A FUN WEEKEND SEIZING THE MOMENTS WITH BATIK CAPE CREATIONS AND SPARKS OF JOY

March 7, 2025March 8, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

The weekend that was.

What an exciting time last weekend was at our F1.08 booth at Amcorp Mall.

Saturday started with a slow sort of idyllic morning. I guess people were soaking in / absorbing the first morning of the weekend. Many would have been quite reluctant to get out of bed, I guess. Except the Batik Influencer, me, and a whole lot of people in the country. We were up and out of bed at our usual time, like always.

The first thing we do when we get up each morning, is to make our beds. It gives us a sense of accomplishment – one task completed, starting off the day on a right footing.

We loaded the vehicle with all the barang – barang (things that we were going to put up for sale). We were at our booth in Amcorp Mall at half nine in the morning. Got the booth set up in no time at all. Before long, visitors starting streaming in to visit us.

The Batik Influencer, who also happens to be the wife of the Hatted Writer (me); almost immediately was strutting her stuff. Batik was like second nature to her. Both, men and women; were equally interested and impressed. Her Batik Cape Creations under the “JEANNIE’S OWN” LABEL; was fast snapped up.

**The Batik Influencer with some examples of JEANNIE’S OWN Label Batik Cape Creations.**

By the end of the weekend, the Batik Influencer had many new friends. And, many of the Batik capes; had been acquired by new owners.

**Stefanie was one of the earliest in the day to obtain her copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT**

Andersen Lee, a property investor; was the first to get his copy of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. He was thrilled to have his copy personalised by me with a message.

**Mr Law Yaw Bang with his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.**

Soon, there was a steady flow of people enquiring about the book, and other things we had on display. I had the opportunity of meeting many, many (I wanted to use the word “multiple” but [not however] – more ooomph in expression) followers / readers of http://www.leatherpotato.com over the two days at the booth. In the process, many people purchased a copy of my book. All wanted the book personalised with a message from me.

***Vanesha, second from right, with her son, her aunt and her mother (far left). She just got her personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.***

It was another great weekend where we had the opportunity of meeting people and making new friends in the process.

**The Batik Influencer, doing her stuff with her ultra unique, ultra chic JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.**

**There are more than one or two ways of wearing the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.**

This weekend, we will be at the same booth, F1.08 (First Floor). We are expecting a whole new crowd of people, plus our existing friends.

There are new pieces of JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations, however, these are limited. There are always unique and are limited edition in their own right. Come and become owners of one or several pieces. They make amazing gifts, too.

SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT: The book, through the many stories it holds and tells, is a keepsake for people of all ages, both young and older. When you turn each page, the feeling of paper, the scent of ink with words printed in it on each paper, stories that pop up and take you to the scenes like the time when the exhaust pipe fell off the car – a hilarious scene; or when we, as parents, spent 15 hours in a day at the pool just for a 35 second race – the commitment the athletes put into that 35 seconds. These are stories that can be read many times as each time can put the reader in a different scene.

**Here is Stefanie with her personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Also, notice my latest tattoo?**

**Zoe, (second from right) my youngest reader / customer, and her family; with her personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT**

Among those who obtained their copy were Stefanie; Vanesha; Laura’s (our daughter) sister-in-law, Zoe; Mr Law Yaw Bang and Nur Azalina. Zoe, who will be turning 12 years old; is my youngest reader / customer.

**“Interesting…I like”, she seems to be thinking to herself.**

***Dass of Display Asia, gave me a heads up on what my next book should be about. Admittedly, I have started the “machinery of my mind” as to what my next book should be about.***

**Nur Azlina, a fellow writer; with her copy of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.**

**I am with Nur Azlina (third from right holding a copy of her newly acquired, personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT) and her family.**

Come, and bring your whole family, and share your experiences, too. Jeannie and I look forward to seeing all of you. See you there.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: March 8th – March 9th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

AN AFTERNOON IN PORT DICKSON

November 16, 2024November 17, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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.

Starbucks at the Waterfront has a really nice view of the open sea of the Straits of Malacca. After ordering a coffee beverage, Jeannie chose a table next to the café’s wide frontage view.

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.

ON A FRIDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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.

*One of the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape creations under the JEANNIE’S OWN label.*

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.

*The intricate design of batik – a Batik Cape creation under the JEANNIE’S OWN label.*

*A wide variety of new and pre-loved items that are up for sale.*

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.

*Emir and yours truly, the Hatted Writer.*

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.🤗

*Light and yet, official. A JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation by the Batik Influencer.*

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.

F3.08 – THIS WEEKEND

May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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?

*“Looks good on you. Go for it,”, her friend seemed to be saying. The gentleman in the red tee was browsing through the collectibles – many of them are hard to come by nowadays.*

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:

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.

*“I like this”, I hear her saying. After trying it on, she acquired it.*

*The “JEANNIE’S OWN” label Batik Cape, loo0ks fabulous anyway it is worn, for any occasion.*

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.

*The Batik Influencer, sharing her passion of batik to this customer.*

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.

*Wow! That’s a nice contrast of yellow / orange flowers, with deep green leaves; against a lucious pink back.*

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

THE PERSONA

May 5, 2024May 6, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Writers just like to have fun…sounds familiar from a song…

After lunch at the King of Burgers a.k.a. Burger King; my wife Jeannie, went to do her grocery shopping and other stuff like that. I decided to do some window ogling. I find it interesting to see how major, and not so major brands, position themselves to get customers. The “why?” behind a brand for instance, can influence people to stay loyal with them for generations.

I met a person, Martin, from Sweden; for the first time, a few days ago. He is based in Singapore and his primary job is to help brands in their positioning, not only for the end customers to see, but also to associate with other brands that add value to them, and they in turn, add value to those brands. Like Rolex is to Rolls Royce; Tiger Woods is to Nike; the Batik Influencer is to beautiful designs and colours of Batik; the Hatted Writer is to making a difference, a good difference; in people’s lives, even if it is for a fleeting moment.

As a writer and journalist; I wonder at times, what sort of persona (1) I should have. Should it be created or should it be natural? I think a persona is an identity that can be either created, natural or both. It should be a process of continuous improvement.

As answers are found to the questions raised; more questions are raised. That is what makes life more interesting, I guess. Like I am fascinated with the thought that every moment that has yet to come, which is before us; is the future. That is mind-boggling. We can put the dots on the map of life as we reach it.

For now, I want to be ready for any occasion, yet attired comfortably. I have the tools of my trade, handy with me; to start penning / piecing / crafting / stitching (stitching?) an article together any time. And have fun doing so.

Here, I am having fun at this “photoshoot”. It may look like I am advertising a brand, maybe the Crumpler fold casual I have, since there are bag “props on shelves all around me. Perhaps the Teva hiking sandals. Or the tweed Gatsby / newsboy cap. The subtleness, yet the brand that stands out most would be Samsung – with a Watch 6 Classic and the item that is in front of all the pictures – the S23 Ultra.

I like The Planet Traveller because it has an extensive range of items for travel, the outdoors, or just for everyday use. What I like most about them is that I am sure to find new innovative ideas and things almost every time I visit their stores.

Looking good at every angle.

Dropped by Crumpler and saw this riot red “Comfort Zone” Messenger bag. From afar, the riot red magnetized me to the bag. I like the innovative strap-locking system and the extra strap (once adjusted to your length for carry / sling), is pocketed (tucked away) in a little side pocket. Cool looking bag. Messenger bag…Hmmm💭…who knows?🤔😉

NOTES
1. A persona is the image or personality that a person presents in public or in a specific setting—as opposed to their true self. The word is especially used in the phrase public persona, referring to the personality that a person presents in public and that they are known for by most people.

Someone’s persona is the aspect of their character or nature that they present to other people, perhaps in contrast to their real character or nature.[formal]

…the contradictions between her private life and the public persona.

From time to time he will take on a new persona.
Collins dictionary

CHILLING AT MID-VALLEY

February 17, 2024February 17, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Still in the celebrative mood of Chinese New Year… Jeannie wanted to go to one of the shopping malls to do a bit of shopping. She suggested Mid-Valley Shopping Mall.

Traffic was good all the way to the mall. It probably is a good time to sight-see K.L. (1) Getting a parking bay at our usual parking area (Yes, I do a usual area where I park my car, can easily find it, and then; quite quickly exit when we leave) was easier than normal.

Not even 10 minutes in the mall when I realise that I, the Hatted Writer; was without my hat. I thought that I had left it in the car. I went back to the car to get it only to find that it was not there. Which meant that I had left it at home.

When I was searching on line sometime back for hat boxes, I saws that Mid-Valley had a hat store called “Hat Attack”. I decided to visit it. Who knows? I may be able to find something I like. Just in case some of you may be thinking that I left my hat/s at home on purpose so that I would have an excuse to get another hat…no, I didn’t.

I whipped (slowly. It kinda of contradicts the action “whipped” which depicts super fast😉 for the store location😂) up my phone from, searched for the location and got to the store within minutes. I’ve passed by this store multiple (A descriptive word I learnt from Laura instead of using “countless number of”. Sounds better) times without stepping into it. It was the time before I got in to hats, something which Jeannie kept egging me to start using, especially after watching the movie, “Shadows In The Sun” where Weldon Parrish (Harvey Keitel), the eccentric writer, always wore a hat.

This store was filled with a fantastic choice of hats of all kinds. I tried on several hats, found some that I liked and sent pictures to my fashion critics, Jeannie and Laura, to get their opinion on my choice. Cherie, the store associate, described the materials of hats I picked, and how to keep them clean.

I asked Jeannie to meet me at the store and get her opinion on my final choice. Finally, after a long 15 or 20 minutes of going through all these hats, I picked the bronze colour panama hat.

*This is how to take a picture, with your phone, while looking in the mirror. Dressed for the occasion – writering or authoring or even storytelling.*

*Here I am, with the beautiful Hat Attack associate, Cherie.*

The Batik Influencer (Jeannie) and I were soon on our way to explore the rest of the Chinese New Year-ed Mid-Valley in all its festivities. We took a lot of pictures.

The Centre Court was decorated with orange trees, everywhere. Fake trees of course.

*Sophisticated.* *Jeannie bought me my red tee to be in CNY colours.*

*The Batik Influencer in her newly purchased cheongsam.* *She was in the right shoes, too. Notice the others with white sole shoes, too.*

We spent quite a bit of time at the Gardens. Their CNY decor was all about simplicity at home, the simple living. We thought the decor was very nice.

*Notice how the back props matches my hat?*

*Red paper messages dropping from orange trees? Interesting. Very interesting.*

The pictures taken of us at The Gardens decor display are very nice. A lady helped take these pictures, using my phone. In all the pictures, the Batik Influencer looks very regal in her cheongsam.

We decided to head home after spending about three hours at the Mall. How quickly time flew. The traffic on the highway back to Subang Jaya was smooth flowing. How nice it would be if the traffic was like this every day. Wishful thinking?

NOTES:
1. K.L. or Kuala Lumpur, is the largest city and the capital of Malaysia.
2. Cheongsam or zansae, also known as the qipao and sometimes referred to as the mandarin gown, is a Chinese dress worn by women which takes inspiration from the qizhuang, the ethnic clothing of the Manchu people. wikippedia

THAT’S A GOOD THING

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

A fun weekend it was. We were at our F1.16 booth, setting up all the things we were putting up on sale. There were lots of new things we brought this weekend. Some of those new things included hats and angpow packets. For our readers who are connecting from over 80 countries; the ang pow packets are in connection and celebration of the lunar new year or “Chinese New Year”, as it is known in Malaysia and it’s neighbouring countries.

Once our booth was ready to rock ‘n roll; I headed over to Mahmud, the hat-seller’s booth. The traditional red & black tartan cap was there, waiting for me to choose it for my own.

*The Hatted Writer with my friend, Mahmud; the man with many hats – the hat seller, if you may.*

Mahmud confirmed that this cap suits me. What do you, readers; think? I love it. I bought it. It is just the right size, very comfortable to wear and creates an understatement about the Hatted Writer.

*A nice pic of the Hat Seller and the Hatted Writer.*

The Batik Influencer in the meantime, was busy explaining to everyone that stopped by, about her Batik Cape creations: unique, for formal and informal use, and when not in use; fold it into a small bundle which can be slipped into a handbag or small bag for ease of carrying and taking with you wherever you go.

When Derek Fernandez found out through an article I published that morning that we were in Amcorp Shopping Mall that day (Sunday) and that the Batik Influencer was there with a limited number of batik capes available; he asked me to send pictures of what was available, chose one and said he would come over to get it in a while.

He was not kidding. The next thing we knew, he showed up to pick his chosen Batik Cape. We chatted for a while. Very interesting guy. A lawyer by profession, he has served on many committees, all with the aim of improving and “jaga-ing” (1)the beauty of Petaling Jaya (P.J.) for residents and people who are in P.J. frequently; from especially what development of concreting almost everything in sight calls “modern times”.

*Look who dropped in. Kirk Raymond; St Thomas More’s Sound and Technical Specialist. With the author.*

Surprises of surprises, I saw Kirk Raymond, St Thomas More’s sound and technical specialist, passing by and called out to him. He was just as surprised to see Jeannie and I manning a booth. We had a nice chat. He had to do a drama shot of us (picture above↑).😁

*Farid, our new friend, just bought this hat from us. He looks a typical journalist.*

We had a couple of hats of our own up for sale. This guy, by the name of Farid, sporting a grey worker’s cap, tried on the Fedora hat. I took a picture with him wearing it. I told him that he looked good in it. He bought it.

*A Japanese interested customer, with the Batik Influencer.*

The Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and the Hatted Writer, the author, me, Alan; having a “wefie” moment. It was more like several minutes 😏 because we had to re-take this picture several times to get it right. 😉😁

The limited number of Batik Capes the Batik Influencer had with her today, were sold out. She will be working on new designs and have them ready soon, for the many, many enquirers. Many of the Hotwheels and ang pow packets were sold. We found it really fun to meet so many people – friends as well as new friends. We got to talk about fun subjects: family, living and what they do to chill and relax. We have learnt so much from them. The biggest take away on weekends like these, that we, Jeannie and I; get, is that people are relaxed and away from the everyday hustle and bustle they get during the week. That’s a good thing.

We packed up by 5pm as we had a birthday dinner celebration to attend in Subang Jaya. We were hosting a dinner for Jeannie’s dad, my father-in-law; who was turning 85 years old. Yes, of course I would be wearing my tartan flat cap.

NOTES:
1. “Jaga-ing” (If there is ever such a word), is a Malay word, the “ing” part is the English side; meaning protecting.😉😁😂

THIS WEEKEND WITH LA BATIK INFLUENCER AND THE HATTED WRITER

February 3, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Sa..aaa..yyy, weren’t we at Amcorp Shopping Mall just, oh so recently? We are at the weekend already.

We are back at Amcorp Shopping Mall, “we” meaning the Batik Influencer and the writer / author / storyteller from http://www.leatherpotato.com, this weekend; starting tomorrow, February the 3rd. This weekend, we will be on the 1st floor on the west wing.

My wife, Jeannie; also famously known as the Batik Influencer, will be there, too; with a line up of her new creations. They are fast taken up as they are all unique in their on their own way, more so with the fact that they are usually one-of-a-kind, literally speaking, pieces. So… I would like to say “ladies,… However, many men have purchased these creations for their wives, sisters, friends, mothers. Yes, ladies…come early to our booth at F1.16, 1st Floor, West Wing; to secure at least one batik cape for yourself as pieces are very limited.

I, the writer / author / storyteller from http://www.leatherpotato.com is sporting a new look, going as the Hatted Writer; will be there to meet our readers, and make more new friends. Come find out how the “Hatted Writer” came about. In our last few “episodes” having a booth at Amcorp Shopping Mall; I have had the opportunity of re-connecting with many school classmates dating back to over 48 years ago, colleagues from the insurance and financial services industry and friends, too.

Two separate people from Penang, one an old friend whom I have not seen in 15 years, and the other, whom I have not met; both connected with me through leatherpotato.com, will be meeting me over this weekend.

People are very fascinating. I don’t have to think too deeply to try to understand them. Maybe, it is because I have become the writer or journalist where I try to view each person as completely different from another, just like there are no two sets of the same fingerprints. This itself, is intriguing.

Come share ideas with me for my upcoming book. I am very much at the start of the chapter, type, type type. Junk it. Start again. Can you imagine if I was working on a typewriter? Type, type, type, junk it. Type, type, type, junk it. I will have the waste paper basket full of junked ideas. HaHa.

I will be putting over 100 Hotwheels vehicles up for sale. These sport the dark blue blister packs, indicating there are from the year 2005 – 2010 era; many are probably rare. There will also be some Corgi, Dinky, Matchbox and other brands of diecast vehicles, some dating back 45 years ago.

There are two rare ladies Swatch watches in the form of bracelets, up for sale, too. As for pen collectors; there are some rare writing instruments like the 1998 Parker MDRT Duofold ball point pen in blue lacquer with gold plated finishing – a very elegant and must have for the discerning few. We have lots more things of interest that you can choose from.

So, we are looking forward to seeing you all there. Let’s make plenty of noise over the next two days.😁

1st Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall (1),
Booth 1.16, Level 1
Amcorp Shopping lMall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: Feb 03 and Feb 04, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

It Had To Be You

January 28, 2024January 28, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

“To love somebody…to love somebody the way I love you…” coming over the “airwaves(?)” Bee Gees… and I am taken back to 1971, 1972, when the movie “S.W.A.L.K” was showing.

It was also the time when Susan B**l was the “Wow! The gorgeous Girl” that every guy could only watch from afar. She was 21, we 13. Her boyfriend drove her around in his brand new Ford Cortina 2000 GXL, we…many of us did not even own a bicycle. I saw her a few years ago…she was still a stunner. Oh…and she married her boyfriend of 1971, 1972.

Mid-way through the second day at Amcorp Shopping Mall. The crowds are in, full-swing, browsing, window-shopping (no windows here. We are an open booth😂), shopping.

By the time I got to typing, thinking, tinkering, screen-tapping (was about to use “thumping”. Leave it to your imagination), Bee Gees was over. Either I was a tad slow in typing, Bee Gees was taken off the air, or the song finished. I will go with the last option.

Jeannie has sold her latest creation to a very, very happy customer. She said she will be proudly wearing it during the coming soon Chinese New Year (lunar new year).

And I; I met with a journalist from a leading Malaysian newspaper. I decided to add more pizzaz to the fun I have in writing. I went for the new look.

*The writer sporting the “serious Writer Image”.*

Towards the end of last evening, at the closing stages of sales for the day; I remembered that there was a booth selling hats. I went looking for it and found it. The booth was on the west side (our booth is in the east wing), 1 floor above us. I saw a couple of hats I liked, one much more than the other. However, I did not want to hold back the hat seller from packing up for the day.

*This is Mahmud, the specs and hats seller; with the writer wearing his newly acquired Panama hat.*

Today, while I was eager to don a new look with the purchase of the new hat that I had yet to buy; we had a good number of people visiting our booth. Some were friends that we made in our previous outings here. I met an old La Salle Klang, schoolmate, Charles Thomas; too. He introduced me to his younger brother and a friend of his; both from La Salle Klang, too.

By the time I got going to get the hat I wanted, it was way into mid-afternoon. I met Mahmud, the specs & hat seller. He has an excellent selection of hats.

The hat, known as the “Panama hat” was still there. I tried it on again and confirmed it had to be you (the hat). The one I liked. I was sold.

If you are looking for a hat for any occasion, Mahmud’s the guy to see. He runs a booth on the 2nd Floor, East Wing.

*That famous Latino guy that plays the electric guitar looks like me, minus the moustache. Here I, the writer; am with my wife, Jeannie; the Batik Influencer.*

While the hat itself has no. Magical powers, it sets the tone for new fun and conversations. For one, as I started wearing this hat, I noticed there were many others who wore hats, too. I mean, besides the common sight of those sporting baseball caps, there were many others who wore hats of all shapes and sizes.

Before we knew it, it was time for us to pack up and head for home. Not everything had gone the way we would have liked it to. I believe that the biggest takeaway Jeannie and I had this weekend was that we made more new friends.

Now, to go home and enjoy Harry Connick Jr.’s “It Had To Be You”.

1st Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall (1),
Booth 1.16, Level 1
Amcorp Shopping lMall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: Jan 27 and Jan 28, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

RENDEZVOUS: BOOTH 3.08

April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

3rd Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Lot 3.08, Level 3
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: April 15 and April 16, 2023
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

It is happening again. Yes, once again, we will be having out booth at Booth 3.08 at Amcorp Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. Jeannie and I have been asked to do another sales session. We have had so many requests to do this “meet and sell” session. We had so much of fun the last time round that we expect to have more fun this weekend.

I met with many subscribers and readers of leatherpoato.com at our last “MEET WITH ME SESSION”. The usual questions include “What is leatherpotato?” “Why leatherpotato?” Fun questions. They came to support leatherpotato.

Jeannie has a large and growing following as a batik influencer. Jeannie focuses on promoting the “localness” of her “La” Batik Cape Creations. These “La” Batik Cape Creations come in many colours, each to suit a different occasion. There are four ways of wearing these “La” Batik Cape Creations. Come on over to find out more on the colours, patterns, designs, which one brings “the real you out for every occasion” from the batik influencer.

At the same time, her craft section is also gaining popularity.

Come meet us. Together, we can explore new ideas.

We are adding new items to to sell. Many are rare, ranging from over 15 years to 25 years and beyond. Among these items is a rare ladies Swatch watch on offer.

There is also a brand new (box unopened) Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm). This is the latest on offering from Samsung in their line-up of highly efficient watches. Besides telling the time and looking great, it has a host of other features like step and distance tracking, exercise and fitness tracking, heartrate, B.I.A., Blood Pressure and ECG. You can also play your music song list, answer calls like in the comics, “Dick Tracy” style; select and change watchfaces from the thousands offered on Android…the list goes on.

I am bringing along many Hotwheels cars this weekend, that were not on sale 2 weeks ago. So, make sure you come and check them out.

*The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the ladies Swatch dress watch.*

Made available for the very first time will be “CARS” from the movie “CARS” for sale. There is also a set of MINI cars and a set of James Bond cars in the offering, too.

*Micro BMW push engine cars, on a BMW music box.*

*“Leyland Terrier” by Corgi Junior. Year of manufacture: 1980*

*BMW and MINI keyrings. In this picture, is a rare BMW Sauber FI Team key-ring, the very unusual “twin tailpipe” Mini keyring and the BMW 3 series keyring.*

*The BMW overnight bag. Brilliantly made, using some of the finest materials.*

The BMW overnight bag is definitely a bag to have. Lovely olive green, with black / dark grey tones that compliment it. It has a long, well padded and comfortable, sturdy strap that makes carrying this bag when loaded, very comfortable.