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, November 23, 2017

VIRAL

Unresolved issues? Yes, I have them.
Hurts, heartaches and hidden unwanted feelings and thoughts? Yup, those too!
Honestly who doesn't? Just that some are better at concealing them. 
It seems everyone is unhappy or angry with someone for some reason or even for no reason! 
It's viral! 
Until the day we die we will always have issues. Our resolutions, responses and reactions determine our maturity. We grow at our own pace.
None of us is going to come out of this life alive!  What's the fuss, anyway?!

We're mere pilgrims passing through.
So, loosen up, LOVE and live another day; hearty, healthy, happy, hopeful and hugely grateful. 


L - look within ourselves
O - overlook the flaws of others
V - visualize the effects of our words & actions
E - empathize




BLESSED AND BLISSFUL

It's anniversary month and I'm in the mood...
Once upon a time he swept her off her feet. They went into this thing called marriage - as blur blur as can be!
Many decades later they are still in this marriage thingy but with a little more clarity. Love redefined!
These days both of their feet are firmly planted on the ground. Surprisingly this supposedly unromantic stance and status turned out just as exciting, invigorating, exhilarating and stimulating as being swept off one's feet! 
Now I don't believe entirely what fairy tales tell me!! 
Blessed and blissful...

Happy anniversary, CS!


TRUST AND OBEY

God doesn't operate on human rules or regulations! 
He does as He wills and pleases. He cannot be rushed or blackmailed. He is God. 
His timing is always perfect even if it was four days late as in Lazarus case! You see, the guy had been dead four days! And still there was no sign of Jesus, the healer; Lazarus only chance TO LIVE!
Absolute silence. Imagine the anxiety and disappointment at the no show. 

This seems so very much like our own cries, pleas and prayers for help and solutions which appear to go unheard and unanswered. But is it?! Could it be that the delay is for the perfect reason...
Continuing the story ... Lazarus was eventually raised from the dead by Jesus! On seeing this miracle, many believed and was saved.

Whatever trying issues or circumstances we may be facing now and feeling God has gone on vacation, we can take heart. We are as precious to him as Lazarus, Martha, Mary and the believers in those days were. He may still raise the dead!


"Trust and obey" is possibly the key to our breakthrough...



SECOND CHANCE

In the past when I was building a career, an ordinary day would be full of work, work, work and more work. I didn't complain much. Bills have to be paid!
Those were meaningful times too despite the constraints!

Today the pattern is somewhat different. A normal day would include: 
...conversation and more time with God
...cuddles and play time with baby Tim
...coffee time and lunches with buddies
...caring for our home and garden
...curling up with C.S. Lewis
...cruising the internet
...cooking for the family
...enjoying Hong Kong series
...bedtime stories with Alicia
...more cuddles with baby Tim 


Making up for lost time and doing things that I've missed out on while chasing my corporate dream. I'm entering into a new season...love my life now and am grateful for second chance.
Thank you God!



Wednesday, November 1, 2017

WEIRD

If, at times, I appear wild...willful...whimsy and weird, that's because I am!!
Still love me...?!



C.S. LEWIS

I'm in love!  Unfortunately it's a one sided thing and my affections will never be returned.
Though I've never met the man in person, I feel I've known him all my life through his writings; an extraordinary gentleman, he certainly was.

I'm dying to meet CS LEWIS someday. We have so much to talk about ...


KISS

I'm quite happy with my ordinary life of family; some reading - writing - teaching - gardening - some travelling - meeting with friends - bonding with family - watching our grand kids grow. 
Boring life by all standards but suits me fine, for now!

Keeping It Simple; Less Is More.