“I don’t want to talk about it”… No Rod is not here, but the singer of the band is. Belting this evergreen hit, to the crowd, having cocktails, and waiting to be ushered into the ballroom for the wedding dinner.
Jeannie, when signing us in, noted that we did not personally know the other guests assigned to our table. Great way to start the new year – meeting and making new friends.
No, this is not a Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra (a mouthful for an official name) advertisement, though it may seem like it where the rugged all rounder watch finds its place in any occasion, be it casual or official. At the Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It has been a great start of the new year. 2.75 days are up. People are still wishing each other “Happy New Year”. Depends on how you look at it, every day is a new year.
Having cocktails at the lounge before we adjoun to the main ballroom for the wedding dinner.
When the doors of the ballroom were opened and guests began making their way to their designated seating arrangements; I reminisced about the first time being in this ballroom some over two and a half decades ago when this hotel was under a different name. I was in life insurance back then. It was one of the many functions for top achievers and if my memory serves me well; we had quite a many functions for achievers held here. The service at that time was good (hence the multiple functions that we celebrated there).
Having fun. Now, does this look like Jeannie and I didn’t know the other guests at our table?
As we entered the grand ballroom, we were engulfed in its bright, well lit, well decor-ed room that made everyone, both formal and informal, comfortable. I cannot say it looked just the same as back then. The room would have been renovated, refurbished and transformed several times over the years.
We got to our table with ease after having studied…(well, not really studied… more like glanced) at the floor plan of the table arrangement. Several of the guests assigned to our table, were already seated.
I cannot remember if there was a time there was an awkward silence…you know…when we don’t know the others and the others don’t know us. When everyone tries not to make eye contact but gazes around the room, look at the ceiling and admire the chandeliers, study the food itinerary intensely, whip out their cell phones… Well folks, there wasn’t any at our table.
As you can see, the guests at our table were far from just eating our dinner. From not knowing anyone, Jeannie and I soon were having a good time with all of them. There has to be a “livewire” amongst us. No prizes for guessing who.
It didn’t take us long to get acquainted. Three ladies, like Jeannie; were from the food industry, the same as Joon; Grace’s mother. Some others were neighbours. Mike is a pilot, flying Boeing 777 for one of the world’s leading airlines. And I, I the Hatted Writer; was accompanying Jeannie.
The bride, Grace; and bridegroom, Dave; arrived shortly and were escorted to the main table. It didn’t take us long to realise that this wasn’t the usual “stiff, prim & proper” wedding reception.
A live band was in attendance, singing and playing songs that the people in the room could sing, hum, tap fingers or feet, to. A young lady, who was the M.C., probably related to Grace; was wonderful. During the evening, she sang several upbeat songs. A young violinist, performed on stage, several times during the evening.
This violinist, a girl of about 10 years; did not seem to play based on memorizing note for note on a score sheet. She played with pizazz. I liked how she put zest into parts of the songs she played that only displayed her confidence.
Joon’s schoolmates from Muar; belted out a popular song, too. It looked like everyone there, were musically inclined.
This was followed by a speech made by Grace and Dave. They, then made their way round to all the tables, “yamseng-ing” away and having photographs taken with the guests.
Yam Seng with the newlyweds, Grace (in a bright red dress) and Dave (standing next to her. You can see he was working his way up to a superlong “Yamseng”). Joon, Grace’s mother, is next to Grace.
What a great way to start the new year. A beautiful wedding reception. Jeannie and I sure had fun. It could probably be also due to the livewire at our table – a Malaysian lady, residing in Hong Kong; with her witty sense of humour. I think this was one of the best wedding receptions I have attended in a long time.
As the seconds go past, equally spaced out, one after another, in precision; be year end becomes less and less further away.
The new year is eagerly rushing to reach us as fast as it can; bringing with it many, many surprises.
It is time to reflect on everything great, good and could-be better, how it has shaped us.
GOALS – Have we hit them? If yes, Congratulations. If it was a near miss, re-focus, aim and get the goal in the coming year.
If you have missed and way off target, analyze what worked for you and what didn’t. No point beating yourself up over it. Just get back to the starting block / line and start all over again. If you did not leave the starting block / line; you have to be honest with yourself with the “why?” Then, get back on the starting block, focus, aim, get the target.
If you want some form of consolation; even those who have achieved or just missed their goals this year, have to start the new year at the starting block / line, the same as you.
As we close the final hours, minutes, seconds, moments; let us rejoice and be grateful for our family, friends, people in general, who have impacted our lives, that the wonderful impressions in the time over 2025 become the memories that we want to keep all our lives.
HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE 2025. FILLED WITH GRATITUDE, LOVE, PEACE AND JOY; LET US ENJOY THE LAST MOMENTS OF 2025.
It is a long and winding road, with a fair incline gradient. Long by walking standards. I think its a mile long from end to end. You can be forgiven if you walk or drive by without giving this area a second thought. It does not have the tallest twin towers in the world along it; nor the Merdeka 118 building which is the second tallest building in the world.
One of the oldest schools in P.J., La Salle Secondary School; is situated along the middle of this road (or street for those who are American). Then, there’s this one row (I wanted to use the word “strip”. It sounds a bit more decorative than identifying it as “row”. What say you?) of single-storey shops, lining (yes, still lining. Have not reached the “past tense” stage yet) up on one side, at the end (or is it the beginning? Depending which direction you are coming from or going to) of the road.
I have written several articles with mentions of this road or in relation to this road, “Through The Eyes Of A Four-Year Old” (1), and “65, Raring To Go To The Next 65!” (2). Cantik (3)
The rest of Cantik Road twigs off to smaller / shorter lanes, decorated with mostly detached (bungalows) houses. My wife Jeannie, and I; had finished work for the day. Though work was in actual sense not finished and we had nothing else to do until the next “assignment, all that we set out to do was completed. It was fairly late in the early part of the evening (This means that evening in the daylight was late, but the night was still young). “What to eat?” We hadn’t taken dinner (to where?) yet. Note that in Malaysia, “taken dinner” is correct over “had dinner”.
Beautiful (3) Road or Cantik Road is more popularly referred to as Jalan Cantik. Ay that point of time, we were nearby this street, I suggested we have dinner at the restaurant which was at the corner of the couple of rows of single storey shops. It was nostalgia as we used to have dinner at this restaurant quite often over 20 years ago. I remembered passing by this shop and noticing that it was business as usual. Jeannie okay-ed the idea.
Singapore fried meehoon. This meal looked real appetizing.
We arrived at the restaurant a few minutes later. The restaurant was there, as it was over 20 years ago – the cornerstone of Cantik Road. However, it wasn’t exactly the same.
The last time it was al fresco dining. Tables and chairs were arranged on the road, in front of the restaurant. No tables and chairs were inside the restaurant building (I have to emphasize “building” as there are many restaurants in Malaysia that operate “Al Fresco style” – between buildings in alleys, under the yum-yum tree and so on… I am sure you get the picture now. It lends uniqueness and originality…”under the yum-yum tree” – that is how people know where to find the “restaurant”) The restaurant “controlled” the road in front of it and at the side which was the dead end. It was here where three chefs / cooks / fiesty wok warriors did their thing. Large shield / wok in one hand, and lance / long-handled ladle in another; saying “on guard” and then battling raw ingredients, conquering and turning them into delicious cooked meals.
What was interesting was that they each had a water faucet (termed as “tap” in Malaysia) in front of them, with a sort of drain just passed the wok-on-the-fire. After each dish was cooked, the cooks will lift the wok under the running water to wash them. They use a short handled – brush like broom to quickly clean the woks before they start cooking the next meal against the towering, tongue-lashing flames of fire, lighting up that part of the night. The cleaning process was done in a few short minutes. The whole meal preparation process was like a sight to behold.
Like in most other coffee shop restaurants, the cooks were almost always men. I don’t know if it is because they had to lift, toss and twirl the large, heavy woks for all the meals. The work hours were quite long – 6 hours to 8 hours, and standing throughout.
All this was 20 years and more, ago. Today, the food is cooked and prepared in the building. No more action, action with food tossed in the air to turn it over while cooking. No more flame throwing antics (at least I didn’t see any). Everyone dines in the restaurant proper itself. all respectfully quiet and talking under their breaths most of the time. Michelin star restaurant… mmmnn I don’t know…I don’t think so…. Maybe, one day soon.
The restaurant’s name is JL (presumable initials of the owner or the first letter of names of two owners. A menu each, was handed to us to make our orders. This was not your ordinary coffee shop where you just tell them what you want to eat and hope they serve it.
Being a food simpleton, my meal order is usually quite predictable. Singapore fried mee, char kueh teow, Yong tau foo, fruit rojak, chee cheong fun and not much more than that. My order this time round was Singapore fried mee.
Jeannie ordered a Cantonese fried style meal. Instead of the usual noodles, Jeannie ordered hers with rice.
All the ingredients looked very fresh.
My Singapore fried mee (noodles) meal was prepared in a fairly unusual way. Come to think of it, almost everywhere we order this meal, it comes prepared differently. This way of preparation is a distant cousin of what Singapore fried mee is (or at least to me). For simplicity sake, let’s just called this a noodle dish.
Looking at how this dish was prepared, it was prepared by a chef. All the ingredients were fresh and the food arrangement made it look appetizing. Now, for the truth.
The truth behold. Not only did it look appetizing, it tasted as good as it looked…and even more. The meal was accompanied by a little twin-sharing dish of cut chili padi in kicap (or light soy sauce) and ground garlic, to add on if you want to do so, to passionalize the meal even further. Every bite was flavor-filled, right down to the last chop-sticks (Did not use the spoon to scoop the food, so cannot say spoonful). The meal on the plate did not last long. It was gone, all gone before I realised it – into my stomach.
From any which angle, this meal looks simply amazingly delicious. Every food item shown here looks so fresh and inviting to our senses. Our taste buds were the final judge of that. They sent full scores to our senses.
Jeannie’s Cantonese stirred-fried or fried-stir meal with rice instead of noodles was definitely unusual. It was the first time I’ve seen rice instead of noodles which is either kway teow or the dried-type mee, both of which is char-ed (fried, I think). All the other ingredients was the usual that went into a Cantonese-fried-styled dish. It’s signature preparation is with gravy that usually is almost over-flowing.
They (who are the “they”?) say looks can be deceiving. I beg to differ here. It tasted just as great, too.
Jeannie’s Cantonese stirred-fried or fried-stir meal with rice instead of noodles. It was the first time I’ve seen rice instead of noodles. All the other ingredients was the usual that went into this Cantonese-styled dish.
It’s signature preparation is with gravy that usually is almost over-flowing.
As we were leaving after I paid the bill, I turned round to have another quick glance of this restaurant, as it will be quite some time before we next come here, that is if we will make it a point to come here. It is off our usual travel route. This restaurant, because of it’s spartan decor, can be easily be missed with the once-in-a-while customers like us.
However, customers in this neighbourhood, will frequent this restaurant. The order-taker (Captain, who was a lady), the young girl cashier and the cook, a fairly tall, big man; were all humble and friendly. Being the cornerstone of Jalan Cantik; it is going to be around for a very long time to come. What more when there are three fairly large art galleries around the area, quite chic really.
NOTES: 1. Through The Eyes Of A Four-Year Old”https://leatherpotato.com/2022/07/24/through-the-eyes-of-a-4-year-old-boy/ 2. 65, Raring To Go To The Next 65!https://leatherpotato.com/2023/07/16/65-raring-to-go-to-the-next-65/ 3. Cantik is a Bahasa Malaysia word which means beautiful, pretty or handsome. It is the most common adjective used to describe something or someone as beautiful, and it can be applied to people, objects, or scenery. It can be used to describe a “pretty girl,” a “beautiful tune,” or a “beautiful picture”. Adding “sekali” (cantik sekali or 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑘 𝑠𝑒𝑘𝑎𝑙𝑖) intensifies the meaning to “so beautiful”.
A VERY HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL WHO ARE CELEBRATING THIS OCCASION. MAY THIS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVES AND BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY IN ABUNDANCE WITH HAPPINESS, JOY, PEACE!
As the weekend approaches, the atmosphere begins to lighten up a bit. Stress (for those who have it) seems to be offloading itself into the corners of the work week, people become more at ease…somehow, we can hear music… and it’s getting louder… lively music…dance music…. Then, reality hits…We are stuck in a Friday stall…crawl, jam. But it doesn’t hurt to set the mood…
We are happy… or at least relieved some what that the weekend is upon hand. We get to do “our thing”, whatever it may be. I know of a guy some years ago, who would get home, sit in front of his large fish aquarium, and talk to his fish for hours. He said it was very teurapatic (therapeutic) [my spelling of the word versus the actual one in brackets – close😏😉🤣]. Right…
Celebrating the Writer INNOVATOR.
We, that is my wife – Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, and I – Alan, the Hatted Writer; will be at our booth, located at F1.10, first floor; to celebrate the 68th year as an independent nation with all you lovely people. As Malaysia celebrates, so does its people.
Merdeka today, is not just about flag waving or standing at attention when our national anthem is sung, it is more than that. It is about a nation that continues to work towards being a culmination of peace. That peace is freely offered towards all its peoples and the ever-growing number of people visiting our country, and even calling Malaysia “home”. Sure, there are little bumps and hiccups along the way, it is evident that we are conscientiously working at smoothening them out.
This gentleman definitely has moved in strides and made a fashion statement. I love his spectacles. His hat hints that he could be a Broadway dancer.
The Batik Influencer will be showcasing her latest in Batik Cape Creations under her JEANNIE’S OWN label. The number of pieces available is very limited. So, it would be best for you to come early and get at least one for your very own self. What a way to celebrate this year’s MERDEKA.
I, amongst the many things of our own which we will make available for you to acquire (yes, these multiple items were collected during our travels made over the years); will be showcasing my just published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Here is the opportunity to get a specially personalised copy by the author, direct from the author, himself.
Celebrate Merdeka 68 with Jeannie, The Batik Influencer; and I, Alan, The Hatted Writer, at Amcorp Mall, 30 August – 1 September 2025.
The Batik Influencer demonstrating the versatility of one of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.
Yes, this is totally me! Awesome!
Samsung Galaxy Fold 5, Crumpler and Ferrari all have something in common, quality. They ooze in greatness.
Mother and daughter combination – JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.
Long time dear friend, Richard Kok; with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
I am glad to share the success of having published this book with Richard Kok. Success is about getting on with it. Now, for my next book…
Prim and proper. Beauty and elegance. Everything matches, including the ring,
With the unique lace version of a JEANNIE’S OWN Batic Cape Creation.
A new follower, Erryq; with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
Address: Amcorp Shopping Mall, Booth 1.10, 1st Floor, , 8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date: August 30th, August 31st & September 1st 2025, Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 8.00pm)
Celebrate the weekend, come on, There’s a party going on over at Amcorp Shopping Mall in Petaling Jaya; as there has always been every weekend. Theme: Flea Market. It is a party for all ages – there is always something for everyone. My wife, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted (have to make sure I type this correctly…otherwise havoc! Lucky I saw the spelling error, 😂) Writer ; will be there, manning a booth at our current usual spot (F1.08, First Floor).
One could be forgiven to think that our weeks seemed to have shortened to a mere Saturday, Sunday. Monday, Friday…and it’s back to Saturday. It seems that was as time keeps zooming past us at breakneck (not literally) speeds. I am a firm believer in living each moment in the present.
The speed of each moment is supposed to be way, way faster than each second; I believe that speed is relative. We can actually feel and live each moment as we do each day, month, year. Or it can be absolutely fleeting as we feel the days, months, year has been. You may think that it requires some skill to capture each moment. Maybe it does. We can start by looking at time in a different perspective. That rushing and jam-cramming schedules so that we can add more to our free time that we have managed to save, is not all that important. Just saying.
The Batik Influencer is showcasing a whole new range of her Batik Cape Creations under the JEANNIE’S OWN label. Like always, the number of pieces to be made available; is limited to several, only. You will have to come to our booth quickly to acquire one of these very limited in n umber one-of-a-kind JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape creations.
Should I or should I not? That is the question.
I am looking forward to meeting multiple x multiple numbers of my followers and owners of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. I learn so much (cannot quantify the amount) from all of them. Their insights go a long way for the book titles I am working on. I can’t fit all the insights and ideas into each book title, that’s for sure because the spectrum of ideas from end to end is so wide. However, just like each sunrise every morning where as time progresses in the day and the sun becomes brighter, and we filter the rays and light to choose what best suits us; I will do the same with the ideas for each book title.
Percy Reyes and I; the Hatted Writer, also known as The Writer Innovator – Alan Ian Atkinson 😁. Percy and my dad are first cousins. Does that make him my cousin brother, or my brother’s cousin? Or is it second or third cousin?
Amcorp Mall has loads and loads to offer from the safe to say, “most renown flea market in Malaysia” to the many stores and restaurants that surround the flea market. Come on over to be in the most happening Flea Market in Malaysia. If you have a prior appointment elsewhere, try to relocate the appointment to Amcorp Mall.
The Batik Influencer and I will be at F1.08, First floor; to greet you, to entertain and be entertained by all you wonderful people. Par-t-eee! (wrong spelling for “party”).
Regal! Trying out and acquiring this absolutely stunning JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation. The King & I. Etc. Etc. Etc.
Thomas Doherty, an ex- U.S. Vet – Navy, the proud owner of a copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
“Best wishes! Live life to the fullest!” -a personalised message in Thomas Doherty’s copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
She acquired it. Another happy person.
Address: Amcorp Shopping Mall, Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, , 8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date: August 16th – August 17th, 2025 Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
It was mid-afternoon or evening. I think it really depends on each individual, how they would describe that time of the day. It may seem fanciful or even “up-market”. Or maybe…the sun began to feel its tiredness of the day, and go down; thus, turning the stage over to the night, moon and stars. I had just picked my wife from work, and the usual question, “What shall we have for dinner?”
Apa mau makan? (1) Hmmnnn… Let’s see….
We were in Subang Jaya. One would think we are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and restaurants. And we are.
However, after a long day at the office (anywhere can be your office), most people look forward to unwinding and relaxing. Choosing a place can be winding and un-relaxing.
Another criteria was that the restaurant had to be air-conditioned. The sun’s rays has been pelting down on us relentlessly and our humidity-o-meter has the pointer needle shooting way past maximum. (Some drama, I know. A bit of drama to accentuate the situation).
The easiest, fastest and more convenient place for food, and with air-conditioning to go for was McD’s.
Meal order: Burgers are small (living a more healthy lifestyle?), drinks – half cup filled with ice (the coke was so satisfyingly cold) to quench are overly thirsty throats and a side order of corn-in-a-cup.
We got to USJ 10, Taipan, within a few minutes. After circling around looking for a slot to park a car, we were successful. In our second round; we got a spot right in front of New Nanking which was closed for the day.
When we got into McD’s, Taipan USJ 10, Jeannie headed for the big order screen, the type that you have to profusely scroll up and down, and, left and right, to make our orders. I got ourselves a table near the McCafe (coffee area?) section.
While waiting for Jeannie, I watched this bubbly-spirited waiter greet each and every customer, thank them for coming by; even when most of the customers did not return his greetings or kindness. Here, I think the customers themselves, are not used to be treated with kindness, with respect, with pleasantness, so much so that they don’t expect to get it from anyone. And if they did get it, they won’t know how to respond.
Here I am with Hazeem, the cheerful and very pleasant McCafe Ambassador / waiter.
Today, Hazeem, added a bit of a spark in Jeannie’s and my life, and to all those other customers who had the opportunity of receiving his greetings, great customer service and kindness.
Jeannie, my wife, the Batik Influencer and I; just after our fairly light dinner at McD’s.
McD’s has a feather in its cap by having Hazeem as a member of their staff. We need more people like Hazeem to brighten the day of people who are usually carrying with them the day’s heavy-burden.
It was nice meeting you, Hazeem. See you again soon.
Hazeem, behind the McCafe counter; on duty.
\NOTES: 1. Apa mau makan? is Bahasa Malaysia for “What would you like to eat?”
I find it mind-boggling to think that nearly everyone on Planet Earth goes through the motion of each day doing just that – going through the motion. This is a guesstimate (Is there such a word? I wonder…)(1). Each day goes by and not much attention is paid to it.
I tend to be mind-boggled in the moment ahead…, let alone each second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year. How do we deal with the moment ahead…which is the future?
I am excited as I physically feel each moment come at me, gushing, rushing past… I have to somehow get hold, grab it and hang on to it….presenting views, ideas, plans as to how I am going to use that moment. “Time waits for no man”. I can imagine the speed that each moment is “valued” at… definitely way faster than each second.
It was just after five in the evening. I had just picked up my wife Jeannie, from work and was heading home. I asked the zillion dollar question, “What are we doing for dinner?” Jeannie said she had a late lunch and left the decision up to me. I said, “Let’s go to Star Bhavan”, our usual place for meals. Good food, convenient, relatively easy to find a car parking space.
Then, it hit me. “Today is Tuesday. It is also Coney Dog day at A&W. This is from what I remember, as I had not eaten their Coney Dogs (hotdogs) on Tuesdays in years. They used to have special offers on Tuesdays for their Coney Dogs. “Let’s go there for dinner”, I suggested to Jeannie. She okay-ed the idea.
We made a slight detour from our usual route and headed for the A&W restaurant in SS15. We were in Subang Jaya. (2) Parking was surprisingly easy today. Parking is a deciding factor for almost anywhere we want to go.
Jeannie placing our orders.
We walked in to an empty restaurant, with all but two ladies in front of us; making their orders. Maybe it was because it was just after 5. There aren’t many like us who will have dinner this early. Our order was simple: 2 Coney Dogs and a large root beer. Jeannie ordered the chicken variant, I went for the standard beef.
Our orders: Chicken Coney Dog, Beef Coney Dog and the root beer. The thing that was missing from the root beer was its thick froth.
Guys n gals, you’ve got to believe this. A&W brought back the original size of their Coney Dogs. One bite into it and all memories of this great hot dog came back. IT WAS BACK! AS HOW CONEY DOGS USED TO BE. The original size sausage, the taste, the minced beef toppings with generous onion (garnish). Simply superb. I took a bite (more than a bite, actually) of the chicken variant. Just as good though my preference is still beef – the original from as long as I can remember.
Enjoying everything A&W. Back to it’s original. Simply amazing.
The root beer was good, too. Though I think the glass needed to be chilled to freezing cold temperature. All the same, the drink was great.
Another view of the super delicious coney dogs.
This restaurant here in SS15, is really, really nice – decor, ambience, cleanliness. I believe, (Jeannie included), that A&W has got everything right.
Next time…Chocolate Sundae…Will it be the same as when I used to have them at the A&W drive-in back in 1967?
NOTES: 1. Guesstimate: It is defined as an estimate made without using adequate or complete information, or, more strongly, as an estimate arrived at by guesswork or conjecture. wikipedia. There you have it. More or less what I expected it to mean. However, if you are lost as to the meaning of the word, not to worry.😁
2. Subang Jaya is a bustling city, with every amenity and more, for peoples of all ages, cultures and religious practices in the central state of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia.
It all started when I read somewhere (where? The memory escapes me now) that there is a place south of the state of Johore in Malaysia that is the southern most tip of Asia.
You’d probably think it to be Singapore, further than that is one of the islands in Indonesia…. To some in the western world, they have heard of Indonesia because of its holiday island of Bali; they’ve heard of Thailand because of Bangkok, possibly through multiple songs composed about the life there; they’ve heard of Singapore because only rich people live there possibly because of its near prohibitive property prices…you know where this is leading to…Malaysia? Where is that?
Now, with it’s second tallest building in the world – Merdeka 118, and it’s iconic (yes, iconic, and beautiful, too) Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia is noticed. The Petronas Twin Towers officially held the record as the tallest building in the world. Now, several, new, taller buildings have come to the forefront.
Coming back to the topic of the tip… I was intrigued by the fact that the southern most tip of Eurasia is in Pontian, a district of Johore. I thought to myself, how nice it would be to visit this “tip”. Thinking… thinking… the thought drifted and was gone. That was it.
Recently, my wife Jeannie (who is the Batik Influencer), and my cousin Dato Ronald Gomes’ wife, Datin Debbie Gomes; and my cousin Christopher Nalliah’s wife, Evelina Nalliah; got together and were making plans for a holiday in Vietnam. It was a ladies only trip. The plan was firming up…until the earthquake in Myammar and the surrounding countries.
They still continued with the trip plan until another earthquake hit again. They decided to put their plans on hold. However, (not as a consolation), our plans on a weekend trip to Malacca, which is coming up real soon; is on. Keep a lookout for the news and articles / essays to come about Malacca, where the Portuguese, Dutch, English and everyone else wanted a piece of this state. There are canons and forts, hundreds of years old, as proof.
Spur of the moment.. more exciting.
Old charm of Yong Peng?
Jeannie said that she still needed a holiday… that we should go somewhere soon. Out of nowhere I said, “let’s go to the southern most tip of mainland Asia. It is located in Johore”. Jeannie immediately agreed and set out to chart our holiday. I suggested we go for a couple of days, and got our daughter, Laura to book our hotel online. All this took place less than a week from the start of our holiday.
Wall clocks… with different time zones?
The day came. We started our journey on time. We planned to have a leisurely drive along the almost 5 hour trip. The last time we took a leisurely trip down south, heading to Singapore, to watch and support Laura as she represented Selangor and compete in The Singapore National Swim Championships Open, we together with a couple of parents; made about 10 stops along the way to indulge in the amazing food the south had to offer. The trip down took us over 10 hours. We did the same thing on our return, but to different makan places. This was back in 2018. By no means did we exhaust the list of eating places because in Malaysia, we are simply spoilt for choice.
Jeannie and I are more conscious of how much of food we consume nowadays. Hence, we only made one stop this time. We decided that we wanted to stop at Maxims in Yong Peng because this was one of the places we stopped at when we were on our food extravaganza to and from Singapore. Why we stopped by here in 2018 was because Maxims had good reviews about its food.
I like the wooden table top. Nice grain. Nice colour. I think this is normal wood, not the expensive kind.
It must be quite a chore or a love for these kind of clocks to have to wind them up; each and every one of them, each day, every day. There are more clocks on the opposite wall and a grandfather clock standing in the middle of the room.
We ordered some kuih. Jeannie ordered a hot coffee, and I had a Kopi Ais Kosong (Iced Coffee with no clothes on [Black – no sugar, no milk]).
SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT : My recently published book, now in Maxims Snack Shoppe, Yong Peng Johore. This is our second visit to this establishment, our first being around 7 or 8 years ago.
I am not too sure why it is named a snack shoppe. I guess because of all the takeaway biscuits, cookies and cakes it has to offer, However, this time round, it did not seem to have too wide a variety, Perhaps, it was a Monday morning, with less people coming in when compared to the weekends or holidays.
It was not as how we had expected it to be – crowded, with customers flowing in and no tables free. It did have people coming in, but most tables were empty. It was Monday morning. People were working. Perhaps, some people have still not gotten used to the idea of the weekend switch, where Johore has switched to Saturday & Sunday being its weekend from the previous Friday & Saturday.
We soon were back in our vehicle, to continue our destination, to say “seen this, done that”. 😁
This is sort of a sago thing. Jeannie knows the actual names of all the kuih here. I just go by the looks, colour, smell and taste.
The ondeh-ondeh (green in colour), wrapped with coconut, was fabulous. Gula Melaka, strong – the perfect blend. Loved it.
Old charm with modern technology: Payment method and QR code.
NOTES: 1. Johore is one of the largest states in Malaysia. It has a thriving economy.
Another angle. The author and his newly published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Notice how the sparks of joy are the “jewels” of life.
I had written in my recent article, “Seize The Moment With Batik and Sparks Of Joy” (1) how fast each week goes by, that I am more convinced that the weeks have been shortened to just Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Now, it looks like the weekends are getting shorter too, may be shaving off some seconds here, and minutes there. Just as fast it comes, it seems to go faster.
It is for that reason why I talk about “moments” (2). To me, I believe a moment is way faster than 1 second. I also believe that we should not take time for granted, that we have to use it wisely. I will save the topic of “Moment” for another essay.
Yes, the one and the same.
Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted Writer; had another good weekend at Amcorp Mall. The Batik Influencer had multiple pieces of her Batik Cape Creations under her label, JEANNIE’S OWN; “acquired” by existing and new friends. The Batik Influencer was in her element as usual.
I see…Interesting; listening attentively. Batik. Dynamic!
I, too; had my fair share of meeting with existing (notice how I didn’t use the word, “old”. It could end up in the same sensitive vein as “hotdog”😂) and new friends, readers of http://www.leatherpotato.com and owners of their SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT copies.
David Fernandez texted me a couple of times earlier in the week, making plans to meet at Amcorp Mall for coffee. He was the first one to get his personalised copy of my book. He knew I could not leave my “work station” for long to grab an enjoyable time for coffee, so he included an extra amount for a great cup of coffee. Thanks for the coffee, David. Looking forward to meeting with you over a real mugga (for coffee as in “cuppa” for tea).
David Fernandez and the author, me; Alan Ian Atkinson.
The Batik Influencer is always spritely when talking about her Batik Cape Creations to just about everybody. The patterns, the colours, the whys, whos, hows and the list goes on.
It was a slightly quieter weekend due to the long holiday. People would travel outstation, while people from outstation would come over. It was fun, all the same.
We, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted Writer, will be at Amcorp Mall to meet all you wonderful people. There were many who contacted us, saying they want to meet with us. We will be in the same place this weekend, at F1.08; 1st Floor. The Batik Influencer has some great new pieces on offer, especially with new muted colour designs. Very, very limited number of pieces. Come early to ensure you get your very own JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.
I will be at hand, to personalise your acquired copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
We are expecting this weekend to be another amazing weekend.
The poster. The Book.
The author. The book. The poster.
David Fernandez and his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
The Batik Influencer, Jeannie; explaining the vibrancy of batik.
One (and more for the camera) – to get their daughters to choose, by video call.
I like this. The Batik Influencer showing the finer ways of getting more from the style and beauty of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.
“This is definitely me”, she seemed to be saying.
The Hatted Writer
Nice Tee, Davis. Davis with his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
Sivakumar, his son and the author.
Sivakumar, displaying his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
She’s back, as she said she would come back. 😊
Listening attentively and sharing / exchanging views and ideas about batik, with the Batik Influencer.Josh, grandson of George; with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
“There is so much to know about batik”, said the Batik Influencer. “It is always exciting.”
Every edition is a “Special Edition” of the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.
Address: Amcorp Shopping Mall, Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, , 8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date: April 5th – April 6th, 2025 Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
NOTES: 1. https://leatherpotato.com/2025/03/29/seize-the-moment-with-batik-and-sparks-of-joy/ 2. Historically, a “moment” (as a unit of time) was roughly equivalent to 90 seconds, while a second is, of course, a second. Therefore, a moment was significantly longer than a second. However, the phrase “a moment” is often used in a more general, a slang, if it may; subjective way to mean a very short period of time, which can be shorter than a second.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown: Example: If someone says “I’ll be there in a moment,” it doesn’t necessarily mean 90 seconds, but rather a very short amount of time, potentially just seconds, or even less. Historical “Moment”: In medieval timekeeping, a “moment” (or momentum) was a unit of time, with 40 moments in a solar hour, which was a twelfth of the period between sunrise and sunset. On average, this equated to about 90 seconds. Modern “Moment”: While the term “moment” still exists in the context of time, it’s now more commonly used to refer to a very short period of time, often shorter than a minute, and potentially shorter than a second. Subjective Perception of Time: Our perception of time can be subjective and influenced by factors like boredom or excitement, making “a moment” feel longer or shorter depending on the situation.
