcorp Shopping Mall, 8, Jalan Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: May 25 and May 26, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm
10.45am The morning of Chap Goh Meh. Amcorp Shopping Mall. We had “settled in”, more or less. Our things were all in place, and we were ready to meet people who were expected to come by and see what we had to offer.
The Batik Influencer put in many last minute hours (Hmm.. what are “last minute hours?”) to ready a couple more of her Batik Cape Creations under her label, “Jeannie’s Own”. So, yes, very little sleep over the night (or is it “Under the night”?) English can be very tricky.
The Mall was quite quiet during the first couple of hours. Maybe, everyone was sleeping in late, due to the Chap Goh Meh eve celebrations, where the ladies were standing on a bridge, throwing..em…casting over the bridge all their oranges, with telephone and email contact numbers, hoping some lonesome hombres will find it and contact these ladies.
I did not research enough for the significance of this tradition. At face value, this could be my take: The ladies had eaten more than enough oranges for the season. The saying (“They say”) goes, eating too many oranges is not good for the throat. So, the ladies now had to get rid of the left over oranges since they were not going to eat them anymore. Some smart alec (alexandria?) thought of “killing two birds with one stone}: Get rid of the oranges, and maybe find a rich guy in doing so. As the saying goes, “single or unmarried women” are expected to be the ones throwing the oranges.
However, get this: there would be some ladies who are already attached but want to test the waters (pun intended; no, not to see if the oranges would sink) and who knows; pick up someone new. And a new trend could be in the making where the guys would be throwing oranges by the cartons (desperate situations calls for desperate measures) in the water, hoping to pick up a lady in distress (?). From what I heard of a recent story here in Subang Jaya where the lady orange picker up-er, liked the guy, bought him a Porsche and married him. (1)
It was just after mid-day when the crowds started coming in. The Batik Influencer was at her element, talking about anything batik while demonstrating her unique Batik Cape Creations. Derek, our lawyer friend; upon hearing that the Batik Influencer had new designs up for sale, asked me to send pictures of them. Within minutes, he replied, having chosen one and would come by to pick it up.
In the meantime, I thought that since I brought my mini soundbar speaker, I would have some fun blue-toothing some music from my phone to the speaker.
I first started with Liyana Fizi’s rendition of “Nona Nona Zaman Sekarang”. It came out so beautifully over the speaker that it attracted some people from around, including from the floors above and below; to come over. It is such a happy, catchy tune. In fact, we could see many people tapping their feet or making some happy gestures in keeping in time with the music, especially to the songs they knew.
Then, I picked another one of her songs. I started playing many of Ushera’s pieces, too. She is super awesome. You should definitely link up to her and enjoy her beautiful, beautiful songs and support her career, too. Before I knew it, I was the D.J. for the east wing. I played songs sung by many singers, both, men and women. It certainly livened up the place.
We met with our friends, Khatijah Marianne Magness and Jane; both of whom run their own booths and are very established in Amcorp Mall. We also met my cousin, Leticia; who stopped by for a short visit. It is always nice to see her and her husband, Johnny. These are opportunities for us to bring each other up to speed with the latest going-ons in our lives.
I went to Mahmud, the hat seller’s booth. I found a cap which I think is nice. It’s a “newsboy” type of hat. Mahmud said that this is a favourite of the royals. What do you think? Should I go for it?
The Batik Influencer and the Hatted Writer (that’s me, of course😏) decided to call it a day at about 5.30pm. By the time we packed everything and was ready to go, it was just after 6. We are looking forward to tomorrow.
Venue and Time:
1st Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.16, Level 1
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: Feb 24 and Feb 25, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
NOTES:
1. The “lighter side” of traditions.
2nd Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 2.11, Level 2
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: December 9 and December 10, 2023
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
We, that is, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie Ong-Atkinson; and myself, Alan of the leatherpotato.com; will be at Amcorp Mall by popular request.
Jeannie has been very busy dealing with customers directly. I have been on several writing projects. All these have kept us “tied up”.
Now, we have some time that we have dedicated to our “fans” and customers. Jeannie will be showcasing some of her new designs. Come early to grab the one that fancies you the most.
Leatherpotato has had tremendous support with over 37,000 views. Many of these readers would like to meet with me. Meet us at our booth. This weekend, we will be at Booth #2.11 at the west wing.
The Batik Influencer has several new pieces in the offering, under the label of “Jeannie’s Own”. She will definitely be kept busy introducing her new pieces. She loves it, loves to talk about batik, about how it can and will resonate in your life.
Come over for a chat, exchange ideas, experiences and have fun. We have had so much of fun over the last several times that we had our booth put up. We expect this weekend to be even more fun, especially since we are all in the Christmas spirit.
Talking about Christmas spirit; there will be super duper special deals for the sale of Hotwheels vehicles, only for this Christmas period. So, come and grab the models that you like. Most of them are rare, being 10 years and older models. Most of them are still in their blister packs, like new.
There are two rare ladies Swatch dress watches up for grabs, too. There are many, many other things that could interest you, that it would be too long to list each and every item down here.
This weekend is going to be exciting. If you want to sing impromptu Christmas carols, we will join you, too. Who knows? A Elvis Christmas caroler might just show up and sing some solos. Wishful thinking, I know. It’s Christmas. Anything is possible. The Batik Influencer (Jeannie) and I are looking forward to seeing all of you over the weekend at our booth.
2nd Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 2.11, Level 2
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: December 9 and December 10, 2023
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)