Fida Abbott

A POEM BY GREGORY ABBOTT: Love In A Foreign Land

2012-05-24T20:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I told my husband about my first plan for our 10th Anniversary for five next months after he came back from work in the afternoon. I want to do several special things. The first I told him I was going to publish a mini book. It would be a poem anthology written by me and him. This idea came up several months ago when I found several files that I have forgotten so long time. They were 2 poems he wrote when we were still having a long distance relationship.

I asked him to write some more and finally he wrote it right away in the living room. Then around five minutes, he came to the kitchen to meet me. With holding a paper, he asked me to sit down on a chair and he started to read his poem:

Celebrating our engagement, Bali, September 2001

Love In A Foreign Land
In Indonesia my heart was foundFinding love on foreign groundIn her heart I saw the flameI saw the truth, the love, the gain
It doesn't matter the words she saidIt doesn't matter, my fear I dreadOnly love came through her wordsAnd in this love, I know it sounds absurd
Don't be fast in judging meShe is my butterfly, my Southern seaAnd in my heart, I open upTo find my Asian buttercup
So now I sit with love in the sandAnd my butterfly is my love in hand
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 4.10 PM

Celebrating our engagement, Kute beach, Bali, September 2001

He seemed holding his tears and I stood up and gave him a big hug. We hugged each other in a while and the sweet and lovely words came from his mouth, "I love you with all of my heart, forever and ever." (*) If you're interested to subscribe to this blog, please click the green sign below and follow its instruction. Subscribe!
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Having rest before leaving for work.
about 1 minute ago from web

My Three Months Old Baby Girl

2012-05-22T18:34:00.002-04:00


Illustration photo: Baby Wanda 3 months old, Secane, PA, April 2004

My new baby girl has been 3 months old now since she was born on February 14, 2012. She is beautiful and healthy. Many Indonesians love and adore her. As a mom, I'm so proud to have her, my little angle. Since she was born, many Indonesians could not wait to see her. They wanted to touch and hold her. Even some of them sent their messages to express their feeling about her after they had a chance to see her. They could not wait to see her talk and walk soon because they wanted to play with her.

My baby girl is my inspiration, and they said the same, too. What a great gift from HIM. My life is more worthy because of her presence. Thank you God to give me a chance to have and take care of this baby. I pray she will bring more inspiration and blessing to many Indonesians. Amen.

I send my great thanks to:
1. Ivo Christiana
She sent a message via facebook: "Tidak semua buku bisa membawa imajinasi pembaca sesuai maksud penulis. Bukunya miss Fida membawa imajinasi saya masuk. Jadi feelnya Miss Fida saat menulis itu bisa dirasakan juga. Pantaslah judulnya Anstusiasme. Karena Antusiasme yang betul akan menular, baik mendengar langsung atau membacanya. Great." (April 22, 2012)

2. Sriyatun Untoro
She sent a message via facebook: "Hai mbak Fida, salam kenal. Saya Sriyatun. Saya ibu rumah tangga biasa, yang punya keinginan kuat menulis novel. Sebenarnya dari SMP saya ingin menekuni dunia menulis. Mungkin karena lingkungan kurang berpendidikan jadi terhambat. Terima kasih Anda telah memicu saya untuk paling tidak mewujudkan 1 novel. Saya tadi ke tb Gramedia & mendapatkan novel Anda serta membelinya. Bersyukur & terharu, saya harus bisa mewujudkan mimpi saya! Terima kasih Mbak Fida, sukses &bahagia slalu . . . iya Mbak saya bersemangat lagi tuk mewujudkan mimpi saya yang lama yang tak serius dikerjakan. Terima kasih Mbak atas pencerahanya . . . dan saya memang gabung di ****, tapi tidak juga memompa semangat saya tuk nulis, tapi setelah mbaca tentang Mbak, saya langsung semangat & menggebu." (April 23, 2012)

3. Komunitas Perempuan Membaca (KPM) and Radio SMART 88.9FM, Surabaya, Indonesia.

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Sleepy but I still have to prepare dinner.
about 1 minute ago from web

EASTER PICTURES (4): Cake, Candy, and Food

2012-05-19T09:29:00.002-04:00

I love weekend. I have little bit rest although still work at other part time job. Spending time with my little one is always great, especially when my other grown up children have time to visit. The rest of it, I still have little bit time to write, including post something to this blog as I attach several last pictures and a short video of Easter last month. Have a great weekend, everyone and thank you for your visit.


Three small Easter baskets


Decorated Easter eggs

Husband's B-day cake

Easter lunch done

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Several programs will be done soon: Online writing course, LFMR 2012, 10th Anniversary Poem Anthology mini book, and The Winner--the biggest one.

about 1 minute ago from web

EASTER PICTURES (3): My Grownup Children

2012-05-13T17:58:00.000-04:00

Sissy and Mimi

Mimi and the youngest one.

Son and hubby

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY VIDEO: The Hardest and The Best Job In the World

2012-05-13T11:18:00.002-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Last night when I went home from work, I got a surprise. The smell of burning cooked bacon was all over the house as I entered the hallway. Two pink cards and a novel Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts were set up on a maroon quad chair in the living room. It folds for easy storage with convenient carry bag, armrest with cup-holder where my little daughter or my husband filled it with a water bottle. So cute. I went to the kitchen and saw there was a thing my husband just cooked--kind of BBQ smell on the frying pan. I tasted it. Yummy! Then I came back to the living room and opened a bigger card. It was from my little daughter. A refrain song "You're My Hero" I heard. Hahahaha ... what a sweet card. And then I opened the smaller card. It was from my husband:

To My Wife On Mother's Day

No one ever said
love is easy

No one ever said

it's smooth sailing

all the way . . .

But that's why

true love's all about

and that's what

the two of us

are so good at.

Making it work

heart to heart

and day to day

I love you

Happy Mother's Day

Te Amo Para Siempre (He wrote with his handwriting)

Thank you for visiting this blog and read this post. Let's celebrate this mom special day by watching this video, presented by P&G. (*)

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Getting ready to post the next Easter pictures.
about 1 minute ago from web

Introducing the 42nd "Enthusiasm" Ambassador

2012-05-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

Dear My Fellow Readers,

I'm proudly introducing you a new "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, Atri Wardhani from Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, and she becomes the 42nd "Enthusiasm" Ambassador. Atri Wardhani is an educational consultant, graduated from Accountancy Diploma Program, Airlangga University, Surabaya and English Departement, Faculty of Teaching and Education, Muhammadiyah, Surabaya. Right now she is active at Association Alumni of Canada World Youth Indonesia-East Java; Purna Carakan Muda Indonesia, East Java; Gerakan Anak Indonesia Membaca; Treasurer of NasDem Party, DPD Surabaya; and several other organizations. She ever worked as an accounting staff at Shangri-La Hotel Surabaya and Majapahit Mandarin Oriental Surabaya; a teacher at Chatter Box International Preschool Surabaya, Raccette High School, St. Paul Alberta, Canada, YMCA Alliston Toronto, Canada and SMP Al Azhar Surabaya. Now she works at Akademi Sang Bunda and TK Kemala Bhayangkari, Surabaya, as an educational consultant.

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 43rd Enthusiasm" Ambassador!
To read a short profile of 41st "Enthusiasm" Ambassador, click here.

Special to all 42 "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!!!

THE "ENTHUSIASM" AMBASSADORS:

Agustinus Rohayadi (Entrepreneur), Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Ambar Purwaningrum (Private Employee), Surabaya, Indonesia
Ani Pratamawati (Government Employee), Lombok, Indonesia
Atri Wardhani (Educational Consultant), Surabaya, 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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Excited for being Chaperon for study tour tomorrow morning: Delaware Museum of National History
about 1 minute ago from web

Your Body Is A Wonderland

2012-05-06T18:06:00.000-04:00

What do you think about your body? Or what does your husband think about your body? When we talk about our body, there are always some people feel uncomfortable to talk about it.

For me, our body is a gift from God we need to take care of. So if there is a compliment come about our body, we should be glad, thank, and accept it as an appreciation of how we have taken care God's gift very nicely and carefully. Have you?

My husband used to say that he was a lucky man to have me as his wife.

Happy Sunday and enjoy this video!

Your Body Is A Wonderland
by John Mayer

We got the afternoon
You got this room for two
One thing I've left to do
Discover me
Discovering you

One mile to every inch of
Your skin like porcelain
One pair of candy lips and
Your bubblegum tongue

'Cause if you want love
We'll make it
Swimming a deep sea
Of blankets
Take all your big plans
And break 'em
This is bound to be a while

Your body Is a wonderland
Your body is a wonder (I'll use my hands)
Your body Is a wonderland

Something 'bout the way the hair falls in your face
I love the shape you take when crawling towards the pillowcase
You tell me where to go and
Though I might leave to find it
I'll never let your head hit the bed
Without my hand behind it

you want love?
We'll make it
Swimming a deep sea
Of blankets
Take all your big plans
And break 'em
This is bound to be a while

Your body Is a wonderland
Your body is a wonder (I'll use my hands)
Your body Is a wonderland

Damn baby
You frustrate me
I know you're mine all mine all mine
But you look so good it hurts sometimes

Your body Is a wonderland
Your body is a wonder (I'll use my hands)
Your body Is a wonderland
Your body is a wonderland

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Two hours to write although I need more 4 hours to write.
about 1 minute ago from web

EASTER PICTURES (2): Hunting Easter Eggs

2012-05-06T17:32:00.000-04:00

My son found the artificial Easter eggs.

My little daughter was trying to hide the artificial Easter eggs in the back yard.

She was hiding several of them in a pot.

And her brother found them. "Yay! I got them!"

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So glad to know the Google Page Rank of my recent new blog has reached number 2 after 1 and a half month launching with over 550 pages view.
about 1 minute ago from web

I Just finished Watching "Merantau"

2012-04-29T17:04:00.000-04:00

It has been so long I didn't watch Indonesian movies. Most of them I didn't like. Besides of the theme of stories, also several other things that I feel just wasting my time to watch them. But since I heard The Raid has gone internationally, I started to think Indonesian movie is going to change soon: the theme, quality and genres. I was going to start to write then finally this movie--Merantau--took my attention to watch.

Why I like this movie? This movie brings up the hot social problem--human trafficking in Indonesia--and it blends with beautiful martial art. If there is in English version, I would like to ask my husband to watch it because he is a martial art person (black belt) and he loves to watch martial art movies especially if they came from Asian.

Here, I attach the movie and the link to learn more about this movie in Wikipedia. I enjoyed watching it. Two thumbs up for Merantau!!!

Merantau is an Indonesian martial arts film released on August 6, 2009, directed and written by Gareth Evans, and starring Iko Uwais. It introduces a variant of Silat known as "Silat Harimau" (Tiger Silat) and a Minangkabau tradition known as Merantau.

Who is Gareth Evans?
He is a Welsh film director based in Indonesia. He is most well known for introducing Indonesian traditional martial art, Silat, into world cinema.^[1] Pairing up with Indonesian martial artist Iko Uwais whom he discovered during the making of a documentary, Gareth has directed two action movies based on Silat.^[2] Gareth graduated from University of Glamorgan in film making.^[3]

Who is Iko Uwais?
He was born in Jakarta, Indonesia on February 12, 1983, Uwais Qorny (nickname: Iko) is of the Betawi (native Jakartan) descent. He has been learning Indonesian traditional martial art, Pencak Silat, since he was 10 years old at his uncle's Silat school, Tiga Berantai, which uses the distinctive Betawi style of Silat. In 2003, Iko won third place at the Jakarta Provincial Tournament. In 2005, he won first place at the National Silat Championship as the best performer in the demonstration category.

Apart from Silat, his main interest was soccer. Once a midfielder in an Indonesian B-League soccer club, Iko has stopped his dream of becoming a soccer star after his club went bankrupt. Meanwhile his Silat skill has given him chances to travel abroad in several Silat exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Russia, Laos, Cambodia and France.

To read its plot, please, visit this link in Wikipedia.

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Writing again. It was nice to have a short break to watch Merantau.
about 1 minute ago from web

EASTER PICTURES (1): Decorating Eggs

2012-04-28T16:21:00.002-04:00

Hello, What a beautiful day but it's still little bit cold outside for me so I always wear my thick jacket every time I go outside. This time I have little bit time to share several pictures and a video on last Easter. Not many things I have to do today, just cooking for lunch, doing the laundry, cleaning, washing and as usually checking emails and online writing course activities. Now I have to go, time for Walmart. See you next week.

Sissy and Little Mermaid were coloring the eggs.

Easter Eggs

Bunny with her moving tail, a present from Aunt Cathy several years ago for Little Mermaid.

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Eating sweet-steamed cassava. It reminds me when I was in my country.
about 1 minute ago from web

EASTER VIDEO: Happy Birthday My Beloved Husband

2012-04-24T19:28:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone,

What a very nice day today. I have a special story regarding my opportunity to get invitation on air from SMART 88.9 FM and Community of Reading Women in my hometown, Surabaya this morning in the event of Talk Show of my novel Antusiasme (Enthusiasm in Indonesian version). This special story and some pictures will be shared here soon after I finish uploading my Easter pictures.

On Easter, we celebrated my hubby birthday, too. Our children came over to have lunch and brought a cake to enjoy it together. I share 3 videos here. Enjoy!

Singing Happy Birthday after having lunch on Easter.
And
A piece of a cake for a birthday husband.

Blowing the candles after having dinner together on my hubby birthday. I made special cupcakes and displayed them on the spiral tray. If you're interested to subscribe to this blog, please click the green sign below and follow its instruction. Subscribe!

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Writing and writing. Cleaning and cleaning. Cooking and cooking. Washing and washing. Those what I do when I have a day off preparing my laboratory and several radiology tests tomorrow morning. about 1 minute ago from web

I'm A Marketer of My Message

2012-04-17T14:56:00.004-04:00

Sam Henrie, Founder and President of Wheatmark, Inc writes a message today: "One of the biggest pitfalls for a published author is to think of herself primarily as an author with a book to sell, and then to behave that way. That usually translates to waking up in the morning and thinking about how she could talk more about her book and sell more copies that day. Not the most fun way to start the day. Instead, what we recommend in the Authors Academy is that you think of yourself as a marketer, a marketer of your message, and not as an author with a book to sell."

"Sedang asyik baca buku karangan my best friend, Fida."

(Sent by Nila Ratnawati, Surabaya, Indonesia)

"hahaaa.... bukunya menarik.... jadi aq senyum2 bacanya begitu loh...."

Yes, I'm in that condition of being a self-published author for my first novel Enthusiasm: I'M A MARKETER OF MY MESSAGE and not as an author with a book to sell! It's also same when YKBK bought my book right and has published it since February 14, 2012. Although I'm not as a self-published author for my novel Antusiasme (Enthusiasm in Indonesian version), I still feel that way. I collaborate with several famous Indonesian writers and entrepreneurs and YKBK--they are as LFMR 2012 sponsors--to hold my first photo and review contest for Indonesians. I have several main purposes to hold this contest named LFMR 2012, besides of being close with my readers, I really want to know why they are interested to buy and/or read my book. I have special message in my story belonging to this question. I'm nothing as an author without them so they are very important for me.


www.novelantusiasme.blogspot.com

I have been so grateful seeing so many good responses from FB friends. Also I have received several messages from them who had bought my book. They said my story has inspired them more, and they thanked me for sharing it into my novel. What a great thing to get this compliment. For me that's more important than counting how many books have been sold!!! Below, please, take a look of several messages I got from them who have read my book Antusiasme. They are original--I don't edit them:

1. From Artrias Setiawan, Solo (Middle Java), Indonesia.
Subject: mba Fida,,i got ur book
Date: 03/25/2012 at 07:03 PM (GMT -8) from 202.152.194.207

Name: artrias setiawan
City: Solo
ID Zip: 57714
Message: Mba Fida, congrat ya, buku nya yang indonesian language,,i have bought your book,..menarik sekali, aku termotivasi banget mbak, dan aku lebih semangat sekarang menyelesaikan novelku,..walaupun sampe skrng blm ada novel yg bisa masuk penerbit, tapi dengan "Antusiasme" mba Fida,,aku harus mencoba mengirimkan novelku ke penerbit,..thanks,..a lot,.. bye,..artrias

2. Fanny Sie, Makassar (South Sulawesi), Indonesia.
Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012

Hi Mba Fida, maaf br smpt bls nih. Sy sekarang sudah d Makassar lagi. Akhrnya bukunya sdh dapat. Sy akhirnya dapat di Gramedia Mal Panakukkang Makassar, yang lalu kosong di Gramedia Mal Ratu Indah Makassar. Novelnya sangat menginspirasi, semoga saya bisa mengikuti dan meraih juga segala impian saya. Thanks Mba, GBU n Fam.

Thank you Artirias and Fanny. You have made my day!!!(*)

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I'm going to download my Easter pictures from my digital camera soon. I can't wait to see my smiley family faces. Ups, I'm also listening Katana Abbott hosting her talk radio show (Smart Women Talk)

about 1 minute ago from web

Happy Good Friday and Easter

2012-04-06T12:11:00.001-04:00

Dear family and friends,

Today I don't have many things to do except my routine activities and going to work. I have time to post here to say "Hi" and "Happy Good Friday" to everybody who is celebrating it.

Sunday will be great. My husband will join to go to Easter Sunday Service and I'm waiting if all children will join with us, too, then we are going to have Easter lunch together.

My little daughter has been off from school since yesterday till Monday. Yesterday she wanted me to bring her to local library and borrow 2 books along with a CD. We headed to Market Store near us to have very small shopping and enjoy a chicken roll and blueberry water ice. We had fun. I was little tired but happy to spend around 2 hours with her.

I have many pictures need to be downloaded when I have spare time. My days are full with the things I can't escape. My allergy keeps going, my right fingers are cramp, and I will see a new doctor on next Wednesday. There will be four things I would like to tell her. Nervous, little bit. I hope everything will be fine.

Btw, I'll soon post several news about "Antusiasme" ("Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version). And before I leave this post, I would love to share a poem in Indonesian that I just finished around 30 minutes ago to celebrate Good Friday and Easter.

Happy GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER, everyone!!!

Memandang Salib

pagi merayap kalbu

embun bening berseteru

mentari tampak sayu

ayam berkokok pun bergalut gayu

alam seisinya diam

merenung berkias kelam

galau tak bertutur

hilang harap berlantur

dua kayu teronggok bersilang

siapa lihat tak berngiang

membawa harap tak berdendang

lenyap asa pandang siang

hati terisak tak tentu arah

hilang asa mati kata

mulut kelu berucap lirih

apa benar pandang merintih

dua kata bertabur maya

"hina-dina" terpampang nyata

aku ucap tanpa daya

mestinya aku terpampang di sana

Coatesville, April 6, 2012

WEEKEND NEWS: "Enthusiasm" in Action for the Next Level

2012-03-30T12:37:00.015-04:00

Last month in February 2012, "Enthusiasm" was chosen by Xlibris from one of many book candidates to go to the next level. They wrote: "Enthusiasm" has a movie material that can be brought to Hollywood! It could be the ticket to Hollywood fame and fortune. The reasons are because "Enthusiasm"--based on the true story--has a theme they were looking for besides different, unique, and interesting.

So what do you think? Do you think Hollywood agents, writers, directors and producers will be interested? If several Xlibris books had turned into the movies as you see below, then "Enthusiasm" would have a chance to be considered too, wouldn't it?

Next month, Xlibris Team will start to work on it. They will write a thorough synopsis highlighting the main characters and events of the story prepared by a professional reader, a critical analysis of the book addressing the key story points and how the book might be best adapted for the screen, place into their Hollywood Database where movie and television writers, agents, directors, actors and producers have access to the information, place the coverage in ASI’s Hollywood Database, accessed by Hollywood and film professionals.

We will wait in the next couple months or until next year. Just think how the picture of the movie would be. Can you imagine it?

GOOD LUCK "Enthusiasm"!!!

The Book, released on 7/18/2006

The Movie

The Book, released on 11/11/2008

The Movie

The Book, released on 1/11/2010

The Movie

The Book, released on 2/24/2010

The Movie

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Preparing a contest next month for "Antusiasme" ("Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version). Four sponsors have joined. Wuhuuui!!!
about 1 minute ago from web

"Enthusiasm" in Indonesian Version: Congrats to Ruth (Indonesia), Viviana (Malaysia) and Writer's Digest (USA)

2012-03-13T10:42:00.009-04:00

Dear my fellow readers,

How are you doing? I hope you all are doing well. I have been busy since last month, from guiding the online writing course to the new students, preparing the news of my book online since it was released and adapting with my new work schedules. I have been so exhausted sometimes but then it would bring me to know better how God blessing come through those. I learned to thank Him in many ways in my busy time, my exhausted time, my hard time, etc. Learning to thank Him in those conditions are not easy as we know we will be so easy to thank Him without pressure when we are in happy condition.

I have been so excited every time I announce the news about my book from publisher to my FB wall. Thank you to everybody who have given comments, been liking it, and re-shared to their walls.

The front and back covers of my book, Antusiasme (Enthusiasm) have been most on the groups' wall I'm joining. Feel free if you have any question regarding this book. Last week I heard from my publisher that they were getting 75 orders from Gramedia's book stores branches from Jakarta (including other cities in West Java: Bandung, Bogor, etc), Middle Java (Yogyakarta, etc), East Java (Surabaya, etc) till out of Java ((Medan, Padang, Balikpapan, Samarinda, Makasar, Bali, etc). You will find it there around 2-4 weeks from last Friday but now you can find it in Jakarta and other cities around it. The cities in East Indonesia (NTT, NTB and Irian Jaya) aren't included, so if you live in those territorials and are interested to read it, you should order directly from my publisher.

Talking about my book covers, I enclose the very large size of back cover picture below, showing three book endorsements. CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth Dian Purnamasari (Indonesia), Viviana Widjaja (Malaysia) and Writer's Digest (USA) whom YKBK (my publisher) have chosen from teens endorsements I proposed.

Guys, please, feel free to let me know if you have found my book at Gramedia book stores. I also would be happy to receive the picture of you along with my book. It would be great and helps me to complete my photo album. I would be so excited to see it. (*)

PRESS RELEASE: Novel Enthusiasm in Indonesian Version Has Been Released

2012-02-28T16:24:00.004-05:00

In February 14, 2012, Novel "Enthusiasm" in Indonesian version was released. You can find it soon at GRAMEDIA book stores in Jakarta in March 3rd, 2012 or the first week in March. This book will be coming soon at other GRAMEDIA branches in Middle and East Java, Gunung Agung Book Stores and all christian book stores in Indonesia. Please, stay tuned to read other exciting news here.

To read Press Release in Indonesian, please click the picture of the poster below. To translate in other languages, please click here.

Book Title: Antusiasme, Novel Perjuangan Seorang Penulis Meraih Mimpi

(Original Title: Enthusiasm, A Novel Based on the Author's Own True Story)

Date Released: February 14, 2012

Pages: 450
ISBN: 978-602-8009-53-9

Size: 14.5 X 21 cm

Price: Rp 69.000,- (IDR)

Publisher: YKBK (Yayasan Komunikasi Bina Kasih)
Penerbit Bermisi, Mandiri, Terpercaya
Address: Jl. Letjen Suprapto 28, Cempaka Putih, Jakarta, 10510
Phone: 021-4209586
Email: info@penerbitbinakasih.com

www.novelantusiasme.blogspot.com

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Copying Press Release Novel Enthusiasm in Indonesian version from Publisher YKBK to my FB Note. I'll forward it tomorrow to personal email, groups, communities, online and traditional media, radios, magazines, tabloids, newspapers, journalists, etc.
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FEBRUARY: One Month Four Celebrations

2012-02-11T20:44:00.015-05:00

February is a special month for me and this year will be more special because I have four celebrations. First is celebrating the time I was born. Could you guess how old I am? Many friends at work called me "Young Lady", "Miss Fida", etc but when I told them I had 4 children, their eyes moved forward one inch (hahaha!) And when they were trying to guess how old I was, nobody was even close to predict my age. But when I gave them a small indication, their eyes even moved forward two inches (huahahaha!!!)

Well, most people really want to look younger and I'm a lucky one to have this. When they asked what the recipe to look younger was, I even wasn't ready to give the right answers. I used to give a quick answer without thinking that I drank a lot of water. They even laughed at me hearing this cute answer. Whatever!

Looking younger for me has plus and minus. Plus, of course we know that by looking younger, we feel more confidence showing people that we take care ourselves well, especially our health. Minus, this is what I don't like to talk about. I had many experiences how people treated me like I was still as a teenager or a young adult who didn't have many experiences in many fields. That was fine until then they would know I was not like what they thought.

By the way, my husband still likes to make a joke when introducing me to his friends that he married with a teenager, hahaha!!! Most of them would stared at me from the top of my hair to the bottom of my toes, thinking how old I was--I could read their minds hehehe...

Whatever they thought, it doesn't matter. Age is just number. What I want is to be wiser and fruitful every year for my family, friends and everybody.

This month, on February 10 is the 6th year of my blogging activity. I even didn't feel that so long enough. I really enjoy blogging. Thank you to Ang Tek Khun who had suggested me to start blogging six years ago.

In two years (2008) after I started to blog, this personal blog had been chosen as one of the finalists of Christian Indonesian bloggers. A year later, in February 2009, this personal blog got Honorable Mentioned Blog from BlogNet Award and had reached page rank 3 in Google. That was good enough for personal blog to reach that number in three years. And until this year, this personal blog has gotten 53 awards given by many bloggers around the world.

But most of them I would like to thank you for every loyal bloggers, visitors and readers who keep coming to read the recent post here. Thank you so much for your interest.

And what's the third one?

In February 24th 2010, my first novel "Enthusiasm" had been released. I even could not believe I had done a big project as I had scheduled. Several months later, "Enthusiasm" got Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for category of novel from North American Bookdealers Exchange. Then in summer 2010, "Enthusiasm" got an interest from one of Indonesian publishers.

Behind that scene, I would like to thank you to my friend, Budi Agus Nataatmadja and his wife, Elizabeth Handoko in Auckland, New Zealand who had introduced me to General Manager of YKBK publisher, Yunita D. Harahap. After reading my book, this publisher had interest to make a long contract with me.

And now the fourth, YKBK publisher would release my book in this month. When the date exactly is, I'm so excited to announce you soon along with the new-more beautiful book (front and back) covers.

Do you want to know the reasons why they were so interested to publish my book in Indonesia? Please, stay tuned to read this blog. I'll be right back with many interesting news in the next couple days regarding my book released in Indonesia.

Meanwhile we're waiting for, if you're Indonesian and has interest in writing, please, visit "Pelatihan menulis online" (Online writing course). Probably you're interested to join and have some questions, please, be free to write them to the link they provides. Hurry up! The registration will end on February 18, 2012 and they have 10 % discount and will end on February 14th.***

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Are You Ready for Valentines Day ?(Part III)

2012-02-04T02:02:00.004-05:00

Did you ever hear the name THE RUFFLED RIBBON before? I did last year. I like that name and became interested since I knew the owner, Berlin Belle-LeVan, was the person who I just knew when I did my second book signing at Coatesville Area Public Library, August 21, 2010. Her husband, John LeVan, President of Board of Trustee, introduced her to me. Several months later she found me online and told that she had finished reading Enthusiasm and then she became one of the fans of it. What a big surprise!

If you wonder what she had written her thought about Enthusiasm, you can visit this link.

The Ruffled Ribbon is a new online "gift loft" where you can shop for great gift ideas for yourself and your loved ones, celebrating "useful gifts" or items that are not only attractive and appealing, but useful and practical.

As I visited its website, it became more interesting when I saw it had many kinds and various items, especially if we are interested in personalized gift items from baby gifts, youth till adult. The website will

be updated with any gift items following what we are celebrating for: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc. We also can find many other special gift items in daily basis for different occasions: Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding, etc.

As Valentines Day will be coming soon, she has updated the new gift items. You can see couple of examples here but for other detail gifts, you should visit its website. Don't forget she also gives special coupons you can use during this month.

If you'd like to be the first to know when new products have been added to the Ruffled Ribbon or advanced notice of sales, you can join their newsletter by filling out the form in this link.

Knowing where the office location in Exton is not far from where I live, I really want to have a visit and meet her there, and I can also have a chance to see any interesting products she has. Well, actually she lives not far from me. She is my neighbor now, probably around couple blocks away from my house or we can meet each other in library, hehehe . . .

So what you're waiting for? Visit The Ruffled Ribbon website, take a look and make any purchase online for your Valentines day gifts for your loved ones.

Any questions?
You can call 1-888-671-4461
or email to sales@theRuffledRibbon.com (office hours: Monday - Friday 9am-4pm EST)
or by mail to

The Ruffled Ribbon
256 Eagleview Boulevard
Suite 106
Exton, PA 19341

Let's celebrate Valentines Day with

The Ruffled Ribbon!

Are You Ready for Valentines Day? (Part II)

2012-01-28T17:26:00.002-05:00

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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