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.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

IMPERFECTIONS

We have a tendency to throw out anything that is broken, ugly and less than perfect. We blame, complain, grumble and whine at certain unfavourable and imperfect hand dealt to us. So often we worry, fret and sweat on what will eventually lack 'lustre' in a year, six month, six days or even six hours! And then we begin to wonder what the fuss was all about! Rather than be anxious and panicky we could try to turn adversities into opportunities; brokenness into a beautiful work of art. At least try...



BE GRATEFUL ALWAYS

Some prayers are best left unanswered; some words are best left unspoken; some dreams are best left unfulfilled; some memories are best left unearthed.

Be grateful for all we have and be thankful for all we have not! Tis for the best.



DREAMER

The adrenaline rush has since settled. The initial excitement has been replaced with quiet confidence. What was deemed impossible has become a reality. Changing our mindset prepared the stage for the 'miracle.' And so it's true the first step is always the hardest! 

And it doesn't help to surround oneself with negative and pessimistic people who are chronic dream killers and joy robbers! Ouch!! 

Never mind. Dream on...bigger...better...bolder...

Ask and you shall be given; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will open. Amen



TENACITY

Whatever 2022 holds for us, three things stand us in good stead; a positive attitude; a hopeful outlook and oh yes, bulldog tenacity that never loses faith nor says die. Bring it on!




PEACE AND JOY

Everyone is unique in his/her make up with distinct characteristics and mannerisms. It's not our place to change people especially by force. We'll be hitting our heads against the wall if we do that. At best we can encourage, persuade or motivate people to try to do better. Reward them when they make progress. Threats and punishment don't really help. These can even lead to eventual serious retaliation and rebellion which would be rather killing! Instead of wanting to change others, we ought to change ourselves which is a lot easier. After all our aim is to keep peace and remain joyful ....







FAVOR WITH GOD AND MAN

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; like a medicine is a merry heart.

A broken spirit dries the bones but a merry heart is a joy from above."
The best is yet to come although it doesn't look that way right now but right now isn't here to stay! Sure we've seen better days and certainly we'll see them again. Think it...speak it...will it...pray it...work toward it; declare all that's good, positive and optimistic into our lives and the lives of those who are associated with us in some ways. Pray that this pandemic will be uprooted and eradicated forever in accelerated time! Believe and breathe life into 'dry bones' and behold the dawning of a new day; new beginning; hope for a great future. The sun will surely make its appearance and the Greater Son, the hidden hand that holds the universe in place, continues to work behind the scene arranging things to our favor. Yes and Amen.