Fida Abbott

Are You Ready for Valentines Day (Part II)

2012-01-28T17:26:00.001-05:00

Dear my fellow readers,

If you read my last post, I'm sure you wonder what the second alternative I would like to recommend you for Valentines gift. This time is not for young adult or adult but for the kids. If you have children or nephews or nieces or any member of family/children under 10 years old you would love to give a gift for Valentines Day, please, check this children book below.

"Coki Periksa Lagi!" (Coki, Check Again!) is written by Yunita D. Harahap, a talented author special for children and teenager books. This educated children book has been published last month, in December 2011 and can be found at Gramedia, Gunung Agung and all Christian book stores in Indonesia. This is the third book after "Coki Bisa Apa?" (Coki What He Can Do?) and "Coki Mengambil Risiko" (Coki Took the Risk). She also wrote an educated teenager book: "Maafkan Aku" (Forgive Me).

I had read two of them: "Coki Bisa Apa" and "Coki Mengambil Risiko" and "Maafkan Aku". My daughter got them (Coki) as Christmas presents in 2010 from her (and "Maafkan Aku" is a gift for me). As a result, I had to retell them in English so she could understand the stories were about. We both love the picture of Coki--a little pigeon--especially his cute face--with chubby cheeks, hehehe... The stories are interesting and very educated, easy to understand and the illustrations are beautiful.

The special thing about these books beside I mentioned above is the author now resides in US, the illustrator now resides in Australia after he finished his study in art design in US and the publisher is from Indonesia. It is intercontinental project.

As a children and teenager book author--as I know--she has read many books including novels, too. One of them is "Enthusiasm". She becomes fans of it after reading it and even has good friendship with its author. You can read her comments about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian here (click).

And what about with my little daughter comments after having those two books? She said one day she would like to write a book like Coki. Hehehe . . . it is contagious, isn't it? But then what I see now she even writes many girly and mysterious stories, hahahaha!!! What an opposite--my cute little daughter!!!

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Are You Ready for Valentines Day? (Part I)

2012-01-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for Valentines Day? What do you prepare to buy as a gift for your loved ones? I'm sure you will find so many red theme of flowers, chocolates, any kinds of candies and Teddy Bears, etc in the stores. And did you ever think you were going to give a special thing besides those? I did.

It was bored giving the same chocolates or other little bears to my hubby. I was so excited planning to give him something else. Can you guess? (Hmm, hmm ...) It was a poem!!! What a nice, little and simple gift but I was sure it was special for him.

Well, if you have the same thought like me, you should prepare it earlier. So what is it? I'm trying to give you several suggestions--if you don't mind.

First, do you ever think about a book: A book about love? I'm sure you will be easy to find it during this season in the book stores. And if you care about someone you love who needs encouragement and support, the inspirational book is the answer.

Well, don't you think I'm going to promote my book? Of course, the answer is YES!

ENTHUSIASM in Indonesian version will be released soon in the end of this month, prepared for Indonesians to celebrate Valentines Days. You can find ANTUSIASME (The title in Indonesian version) in many book stores: Gramedia, Gunung Agung and all Christian Book Stores in Indonesia.

I was so excited when the publisher sent me (almost) final cover of my book. It looked much better and prettier than its original. I cannot wait to show it to you as soon as possible when it has been released already. Besides Valentines Day, they are planning to present ANTUSIASME to celebrate KARTINI DAY, April 21. Awesome!!!

Meanwhile you're still waiting for this book released, I'll present you an inspiring video that might give you something to fill your days. ENJOY!!!

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Introducing the 41st "Enthusiasm" Ambassador

2012-01-14T06:18:00.002-05:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you a new "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, Johanes Krisnomo from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, and he becomes the 41st "Enthusiasm" Ambassador. He is an alumnus of chemistry, Bandung Institute of Technology, a writer, an environmentalists, food technology, health, food chemistry and food industry practitioners. As a writer, his many articles can be found at several local newspapers in his hometown. His dream, someday his article will be published in a national newspaper and also he wants to write a book. The special thing about him: he is a graduated student from online writing course, pelatihan menulis.com where I lead.

Anybody who is interested to become an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you may send me a message or contact me via Facebook and must follow some rules below:
1. You must be an Indonesian, female or male, no matter where you live;
2. You have an account in Facebook, have been as an active user, and have at least 50 friends in your list;
3. Your age is not less than 18 years old;
4. You will give me permission to post promotion messages of "Enthusiasm" book, either in Indonesian or English version to your wall and tag it to your Facebook account;
5. You should consider that this is a volunteer activity and you don't have to forward those messages to others;
6. As an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you will be the first person who has a chance to know the recent news about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version;
7. You will have a chance to be three of the most active "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors and will be awarded.

So, don't wait so long! Be the 42nd1st and 43rd Enthusiasm" Ambassadors!
To read a short profile of 40th "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, click here.

Special to all 41 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors, please accept my great appreciation of your great support! Let's make "Enthusiasm" brighter and brighter and more people will get inspired, then great blessing will come to all of us. Thank you so much!!!

And below, you will see their pictures, names and locations in a slideshow alphabetically. (Important note: Because Slide.com will be shutting down on March 6, 2012, every new ambassador picture isn't able to be downloaded in this slideshow but it will be attached in the post. I apologize for this inconvenience. Thank you)

Agustinus Rohayadi (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Christine Wuryanano (Business Woman), Surabaya, Indonesia
Edy Zaqeus (Indonesian best selling author, writing coach, trainer and editor), Tangerang, Indonesia
Elfia Venesia (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Endang Dwi Astuti (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Erni Nuraeni Azizah (College Student), Bandung, Indonesia
Esther Yosephine Sanggelorang (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Evy Ariani Laurens (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Heni Kurniawati (Writer, Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Hermien Harsono (Entrepreneur), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ida Tri Wulandari (Government Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ika Andriani Karim (Mc Donald Manager), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ika Devita Susanti (Admission), Surabaya, Indonesia
Johanes Krisnomo (Writer, environmentalists, food technology, health, food chemistry and food industry practitioners), Bandung, Indonesia
Judita Andarise (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Katharina Rika A (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Lilik Maskuroh Witono (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Lily Sikome (Math Teacher, Postgraduate Student), Malang, Indonesia
Meivy Lembong (Private Employee), Menado-Sulsel, Indonesia
Mien Setiawan (Entrepreneur), Semarang, Indonesia
Mona Margaretha T (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Mutiara Anna Rarome Kambey (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nana Mathias F (Housewife, entrepreneur), Tulungagung, Indonesia
Niken Amartani (Entrepreneur), Bandung, Indonesia
Nila Ratnawati (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nur Aini (Housewife), Malang, Indonesia
Ririn Ayuandari (Housewife), Makassar, Indonesia
Rizki Amelia Rahmadhani (Accountant Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ruslan Andy Chandra (Founder and Board Chair of Promo Sijori Foundation), Jakarta, Indonesia
Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Business woman), Jakarta, Indonesia
Sahala Napitupulu (Editor of Tabloid Genie, Mom & Kiddie; and Just For Kids Magazine), Jakarta, Indonesia
Stephanie Setiyadi (College Student), Surabaya, Indonesia
Sukma Rini (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Susana Rinasari (Housewife), Bandung, Indonesia
Tutik Partiningsih (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Velixa Huwae (Housewife), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Vieske Eingeline Matius Kathiandago (Private Employee), Kamal-Madura, Indonesia
Viviana Andrew (Entrepreneur), Ipoh, Malaysia
Yunita Phillips (Writer), Ohio, USA

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NEW YEAR, NEW HOME, NEW STOVE and NEW HOPE

2012-01-07T16:20:00.003-05:00

The picture was taken on April, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I believe it is not too late to mention it. We've had no internet access since the end of November 2011 till now, including TV cable and home phone. We were in the process of moving to a new house. Step by step we moved our belongings ourselves every week or with a help of our neighbors every time we had a chance because we both had to work. Only Christmas we had a day off. The lucky thing, it only takes around 7-8 minutes to go to our new house from the old house.

Everybody likes the new house. It is smaller than the one we lived before but it's suitable for three persons to live in: my husband, my little daughter and myself. Everything is new except several doors and all the windows.

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas with all our children. As we still don't have a couch in the living room, I bought a small area rug and everybody could sit on it and enjoy our Christmas morning: having breakfast, playing a new game, painting/drawing and opening the Christmas gifts.

Christmas morning, I became a Santa Clause, ha ha . . .

Christmas Breakfast

A problem appeared when I tried to bake something. The oven didn't work. The worst thing, it was around 2 weeks before Christmas. The result was I could not bake special food for Christmas, but the good thing was I cooked NASI SOTO AYAM instead of baking food and everybody loved it. That made me happy. It was the first time we celebrated Christmas with an Indonesian food--yellow spicy (tasty) chicken soup served with rice (nasi) for our Christmas lunch.

Christmas lunch

My plate, Nasi Soto Ayam

The new stove came on January 2nd in the morning and it cheered me up--I could not wait to start baking again, trying several new recipes of my own and others.

With the old stove in the new kitchen

Other good news that cheered me up too, I got a news from Indonesian publisher. They are going to release my book in the end of this month if there are no other new changes. I'm so excited and cannot wait for the marketing manager contact me for the news of the marketing he will plan. This is a great and very special present for me in the beginning of this year. I thank God for this opportunity He has given and I hope this book will bring blessing for every reader in Indonesia.

Besides of that, I have gotten some questions when and what book I'm writing now. I have to be honest that I have been absent almost a year not to continue my script for the second novel because of getting a new full time job and finding a new house. Those gave me the hard time to find the time to write. It was so stressful but you may believe or not, I had been enjoying my hard time too much and I felt that was what a real life was about I had to thank for. That would make me alive and getting mature every time and every year. New cases are good for me for learning. One thing is the most important, I have seen how God walked with me in every step of my life and my family. He sent some angels to help us during the difficult time. So this year, this new year I believe--as I always say to everybody-- new year is new hope, full of enthusiasm for my family and myself:

Bubby is doing fine now after getting lung transplant last June. He is planning to start his class again in Eastern University this month.

Sissy got a new job several days before Christmas after graduated from her college last May. I believe it was the greatest Christmas and New Year gift for her she ever got.

Mimi is still busy with her study in the college. She is going to transfer to the North Carolina University as she said to me. But I hope she will go to University of Pennsylvania to continue her study instead of NCU.

Little Mermaid is always busy with her drawing almost every day. We are so proud of her as her creations/arts had been chosen to attend in an art show last year and as one of the pictures of 2012 Coatesville School District calender. She said she wants to be an artist, art teacher, writer and illustrator.

My husband, I believe he is getting better and better in his health. I was happy he attended in Christmas Eve service after several years he was absent because of his work schedules.

Myself, I hope this year I commit to finish writing my script--either continuing the second novel or starting the next saga novel. I haven't made any decision yet. Other hope is Enthusiasm in Indonesian version will be received well in the heart of many Indonesians.

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Introducing the 40th "Enthusiasm" Ambassador

2011-11-26T12:05:00.009-05:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you a new "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, Erni Nuraeni Azizah. She lives in Cimahi, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia and becomes the 40th "Enthusiasm" Ambassador. Now she still studies in Arabic literary faculty, University of Padjajaran, Bandung. One of her dreams, she really wants to meet someone who is the author of "Enthusiasm" and lives in PA. She is her big fans. I wish one day her dream will come true.

Anybody who is interested to become an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you may send me a message or contact me via Facebook and must follow some rules below:
1. You must be an Indonesian, female or male, no matter where you live;
2. You have an account in Facebook, have been as an active user, and have at least 50 friends in your list;
3. Your age is not less than 18 years old;
4. You will give me permission to post promotion messages of "Enthusiasm" book, either in Indonesian or English version to your wall and tag it to your Facebook account;
5. You should consider that this is a volunteer activity and you don't have to forward those messages to others;
6. As an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you will be the first person who has a chance to know the recent news about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version;
7. You will have a chance to be three of the most active "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors and will be awarded.

So, don't wait so long! Be the 41st and 42nd Enthusiasm" Ambassadors!

Special to all 40 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors, please accept my great appreciation of your great support! Let's make "Enthusiasm" brighter and brighter and more people will get inspired, then great blessing will come to all of us. Thank you so much!!!

And below, you will see their pictures, names and locations in a slideshow alphabetically. (Important note: Because Slide.com will be shutting down on March 6, 2012, every new ambassador picture isn't able to be downloaded in this slideshow but it will be attached in the post. I apologize for this inconvenience. Thank you)

Agustinus Rohayadi (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Christine Wuryanano (Business Woman), Surabaya, Indonesia
Edy Zaqeus (Indonesian best selling author, writing coach, trainer and editor), Tangerang, Indonesia
Elfia Venesia (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Endang Dwi Astuti (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Erni Nuraeni Azizah (College Student), Bandung, Indonesia
Esther Yosephine Sanggelorang (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Evy Ariani Laurens (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Heni Kurniawati (Writer, Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Hermien Harsono (Entrepreneur), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ida Tri Wulandari (Government Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ika Andriani Karim (Mc Donald Manager), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ika Devita Susanti (Admission), Surabaya, Indonesia
Judita Andarise (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Katharina Rika A (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Lilik Maskuroh Witono (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Lily Sikome (Math Teacher, Postgraduate Student), Malang, Indonesia
Meivy Lembong (Private Employee), Menado-Sulsel, Indonesia
Mien Setiawan (Entrepreneur), Semarang, Indonesia
Mona Margaretha T (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Mutiara Anna Rarome Kambey (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nana Mathias F (Housewife, entrepreneur), Tulungagung, Indonesia
Niken Amartani (Entrepreneur), Bandung, Indonesia
Nila Ratnawati (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nur Aini (Housewife), Malang, Indonesia
Ririn Ayuandari (Housewife), Makassar, Indonesia
Rizki Amelia Rahmadhani (Accountant Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ruslan Andy Chandra (Founder and Board Chair of Promo Sijori Foundation), Jakarta, Indonesia
Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Business woman), Jakarta, Indonesia
Sahala Napitupulu (Editor of Tabloid Genie, Mom & Kiddie; and Just For Kids Magazine), Jakarta, Indonesia
Stephanie Setiyadi (College Student), Surabaya, Indonesia
Sukma Rini (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Susana Rinasari (Housewife), Bandung, Indonesia
Tutik Partiningsih (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Velixa Huwae (Housewife), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Vieske Eingeline Matius Kathiandago (Private Employee), Kamal-Madura, Indonesia
Viviana Andrew (Entrepreneur), Ipoh, Malaysia
Yunita Phillips (Writer), Ohio, USA

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A MONTH AFTER WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-11-22T21:37:00.008-05:00

Dear All,

Thanksgiving is coming soon. I'll cook Turkey for the first time in Thanksgiving and all my children will come. It will be the last Thanksgiving in our house before we move to the new house. I still do sorting and sorting when have a chance. Surely, we will move completely in December and celebrate Christmas in the new home.

As we know the plan of moving to a new house just begins in early November, around two weeks after the winner announcement of "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading". The last news I got several days ago mentioned the book will be published soon in the end of this month. I wonder how it will look like--outside (front and back covers) and inside (its content). Meanwhile I haven't heard any news from Indonesia publisher but I have seen my book has been listed in their new book catalog with the note: "Coming Soon" and "Cover book is not finished yet". I'm excited in waiting their news; will it be my gift for Christmas, New Year or Birthday??? I even don't want to predict it. It will be my next surprise for upcoming new year.

Btw, I have several exciting news after winner announcement besides moving to the new house. I try to list them below so I'll be easy to tell them one by one:

- My books sales increased. Each cookbook ("Fabulous Leftover Turkey" and "Tumpeng, An Authentic Indonesian Food") and novel "Enthusiasm" have been sold. Now I have two copies of "Enthusiasm" left in home. If you're interested to buy it from me, please, let me know;

- One of the readers said after reading my book, "Enthusiasm", she was inspired to buy a notebook when retired next 2 years to entertain her because she loved reading so much and also would take computer course;

- "Enthusiasm" had been sent to Afghanistan and arrived last month to entertain many US soldiers there. I will write this special news when I have a chance next week/next month;

- "Enthusiasm" has been asked by other Indonesian publisher and I responded that they were late because other Indonesian publisher has bought my book right already and will be published soon. This big surprise came from a big and famous Indonesia Publisher and the person who asked was the first person who ever introduced me about blogging and asked me to blog too. It is sad when I published "Enthusiasm", he had been left behind so far because I never heard his news in many years after that. But the good thing, I've started to communicate again with him. I haven't asked yet about his position in there--probably he has been a manager now;

- A new fans of "The Enthusiasm Saga" confessed that she was my big fans in the writing world. Hohoho!!! Big fans? That was the biggest compliment I ever got in the writing world. She is a student in the first year in the faculty of Arabic Literary, University of Padjajaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. I see her so enthusiastic to keep writing and writing and also participate in the writing contest;

- I just knew several weeks ago, my friend, BD, has special invitation post of the last contest I participated. You can read his post here. Then from his post comment, I found my friend, Mariuca, had participated in voting. Next, Badiyo, one of KabarIndonesia's editor (volunteer) also participated in voting so I have added their names in my supporters list/thank you note. Thank you for all of you. If anybody has participated and has not confirmed yet, please don't be hesitate to let me know. Thank you for your support.

What's next? Hmm, I think I will be very busy after Christmas. I will prepare the new class for Online Writing Course. It will be held next year soon and there are several persons has asked about it already.

Well, my time is very tight but I really enjoy my life day by day with many challenging things I face. Life seems easy if you read and follow my news here but not actually. Everything is up and down, up and down. That is good so I'll always remember my CREATOR above and depend on HIM.

I hope you all will have a very nice Thanksgiving celebration. GBU! (*)

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Komodo has been chosen as the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World

2011-11-20T12:39:00.004-05:00

This morning I read the news mentioned KOMODO has been chosen as a winner of the new Seven Wonders of the World. YAY!!! Thank you for all thousands and thousands of people around the world who have been involved in voting in this initiative launched by the New7Wonders Foundation by on-line, phone and text messages.

Komodo, Indonesia
Almost everyone has heard of the Komodo dragon, but not everyone knows it comes from this small volcanic island in Indonesia. In fact the Komodo National Park includes three larger islands of the Pacific Ring of Fire – Komodo, Rinca and Padar – as well as numerous smaller ones, making up a total land area of 603 square kilometres. The full area is three times that and many of the protected animals are marine species.

Chosen from a short list of twenty-eight, the provisional winners include two sites in South America – the Amazon and Iguazu Falls – and five other natural spectacles in Asia and Africa: Halong Bay (Vietnam), Komodo (Indonesia), Jeju Island (South Korea), Table Mountain ( South Africa) and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines).

Below I attached a video of Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, announcing the names of the provisional New7Wonders of Nature at New7Wonders headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland and other two videos of Official Declaration of the New7Wonders of the World part 1 and 2.

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11-11-11

2011-11-13T12:07:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone,

I was planning to post something here on that date but because I was so busy and tired after came back from work so I decided to postpone it.

Actually today I have no much time to go online but I decided to give little bit time to write this post so many family and friends won't be worried about what's going on with me with no news in weeks.

We (my husband, my little daughter and me) are fine. I still do packing and packing, sorting and sorting every time I have a chance. I also don't go online frequently so please, excuse me for not replying your email or message soon.

Anyway, along with this post, I would like to invite you to support Stop Bullying through Peace, Love & Hope Art Project by giving your votes through this link. Peace, Love & Hope, is a unique anti-bullying project that spreads a global message by getting children aged 5 to 15 involved in exchange through art. Founded in 2007 by a Montreal-based artist and art educator, my friend, Avy Loftus. Now Peace Love and Hope has so far reached more than 1,000 children. Peace, Love & Hope promotes anti-bullying through art workshops, public presentations, personal story exchange, outreach and exhibitions. Children are invited to participate in batik workshops, where they are taught the techniques and have the opportunity to create individual pieces on the theme of peace, love and hope. The pieces are then assembled into large-scale quilts which Avy tours and exhibits at museums, cultural centers, schools and international children’s festivals, raising awareness and visibility for the anti-bullying cause. For details, you can visit this link.

I hope I'll write another post next week with many interesting news. And before I end this post, I would love to share 2 pictures (above and below) here taken by Cory O'Deens last month at the side yard of the church when we were celebrating The Children Fall Festival. She is a young photographer and just turns 20 years old. Her talented art photography can be seen at her own website: corysphotography.

So, give a visit to her own website and consider her to make your special memories grow fonder.

I always adore with all talented young artists who know the ways how to make their dreams come true.

Thanks Cory for the pictures. (*)

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God Has Answered My Prayers

2011-11-02T08:01:00.019-04:00

It has been long weeks I was in the stress condition to look for a very nice place to move. After having some meetings with several home owners, finally yesterday I (we) have signed the leasing of a right and nice house that met my requirements:
- not far from my work and my daughter's school;
- renovated/rehabbed house throughout;
- has big and nice kitchen because I love cooking;
- has at least 2 bedrooms (3 bedrooms would be great);
- has nice front porch (I always want it);
- has nice back yard so I can do small gardening, having small picnic and barbeque and it gives more free space for my children to play together, either to make snow angle, snowman, or just for kicking the ball (hahaha . . .);
- has dry and full basement;
- located in a nice neighborhood;
- and this is a must requirement: SUITABLE WITH OUR BUDGET.

Looking at those, it seemed impossible for me to get it. Most houses have higher price to meet my requirements so that was why if it just met several or some of them would be fine, especially number 1, 4, 8 and 9. But after going through the long process and I felt giving up, I believed God would not give me the bad place to live. So I just learned to be patient (this is the hardest part for me to learn than many other things but I could go through because of the help from Him) and let Him work in His ways. Finally the 4th house I saw (3rd house for my husband) met all my requirements, even it has attic. See . . . if I didn't go at that time and just went home after seeing the 3rd house (2nd for my husband), I would not get this house because there was not only me and my husband wanted it, but other several couples too.

My neighbor, Shirley Hallock and my friend, Yunita Phillips have brought this case (looking for a nice home) in their prayer list everyday and I thank them for great support they have shown. The power of the prayers are very real so I believe everything may happen in our life because of the faith we have.

I'm so excited. This Friday I will get the key. Then my husband and I would plan to move our belongings step by step before winter comes. I cannot wait to decorate the house soon and bring our children to have Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner together this year. (*)

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Winners Announcement of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading

2011-10-15T11:08:00.013-04:00

After doing several morning duties, making some phone calls to look for other nice house to live and answering a call from a friend, asking if I won the contest, suddenly I remembered I should visit the Authors Show page and read the winner announcement. I screamed shortly seeing my name was included on the winner list. And at the same time I had made an appointment with other person to see the new remodeled and renovated house that has been long I looked for. I hope this one would be ours. It has been stress me out to look for the right one; located in our town school district and not too far from my work place, nice and clean, and of course it must be suitable with our budget.

To all my supporters, please, celebrate with me--the person you have voted is included in 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. I hope this will give you all big smile and please, be happy. THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORTS!!! YOU ROCK!!! So I don't have any words to say except the simple words of THANK YOU FROM DEEP OF MY HEART.

This virtual Tumpeng below I made myself two years ago (I look so tired after long hours working in the kitchen to prepare and make it) is a sign of celebration of this winning news. Please, enjoy and don't forget to get two free e-books, available to download until Oct 30, 2011, brought to you by Viviana Andrew as one of my sponsors, one of the Enthusiasm Ambassadors and the owner of Resources for Moms and Kids!!!

At the same time I would like to invite you to like The Enthusiasm Saga page at Facebook if you haven't joined in it yet. It's waiting one person more to be 200 persons who like The Enthusiasm Saga page. Thank you and let's make Enthusiasm shine in our heart and in our daily life. (*)

NOTHING GREAT WAS EVER ACHIEVED WITHOUT ENTHUSIASM
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

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Praying to get a right house to live soon and I'm very excited to be in 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. Thousands of thanks to all my supporters. YOU ROCK!!!
about 1 minute ago from web

Thank You Note and Two Gifts for All

2011-10-11T23:45:00.013-04:00

To all my supporters who have voted me (who have confirmed and haven't confirmed yet) or even haven't participated to vote me yet during the contest of "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading", I would like to thank you for spending the time to read my post here and at Facebook, visit the contest website page, read my essay, and give me a vote. I'll let you know the result of the contest, even I will be included in "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" or not. It doesn't matter what the result is, as long as all of you have given the loyal support that come from your heart, it is the most important to me. I'm sure it will stay much longer than that contest itself.

As my appreciation to thank you for all of your great support, I present two free e-books, brought to you from my sponsor, Viviana Andrew, one of the Enthusiasm Ambassadors and the owner of Resources for Moms and Kids. Please, visit this link to download. This free download won't be long. So please, get is as soon as possible when you have a chance.

Below, I enclose all the voters who have confirmed. Next week, I'll link all the voters who have blog at my Supporters page.

Friends:

Yanee Lasahido (Indonesia), Ani Pratamawati (Indonesia), Ruth DP (Indonesia), Armalia (Indonesia), Mardjuki Winarno (Indonesia), Chichinda Huwae (Indonesia), Bintang Aja (Indonesia), Nila Kusumawati (Indonesia), Rino Aksan (Indonesia), Tresia T. Neve (US), Maria Coleman (US), Wibawanti Cahyasari (Indonesia), Viviana Andrew (Malaysia), Katharina Rika A (Indonesia), Rachman Ramali (Indonesia), Indah Sulistyowati (Indonesia), Ambar Purwaningrum (Indonesia), Indah Hauree (French), Ida Tri Wulandari (Indonesia), Warung Bu Roesman (Indonesia), Joeli Soetantyo (US).

Co-workers:

Janice Phipps (US), Darlene (US), Shakira (US), Martilla (US), Jahan (US), Maryan (US), Sanjeev Mehta (US), Bala Raja (US), Kulvinder Kour (US), Anthony Buckner (US), Compton Duncan (US), Victoria Wilson (US), Anrifat Abouba Kar (US), Barbara Strutynski (US), Barbara Doerr (US), Maria Campa (US), Brunilda (US), Justin Bruce (US), Jogindher Singh (US), Shalena Barnett (US), Lymus Grey (US), Daniel Mole (US), Phillip Bond (US), Trish (US), Shannon Duff (US), Kimberly Maddox (US).

Online Co-workers:

Robert Nio (Indonesia), Mien Setiawan (Indonesia), Heni Kurniawati (Indonesia), Supadiyanto (Indonesia), Wahyu Ari Wicaksono (Indonesia), Badiyo (Indonesia).

Foundations/Media/Publishers:

Yasvi Galeri (Indonesian Visual Art Foundation), KabarIndonesia (Daily online news based on the citizen reporter), Promo Sijori Foundation (Indonesia), Komunikasi Bina Kasih Foundation (Indonesia).

Lectures/Teachers:

Yonny Koen (Indonesia), Latifah Farray (Indonesia), Sri Nurhidayah (Indonesia), Supandi (Indonesia).

Writers:

Jennie S. Bev (US), Nenny Makmum (Indonesia), Yunita Phillips (US), Edy Zaqeus (Indonesia), Anang YB (Indonesia), Oscar Prajnapala (Indonesia)

Editors/Translators:

Yuniasari Shinta Dewi (Indonesia), Sahala Napitupulu II (Indonesia), Iryani Syahrir (Indonesia).

Other:

Shirley Hallock (US), Nina Wardi (Indonesia), Avy Lotus (Europe), Alina Hartono (Indonesia), Troeno Marayoga (Indonesia), Marcella (US), Edwin Moreno (US), Maria Robles (US), Henny Sulityowati (Indonesia), June Wylae (US).

Priest:

Joel M. Indrasmoro (Indonesia), Nancy Dinar (Korea)

Bloggers:

Pieter Silitonga (Indonesia), Milton Coyne (Philippine), Theivanai Gnanantham (Malaysia), Mariuca (Malaysia).

Facebookers:

Parlina Wi (Indonesia), Ruslan Andy Chandra (Indonesia), Aryo Wibowo (Indonesia), Achmad Ismail Basnawi (Indonesia), Ryonn San (Australia), Gladies Petra (Indonesia), Santi Erawaty (Indonesia), Berlin B. Le Van (US).

Family/Relatives:

Greg (US), Agustinus Rohayadi (Indonesia), Frances (US), Endang Dwi Astuti (Indonesia), Septiana Cahyanti (Indonesia), Maria Elisabeth S (Indonesia), Irfan (Indonesia), Little Mermaid (US), Lily Sikome (Indonesia).

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about 1 minute ago from web

Authors Show: Public voting has changed and will end on Oct 10 at midnight

2011-10-08T11:16:00.005-04:00

Dear All,

This morning I got a message from Executive Producer of The Authors Show, Danielle Hampson, mentioning that public voting has changed and will end on Oct 10 at midnight. In Indonesia it will be on Oct 11 at 12.00 WIB. Below, I enclose her two answers regarding many questions she got via emails:

1. You may vote once only. The system has been programmed to prevent multiple votes coming from the same computer, so if you receive a message to that effect, it simply shows the system is working the way it should.

2. Some have reported not being able to vote. This is happening ONLY when voters do not scroll down the page to the CONTINUE button. In order to cast a vote, voters must click that button.

We do not wish any of the finalists to be artificially penalized because some of the voters did not scroll down the page to click on the CONTINUE button. Therefore, we will give them another chance to do so by keeping the voting open through Monday October 10 at midnight.

The names of the 50 winners will be posted on our contest page on October 20, and the top winner will be announced October 25th. ***

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Thanking to all supporters who have and haven't confirmed.
about 1 minute ago from web

I NEED YOUR SUPPORT: Please, Vote Me!

2011-09-30T10:18:00.017-04:00

Dear family, friends, bloggers, facebookers, and anyone else,

I have been visiting the Authors Show announcement page and found out my name is on the top list of 113 finalist in alphabetical order (it surprised me because several days ago it was listed alphabetically so my name that starts with letter "F" was located in the middle) and my essay is on the page 59-61. My finalist number is 61. Next, I will be waiting and see who would give me a vote. Public voting will be held on Oct 1-10 (US time) at midnight. It means in Indonesia will end on Oct 11 at 12.00 WIB.

GOOD NEWS FOR BLOGGERS!!!

1. Please, participate to give me a vote. Go to this link, read my essay on the page 59-61, vote me, and let me know by leaving a message in this post. By participating, you will get a prize: 150EC (if you're an Entrecard member), be listed in my supporters page in this blog and your name will appear on the thank and both of them will be linked to your blog (post will be available after the contest done). Two links will be great to increase your blog's SEO. You have 10 days to participate in voting.

2. After you vote me, if you like, you can participate in the second step, if not, then it's fine, too. The second step is easy. You just need to write a short inviting post to vote me using your own words. Your Title can be "Free hundreds EC by participating in Fida's Invitation" or you can make your own title and be creative. You just need enclose 4 links. The first link: write my name Fida Abbott and link it to this post. The second link: please, write "Vote Fida Abbott who is on the Top List of 113 Finalist in Alphabetical Order" and link it to this link (Announcement page). The third link: please, write "Read Fida Abbott's Essay on the page 59-61!" and link it to this essay page, and the fourth link: please, write "Vote Fida Abbott #61" and link it to the voting page. Don't forget to attach the digital seal above in your post so your fellow readers/bloggers/visitors will recognize the kind of the contest seal. By participating to this second step, you will get a prize: 200 EC (if you are an Entrecard member. This chance will not be available on Oct 9 (US time) so please, make sure to write a post before that date and let me know by leaving a message in this post. It means you only have 8 days to write this post (Oct 1-5). Also please, remember that your post should be exist till Oct 12, 2011. After that date, you may keep it posted or delete it.

To every blogger who is able to post on Oct 1-2, I'll give more extra prize: 100 EC. Total, you will get 450 EC. Does it sound good?

But Remember, you must vote me first before writing your post!!! It means you cannot do the second step without doing the first step.

Thank you for reading this post. Every family members, friends, bloggers and facebookers, I will wait for your participation. (*)

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about 1 minute ago from web

Being Finalist of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading

2011-09-23T00:15:00.014-04:00

What a wonderful news I got! As the one of the authors who has ever been interviewed by The Authors Show, last month I was selected as a candidate to take part in the final selection for their Top 50 featured authors as they are going to publish soon this year the second edition of THE AUTHORS SHOW’s “50 Outstanding Writers You Should Be Reading”. The selection was by invitation only, and there was no cost associated with being a featured author in the printed version of the book. Because of how busy I was, two days before the selection ended, I sent my entry form online, including my essay that I wrote and edited it around an hour and a half (total two hours with submitting the form).

In this second year of their contest, 113 finalists were selected from the pool of guests who have been interviewed in 2011 on The Authors Show, The Business Authors Show, The Children Authors Show, The Christian Authors Show, The Wellness Authors Show and on AuthorsWebTV.com, the TV version of the show, and my essay is one of the finalists. To see the complete list of finalists, please visit The Authors Show 2011 Contest.

Then from October 1 through October 8, the public will have the chance to vote for their favorite authors from 113 finalists. The top 50 authors selected by the public will win a spot in 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. I hope this news will be as a preparation for all of you who would love to participate and support me. I will update this news when they have opened the public voting next month. You will be able to read my essay and vote me.

This is also a good news for all my fellow Bloggers, especially if they are as the Entrecard's members. I'm going to give hundreds and/or thousands of ECs free to them who vote and republish my post regarding that announcement. Please, stay tuned for upcoming post and thank you for your time to read this exciting news. I hope my future supporters from family, friends, bloggers and non bloggers will be excited in waiting for this event. (*)

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Many homework I have to do but I will keep smiling and be happy.
about 1 minute ago from web

Introducing the 38th and 39th "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors

2011-09-20T00:37:00.006-04:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you two new "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors. They will be the 38th and 39th.
The 38th is Ruslan Andy Chandra (Founder and Board Chair of Promo Sijori Foundation) from DKI Jakarta, Indonesia.
The 39th is Mona Margaretha T (Private Employee) from Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia.

Anybody who is interested to become an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you may send me a message or contact me via Facebook and must follow some rules below:
1. You must be an Indonesian, female or male, no matter where you live;
2. You have an account in Facebook, have been as an active user, and have at least 50 friends in your list;
3. Your age is not less than 18 years old;
4. You will give me permission to post promotion messages of "Enthusiasm" book, either in Indonesian or English version to your wall and tag it to your Facebook account;
5. You should consider that this is a volunteer activity and you don't have to forward those messages to others;
6. As an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you will be the first person who has a chance to know the recent news about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version;
7. You will have a chance to be three of the most active "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors and will be awarded.

So, don't wait so long! Be the 40th and 41st Enthusiasm" Ambassadors!

Special to all 39 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors, please accept my great appreciation of your great support! Let's make "Enthusiasm" brighter and brighter and more people will get inspired, then great blessing will come to all of us. Thank you so much!!!

And below, you will see their pictures, names and locations in a slideshow alphabetically.

Agustinus Rohayadi (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Christine Wuryanano (Business Woman), Surabaya, Indonesia
Devita (Assistant Lecture), Surabaya, Indonesia
Edy Zaqeus (Indonesian best selling author, writing coach, trainer and editor), Tangerang, Indonesia
Elfia Venesia (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Endang Dwi Astuti (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Esther Yosephine Sanggelorang (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Evy Ariani Laurens (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Heni Kurniawati (Writer, Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Hermien Harsono (Entrepreneur), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ida Tri Wulandari (Government Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ika Andriani Karim (Mc Donald Manager), Surabaya, Indonesia
Judita Andarise (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Katharina Rika A (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Lilik Maskuroh Witono (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Lily Sikome (Math Teacher, Postgraduate Student), Malang, Indonesia
Meivy Lembong (Private Employee), Menado-Sulsel, Indonesia
Mien Setiawan (Entrepreneur), Semarang, Indonesia
Mona Margaretha T (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Mutiara Anna Rarome Kambey (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nana Mathias F (Housewife, entrepreneur), Tulungagung, Indonesia
Niken Amartani (Entrepreneur), Bandung, Indonesia
Nila Ratnawati (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nur Aini (Housewife), Malang, Indonesia
Ririn Ayuandari (Housewife), Makassar, Indonesia
Rizki Amelia Rahmadhani (Accountant Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ruslan Andy Chandra (Founder and Board Chair of Promo Sijori Foundation), Jakarta, Indonesia
Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Business woman), Jakarta, Indonesia
Sahala Napitupulu (Editor of Tabloid Genie, Mom & Kiddie; and Just For Kids Magazine), Jakarta, Indonesia
Stephanie Setiyadi (College Student), Surabaya, Indonesia
Sukma Rini (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Susana Rinasari (Housewife), Bandung, Indonesia
Tutik Partiningsih (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Velixa Huwae (Housewife), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Vieske Eingeline Matius Kathiandago (Private Employee), Kamal-Madura, Indonesia
Viviana Andrew (Entrepreneur), Ipoh, Malaysia
Yunita Phillips (Writer), Ohio, USA

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about 1 minute ago from web

Saturday News

2011-09-10T10:45:00.010-04:00

It has been a long busy week at work. I worked six hours in Labor Day (on Monday morning) and from Tuesday to Friday I came two hours earlier from regular schedules, so I would love to have rest this weekend although I still have to work around 4-5 hours at the other part time job. Anyway, I still do enjoy doing my work and I'm lucky my work place takes around five-seven minutes away from my house, so it helps me in everything.

Many friends asked me how I could manage my works without messing up my main activities. Well, it could be hard for them but I used to be a busy and very active person in my whole life. As long as my little daughter has someone to watch her after school, it doesn't worry me. She still has a lot of time with me in the morning before school and weekend and I still do monitoring all her school homework. I just need to find the right time to write. That's all. As long as I have steady schedules in the future I would find it soon and would love to finish my second novel soon. I can't wait. I feel my mind wants to blow up, ha ha ha!!! Sorry, just kidding.

Anyway, this Saturday I don't have any special news but I do love to share a little bit about something that has been cheered me up. Around two weeks ago I got several pictures sent by an editor (volunteer) of KabarIndonesia--pictures of his wife wearing a stylist apron. The apron was a wedding gift I sent to this couple several months ago when they got married. I was so happy when he wrote an email telling his wife loved cooking and was so happy receive my special gift. It wasn't a ready made apron so she had to cut the pattern and sew it. Look, how happy she is. She has a big smile on her face and that cheered me up. A simple gift from thousands miles away always makes special for someone. I love this picture. (*)

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Thinking to find a right time to visit my son and daughter in Phoenixville.
about 1 minute ago from web

Blossom-end Rot

2011-09-04T10:22:00.004-04:00

Do you like gardening? If you like it, I'm sure you ever plant tomato. This kind of fruit is the most of the people in US will plant during summer.

I like gardening. The huge lawn I have in my home drove me wild to plant many variety of plants, including flowers, fruits and vegetables. Last two years I started to plant tomato for the first time since we moved to our new house. It grew well and only one tomato showed something different: it had a small tan patch on the blossom end when it was still green. This patch turns leathery and brown or black as the fruit matures. This was the sign that tomato was having blossom-end rot.

I let it be like that and kept watching it meanwhile other tomatoes grew normally and I harvested and started using them as the ingredient in my cooking.

I didn't need to do anything, even to spray it to get rid of it because blossom-end rot is caused by calcium deficiency. Moisture fluctuation and excessive fertilization can reduce a plant's uptake of calcium.

To prevent that condition, I kept soil moisture even and didn't cultivate deeply near the plant roots. I should use the fertilizers high in super-phosphate and low nitrogen or a tomato fertilizer that contains calcium but I didn't know where to buy it near my area so I just used regular balance fertilizer (N-P-K) and adding more organic fertilizer--it contains small amount of calcium in it. I just enjoyed watching everything grow and I could still eat the part that wasn't affected.

Writing this post reminds me for the one of several other blogs I prepared for my hobby activities and my knowledge I ever got in my college. Probably one day when I'm ready I would launch it as my dedication of my own agriculture degree. ***

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about 1 minute ago from web

Hurricane Tracker

2011-08-27T11:47:00.007-04:00

Since yesterday, at work some friends were talking most about Hurricane that would hit our area on Saturday and Sunday (today and tomorrow). I was curious about this news so I searched at MSN.com and found HURRICANE TRACKER.

According to the news I read: Hurricane Irene battered the North Carolina coast with wind and rain Saturday, wreaking havoc as it began a potentially catastrophic run up the U.S. East Coast. Irene was moving north-northeast along the coast and was expected to remain a hurricane as it hit the mid-Atlantic states on Saturday night and New England on Sunday.

With winds of 85 miles per hour, Irene was a Category 1 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson intensity scale. Forecasters warned that it remained a large and dangerous storm and that its wind-strength was holding steady at 85 mph.

As of 11 a.m., tropical storm conditions had spread into coastal Va., Md., and Del., demonstrating the unusually large size of the storm.

New York City ordered unprecedented evacuations and transit shutdowns as states from the Carolina to Maine declared emergencies due to Irene, whose nearly 600 mile width guaranteed a stormy weekend for tens of millions of people. (MSN News)

If I checked from HURRICANE TRACKER, it seemed my area would be hit from Saturday evening/night to Sunday morning as the effect of it and it's called the tropical storm. Since in the morning, I have prepared everything. I made sure nothing left at the front porch/house, and cleaned and arranged the garage so my car would have a place to park in, meanwhile the other car is still getting repair since two weeks ago.

While I'm writing this post, the weather outside has been cloudy since I woke up in the morning. I'm waiting for my husband go home from work and I'm not sure I'll come to work this evening or not. If the rain and windy have started before I leave, I think I prefer to call off from work and stay at home.

Below I attached a video, showing the hurricane is hitting North Carolina. (*)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Thinking I might not come to work this afternoon and just stay at home, doing several things that need to be done soon.
about 1 minute ago from web

Support Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through Its Community Event Programs

2011-08-20T13:37:00.010-04:00

So many young lives depend upon the advances that are being made toward finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF), including my son who just got lungs transplant several months ago.

CF Foundation has community event programs which you can be a part of it by sending your contribution. Your generous contribution will help ensure that all vital programs of the CF Foundation continue to move forward and "add tomorrows every day" to the lives of those with CF. Your donation will help meet their total fundraising goal.

I just knew this morning about this new event: Casting to Cure CF 2011 from Ruth Abbott's FB wall. Although I'm late, it doesn't matter, they still accept any contribution at anytime and anywhere. I made it in honor of William and Ruth Abbott (his mom). If your heart is called and would love to contribute, visit this link, and to learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the progress being made toward a cure, please visit CFF.org. There are many ways you can support them.

As a reminder, every purchase you make for my books (including e-books, mini books and cookbooks) you have contributed to CFF, too.***

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Getting prepare for lunch and go to work.
about 1 minute ago from web

Complete Independence!!!

2011-08-17T00:02:00.010-04:00

Today, August 17, Indonesians are celebrating their 66th Independence Day! Happy Independence Day to all Indonesians around the world!!!

What I would love to share in this special day?
From e-Daily Devotion written by Indonesians, I got a really good source for all Indonesians who confess that they are the part of the nation who put God in number one in their way of life should read this, especially for Christian. Attached, I tried to translate it in English. For Indonesian version, you can visit this link.

In 1942, in the early days of Japanese occupation, Amir Syarifuddin Harahap spoke in the Christmas celebration (of the Preparatory The Christian Unity). This Christian leader who later became RI's prime minister had appealed to Christians not only thinking about the afterlife, but must stand with both feet on a society in turmoil. Amir said that because most Indonesia's Christians at that time tended to apathy on the dynamics community. They prefered to focus on spiritual things.

Decades later, after Indonesia became independent, the same problem apparently still wrapped around Christians in Indonesia. Many churches claimed to "uphold the Bible", but unfortunately tends to apathy to the problems facing the nation. They prefered to focus on things related to spiritual worship and evangelism. The problems of filling Indonesia's independence with involvement in all areas were almost never studied or emphasized.

Of course, worship and evangelism are needed. But if that's all Christians do, we are not yet fully understood God's heart's content. In the book of Isaiah that we read today (Isaiah 58:6), God obviously wanted the worship of His people have an impact on social change. Issues of justice (verse 6) and poverty (verse 7), specifically concerning the political, legal, and economic, should be our concern.

Today, let Amir Syarifuddin appeal reminds us of Christian vocation in the ommunity. Let us be encouraged back to participate actively filling the nation's independence - ST

MAKE TRUE WORSHIP THE NATION BLESSED!!!

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about 1 minute ago from web

The Fifth Book I Endorsed

2011-08-14T15:02:00.007-04:00

24, Senarai Kisah dari Kampung Fiksi (24, Short Stories Collection from Fiction Village), published in May 2011 (writers: Deasy Maria, Endah Raharjo, Gratcia Siahaya, Indah Widianto, Meliana Indie, Ria Tumimomor, Sari Novita and Winda Krisnadefa), publisher: Kampung Fiksi

To translate the endorsement below in English, you can copy and paste it to this link (Google translate). You might not get perfect result but at least you will understand what I have written.

Kumpulan Cerpen Kampung Fiksi umumnya menyajikan cerpen-cerpen yang lain daripada cerpen-cerpen yang biasanya dipublikasikan dan sering kita baca. Tema-tema cerita yang menarik dan lain daripada yang lain membuat Anda tak akan merasa bosan. Anda akan diajak berpikir, menerka, berimajinasi, mengerutkan kening, menjelajah alam imajinasi, dan bahkan akan mengundang bulu kuduk berdiri. Walau begitu, kumpulan cerpen ini dapat menyertai di saat-saat istirahat Anda, entah saat berakhir pekan, minum teh di sore hari, mengisi waktu luang, bahkan menjelang tidur malam dan rasakan gejolak rasa yang dapat menghibur diri dan pikiran Anda. (by Fida Abbott)

To read other four books I've endorsed/forworded, please, visit this link.

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about 1 minute ago from web

Introducing 34th, 35th, 36th and 37th "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors

2011-08-09T01:09:00.006-04:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you four new "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors. They will be the 34th, 35th, 36th and 37th.
The 34th is Agustinus Rohayadi (Entrepreneur) from Sidoarjo, Indonesia.
The 35th is Edy Zaqeus (Indonesian Best Selling Writer, Writing Coach, Trainer and Editor) from Tangerang, Indonesia.
The 36th is Sahala Napitupulu (Editor of Tabloid Genie, Mom & Kiddie; and Just For Kids Magazine) Jakarta, Indonesia.
The 37th is Mien Setiawan (Entrepreneur) from Semarang, Indonesia

Anybody who is interested to become an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you may send me a message or contact me via Facebook and must follow some rules below:
1. You must an Indonesian, female or male, no matter where you live;
2. You have account in Facebook, been as an active user, and have at least 50 friends in your list;
3. Your age not less than 18 years old;
4. You will give me permission to post promotion messages of "Enthusiasm" book, either in Indonesian or English version to your wall and tag it to your FB account;
5. You should consider that this is a volunteer activity and you don't have to forward those messages to others;
6. As an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you will be the first person who has a chance to know the recent news about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version;
7. You will have a chance to be three of the most active "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors and will be awarded.

So, don't wait so long! Now there have been 37 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors. Be the 38th, 39th or 40th!

Special to all 37 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors, please accept my great appreciation of your great support! Let's make "Enthusiasm" brighter and brighter and more people will get inspired, then great blessing will come to all of us. Thank you so much!!!

And below, you will see their pictures, names and location in a slideshow alphabetically.

Agustinus Rohayadi (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Christine Wuryanano (Business Woman), Surabaya, Indonesia
Devita (Assistant Lecture), Surabaya, Indonesia
Edy Zaqeus (Indonesian best selling writer, writing coach, trainer and editor), Tangerang, Indonesia
Elfia Venesia (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Endang Dwi Astuti (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Esther Yosephine Sanggelorang (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Evy Ariani Laurens (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Heni Kurniawati (Writer, Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Hermien Harsono (Entrepreneur), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ida Tri Wulandari (Government Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ika Andriani Karim (Mc Donald Manager), Surabaya, Indonesia
Judita Andarise (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Katharina Rika A (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Lilik Maskuroh Witono (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Lily Sikome (Math Teacher, Postgraduate Student), Malang, Indonesia
Meivy Lembong (Private Employee), Menado-Sulsel, Indonesia
Mien Setiawan (Entrepreneur), Semarang, Indonesia
Mutiara Anna Rarome Kambey (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nana Mathias F (Housewife, entrepreneur), Tulungagung, Indonesia
Niken Amartani (Entrepreneur), Bandung, Indonesia
Nila Ratnawati (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nur Aini (Housewife), Malang, Indonesia
Ririn Ayuandari (Housewife), Makassar, Indonesia
Rizki Amelia Rahmadhani (Accountant Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Business woman), Jakarta, Indonesia
Sahala Napitupulu (Editor of Tabloid Genie, Mom & Kiddie; and Just For Kids Magazine), Jakarta, Indonesia
Stephanie Setiyadi (College Student), Surabaya, Indonesia
Sukma Rini (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Susana Rinasari (Housewife), Bandung, Indonesia
Tutik Partiningsih (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Velixa Huwae (Housewife), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Vieske Eingeline Matius Kathiandago (Private Employee), Kamal-Madura, Indonesia
Viviana Andrew (Entrepreneur), Ipoh, Malaysia
Yunita Phillips (Writer), Ohio, USA

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I got an email from Indonesia publisher and they said if it would not be long my book will be published soon. They sent a layout sample. I was so excited! So sweet and feminine.
about 1 minute ago from web

I Celebrate Three Things

2011-08-03T00:02:00.017-04:00

Today I just want to share something that makes me happy. I'm celebrating three things virtually here.

First, last Sunday afternoon I had a chance to talk to my son after arriving from work on the phone. I heard how enthusiastic his voice was, that made me so happy and brought me become enthusiastic to fill my day at that time although I felt tired and was getting ready for the second job. I believe he felt blessed after the exhausting time and long stressful before and after lung transplant made and now he is in the long recovery period.

Second, today (August 3, 2011) I celebrate 5th year anniversary of my first job. Wohoo!!! What a long enough journey!

Third, this afternoon (Tuesday afternoon) at my second job, the assistant personnel manager met and told me that she brought a good news special for me. She received the evaluation of my work and the result was my performance was REALLY REALLY GOOD -- I considered probably it was A+ (ha ha ha) -- so I would get raise and be effective on Monday next week although I've just worked since four months and a week ago. Also she told me I got the most raise they offered for their associates. She looked so happy when telling it and it made me feel the same way. She asked me not to tell anybody (I didn't ask more but I believed it had the sign that was only me to get raised and the most. Well, I didn't tell anybody there but I've shared it here, ha ha . . . ). Anyway, it just came at the right time when I really need it. What a blessing!!!

Yes, today I feel like to want celebrate those three things. I thank God for everything. The third thing reminds me about someone who I never met in person (and I believe maybe he had read my book "Enthusiasm" already) and told me that I would get paid-full for every hard work I had done. Yes, I never do my work in my half heart. I better not to do it. If I do something, I'll do my best with all of my heart because I want the excellent result, at least the good result. Smart and hard work!!! Those, the two keys I always keep to pursue my goals.

Although I am not able to invite you to have a glass of wine and some exotic foods to celebrate, I've attached here a virtual drink and fish plate with dessert. Please, enjoy and be free to share your thought here!!!

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Thinking about my second novel I haven't continued yet since the end of last year. I cannot wait to write again. I'll be patient when the right time come soon.
about 1 minute ago from web

Learning To Have Faith from Seven Years Old Girl

2011-07-25T23:07:00.009-04:00

Last Sunday I got a surprise from my daughter's Sunday School teacher, Sandy. She asked me if she had a brother who just got lung replacement. I wondered how she knew it. Then she told me when she asked the children if they had their own faith story, they should raise their hands. My daughter was the one of some children who raised their hands. She told about her brother who just got lung replacement and her visiting to Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania several weeks ago. She prayed and had faith that her brother would get better soon. Sandy was amazed that she knew what the faith was when she was still seven years old. And I'm as her mom, of course, I'm so proud of her and thank God that she grows well with her faith.

Sometimes we need to learn from a little child how we put our faith in God. It's not only from what we express through what we say in our prayer only but in our action, too.

Below I just want to share several pictures and videos when they both were having fun together last summer in the glades in MA; playing chest together and he taught her how to play guitar.

Yes, I also have faith that someday they both will have fun soon as they spent time last summer together. (*)

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Getting ready to go to bed. Ups, eat something first . . . I'm so hungry.
about 1 minute ago from web

Introducing 32nd and 33rd "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors

2011-07-18T01:34:00.008-04:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you two new "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors. They will be the 32nd and 33rd. Nana Mathias F from Tulungagung (East Java) is the 32nd and Nila Ratnawati from Surabaya (East Java) is the 33rd.

Anybody who is interested to become an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you may send me a message or contact me via Facebook and must follow some rules below:
1. You must an Indonesian, female or male, no matter where you live;
2. You have account in Facebook, been as an active user, and have at least 50 friends in your list;
3. Your age not less than 18 years old;
4. You will give me permission to post promotion messages of "Enthusiasm" book, either in Indonesian or English version to your wall and tag it to your FB account;
5. You should consider that this is a volunteer activity and you don't have to forward those messages to others;
6. As an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you will be the first person who has a chance to know the recent news about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version;
7. You will have a chance to be three of the most active "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors and will be awarded.

So, don't wait so long! Now there have been 33 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors. Be the 34th, 35th or 36th!

Special to all 33 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors, please accept my great appreciation of your great support! Let's make "Enthusiasm" brighter and brighter and more people will get inspired, then great blessing will come to all of us. Thank you so much!!!

And below, you will see their pictures, names and location in a slideshow alphabetically.

Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Christine Wuryanano (Business Woman), Surabaya, Indonesia
Devita (Assistant Lecture), Surabaya, Indonesia
Elfia Venesia (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Endang Dwi Astuti (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Esther Yosephine Sanggelorang (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Evy Ariani Laurens (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Heni Kurniawati (Writer, Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Hermien Harsono (Entrepreneur), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ida Tri Wulandari (Government Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ika Andriani Karim (Mc Donald Manager), Surabaya, Indonesia
Judita Andarise (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Katharina Rika A (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Lilik Maskuroh Witono (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Lily Sikome (Math Teacher, Postgraduate Student), Malang, Indonesia
Meivy Lembong (Private Employee), Menado-Sulsel, Indonesia
Mutiara Anna Rarome Kambey (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nana Mathias F (Housewife, entrepreneur), Tulungagung, Indonesia
Niken Amartani (Entrepreneur), Bandung, Indonesia
Nila Ratnawati (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Nur Aini (Housewife), Malang, Indonesia
Ririn Ayuandari (Housewife), Makassar, Indonesia
Rizki Amelia Rahmadhani (Accountant Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Business woman), Jakarta, Indonesia
Stephanie Setiyadi (College Student), Surabaya, Indonesia
Sukma Rini (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Susana Rinasari (Housewife), Bandung, Indonesia
Tutik Partiningsih (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Velixa Huwae (Housewife), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Vieske Eingeline Matius Kathiandago (Private Employee), Kamal-Madura, Indonesia
Viviana Andrew (Entrepreneur), Ipoh, Malaysia
Yunita Phillips (Writer), Ohio, USA

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I got a news several days ago from their director (Indonesia publisher): they are doing lay out for my book now.
about 1 minute ago from web

I'm Back

2011-07-12T09:43:00.019-04:00

Hello everyone,

What a long absence to blog. My mind had been so full with the thoughts I really would like to express in writing and blogging but I had to be patient. Then I was thinking, I needed to take long break to refresh my mind and soul.

Everything is fine with me and family. My son condition improves day by day. He is able to breath with his owns and they have moved him from ICU to regular room already. My daily activities keep busy but I always enjoy everything I do although almost every night I feel tired after returning from long work. Blogging is one of the tools to relax my mind and also can interact with all of you, bloggers or non bloggers. Since I have two different jobs, online tasks and taking care of the household needs, I think I'm not able to blog frequently but am sure I will visit yours when I have more time.

The online writing course for Indonesians had been done well in June. If you missed it, don't worry. The end of this year or early next year, the 4th general class and 2nd fiction class registration would be opened again. If you don't want to miss it, please, subscribe to this blog or be fans to KabarIndonesia page in Facebook or you also may register as a new citizen journalist there so you will get an updated news about those upcoming classes automatically.

Other exciting news is waiting for Enthusiasm publication in Indonesian version. In May, I got a news that they needed to change all conversations in English to Indonesian so I let their editor doing it and last week I heard that they had meeting with her/him. Now I'm waiting their next news. I wrote to their ex-General Manager that many Indonesians are waiting now. If you cannot wait and are interested to read it in English version, please, visit Amazon and you will get FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25 (for US customer only).I have new readers who have surprised me. They came from an old friend in California and an US blogger. They have been enjoyed reading it. My friend said that she could not put it down and my book is one of two books she had to read in this year. That was a great compliment and appreciation she gave. She said she had learned two things from my book. They were about persistence and determination. My book also is being read by an Amish woman whom my husband takes care of her two sons. He gave my book as a present to her. I wonder what she would tell after reading the whole story. If you've had Enthusiasm already, it would be good to read during this summer, especially when you are having vacation, and please be free to let me know your thought after reading it.

Well, I think I should go now. I need to cook before getting ready for work. See you soon for other exciting news in the next following weeks. Btw, I attach a new picture on the right above of this post. It was a special present from KabarIndonesia owner several months ago for getting my Enthusiasm published in Indonesia. Awesome!***

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A good verse I read today from Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.) -- The King James Version
about 1 minute ago from web

Lungs Transplant for My Son

2011-06-30T10:33:00.009-04:00

Hello everyone,

It has been long since I didn't have internet connection in home I could not blog and it had been fixed already 2 weeks ago although sometimes it didn't work well.

Today I just send a short post about my son. He got lungs transplant this morning at 3 AM and the surgery team had just finished around 45 minutes ago. Lungs transplant came from Lancaster, PA.

And this special moment, I would like to thank you deeply for all family members and friends in Indonesia and US who have given support in many ways; prayers, attention, etc. I hope this post will be a good tool to spread this good news. Please, keep support us in your prayers and I believe a new life is coming to him.

I attach two pictures taken in the hospital by a family member: my son and his room in the hospital that was full with many cranes made by family members and friends. ***

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My tears keep coming and I thank God for the new lungs for my son.
about 1 minute ago from web

I Have No Internet Access

2011-06-02T11:22:00.003-04:00

Hi All,

This morning before getting ready to leave for work, I have a short time to go online and write a very short post to let you know that right now I have no internet access in home. We are going to get ready to move to other new place and soon we are able online again after getting new internet access in there. I'm now online via public library service and doing short tasks.

Thank you to everybody who still have a chance to keep visiting this blog or my Facebook. I hope I will be online soon regularly.

Happy blogging!

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Happy Belated Mother's Day

2011-05-11T10:28:00.004-04:00

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. (Proverbs 31:25)
Mbak Fida yang baik,Selamat Hari Ibu! Semoga Hari Ibu ini mengesankan, penuh berkat, dan menyegarkan semangat Mbak lagi, sebagai ibu:-) Doaku, Tuhan senantiasa memberikan kekuatan dan sukacita kepada Mbak dalam menjalankan tugas sehari-hari sebagai ibu rumah tangga, sekaligus sebagai penulis dan karyawan. Tuhan memberkati selalu . . . (from Yunita Phillips) ~~~~~ Hello All,

Although Mother's Day has passed, I still would like to greet all mothers: HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY! As I work at my new job, I have been so very busy. My online time decreases more than 50%. Although I have been so not active lately, I still look some bloggers and friends greeted me, either at this blog, FB and email. Thank you and thank you for your wonderful attentions.

At the same time I would like to let all of you know if I haven't replied your messages, either via email or FB, please, apologize me. I do read but I didn't have time enough to reply so many messages in my very tight time. It is not easy to manage time as a Mom with 7 years old girl and still do all household cores, other online activities and 2 jobs. I have to be wise to use my time so I think via this blog, I'm sure you all would understand me.

By the way, how was your Mother's Day? I got a nice handmade simple book written by my little daughter and a small vase with a pink flower she planted herself from her class. The book was great. She gave title "Happy Mother's Day" Inside of the book, she drew and filled the blank space to complete the sentences. That was good for her to pratice her writting. Below I present her special gift proudly as her mom.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I love my mom because she is the best. (Then she drew a picture of me and her)
If I could give her a medal, it would look like this: (Then she drew a medal for me on a blouse)
The nicest thing my mom ever did for me was give me a easter Bastcit. (It means Easter basket)
I wish I could do something nice for my mom like get her to meet Joney depp. (I think she likes him. She just smiled when I asked why she wanted me to see him)
The last time I made her laugh the hardest was when I tickle her. (Then she drew a picture of me when I was laughing)
Once when I was sad, my mom made me feel better by kiss my hand. (Then she drew a picture of her hugging me)
My mom makes me feel proud. I feel most proud of her when she huggs me. (Then she drew a picture of me and her having fun)
My mom is very smart. She knows all about math.
Whenever I need advice about math I just ask my mom.
I think my mom and I are alike in these ways: Dogs (I think she tried to tell that we both like dogs)
When I grow up, I want to be like my mom because nice.
I think my mom is the best in the world because she is fun.
I know my mom loves me because shes sweet. (I think she tried to to write "she's sweet)
I really like my mom because she is really fun.
This is what I like most about her: I like when she cooking. (She missed writting "is" between "she" and "cooking")
Whenever we're together, this is what I like to do best: going shoping.
My mom really makes me laugh. Whenever she tickles me in the bed.~~~

Ha ha ha . . . I really enjoyed reading her book and am glad to have time sharing the cute things from my little daughter's special gift in this blog.

Now I'm planning to update the info about Enthusiasm--starting next week--for Indonesian version and Enthusiasm Ambassadors so please, be patient and thank you for your interest to visit and read this blog. ***

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My day off: cleaning, cooking, online, GS meeting, and I hope I still have more time to read.
about 1 minute ago from web

National American Miss (Pigeon) Open Call

2011-04-29T11:31:00.007-04:00

Last month I got a letter from Pennsylvania State Director of NAM that my daughter has been referred to be a candidate for NAM (Pigeon) contestant. This was an open call and by invitation only. After I searched and learned about this contest and asked to her if she was interested to take this chance. She said yes. That was good and I knew she was brave and confident enough for an interview. Then I collected some sample of interviews they would give to her.

Last week when she went to go for small shopping with me, she asked to buy a candy and I said NO. I gave an advice if she wanted to be a Miss Pigeon contestant, she should take care of her teeth. Then she was thinking a little while and responded me with her eyes stared at that candy, "I don't want to be a Miss Pigeon." (hahaha!!! She was cute. I was thinking at that time; that was a child! She can be as A yesterday and B today and C tomorrow.) ***

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Still praying for my son who is in the hospital now and my little daughter who has ear infection. (5/6/11)
about 1 minute ago from web

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T03:58:00.005-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Easter Means Eternal Life

A perfect God demands a perfect justice;
He cannot let us get away with sin.
We used God’s gift of our free will to trespass,
So heaven’s gates were closed; we couldn’t get in.

Our sin required our blood, a sacrifice,
To atone for all the wrongs that we had done.
"But I love them!" cried our Father, filled with sorrow;
"I’ll send my only Son to be the one."

Good Friday marks the slaying of our Jesus,
The unblemished lamb, the perfect sacrifice.
He took our guilt and blame upon Himself,
So we could be with Him in paradise.

On Easter morning, he came back from death;
He vanished from the tomb, the empty grave.
His resurrection means eternal life
For us, the ones he came to earth to save.

This summarizes all the Easter story
And because of it, we’ll be with Him in glory.

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Easter from Fida Abbott and family

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about 1 minute ago from web

List of the Books I Endorsed and Forworded

2011-04-20T11:54:00.007-04:00

To translate them in English, you can copy and paste them to this link (Google translate). You might not get the perfect result but at least you will understand what I have written.

Menyiapkan Kesuksesan Anak Anda (Setting Up Your Children's Success), published in March, 2011 (Writer: Supandi, S.Pd, MM., Kroya-Jateng, Indonesia), publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Anak-anak adalah masa depan keluarga. Mereka juga adalah masa depan dan penerus bangsa. Untuk itu diharapkan mereka tumbuh dan berkembang dengan kualitas yang baik dan menjadi harapan keluarga dan bangsa. Tumbuh dan berkembangnya mereka tidak luput dari proses pendidikan yang diterimanya, baik dalam keluarga itu sendiri, sekolah dan lingkungan tempat mereka tinggal dan berinteraksi dengan sesama. Yang menjadi tolak ukur keberhasilan mereka adalah peran orang tua dari mulai mereka lahir hingga tumbuh dewasa yang memerlukan proses pemahaman yang benar. Buku Setting Up Your Children's Success memberikan wawasan kepada setiap orang tua dalam menuntun anak-anaknya menuju kesuksesan mereka. Dengan disertai cerita nyata dan pengalaman dari sang penulisnya, Supandi, membuat buku ini hadir sebagai penyemangat baru bagi para orang tua yang kehilangan semangat untuk menghantarkan putra-putrinya menuju apa yang diharapkan dan memberikan wawasan yang baik dan benar sebagai penuntun dalam mengarahkan masa depan mereka. Buku ini wajib dibaca oleh setiap mereka yang menyebut dirinya orang tua yang bertanggung-jawab akan masa depan putra-putrinya. (Fida Abbott)

Turning Hurt Into Hope, published in 2009 (Writer: Nancy Dinar--Indonesian, living in South Korea), publisher: Metanoia

Dengan membaca buku Nancy yang pertama ini, saya jadi memahami dan mengenal siapa Nancy, kehidupan Nancy di waktu kecil hingga dewasa meskipun tak terlalu lengkap, tetapi sudah dapat menarik kesimpulan tentang pribadi Nancy. Sungguh luar biasa mengenal seseorang hanya melalui tulisannya saja.

Kesaksian yang hidup adalah kesaksian dari mereka yang mengalami secara langsung suka duka kehidupan dan berjalan bersama Tuhan hingga mencapai kemenangan sehingga mereka dapat menjadi terang dan lilin yang meneruskannya kepada sesama dalam berbagai cara, termasuk melalui tulisan-tulisan. Buku ini merupakan sebuah contoh yang kiranya patut dan layak untuk dibaca oleh siapa saja yang merindukan penyertaan dan kekuatan dari Tuhan untuk menyongsong masa depan. Rasakan getaran dan pancaran roh kudus pada setiap ungkapan yang tertuang melalui tulisan Nancy. Tuhan memberkati. Amin. (Fida Abbott)

Sandal Jepit Gereja (Church Flip-flop), published in 2009 (Writer: Anang YB, Jakarta-Indonesia), Publisher: Obor

Saat pertama kali membaca judul buku ini, hati saya sangat terharu. Bagaimana tidak, saya juga termasuk salah seorang yang aktif dalam bergereja sejak berusia belasan tahun. Tentu saja banyak mengetahui suka dan duka rekan-rekan atau mereka yang telah terlibat di dalamnya, entah itu pengalaman yang lucu, menarik, menyenangkan, menyebalkan, atau terkadang membuat darah naik ke ubun-ubun.

Buku ini menceritakan apa adanya semua pengalaman emosional yang dialami sang Penulis sebagai salah seorang aktifis bergereja yang akan membawa Anda mengernyitkan kening, tersenyum atau tertawa, bahkan mungkin mengundang air mata atau membangkitkan emosi. Semuanya akan mengantarkan Anda pada pemahaman bergereja yang sebenarnya. Buku ini sangat baik untuk dibaca oleh siapa saja terutama bagi mereka yang aktif dalam organisasi gereja. Rasakan nuansa emosi sang Penulis pada setiap bagian cerita untuk membentuk kehidupan rohani Anda sebagai bagian dari umat bergereja. (Fida Abbott)

Rethink (e-Book and free download), published in 2009 (Writer: JED-ReVoLuTiA, Lampung, Indonesia), publisher: JED-ReVoLuTiA

Apakah Anda seseorang yang mengaku Kristen dan mengenal
Allah dengan baik?
 Apakah Anda seseorang yang mengaku Kristen dan telah
dilahirkan kembali?
 Apakah Anda seseorang yang mengaku Kristen dan telah
melayani Tuhan dengan baik?
 Apakah Anda seseorang yang mengaku Kristen dan belum
dilahirkan kembali?
 Apakah Anda seseorang yang mengaku Kristen dan belum
mengenal kekristenan itu sendiri dengan baik?

Apa pun status yang diberikan terhadap kekristenan,
rasanya belumlah lengkap bila Anda belum membaca santapan tulisan-tulisan
di buku ini. Anda tak akan digurui, tak akan dikotbahi atau
sejenisnya, tetapi Anda akan ditunjukkan oleh sesuatu pemikiran yang
kontroversial menuju kebenaran itu sendiri yang nyata, tak dioles
dengan yang namanya kemanisan tetapi suatu realita kehidupan nyata
yang memang Tuhan ingin berkata secara gamblang lewat hati dan
kehidupan manusia.

Apakah saya terlalu berlebihan dalam menuliskan pendapat saya
di atas? Saya kira Andalah penentunya. Bagaimana bisa Anda menjadi
penentu kalau belum membaca keseluruhan isi buku yang menantang
iman ini? Jadi tunggu apa lagi, berikan sedikit waktu Anda untuk
menilik keindahan goresan pena penulisnya. Selamat membaca dan
Tuhan memberkati! Amin! (Fida Abbott)
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about 1 minute ago from web

I Write Like Vladimir Nabokov

2011-04-09T09:27:00.014-04:00

It's Saturday morning already. My husband is going to meet his client. My little daughter and I are having rest in home. She is playing in her bedroom and I'm resting my feet on the couch and going online with my notebook to check emails and online writing course blogs and Yahoo Groups. Everything is fine and I hope these courses will end successfully. Fiction class will end soon next week and the mentor will add a free-week of additional module to all students. I gave her permition and the students seemed happy to get it. They are now preparing their first chapter for their novel + its synopsis. I think they are excited to write it.

One of the the students is writing the story like Rowling version. I saw she is very talented to write a fiction story like that. I will challenge her to finish her novel and send it to an Indonesia publisher. Who knows? Probably a new JK Rowling from Indonesia will be born one day soon . . . Then I would be proud of her, especially she is one of graduated students from the online writing course that I'm leading. Also I'm planning to challenge all of them, including mentor and myself to finish our novels by the end of this year. (I think it's hard for me since I have full time job, he he he . . . Well, who knows? Maybe I'm able to finish it or I would be the last person who will finish writing our novels. I will see then . . .)

Talking about novel. I still have 8 books (softcover) of Enthusiasm in home. If anybody is interested to order from me, please, let me know. You will get my autograph and bookmark. If you would like to buy directly online via Paypal, you may visit my online Media Kit, enter and go to "Buy".

Right now Enthusiasm is till in the editing process for Indonesian version. That was I heard from the Director of an Indonesia publisher last month who bought my book right. I hope all Indonesian readers who are waiting for, please, be patient. It will take several months to edit and prepare everything before that book is published. They would also plan the marketing strategy for this book. I hope everything will go smoothly and it will be welcomed well in my homeland.

Last month I tried to copy and paste my whole first chapter of Enthusiasm to an online system and I got its result: I WRITE LIKE VLADIMIR NABOKOV. That is a cool website. It is fun to know about a similar things of mine comparing with other famous writer.

I write like Vladimir Nabokov

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

Who is Vladimir Nabokov? According to Wikipedia, he was a multilingual Russian-American novelist and short story writer. Nabokov wrote his first nine novels in Russian, then rose to international prominence as a master English prose stylist. He also made contributions to entomology and had an interest in chess problems.

Nabokov's Lolita (1955) is frequently cited as among his most important novels and is his most widely known, exhibiting the love of intricate word play and synesthetic detail that characterised all his works. The novel was ranked at #4 in the list of the Modern Library 100 Best Novels. His memoir, Speak, Memory, was listed #8 on the Modern Library nonfiction list. To learn more about him, you can visit this link. OK, everyone, I have to go. There are so many things I have to do before I leave for work this afternoon. I hope you will have a very nice weekend. (*)

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Planning to write an endorsement next week and will finish reading Jesua by the end of this month.

about 1 minute ago from web

Humility

2011-04-06T15:25:00.009-04:00

Wednesday evening and Sunday morning are the best time I spend with my little daughter since I've started working at my new job. I accompany her for Girl Scouts meeting every Wednesday evening and bring her for Sunday School every Sunday morning while I go for Sunday morning service at church if we both don't have other special events (including special family events).

Every first week of every month, the church has program special for children and their parents, called Up Street Family. I love this program. Most of I saw the messages they brought for children were so great, and the parents also could learn from them.

Last Sunday they had theme about "Humility". The special verse they gave was from Matthew 20:20-28 with the main thought: YOU MUST BE A SERVANT. It has deep meaning: It is important to treat others like they're more important than you. Putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve.

Have we done it already in our life? It is not easy to show and apply it in our real life but if we want to and understand of who we are as the special creation of God's hands, that will lead us as a humble person. From this theme, we can learn from what Jesus had done for our sins. He put us first because we are so important to Him. Have we thanked Him for His sacrifice or we just never care for what He had done for us? He doesn't want anything from us. He just wants us to be like Him, putting others first by giving up what we think we deserve. If every of us does it, we will see many loves around the world. We can do it right now, by giving more attentions for our family members. Bring them in every time we pray. Show them how much we care and act as we should be.

This video below will give us a reflection of His sacrifice. Can we do the same thing like Him? I don't hink so, even me, I'm not sure I can do it, either. See, nobody will do it for us, except Him. So, what we're waiting for? Start to act the simple things by saying "Hello" to our isolated neighbor, pray for our husband/wife/mother/father/children/etc who often hurt us or don't care about us, etc.

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Still reading "Jesua" and preparing endorsement for an Indonesian short story anthology written by 8 Indonesian female writers.
about 1 minute ago from web

Big Changes

2011-03-30T23:18:00.012-04:00

Hello All,

I missed blogging since I started my new job last Thursday. Full time position brings big difference in my daily activities. Everyhting I have planned almost changes. But anyway, I thanked God that getting a new job was a blessing when I really needed it. Test and interview went well and I enjoyed my new job although I could not avoid how tired I was after in home. I think I just need more time to adjust my schedule and new transition. I believe in the couple months, I will be fine, at least I will be used to it.

Well, in the next several weeks it will be Easter, so I think I would love to bring my post here in Easter theme until Easter comes. Last Sunday at church we sang "Majesty". I love this song, it can bring my soul come to God every time I sing its refrein. Below I will attach its video and its lyrics and I hope they will bring something good in your soul. (Remember! Big change happened because He was rised!)

Majesty (Here I am)
by Delirious

Here I am humbled by your Majesty
Covered by your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by your love
In the presence of your Majesty

Here I am humbled by the love that you give
Forgiven so that I can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down your life
The greatest sacrifice

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Listening and singing "Majesty". It lifts up my soul.
about 1 minute ago from web

Xlibris Published Author Fida R. Abbott Shows “Enthusiasm” on The Authors Show TV

2011-03-21T06:04:00.004-04:00

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I'm having cough. I hope I will be better before starting my new job this Thursday.
about 1 minute ago from web

Press Release in PRLog.org

2011-03-16T13:31:00.005-04:00

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I wonder how my voice will be on the online TV Interview Show.
about 1 minute ago from web

Introducing "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors

2011-03-12T13:55:00.017-05:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you the 31 New "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors. They are Indonesians who live in Indonesia and overseas. These Ambassadors will help to spread "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version that will be published soon in Indonesia.

Anybody who is interested to become an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you may send me a message or contact me via Facebook and must follow some rules below:
1. You must an Indonesian, female or male, no matter where you live
2. You have account in Facebook, been as an active user, and have at least 50 friends in your list
3. Your age not less than 18 years old
4. You will give me permission to post promotion messages of "Enthusiasm" book, either in Indonesian or English version to your wall and tag it to your FB account
5. You should consider that this is a volunteer activity and you don't have to forward those messages to others
6. As an "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, you will be the first person who have a chance to know the recent news about "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version
7. You will have a chance to be three of the most active "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors and will be awarded

So, don't wait so long! Now there have been 31 "Enthusiam" Ambassadors, be the 32nd or 33rd, and so on.

Special to all 31 "Enthusiasm" Ambassadors, please accept my great appreciation of your great support! Let's make "Enthusiasm" brighter and brighter and more people will get inspired, then great blessing will come to all of us. Thank you so much!!!

And below, you will see their pictures in a slideshow, their names and locations.

Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Christine Wuryanano (Business Woman), Surabaya, Indonesia
Devita (Assistant Lecture), Surabaya, Indonesia
Elfia Venesia (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Endang Dwi Astuti (Housewife), Jakarta, Indonesia
Esther Yosephine Sanggelorang (Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Evy Ariani Laurens (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Heni Kurniawati (Writer, Private Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Hermien Harsono (Entrepreneur), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ida Tri Wulandari (Government Employee), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ika Andriani Karim (Mc Donald Manager), Surabaya, Indonesia
Judita Andarise (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Katharina Rika A (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Lilik Maskuroh Witono (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Lily Sikome (Math Teacher, Postgraduate Student), Malang, Indonesia
Meivy Lembong (Private Employee), Menado-Sulsel, Indonesia
Mutiara Anna Rarome Kambey (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Niken Amartani (Entrepreneur), Bandung, Indonesia
Nur Aini (Housewife), Malang, Indonesia
Ririn Ayuandari (Housewife), Makassar, Indonesia
Rizki Amelia Rahmadhani (Accountant Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Business woman), Jakarta, Indonesia
Stephanie Setiyadi (College Student), Surabaya, Indonesia
Sukma Rini (Housewife), Surabaya, Indonesia
Susana Rinasari (Housewife), Bandung, Indonesia
Tutik Partiningsih (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Velixa Huwae (Housewife), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Vieske Eingeline Matius Kathiandago (Private Employee), Kamal-Madura, Indonesia
Viviana Andrew (Entrepreneur), Ipoh, Malaysia
Yunita Phillips (Writer), Ohio, USA

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Giving thank to my all support friends through this recent post.
about 1 minute ago from web

THE AUTHOR SHOW TV INTERVIEW: Pictures Before and After

2011-03-09T12:52:00.010-05:00

Hello all,

I'm back again just to let you know that I've done my long distance-video interview just now with Danielle, the producer of The Author Show. She called me earlier and I started getting little bit nervous but in the middle of the interview, that feeling was gone and I enjoyed our conversation--the interview--via Skype.

Danielle said that I did well but it was longer than it used to be if the video would be sent to Youtube so she would try to cut the interview not more than 10 minutes.
If the result of editing isn't good, she will let me know soon and we will make other video call. It sounds good, isn't it?

Oh well, when I was waiting for her, I took several snapshots and several other snapshots too after interview. I attach them below. You will see the differences between using glasses and not. I also attach other picture I took yesterday when preparing a nice place for this interview so you will see my original face without make up and with light make up.
Ta da . . .

Before video interview.
Before video interview.
After video interview.
After video interview.
Yesterday, when preparing a nice place for video interview.

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I'm done having video interview with The Author Show producer and now getting ready for lunch and girl scout meeting.
about 1 minute ago from web

My 55th Blogging Award and Preparing for Video Interview

2011-03-08T14:48:00.011-05:00

Hello guys,

This month is my break time month. I enjoy my days with no more tasks I have to finish in hurry except keep watching and managing the online writing course that is running now and has started since last week. Two classes! Wohoo!! More challenges! Reading e-books/books is other activity and this week I still continue reading "Yeshua". More e-books and other writing resources will be in the line for the rest of the weeks in this month. Thank you to Yunita Phillips who sent me her other Teenager Book entitled "Maafkan Aku" (Forgive Me). I read it in 2 days and really enjoyed. The story reminded me when I was teenager, he he . . .

This afternoon I was busy preparing a nice place for long distance interview via Skype tomorrow afternoon with Danielle from TheAuthorsShow. It will be delivered in web-video interview for the next 1-2 months. So keep visiting this blog to read announcements for this event.

While I was cleaning and arranging my online spot, someone delivered a mail that didn't belong to him. Voila!!! A new blue batik top for summer from my sister in law. I tried it and took a snapshot from Skype-video as you see on the left side. Ha ha . . . that's my original face without make up. I looked tired after cooking and cleaning. Btw, thank you, Cathy for a nice B-day gift. I love it!

And in this spare time, I would like to thank Mariuca's Perfume Gallery who has been presenting me an award: STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD as my 55th award in blogging. Thanks so much for believing in my blog and I am pleased to present this award to all my other friends and readers who have also been supportive of my personal blog over the last year.

RULES FOR RECEIVING THE AWARD
Thank and link back the person who gave you this award.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Award at least 5 great bloggers you know.
Contact those bloggers and tell them about the award.

Then this award will go out to Blue Jasmine, Bintang, Dhemz, and Icha. Enjoy reading their blogs!

Seven things about me:

- Friendly
- Organized person
- Love children
- Like gardening
- Like singing in the vocal group
- Love to write something that bothers my mind, ha ha ha . . .
- Like cooking and enjoy serving my family and guest with my own food.

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Getting ready for preparing dinner.
about 1 minute ago from web

NEW YEAR REFLECTION (11): Keep Moving Forward

2011-03-03T10:49:00.012-05:00

My little daughter when she was five years old had made a surprise. In just several weeks she tried hard to be able to play hula hoop. She kept trying and trying till one night my husband showed me a video he took as I attach it below.

Then just several months ago in 2010, she made another surprise. I heard someone playing a song on the keyboard and I was sure there was nobody at home except me and my daughter. So I turned my head and saw her playing that song. I was so amazed. She did it by herself. When I asked how could she play it, she showed the light instruction on it and she kept practicing to follow it until she did it independently. I'm sure it would take some time till she was able to do it by herself without I knew. Below I attach one of the videos I ever took.

What we have learned from her? Sometimes we need to learn like a little child when we are pusrsuing our goals or dream. A little child mostly never gives up until she/he gets what she/he wants. Even a baby who is learning how to walk. I still remember when she was still a baby. She kept trying to stand up and walk, stand up and walk, and kept moving like that till she felt tired and at other times she would try it again. Again and again. And when she was around one year old, she was able to walk.

We've known already evertyhing isn't instant to reach our goals/dreams but needs a process and sometimes will take a long time. What we need to do is KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

Do you ever watch the movie of MEET THE ROBINSONS?? If you haven't yet, watch it!! This movie has a message to us that we should keep to move forward to reach our goals/dreams and also it will entertain you and your family!!! Don't give up! That's what this movie is trying to tell us. If we fail, it shows that we are getting to close to the next level. It means we have learned what the things that make us failed and we should not do it again but try other ways.

Below I attach the movie trailer MEET THE ROBINSONS!!! This is one of my favorite movies from Disney production.

And below is Little Wonders song, a soundtrack music for the movie MEET THE ROBINSONS. I love it!!! And it's also one of my favorite songs ever.

Little Wonders
Singer: Rob Thomas

Let it go
Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know
The hardest part is over
Let it in
Let your clarity define you
In the end
We will only just remember how it feels

Ref:
Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away,
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain

Let it slide
Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine,
Till you feel it all around you
And I don't mind
If it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by
It's the heart that really matters in the end

(Ref)

All of my regret
Will wash away somehow
But I cannot forget
the way I feel right now

In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Yeah, these twisted turns of fate
Time falls away
Yeah, but these small hours,
These small hours
Still remain

Yeah, oh they still remain
These little wonders
All these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These little wonders
Still remain

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Break time! Reading "Yeshua" in this week.
about 1 minute ago from web

NEW YEAR REFLECTION (10): Celebrate Your Victory!

2011-02-24T01:52:00.002-05:00

After long and hard work to pursue our goal or reach one step of our goals at the time, we deserve to celebrate it. Celebration doesn't mean we have to spend a lot of money for foods, drinks, etc but even with a small tea party with our team/friends/family is a great way to celebrate. We celebrate it because we respect our hard work we have done and as a reflection of grateful feeling we give to ourselves, to our team/friends/family who have worked together or supported us, especially if we believe that every step we reach, it's because of God's help.

Today I celebrate ONE YEAR of ENTHUSIASM!!! One year journey of Enthusiasm!!! No special food, no special wine and no special guest I invite. But this post is as a SPECIAL CELEBRATION of it so I might write little bit longer than I used to. (Thank you to Jawaban.com for designing this wonderful picture)
Today I feel grateful because I believe everything might happen because of God's purpose that I still don't know what exactly of the end. But since I looked back again when the first time I had desire to write this novel till publication and marketing process, I had seen and felt God's companion. Although Enthusiasm isn't a best seller of self-published book but as a winning book is a marvelous! A marvelous book doesn't have to be a best seller but more than that, it will show how a book itself has a power to influence its readers. That is the most important, then to be a best seller will be a great bonus to increase more its value and esteem!

In this special day, I would like to thank everybody/every reader who has given great interest to read ENTHUSIASM!!! Enthusiasm has been so wonderful and influenced positively almost its readers. I have gotten so many praises from them that Enthusiasm has opened their mind, given inspiration and motivation to reach more their dreams. Since then, I think I knew why HE wanted me to write this novel, even when I got pro and contra from some reviewers who said this book is kind of a memoir book or something like that. They are right, but I reserve it in the novel style and follow the novel writing rules. Whatever they mention, I still call Enthusiasm is as a novel (non fiction literary--I pick these words myself so please, don't judge me, he he . . .) and that was why Enthusiasm deserves a winning book in category of Novel although we know the definition of a Novel is a fiction literary but I'm its author, I could write its style whatever I wanted to. Well . . . so I used to mention a special genre of this book is as an Inspirational Novel (because it has inspired many readers, he he . . .). Am I wrong? Well, if I'm wrong, then you may mention it as an Inspirational Book (ha ha ha!!!)

Although it has aged one year already, Enthusiasm still has long journey. I'm excited waiting for publication in Indonesia. How Indonesia readers will respond it, what kind of marketing the publisher will use, how many books will be sold, etc, etc. Whatever they will be, I hope the publisher will do the best as they can. I'm here and would be ready for any interview if possibly taken, by radio, television, talk show, seminar using long distance online communication tool. If you are from an art or a writing organization/foundation/forum, etc, and would be interested to host an event, be free to contact me at anytime you want or contact my publisher (it will be announced when it's published).

(Note for 2 pictures above: Enthusiasm attended in a School Reunion event and was given to school library, SMPN 7 Surabaya, Indonesia, a Junior High school I went)

Other things that aren't less interesting are the reviews I got during post publication (after Feb 24, 2010). Although it has been published, Enthusiasm still got many great reviews from writing workshop members. I'll copy and paste some of them as the expression of its ONE YEAR celebration!!! (and of course I don't write them all completely because they are long-long reviews)

July 3, Preface: perfect! . . . This is a wonderful story and I will enjoy reading it and be honored if you would like my review. (Preface and Chapter 1)

July 7, Again - this is a very nice story and I'm enjoying the positive energy about the family . . . Also you are excellent at creating dialogue. Something I very much envy. (Chapter 2)

July 22, This is so enjoyable to read! I love how you write with so much dialogue. It feels very real. I have difficulty using dialogue in my writing, so reading yours is very helpful! (Chapter 3)

July 24, I'm back for more . . . enjoying your story very much. I have to say, this content is great, but last chapter's writing seemed better/easier to understand. I hope you are ok with this comment. The story itself is very enjoyable! Keep up your good work! (Chapter 4)

August 17, The structure of the paragraphs and descriptions is very good! Easier to follow for me . . . Love Van Morrison too! (Chapter 5)

January 7, Good work! I enjoyed this short story of non-fiction (in which I don't read much of). I thought that your character (Ibu?) was quite cute and very realistic. Are you really that way? Anyway the characters were good, and the story was well detailed. Of course this was only one chapter of seven that I got to read, but I think that you deserved the five stars for it being "well crafted". (Chapter 7)

And several days ago I got a message from a reader in Indonesia who won my book in a writing contest hosted by KabarIndonesia.com. When she had been enjoying reading my book, and then had to go to other city for other business for several weeks, she forgot to bring my book that was on her bed so she asked other family member to send it via mail. I think this is a cute real story and more than that I appreciate for any interest she has given. Thank you, Nina!!! (*)

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about 1 minute ago from web

NEW YEAR REFLECTION (9): Enhance Your Knowledge

2011-02-17T10:29:00.009-05:00

My little daughter told me she wanted to be a song writer, an art and music teacher. I responded her that she had to be able to play at least an instrument. Since that time she played keyboard more frequently than before and planned to take special music class when she is in the 3rd grade at her school.

What do you want to be in the next several years? Whatever you want to be, enhancing your knowledge is a must but sometimes you don't need to spend a lot of money for that. For an example: if you would like to improve your writing project, you might be interested to join in the writing community instead of a writing class that will take you more time and cost. In the writing community used to take lower cost and you will get many reviews for your writing project.

Well, talking about improving your skill in the writing field, I have an information that might be useful for Indonesians. PMOH (Pelatihan Menulis Online HOKI), an online writing course still open registration until February 19, 2011 at 12 midnight (Western Indonesia Standard Time). PMOH in this third year has opened two classes: General Class (15 weeks) and Fiction Class (6 weeks).

Since two last years, PMOH has graduated the students from General Class. They are from Senior High School student, college students, translator, teacher, housewives, government employee, private employees, entrepreneurs, editor, photographer, etc as you see the slideshow below (several of them are PMOH mentors).

For more information about PMOH, visit this link or you can send your questions via email to redaksi@kabarindonesia.com with the subject name: PMOH.

You also may forward this information to your Indonesian friends and family who have interest in improving their writing skill wherever they live.

Thank you for reading and forward this message. Have a great day, everyone!

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Five percents to go to finish the second project. Yay!!!
about 1 minute ago from web

NEW YEAR REFLECTION (8): Take A Break

2011-02-11T05:58:00.014-05:00

I have been so busy since I decided to write my book, Enthusiasm, two years ago, and last June 2010 finally an Indonesian publisher was interested to published it for 2011 publication. I pleased them with a condition I would love to translate it in Indonesian by myself. They were OK for that. After we made a contract, I started to work in the middle of July and finished in January 31, 2011. At the same time in the end of 2010, I also had to prepare for the third year for online writing course that will start soon in the end of this month.

Those activities took lots of works, attention and commitment besides my own routin activities to work and take care of my family and house. I worked hard to make those happen, my book and online writing course. Those are TWO of my FOUR GOALS in my list this year I have to fulfill. Thanks God, I have done 100% of my first project and now I still need to finish around 10% left of my progress before two classes (General class and Fiction class) start.

What will I do after that? I have been planning to take several weeks of break before I start the third project. I will read several e-books and books and other resources that will make my mind relax and enhance my knowledge in writing and english. But actually I had taken many times of a small break during the time of doing my projects. I used to play, watch, dance and read together with my little daughter, going to Girl Scouts meeting, accompanying my little daughter to sell GS cookies, going to church, cook some foods and make a cake to celebrate birthday of any family members, etc. And today is my birthday, and yesterday I celebrated of five years of my blogging activity, and next two weeks I would celebrate of one year of "Enthusiasm". Three celebrations in a month. What a great month! So today I try to relax my mind and had enjoyed my special morning.

In this my special day, I would like to thank my family and friends who have wished me "Happy Birthday". I've received birthday cards, an e-card, birthday wishes messages from FB and SMS. Thank you so much and please, accept a vitual white rose as my appreciation to say "Thank you."

Talking about taking a break, there are many ways of it including working less hours each day, not working at weekends, having a morning off work, attending some training or a seminar, taking a holiday, making time for your interests and pastimes, exercising, having a weekend away, reading a good book, going for a walk, doing some voluntary work and spending time with your friends and family.

What benefits will we get by taking a break? According to this writer, Liz Makin, she explaines some benefits:
1. Recharge your batteries. Taking a break will help you to rest, relax, recharge your batteries and feel refreshed. This will enable you to come back to your business raring to go and re-energised;
2. Time to think. Spending time away from your business doing something completely different will give your mind the space to be creative. Often the best ideas for your business occur when you are away from your business and have the time to think;
3. Rejuvenate your passion. When you are working too much, you can lose your passion for the business because you forget what is important to you. Taking a break will enable you to refocus on why you are running your business and to rejuvenate your passion;
4. Increase productivity and effectiveness. Taking regular breaks from work will increase your productivity and effectiveness when you are working; You will find that you manage your time better and make better use of your time in your business;
5. Reduce stress levels. Spending all your time at work is very stressful so reducing your hours at work and doing something different will help with your stress management and enable you to better cope with stressful situations;
6. Better health and well being. Getting balance in your life by working less and taking regular breaks will help improve your general health and well being;
7. Improve communication. When you are working too much, your communication with others can suffer and you may upset your team, staff, customers and contacts. Working less will enable you to focus on good communication in your business;
8. Increase resilience and ability to cope. It is very easy to get things out of perspective when you are working too much. Building in regular breaks from your business will improve your resilience and ability to cope when you are at work;
9. Improve decision making. When you are working long hours and are tired your decision making can suffer. Taking breaks to make sure you are refreshed and not tired will improve your decision making ability;
10. Consider your business strategy. Having some time away from your business enables you to step back and have a fresh look at your business strategy and what you want to achieve for your business. (*)
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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (7): Take Good Advices

2011-01-31T13:26:00.004-05:00

Advices can come from anyone, either he/she is an old and experienced person or young and experienced person.

This morning I read a headline news about "How to be a millionaire by age 25".
There were some good advices from them that might be good for anyone who wants to learn from their experiences. Pick one or several of them that you think their messages are suitable with your resolution this year.

Good Luck!

Michael Dell
Michael Dell, now 45, earned his first million at age 19. Dell dropped out of the University of Texas shortly after starting a computer company that sold directly to consumers, at prices lower than retail rivals could match.

By the time he was 24, the company now known as Dell (DELL, news) had revenues of $258 million. At last check, Dell's estimated net worth was $13.5 billion.

His advice for young entrepreneurs: "You've got to be passionate about it," he said in an interview with the Academy of Achievement. "I think people that look for great ideas to make money aren't nearly as successful as those who say, 'OK, what do I really love to do?'"

Catherine Cook
Catherine Cook, now 20, has been a millionaire for a couple of years. She and her brothers David and Geoff started myYearbook, a social-networking site popular with teens, in 2005, when Catherine and David were still in high school.

Her advice for young entrepreneurs: "Stop just thinking about it and make it happen. When you're young is the best time to start your own business, as you do not have the responsibilities you will have when you're older. The worst that can happen if you fail now is that you have firsthand experience to make your next venture a success."

Sean Belnick
Sean Belnick, now 23, became a millionaire at 16. He started selling office chairs online, an endeavor that morphed into a company called BizChair.com. Along the way, Belnick earned a bachelor's degree from Emory University's Goizueta Business School.

His advice for young entrepreneurs: "It is never too early to start. . . . There's a lot of great information on the Internet. Just do the research and find a way to do what you want to do."

Jermaine Griggs
Jermaine Griggs, now 27, became a millionaire at 23 by pursuing his passion for teaching music. His website, HearAndPlay.com, is designed to help people learn to play piano, guitar or drums by ear, without reading sheet music. More than 2 million students download online lessons each year. Griggs' plans include the launch of brick-and-mortar learning centers, a TV network and a magazine.

His advice for young entrepreneurs: "Understand the power of selling, not just things but yourself and your ideas. Study business. Study those who have come before you and find people with the same dreams and aspirations as you."

Matt Mickiewicz
Matt Mickiewicz, now 27, made his first million dollars at 22. He was instrumental in the creation of the websites SitePoint, 99designs and Flippa.com. The Internet, Mickiewicz said, gives entrepreneurs instant feedback from consumers, making it relatively inexpensive to test and launch ideas.

His advice for young entrepreneurs: "People who say it takes money to make money are using the worst excuse ever. Create massive value for others by providing a solution where no other exists."

Juliette Brindak
Twenty-one-year-old Juliette Brindak became a millionaire at 19, when the company she co-founded and runs, MissO and Friends, was valued at $15 million.

At 10, Brindak started drawing the "cool girls" cartoon figures that later became stars in her online community for tween girls. Today, she is seeking investors and preparing to take the site public as she attends classes at Washington University in St. Louis.

Her advice for young entrepreneurs: Fill your team with members who believe in your idea. "If someone starts to doubt your company and what you're doing," she said, "you need to get rid of them."

David Hauser and Siamak Taghaddos
David Hauser, now 28, and Siamak Taghaddos, 29, became millionaires four years ago. They met at Babson College and later developed the Grasshopper Virtual Phone System, designed to help entrepreneurs stay in touch with customers, investors or others while on the move. Hauser built the technology and Taghaddos took care of marketing.

Taghaddos' advice for young entrepreneurs: "Success is finding solutions in challenges that help others; money is secondary. . . . Always be on the lookout for new venture opportunities from the voids and challenges you experience in your life."

Cameron Johnson
Cameron Johnson, now 25, launched more than a dozen websites between 1998 and 2004, before he was 20 years old. He was a millionaire before he left high school.

At age 9, Johnson started a printing company making greeting cards from his home. At 12, he made $50,000 selling his sister's Beanie Baby collection (with her permission, of course). Regarded as an entrepreneurial icon in Japan, Johnson hosted a BBC television show last year called "Beat the Boss." He now focuses on writing and guest lectures.

His advice for young entrepreneurs: "Put yourself out there. Get started, do something and start small. The lower your startup costs, the easier it is to find profitability. Create value for others, and you'll be rewarded." (*)

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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (6): Give Appreciation

2011-01-27T11:03:00.019-05:00

In pursuing our goal in life, we aren't deny that every success we reach may happen because of the support that come from our family and friends. Giving appreciation, even it is just to say "Thank you" to them is very important. We should not just receive but we should give, too. Express our thanks through our writing, card, etc. It doesn't just give them feel appreciated but will give us a new energy: we're aware that we aren't alone but we have family and friends who are with us, who give us postitive support. This will give us a good spirit to keep us in fire in pursuing our goal. So, don't wait too long! Take your pen, write something nice to them on a card or turn on your computer and send a nice e-card to them.

In this special moment, I would like to give special "Thank you" note to all my family members and friends who have supported me and made "Enthusiasm" become brighter and brighter; to all readers who are so loyal to visit this blog and read every post I send; to all family members and friends who make my life so alive.

Thank you for my 54th Award

The Award "Beautiful Inside and Out . . ." is my 54th award that I got from a friend in Malaysia several days ago. Thank you for this wonderful appreciation. Even I never meet her in person but I'm sure she knows me well through reading my book "Enthusiasm". Thank you so much, Viviana.

As a person who gets that award, I have to forward it to other women. I have so many persons (female) that have been so kind and good inside and outside and it's impossible for me to mention them one by one but I will try to make a short representative to pick one of every category. Below is a short list of the (female) persons whom my great appreciation goes to:

1. Ruth Abbott: She is a woman who has big heart, especially in taking care of our son who has Cystic Fibrosis. I'm very impressed with her great effort. I wish I can help her more than just praying. But I'm sure God knows my heart as He said if we have even a small faith as if a lettuce seed, we are able to move a mountain. It means, there is nothing impossible for Him to do something that we think it is impossible.

2. Sissy and Mimi: My big daughters who are always in silent but they see, hear and act what they need to do. Thank you for your support.

3. Little Mermaid: My little daughter who always makes my heart happy and proud to be her mom.

4. Viviana Widjaja: She is the first person (who I never meet her in person) who gave interest to read my published book "Enthusiasm"; and support to spread Enthusiasm through the cyber world. Thank you, Viviana.

5. Sherrell Prefontaine: I also never meet her in person. We met each other through an online writing community. I read and reviewed her work that now has been published already: God's Army. It is a great book so that was why I was so interested to read and did reviews for its whole chapters. I never thought before that I would meet a such wonderful person through an online writing community and I feel blessed to know her. And this morning I got her recommendation she has written at Linkedln:
"Just like the title of Fida's excellent novel, "Enthusiasm," she is truly enthusiastic. Her writing is true to life and engaging. I met Fida on a writing sight and have come to know her from internet connections. It is evident that she has a genuinely beautiful spirit and that is what you gain by reading her work. She inspires people and inspired me. I'm thankful and blessed to know her and have experienced her talent!"

Thank you, Sherrell.

6. Ani Pratamawati: She is one of my best friends. She filled my days when I needed someone to talk to when I was still in my country. It wasn't only her I had a good friendship but also with her family members: her mom and her two sisters. My brother had trust to her, too. I still remembered; one day he was so mad to a family member and he went to meet her just for a talk to express his feeling and that made him feel better. Thank you, Ani.

7. Heni Kurniawati: She is one of my partners to do my online work/project who I never meet in person. She is a very talented person in writing, a hard work person and knows the rules how to work properly and I'm so grateful and blessed to have her in my team. Thank you, Heni.

8. Yunita Phillips: I just met her online last year but she would bring Enthusiasm come to alive for Indonesians next several months. She is a talented children writer who has published several children books with a great character named: Coki, a little Dove. Little mermaid and I love Coki so much. She got two books of Coki as her second Christmas gift from (Tante) Yunita. Coki is a very kind little Dove and has chubby cheeks and those cheeks make him look so cute. Thank you for your interest and great support, Yunita. You have made Enthusiasm's dream come true.

9. Mariuca: Although she is just an online friend, a blogger friend but I have seen her support since we met in the bloggosphere several years ago. Her support is never die and till now she still keeps me as one of her precious blogger friends. Thank you, Mariuca.

10. All the female fans of The Enthusiasm's Saga Page. Thank you. You all have shown your support by "liking" it. Thank you so much.

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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (5): Action, Action and Action

2011-01-23T15:55:00.016-05:00

Since my little daughter is getting bigger, she also changes her favorite TV channels from Noggin, PBS Kids, Nick Jr to Nickcelodeon and Disney. I am as her mom, like or dislike, I have to watch sometimes together when accompanying her. From that activity I found several interesting shows to watch. One of them is a song entitled Make It Shine from Victoria Justice in her TV show: Victorious. Music, lyrics, the color of her voice and how she dances are great. She is a very talented young girl. I like her a lot.

Below I attach its video and its lyrics and hope they will help you to raise your spirit not to be afraid to put your dream in action. Every action you make, it will bring you closer to reach your goals/dreams.
Take some steps today, if only a few, and tomorrow you’ll be that much closer to your goal.
Good luck!

Make it Shine

(1st verse)

Here I am, once again
feeling lost but now and then
I breath it in to let it go

and you don't know
where you are now
with what it will come to
if only somebody could hear
When you figure out how
your lost in the moment
you disappear

(Chorus)

You don't have to be afraid to put your dream in action
you're never gonna fade you'll be the main attraction
Not a fantasy
Just remember me
when it turns our right
'cause you know that if you live in your imagination
tomorrow you'll be everybody's fascination
In my victory
Just remember me
when i make it shine!

(2nd verse)

Reaching high
feeling low
I'm holding on but letting go

I like to shine
I'll shine for you

And it's time to show the world how
it's a little bit closer
as long as I'm ready to go

All we have is right now
as long as you feel it inside you know ....

(Chorus)

(Bridge)

Everyone can tell you how it's all been said and done (Ooo whoa)
That harder times will change your mind and make you wanna run
But you want it
And you need it
Like you need to breath the air
If they doubt you
Just believe it
That's enough to get you there

(Chorus)

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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (4): Don't Be Shy to Do the Small/Simple Things

2011-01-18T23:08:00.005-05:00

One of my friends who comes from Indonesia and ever worked at Walmart several years ago ever asked me not to ever mention her name to her friends if she was working at Walmart. I didn't ask 'why' because I knew it already. She was a secretary from one of a top company in Jakarta and had been going to several countries to do her duties. As a night stocker at Walmart for several years, she did such a great job and I was so proud of her, but all friends at work didn't ever know what she did before.

I'm sure for most Americans, working at Walmart is as same as working at ACME, TARGET, other grocery or retail stores in US and many of them probably just give "an eye" for their associates. I, myself, am proud to be one of Walmart family members although I don't make a lot of money and I'm not shy to mention that I'm a Walmart Associate although I have a bachelor degree with an excellent result and other special courses with the best graduates I ever got in my country, Indonesia. I would be never shy to do the small things to make some money for myself or/ and for my family. Why should I be shy? People out there don't give money for me or for my family. I will be shy if I get money for do nothing.

Yeah, I have been seeing so many things around me that most people would be proud if they work at a big and famous company and as a manager or director; or work at other company that the people won't give "a blinked eye". As I have seen many cases, I get a conclution: the higher education you take, the higher action you will avoid to take the simple jobs or other activities that doesn't give you a balance return.

I have experiences in my life that I have done some simple works and I have gotten their fruits. Don't have a big dream if you don't want to take a small/simple work although you are a graduate from Harvard University. The world will leave you!!!

We should remember that we get the rewards by doing the simple things. Do the best for what we are doing, at home, at work, at organization, etc. If we did the best, other people will give more jobs that need more responsible and give us higher position and higher income.

Today I read an article "7 Billionaires' First Jobs". Read this link if you're interested to read what they had done before. I'm sure you will be amazed and will give you a new perspective to take an action for what you have planned to fulfil your New Year Resolution.

Good luck and don't be shy to show the world that you are even as a newspaper delivery driver. Be proud and thankful for the job you've gotten. Be the best for everything you do!!!!

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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (3): Pursue Your Passion

2011-01-14T20:48:00.011-05:00

I think we all have already known and heard about a spectacular news several weeks ago about a homeless with a golden voice was founded by a cameraman. He involved his life with drugs, alcohol, etc in many years and finally he has been clean since last 2 years. He would like to change his life. He prayed and wished one day he was able to meet his mom and got a job. He knew that he didn't have anything to sell to get a real job but only a gift of his golden voice. With a lot of hope and faith, he had an idea to write a very simple sign on a piece of board offering his voice, probably there was somebody who would be interested to listen his voice and give him a job by using his voice.

What did he get then? A MIRACLE!!! HE GOT WHAT HE BELIEVED, HE GOT WHAT HE HAD FAITH, HE GOT WHAT HE HAD PRAYED. Now, he has many offering of jobs and even one of them is offering a first payment/down payment of his home mortgage, he met his mom and most of all, he has a new life now!!!

We have learned good things from his story. We don't need to wish the same thing-- a spectacular thing comes in our life--but every small happened in our life is a spectacular thing we have made. Listening to someone who needs to share, giving support to someone who is needing, etc. Many people are interested to see the big spectacular things but they forget that the big things come from the small things first. As long as we have passion, it shows that we have belief and faith in ourselves and will bring us to act as we believe and have faith.

My special message in the end of this post is we should keep our passion in fire, pursue it in every small step we make and do everyday; passion to be good parents, good students, good workers, etc. GBU. ***

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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (2): Look Into Yourself

2011-01-11T15:18:00.011-05:00

Look Into Yourself

I'm tired of letting go all that I've tried to have
I'm tired of wasting time looking up to the wrong stars
I do believe in life and that everything is written
But life is not a book with pages wide-opened

Don't search too far, my mother says
Sometimes all that you need is only a step away

Look into yourself
The one and only
Look into yourself
If you want to find the key
A look into yourself
Release your heart free
Look into yourself
And be the master of your destiny

Don't be afraid of wanting changes in your life
Don't be afraid to go to wherever you decide
Believe in yourself and believe in what you can do
And no one can deny the will that lies in you

Try to pay more attention
And live your life with good intentions

Look into yourself
The one and only
Look into yourself
If you want to find the key
A look into yourself
Release your heart free
Look into yourself
And be the master of your destiny

Look into yourself
Cause there's a rainbow
Look into yourself
There is so much more that you need to know
Cause in yourself
There's serenity
It's all in yourself
You are the master of your destiny

For every doubt you face
In every step you take
For choices that you make
Dreams aren't made to be erased

Just look into yourself
Look into yourself
The master of your destiny

It's in yourself
The master of your destiny
It's in yourself
Those beautiful lyrics I copied and pasted from here. The singer who sings that song is Anggun C. Sasmi. She is one of my favorite international singers who comes from Indonesia and now lives in French.

What have you learned from those lyrics? Does any new energy come up from your soul after reading them? I do. That lyrics help me maintain my spirit to keep looking into myself. And I hope it will work same for you: just LOOK INTO YOURSELF, THE MASTER OF YOUR DESTINY!!!

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NEW YEAR REFLECTION (1): How To Believe In Yourself

2011-01-07T12:25:00.007-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!
This is my first post in 2011. I have been reading many articles about new year resolutions. Do you have your new year resolution? Do you think you are able to realize it?

We all already know that making a new resoliton is easier than we realize it. One of the reasons is we don't have belief in ourselves.

How many of us who don't have belief in ourselves???

I'm a kind of person who believe in myself and have experienced it many times in my life. Believing in myself gives me a hope and acts to pursue what I've believed in. You know what happens next? A MIRACLE!!!

First of all, we should have convidence in ourselves, think positively, forget our (bad) past, expand our gifts/talents, build friendship with good and supported people, and this is what almost people forget that we should walk with God, let Him guide our life and be happy and thankful for what we have now.

I think this video below is good for you to get inspired and don't forget: BELIEVE IN YOURSLEF!!!

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My Appreciation In the End of 2010

2010-12-30T17:52:00.016-05:00

Dear my fellow readers:

We will end the year of 2010 soon. I even don't feel I have been blogging for almost 5 years. Friends in the cyber world come and go as we have the same thing in the real world. For that case, I would like to show my appreciation to all of you who have spent the time to visit this blog, read it and/or give comments until this time. Your attention is greatly appreciated and I thank you for this.

For the five top EC members who have passion to be Five Top List Visitor, I would like to thank you. Please, keep your enthusiasm shine as a blogger by giving attention to each other through your visits and comments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this Five Top EC members who have showed up as my Top Visitors for this blog. Congratulations for: The Twitterer
Wishing On A Falling Star
Mariuca's Perfume Gallery
Meow Diaries
Our Little Corners
Most of those I also would like to thank you to everybody who has given great support and attention for Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm has brightly showed its existence because it got many positive responses, reviews and testimonials. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without all of you, Enthusiasm won't be brighter. I also would like to give thank you to all Facebookers who have showed their supports by liking Enthusiasm Saga page. If you haven't made it and would like to support it, please, don't hesitate to join with them together below.

Enthusiasm will have long journey. First, Enthusiasm will be available in Indonesian version around February-March 2011. Second, Enthusiasm will continue for the second book that I'm going to start writing after I finish writing my second novel. May God give me good health so everything will run smoothly.

My next appreciation will go to all family and friends who have given their attention via Facebook, email, blog and especially in the real world. Thank you for any kind of support you have given.

Happy New Year 2011!!!
May this New Year bring newly found prosperity, love, happiness and delight in your life.

See you in 2011 (*)

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Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:22:00.007-05:00

I found this video when visited Freaky Frugalite's blog and I thought it was good and great to be shared here so I attach it below. Don't forget to turn off the volume of my music box at the bottom of this blog before you play this video below. Thank you for visiting my blog and see you next week.

Best Wishes,

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REFLECTION (4): Two Days Before Christmas

2010-12-23T20:04:00.016-05:00

Celebrating Four Years of My Car Accident
Today, December 23, I celebrated the 4th year of my big car accident by posting the pictures of my damage cars below as a reminder for all drivers of any kinds of vehicle they're driving.

Photographs by Grand Sport Auto Body

This is a link if you would like to read its story in English and this is a link if you would like to read it in Indonesian as I wrote an article at KabarIndonesia entitled "Sabuk Pengamanku" (My Safety Belt).

Four years ago I had a car accident. A big trailer truck hit my left car when I turned right in the green light. I just finished turning and would like to straight my car and suddenly "brakkk!!" I had no idea where that truck was coming from because when I did turning, I didn't see any vehicle on other left side and also it was red light for that line. I didn't want to retell again that story but I just would like to remember something that I need to share here.

When I got the report paper from the Police Officer, it didn't mention the truth. They said that after the accident, I didn't know anything (the statement from the Police Officer) and I was driving in other line (the statement from the truck driver).

As the route 30 I went through has speed limit 55 miles/hour. And I knew that truck drove over that limit and went through the red light. I was sure because it was too fast, he could not control his stirring wheels. You can see that damage!!! Even the stupid person would know that damage could not happen for the vehicle that run under 55 miles/hour. My car spinned many times so fast and finally hit the right curb. Thanks God, there wasn't any other vehicle behind me. I could not imagine if its condition was opposite. The police officer was a woman and she just came to me asking my driver license without asking anything.

You can imagine how I felt at that time when reading that report. My body at that time still had many brushes and my head still felt something--not right. Imagining my condition after that accident, in three days I was in pain badly, my head was so heavy and I could not sit or stand directly because it made me dizzy or something I could not describe. I thanked to my car insurance who had responsible for all medical expenses, even gave some money and we used it for buying other second hand car.

My husband and I went to a lawyer but we had to close my case two years later because of some reasons: I didn't show any problem as the result of that accident after two years of that accident, there was no evidence when it was happened, the report put me in the wrong place that mentioned I was driving in the wrong line and I didn't know anything after that accident-- which they weren't true.

When reading that report I really wanted to scream and meet them both--the police officer and the truck driver. I wanted to hear from them why they lied. I wanted to cry but I could not. My heart was really hurt. But something I had to learn at that time, I should forgive them. It wasn't easy for me but I had learned and I could. That made me happier because I was sure God would bless me abundantly by giving them forgiveness. And when I was feeling that, I was sure they both had gotten what they had done to me. God is fair!! I believe that!!

That car accident four years ago was my Christmas present--I thought. I thanked God for that so I would be more carefully when driving everywhere. I thanked God, He had saved me. I thanked God I was still alive and be with my family, especially for my little daughter who still needed me. I thanked God, I got the good service from my car insurance. I thanked God I got other car--bigger car than before. I thanked God I didn't lie. I thanked God I could forgive them.

And also I've learned two things from that accident:

1. What do I thank for in Christmas this year??? Have I prayed to the people who have sent the Christmas card/Christmas wishes to me?? . . .

2. If any of us still have hurt feeling to other family members, friends, coworkers, etc, would we forgive them??? If it seems so hard for us doing it, ask HIM to help us in doing it. He will make us able to do it--and we can celebrate Christmas this year with full of PEACE and JOY. Amen.(*)

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REFLECTION (3): Four Days Before Christmas

2010-12-21T11:45:00.008-05:00

I Met A Psychic Person

Yesterday when I was working, a woman passed by. I greeted her as I did to all customers and she replied me. One thing that made me feel little bit different when seeing her eyes. I felt she seemed find something interesting in me. Anyway, I kept working and she just left. But several seconds later, she came back and met me. She asked something that I could not hear it clearly because of her dialect. It was between: "Do you work here?" or "Are you from here?" So, I just answered,"Yes, I work here. Can I help you something?"
And answered her, "Oh, no," then she confessed something about me proudly with her impressive expression, "I just want to say that you have a good energy, you have a good aura."
I was little shock getting unespected compliment by a stranger. I talked to myself, What the heck of this kind of woman told me about myself, even we never met before. I thought she could read what I was thinking, then she looked for something from her pocket and gave me her name card. She said again,"Do you know Psychic Readings?"
"No. I'm not familiar about that," replied me, then I read her name card.
"Oh . . . I can take your energy and read it." Then she lifted her both hands, trying to describe about my own face. "You have a really good aura. I see something good coming on your way." Then she smiled at me.
"Wow! Thank you." I could not say anything. I was very surprised but in my heart I could answer her that she was right. I just knew that day I got approval becoming a full time associate at my work and the new schedule would start on January 1, next month -- that was my first Christmas present and as a present for my New Year. And what else? . . . Oh yeah, next year, my book would also be published in my own country . . . what else??? . . . I didn't know. Something good coming on the way??? Wow . . . Thanks God!!! Amen!!!
"Yeah." She stared at me with her impressive eyes. I felt like she wanted me to believe her that what she had just said was right.
I could not say anything except to thank her.
"Keep that card. If one day you need me, you can call me anytime. Have a good night."
"Have a good night, too and thank you."
She left and I was busy again with my own thought. I was thinking perhaps it could be a trick of her to find a new customer and/or she also said something true about me.

What I had experienced last night, it gave an idea to write something in this post. Probably that was like the shepherds feel when an angle came to them in the middle of the night and sent a good news about baby Jesus who had been born (And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”--Luke 2:9-12). They believed what the angle said and did like he had said. They went to see the baby Jesus.

Well, I believe what she said to me because it was my faith that God would bless me in the upcoming years.

Thank you, God for sending me a good message through a psychic person. Good or not, I believe everything has your own purpose to make me better and better every year and become blessing to other people. Amen!

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REFLECTION (2): Twelve Days Before Christmas

2010-12-13T13:06:00.019-05:00

My sister in law sent a video yesterday and I thought it was suitable for the theme I would like to write for my second post of Christmas Reflection. So, below I attach it with its lyric.

What we have learned from this event? Togetherness in singing and the joy they had in the time when they sang that song. It reminded me when I was still in Indonesia. With my Vocal Group, several weeks before Christmas, we were busy practicing to prepare for the Christmas songs we would sing at some places. We got invitations from companies, churches and organizations that celebrated Christmas. Our service was free--no charge--even we spent our own money for transportation. Some of them sometimes gave us an envelope filled with some amount of money that we never asked for. We never counted the energy, time and money we had spent but the joy of giving into the song and togetherness among us were so sweet and impressive.

What we had done was one of the kinds of giving. Giving doesn't mean to be something that we can touch and see. Giving in singing is something that we can listen and sometimes it can touch our heart and bring us closer to our CREATOR.

That was one of the things I liked when Christmas came: the joy of singing together. I believe this video below will bring you the Joy of Having Messiah who has saved our life. Come on, we sing together! Praise to the Lord who has given us His own son to save the world. Hallelujah Hallejuah Hallelujah!!! . . . (don't forget to turn off the volume of my Christmas Song Box at the bottom of this blog before you click "play" to watch this video and listen how the joy when they sang)

On Saturday, October 30, 2010, the Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together over 650 choristers from 28 participating organizations to perform one of the Knight Foundation's "Random Acts of Culture" at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the OCP Chorus and throngs of singers from the community infiltrated the store as shoppers, and burst into a pop-up rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah" at 12 noon, to the delight of surprised shoppers. This event is one of 1,000 "Random Acts of Culture" to be funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation over the next three years.

Handel's Messiah (The Hallelujah Chorus) Lyrics

allelujah (Aleluya)

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
(For the lord God omnipotent reigneth)
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
(Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
Hallelujah

The kingdom of this world;
is become
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ
and of His Christ

And He shall reign for ever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever

King of kings forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
and lord of lords forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
King of kings forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
and lord of lords forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
King of kings forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah
and lord of lords
King of kings and lord of lords

And he shall reign
And he shall reign
And he shall reign
He shall reign
And he shall reign forever and ever

King of kings forever and ever
and lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah
And he shall reign forever and ever

King of kings and lord of lords
King of kings and lord of lords
And he shall reign forever and ever

Forever and ever and ever and ever
(King of kings and lord of lords)

Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah

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