#book

THE LAUNCH – WAS I READY?

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Good question? As I sit at my work station, with a fairly big chunk of Cadbury’s chocolate with hazel nut, in my mouth; trying to re-enact the day, that day, last Saturday, as it happened, without the edits (ha ha 😉😂); I asked myself, “How best can I write that story as close as possible as to how the day transpired?”

It all started at the end of that Friday night (the night before that Saturday), when the time passed 11.59:59pm to 12.00:00am. As you can tell, I am trying to buy time, while trying to figure out as to how to put this essay together.

It all started when my wife, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; met with the organisers nearly a couple of months earlier, to talk about putting this event together. Lisa and Dato Sari were the organisers, who planned to put a book fest together. They said it would be good for me to do a book launch at the weekend event.

Fast forward to a few days before the event. I was in one of Kay El’s (More commonly spelt as K. L. for Kuala Lumpur [1]) most prominent shopping malls / gallery, to get a couple of errands done there. As I was walking past one of the shop boutiques; I saw a pair of shoes that simply stopped me right there, in my tracks. I went in for a closer look, with absolutely no intentions of buying. Just to look-si (or is it “look-c”?), that’s all.

It was a beautiful pair of red suede leather shoes (“Red, red, red suede shoes. Don’t want anybody to step on my red suede shoes” – Elvis Presley’s remake of his other colour-shoes song). It had a message on it, “We are yours, take us home”. As I stared harder, the message seemed to have vanished. 😁

I thought it was a handsome pair of shoes, – also great for wearing to my book launch. I did not purchase the pair immediately as I was in a bit of a rush for time.

As we got closer, to the launch, I went over to the store and got the pair of red Clarks Torhill Lo shoes. It was the right shade of red, (to me) a bright chilli red suede leather top, paired with Clark’s famous ribbed outsole. Very comfortable. I like Clarks because their shoes are well made – durable and long-lasting. My last pair of Clark’s lasted me 8 years.

Saturday came. We were at Amcorp Mall, early. Jeannie and Laura (our daughter), had seen to most of the planning of this event. One of the first things to start our event, was a bouquet of flowers.

The flowers were from Soo Sin, Angie and SL Kong, all ex-work-colleagues of Jeannie’s. THe message on the card read:
“Alan Ian Atkinson
Congratulations!
Wishing you an amazing journey in life, full of success and happiness!

Cheers from SL Kong, Angie & Soo Sin.”

The flowers set the tone. Soo Sin wanted to come, but due to her illness which had a setback, she couldn’t make it.

People started coming by, many of whom were curious to find out what the book was about. Then, when they saw the banner behind me (i at most times, stood in front of the table) remarked, “Hey, you’re him (pointing to the banner)” . “Yes, one and the same”, I replied.

They all had their copies of the book personalised by me, and, also had pictures taken with me. They were thrilled to meet an author of a book in person.

One of the book buyers, Kayla; had a long chat with me, mainly on photography. Hung around her neck was a nice retro-looking Fuji Instax camera. I encouraged her to pursue a career in photo journalism, since she was passionate about the idea.

I was honoured to meet with all the book buyers, and all those who stopped to enquire about the book. Each shared their reasons and expectations as to why they chose the book and what they expect to get from it. “What brings them sparks of joy? Many liked what they saw as they glanced through the pages. From their sharing, I may put together a book, if that is the direction. Who knows? Let’s see.

My message which I shared with everyone I met was to live in the present, plan and aim for the future. The future is not necessary the illusive distant future, but the very next moment, which is the future.

It begun. Multiple people acquired a copy of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

NOTES:
1. Kuala Lumpur is the capital of the country, Malaysia. Malaysia is the “Chair” for ASEAN in 2025.

LOOK WHO I BUMPED INTO

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

One Tuesday afternoon…recently…

The morning was good. The weather looked decently cool, though it was brighter than usual. As per what I first do on most days in the mornings, I go through all my messages, social media and answer text messages if there are any (which is guaranteed “sure got” (local slang for definitely will have).

If I am to be more accurate in how my normal days start after I get out of bed; I start by making my own bed. It gives me a sense that I have started the day off by completing a task.

Ever since I watched a video of a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral giving a speech about personal discipline by completing tasks each day, to a room filled with young naval officers, it has inspired me to do the same. He said, “Start with making your own bed”.

I have made this beautiful idea my own to keep. I have shared this beautiful, yet simple idea; to my family and friends, as well.

When I left my house that mid-Tuesday afternoon to deal with an insurance policy matter at my insurer, I had already done walking my everyday 10-plus kilometers which is 15,000 steps. I also completed a few other tasks (errands), too.

The plan was that I would be at the insurer for about half an hour, then, head over to Good Ground Bakery (GGB) a few doors down the street, for a cup of coffee before heading to PJ (Petaling Jaya) to pick my wife, Jeannie; up from work.

By the time the insurance errand got done, it did not leave me much time for coffee at GGB.

I went over to GGB just to say “hi” to the folks there. They are always a pleasant and cheerful bunch of people to be with.

As I stepped in through the door, I was greeted with the usual cheer from Monique – bright and spritely (hmmnn… This is the second time I used the word “spritely” in recent times) as usual. And warm smiles from Sarah and Joanne. When you are in SS17, Subang Jaya, or around these parts; GGB is definitely a place to have a good afternoon beverage, pastries and a relaxed atmosphere. For sure.

As I got to the counter, I heard someone behind me call out to me. I turned around to see Jordan, one of my neighbours from our Tudor neighbourhood home community, sitting at a table near by. Jordan had a big smile. He always has a big smile when we run into each other.

I was happy to see Jordan. He was having one of GGB’s nice, hot beverages. I have bumped into Jordan and other neighbours from our Tudor neighbourhood community at Good Ground Bakery on several ocassions.

“Alan, I heard your book is published. Can I buy one with a personal message from you written in it?” Jordan asked.

I had a book on me and was honoured to personalise it for him.

Jordan is among one of the fast growing numbers from my Tudor neighbourhood who have got themselves a copy of the book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

Jordan and the Hatted Writer, me. This excellent photograph was taken by Good Ground Bakery’s very own talented barista, Joanne.

Before long, it was time for us to go; he to pick his children from school activities and I, to pick Jeannie up from work.

What a nice afternoon. It certainly was.

THE WRITER AND THE BATIK INFLUENCER AT AMCORP

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Robots, robots everywhere. Three and a half feet tall, they look like they are from the 2012 movie, “Wall-E”. This place is populated by them. “Them”? They aren’t living…well at least, not just yet. They glide along the aisles silently and effortlessly. No they aren’t hovercraft machines, though they do give the impression that they are… Or at least a sort of.

These robots are waiters n/ waitresses. They move on wheels, I am sure. We (Jeannie and I) are here at Shaaz Nasi Kandar restaurant next to Rock Cafe in Sunway. (1)

There are four of them, gliding along the aisles between tables, serving food and drinks, that were ordered earlier, orders taken by humans. It has been somewhat of a fascination for Jeannie and me as we sit here, watching these things do their work, effortlessly, without complaints of having to go up and down with hardly a chance to catch their breath…cool down their batteries and recharge them.

A human being came to take our (Jeannie’s and my) order. Shocking! Not robomated… yet? I ordered a mamak rojak and Nescafe ais kaw (2); while Jeannie ordered a roti canai (4) and Nescafe panas (hot).

My rojak (3) order was first to arrive, followed by our drink orders. Both were delivered by humans. How disappointing. Minutes later; Jeannie’s roti canai was robomatically delivered by Alice. “Alice” is a good enough name to give to a robowaitress. The robowaitress was professional, maneuvered between the rows of table, came up to our table, then turned to face our table. I took Jeannie’s roti canai order off the tray of the robowaitress and forgot to tap the “Return to station” button. However, the robowaitress got the hint that we had taken our order and returned to its station after waiting for a minute. with no response from us. It will stop in its track and find another route if someone is standing around or blocking the way.

Our meals were cleaned off our plates fast as we were famished. It didn’t really matter how the food tasted (it tasted good), as long as we could eat something edible. Then, the wait began as we were meeting my cousins Christopher Nellaiah and his wife Evalina, and Dato Ronald Gomes and his wife, Datin Debbie…yes, for dinner. But they were only going to arrive at 8.30pm, which was kind of late for dinner. When they arrive, we would have drinks and spend time with them.

So, while waiting, I started with this essay.

————————————————————————–

It has been a Wow! last 8 days. My just published book, SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT, is out. I have been actively promoting it. The physical book in my hands, it has given me the opportunity to tell my story – different stories from the book to different people. It has helped me relive the stories as I tell them.

A whole new ball game. I’ve been promoting and marketing the book, letting people know that they can get their copy now and where to get it. The book has not officially launched in the major book stores yet, however multiple numbers of people are buying copies off me. The response has been more than amazing.

One of the latest to get a copy of this book is my cousin, Haji Ahmad bin Mahmuddin. His mother and my mother are sisters. He was very excited and happy to get his copy of my book and requested me to personalise it with this message, “To my cousin, Haji Admad bin Mahmuddin”. We took pictures. He had me have a photo taken with his cute granddaughter, Aileen.

We hadn’t met for quite a while. This short meeting gave us the opportunity to catch up and bring each other up to speed with regards to our families. Ahmad has always been very supportive of our family, especially us cousins.

My cousin, Haji Ahmad; receiving his copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT from me.

My cousin, Haji Ahmad’s granddaughter, Aileen; with me and their copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT; which I had specially personalised with a message for them.

Though the time was short, we spent it well with many laughs, too. We will meet again soon.

This weekend, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted Writer; are setting up a booth at Amcorp Mall. There are many, yet limited pieces of the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape Creations under the brand, “JEANNIE’S OWN” that are on sale. They are great for among the many occasions; informal and formal wear, and the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations. Come early to get 1 or more pieces of these beautiful and elegant wear.

A Batik Cape C reation under the JEANNIE’S OWN label

I will also be promoting my SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT BOOK. Come and get your very own personalised copy of the book.

Jeannie, the Batik Influencer and I, the Hatted Writer; look forward to meeting all you wonderful people there. We know we are going to have loads of fun there at our booth F1.08, and want you all to join us.

There is something for everybody.

NOTES:
1. Sunway is part of the Subang Jaya district in Selangor, Malaysia.
2. Nescafe ais Kaw In English is strong Nescafe ice (cold).
3. Pasembur or rojak.
4. Roti canai is an Indian flat bread.
5. A robot waitress is a robotic device that can serve foor and drinks in restaurants, hotels,, and other businesses. Some robot waitresses can also greet customers and interact with them. 

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: March 1st – March 2nd, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

F1.01 BOOTH, THE YOUNG GIRL AND THE LITTLE TEDDY BEAR

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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)

THE BOOK

/ Alan Atkinson / 1 Comment

From an idea, to wanting to do it, to a postponement to let it be my next year’s goal (3 years running)…

To having come out with the manuscript…

To now going completing the second (of many I would think) round with the publisher… design, layout, edit and re-edit…

It is in progress…forward…

Targeting for release in early December…

Excited…yes…

Thank you all for your unwavering support… And for the many who have placed their booking for the book…coming soon.

Yes, I am excited!

SEE YOU AT F1.03

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

The weekend is nigh. The drive down to the Kuala Lumpur to pick our (the Batik Influencer, Jeannie – my wife’s and mine) daughter, Laura; from work, was quite nice. The roads had a light to medium amount of traffic on them.

Driving back to the bustling city of Subang Jaya seemed even smoother. If every day was like this…if only.

Listening to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen, playing over the Google Mini. Very catchy, gets you in the mood for the weekend.

This weekend, that is tomorrow (Saturday), June 22nd; and Sunday, June 23rd; we will be having a booth at Amcorp Mall. It is located at F1.03, the first floor. We are so looking (American way of emphasizing excitement) forward to setting up a booth again after more than a month. The month has been crazy busy. Lots have happened and now, we are at the end of the third week of June.

Being at the mall will give us a chance to catch up with many of our friends who run their booths there, some for over 20 years. It would give us a chance to catch up with long time friend Khatijah Marianne and her husband, Fadil; Jane, Mahmud, the hat seller; Kay and Farid, among the many friends. I wonder if Mahmud will have something – a hat that will catch my mood over the weekend. I plan to get a panama hat for my 92 year old dad. He likes my panama hats and has expressed an idea of having one for himself.

Design J-19 J2024

The Batik Influencer will have several latest of her “JEANNIE’S OWN” label Batik Capes on sale. These very unique and highly sort after JEANNIE’S OWN batik cape creations are in very, very limited quantity. Come early to get yours.

Design J-20 J2024

An avid and new-found follower / reader.

We have many pre-loved items that are on bargainable prices for you to take home for your own.

I am looking forward to meeting in person, many of Leatherpotato.com’s followers / readers who will come visit at our booth. Please come share with me ideas and your views on the essays that have been published.

“The book” is inching its way to its publication. I am excited, indeed. I always keep asking myself, “What experiences did Joanne Kathleen Rowling go through when she had a manuscript that she wanted to share with the whole world. Her ideas, her views; the world as she sees it, the world as she would imaging it to be if she wrote its story.

When I put pen to paper, I have to constantly rein in my thoughts, otherwise, it could be a mindmap too deep to fathom. All because when I get an answer to a question I ask, it just leads to more questions which many a time, can move away from the main subject matter.

A bit of insider news: new ideas have been formulated for the next two books.

Yes, The Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, are looking forward to seeing you there at the Amcorp Shopping Mall. It is gonna be fun as usual.

Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.03, 1st Floor, West Wing,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: June 8 and June 9, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

THE WRITER AN INVENTOR?

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

maybe…

One of the most innovative inventions of our time must be the camera. Here, “our time” would be taken to mean that we get to use this invention when we are here and alive.

In 1816, Frenchman Joseph Nicéphore Niépce invented the first photographic camera. (1) Think of it. We don’t just get up one morning and say to ourselves, “Today, I think I am going to invent something. Hmmmnn. What shall I invent?” And in Joseph Niépce’s life, “I think I want to invent an image capturing device. I will call it a camera. “Today, the camera comes in all shapes and sizes and used for almost everything. Yet, it does not seem to have even scratched the surface of its full potential.

How many of us think that we aren’t smart (enough) to invent something. Yet, many inventions are by accident or a stroke of luck. A good example is “velcro”. George de Mestral was a Swiss electrical engineer who invented the hook and loop fastener which he named Velcro.

Story has it that de Mestral’s clothing became entangled in a patch of burrs and, this led him to wonder what made it stick. Years of research followed, and in 1948 he invented Velcro. (1)

A close up of how velcro works.
velcro

Back to the camera. As I move closer to having my first book published, I have to create a recognizable “writer’s image”. The word “closer” here, is not so much as the distance between one object to another. Here, “closer” is in relation to time.

Funny how that is happening when a deadline has not been set. However, I am mentally preparing to meet a deadline, even though one has not been set. I am already visualising the next two books to be out in less than two years. But first, the first book.

I just realised that at any time, I always have three cameras with me. The most used camera is my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra which is more than just a decent camera. Rated as the best smartphone camera (and still is amongst the best) when it launched. The next camera is the one that comes with my Samsung Galaxy Z-Fold 5. It is right that amongst the best.

Insta360 Go 3 action camera

Then, I have the Insta 360 Go3 Action camera. It is so small, I thought it can do anything. It can. I just have not made the time to really use it.

All these cameras are helps towards the writing bit. So, I am well equipped as you can see. I take pictures of what I see and tell write about them.

Readers will read the books, articles, essays, stories from the writers. They will know what flows from the pen, computer keyboards, etc that comes from the mind of the writer, the creator. This means that the writer is always behind the pen; as an artist behind a paintbrush, which he “tells his story on canvas”.

While grabbing a fast dinner, I fooled around with the camera. I thought the background setting was just right – grey, red and black. I had my newest hat, a flat cap, (which is the lightest hat I have), on. As my mind wandered, I started shooting. It is absolutely fascinating to think that what the mind can think, we can conceive, make it happen…that is if we put our mind to it. Is the writer an inventor?

NOTES
1. A camera is an optical device that captures pictures that can be kept internally, sent to another place, or both. These visuals might be simple photos or moving images like videos or movies. vedantu.com
2. The name “velcro” – is a combination of ”velvet” and ”crochet,” the French word for hook It is made of two strips of nylon. On one strip is a pile made of tiny loops. The facing strip is covered with tiny nylon hooks. When pressed together the strips adhere, but they can easily be peeled apart and put together again. de Mestral eventually sold the world license for Velcro and lived on royalties and profits from his Swiss factory. nytimes.com

THE LAST WEEKEND

/ Alan Atkinson / 2 Comments

OMG! OMG! OMG! (Abbreviated for “Oh My God! [Goodness! Gosh!] Choice of last word depends on which era you are from and the mood you are in. I leave it to your imagination.) It is the last weekend of the month of January 2024. How cool can that be?

… “Sailing” by Rod Stewart is coming over the air from somewhere in the distant background.

Almost at the very last moment (note that a moment is a shorter time than a second [unverified definition]), we were invited to participate in having a booth at Amcorp Shopping Mall for this weekend. We, meaning, Jeannie and I; decided on taking it.

We had just finished playing a boardgame, “Pictureka” with Laura (our daughter) and Praga (Laura’s boyfriend), when we received a message asking if we would like to take up the slot that became available at the very last minute.

Me, trying to syke the splitting headache that I have been having since I woke up this morning. Syke : using the happiness theory to overcome the throbbing or is it splitting headache? I can’t really decide.

The result: We are here, at Amcorp Shopping Mall, now; on the first floor at Booth F1.16. New area, new spot, new friends from the booths on the both sides of us. We are already well into the 5th hour.

Almost as soon as we opened with an invisible “WELCOME SIGN”, that the Batik Influencer managed to sell one of her creations.

I, on the other hand, according to Jeannie, who is also my image consultant; had to work on my image as a writer, while welcoming and making new friends, and finding new owners for my HOTWHEELS collection.

At work. Me, piecing this article together in between times when the front is quiet. Notice that my watch band matches my shirt.

So, with the hat on, a more writer’s image of a writer, do you think? Perhaps, the long awaited book-writing project will move with gusto?

The writer, caught in the act!!! Writing? Typing? Inputting? (If there is such a word), while the “coast” is clear (some quiet time).

A satisfied buyer, one who was very, very polite.

Jane of “Jane’s Cottage Soaps”

Jane of “Jane’s Cottage Soaps” (her own business, naturally), is one of the long time businesses of Amcorp Shopping Mall. Her products are unique, many of which she custom makes to meet the needs of her customers. She is an ardent reader of physical books (The ones where you need to turn / flip the pages. Serious readers can’t get enough of these physical books). I caught her in the act of reading a book, based on a true story writen by Ann Rule. Looking forward to her buying my book when it’s published. Btw, Jane was the only person in the row of booths, without an electronic gadget in her hands.

OK. Signing out for now. I’m thinking : Should I get a mechanical keys keyboard to add more writer to the writer? I wonder…

Come meet with us at the address below.

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)