#the_batik_influencer

THE BOOK WRITER AND THE CAPE CRUSADER

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Just another weekend day at Amcorp Mall…or so it seems.

However, the Batik Influencer, Jeannie…who by the way, also happens to be my wife; and yours truly, the Hatted Writer, me (Alan); never seem to think so.

First of all, no two moments in any given time, can ever be the same. Think about it. You are now in this precise moment (the present) at the specific age. One moment later, you are a moment older, the next moment has already arrived. No moment in time waits for the next moment to catch up and level up with it before moving on. Heaven forbid to think that there could ever be a kink in time, even for one moment.

Next, while time is continuously moving; we may consume 34 gigabytes of data daily, our brain’s processing capacity is estimated to be capable of handling as much as 74 gigabytes of data each day (1). Therefore, we are constantly moving, physically or otherwise.

So, the “stage” (Amcorp Mall) may seem the same, but the scene is constantly changing. Enjoy every moment.

We have been making many new friends over several weekends – mostly Malaysians. Then, there are others from China, Japan, U.S.A., Singapore, to name a few.

Alvin, the proud owner of his copy  SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

Among our new Malaysian friends is Alvin, a prominent lawyer. He loves to read – he acquired a copy of my book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

Alvin, a prominent lawyer in his field; is an avid book reader.

Then, there was Ms. Mitani from Japan. She collects fabrics as a hobby. She took a great interest in the JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation.

Ms. Mitani from Japan, is a collector of fabrics.

We also had a young lad from China who acquired my rare, vintage, Parker Duofold Limited Edition MDRT ball point pen. I bought this pen when I attended the MDRT conference in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1998. My pen was in pristine condition – like new. I created the habit of wiping my pens (I had several other pens, too. I can’t say I had a collection of pens, it was just that I had several other pens) at the end of the day after using them. In this way, the pens always kept as good as new.

Many others who dropped by to say “hello” included Derek and his wife Judy, Anderson, Ching who has a store of unique collectible toys; and David, among others. The Batik Influencer was kept happily busy sharing her views with many enquirers on everything batik.

This young lad is the proud new owner of my rare Parker Duofold MDRT Limited Edition ball pen. I bought this pen when I attended the MDRT conference in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1998. My pen was in pristine condition – like new. I created the habit of wiping my pens (I had several other pens, too. I can’t say I had a collection of pens, it was just that I had several other pens) at the end of the day after using them. In this way, the pens always kept as good as new.

We believe that life is at its happiest when we can share it with others. That is the best R.O.I. anyone can ask for. R.O.I. stands for Real Opportunity Involvement. We wish for everyone to find their R.O.I. in the communities they are in.

Rigzin Dolma, Patrick & Jenny, Data Nadesan, Khatijah Marianne and Mahmud – all fellow booth owners, were the usuals who helped make the day colourful, lively and fun.

Rigzin Dolma (popularly and fondly known as “Dolma” to all the people around here having booths during the weekends, friends and her customers. I address her as “Rigzin”, her first name. Rigzin is a beautiful name.), peeking from behind the potted greenery of Patrick and his wife, Jenny.
In the foreground, are all the beautiful costume jewelry handmade by Rigzin. She also has for sale, bowls made from brass, that when tapped on their sides with those wooden mallets; create beautiful lingering metallic sounds.

The Batik Influencer and I will be at our usual booth F1.08 this weekend. Come by and see the latest but limited in number, Batik Cape Creation designs from the JEANNIE’S OWN label. Acquire one or more for yourselves.

You can get your own personalised (by me) copy of SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT, too. There are many other things including things from Rigzin’s booth and potted plants from Patrick & Jenny – their booths are just next to ours.

Looking forward to seeing you all this weekend.

The JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creation sensation. She came…saw, tried it on… liked…and acquired.

The Batik Influencer with Ms. Mitani.

JEANNIE’S OWN Batik Cape Creations captures the attention of many a keen-eyed person, looking for that uniqueness, that additional touch, flair, story; not to make him or her just look and feel different, but to state that he or she is different; that what he or she does, will impact the world with that difference to make it a better place for others.

“I see.”

Not only does he want to be heard by the choices he makes, but also the colours that consistently ride the airways in his life. He simply loved the “You have not started living yet until you are in one of these JEANNIE’S OWN BATIK CAPES”. You most definitely will see him donning one of these amazingly beautiful capes because he has acquired a design for himself, with the promise that he will be back for more.

NOTE:
1. Venngage, 21 Eye-Opening Statistics About the Human Brain, Danesh Ramuthi, February 17th, 2025; https://venngage.com/blog/human-brain-statistics/#

Address:
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, ,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: October 18th – October 19th, 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

WEEKEND TO WEEKEND

/ 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.

One for the camera.

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

The WOW factor.

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.

The doctor and the Hatted Writer.

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

/ 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…

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)

MOMENTS AT F1.08, CATCH THEM WITH US

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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)

JUDITH, MY TUDOR FRIEND AND NEIGHBOUR

/ 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:

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.

Judith and her personalised copy.

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.

VIBRANCY, COLOURS, STORIES AND BATIK; THE WEEKEND THAT WAS

/ Alan Atkinson / 1 Comment

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. 

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

/ 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.

Ma, she’s awful nice to me.

The actress from the movie, AVATAR.

“AVATAR” the movie.

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)

THE FIRST WEEKEND WITH THE BATIK INFLUENCER AND THE HATTED WRITER

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

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)