A review by:
Mr. Chan Bing Fai
Former school teacher, Headmaster and educational technologist
Lynn Wong's latest book is SMILE though your heart is ACHING. This is a much awaited book, a worthy sequel to her first book "As Time Goes By" published five years ago. Both her books are generally about life and living. They are not autobiographies.
Her first book is centred more on childhood memories and growing up pains based more on events, observations and her responses and reactions to them, with the innocence of a child. Her latest book, however, is about the adult world with its ups and downs.
It is also about fighting corporate battles.
The words she has chosen carry her thoughts succinctly. They are warm and friendly without being pretentious. The topics included in both her books cover a broad spectrum of subjects and events. Some are more hilarious and many are focused on a more serious note.
Her approach to life is spontaneous, governed by prudence and common sense. It appears lighthearted and easy. Being a keen observer, even trifles, will not escape her scrutiny. Her response to these is largely based on common sense and knowledge; laced with wisdom.
Her thoughts flow through smoothly from one idea to another and the transition is gentle, methodical, tidy and logical. Lynn's philosophy appears simple and yet very profound and thoughtful; gracious and tinged with a lot of human skills and understanding.
Her books are very personal and subjective; unique, highly perceptive, intimate and reflective. I have enjoyed reading both her books and excitedly look forward to her next one which I hope will not take too long to come to fruition.
Her artist -illustrator- is equally talented in bringing out the many encounters and experiences of the author through her drawings; depicting expressions, moods and emotions subtly and with precision. Congratulations to both of you for complementing each other perfectly!
The typography and layout is attractive and designed for easy reading. The book is available in major bookstores.
It is priced at RM27.90.
Pages
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT
A mortar board symbolises some academic achievement and it is to be applauded but it doesn't mean the absence of one denotes a person of lesser capabilities. Not everyone (who craves) is given fair opportunity for higher learning and this is most unfortunate.
Wisdom and discernment are not acquired inside the classroom alone. The graduation robe does not guarantee isolation from failures, hard knocks and disappointments and these will surely descend on you as part of life!
Friday, December 14, 2012
IF I WANT TO
I could smile more
I could hope you'll love me and even if you don't I could still love you if I want to.
All I need to do is close my eyes and imagine a better world if I want to and I do.
(Nothing like a glass -or two or three- of Stella Artois to put matters in the right perspective....Cheers! ... hicccuuuuppp)
Monday, December 10, 2012
TAKING THE 'PLUNGE'
Life can get pretty rough, tough and unbearable at times.
And unfortunately we can lose control of our good sense in a moment of hopelessness and destitute, no matter how strong we are otherwise.
How easy to just take the 'plunge' and end it all.
How many innocent lives have been lost...
It's a split second thing, life and death.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
THE BEST OF ME
This to improve and enhance the quality of her life.
And if that was not enough very often I use my own money to reward staff who performed above my expectation or as an incentive for improvement or simply because the staff needed financial help.
Whether appreciated or scorned for what I did don't bother me much. I follow my heart.
I'm very glad I went the extra mile for the ladies in my company and gave each one of them the best of me...
Monday, December 3, 2012
ILLUSION OF PERFECTION
Perfect lovers, perfect bodies, perfect homes, perfect lives!
In reality love is tough,
It is a choice to be patient, kind, gentle and compassionate.
Able to say, "I love you despite your faults and my complaints."
Oh, what joy to give and receive such love...
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
THAT SPECIAL MOMENT
I had one such moment last Sunday 25th November 2012, when I witnessed my daughter, Sandra Chong, graduate with a Master for Business Administration from the University of Wales.
Naturally I felt on top of the world and so proud of her immense achievement. No words will suffice to describe my heartfelt feelings on that special moment when she walked up confidently on stage to receive her scroll from the Chancellor of the university.
It was a momentous occasion for the family but especially so for Sandra.
She had slogged for three years and her sacrifice, discipline, perseverance and burning the mid-night oil finally paid off.
There were times when she almost wanted to give up but stayed on simply because she wasn't prepared to face 'failure' or crushing defeat.
During the last leg just before the presentation of her thesis, Sandra suffered a tremendous blow at work, the likes of which she has never experienced before. This unprecedented assault on her emotionally proved life changing.
She underwent unaccustomed pressure, anxiety and was scrutinized at her workplace. This treatment which was totally unprovoked inevitably forced her to assess her career path and make the necessary changes, drastic though they may be.
Change she did and her resolution to move on proved to be one of the best decisions she has ever made to enhance her corporate acumen.
Headhunters have been hot on her trail offering her unbelievable career opportunities ever since!
Quite amazing.
Even I never had it so good!!
Change is nothing new or abnormal especially in the secular world but still in observing what she had undergone, a lesser - weaker - person would have succumbed to the adverse conditions she was subjected to, but not her!
Rather than admit defeat, blame fate and wallow in self pity, she took matters in stride, squared her shoulders, took deep breaths, exhaled slowly and with a smile firmly planted on her lips, she plodded on and vowed that she will bounce back.... and above all else she will succeed in obtaining her MBA come what may!
It wasn't easy but she did it.
Today she speaks of the difficult period in her life with a certain worldly wisdom, understanding and acceptance.
She is happy, very happy of course but at times a hint of sadness creeps into her eyes and with some difficulty, she fights back the tears...
I learned a few things from my Sandra.
She confirmed that Dreams are the vehicles on which we ride our fantasies and fantasies keep us alive. Dreams are free fuelled by our imagination and at will we soar reaching for the sky. In dreams there are no limits....
She has grown up, my little girl.
I feel certain that she is now not only capable of looking after herself but of me as well! :-)
Giving thanks with a grateful heart.
Friday, November 23, 2012
GET REAL
Get real!
It is a choice to be patient, kind, gentle and long suffering.
Oh, what joy to give and receive such love...
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A JOY FOREVER
Think what a difference you could make in a child who will likely grow to become the sort of person he perceives he is in your eyes.
If on the other hand you plant seeds of accomplishment and affirmation in his young mind, imagine how far this would take him when he nurtures and grows with such positive energy and influence in his life.
Never underestimate your impact in a child's life however little you understand it!
And these will be replayed in his mind over and over and over and over again, painting a bleak and hopeless picture of his future.
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."
Sunday, November 11, 2012
INTIMACY WITH GOD
If I could fix problems with my own strength and earthly power, I would. Just that sometimes I can't, hard as I try. Instead of improving, the situation worsens!
That's when I'm forced down on my knees to seek divine guidance and intervention. No other option available! Seems like prayer is the fastest way to connect to Greater Power.
I don't always get immediate relief or like the answers I seek and in fact often grimace at them.
The most frustrating times are when there appear to be total silence.
Is God taking a nap?! I have doubts, still do.
Getting to know Him a little more each day helps; learning along the way and finding renewed joy, peace and stimulation in my relationship.
Some may regard prayer as weakness and cowardice but I believe our conversation time is the beginning of intimacy between my Creator and me.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
CONTEMPORARY POET - CHRIS SAKLATVALA
WHEN YOU ARE OLD AND GREY
Since I still appreciate you, lets find love while we may
because I know I'll hate you when you are old and grey.
So say you love me here and now, I'll make the most of that.
Say you love and trust me for I know you'll disgust me
when you are old and getting fat!
An awful debility, a lessened utility, a loss of mobility
is a strong possibility.
In all probability I'll lost my virility and you your fertility
and desirability,
And this liability of total sterility will lead to hostility and
a sense of futility.
So lets act with agility while we still have facility,
For we'll soon reach senility and lose the ability!
Your teeth will start to go, Dear
your waist will start to spread.
In twenty years or so Dear, I'll wish you were dead!
I'll never love you then at all the ways I do today
So please remember when I leave in December
I told you so in May!
Lynn Wong:
A portable nagging machine she
high quality, heavy duty but indubitably a beauty.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
What's one of they? you say
Beneath Malaysia's burning skies
Season's change you don't realise
But in thy Ascot flaunting hat
Thou are more temperate than any summer's day
and thy eternal summer shall not fade
nor lose possession of that fair thou on'st
Nor shall death brag thou wonderest in his shade
when in eternal lines to time thou grow'st.
So long as men has breath or eyes can see
So long lives this and this gives life to thee.
How do we admire thee?
Let me count the ways.
Helen's face once launched a thousand ships.
Yet you launch ships, boats and trucks
throughout the weeks and days.
We praise thee to the depth and breath and height.
Thou are gracious, wise, compassionate
humorous and firm where necessary.
Thy fingers on the pulse though thou be out of sight.
For the ends of being and ideal grace
Could it be Nefertiti's face?
Or maybe we call to mind the gods of old
specifically the muses.
For surely we find when we consider thy works
and other things.
The goddess of inspiring springs, the representative of poetry, arts, science and source of inspiration
Surely a worthy comparison.
Some talk of Alexander
And some of Hercules of Hector and Lysander
And such great names as these
But of all the world's great heroes
there's no beauty to compare
to that of Lynn, a beauty rare.
Though on red satin sheets thou would sleep
Your loveliness doth make us weep
With tears of joy from knowing you
Thy friendship our spirit doth renew
Friday, November 9, 2012
A MANY SPLENDOURED THING
Yes, that unforgettable creature that deeply imprinted your soul and heart.
It doesn't happen very often such an encounter but when it does, your life is never the same again.
Most everyone is missing someone right now; missing and wishing ...
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
HOLIDAY ON MY MIND
The experience is an eye opener and allow us a glimpse into the lives and cultures of a diversed people; understanding and appreciating our differences in the process.
***********************************************
UK - ONE OF MY FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD
Why I like London...
Sunday, November 4, 2012
WALK AWAY
To strike back under such dire circumstances is natural and easy even but to endure and walk away takes more boldness and courage. And walk away she did.
I always thought it was the nails that kept the Lord Jesus on the cross.
It was Jesus own amazing and unwavering love and compassion for Mankind that caused Him to stay courageously on the cross until... "It is finished...'
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
INTIMATE FRIENDSHIPS
We are attracted to friends for various reasons. With casual acquaintance, we like to share common interests and values. Talk about sports, the weather, food, holiday plans and blockbusters!
With others---and the field narrows sharply---we express our emotions and vulnerability. We talk of marriages, struggles, children, addictions and other temptations.
I can count intimate friends on one hand. (Congrats if you have more!)
A couple are prone to eccentricity and I relish their companionship. They encourage me to be unconventional and celebrate my gawkiness.
Buddies who would reward me for my honesty rather than punish me for it.
A comrade I can count on and if that fails, someone able to handle it when I express hurt and betrayal.
We don't meet very often, my best buddies and I but when we do we skip the chitchat and go right to the heart of what concerns us most.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
IN THE MARKETPLACE
(1984 - 2012)