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.

Friday, October 19, 2012

RETIREMENT VILLAGE


The more I think and talk about my vision of the Retirement Village, the more possible the idea becomes!
It's not a Nursing Home, Old Folks' Home, Shelter, or anything like MM2Home program but this set-up is more of a community which serves to enhance the lives of our senior citizens who live alone.
Folks who need support for companionship and group recreation.
We believe there is a grave and urgent need for such facilities to meet the requirements of an ag(e)ing population whose children or relatives are unable to look after them.
Many of our senior citizens are given to the care of nursing homes which is well and good.
Our aim is not to compete with these fine establishments  but to offer additional options and more choices.

We'll organise a lot of fun activities, events and outings, even trips abroad for interested parties. 
There'll be dancing, singing, birthday parties, mahjong session, bridge night, Tai Chi, baking, gardening etc.
All within the vicinity; accessible on foot!
 
Imagine gentlemen in tailcoats and ladies in long gowns, celebrating over candle-light dinners, dancing the night away to the familiar tunes of old Shanghai.  A live band playing catchy numbers re-enacting scenes of night clubs in the olden days.  Resurrection of the old world  charm.
A place where people will come alive!

This is a huge challenge and will have many, many obstacles, no doubt.   But nothing worthwhile ever comes easy!

Am sharing this dream with a group of like-minded people who have caught the vision. We want to see how far we can take this project. 
Already there's a lot of interest and excitement generated.  Still in the drawing board stage.  Need to fine tune the blue-print, organise the right people and and then get on to execute all the plans in a timely fashion.


 

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