#Tudor

TUDORIAN GETS HER COPY

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

It was a moonlit night in Tudor Residency, the rain clouds were kept at bay. The wind blowing was extra light – one would have to be very sensitive to the weather to feel it. I am sensitive in a positive way to the weather. I have to adapt to it in order to go for my daily walk in any kind it presents (offers? / throws) at me.

I started on my 10 kilometer walk. This was one of the days when I started my walk late. “Late” here was because I usually go for my walks in the afternoon. Yes, the afternoon, when the sun is supposed to be at its scorchiest (1). I also started my walk, bringing along with me a copy of my just published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

I stopped by at Rahmath Cazi’s home on 4B street which was a few hundred meters away from where I live. I hand delivered the book to her. We are part of the Tudor residents community.

Rahmath and her husband have been strong supporters of my writing work. She is an avid reader.

As soon as Rahmath knew my book was published and was available, she texted me and said that she would love to have a personalised copy. So, here I was, delivering a copy of my book to her.

Rahmath is one of the growing number of book owners from our Tudor Residents community who now has a copy of SPARKS OF JOY – LIVE THE MOMENT. More and more, from the community are texting (WhasApp) messages to me, requesting for a copy of the book. It looks like our Tudor Community is gaining momentum into reading actual books, which is totally a good thing.

One of the main reasons why reading an actual book is better or an advantage is because there are no distractions from it. You can concentrate and / or focus on what you are reading without the distractions or interference like pop-up notifications and messages that you would otherwise get on your device screen.

Lets revive and build on this momentum of numbers in reading physical books and re-take our rights back into wanting to concentrate and focus on the things we do without distractions.

In the three pictures below, you can see the words “SPARKS FOR JOY” are illuminating like “sparks”. These are caused by the reflection of light.😁

picture 1: Rahmath holding her personalised copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.

picture 2

picture 3

After I delivered the book, had a chat and took some pictures with Rahmath; I continued on my 10 kilometer walk. The weather was being good and inviting me to walk…I could not resist the invitation.😉😁 Happy reading!

NOTES:
1. “Scorchiest” means the most intensely hot or burning, or the most severely critical or caustic. It’s the superlative form of “scorchy” or “scorching”. 
Though I did not think such a word existed, the meaning of the word is as what I intended for it to mean.

LOOK WHO I BUMPED INTO

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

One Tuesday afternoon…recently…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a nice afternoon. It certainly was.

LOCAL ELECTIONS, TUDOR STYLE

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

When you hear Tudor, what comes to mind? Tudor, England; houses with thatched leaf / hay / straw roofs; white walls with black lines drawn on them. The weather would be semi-gloomy to cool-cold, the roads (yes “roads”. Not “streets”. We are talking about England of Great Britain, not U.S.A.), narrow and winding, carved and dividing miles and miles of green countryside. Tudor USJ 4 – close.

Tudor USJ 4 is a small village of 224 households. Nestled in Subang Jaya, a bustling city of the state of Selangor, Malaysia; it is within a stone’s throw (you have to be strong to throw a stone to reach the destination you want) distance to reach your favourite makan-makan restaurants, cafes and grocery shops. A few minutes drive away will take you to the town centre where you are spoilt for choice when it comes to food. With this choice begs the question, “What do you want to eat?” Spoilt for choice causes confusion.

The Residents’ Association EXCO committee planned a gathering of residents today to hold Elections for new office bearers. This was to be the real local elections.

We had a couple of tents set up within the vicinity of Tudor homes. The area was surrounded by plants and it sort of gave us the feeling of being with nature. 😀

First to be there were the current committee. Then, the other residents started streaming / walking / strolling in. By 10.00am, we had a quorum to start the meeting.

The first of the residents to sign in.

The first item on the agenda was that we observed a minute’s silence for the late Alice Kang, who passed away when she became a victim of a fire that broke out in her house. Her husband, Peter; is recovering in hospital. The community was shocked by this fire incident and deeply saddened by Alice’s demise. We hope for Peter’s speedy recovery.

Residents going through the agenda, Minutes of our last AGM, the financial statements and other matters.

We, then proceeded with the other items on the agenda. The chairman, Deputy Chairman and the Secretary, took to the floor, and fielded questions mainly about our neighbourhood security and the need to continue to support the Residents’ Association by paying subscriptions on time. The treasurer took to the floor to state that subscriptions were collected to cover the cost of security and other items that aid in the security. Currently, there is a shortfall in collection due to 15% not paying and 26% not paying on time. Those on the floor, encouraged residents to help promote to their immediate neighbours the need to pay subscription fees and to pay them on time.

We soon came to the part where everybody was waiting for (I think😉). Elections of new office bearers for 2024 – 2025. The fun part was those nominating office bearers worked hard to convince the nominees why they should stand for elections and if elected, they should accept the positions. On the other hand, the nominees gave every reason in the book (and out of it) why they did not want to accept nomination.

With the democratic process firmly in place; a new team of office bearers were finally elected. Congratulations are in order for the new 2024 – 2025 EXCO team. It would be a challenge to continue from the high level of dedication and work set by the immediate past EXCO team and those before. The bar has been set and the new team has its work cut out for them.

With a smile like that, how not to be nominated and elected Chairman. He finally accepted, returning unopposed.

The most high tech, overly environmentally friendly, no batteries needed, especially the types found in E.V.s – the same type that damages the environment during its manufacturing process, no need for solar power; very simple white board, with multiple, countless use and re-use capabilities. On display, are the chosen ones for 2024 – 2025.

HOME AT TUDOR

/ Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

It is a sunny morning but the sky is overcast with what seem like light rain clouds. There was a light drizzle in the early hours of this morning.

The sparkle of light as seen on the drops of rain still on the flowers…

…the sun’s rays of light reflecting off the drops of rain that heavily dot the leaves is evidence of the sun making a grand appearance in the sky soon.

It has been a sunny, but wet several days. But the weather hardly deters me from my daily 15 kilometer (km) walk.

15km walks are long walks, even though my walks are fairly brisk. There are perks to it besides keeping fit and helping reduce weight.

Aunty Vimala and her daughters have decorated their house with beautiful lights and other decorations in preparation for Diwali (1), which is tomorrow.

Diwali is The Festival of Lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world.

While on my daily walks, I meet with many of my neighbours along the way. Last evening for instance, I met with “MacGyver” Tan as he was just getting out of his car after coming back from somewhere. He moved very slowly, as though in pain. He told me that he had been through a surgical procedure on his stomach two weeks ago. We wish him a speedy recovery.

The Tudor community is considered young. MacGyver, Zul and I were amongst the earliest to move in when the houses were ready for occupancy. I have seen Zul’s, McGuyver’s and Sharifah’s children grow up – all of them are very pleasant and respectful – in fact all the children of Tudor and those who have become young adults, are very courteous and friendly.

There are times when I pass by a house in road C; there is a lady who plays beautiful classical music on the piano. The tone of her piano has a brilliance about it, so much so that the classical pieces she plays, which are not the usual ones you may hear, are beautiful.

We’ve got quite a few musically talented people in our community. Ian, a talented violinist, who has just completed his IGCSE; has performed with the National Youth Orchestra. We met on a couple of my walks. He is a bright, young gentleman. His younger sister is a cellist. If I am not mistaken, she wants to teach the cello. Wow! I think Tudor might be able to form a string quartet. Looking forward to that possibility.

There are times when I walk pass a house when I see Geeta, with a dainty, shallow basket hanging from one hand; pluck little white flowers from one of her many flower plants. She and Subee have transformed the curb to a garden of paradise. I am attracted to vibrant colours. Their garden has so many different colour flowers and plants. Both Geeta and Subee get great pleasure from the work they put into their garden.

There is a beautiful, tall overflowing fountain of white bougainvillea that greets everyone at the junction of road A. It is very pretty.

In our community, there is sort of a plant exchange “programme”. Jeannie gives plants or cuttings of plants to neighbours on her morning or evening walks and gets different plants back in return.

As the festival of lights is just hours away, Jeannie and I, together with our daughter; would like to wish all our Hindu, Sikh and Jain community a very Happy Diwali!

NOTE

This is the third episode of the Tudor-ian series. More to come. You can read up on the other two essays:

THE WALK IN TUDOR

THE GARDENS OF TUDOR

http://www.leatherpotato.com

  1. Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Wikipedia

THE GARDENS OF TUDOR

/ Alan Atkinson / 2 Comments

The time is 12.42am. As I sit here, staring at the computer screen with a blank page open; I am having writer’s block. I know what I want to write about with regards to Tudor, but I have been staring at the screen, hoping to get the title for this article. I get up, walk to the kitchen to get a sip of coffee. I try not to keep the coffee at my work station with me to force (encourage) myself to take a break of at least 1 minute away from the screen every half hour (studies show that this is good for our health – bluff?). Hang on, hang on, another break is scheduled for right about now….

Earlier on, last night; I met with Eddison, while on my walk. I was more than half way through my 15 kilometer (km) distance when we started walking together and chatting. I see Eddison quite often. He is either tending to his cars or the plants in his garden. He is proud that his fig trees are growing very well. He accompanied me right up to the completion of my 15km which meant he walked 6km. We had a good light-hearted chat. Two nights ago, he accompanied me for about 5km.

One of the most detailed and well kept gardens has to be Edwin Lin’s garden. I met with him at the start of my walk yesterday. He goes to great lengths to make sure his garden and sidewalk area are maintained to his standards of perfection. I have seen him up on the ladder trimming a high bush, or on the ground trimming the grass. Just the other day, I saw him use an electric lawn mower to trim the grass on the sidewalk to his level of perfection, which is very high. It looks like every blade of grass is of the same length, groomed neatly in place.

While talking with him, his opposite neighbour, who is my neighbour (he always calls me “Josh” – it must be because Josh Groban looks like me… with his curly hair 😉) too, down our street (very “American” instead of “road”); came over to us and gave each of us some mangoes from his beautiful mango tree. He spends a lot of his time taking care of that tree. The tree is fruiting in abundance.

I meet a lot of people on my walk every day. Not too long ago; I saw Liz going for a walk with her son and daughter. Her young daughter can be seen from a distance because she has a smile brighter than 10 sunlights. I can tell that Liz is a good cook as I am treated to whiffs of delicious food just been cooked whenever I walk past her kitchen.

One of the most frequent persons I meet almost everyday along my walk is Contractor Teoh. He is the chief of security for our Tudor community. He is always jovial and says he will walk with me. He is giving me enough time to train and practice first before he joins me. I must train harder. 😅

Our Tudor community is a little, private enclave; situated just outside the city centre of Subang Jaya, camouflaged by many other houses surrounding it.

As of yesterday, the peacefulness and the garden-cy sights of the area, has been infiltrated or “invaded” as some may think so, with the dark yellow “transfo-bots”. Could they be robots in disguise – the Predacons? Megatron, Devastator, Nemesis Prime or worse… Overlord? No.o,o,o,oo. They are the good guys – the JoKeRs, here to resurface our streets (roads) for the first time in 28 years. We can expect a hive of activity, noise and the smell of fresh tar over the next few days. Looking forward to a re-fresh-ed look after the whole exercise is completed.

Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up

NOTE

This is the second episode of the Tudor-ian series; the first being, “THE WALK IN TUDOR”. More to come.

Maureen Hackett, mhackett@urbanmgt.com – 21 Willow Road, Bronxville, NY 10708 http://www.hackettlandscapedesign.com/english-tudor