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.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

GOD GIVEN TALENT

Never under estimate your abilities. You are capable of so much more than you think. Others recognize the distinctive quality in you and marvel in amazement. Indeed there is a spark of genius in everyone!

Have you yourself, at some point, not stepped back to behold the wonder of your handiwork, whatever that might be, and be awe struck? 
You blink in disbelief! For before you the impossible has become reality.

Yes, it is divine. Believe in your divinity. Use your God given talent or forever lose it... 

You are blessed to be a blessing.


Saturday, December 3, 2016

BAKE BREAD

Alicia simply loves bread! She's happy with bread and peanut butter; bread with jam; bread with nutella; bread with kaya; bread with cheese; bread with almost anything. 
I love my granddaughter, just like any other doting grandmother. There's nothing I like better than to see her happy.
Never ever have I imagined myself baking bread but for her sake, I'm doing the improbable. Love does that to a person!

Okay, so I cheat big time! I use the breadmaker! Heck, the little girl can't tell the difference and I'm saved. Hardly any work for me and we get to enjoy fresh bread everyday. Happy us!

Love makes us cook up ways to make others happy and really, it takes very little effort...





Tuesday, November 29, 2016

LESS IS MORE

I delight in little things; birds singing outside my bedroom window to herald in a new day; aromatic coffee in the morning; family gathered at mealtimes; home cooked food; McD one dollar ice-cream; long chat with my sister; clean laundry; good music.
And yes, I'm so happy when my lemon tree bears fruit. Indeed there's joy in small things. 
"Less Is More" makes sense ...


Wednesday, November 23, 2016

BE ORIGINAL

"To thyself be true." 
We're born with different characters; unique in every way. No two persons are alike. Indeed we're wonderfully and majestically created. 
Even though expected to play different roles in different situations everyday, still it is possible to allow our inborn character to be dominant. 

Although bestowed with particular characteristics, we are nevertheless responsible and accountable for the healthy development of these traits in us. Therein lies the challenge and excitement. Stay the course.

Why be a duplicate of another when you can be gloriously original...





Friday, November 18, 2016

GOD'S LOVE

God loves you and has a great plan and purpose for your life. Believe that He wants you to have the best. He knows your deepest longings, desires, disappointments, despairs and dreams.
 
Yes, fear Him, obey him, worship and adore Him we should and gladly. Run to Him not only in times of trouble and distress but also in seasons of joy and jubilation like a lover eagerly rushing into the arms of the beloved.
How secure and sweet to be in the embrace of One who loves intimately ... unconditionally...unselfishly...sacrificially.   To be in a relationship where you are the apple of His eye.
There's no room for secrets with God.Tell Him what He already knows. I promise He won't mock or belittle you! 


Live the life you've always wanted.
Time passes quickly and before you know it, regret remains your only companion. Reason and excuse have long fled. Procrastination and complacency are close cousins. 

They aren't much help in times of quiet desperation...


Friday, November 11, 2016

FEAR

Fear unleash fury. 
Faith heralds hope for the future. 
Trust lends light to the unknown. 
Love covers all. 

Encourage and inspire one another... be faithful, fervent, forgiving, felicitous, forward-thinking and yes, be funny! 
"Laughter is good medicine." It's also cheaper than visiting a therapist! 

There really is nothing to fear except fear itself.



Saturday, October 22, 2016

THE REAL YOU

There are days when you need company. At other times, you just want to be alone. It's healthy. In fact this is encouraged and highly recommended! We need people around us to nurture and help us develop as responsible, respectable and accountable individuals who are useful and helpful to societies and the communities. 
Alone, in contemplative meditation, study and correction, we learn more about ourselves. Hopefully, in the process, we gradually become more comfortable in our own skin, get acquainted with the real us and tune in naturally with our true feelings. In essence, discover who we are deep inside.
Yes, do love and appreciate the significant people who are concern about you but more importantly, please love and appreciate yourself. No doubt people are valuable but you are your greatest asset; never, never to be overlooked!


Sunday, October 9, 2016

REVIEW by Mrs. May Goh

SMILE THOUGH YOUR HEART IS ACHING ...a book by Lynn Wong
An excerpt of my article on the author Lynn Wong (Narcissus, an endearment) from MY GARDEN OF THOUGHTS...
"Narcissus has an exceedingly excellent command of the English Language.
Her written works always hold my attention and interest. Her descriptive versions with the most appropriate choice of words enable me to visualize scenes and people vividly. I can only say that she has acquainted herself with human life in all its variety and has thoroughly enjoyed the society of friends. She is able to, with such precision, grasp in her mind, all the sentiments for character study. As she relates past incidents, her marvelous gift of repartee, seasoned with wit, together with such a smooth train of thought, keep me enthused for hours.
I have developed a passion for her literary works. Some of her articles were indeed splendid descriptions and my mind was a stage. Occasionally, I found myself leaping into the scenes and I was persuaded to laugh as I pictured myself shifting positions. She has manufactured her own glowing style; her bright and breezy manner of presenting characters is indeed credible and worthy of not only my attention, but other readers' attention too. This talent of hers became a productively utilized talent when she was able to arouse the interest of other readers and equip them for better writing skills through the launching of her book 'As Time Goes By...'
She seems to appreciate all of life ... the light and shadows, sun and rain, joy and trials, laughter and sorrow - all these have deepened every part of her life."
Do get hold of copies of her books 'As Time Goes By' and 'SMILE' from the MPH bookstores. You'll definitely say...WOW!

Review by Mrs. May Goh
Former headmistress, educationist
Coach and mentor



Monday, October 3, 2016

WUSHU MASTER CHEF

Nothing new.  We've had those awkward tongue tied, sweaty palm and anxious moments before!
Where to start; how to begin!? Anxiety heightens and panic sets in. 
Shucks!  Isn't asking favors for others a lot easier than asking them for ourselves!  I think YEP!
And so, imagine how thrilling and heartwarming it must be when someone does something that you had hoped for, without you even asking!?  Totally unexpected and more than pleasantly surprised!  It doesn't happen very often but I did have such an experience recently and, believe me, it was so, so, cool.

Overseas, they have Bourdain, Ramsey, Oliver, Zimmers, Belud and a host of other celebrity chefs. In Malaysia we have Jimmy Hooi, Celebrity Master Chef, possibly one of the best in the country! 
Jimmy is a fascinating storyteller. He loves to mingle with customers and often stops at tables to say hello. When you next visit his restaurant and meet the man, ask about the time he nearly died with three deadly bullet wounds, from gun shots that were fired at close range when he tussled with robbers and thugs at his restaurant one night after closing. The assailants weren't just looking for tips!
It was a most harrowing encounter for him.  Most major national newspaper carried the story and made him quite famous after that!

Thankfully, this Wushu master survived and today he is more than eager to testify of the miracle that changed his life...


Jimmy Hooi: restauranteur/owner of Cappuccino Garden, Bacon and Balls, painter, wushu master, landscape designer, musician and philosopher

Easily accessible.  Opens seven days a week. Best to make reservations especially on weekends.

NOBLE CALLING

People are the same everywhere. 
We need food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, security, love, acceptance, affirmation etc. Unfortunately not everyone possesses all of the above. 
Each one has needs begging to be met! Our responsibility is to help the less fortunate when and wherever we can. It's not merely a responsibility but more of a calling, I believe. Perhaps even a noble one that defies logic and reason. 

Lets try to make our homes, schools, neighbourhoods, communities, societies and nation a happier, more amicable and harmonious place to be in. 

Change can happen....one person at a time.


Sunday, September 25, 2016

STARK REMINDER

The gaiety seemed less; the mood more subdued and sombre. The laughter is restrained, everyone appeared lost in his own thoughts. Conversation halted in mid air. There's a discomforting disconnection; a broken link.
The vacancy at the dining table is a stark reminder of missing loved ones who have gone afar. The emptiness tugs persistently at the heartstrings; relentlessly tormenting. It is during festivals and significant celebrations that missing family and friends are sadly missed all over again...


STARVED

No one owes anyone a living! Even if someone puts food infront of us, we will still have to put it into our mouths. Left untouched, even with abundance around us, we will still be starved and deprived. 
In reality, we are stronger, smarter and steadier than we think...


Friday, September 16, 2016

PRESENT

Never let it be said of us that we are too heaven bound to be any good on earth! 
Heaven can wait! There is much work to be done in the present...


FROZEN

If I could freeze one moment in time, I wouldn't know which to choose! There have been so many significant treasured encounters and experiences that I wish could last forever. Reality dictates otherwise. When I can see things the way they really are and not what I wish them to be, then I am ready for a new level of growth and understanding. 
Life is a collection of wonders...fresh, fragrant and forever ongoing. Think I'll pass on frozen!


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

EULOGY

It's not always easy but try not to withhold good from those who deserve it especially when you have the power to act. 
Even when your good intentions and kind deeds go unnoticed, unrecognized, unappreciated ...and at times unsolicited, be a 'do-gooder' rather than a 'good-withholder'!   Make yourself happy --- generate positive energy and goodwill.

I hope my eulogy would reflect that somewhat! 
"LW was a generous soul - in words, mannerisms, actions - and gave lavishly to every darn thing. She wasn't always smart or discerning in her giving but she gave anyway!"
Right... one more for the bucket list!


Sunday, September 11, 2016

DARING AND FINESSE

It is satisfying and exhilarating to watch young people pursue and realize their dreams. Opportunities abound for those with courage, daring, relevant skills, finesse and a plan. 
Launch out, move forward, thrive and never look back. The world is at your feet...


Monday, September 5, 2016

BE A FRIEND IN NEED

Without hinting, without asking, without pleading, your closest friends know what's in your heart and quickly jump at the chance to bring you extra smiles. Understanding your hesitation and reluctance to ask, they save you the bother! Small and random acts of kindness needn't cost a lot but they leave deep impressions. Go ahead, make someone's day today .... and everyday!

Friday, September 2, 2016

GOLD COAST n SYDNEY - AUG (WINTER) 2016

It's all about food....mostly kwai-loh stuff and some Asian delights with a Western twist!