My 4th Autography Session…

After half a year from the last time I saw my Readers, Supporters, Fans & Friends, I was glad that a 4th Autography Session was organized by AMDG-Singapore (The firm that Manages & represents me)... And this time, for the convenience of all my Readers, Supporters, Fans & Friends in mind, AMDG-Singapore arranged the Autography Session at not (only) ONE, but THREE different Popular Bookstores locations (From 27th – 28th May 2011); in the West, North & East of Singapore! (Namely Jurong Point, Bishan Junction 8 & Tampines Mall spread-out over two consecutive days.)

Recalling being excited yet really nervous & overly self-conscious at all my previous Autography Sessions, I was surprised at myself this time round as I actually felt comfortable and much more relaxed. I guess I've gotten rather used to having passer-by stare at me and wondering what I'm doing & why am I sitting here out of nowhere; OR who I am... But I really have to give credit to my awesome readers who were already there waiting for me & were punctual when the Autography Session started. They were the ones who help bridged the waiting time (which is the time when butterflies flutter frantically in my stomach) and made me feel excited; minus the nervousness & self-consciousness, so thank you ALL who were there for me! (Words just could not thank you enough...!!!)

In this particular Autography Session, I've actually gotten further acknowledgements, encouragements, support and blessings from ALL my readers; EVEN strangers who have never heard of “This Is My Story...”, they actually stopped by at my table to read the descriptions & synopsis to find out what this book was all about. And most of my new Readers who've bought the book at this Autography Session, turned out to be mothers, fathers & EVEN grandparents who were out shopping with their family.

When I talked to the mothers… What I found out was that they've bought “This Is My Story...” with the intention of sharing the gist of the story and use it to educate & discuss with their daughter(s) and/ or son(s). That made me really proud of having written the book and sharing my true life story, because at the end of the day, this is what “This Is My Story...” is all about; learning from my mistakes and NOT falling into the same love-traps; yet gaining enlightenment & inspiration at the same time from the same teachings my GrandMentor taught me through the process of standing & getting back on my own two feet, and understanding that “Every Cause Has Its Effect and Every Effect Has Its Cause”, thus recognizing that we all have the ability in us to make the decisions that will change our course of path and the strength to make choices that will help us lead the life we want.

I didn't use to think that others would be open to such a book where I've exposed a bad relationship of mine and tell my part of the story which has created such a disaster in my life... I thought it was embarrassing... But I was proven wrong when I started receiving compliments, support, well-wishes and words of encouragement from all my Readers, Supporters, Fans and Friends on my Facebook Wall, in Private Messages and via my Blog.

Now, seeing the support of EVEN the parents (especially) and hearing them telling me how brave I am, having their blessings and knowing that they'll pass the book on to their children when they're old enough to understand the content (for those who are still currently in their primary school education), gave me a great sense of accomplishment... To me, it's a big reward to have this endorsement from parents!

While there were mothers who bought the book to share with their kids, there were also mothers (who came to my attention) in particular who bought “This Is My Story...” for their own emotional support & guidance. The words “Love. Sex. Betrayal. Deceptions. Anger. Hatred...” on the poster were the exact sentiments they had and summed up everything they're currently going through...

I was really surprised when the first woman shared her story with me. We were complete strangers, yet she told me something so personal, openly & straight forwardly - “My husband is having an affair...” was how she started, out of the blue. “And with my best friend of over ten years...” she continued...

Then I understood that it's the same as Readers who share their woes with me online via private messages too. It's not how close you are with someone, but how much you can relate to that person that matters. She didn't need to explain much, nor did I need to ask more, because in that short conversation we had with one another, we empathised with each other; from deep within our hearts.

Another woman who took up “This Is My Story...” browsed through the pages with the similar events of betrayal & deception portraying her story. With a husband who has continuously cheated on her, she despondently told me, “He will never change...” I could see that she had wanted to just pour out everything she has kept in her heart thus far, but with her kids around, she had to hold back her tears and put up a strong front. In a soft whisper, she looked down at both her kids and could only ask, “What should I do?” It was clear she had enough, but for the sake of her kids, there were many reservations...

At this point when these women are coping with their heartache and are faced with a dilemma, I really feel for them deeply...

And at the same time, I realize that what they're going through is so much tougher than what I had gone through. Being in a family and having the attachment to your children, things are all the more difficult to make a clean and clear decision.

Nevertheless, I hope that by reading “This Is My Story...” they'll be guided and find the inner strength within to make the choices they feel will be best for them and their children.

There isn't always a perfect solution to every problem, because every solution will give rise to a new set of problems, but that's okay, because at least things are in motion… And when things are in motion, there is always opportunity for us to make it better (That’s what my Grandmentor taught me). My most sincere & best wishes to these ladies (If you are reading this entry ladies, please feel free to private message me ya... I would like to know how have you been doing and I hope you are well, but if you are not... Please write me, you are NOT alone.)

On a happier note, I've also met quite a number of Readers who're in the education field; pre-school teachers, teachers, lecturers, etc...

There was a particular pre-school teacher, Marie at Jurong Point Popular on Friday with her two daughters, Megan & Mathilda, and she bought “This Is My Story...” as a teaching material to help her daughters express themselves through writing. Marie told me that Megan is keen on Poetry while her daughter of six years old is now writing her very first children's book titled “My Home”.

As I was autographing on their copy of “This Is My Story...”, Marie told her daughters to learn how I had expressed my thoughts & emotions through words; and that they could also do the same, and perhaps one day they'll also be an Author like me. Hearing that made me really happy that Marie had acknowledged my style of writing and took it as an example to her two girls... Thank you Marie!

Familiar faces were seen in this 4th Autography Session too and I really have to thank ALL OF YOU for your constant support in coming down. Each time I meet you, I get to know you better... So thanks to you Sky & Jackson, it was nice meeting the both of you again. And also, thanks to JinYu & Frankson, for not only coming down yourselves, but bringing your friend too and recommending “This Is My Story...” to them. I hope your friends, Mr Low & John, (respectively) have a good read ya…

Also, I specially want to thank two groups of people; the First Group are those who've brought me wonderful gifts as gesture of their goodwill; and the Second Group are those who've gone that extra mile to come to my Autography Session despite their busy hectic schedule... I just wanna say I’m deeply honoured & touched by YOU just being here, for me… THANK YOU soOOoooo much!!!

Many THANKS to JinYu & Edmund, for your beautiful & cheerful bouquets of Sunflower... It really brightened my day so much more and it brought me lots of energy throughout my Autography Session just by looking at it, THANK YOU!

Also, THANK YOU so much JasonSky, for your paperweight, brought back all the way from Paris on your recent trip there. I know you're flying off again, take care and have a safe flight ya!

And THANK YOU JasonBernard, for your pen... You know, although I type my work on the computer, but I do write lots of notes & ideas on paper... So the pen really comes in handy, THANKS!

Also, THANK YOU Benjamin for your meaningful ornament, I really appreciate the thought in it and the passage of encouragement inscribed on it… THANK YOU!!!

And to EACH and EVERY single ONE of YOU who came to my Autography Session over the two days, I know you took time out of your busy schedule just for me; and I AM REALLY THANKFUL that YOU ALL came down, THANK YOU soOOooo much...!!!

I also wanna thank those that I know of, who had gone that extra-EXTRA-extra mile just to be here. And I just wanna let you know that I TRULY appreciate your time & effort... I am extremely & deeply touched when I realized that; YOU…

YingJie – You left the Open House midway and came down with your friends... Thank you!!!

Wei Ling – You came from the Chalet ALONE just to have that few minutes with me & get your book; “This Is My Story...” autographed, and then went back to the Chalet ALONE again... Thank you!!!

To ALL the students who have their Chinese 'O' Level Examination on Monday, YET you took the trouble just to come down for me... Thank you!!!

To all runners/ helpers involved in the Sundown Marathon (especially those living in the East) who couldn't make it to the Autography Session at Tampines Mall, and have to travel ALL THE WAY from one end to the other (either Jurong Point/ Bishan Junction 8)... Thank you!!!

*ALL OF YOU ARE JUST SO SWEET, SO NICE & SO KIND TOWARDS ME!!! (It just makes me wanna cry – Tears of joy that is…)

You know something… My Autography Session started off with loads of excitement & happiness, but it was a tad sad for me when it all ended on Saturday at Tampines mall. I was truly happy & was enjoying myself meeting up with ALL my awesome Readers and talking to them was indeed the happiest moments for me; and time simply went by so fast! And just as we were packing-up to leave, a nice lady by the name Suneeta came over with her newly purchased “This Is My Story...” and said...

“I walked past and just by reading the description on the poster, I know I had to buy it... It really touched me and I can't believe you went through all of that!” I shook her hand to thank her deeply for her support and from the strength she used to grasp my hand back; I could feel how strong she felt toward “This Is My Story...” and how emotional (in a good & an inspiring way) it was for her to see the person who had been there, done that, written it all down and stand right in front of her... She went on to share her personal thoughts with me, and by her words, I was greatly touched...

This 4th Autography Session was truly overwhelming & inspiring for me, further enforcing my purpose in writing “This Is My Story...”

And the most credit for even having this awe-inspiring Autography Session, goes to POPULAR (The staffs at Jurong Point, Bishan Junction 8 & Tampines Mall were extremely nice & friendly that I felt so much at home – THANK YOU!!!)...

Also, to AMDG-Singapore (The Management & Representation Firm that is always taking care of my welfare & looking after my personal interest) - And overseeing me is my Manager, Ms. Rena Shi (Artiste & Talent Manager of AMDG) for arranging & co-ordinating this wonderful Autography Session for me...

Not forgetting the two Interns from AMDG, namely Mandi & Delvina (for taking all the pictures over the two days & for being such a great help & supporter!!!) THANK YOU ALL soOOooo much!!!

Last but not least…

Most importantly, to my GrandMentor; Mr. Eric S... (He; who completely turn my life around. He is the Chief Advisor of McKnight’s Advisory & Associates; appointed to advise on AMDG's Corporate directions & expansion plans, as well as conceptualizing, designing & strategizing all new in-coming Artistes & Talents on their career path, their branding & positioning, training, as well as their development program).

Before I end this entry of mine... I just wanna say already I can't wait to meet ALL MY AWESOME Readers, Supporters, Fans & Friends again soon, and I've got a pretty good feeling... The next round, it'll be so (once again) much more exciting & fun!

Till then, please TAKE GOOD CARE everyone… I am already missing ALL OF YOU!!! That shows how deep an impression you have ALL left on me… And it was truly an enormous pleasure meeting & talking to ALL OF YOU… THANK YOU!!!

(Again… Tears of joy… Couldn’t help it L…)

To view ALL pictures taken for this event… Kindly click HERE.

3rd Autography Session @ OrchardCentral

A little recap... I had my 1st Autography Session last December 2009, with the 2nd one held early this year in February 2010.

Many readers who've missed both the previous sessions have sent me Private Messages or posted on my Wall in Facebook to ask for the date of the next Autography Session, but there was no news of a third one coming up in the last six months... Until now!

In early September 2010, Rena called and said that AMDG was going to organize a 3rd Autography Session for NOT just one day, but TWO days in a row, and for almost the whole day... At Orchard Central!!!

To me that was great news because from the feedback I had from the previous two Autography Sessions that were held on weekdays; and ONLY for a couple of hours – My readers have suggested that it would be much better for them to come down on weekends, especially when they didn't have to rush down from work.

And to show my sincerest appreciation for my lovely readers who're willing to take a tiny fraction of their time to come to this humble little event of mine...

I Decided To Bake Them Cookies!

(Though I must say, it isn't fantastic and it definitely cannot be compared to the standards of a Pastry Chef, but I've put in a lot of effort and my heartiest feelings in it...)

I spent the day before the Autography Session, squeezing the cookie mixtures on trays of greased paper, baking them in the oven and wrapping them up in small transparent holders...

Though the process was long & tedious... But I was very happy & joyful doing it - "Do It With Love..." That was what's running in my mind, because I want it to come out purrfect...!

And because the quantity was large, I had to repeat the steps OVER MANY TIMES, and my mum couldn't bear to see me doing it all on my own when it was already past midnight, so she helped me with the wrapping...

I was so grateful to her for helping me then, because I was feeling tired, drained-out, and I somehow felt like I was going to fall sick soon.

Not only was I grateful to her for helping me wrap the cookies, she even wrapped an ordinary felt-tip marker with shimmering gold ribbons for me to sign with at the Autography Session!

I hadn't really thanked her for all her effort, so here, let me say it out LOUD...

“THANK YOU Dearest MUMMY!!!”

And fell sick I did, as the morning of the first day of my Autography Session on Saturday, September 11th 2010 - I was down with Flu & Cough... but I had soon forgotten all about it as the jitters I had on stage overwhelmed me!

This round of Autography Session was different compared to the previous two. They had a segment of Q&A at two different time-slots where the emcee will invite me up on stage to answer a couple of questions regarding “This Is My Story...” together with my dear readers to share their afterthoughts on the book.

As it was my VERY FIRST TIME out in the public ON STAGE talking to the audience about “This Is My Story...”

I was frightened & tensed... Literally!

Before going up on stage, I thought that I had already prepared myself to do this; to face everyone and speak comfortably...

But the moment I opened my mouth to answer the emcee's questions, the emotions surged through and I had to take a second to compose myself before continuing...

(My readers on stage was doing so much better than me... And I was so proud of them; they articulated better than me - Serious!)

I couldn't think properly of what I had wanted to say.

When I came down from the stage, I reflected for awhile and I was surprised at myself for even being emotional to begin with.... or can I say afraid?

It is absolutely one thing to make the decision to face the world, but another to actually do so.

But on the other hand, I see it as a very good experience for me, because it certainly did take me a lot of courage to step back up on stage for a second round that very same day, and I felt much better after having gone through it once.

Being able to really face the public with my PAST and talk about my CAUSE, I realized the truest meaning of moving forward.

The emcee, Melvin Ho – whom I've not met/ heard from since I got to know him the previous time I was at SMU's Virtuoso event – came over to my table to congratulate me and even bought a copy of “This Is My Story...” on the spot!

It was really nice meeting him again, especially when he's the lead singer of my favourite group, LEGO... Back in the SMU's Virtuoso competition two-and-a-half years ago.

And today, his personality on stage somehow made me feel at ease... Like I was talking to a dear & long-lost friend.

I just wanna say... “Thank you so much Melvin, And I wish you well in everything that you do...!'

Besides my little “stage-fright” on my first round, like I mentioned... The guests who were with me on stage were all doing great!

Having Shalu, Jiray, Janine, Jackson and JianHui was a pleasure!

I got to hear their personal thoughts and feelings about “This Is My Story...”, and the parts they liked most about it.

Also, they each got to ask me ONE and ANY question they have for me.

It isn't easy coming up on stage to talk, not many people can/ or are willing to do that, and to thank them for being so brave and supportive...

I gave them each a slice of cake I had baked that early morning...

And I would like to say... 

“THANK YOU SO MUCH LADIES & GENTLEMEN...!”

You know... I realized it is NOT ONLY going up on stage that needs courage, but also when you want to approach someone you recognize, yet know NOT WELL enough to just go forward and say “Hi...”, this can be a daunting task!

That was what happened when a group of young teenage girls showed me that courage and sincerity when they each gave me a piece of small squarish coloured paper to autograph on. It was very impromptu, they didn't know I would be at Orchard Central, and they hadn't brought their copy of “This Is My Story...”

It was strange for me at first because a group of girls had crowded in front of my table, looking at all other things...

Their eyes fleeted back & forth from the A2 poster on the table...

And then back to me...

And I heard one whispering to the other, asking in mandarin, “Is she the one...?”

And I responded positive with a smile.

They were surprised to see me in person, and I was a little sad when after that smile I gave them, they all simply went away...

But shortly after, they ALL CAME BACK with their pieces of paper, shyly wanting me to autograph for them... Could they have been too afraid to ask me for an autograph without having brought their book? Hmmm... I wonder.

But it's really heart-warming to know that despite not having the book, and being so shy, they still came forward and even encouraged me earnestly with the two words, ”Jia you!” - “THANK YOU GIRLS...! Yes YOU... Joy, YuQing, WeeNing, WeiTing, Caroline & Vivienne...!!!”

And then there was also a rather shy guy, Caleb...

When I was about to open the book to sign, he softly told me that he had actually written a message (for my eyes only) on the inside of his copy of “This Is My Story...”

(Though he had once shared with me almost the same things as he had sent me in a Private Message in Facebook, it felt more real reading from his penmanship; and his gesture, I find it sweet...)

And guess what...

At this Autography Session, I've met – probably – the youngest (and cutest) person who've bought “This Is My Story...”!

This young boy, Clauden with his tiny hands handed me two Ten Dollar notes to pay for the book and he looked soOooo CUTE I almost wanted to hug him in my arms!

His mum stood a few steps away as he stood in front of the table patiently, while I autographed his newly purchased book and put it in the paper bag.

At that moment, it just slipped my mind that he was only a three year old at most; and yet I directly handed him the paper bag; which was obviously too heavy for him to carry and he wobbled as his mum came over to take the bag.

“Thank You Clauden... You are just soOOooo adorable!”

Amongst those who've bought “This Is My Story...” at the Autography Session, a couple of them had got it for their friend and some who accompanied their friend here; ended up coming back a while later to buy a copy for themselves too...

And I just wanna say...

THANK YOU LADIES... For being so supportive & sweet towards me!

At the end of the first day, my throat was getting scratchy and painful, and the Flu and Cough wasn't getting any better either, therefore AMDG had decided to cancel the Q&A segment on the second day to protect my voice.

I definitely felt blessed to be managed and represented by a company that truly takes care of the well-being and interest of their Artistes at heart.

THANK YOU RENA...! She is the BEST Artiste & Talent Manager I will ever have in this lifetime!

But on the other hand, I'm truly sorry to have disappointed those of you who have come to watch the Q&A...

Please accept my apology.

Over the two days, I was happy to not only meet my readers who've missed the previous two Autography Session, but also the familiar faces whom I've met before! It was so nice of them to have come down and send their regards... Although it was a mere minute or two of “Hi... How are you?... All the best... Take care... Bye...”, but it means soooOOOoo much to me!

Honestly... I was deeply touched, you know... Just like how you would to a friend; you don't need to say much, because you know just by being there, the Support & Care are conveyed in a silent but STRONG way... That's how I felt... And it feels really good to know that you are being care for & love... THANK YOU!!!

And to those sweet people who've NOT ONLY come down, but also brought me something that I could take home with for remembrance of your support and care for me...

I sincerely THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart...

Thank U, Thank You and THANK YOU!!!

I simply can't THANK YOU enough...

But, THANK YOU! 

Thank YOU, Felicia... for the sturdy, bright Sunflower and your cute little note attached... I'm glad to know you've enjoyed reading “This Is My Story...” and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours too!

Thank YOU, JinYu... for the lovely flowers you give me! Though you couldn't make it for the last 2nd Autography Session; but you sent a big sunflower instead... And this time round, you came with your brother, bringing me; once again a beautiful bouquet of Roses... (I'm speechless) But it was really great seeing the both of you again!

Thank YOU, Paul... for the sweet smelling flowers alongside the bright, cheerful Sunflower... As what you've written in the note attached to the bouquet, “The Sunflower makes a warm and caring gift just for you.” It without a doubt lifts up my spirits with warmth!

Thank YOU, ZhiHui... for your cute Rabbit Key-Chain, Ez-link Card Sticker and your sweet letter. I'm glad to know that “This Is My Story...” has helped you pull through a rough patch... Always remember that I'm just a Private Message in Facebook away... If you need me, I'll do what I can to be there for you. Your encouragements and support for me is very much appreciated and one statement I especially like in your letter, “Smile, and the world will smile with you...” I Like that!

Thank YOU, Jackson... for your handmade bouquet of flowers and the meaning behind them; to let me know that happiness is built by our own two hands. I'm really happy to see that you had come down again on Sunday, just so you could hand me the flowers... Now, every time I see the flowers, I'll think of your message of happiness within them...

Thank YOU, Frankson... for the wine you've given AMDG and me. It was really sweet & generous of you... And I appreciate that you had to rush down from work even though your schedule is already so tight - Thank YOU for making the effort!

Last but not least... My awesome GrandMentor; who NEVER fails to provide me his strength & support when I need it.

And the wonderful help extended by his two precious daughters Mandi & Delvina for this Autography event; who've been mistaken as my sisters by some of my readers...

(Well, now you know they are my GrandMentor's princesses...)

And for the record... These 2 young ladies has the sweetest souls you can imagine!

To sum it all up... This 3rd round of Autography Session was a blissful & delightful one for me! Always being at the receiving end (of presents, flowers, cards, letters, etc... from ALL my lovely & wonderful readers, fans, friends and supporters) - I was happy to be able to express my heartfelt appreciation and thanks for them face-to-face today!

Thus, I really hope for those who had came down, did enjoy the cookies I had baked specially for all of you yaa... And for those of you who had joined me on stage as guests for the Q&A, I hope you liked the cake too...! And I THANK YOU once again for being so spontaneous!

For those who are wondering How Exactly An Autography Session Is Like... Wonder No More... Check out this little clip:

*To View ALL Photos of The 2 Days Autography Event... Click HERE.

Till the next event, take good care ALL of you...

And I LoVE YOU All... MuacCk!

Kasandra K.