TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY WITH THE BOOK WRITER AND THE BATIK INFLUENCER

December 12, 2025April 14, 2026 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

🎵It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas🎄, everywhere we go🎶… and you know how the rest of the song goes. Join in the festivities.

Jeannie (The Batik Influencer) and I (also known by many as the Hatted Writer), together with my cousin and friends; have been on a tour of sorts, or pilgrimage if you may; of some of the major shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur (1) or Kay El (K.L.) and Petaling Jaya or Pee Jay; checking our the level of christmassness each of them had to offer. It was more of the company and building the drama towards the big day and then, being filled with the reason of Christmas.

Though we have not planned, nor it is our intention to cover each and every of the many (there are multiple x many in Subang Jaya, Kay El and Pee Jay) shopping centres or malls, I dare say we have visited quite a few over the last few days.

Our first “official Christmas visit” was Sunway Pyramid, obviously due to it being amongst the closest of all the malls to our house.

Our next was to Bangsar New Village, then Bangsar Shopping Centre, TRX, Pavillion, KLCC and Nu Sentral.

At KLCC, I decided to visit one of Malaysia’s most well known and premier bookstores – Kinokuniya. My book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT is available at their store. You can get your copy of the book at Kinokuniya.

Or, you can get it directly from me, whichever best suits your convenience.

I will be at Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya or Pee Jay P.J.), together with the Batik Influencer, my wife, Jeannie; tomorrow (Saturday – December 13th) and Sunday, December 14th. I will be very happy to specially personalise your copy of the book. I am looking forward to meeting all of you.

The Batik Influencer has a whole new range of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation with her this weekend. They are, very, very limited number of pieces. Come on over as early as possible to get one, two or more of JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.

Christmas is just a wee number of days away. So, if you want to bring your guitars, violins, keyboards, trumpets, tubas, triangles to play and sing Christmas carols, the Batik Influencer and I will definitely join in the fun. Tis the season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la🎵🎶

It is also getting to be the time when we have to prepare our goals, directions, dreams and aspirations, if we have not done so already (for some of us). I, for one; am grateful for each moment that has not presented itself yet, for the “now” moment and for the one that has just left. I had a traumatic (can I say that?) experienced which began about 48 hours ago and lasted for about a day, until the clearance that all was ok was confirmed. This experience is for another essay, maybe soon.

Now, let the weekend began. Oh, it has already.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: December 13th – December 14th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm(can be extended to 7.00pm)

WEEKEND TO WEEKEND

September 27, 2025September 27, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Where have all the days, the work days, that is; in the week gone? Before you realise that you are on one of the weekdays – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; they vanish right beneath your feet. Time is moving so fast that warp speed seem unnervingly slow. It is quite unfortunate that many of us are moving from weekend to weekend, without actually living the workdays in each week.

Life is short, very short. Each moment that comes from the future, becoming the present, and soon vanishes into the past is gone – twee twee tak balik (1), unretrievable, can’t rewind… So, we should count each moment every day and make them count. There are gonna be great days and there are gonna be days that could have been better. Each day is definitely a plus.

I heard a preacher once say that we cannot control the beginning and the end of our lives, which are givens. What we can control is between those two givens. The length of time between those givens are different for each of us. It is like as though we are presented with a blank canvas for us to paint the best picture of how we are going to make our lives to be.

For me, I wish the weeks were elastic so that I could stretch them. I have so many things to do, writing being one of the main items on my list. I have a growing backlog of essays that I would like to write on subjects, that would be interesting and fun to explore and put pen to paper…in this case keyboard tapping to words on the screen.

*Showing that the JEANNIE;S OWN Batik Cape Creation is a fashion symbol for any occasion, anytime.*

This weekend, which has begun just over 4 hours ago (the time is 4.10am at this point of keyboard thumping) this Saturday morning; the Batik Influencer, Jeannie (my wife) and I, Alan, the Hatted Writer; will be at our usual place at F1.08 on the first Floor of Amcorp Mall. The Batik Influencer has got a new range of her very famous JEANNIE’S OWN label Batik Cape Creations that she will be showcasing. Very limited in numbers; come quickly to acquire one of each design pieces. She represents the Malaysian in each of her pieces.

*Dr. Michael with his copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT, and I.*

Last weekend; I had the pleasure of meeting my school (La Salle Primary & Secondary School, Klang) classmate, Dr. Michael Lee Pillai who came by with his wife, daughter and her husband. Dr. Michael and I have known each other since we were 10 years old. I remember having had to go to his house twice a week for Bahasa Malaysia tuition when we were in Standard Five (1969’s version of today’s Year 5).

It was a nice surprise meeting him and his family. We don’t meet as often as we would like to. A major event in the works, coming up is our 50th anniversary reunion. It would good to meet with the other schoolmates of 1975 graduation.

Dr. Michael got a copy of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT, with me personalizing it for him.

I am expecting to meet a gentleman this weekend who had a serious issue in writing an article. He was inspired by my book, and my story behind writing and publishing it. Several months had gone by but he couldn’t stitch an article together. I helped him by providing him a solution. And that was it. He was sure to have this important article that he was to write, done, and present to an important group of people. He is coming back to see me and tell me how he fared with finally being able to assemble enough words together to create a highly credible article for his presentation.

The Batik Influencer and I, the Hatted Writer; have had the wonderful opportunity of meeting multiple number of people that visit us at our booth each weekend. These people are mainly Malaysians. We have also met many people of different nationalities from China, U.S,A., the U.K., Japan (Akato is coming to visit us again this weekend), Brunei, Australia, Singapore, India, Mauritius, Maldives, Italy, and many more. We welcome everyone to come visit us. That includes you, our friends. Looking forward to meeting with all of you.

NOTES:
1. Twee twee tak balik is a famous Malaysian play slang in the Bahasa Malaysia language; which means not “twee twee” coming back.
“Chup” is another word which means the same thing “or cannot take back.

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: September 27th – September 28th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

MERDEKA – A NEW NATION AT 68

August 29, 2025August 30, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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…

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.*

*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)

CHEF WAN SEIZES THE MOMENT

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Our dear friend (my wife, Jeannie’s and mine) of many years, Chef Wan; has got a copy of the recently published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT for himself.. If anyone knows what a spark is, it is none other than Chef Wan himself.

Chef Wan is everything entertaining. When he gives of himself in whatever he does and commits to; you are guaranteed that you are going to gain way more than 100% from him.

I just realised that he put my book up on his Instagram feed. Interest in the book and readers getting a copy for themselves, has been growing. Will keep you posted with further positive developments, especially from readers and book-buyers, soon.

SHOCK EVERYONE. I DID.

June 2, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

DON’T BASE YOUR DECISIONS ON THE ADVICE OF THOSE TELLING YOU “NOT TO”. THEY DON’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE RESULTS.

YOU MISS 100% OF THE SHOTS YOU NEVER TAKE.

JUST DO IT!
MAKE IT HAPPEN.
I DID.

SHOCK EVERYONE!

MORE IMPORTANTLY, DO IT FOR YOU.

~ ALAN IAN ATKINSON
Writer, Author, Storyteller

THE LAUNCH – WAS I READY?

May 8, 2025May 9, 2025 / 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.

JUDITH, MY TUDOR FRIEND AND NEIGHBOUR

April 6, 2025April 6, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Tudor is England, a little enclave in Subang Jaya. It is a little (yes, little; as it is made up of just over 190 houses) in this private section of Subang Jaya. For those of you who have immediately pulled out the map of Subang Jaya, and / or England trying to verify and find the “England” (not English😉😁- you will know by the way they speak. “Like that one oso got mah / meh / lah!) of Subang Jaya; or if Subang Jaya is in England; first of all you are a bit (maybe a lot more) out of date. Today, nobody makes use of maps. It is A.I., ChatGTB (or is it ChatTBC or ChatGBT), CoPilot or Google. No need smart one, oso can. The Queen’s (now the King’s, though not as popular) English has been run over by the English of people in the street, Malaysia. Haha.

Judith and her husband, Rueben; are our good friends from our Tudor neighbourhood. They live a street (though “road” is more commonly used in these parts) away, about 3 minutes walk away from us. Judith and I have found a sort of new common interest, even Rueben is into it – tattoos.

Some years ago, when my daughter, Laura was in early teenage years, she said she was going to get a tattoo one day. So, as a means to deter her or even delay the idea from her getting one; I said, “If you get a tattoo, so will I”. There I said it, with a hint that it might be one that is the same as what she gets. I was quite sure (not very sure, mind you) that it was sure to put her off the idea of tattoos, or put it on the backburner for a long time to come.

Guess what? “Long time” was so long that it snuck right up on me without me even realising it. Fast forward to October 2023: Out of the blue, Laura said, “Dad, I am getting a tattoo this Saturday”. Remember, I am not one of those normal parents who might have retorted, “Over my dead body, young lady!”. I said, “o.k.. Remember the deal I made with you? If you get a tattoo, so will I. Well, so will I”. There, I said it. That otta (supposed to be, “ought to) give her second thoughts.

My advice to parents who want to play the “I dare you” game”: it ain’t gonna work. Laura said, “Ok”. Now, I was stuck in a bind. I didn’t want to get a tattoo, but I had to. 😂🤣🥲😥😓😭😰

It started with my first tattoo:

Before the guy even started microscopically hammer-drilling the tattoo in, I asked, “Is it over?”. The rest as they (Who are “they?”) say, is history.

Judith and Rueben both have pretty unique, bold tattoos. Impressive, especially Judith’s latest.

From my first tattoo in October 2023, to the latest – my 7th. While Judith and I were discussing through text just after I showed her via WhatsApp, my 6th tattoo; she said she would also like a copy of my newly published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

I personally delivered her copy to her home. Jeannie was with me at that time. They started talking about Jeannie’s JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Capes. It so happened that Jeannie had her latest creation with her. Judith saw. Judith acquired. 😁

I also took the opportunity to show Judith my 7th. and most painful tattoo. I sort of designed the picture for the tattoo a little bit. The picture shows ideas and sparks of joy coming from reading books (perhaps mine?😉), the galaxy and lightning strikes to seize the moment. I may right an essay on my tattoos…will see.

Judith is now amongst the growing number of Tudorians from our Tudor neighbourhood who owns a copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. Someone today, asked me if there are enough copies of the book to go around. I told her that my publisher is at hand to get more copies out.

Jeannie and I had such fun catching up with Judith, even if it was for a little while. Judith is one of those who is the future of today. Bright. Endless possibilities.

*Judith, with her copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.*

*Sparks of joy and ideas coming from my book (s)* *– My 7th tattoo.* 😊

*One of Jeannie’s, JEANNIE’S OWN latest creations.*

*Another of Jeannie’s JEANNIE’S OWN latest creations.*

AT AMCORP, THE WEEKEND THAT WAS AND THE WEEKEND THAT IS

March 22, 2025March 22, 2025 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Did we not just come out of a weekend? Sure looks that way. It feels like it is only yesterday that we ended the day at Amcorp Mall sales. It feels like this week skipped Monday thru’ Friday to get to today. How time flies when you are having fun.

*The Batik Influencer ready to greet the many visitors who will be stopping by to enquire about the limited number of her JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.*

We were ready from the word “Go”, to meet and greet our long time (not “old”. People may think that this refers to their age) friends, relatives and the many, many new friends that will stop by our booth this weekend.

*Paying close attention as the Batik Influencer demonstrates multiple ways the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation can be worn.*

The weekend saw us gain multiple new friends. And quite a few friends that we had met recently. Jeff was one of them.

He and his wife came over previously and purchased one of the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations. This time he came to get his personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. We had a long conversation where we shared stories of our growing up days. It was nice of him to spend some time at our booth.

*Jeff, who purchased one of JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations before, now has purchased a copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.*

*Haniza with her personalised copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.*

Haniza Binti Hashim was taken up with the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape Creations and got one for herself. When I told her that I was the author of the books displayed on the table, she got a copy for herself, personalised naturally.

*The angled look. Practicing poses before the camera. How to look sophisticated, yet relaxed. That’s easy. Be sleepy (Due to less than 3 hours sleep the night that just became day a few hours ago.*

*All displayed up and ready to greet our past, present and new customers-to-be.*

*Ooooooh – no, too many “o”s, it should be “ohh”. Or could it be, “Oh like that one oso can”, though she does not look like a person who talks that way. Or, Oic (O, I see).*

Professor Dato Dr Johan was captivated by the title “SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT”. He was relating to how we must take action ourselves, to create the spark.

*Professor Dato Dr Johan with his copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – LIVE THE MOMENT. He wanted his copy to be personalised, too.*

Professor Johan asked to have his book personalised so that he can tell people, he personally met the author of this book.

*Professor Dato Dr Johan’s copy, personalised.*

Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, had an interesting lady come by to try on a couple of her capes. She was a social media influencer. Tall, dressed – model style. She was having fun with what she was doing . She had a “director”, a lady who looked only work and more work; and a camera man. This tall, lanky lady was not camera-shy, that’s for sure.

*Ma, she’s making eyes at me.* *Ma, she wants to marry me.*

*Wah! You soo-oo-ooo leng lui, trying on one of the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations.*

*Just married, a month ago. A gift to herself as a newly married woman.*

Amira, a newlywed of about a month, straight away took a liking to the Batik Capes that were on display and had to get one for herself. After purchasing the cape, she came back about an hour later with her husband, to introduce him to us.

The weekend was over before we knew it.

Now, we are in this weekend, March 22nd – 23rd. The Batik Influencer and I, also know as the Hatted Writer, will be in Amcorp Mall, at our booth – F1.08, the same place that we have been over the last couple of weekends.

There is a whole new range of Batik Capes, very limited of course, to a small number of pieces. Come over quickly to get your own, and even as gifts for your relatives and friends.

I, Alan Ian Atkinson, 😁, will be at hand to personalise your copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. I know one of those who purchased the book, is flying in from Tokyo and will be coming over to our booth today. See you there, too.

Have fun guys!

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: March 22nd – March 23rd, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

leatherpotato

The future is now. Live it!

#Sparks _Of_Joy_Seize_The_Moment