Technology – isn’t it a marvel. You want it and yet you don’t want it. Can live without it and yet we can’t.
Sometimes we wonder, which do we want more, the air we breathe or technology.
If you had a hairline fraction of a second to decide without any margin for error , which would you choose? The jury’s out on this.
Amid the Happy Meals, burgers, soda drinks, coffee, tea, were children. Us and yes, the young ones, too.
In our family, birthdays are not taken lightly. Meaning, we are grateful for them. They are celebrations in gratefullness for the gift of life…
O.k. o.k., truth be told. Birthdays and their celebrations are a major part of our lives and have been so for as long as we can remember.
On this day, it was in celebration for Dato’ Sri Ronald and Datin Sri Debbie Gomes’ grandson, Xander’s (Wow! That’s quite a few apostrophes in one sentence) first birthday.
It was a marvelous gathering of his and her siblings and their families, and us; Christopher (cousin) & Evelyn and their son, Brandon; and Jeannie and I (cousin).
McDonald’s, where family reunites (New tagline?). 3 generations – grandparents, grand uncles & aunties (we are in that group), children and their children (Xander’s gereation).
Xander most likely was not too sure what all the fuss was and what was going on, but he played along to make everybody happy – a gracious host.
It was an opportunity to reconnect or rekindle relationships, cousinships and family (no ships here), especially with Ronald’s siblings and their families.
Cousins, left to right: Me, Alan; Leticia, Lavenia (on Leticia’s left); Luvenia, Benjy, Luvenia’s husband; and Christopher.
With Johnny, Leticia’s husband; as he becomes an owner of the book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT, authored by me.
EPIC! This is definitely one for the album. Here, our cousins (from left to right) Leticia, Lavenia, Luvenia and Geraldine were with Jennifer (4th from left, and I; 3rd from left). This picture was taken in the garden of our Section 5 house, us sitting on the flowerbed box, right outside the living room. On my 65th birthday in July, 2023;I went down memory lane , taking Jeannie and Laura on a short sightseeing trip of all the houses I lived in P.J.. This house remains almost unchanged when comparing to that visiting day and when this picture was taken over 60 years ago.
Cousins, then ā, and now:
Cousins, right to left: Luvenia, Lavenia, Leticia; and me, Alan.Not in this picture are Geraldine who resides in Australia; and Jennifer, who passed in 2019.
As we get older, some of us have a busier schedule than ever before. While work may not come to the immediate forefront, our immediate families do. Perfectly understandable.
In today’s technological marvel of gadgetry screens from half a square inch to the 100-inch 16k QLED+++ tv screens (got meh? If no got, then coming soon…š); to the ultra-cinematic screens that is all around you, top and bottom, which immerses you within the picture / movie; they consume our time more and more. Which leaves less and less time for anything else. After all, each day has 24 hours or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds only.
Living in the present, how we jostle for time depends on decisions we make. How we prioritize our time, and place in the order of importance who or what is important to us – is a continuous decision-making process. To a large extent, people are surrendering their decision-making to modern technology, all in the name of making life easier. They seem to willingly let technology tell them what to do.
In the meantime, let us focus on building stronger, better relationships with our families, friends with humans.
I could live here. I love the movement of the waves in the sea.
In Starbucks, relaxing after the drive.
The drive up from Subang Jaya was crowded with traffic on the highway, right up until after Seremban. Then, it was clear right up to P. D. town.
The last time we were in P. D. was in February. Jeannie and I had a great time then. We are looking forward to a great weekend here.
One of the first times we noticed when we got in was that the town seemed pretty quiet for a Saturday afternoon. After all, this is supposed to be a tourist and holiday getaway for people around this area. However, we are not complaining. It is more comfortable this way.
We drove around town, remembering the places we visited in our past trips here. The town is growing in size. There are more modern amenities and eateries available now. Our favourite, Billion Supermarket is still there, going strong, faithfully serving the needs of the people of Port Dickson. We have purchased things from this establishment on several of our trips in the past. It is the place to go to. Probably to be seen at, too.
There were several cafes other than the usual Starbucks. However, Starbucks offers a great view of the sea, while sipping on our coffee beverages and pastries.
We (meaning Laura, though she let us decide) chose Starbucks at the Waterfront. Starbucks is one of Laura’s favourite cafes.
The view was good from here. The sun was blazing, the reflection of its rays from the sea helped it look hotter than it was. All the same, it was very hot on its own, not needing help from the sea.
The sea was greenish / brown, coming in to shore, calmly. The smell of salt water in the air (OK… That’s a bit of exaggeration. Haha. My sense of smell is not tha-a-at sensitive) was over-powering, where clean, clear air, escaped my attention. However, it in no way deminishes the fact that this was a welcome scene instead of the gigantic (in some cases) concrete buildings structures that seem to block out the skies in the cities, the traffic and so called urban modernisation of transport, leaving behind it’s harmful emissions, as well as unwanted noise crowds.
There were a couple of tug boats anchored, lazily about 100 metres from the shore; looking very Mexican siesta type, not in an immediate hurry to change the pace of their current lifestyle. If they had a choice, this would be it, year in, year out.
In the distance, over the horizon, we could see ships going up and down the Straits.
We spent a bit more time enjoying the comforts of Starbucks before we made a move to our hotel.
We got to the hotel within a few minutes. Our rooms were comfortable and inviting that the next thing we thought of doing was nothing. However, the white beach was beckoning us for a walk on it. Later… Maybe.
What is the greatest number of all the digits in the numerical range? Let’s rephrase that question: What is your favourite number? To many Chinese, this could be 8, 18 ,188, 888. The digit, “8” symbolizes luck and good fortune. We will not go into the meaning behind various numbers as that is a whole topic in itself.
For an aunt of mine, it is 37. She has been 37 years of age for the past 43 years and has begun her 44th. Yes, you – Aunty Val. It goes without saying that things are the same old, same old; back here in Petaling Jaya – Subang Jaya – Klang.
I think the greatest number of all numbers is the number: “1“, One, Numero Uno (Italian), Yat (Cantonese), Satu (Bahasa Malaysia, Onnu (Tamil). Why I say this is because it represents, or seem to represent all numbers.
One of the occasions you see the number “1” as a representation is “birthdays”. On birthday cakes, regardless of age; a lone birthday cake candle is lighted, to symbolize the person’s age. I think, in that regards; the number “1” is timeless.
My mum just turned 86 years of age three days ago (June 14th). On top of her birthday cake, there was a single birthday candle, lighted to symbolize life. We don’t need big numbers to do that. The lighted candle, providing light on her journey which she has experienced throughout her life. …The same lighted candle becomes “a beacon of light”, lighting up her pathway towards the many more wonderful years ahead.
MY SON. In this picture, I was probably at age 4 years old. My mother was around 25 years. I was in the comfort and safety of my mother. I looked secure. My mother’s facial caption, “My son”. Picture prop: Fiat 1200 Grand Luce.
Resilient, strong character, yet gentle; the 4th youngest of 17 children (including 3 from her father’s first wife); a Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur student. Barely out of school when she married an army officer.
This young army officer, used to visit his parents and siblings, who so happened to live next door to the family of this Convent Bukit Nanas student in Lorong Hicks, Kuala Lumpur. The army officer and family were originally from Ipoh, Perak.
As the story goes, this Convent Bukit Nanas student came from the locally well-known Gomes family, well known as musicians, music teachers and singers. Her father (my grandfather), was said to be amongst the first to bring and start up an orchestra in then Malaya (now Malaysia). Amongst the singers in this family, this 4th youngest child of the family, the Convent Bukit Nanas student, Philomena Clara Gomes; could sing; too.
The army officer, Eustace Anthony Atkinson sings bass; and Philomena sings contralto. So, you add 2 + 3 together and you get wedding bells on June 16, 1956.
Then, we, their children; came along…
Siblings with mum and dad. I found this photo amongst the thousands of photographs we have. No idea when it was taken. But it must have been years ago. Left to Right: Terence (No. 4), the late Jennifer (No.1), mum, dad, Malcolm (No.5), myself (No. 2), the late Nigel (No.3).
Yesterday was their 67th wedding anniversary. They have taken the less travelled road, the roller coaster ride with the ups and downs, sharp left and right turns causing “G” force pulls. Mum still bakes the best butter cakes and dad, at 91; still drives out for groceries.
Here’s wishing mum many, many more great birthdays.
Here’s wishing mum and dad many, many more wedding anniversaries. Together, they are the power of “1”.
That’s a toughie! Almost a day does not go by when we are involved in a conversation or chance to overhear people talking about “woo-ing-men”. This conversation is either by men, women, or both.
So, we began to wonder why these people try to woo men. Sounds like getting them to fall into a trap. Many times they do.
Then, when you hear a conversation with “we men”, you may be forgiven to think that that’s all us men have to talk about besides, sports, drinks, business, gambling, investment and of course, women.
It all boils down to that – WOMEN.
The English language can be so confusking at times…well, actually most of the time.
Take the word, “Woman“. It is singular for a woman – a lady be she your wife, mother, sister, aunt, girlfriend. Woman is pronounces as “woo-man”, not “whoa-man” (sounding like this).
What is the plural for woman? Hang on to your seats…It is “Women” pronounced as “we-men”. Yes, take note of its spelling. It is not pronounced as “woman”.
So, ladies, gentlemen and those who rather not say, there you have it. A confusing word or words in the English language made simple to understand.
As this is International Women’s Day, I give recognition to the women who inspire me daily:
My wife, Jeannie; who has been by my side for over 27 years, supporting me in all my aspirations.
Laura, my daughter, who inspires me to think up new ideas and challenges.
My mother – who, by still making her world famous cakes, makes a statement that age is only a number.
Mother Mary, who has always been by my side.
The list goes on…
While this “celebration” or “recognition” is one day only, I don’t think it should be so. I think women should be recognized by merit in all that they do; every day. They are just as good or even better if given the opportunity to do so.
Celebrating International Women’s Day with Jeannie, we had dinner at Kar Heong Restaurant – Jeannie’s choice. The food was excellent. I had plain 1 ton noodles. It is Wanton noodles. Jeannie had plain Hor Fun (yes fun) noodles. The dishes we ordered were char siew / siew yoke; steamed chicken breast and tougey (bean sprouts). The condiments were the plain soup that came with my wanton noodles, the chili and ginger. The chili and ginger is a must have regardless of how crazy spicy they are. Perspiration for sure and tears streaming down faces for the uninitiated. The servings seem to be shrinking each time we patronize this restaurant. The prices remain the same.
Jeannie’s very green drink was umbra. Though one could feel the fibres going down as it was drunk, it was delicious. I went for the iced-coffee. Pretty good if I don’t say so myself. There wasn’t any after taste that many brands of milk have. So, I could actually get the taste of coffee.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TO ALL WOMEN WHO MAKE THIS WORLD POSSIBLE.
With my two most favourite women, Jeannie and Laura. Perfect. This was Jeannie’s and my last day in Decatur, Illinois; just before heading to Chicago (December 31, 2022). This picture was taken with a Samsung S21 Ultra. I wonder how much better it would be if it was taken by a Samsung S23 Ultra.
Dinner at Kar Heong. I had plain 1 ton noodles. It is Wanton noodles. Jeannie had plain Hor Fun (yes fun) noodles. The dishes we ordered were char siew / siew yoke; steamed chicken breast and tougey (bean sprouts). The condiments were the plain soup that came with my wanton noodles, the chili and ginger. The chili and ginger is a must have regardless of how crazy spicy they are. Perspiration for sure and tears streaming down faces for the uninitiated. Jeannie’s very green drink was umbra. Though one could feel the fibres going down as it was drunk, it was delicious. I went for the iced-coffee. Pretty good if I don’t say so myself. There wasn’t any after taste that many brands of milk have. So, I could actually get the taste of coffee.
Laura was like any other 12 year old girl, back in year 2013. Maybe, a bit different than most others. She had goals and she had determination. When she was 9 years old, she declared that she wanted to be a world champion swimmer. Three years later, she was still as determined as ever in getting there.
Her coach told her that she would need to go to the U.S., to train amongst the best to have a shot at being world champion. That is what she decided she would do.
Laura quickly rose the ranks to be amongst the top 3 breaststroke swimmers for her age group in Malaysia. At the same time, she kept abreast with the latest swim developments in the U.S.
In 2019, she was focused on Entrepreneurial Studies and swimming. Millikin University was the perfect fit.
Millikin University presented her a programme which allowed her and other students to explore, grow and develop ideas and at the same time, pursue competitive swimming, representing Millikin Swimming.
Now…
Laura Kristen Atkinson; B. Sc. Graduate, Millikin University
Dec 11th, 2022
With our ever gracious hosts; Dr Molly and Dr Alan Duesterhaus
Laura, with her college mates: Pete, Amanda and Kelli
All of us
Now, as the next phase or chapter of her life begins; Laura is actively working towards achieving them.
So, if your young child has fuzzy ideas, and says that he wants to be a paleontologist, or an inventor that will come up with a control to keep all A.I. machines in check; or she wants to be a world renowned fashion designer; help them develop that interest. You may just never know…
RCIA does have its perks, so it looks. In late 1993, this young lady, attending one of the two RCIA groups; caught my eye. I was one of the facilitators for the group.
Visited Jeannie in her hometown in Kampar, Perak during Chinese New Year in February, 1994. Spent the whole day with her. She took me sightseeing to all the local spots, including the railway station.
The Kampar railway station must have done the trick.
The Mandarin ducks. One of the countries Jeannie and I visited on our first trip to Europe, was The Netherlands. This was part of a European tour we caught from London, England. So, on this trip in The Netherlands, we toured Amsterdam and stayed for the night. Our hotel was by one of the many canals Amsterdam is famous for. Our room was on the ground floor, with a large sliding door leading out to a sort of garden and beyond that was the canal.
We saw many Mandarin ducks in the garden. So, we crushed some cracker biscuits and started feeding these ducks with the crumbs. We soon ran out of crumbs and walked back to our room. The Mandarin ducks followed us back, too. We had to close the sliding door quickly to prevent the ducks from coming in. The ducks were pecking at the glass door and only went away after a long while.
This was a bedtime story that Laura loved to listen. Almost every night for many years, she would ask for this same story. She always had the same enthusiasm about it and never got tired of it.
Laura, this is the first time, ever; you are seeing the pictures below of these Mandarin ducks. Searched high and low for them until I found them.
The story of the mandarin ducks.
The mandarin ducks coming up the porch of our room in Amsterdam, Holland.
9.15am, Wednesday, June 27th, 2001; a child was born. We named her Laura Kristen AtkinsonWhat joy! What blessings! Laura Kristen Atkinson
Laura’s baptism, August 2001. With us are her godparents; Dato’ Seri Jeffrey and Datin Seri Joyce Raymond.
Laura: I thought he was supposed to see that I sleep.
Anne Reburn: I want To Hold Your Hand
Smiles
Camera shy. Not really.
Yes, I am cute.
With Grandma and Grandpa Atkinson
Love
About to show her “Zhang Ziyi” martial arts stunts. She’s dressed for it. Location: A park in Perth, Western Australia.
Christmas 2007: Christmas caroling with her cousin, Sarah.
She’s up to something! ā¤ļø
On one of our river cruises in Perth, Western Australia
Check out my shades
Freemantle, Western Australia
Arriving at Clark International Airport, The Phillipines in 2005
Beaconhouse Kindergarten. Laura was one of the 7 pioneer students for the Beaconhouse brand in Malaysia.
All of the June birthday celebrants. Laura, Kenneth de Souza and Joel D’Cruz are all on June 27th.
Graduation from Beaconhouse pre-school in 2007.
With her cousin Justin Ow.
One for the camera
…and anotherššā¤ļø
The competitor in her.Ye-e-e-ees..sss…At the Ferrari store, opposite Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , Duomo; in Milan, Italy.In Venice, Italy; during the Carnevale di Venezia (Italian for The Carnival of Venice) An annual festival that ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
Laura drew this with an app on my Samsung Note 2, when she was 10 years old.
Club Med beach in Terengganu, Malaysia
Cousins from the Ong side.
Cousins from the Ong side.
Music graduation.
Laura with her grandparents.
Having ice-cream at Patisfrance in Taipan, USJ Subang Jaya.
Sweet 16, with cousins and friends from the teens group at Sunday School, church and swimmers from her swim team.
With the teens from church.Swim teammates
She’s ready to par- teh…
In Malacca, on one of the swimming championship competition weekends. Shopping for yummy stuff.
Home was more at the pool and all the swim races and championships.
Overall champion
The Selangor team
JoyWith Coach Mark Chua and Selangor teammates at the Bukit Jalil National Aquatic Centre, Malaysia.With cousins, and Rachel Arnold (3rd From left). Tim is Alana’s husband.
Winning the Japanese International School cross-country race.
Laura’s Confirmation at St. Thomas More Church, Subang Jaya, Selangor.With Archbishop Julian Low. “Teresa” is Laura’s chosen confirmation name.
Just a small part of her medal tally.
Fun with us, her parents. š
Penang, part of her holiday visit of some of the states in Malaysia before moving to the U.S. to further her tertiary studies.
In Penang.In Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, for coffee.Now, this is how to play billiards! About to take the perfect shot. At Arcadia, Cameron Highlands.Leaving on a jetplane. Won’t know when I’ll be back again. Leaving for the U.S.
Swimming for Millikin University Swimming.
Hauling medals and setting records for Millikin University Swimming
Us family, celebrating with Laura (Live – streaming. Laura is on the phone in Illinois) her 19th birthday.Laura, with Janet Jin nee Danker in New York.
As you can see from all these pictures; you have touched the lives of everyone; especially us; mummy and I.
Happy 21st birthday, Laura. What a super fantastic milestone. Mummy and I are so proud of you, for who you are. We wish you an awe-inspiring life, filled with all your dreams come true. We love you.ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Himesh Patel, Lily James: I Want To Hold Your Hand; YesterdayMovieVEVO
Either we are moving too slowly and time has caught us off guard, or time is moving at a relentless, breathtaking pace.
We celebrated dad’s 70th birthday. That was not too long ago. Then, his 80th came along and we all celebrated with him. All his siblings were with him. Aunty Maureen and Uncle Ronnie (& Aunty Maryjane) in Malaysia. Uncle Pat, Uncle Al and Aunty Val, all residing in Perth, Western Australia; made the trip for that very special occasion. At the end of his celebration on that day; we said we will look forward to his 90th. Phew! That seemed like (like?. Oh no… my English is like getting infiltrated like by the looks of things) only yesterday.
Dad, at around a year old; with his parents (my grandparents), Charles (left) and Julia Atkinson. Uncle Arthur Atkinson (Right), went missing during World War II.
Childhood years were spent growing up in Ipoh (1). A lad of St Michael’s Institution, he was known for his skills at cricket.
1950s – In England.
In the picture above, he was already in the army and was doing a stint in Sandhurst.
Trip down memory lane: This was home in Ipoh, for Grandpa (Papa) Atkinson and family in 1955 and before.
Their Silibin home (the picture above) was their last home in Ipoh before they moved to Kuala Lumpur (2) in the mid-1950s.
Their move to Kuala Lumpur was not without fanfare from what I hear from his cousin, Percival (Percy) Reyes and my cousin, Dato’ Seri Jeffrey Raymond.
The Atkinsons moved in with the Reyes on Lorong Hicks, next door to the Gomes residence. Uncle Gerald Reyes (Percy’s father) was my grandmother’s (dad’s mother) youngest brother.
On several meet-ups with Percy and Dato’ Seri Jeffrey separately, they would fondly reminisce on the past when they stayed in Lorong Hicks. Percy would have been in his teens at that time. Jeffrey, much younger; is the son of mom’s elder sister, Aunty Flory. Now, Percy and Jeffrey most probably have not met up for decades, even till today. But they both talked fondly about this young army officer in his spruced up uniform that would stop the world in its tracks whenever he came home from his postings.
Hence (a very old English word), mum and dad got married in 1956. If that did not happen, then my siblings and I won’t be here. Naturally, the Gomes family approved of him immediately because he had a couple of aces up his sleeve – he could sing and read music. I think that was more important to them than knowing the ABC alphabet, as “music” and “Gomes” were more often than not, in the same sentence.
Mum & Dad
(Third from left): Dad. Mum (Standing. 2nd from the right). Dad’s father (my grandfather) stands on the far left. This is what I believe to be part of the Church of the Assumption Choir in the 1960s in one of their fun gatherings.
A programme page of a musical that dad acted in.
In mid-1981, celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with mum; with us, their children: Jennifer seated next to mum. Standing left to right: Malcolm, Terence, Nigel and me.
Jennifer, Nigel, Terence, Malcolm and I; grew up with music almost 24 x 7. Classical, western, rock n roll, choirs, music bands. And music is very much with Laura (Jeannie’s and my daughter) and her cousins, too.
With his siblings. In front: Uncle Ronnie (#5) and Uncle Al (#3). Seated on the chair, left to right: Uncle Pat (#2), Aunty Val (#6), Aunty Maureen (#4) and dad (#1 – eldest).Dad and Mum, with Laura, Jeannie and me; celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary and mum’s birthday which was 2 days earlier.On the steps of St Michael’s Church; Ipoh, Perak. A gathering of most of the Atkinson clan on a trip down memory lane.
Fast forward…. May 10, 2022. Dad’s 90th birthday. Dad turned 90 today, marking the beginning of his 91st year. Papa (my grandfather), dad’s father; always looked at birthdays that way.
The fourth generation Atkinsons (the grandkids); organised a birthday celebration last Saturday (May 8th) at dad’s & mum’s home in Klang. Aunty Maureen, Uncle Ronnie and Aunty Maryjane joined in the celebration, too. Terence was not well, so he and Mabel could not make it. Latest update today: he has almost fully recovered.
Dad wanted to have a picture of me with him in this shirt I was wearing. He has always commented that he liked this shirt. He said on that day, “I want a picture of you with that shirt before it fades or you stop wearing it”. So, here’s the photo, dad.
Dad, Aunty Maureen, Uncle Ronnie and me.
The grand Prince at 90. You know this is the work of the grandkids.
Dad gave an articulated, off the cuff speech. His mind is sharp. He thanked all of us, especially the organisers for that evening, for being there on that day.
Now, into his 91st. He still phones his siblings here and in Australia; us – his children, our spouses and his grandchildren; regularly, to find out how we are faring. He may not be able to waltz the whole ballroom away with mum, now; but I won’t put it past him, that he may do the famous “Eustace Atkinson twist” if prompted to.
We, his family; are looking forward to his 100th. Cheers, dad!
Portrait of Chen Cuifen in Changchun Pu villa. The original oil painting was by Chen Chudian. (SPH) (1)
As I penned down the last few words of my article, “Taiping – Town of Heavenly Peace” (2); I could not help but feel that essay was to a certain extent, incomplete. There I was, trying to figure out what was incomplete about it but could not seem to quite put my finger on it.
Our trip (Jeannie’s & mine) to Taiping was unplanned; so we did not have any expectations. Yet, when I wrote the article about Taiping and thought I had covered all or mostly all that I “trip-experienced”; I felt that I had to write something more about something relating to the trip. What was it?
I re-read my essay several times again (as I had read the article several times before it was published. And even after that). Until I saw “that” picture again; the one behind me in one of the photos I snapped (can’t use the word “took” which could insinuate I took one of the pictures from the museum š ) while at the museum. (pic 2)
When I first saw the picture of this lady on the wall in that little museum at the Aun Tong coffee mill in Assam Kumbang; I was captivated by her beauty.
The word “assam” is a Malay word that means “sour”. It seems to be commonly used in names of areas in Taiping. “Pokok Assam” and “Assam Kumbang” are two that I am now quite familiar with. “Pokok Assam” in Malay means “Tamarind tree”. “Assam Kumbang” in Malay means “Tamarind beetle”. So, that explains why the char kuey teow I had for dinner that evening in Taiping; was not the “famous Penang char kuey teow ” or the “famous Ipoh char kuey teow” but the unique Taiping style char kuey teow. Its taste had that slight hint of lime added to it while it was being “char” or fried.
I walked away from this picture to look at the artifacts and other things considered museum pieces, but I kept coming back to this picture hung up on the wall. From whichever angle or distance I was from it; she kept looking directly at me. Unlike the very olden days style of portrait photos, where the people looked over-serious and dreary; this picture of Chen Cuifen shows her with a slight smile and relaxed.
Though staring at it a bit longer makes me think she was a Chinese martials art warrior, with lots of kicks-in-the-air fights. This must be from watching too many Chinese martial arts movies. Influence from Jeannie. During our courting days; I became an expert “movie sub-titles reader”. We used to go for Chinese romantic and martials arts movies. Hang on, did I say, “romantic”? Oh yeah. I did not know what the movies were about before we watched them. I was a good boyfriend. Jeannie would ask, “Shall we go for a movie?”. I would always say, “yes” without knowing what the movie was about until I was in the cinema, with the movie on. Hands on learning. I couldn’t understand Mandarin nor Cantonese nor Hokkien. I just read the sub-titles. Oooohhh, that is what this movie was about. Now, married – kao tim lah. (4) No need to go anymore.
While everything else in this museum was old or presumed old; the person in this picture was young, refreshing and didn’t seem to belong there.
Besides the room being small and filled with lots of things of the past, it looks like it is now being used as an office too; with three work tables strewn with current day documents. The chairs are those ancient-type Chinese barrel-shaped stools, with carvings on them.
From the coffee mill’s showroom / shop; there is a short flight of about 5 fairly high steps of an old-style staircase, leading to this museum. Shoes / sandals have to be removed to enter the museum. This museum is what I believe was Cuifen’s villa. The coffee mill is at the back of the villa.
Pic 2. Chen Cuifen’s portrait hangs on the wall behind.
Chen Cuifen’s “Changchun Pu” villa, Ng(3)This is the front of the villa , with the coffee mill at the side of it in the rear.
The villa
The Changchun Pu villa, looks washed out by the passage of time. A fan-shaped wooden plaque with the inscription Changchun Pu (éæę„å) hangs on the building’s external wall, and a signboard with the words Aun Tong (å®äø) is prominently displayed above the door to the villa. Not far from the door stands a statue of Sun Yat-sen. (7)
The entrance of the Aun Tong Coffee Mill displaying the āAun Tongā signboard and fan-shaped Changchun Pu wooden sign. (SPH)
Before that day, I never heard of Chen Cuifen. As I started researching about her, I noted that not much was said about her. The little that was written about her had conflicting information.
Wikipedia says that Sun Yat-sen’s first concubine was the Hong Kong-born Chen Cuifen. (8) Other websites stated that she was Sun’s partner and one of his four wives.
She was regarded as the “forgotten revolutionary female”. Maybe that is why I had this “prompting” to write something about her.
She was “the first revolution partner” of Sun Yat-sen. Before marrying Soong Ching-ling, Sun Yat-sen had a 20 year-relationship with Chen Cuifen. Before I forget, Sun Yat-sen was the Republic of China’s first provisional President.
Wikipedia says that she lived in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia for 17 years. Sun and her adopted a local girl as their daughter. (9) That is interesting. It means her adopted daughter is Malayan (Malaysian). Is she still alive? Does she have children and grand-children?
Wikipedia states that Cuifen subsequently relocated to China, where she died. Other sources on the internet states that she returned to Hong Kong where she died. Conflicting information again on the year she died. 1960 or 1962?
Am I the first Malaysian to write about Chen Cui-fen? I don’t know. As I ask questions, the answers I get leads me to more questions. Like what is her connection with Aun Tong coffee mill?
I would like to revisit this article again in the near future and perhaps, expand on it with an indepth research (hopefully) on the life of this lady whose picture hangs in a room on the wall; the room next to a coffee mill.
NOTES:
Chia Yei Yei, (Senior Correspondent, Lianhe Zaobao); “Sun Yat-senās lover Cuifen and her Malaysia villa”, October 16th, 2019
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Richard Ng, Chen Cuifen’s Villa, Eat & Sleep, November 15th, 2010.
‘Kao tim lah’ is a colloquial term meaning “done, finished, settled” in Cantonese. It also is a way of expressing agreement. It is best uttered with an air of smugness and satisfaction in the finality of the matter. Just like when we have chosen the right place to dine at. http://kautimlah.blogspot.com/2014/10/greetings.html
“Lah” is a mysterious word. As Urban Dictionary defines: “a slang used mainly by people of South-East Asia (Malaysia and Singapore mainly) to complement almost any sentence available in a social conversation. The origins of this slang is basically from the chinese language, yet it is now used by almost anyone in the two countries mentioned above who aren’t too shy to let their asian roots shine with pride. People who don’t use the -lah slang are considered snobs to a certain degree.” For example, here’s a mundane conversation you would hear when it comes to meal times. “Hey, where shall we have lunch today?” I don’t know lah. What do you feel like?” Hmm, I was thinking of curry. “Kau tim lah, Let’s go try that new banana leaf rice!” Kau tim? http://kautimlah.blogspot.com/2014/10/greetings.html
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Richard Ng, Chen Cuifen’s Villa, Eat & Sleep, November 15th, 2010.
As I sit here, thinking of what I should write about Nigel, I keep asking myself what he would have liked me to write about him.
First of all, it was not in my plans or my schedule to pen down (actually “tap, tap, tap” on the keyboard. The sound was more like “teep, tap, teep, terp-tup, tick-tac”. The “ter-tup” is the sound when hitting the spacebar. The “tick-tac” is the sound of the mouse left-button click. No scroll bar sound on the mouse as I have it on free play so that I can scroll 1,000 lines per second or so it claims.)
There is so much to write about Nigel as he never led a mundane life. I wrote down three virtues in my writing “sketch” pad, which I will share here. He had many but I will talk about three for now.
Nigel was, is and will be for evermore a family man to his wife Shirley and daughter, Sarah. He would ensure that Shirley is seen off when she goes to work, do most of the house errands, making sure that the bills were paid on time, buy lunch and dinner for them or see to it that there were meals for them, ensure the house was always clean and tidy (here – he ensured that he would see to it as cleanliness and tidiness had to meet his standards). He practically did most of the things for them. Both Shirley and Sarah shared with us, his siblings; that they did not have to do anything, he would take care of everything as he always going to be around.
Though he was very protective of his family which included us, his siblings and our families, mum and dad and his very close friends; Nigel had a stubbornness for no nonsense. He was strongly guided by a set of principles based on his Christian faith and belief in God. He would not bend these principles even by a little bit.
On the stroke of midnight as we ushered in the new year on January 1st 2018, our cousins, Brendon Surin from Perth, Australia; Darren Atkinson; Nigel and I made a new year’s resolution to reduce weight and the size of our potbellies. In fact, we had pictures taken of the four of us – believe me, it was not a pretty picture. Haha.
At that time; we thought it was just going to be one of those “every new year make resolutions” and then forget about them the next day.
About a week or so later, one bright spark (can’t remember if it was me) came up with a zany idea that we walk from SS15 mamak restaurant (spelling is wrong – it usually reads “restoran”) in Subang Jaya all the way to KLCC Shopping Centre in K.L. (or Kay El or Kuala Lumpur). Jeannie, my wife; warmed up to the idea and said, “let’s do it”. She was the fittest of the four of us. We set the date on the 1st day of Chinese New Year, which was a public holiday.
At 5.30am on that February 16th morning, we set out from the mamak restaurant in SS15. We walked past Sunway Pyramid, turned into Sunway Bestari and crossed the Federal Highway.
Then, we cut across Petaling Jaya by walking though Kampung Tunku, SS1, SS3, Section 14, 13, 17, across University Malaya to Bangsar; our first section in Kuala Lumpur.
We went past Majestic Hotel where mum and dad had their wedding reception on June 16th 1956; headed for Jalan Ampang and finally got to KLCC. Sounds simple but it took us 7 hours to cover the 26 kilometer excursion. The weather was cool in the morning but got really hot as it approached noon.
Nigel was the man of the hour. He kept a steady brisk pace throughout the journey. Jeannie enjoyed herself as she got to see may parts of our journey in detail; which otherwise we would miss when travelling by car or other types of vehicles.
Darren, with his futsal training; kept up with Nigel. I, was the one who slowed down the others. I kept saying that this was a ridiculous idea to begin with and I literally struggled to keep up. And that’s putting it mildly.
These are the things we did for adventure, which reminded us of similar adventures we had during our school days, like cycling through what was once palm oil estates; now it is Taman Chi Liung and Bukit Tinggi housing estates in Klang.
We never repeated the KLCC walk after that, though nowadays; I am quite use to walks of between 15 kilmometers to 30 kilometers a day, every day.
Right to Left: Nigel, Jeannie, Darren and myself.This was taken near the Icon City, Petaling Jaya.
Here, I am looking at the time, distance covered, pace and estimated time of arrival. Darren is checking his phone for messages. And Nigel, look at him: he looks like he is impatient to get on with our journey. Haha (We will have to settle for “Haha” as my keyboard does not have a key for emojis.) This picture was taken near the Icon City, Petaling Jaya.
Nigel was not financially rich. It never stopped him from being generous. He always helped family and friends whenever he could, with whatever he had, even to the point on many occasions where he sacrificed and did without many things that he wanted. He always went beyond the call of duty. That was Nigel.
He and Shirley related some of the tough times they went through many years ago when they first got married and even through their married life. Financially; they sacrificed. It strengthened their lives together and gave them the resolve that they could do anything. They were happy. It was their 34th wedding anniversary a few days ago, on August 31st.
Today marks 1 month since Nigel left us. The only images I keep getting of Nigel is that he is always smiling , he is happy. And that is what he would want of all of us.
