Novel Enthusiasm: Some Exciting News in One Day

Dear Family and Friends,

I have been so excited to update this blog with my recent news. I have to wait until I have enough time to write something here and this evening is the right time to do it.

OK, now I will start to wite them one by one below:

1. This morning I got an email from Heni, an Editor (volunteer) at kabarindonesia.com. She had read my book, Enthusiasm without buying it. One of her co-workers from China visited her company where she is working now and brought a book--it was my book "Enthusiasm" and let her to read it. Just in two days she finished reading my book, though she missed many pages because her co-worker would stay less than a week in Indonesia. She got my book as a present from her boyfriend because she likes reading novel. She told Heni that she didn't know any Indonesian famous novelist and now she just knew one Indonesian who lives in USA and wrote a novel in English. Isn't it a big surprise?? I asked Heni if she would like to write a review and she did it. I suggested her to send it to a famous Indonesia magazine: GATRA where my review of another book was ever published there around 3 years ago. Good luck, Heni. If they accept your review of my book, we should celebrate together!!!

2. This morning I also got an email from Jawaban.com that now they are featuring my book review written by Viviana Widjaja. Click a photo below to read my book review in Indonesian. They created this beautiful banner and I am honored to accept it. Thank you Jawaban.com Team. I appreciate your interest to publish my book review.


3. This afternoon I got an email from Danielle Hampson, an Executive Producer of The Authors Show, announcing my on air interview has been edited and ready for broadcast. It will be scheduled full one day (24 hours) on July 2, 2010 (it changes on July 6, 2010). Please check it by clicking a banner bellow.


4. This evening I got an email from my other account at abbottsbooks.com from Brian Feinblum. He is a Chief Marketing Officer/Vice President of Planned Television Arts. He saw my book that was being featured at Book Expo America last month on May 25-27, in New York and he intrigued enough to reach out to me and explore how we both can work together. Cool! I would reply his email soon and introduce myself and my recent published book. Honestly, as a new author in this country, I never heard about his famous company that has delivered many best selling authors, like Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Robert T. Kiyosaki, and many more. I am so honored to have his interest and look forward what he can help to promote my book. If you want to know more about this company and about him, click his picture.

Additional news

Two days ago I got a confirmation email from Writers Digest that they have received my book last month to participate in the celebration of their 18 Annual Anniversary for their book contest.

Last weekend I have finished my third chapter of my second novel (True romance story) and got postive reviews from the writters community website, a place where I used to workshop my writings. I am so excited as they are interested for the story I have presented. Three first chapters have made them curious what I would like to write next. I hope this novel will get good response from a famous publisher someday.

Right now I am planning to finish creating my online media kit in flash website. Then I will finish my second cookbook project and continue writing chapter 4.

Thank you for your time to read this post. I will see you in the next upcoming interesting post.

Cheers,

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I'm busy to prepare several things for this month needs.

about 1 minute ago from web

Enthusiasm: A Review from Kabari Magazine and KabariNews

What a surprise!!! Two days ago I got e-newsletter from KabariNews E-zine contained the information about Kabari Magazine new edition, May 2010 and KabariNews (e-newspaper) that have published my book review, Enthusiasm. You can click front cover Kabari Magazine on the right side of this post and find it on page 30-31 where my review is presented by Yayat Suratmo, Kabari Reporter from Jakarta, Indonesia.

My big thanks I sent to John Oei, Kabari and KabariNews Publisher and Yayat Suratmo, Kabari Reporter who have been so kind and nice accepting my book to be reviewed. Your supports are greatly appreciated.

To read it at KabariNews, you can click this banner below. If you are interested to give a rating and comment, you can do them both there at the same page.

If you never heard about Kabari, it is an integrated Multi Media Magazine using Kabari Magazie imprint, e-magazine (sent to 1 million emails every month, slideshow, podcasting, powerpoint, document, etc and written in Indonesian that has the Largest Circulation of Free Indonesian Magazine that distributes both in the U.S. and Indonesia. Kabari E-zine is sent to 24,860 emails every week. And KabariNews has around 200,000 visitors every month.


I hope the information I wrote above will give you a new perspective about a big Indonesian media that has been so famous in USA and Indonesia, especially for Indonesians around the world.

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I am so sleepy. Last night I didn't have enough sleep. I thought it was because a cup of coffee I took at work.

about 1 minute ago from web

My Writings at HOKI

1. Media Online Meningkatkan Kemampuan Menulis (83), Dec 17, 2009
2. Warna-warni di Hari Ulang Tahun HOKI Ketiga Tahun (82), Nov 11, 2009
3. Warta Redaksi tentang Gempa di Padang (81), Oct 4, 2009
4. Saat Penulis dan Pembaca Bertemu (80th), April 13, 2009

What am I doing right now?


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I'm still very busy arranging this and that before welcoming New Year; new tasks, new projects.
about 1 minute ago from web

Vacation Rental

Who doesn't love vacation?
I think almost everybody loves to have vacation, including me. The last big vacation I had with my family was going to Washington DC for three days and two nights. I hope one day we will have another big vacation. The next places, it could be somewhere near the beach or mountain.


Although it is just our next planning, I still like to search something unussual. I found several interesting links that I would like to share with you, vacation rental. Probably you're also interested to take a look. Check these out: VacationRental.org, VRWD.com and DirectVacationRentals.com.


We can find thousands of vacation rentals in hundreds of great
world destination that meet with our budget. It's great, isn't it? Don't forget to bookmark those links. I'm sure you will need them somedays.

Happy searching and happy vacation, guys!!

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I still write chapter 16. I hope I can finish writing this chapter before weekend
about 1 minute ago from web

My Recent Article and Photographs at KabarIndoensia

An Article:

December 25th, 2008, Seorang Tamu Tak Diundang di Malam Natal (a. 79th)
December 16th, 2008, Suasana Menjelang Natal di USA vs Indonesia (a. 78th)
March 8th, 2008, Cinta dalam Perkawinan (a.77th)

Three Entered Photographs:

August 7th, 2008, Kunjungan Seekor Kupu-kupu Cantik (33rd)

August 17th, 2008, HUT RI di Willow St (34th)

September 7th, 2008, Taman-taman Indah di Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania-USA (35th)






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Interesting to read my recent writing at Cross Written? Click here.
about 5 minutes ago from web

My Writings at KabarIndonesia

I just want to share my writings at HOKI. If you have a comment, don't be hesitate to write them there or here. Have nice reading!

* August 24th, 2008, Mengapa Ingin Menjadi Presiden? (a. 77th)
* September 28th, 2008, Rebutlah Hadiah Total 1 M Rupiah!!! (a. 76th - I also posted this writing to X-Written)
* September 30th, 2008, Cerita Pekerja Illegal Indonesia di USA (a. 75th)





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1 Article was done. 2 More left to complete my goal. Soon I'll do my homework for the next project. I can not wait to write my book soon.
less than 10 seconds ago from web

Growing Ferns

I am a person who love gardening and landscaping. I was graduated from Agriculture Faculty and ever worked at Landscaping & Consultant Company in Indonesia for almost 5 years.

As I ever handled many projects in Surabaya-Indonesia from small to big projects, I knew well about tropical plants. One of my favorite plants I often used in the landscape projects was fern.

After I moved to USA in 2002, a country that has 4 kinds of season, I learned more how to grow ferns especially for my front and back yards. I also have 2 pots of different ferns. They grow so well.

Ferns at my back yard. I planted them 1 year & a half ago. They already grew in the woods at my back yard beautifully, then I thought I really wanted to move them to my garden either at front and back yard.

Ferns family has around 20.000 species of plants classified in the phylum or division Pteridophyta, also known as Filicophyta. Ferns prefer a mix that has a high proportion of organic materials such as peat that drains very well. There should be a source of calcium and magnesium included and are usually provided by dolomite lime and the irrigation water. Ferns grow at least 63 to 70% shade is required in summer. The light levels can also be estimated by looking at the shadow cast by your hand on a bench top. If the shadow is visible but the outline is kind of fuzzy, then the light level is okay. Ferns can grow well and fast at temperature between 73 and 86F. The night temperatures are critical for growth and control of fungus. They can appear the problems for their growth. Most of them do not like to have wet feet and actually like to lightly dry out between watering. For fertilizing needs, it is best to keep them on continuous feed. A good starting point is 100 parts per million nitrogen using something with ratios close to 15-5-15 (Nitrogen : Phosphor : Kalium). The ppm can be raised if the foliage is too light green in color indicating a need for increased Nitrogen. One thing that is not recommended: giving slow release fertilizers can be difficult to control when the days are short and cool. If the ferns look at all unhappy, we need to try reducing the feed rate. One secret to grow the ferns is to keep the irrigating water pH between 5.0 and 6.2.

Pests can attack ferns too. All chemicals used to control pests can burn ferns if they are used improperly. Each must be tested carefully on a few plants and then used only as needed. Repeated use, especially fungicides can cause the problems. It is better for fungus control in general, we need to do lowering the feed levels that are particularly susceptible to fungus problems seems to help more than any chemical sprays.

If we want to move the ferns up, we should not disturb the roots. Put a layer of new potting mix in the new pot so there will be no more than 1" of space between the top of the plant and the edge of the pot. Trim off all lower fronds and any that are not looking great. Repot filling the sides with new mix.

If we would like to divide the ferns, trim the fronds extensively. Remove all lower and older fronds. Cut the remaining ones back to half or less of their length (but not all the way off). Take the plant out of the old pot and with a serrated kitchen knife or thin bladed saw, divide the plant and root ball vertically into giant pie shaped pieces that are in thirds or quarters. Then take off one to two inches from the bottom of the root ball. Put potting mix into the new pots so there is no more than 1" of space below the edge of the pot when the divided plant is set into the pot. Fill spaces with new mix. Treat these divided plants pretty much as you had been treating the original. When you see new growth you will know the transplant was successful. Try to do this before July 1, so there is plenty of time for the plant to recover.

Happy Gardening!

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I've just done creating 2 Blogs for 2 new interesting competitions that will be held next Monday. What are they? Please, wait on Monday.
less than 10 seconds ago from web

GodTube Exclusive Videos

On August 24th, 2008 I wrote an article at KabarIndonesia titled, Mengapa Ingin Menjadi Presiden? (a. 74th). This article was inspired by 2 videos I got from GodTube Exclusive Video: Obama and McCain Address Faith-Based Issues. There were 19 videos list has been sent to me. Here, an email they sent it:

History was made when presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain made their first joint appearance of the 2008 campaign at the first ever televised forum led by one of our nation’s leading pastors, Dr. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church.

If you missed this unprecedented event, not to worry — GodTube has partnered with the Saddleback Civil Forum to provide exclusive clips for our users to get you involved in the discussions. Watch these clips, rate them and share what you think about the candidates and where they stand on the issues that matter to you!

* Why do you want to be president? Obama - McCain
* Does evil exist? Obama - McCain
* Define “marriage”. Obama - McCain
* What is your stance on abortion? Obama - McCain
* What is your stance on stem cell research? Obama - McCain
* What does being a Christian mean to you? Obama - McCain
* What do you think about religious persecution? Obama - McCain
* What is your stance on federal funding of faith-based organizations? Obama - McCain
* What do you consider your greatest moral failure to be? What is America’s? Obama - McCain
* Who are the three wisest people in your life? Obama - McCain
* Name one instance when you went against party loyalty. Obama - McCain
* Name one instance when you flip-flopped on an issue. Obama - McCain
* What is the most gut-wrenching decision you’ve ever had to make? Obama - McCain
* Which existing Supreme Court Judge would you not have nominated? Obama - McCain
* What is your stance on merit-based pay for teachers? Obama - McCain
* Define “rich”. Obama - McCain
* What cause is worth our troops dying for? Obama - McCain
* Would you consider creating an emergency plan for orphans? Obama - McCain
* What do you say to the people who oppose you answering these questions in a church?
Obama - McCain

We understand that the very nature of politics lends itself to discussion, debate and disagreement. We ask that you keep this in mind and show proper respect in all your dialogue. Per our Terms of Use, we will remove comments attacking the opinions, values or respectfully stated beliefs of others.

Get your family and friends involved in the discussion! Pass this email along to them so they can see the candidates’ stances on the issues that matter most.

Your Friends at GodTube

*******************************




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I'm glad today (8/24/08). My 2 writings are on the top rank at Helium. They are the 2nd and the 3rd articles I ever wrote there. Check them out at here and here

7 minutes ago from web

My Writings at www.kabarindonesia.com

* May 19th, SEJENAK BERSAMA FA DI PA (ke-8): Suara Hantu yang Menakutkan (SEVERAL MINUTES WITH FA IN PA-8: Scary Ghost Sound) (a. 73)

* May 21st, Bagaimana Menjadi Istri yang Sempurna? (How To Be A Perfect Wife?) (a. 74)

* May 23rd, Sekali Ber-jackpot Langsung Menang (Once Having Jackpot and Won ) (a. 75 )

* May 26th, SEJENAK BERSAMA FA DI PA (ke-9): Tumpeng Berselada (SEVERAL MINUTES WITH FA IN PA-9: Lettucely Tumpeng) (a. 76)

* May 30th, Pengguliran Ijin Pernikahan Para Homoseksual di California (Allowance of Homosexual Marriage in California) (a. 77 )

* May 31st, CYBER WORLD: Nyalakan Lilin & Panjatkan Doa untuk Indonesia (CYBER WORLD: Light Candle and Say Prayer for Indonesia) (a. 78 )




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My Writings at www.kabarindonesia.com

There are 7 articles as you can read them by clicking the titles below:

- May 12th, Jenna Bush Mengakhiri Masa Lajangnya (Jenna Bush Ended Her Single Status) (a. 66th)

- May 13th, SEJENAK BERSAMA FA DI PA (ke-6): Kejutan Kecil di Hari Ibu (SEVERAL MINUTES WITH FA IN PA - 6th: The Little Surprise in Mothers Day) (a.67th)

- May 14th, RESEP SEDERHANA: Membuat Lotion Lavender (THE SIMPLE RECIPE: Making Lavender Lotion) (a. 68th)

- May 15th, SEJENAK BERSAMA FA DI PA (ke-7): Pacar Baru (SEVERAL MINUTES WITH FA IN PA - 7th) (a. 69th), SMS: Info Dukungan John Edwards terhadap Obama (SMS: The Information of Supporting from John Edwards to Obama) (a. 70th)

- May 17th, Pesan Penting untuk Kaum Wanita (The Important Message for Women) (a.71st)

- May 18th, Kapitalis, Burukkah? (Capitalist, Is It Bad?) (a. 72nd)

Between Hope and Reality (1st Version)

My articles in Indonesian in 2 series, you can read them by clicking the titles below:
- Antara Harapan dan Kenyataan (I) - Between Hope and Reality (I)

- Antara Harapan dan Kenyataan (II) - Between Hope and Reality (II)


Reflection:

Once, there was a man who asked GOD for a flower and a butterfly. But God gave him a
cactus and a caterpillar. He was sad, he didn’t understand why his request was mistaken, Then he thought: Oh well, GOD has to many people to care for and decided not to ask Him anymore.
After some time, the man went to check up on his request that he had left forgotten.

To his surprise, from the thorny and ugly cactus, a beautiful flower had grown, and the unsightly carterpillar had been transformed into the most beautiful butterfly.

God always does things right! His way is always the best way even if to us it seems all wrong. If you asked GOD for one thing and received another, TRUST! You can be sure that He will always give you what you need at the appropriate time. What you want doesn’t always give you what you need. God never fails to grant our petitions, so keep on going for him without doubting or murmuring.

Today’s thorn is tomorrow’s flower. God gives the very best to those who leave the choices up to him. Amen!!

My Writings at www.kabarindonesia.com (May 6th-12th, 2008)

There are 6 articles, 2 poetries, and 1 photograph as you can read/see them by clicking the titles below.

- May 6th, Jangan! (Don't!) (p. 43rd )

- May 8th, Mengagumi Kemegahan Sebuah Museum (Admiring The Glorious of A Museum) (a. 60th) , Bunga Lilyku (My Lily Flower) (p. 44th), Pemenang Jackpot di USA Bulan Mei 2008 (The Jackpot Winner in USA, May 2008) (a. 61st)

- May 9th, SEJENAK BERSAMA FA DI PA (ke-4): Sebuah Cara Unik Menghemat Biaya Bensin (SEVERAL MINUTES WITH FA IN PA - 4th: An Unique Way to Safe the Gasoline Cost) (a. 62nd), Hutang Hillary Clinton (The Debt of Hillary Clinton) (a. 63 rd)

- May 11th, Kelebihan Blog Berbahasa Inggris (The Pluses of Blog in English) (a. 64th)

- May 12th, SEJENAK BERSAMA FA DI PA (ke-5): Memperingati Hari Kakek dan Nenek
(SEVERAL MINUTES WITH FA IN PA - 5th: Celebrating Grandparents Day) (a. 65th)

Photograph: BERITA FOTO DARI USA: Grandparents Day Country Fair 2008 (17th )

My Writings at www.kabarindonesia.com (April 28th - May 3rd)

There are 4 articles and 3 poetries as you can read them by clicking the titles below:

- April 28th, Sejenak bersama FA di PA (ke-3) -(Several Minutes with FA in PA - 3) (a.56th); Kepak Sayapku (My Wing's Movement) (p.40th)

- April 29th, SKY EXPLORER: Aku Dapat Terbang ke Angkasa (SKY EXPLORER: I Can Fly to the Atmosphere) (a.57th); Mengapa Zaitun Banyak Diburu? (Why Zaitun is Hunted A Lot?) (a.58th) ; Kala Cinta Berucap (When Love Says) (p.41st)

- April 30th, Mimpi Seorang Rekan Blogger (The Dream of Blogger Friend) (a. 59th)

- May 3rd, Mata Indah (The Beautiful Eyes) (p.42nd)

My Writings at www.kabarindonesia.com in the Fourth Week, April 2008

There are 4 articles and 4 poetries as you can read them below:

- April 21st, Saat Rembulan Bercinta (When the Moon is in Love) (p. 36); Clinton, Obama Perang di Pennsylvania (Clinton, Obama were in War in Pennsylvania) (a. 52 )

- April 22nd, Karena Aku Menggendongmu (Because I Carry You on the Back) (p. 37 )

- April 23rd, Gada dan Tongkat-Mu Menolongku (Your Cudgel and Stick Help Me) (a. 53 )

- April 24th, Yang Kumohon (That I Ask) (p. 38 )

- April 26th, I am A Princess (a. 54 )

- April 27th, Menilik Emansipasi Wanita di Dunia Kerja (Observing the Woman Emancipation in the Work World) (a. 55 ); Taman Hati (The Heart Garden) (p. 39 )

My Writings at KabarIndonesia.com in the Third Week, April 2008

There are 5 articles and 4 poetries:

* April 14th, Dari Tukang Ledeng ke GM Customer Satisfaction dan Public Relation (From Skilled Workman to General Manager of Satisfaction & Public Relation) (a.47)

* April 15th, Jam Dinding (Wall Clock) (p.32), Saat Merindukanmu (When I Miss You) (p.33)

* April 17th, Antara Harapan dan Kenyataan (I) (Between Hope & Reality, I) (a.48), Karya Ciptaan-Nya (His Creation) (p.34)

* April 18th, Antara Harapan dan Kenyataan (II) (Between Hope & Reality, II) (a.49)

* April 19th, Sejenak Bersama FA di PA (I) (Several Minutes with FA in PA, 1st) (a.50) , Duri dalam Dada (Thorn in Chest) (p.35), Sejenak Bersama FA di PA (ke-2) (Several Minutes with FA in PA, 2nd) (a.51)

My Writings at KabarIndonesia.com in the Second Week, April 2008

They are 4 Articles and 5 Poetries:

* April 8th, Bungaku (My Flower) (p.27), Suara Hatiku (The Voice of My Heart) (p.28), Ratu Sejagad (Princess of The World) (p.29)

* April 9th, Anda adalah Seorang Duta! (Congratulation, You are An Ambassador!) (a.43)

* April 10th, Fatamorgana (Phantasm) (p.30), You are Followed by Obama (a.44)

* April 11th, Menilik Tiga Besar Kandidat Presiden USA (Observing Three Top of USA President Candidates) (a.45)

* April 12th, Musim Semi (Spring) (p.31)

* April 13th, Biaya Sekolah dan Penggalangan Dana (Tuittion and Fundraising) (a.46)

My Writings at KabarIndonesia.com in the First Week, April 2008

They are 5 articles and 4 poetries:

* April 1st, PRESS RELEASE: Memperingati 1 Tahun Usia XW (PRESS RELEASE: Celebrating First Year of CrossWritten.com) (a.38th)

* April 2nd, Petisi Mengenang 10 Tahun Tragedi Kemanusiaan, Mei 1998 (Petition Commomerates the 10th of Humanity Tragedy in Indonesia, May 1998 (a.39th) &
Pakaian Anda Menunjukkan Siapakah Anda (Your Clothing Shows Who You Are)(a.40th)

* April 3rd, Menatap Embun (Staring at Dew) (p.23)

* April 5th, Senyum Anda Membawa Berkat (Your Smile Brings Blessing)(a.41th) , Dua Matahari (Two Suns) (p.24)

* April 6th, Menjelang Senja (Before Twilight)(p.25), Kurindu Menyentuhmu (I Miss Touching You)(p.26th)

* April 7th, Gathering Bersama di Dunia Maya (Gathering Together in Cyber World)(a.42th)