[MPOV] Once Upon A Kamcheng

My rating: 3/5
Goodreads rating: 3.25/5
Published: January 1, 2020
Author: Lillian Tong
Genre: Asian Lit, Cultural

The Straits Chinese Babas and Nyonyas are ordinary people in extraordinary times. Their courage, sense of adventure, innate resilience and resourcefulness stood them in good stead through displacement and diaspora as they are buoyed along through centuries of dynamic and transitory history of the world.

The significance of persons and families as agents of history in affecting and causing the development of alternative history makes up the kaleidoscope of the memoirs and stories of Baba Nyonya life and experiences in this book.

We invite and welcome you to delve beyond gilded lattice screens, behind embroidered silk curtains, and immerse yourself in their eccentric and extravagant, if curious, strange, and wonderful world!

This is a compilation of true short stories pertaining the Baba Nyonya and Peranakan culture from way back then. It has been retold from the view of their children and grandchildren, reliving the glory days. It was an interesting reading though it wasn't as engaging since it's more of a retelling from their own experiences. It was also more of an enlightening read for me as I learn more of the culture, especially since my paternal grandma was a little bit Nyonya. If you are looking for an educational cultural read, then go ahead and pick this up.

Goodbye 2024! Hello 2025!

Finally, a chapter closes and another opens. I can't wait to leave 2024 behind and move forward to 2025. It truly was a challenging year filled with ups and downs... too many downs that it is hard to comprehend at times. How not to have mental breakdown, I wonder, but I just kept on moving as I didn't want to dwell on it too much or I would definitely have a meltdown. It is best to keep on moving forward and try to stay positively, for the sake of my family. I pray that 2025 will be a better year, more opportunities with more positive outcome. Let's usher in 2025 with a bang!

[Crochet] Dress for Kuromi

After all the current craze on dressing up Labubu, I have decided to crochet more dresses. Unfortunately, I did not measure this while making it. In the end, it was a little too big LOL! The best part, Princess found another doll that can fit into it and tadaaa.... a dress for Kuromi!!!

I have used:

- Bella Baby Tizz 8ply yarn from Spotlight

[MPOV] Sarong Secrets

My rating: 3/5

Goodreads rating: 3.83/5

Published: January 1, 2013

Author: Lee Su Kim

Genre: Short stories, Asian anthologies

Pure reading pleasure from start to finish … bitter-sweet, light and delicate as the kebaya, spiced with the tang of sambal belachan.

From the author of the award-winning bestseller Kebaya Tales comes yet another amazing collection featuring the colourful world of the babas and nyonyas. In Sarong Secrets, Su Kim tells more tales of passion and unfulfilled love, of innocence lost, greed and betrayal, of loneliness and the search for a sense of belonging – all of which harken to the unique Peranakan culture, a heritage teetering on the brink of extinction. Filled with humour, wit and vivid details, her compelling stories will delight and excite.

Interspersed amongst her stories are pictures of beautiful sarongs, accessories and artefacts from a unique community renowned for its love of colour and sumptuous material culture.

Finally, I have been contemplating on which books should I start from my TBR and I have decided to start with this, Sarong Secrets by Lee Su Kim.

There are 12 short stories which made it a breeze to finish reading it! It was unique, interesting and, most importantly, different as there were many photos of various sarongs and its history! It's well written, the stories infused with local beliefs and baba nyonya cultures which are refreshing yet relatable for me. I've definitely enjoyed it and feeling enriched with all the sarong history! 

For more deets about this book, you can check out the author's website below:
Sarong Secrets - LEE SU KIM

[MPOV] Lead Change Heart Way: A Regenerative Journey Travelling Inwards

My review: 5/5

Goodreads review: 5/5

Published: January 15, 2024

Author Koo Lily

Editor: Chuah Ai Jou

Genre: Non-fiction, self-help, motivational, inspirational, self-care

A very BIG thank you to the author and editor for the opportunity to read and explore this bright and colourful book! 

I am glad to have taken on this book review as it is unlike any other self-help books. The concept is different, so different that had me enjoying it so much! It truly is a refreshing and delightful read, not at all boring especially with the many beautiful art projects and I could participate the many action items at my own pace :-)

The book is about the author's perspective during the Movement Control Order (MCO) here in Malaysia when Covid started to spread. As we were restricted from going far then, we have all the time in the world to do whatever we want at home. 

"Koo Lily is the founder and principal consultant of  mq Training Coaching Consulting. She is an energetic, engaging, and passionate facilitator by profession."

Lily had time to indulge in her hobby and ponder on her life. The end result is this awesome book, Lead Change Heart Way: A Regenerative Journey Travelling Inwards, incorporating both her art and her written thoughts. 

Whilst reading, I can also imagine her facilitating and coaching from the book! Though I have not met her, I can sort of hear Lily as though I am in a class albeit an invisible one LOL! I honestly liked the way it was delivered which I find interesting and inspiring with the little questions at the end of each chapter. It had me pondering on the said topic and I would look back after a while to answer it. I will not divulge too much so you will have to read it to know what I mean :-)

"Shift your mind to explore the qualities which inspire you, and not solely be driven by their successes."

I do believe this book came at the right time. With so much negativity from soc-meds and life, I was a little frustrated, a little let down with a negative mindset. I was also on a crossroad, pondering on my future with retirement looming ahead. Slowly but surely, I could sort out my chaotic mind and set my sight a little better positively. Questions like "Do you have any tips for staying present in the process of change?" and "What's your outlier story?" are great action items. I'm inspired by her 3 SEEDology mindsets, among others, which helped me think positively. "Who are you grateful for?" sets the ball rolling for me, my first action item!

"We do not live just to survive, but to be alive."

If you are interested to get the book, Lead Change Heart Way is on a discounted price from now until the end of November 2024! It is going for RM60 now!!! The normal selling price is RM75. You will also be doing a good deed as 50% of the proceeds will go to a breast cancer charity!

You can click on the link below to purchase:
Lead Change Heart Way

You can also buy the book from the below platforms:

Amazon

Amazon Singapore

The Inspiration Hub

You can follow Koo Lily at: -

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/koolily

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/koo.lily

Instagram: