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

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)

IT’S AN AWESOME WORLD

YOU ARE THE CEO OF YOUR LIFE.
IT TAKES ONLY ONE TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
ALONE… IT CAN BE DONE.

WOULDN’T THE WORLD BE A BETTER PLACE IF YOU GET PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU…TO CHANGE THE WORLD?

~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller

Kim Fitzgerald

THE FIRST WEEKEND WITH THE BATIK INFLUENCER AND THE HATTED WRITER

The first Saturday and Sunday, which is the first weekend of the year, 2025. Into the 4th day of the year, with 361 days to the end of the year; just in case you are counting.😂

The first three days has put us through the paces with challenges (for the want of a better word) which we didn’t see coming, and those that we knew were on the horizon but kept putting them off “to a later date”.

Feelings or how we feel or react comes into play. Are we in control of them or they in control of us. It all boils down to the choices we make. Without a doubt, it has been an exciting three day start.

Jeannie, the Batik Influencer (who happens to be my wife, too); and I, the Hatted Writer (Alan); are in Amcorp Shopping Mall today and tomorrow. We believe that every new moment (and day), offers us opportunities to live life to the fullest, which we are doing and will continue to do.

Intrinsic designs and colours. JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

We are so looking forward to seeing and meeting with all of you over these next couple of days. Share your experiences with how the start of the new year has been for you. Some of you may have extended your leave by taking January 1st and 2nd off; and would only be “starting” your new year per se on Monday. How nice. We are looking forward to having loads of stories, especially new ones to share.

The Batik Influencer has some of her new batik Cape Creations under her label, “JEANNIE’S OWN”, that she will be showcasing. These are an array of amazing designs and colours. Bright red, different shades of gold, light blue or a sort of turquoise (yay! I got that spelling correct). The patterns and designs – are works of art. One just gaze at them and be lost in the wonders of these beautiful designs. Come and get yours quickly.

My book, which had a bit of a delay, promises to be out real soon. It just went through its edit, with a few additional adjustments and then it would be good to go. Teaser: First word of it’s title: “SPARKS”. I am superly excited about it. It has elements in it that stretches the English language. I wish I could tell you more… Maybe, I can… it is a real book…for all ages. You can mark the chapters that you like best, you can put all sorts of markings it it, and you can share it with anyone.

Come over to our booth at F2.15 which is located on the second floor. We have many things of interest, including a whole range of James Bond cars and Ferraris, too. There is even an Alfa Romeo Tonale. Many are collectibles.

We will at our booth from 10.00am onwards. Let’s make some noise…Lot’s of noise😉😂😂😂

Something for everyone.

Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 2.15, 2ndFloor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: January 4th & 5th:
Time: , 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

AT WEEKEND’S CORNER

Brr-urr-r-urr-rrr! Not sure if it’s spelt correctly. It is meant to indicate that the weather has been quite chilly today. For a short while (yes, just a teeny weeny time 😉), I thought it was just me. My resistance to cold and extreme cold weather is wearing off. The excuse…er.. reason would be , is because I am getting older?

I am not the only one feeling the colder – than – it – ought – to – be weather. Jeannie felt that the weather was a bit more chilly than usual. It rained quite heavily in the afternoon. It has been raining heavily about an hour on the average over the last few days. The weather, when the sun is up, was humid hot, but not blazing hot.

I was back home at about half after eight this morning; after dropping Jeannie at work. Traffic was alright, not too much of a concern.

Then, I took time to check and reply emails and social media. I am trying to make it a habit to bring myself up to speed on all the platforms I am on. I try to limit 1 hour first thing in the morning, half hour during lunchbreak (Lunchbreak? What is that?), and about 15 minutes before 5.00pm. In that way, I don’t get consumed with the ever lively social media platforms. I definitely cannot cover all the platforms within the said time. However, I do work towards clearing all of them before the day is up.

My next calendar event for the day was my 10 kilometer daily walk. By the time, I got ready and started my walk, it was after 10.00am, earlier than usual. The sky was a mix of morning sun and light clouds. The clouds did provide some shade. It was a pretty good walk session. I completed a 10.33km walk in a time of 1:59.01, averaging a speed of 5.2km/hr. I liked the above average speed that I clocked in.

Speed
Overall info
VO₂
bpm

The above shows my health tracking on my Samsung watch. I am diligent at keeping pace with my health tracking. I am working at hitting at least the normal targets. I still have a long way to go.

Showered. Then got down to writing. One major thing that I learned fairly recently about writing: I have to write, everyday; for at least an hour. Whether I have an idea or not, about what I am to write about, just write. The whole process is to make it a rule or habit. There are no if(s), but(s) or maybe(s); just write. And, that is what I do. Writing for more than an hour, or at any additional time of the day is a bonus.

Before I knew it, was time to make my way to Laura’s (my daughter) office to pick her up. Being Friday, they knock off from work at 4.45pm. Traffic was good all the way. Then, we had Jeannie (my wife) picked up from her office. Laura and Jeannie had some grocery shopping to do. We stopped at KK Mart, a popular neighbourhood grocer in SS12, Subang Jaya (1); to get the groceries Jeannie and Laura wanted.

Then, Laura went to meet with Praga. Jeannie and I were in our usual predicament, “What to eat?” I suggested that we have our dinner at the T23 “chap fan”(2) restaurant in Taipan USJ as I wanted to pick something up from the pharmacy next to it.

When we got near the restaurant, traffic was a lot more civilized than usual – not much of a traffic jam. We managed to get a parking slot just before the restaurant. Well, maybe about a hundred meters (U.S. spelling of “metres”. They spell it as it sounds. Makes sense.) away.

We got in line. “Tak mau nasi” (Don’t want rice), and the server handed me an empty plate. I started choosing the food I liked from a wide selection of dishes. The choice of dishes today seemed like 10% – 15% less, as there was a few empty spaces for the food trays.

My meal: Left to Right at 12 o’clock: sliced potatoes in brown gravy sauce, a slice of luncheon meat (spam), egg omelet and steamed egg (white in colour) with mince meat. Somewhere underneath all that is curry-ed potato. And underneath all that is the sweet chilli sauce.

My today’s selection first started with a sweet chilli sauce because it was amongst the first dishes. The chilli sauce was meant to go for another dish; a chicken dish, I think. I got a few pieces of potato from the chicken curry dish, steamed egg with mince meat, a slice of luncheon meat (spam), potatoes in a brown gravy sauce and fried egg omelet.

The potatoes in a brown gravy sauce is a must try. Not spicy. When dipped in the sweet chilli sauce for an added, different flavour; ooo-la-la! The steamed egg with mince meat is a Chinese dish, I think. Unusual, it tastes pretty good.

The finale of my meal was the curry-ed (or is it curri-ed?) potatoes because it was under the pile of food.

Jeannie’s meal was more of a set bet for those who are not adventurously daring for spicy food. Not that Jeannie does not eat spicy food. Her meal was more vegetables and rice with a black hard boiled egg made in a dark brown sauce. The hard boiled egg prepared in this way is very popular with the Chinese.

We found a couple of seats at one of the long tables. The meal was enjoyable. Either we are taking more dishes than the normal amount (which I don’t know how much the normal amount is), or the meal is getting more expensive. The meal is still reasonable but not cheap. Free hot soup and hot or cold water is available. Any amount.

We headed to the pharmacy a couple of doors (not blocks, as the shops here are in a terraced row) and got the item that I needed. We got home a short while later.

It was more eagerly to get home so as to pack for our short holiday tomorrow. Golden sands, blue, green, murky seas, sun (hopefully not too hot). Clothes, food, cables to keep my gadgets going when their batteries run low… Did I mention clothes and food? Jeannie likes to over-pack. Laura is joining us, too; on this central, south western state of Negri Sembilan’s city of Port Dickson and its beaches.

Happy Weekend!

NOTE:
1. Subang Jaya is a thriving city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
2. Chap fan which is pronounced as “chup fun”, means economy rice in English.

ON A FRIDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME

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.

THE GREEN HAT

The bean vadai and the doughnut (“donut” when spelt the American way) vadai (1) was great as a quick brekkie.

It was about 8.30am in the morning. Didn’t know what it was like outdoors but figured the weather was sunny as the house looked brightly illuminated by the sun.

We, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I were set to make our way down (or is it up?) to Amcorp Shopping Mall In P.J. (2) One of the reasons I was eager to get to Amcorp Mall was because I had made arrangements to meet with Mahmud, the hat seller. I met with him last evening and saw a couple of hats that I liked. He told me that he had an orange fedora hat, whether I would like to have a look at it first before I made a purchase. I love colours. An orange fedora? (1) – that would be something. I held my purchase back to today.

I tried the orange fedora on. It was a nice fit, with a wide brim. The bright orange was a clean and “happy” orange. It was nice. The only thing was the hat was rigid, firm. It was not as flexible as the two green hats or the hats that I already own. It would be mean more care in maintaining it. I can be quite rough at times, carrying as many things in both hands as possible so not having to make more trips. I need my hats to work for me. I like the soft hats where I can roll up, and tuck under my arm or in my bag.

My decision was now left to the two green fedora hats. Both hats were made of wool, which is natural for fedoras😉. The olive-green model had a thicker brim, the brim was not as wide as the other one. It had a custom made dark brown, thin leather band with a black and white feather, and a tinge of an orange feather jutting out from it. It looked absolutely cool.

Exceptionally elegant. Mahmud personally custom made this hat with a dark brown leather band, and a black & white feather with an “orange lead end”.

It did not take me too long to decide, really. Naturally, I consulted with my two world renowned fashion consultants, Jeannie and our daughter, Laura. Both of them chose the olive-green over the jungle-green wider brim fedora. I, too; decided on the olive-green model.

In the meantime, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie; was promoting the colours of batik and all its designs in its glory with her “JEANNIE’S OWN” label Batik Cape Creations.

Got chance to be a famous, glamourous movie star?

The many profile angles of me modelling this fedora olive-green mid-size brim, with leather band trim and a black & white feather with an orange accent that made the difference.

The jungle green wide brim fedora, had its attractive pull, too. However, it did not quite thrill me as its competitor did. I loved this hat, too. But only one had to be chosen.

I wonder if my new fedora hat is going to lead me to Indiana Jones type of adventures. The keys on the computer keyboards are being tapped / hit on at a furious pace…We will just have to wait and see.

NOTES
1. Vada, vadai, wada, bara, or bora is a category of savoury fried snacks native to India. In Malaysia, it is more commonly known as vadai (pronounced with the “i” ending [sort of third syllable] and dragging as thought there is an additional “i” or more like “vadai-ii”.
The actual name of the bean or dhal vadai is “Masala vadai”. It is also known as Chana dhal vadai or parappu (dhal) vadai. It is made of chana dhal, spices, onions and herbs.
The “doughnut” type vadai is a South Indian savoury snack made from soaked or fermented pulses moulded into balls or a doughnut shape and then deep fried. The resulting snack is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
2. Petaling Jaya or P.J. (as it is fondly referred to by many Malaysians and those staying around these parts.)
3. What Is a Fedora? (And How Is It Different From a Panama Hat?)The fedora looks precisely like the Panama hat when viewed at a passing glance. Both hats feature similarly proportioned crowns, bonds, brims, and tapers. The main difference between them is the material: a true fedora is almost always made of felt, usually wool. The fedora also has pinched sides and a lengthwise crease down the crown, creating its classic look. They can come in a variety of colors, with the band around the base often matching the color of the felt. Since they’re made from sheep’s wool, fedoras are a very eco-friendly fashion accessory to own.

Panama hats are made of straw.

THE PERSONA

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

BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY AT F1.16

Sunday morning, 10.27am (I think).

That was the time we sauntered (1) in. We carried the two biggest bags out of our car. Looking at us, one would think that we were running away from home; or was it “ran away from home” since we had already done it; i.e. the action was already put into motion.

Just before arriving here, we stopped by at New Apollos restaurant near our house; to get my “fix”. Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, also known to be known as my wife; brought along our Goji and Rain 532ml Hydraflasks. For those wanting to go out and get themselves a Hydraflask Goji or Rain 532ml flask; it may be a bit difficult as it does not show up on their website. “Goji” and “Rain” are Hydraflask’s version of Red (Goji) and Grey (Rain). I know, I know, my thoughts exactly! Why can’t they just call a red a red and a grey a grey.

We hand over our Hydraflasks to the drinks guy who promptly fills these containers with Nescafe Ice Kaw Kaw, including adding several ice cubes to make sure the drinks stay chilled throughout the day. The Hydraflasks do an outstanding job in keeping my Nescafe ice Kaw Kaw super ice cold, right up till the evening, when we pack to head home.

So, we lugged, tugged, dragged (not really) our two biggest bags from our car to the booth, first. We laid out all the main things like the batik, Hotwheels cars, watches, and some tech stuff. We made a couple more trips back to our car, which was 3 levels below us, in the carpark.

It did not take us very long to set the booth up the way we wanted. People were in a “Relak lah, brudder” (2) “Sunday mood”, which was good. A change from the usual “hard at work week”, for most of us, at least.

Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy New Year) – the Chinese New Year decorations are still up.

While I watched people go by, I recognised a gentleman walking by in his Sunday’s best at relaxing. “Mervin”, I called out. The gentleman turned round, “Hey! Alan”. With him, was a young lady who was heavily tattooed. She also happened to be the younger of his two daughters. Mervin, his siblings and parents, their cousins, uncles and aunties, have been close friends of the Atkinsons of Klang; going back over 50 years. It was good catching up on things since we last met, here, at Amcorp Shopping Mall; a few months ago, when he passed our booth.

Mervyn Gomes, with the unhatted (at the time of this picture) Hatted Writer.

I came to the mall today, unhatted. (3) I already had my sights for the “tweed” and was waiting for the right moment to visit Mahmud.

Mahmud was a floor above us, on the west side. I put the flat cap (also knowns as the “newboy” cap) on, and it was perfect. Mahmud said it matched the sling bag I had today.

Mahmud, the hats and specs guy with me, the Hatted Writer.

Me, the Hatted Writer; sporting the tweed Newsboy flat cap. I love it.

One could be forgiven if he or she for a moment thought this was Sir Elton John or John Lennon with me. I wonder why? Must be his smile, no? Mahmud, with me, the Hatted Writer; at his booth on the second floor.

Another satisfied customer. The red was super, awesomely striking; making the gold flower designs rich.

Throughout the day, there were people coming by, purchasing many of the Hotwheels vehicles that were on display, A guy bought my Thronmax full professional mike set. I used it only once thinking I was going into podcasting. However, I realised that I was not ready for podcasts now. The planning, script writing, perfect environment, editing – this was not my thing. At least for now. I may pick it up again sometime in the near future. Another person also bought my Cross fountain pen, which I first purchased 40 years ago. That guy is going to get many years of good writing experience from it.

Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, and I, (yes, ’tis I) Alan, the Hatted Writer; at our booth F1.16.

I was also the D.J. for the afternoon; playing a wide variety of English and Malay songs. I played Liyana Fizi’s “Nona Nona Zaman Sekarang”, “Stay”, “Jatuh”; CCR, Michael Buble, Meghan Trainor, Ushera, Sheila Majid with her hit, “Sinaran”; just to name a few. I saw lots of people moving to the rhythm of the songs,. enjoying what they heard. Probably a good 3 hours of music. I think the speaker must have popped as there is a bit of a rattling sound when the volume is turned up.

And another happy customer – this couple purchased the last batik cape under the label of “Jeannie’s Own” that Jeannie had with her for the day.

A Singaporean couple came by just as were about to pack up for the day. They purchased the last of “Jeannie’s Own” batik capes that the Batik Influencer had for the day.

The “CARS” display, keychain, and the diecast cars of Mater and Flo, were also sold just before we closed. Everything CARS is sold.

By the time, we got everything packed in the car (we did not saunter. We moved at a much faster pace as we wanted to get home), it was past 6.00pm.. It had been quite a long day.

I, during the day, through observations as it (the day) went passed; have got several more ideas for my book. Right now, it seems disjointed. I need to thread the ideas together. While it looks like a trillion (4) piece jigsaw puzzle at the moment, the excitement is building up working at putting these pieces together.

NOTES:
1. “Sauntered” means to walk in a slow, relaxed manner.
2. “Relax lah, brudder” (spelt according to how it sounds) means take it easy. It is very common to hear this in everyday life in Malaysia.
Though the little speck down south of the peninsula claims (like every other thing that becomes catchy and famous); that this popular phrase originated from them; there are doubts to this claim.
3. “Unhatted” means not wearing a hat.
4. Trillion a million million (1,000,000,000,000 or 1012).