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, August 19, 2012

Hey Buddy,
 
You think I have forgotten you?  No way!
You're still very much in my mind.
 
I miss you ... especially during lunch time! 
These days I don't care much for eating; a  plain cracker and a cup of coffee is fine.  Not like in those days where we'll travel miles and miles just to have the best fish head noodles, bak-kut-teh, black chicken double boiled soup, siew-yuk-char-siew-kai-fun, Spanish roast pig, German sausages, Penang nasi kandar and what else! 
You promised that no matter how busy you were, you will surely come to take me out for lunch.
Yep... and I must commend you --- not once in the twenty five years we worked together did you ever break your promise.  Thanks Buddy! 
 
I also miss your "Good Morning" calls.  Always on time, every time. 
I have a confession though.  There were occasions when I thought you were rather cheong-hei; so long-winded!  Sorry!
 
Things have changed drastically since you were gone. 
I don't need to go to the office anymore.  New management, new policies, new practices -- IN with the new and OUT with the old.  This is expected.
We talked about it, remember?
Anyway that's over and done with.
 
Life has taken on a new dimension for me.
I'm loving it.
 
How are things with you since you've taken up residence at the New Address?? 
Aren't you glad you decided to 'invest' when I asked you to, huh.
No need to thank me.  It was my greatest pleasure and privilege!
 
You've gone ahead of me. Someday I'll join you; that's a surety!
 
Meanwhile, think I'm required here. Will await instructions from the TOP!
I'm trying to do all I can to make things better for everyone here.  
You left in such a hurry and as the Chinese saying goes, "left behind a whole load of su-chow-see!"
 
Come to me sometime; maybe in a dream.  We need to talk.
But it's not important even if I don't hear from you!  Things have a way of sorting themselves out eventually.
 
Everything will work out well in the end and if it doesn't, it's not the end yet!
 
Enjoy your rest, Buddy...
 
- Me-
 
CAPT. WILLIAM VAN GEYZEL
(In the arms of his Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ since 28 October 2011)
 
 

Your favourite tin-kai-chuk (frog's leg porridge)


 
 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Who is a happier person: The one who did wrong, sought forgiveness and was forgiven OR the one who boasts that he is without sin, blameless and above reproach?

SEARCH ME O GOD and know my heart today, Try me O Saviour and know my thoughts I pray, See if there be some wicked way in me, Cleanse me from every wrong and set me free...


Thursday, August 16, 2012

LIFE'S DOWNSIDE...

Unbelievable but true.
Earlier this year in January 2012,  I was operated on to remove a tumour - the size of a ping pong ball - in the brain.
According to medical reports it was a life threatening procedure as all such operations involving the brain usually carry huge and high risks.

Strangely, initially there were no distinct signs to indicate the growth except for the irritation caused by my blurred vision!  It was deteriorating rapidly.  Thinking that I needed to change my glasses and contact lens I procrastinated.  As my vision worsen, I blamed it on cataracts!   

You know how it is: postponing seeking medical help because of work commitments and other more pressing matters at hand.  How silly can one get?  But that's me!
I would still have delayed had it not been for my loss of co-ordination.  I couldn't drive nor work the computer.  How much worse can THAT get! 

I had gone totally blind on one eye and the other was fast going as well!
The results of the MRI scan and other tests were worrying.  Surgery was required immediately. 

Five Professors/doctors/physicians were involved to make sure I was fit for surgery and well covered for post medical care.  I must commend this brilliant medical team and am privileged to be under their excellent professional care.

I survived and am grateful to family, friends and strangers/church members (local and abroad) who prayed like crazy!  Thank you all.

In recent months, we had lots of heart-to-heart talks, God and I.
There are many things that happen in my life that I don't understand and it seems God is silent most of the time.  He's not much for talking.

The strange thing is, during the entire time ---from the moment the tumour was discovered and I was operated on, during the convalescence period etc. -- I was not in the least bit fearful.  Most people would be frantic but somehow I remained calm and composed; telling myself to trust and surrender my fate to a loving God.
This tranquility must have come from Him. I cannot explain it.

To this day, the doctors who attended to me (then and now) continue to be amazed.

To God be the glory... 




Wednesday, August 15, 2012

COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR

To stay in the safety of the boat and wait out the storm or step into the water and experience a miracle...?
To hide in the shadow and let others walk all over you or step into the light and defend your cause...?
To succumb to threats and bullying ... or to rise up and say 'No'?

It's the norm.  People are being taken advantage of at the work place, boardroom, bedroom, schoolroom - just about in every segment of society.  The social system is such; the strong preying on the weak.

It's tough being the under-dog.
You'll find no sympathy or justice.  People like to stand on the side of the winner and hardly the loser.  The under-dog suffers alone and fend for himself.

Sometimes he even has to concede defeat and accepts the punishment while the guilty parties revel in their accomplishment.

At other times, he needs to disassociate himself from so called friends who are bent on hurting him. Surround himself with people who truly care and love him.
Whoever says that's going to be easy is just pulling his leg. 
Travel the road less travelled:  he has to realise he deserves more than the way he is being treated..



Monday, August 13, 2012

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST...

"Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains, in reply,  Echoing their joyous strains.  Glo.....ria in excelsis Deo!   Glo.....ria in excelsis Deo! ...."  

Christmas in August?   Why not?
Christmas is about loving and giving. Why wait till December to love and give when you can do that everyday ...

Friday, August 10, 2012

DREAM BIG...

DREAMS: The Vehicles On Which We Ride Our Fantasies.

Seen at MPH bookshop at The Curve today.
The little pinkie: AS TIME GOES BY -- a book by Lynn Wong on the top shelf.
Many thanks to all the people who made this possible.

Twenty two months after the launch and the book is still visible. Feeling pretty good...




Thursday, August 9, 2012

Goodbye Memories...

There're memories I thought I'll never forget; memories of people, places and pleasures. These I have clung to with my dear life. They are my buffer, a hiding place --- a way of escape.

For too long, I've been unwilling to let go. But now these same memories have lost their appeal and are slowly but gradually fading into obscurity.  Strangely, I don't miss them anymore.  Fleeting like the morning dew; in a little while they are no more.

Behold all things are made new. The past is dead and buried and it should be left that way. What's the point in opening up old wounds. The future is bright and beautiful and it's ours to behold...

Monday, August 6, 2012

'Kept' Woman

It's true: I am a 'kept' woman. Have been for years. Didn't always like it; felt there were too many constraints and restrictions. Resisted with little understanding and appreciation for HIM. Kept the relationship a secret. Felt a little embarrassed and thought HE wasn't relevant for our time. Got to know HIM better and started to trust HIM more and more. My perception of HIM gradually changed. I was liberated; free to be who I am. HE alone make sense. HE alone is enough. The world is reality. HE is real. I've given my heart and working at surrendering my mind. Eventually HE will keep my soul. Then I'll be HIS, completely.
"I know to Whom I belong."

Sunday, August 5, 2012

I believe ...

Everyone is facing some challenge in his life right now. On the outward, he may appear jolly, funny and gay; she: poised, confident and collected. In reality it's different. Each has to contemplate battling with one's own demons; a private/personal warfare.

When we look at the various degrees of human suffering, we cannot help but lament, why? For what purpose? And for how long? The senseless killing, abuse and injustice.... there's no answer. Available now are drugs and medication for almost every illness that plague the human physical body but none that can truly heal a broken heart, restore shattered dreams or erase emotional scars.

"Fear not, only believe. I am with you even unto the end of the earth." I believe but help my unbelief...


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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

I think I would like to live on a farm for awhile --- horseback riding, sheep shearing, cattle branding, whole lamb roasting on an open fire, country music/barn dancing; the smell of freshly cut grass, green meadow, lavender field .... aahhh ... wouldn't that be l o v e r l y ... (smiles)