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.

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Hello October

 Ushering in the month of October with verve, vigor, velocity and positive vibes that promote and enhance personal growth and progress. Humans are constantly in pursuit of happiness in one form or the other. If you want to be happy, be happy! Dare to be different. Happiness, after all, is an attitude that can be cultivated, and over time will bear the desired fruit. Wishing one and all a blessed, productive and fruitful week ahead.




Old world charm

Once in awhile it's refreshing to slip into something unconventional. The cheongsam is certainly not our daily attire but it does make one look dainty, dressy and demure. All in good fun to play 'charade' recently for a party theme ...and was transported back in time to sophisticated Shanghai in the 30s...and what a great party it certainly was.





Family

I suppose running a home is somewhat likened to running a company! We need organizational skills and expertise to enable us to recognize individual's strengths and weaknesses to place people in roles they can best serve in. Hone...harness all our corporate resources for common goal and interest. Treat each other with respect, dignity and uphold one another. Humble ourselves and in selfless giving, work at building a strong alliance with trust and confidence. Humility stems from God. Give credit when credit is due and chastise with tough love, sound teachings and corrections...definitely with hands on, ear to the ground and feelers in the air. Doubt auto pilot mode would do the trick! Yes, enjoy the intimacy of family which is possibly the most significant and precious of all relationships.

In the beginning God created family...and it was very good.



One day at a time

"Learn to accept ingratitude!"

Say what...?
Learn to accept ingratitude! Let this sink deeply into our minds and hearts. We'll be better off physically, emotionally and spiritually. The primary reason why we are often upset, hurt, disappointed and disillusioned is because of expectations not met; being taken for granted; being misunderstood; being taken for a ride!
Do ourselves a favour; do the right things; do things right.
And don't expect a thank you even when you're rated excellent by all standards. OUCH!!
Even so let love, joy, peace and contentment fill our hearts as we give thanks and take 'one day at a time...'








Close of the age

Do not leave for tomorrow what we can do today! To procrastinate is to postpone what could well be the prelude to our desired peace, prosperity, contentment and joy...

When lethargy, sloppiness and laziness creep in, that's the time to get moving...fast! Stay on track, keep going and don't look back at the competition. There isn't any! We're racing with ourselves...



EB

Eggs Benedict...I was first introduced to this superb breakfast/brunch delight in Australia and then New Zealand. I've been hooked since. There are many ways to serve EB in different lands. This is the Malaysian version. Perfect with long black ... yummy



For Such A Time As This

Queen Esther (in Old Testament time) made a bold declaration, "If I perish, I perish!" I imagine there was a quiver in her voice when she said that.

Still, she committed to give her all knowing that if she failed, she would lose her life.
Many have since borrowed her famous and courageous one liner in the face of extreme dangers, difficulties, dire situations and tragedies
Queen Esther believed in giving her all in pursuit of a noble cause. She stuck with it and a tremendous miracle happened in her day.
When we are lukewarm; neither hot nor cold, we are regarded as useless! When we dare to go after what we believe to be pure, good and noble; with faith in our heart and all that's in us, only then can we expect changes and even miracles to happen. 
Arise... for such a time as this.
Wishing everyone a joy filled and purposeful weekend.