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.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

I WIN

Love lifted me when nothing else could help.  

When I was caved in, enshrouded in misery, and wallowing in self pity, it was love that intervened.  Love that knocked furiously, and at other times gently at the door of my heart and rocked the sanctuary of my mind.
"To be right or to be kind?"  
"To win the battle and lose the war?" 
"To live in the past or build a better future?"
"To cut loss and retreat or insist on return?"
"To spare or take them on?"
"An eye for an eye or be gracious and merciful?"

Love says to let go.  
Free your spirit.  
Free his spirit. Free their spirit.  
Let him go.  Let them go.  
The score is settled.  For you at least.  You've seen the light.  The destroyer - the joy stealer - brings only division,  darkness and devastation.  Move to a higher level.  That way, the view is better to see the big picture.  In willing submission put down your defenses.  
Let them have their way... their need is greater.

Of course in reality everything remain the same.  The change is only in your mind but that's already sufficient.  
Enough to put matters in the proper perspective.

Everyone has to deal with his own demons of jealousy, envy, anger, strife, greed and others.  They will have theirs to contend with. 
You've dealt with yours.   Keep going.
Exorcism is a daily process.

Victory is not when you can control or lord it over another person.  That is quite simple with the use or rather misuse of power, money, muscle and authority.  
True victory is when you can control you. When you can look at and live in total peace, harmony and synchronicity with the man in the mirror.  That is when you're truly one up on the other.

Love can put things. Too much drama in the theatre of the mind opens too many options. Love throws them all out; the confusion, chaos and conflicts.  Love functions best when you are a willing partner.  

Yes, it was love that came to my rescue; raised my sinking heart, calm my raging spirit and stilled my despairing cry.

So long as I allow love to reign, I win...


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